Absolute Regression

Chapter 601: The Person Who Buys You Meat Is the Best Person

After meeting the Priestess, Geom Mugeuk returned to the Martial Alliance camp.

The whole way back, he recalled what she had said.

What did she mean when she told him there was no need to be thankful because he had already repaid everything?

It sounded as if their connection had originally extended all the way into his own world.

Then suddenly, someone came to mind—a person who, like her, had given off a truly mysterious impression.

However, he couldn’t be certain it was that person based on just that feeling alone.

Right, he would confirm it later.

What he had to focus on now was the prophecy that had been given to him.

Darkness will lead you to the Heavenly Will.

What on earth did this “darkness” mean? And what exactly was the “Heavenly Will” mentioned in the prophecy?

Everything was uncertain, but he had one clear sense.

He had to uncover the meaning of the prophecy before the duel between the Heavenly Will Palace Master and the Martial Emperor Divine Sword began.

Because it didn’t seem like the Secret Box would keep him here even after that battle ended. Just as it had sucked him in without warning, it could spit him back out at any moment.

‘There isn’t much time left.’

When he returned to the Martial Alliance barracks, dawn was just breaking.

Despite the early hour, Unit Leader Jeong Dae was already awake.

“Where have you been?”

He asked with a worried look. Disappearing without notice and suddenly reappearing like this—no wonder Geom Mugeuk looked suspicious. But regardless, he had once saved Jeong Dae’s life.

“Just went out to get some air.”

“Jo Ung is keeping an eye on you. Now’s the time to stay low.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful.”

“Have you eaten?”

“I’m fine.”

“Here, eat this. It’s cooled a bit, but it’s still good enough.”

He handed him some meat he had set aside. With the war dragging on, meat had become a truly rare delicacy. And yet he had kept some specially for him.

When Geom Mugeuk took the meat and smiled brightly, Jeong Dae said in disbelief. It was the first time he had seen him smile so cheerfully.

“You that happy?”

“Isn’t the person who buys you meat the best person in the world?”

The smile wasn’t because of the meat. It was because he felt happy at Jeong Dae’s kindness.

The thought that there had been good people like this in the Martial World even three hundred years ago. If it had only been a world of brutal slaughter and survival of the fittest, the martial world probably wouldn’t have survived to reach his era.

“What will you do after this war ends, Unit Leader?”

“This time, I’m definitely getting married. It’s my elderly mother’s wish.”

“Do you already have someone to marry?”

Jeong Dae nodded.

“You wouldn’t believe it just looking at this face, but I do.”

He let out a sigh and added,

“She’s too kind for her own good. She waited for me even to the age where she really couldn’t afford to wait anymore.”

Yes, this was the kind of reason the war needed to end as soon as possible. Not because of conspiracies being plotted in the shadows.

“If I get married, I’ll invite you too.”

Geom Mugeuk smiled silently. If he really could go, he would want to attend without hesitation.

‘The Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult has arrived!’ At that shout, the groom, the bride, and every guest would probably faint on the spot.

“You’re not going to come, are you?”

“I’ll send my congratulations from afar.”

It truly would be from far away.

Jeong Dae stared at Geom Mugeuk, who was happily tearing into the meat, and shook his head.

“You really are a strange guy.”

Geom Mugeuk went out on reconnaissance with the squad members.

Thinking about the prophecy made him restless.

Was now really the time to be out on reconnaissance?

The thought came to him quite naturally, but Geom Mugeuk silently carried out the task he’d been given.

He had experienced this many times in his life before the regression. That no matter how much one agonized over something all day, the answer wouldn’t necessarily come.

Rather, the impatience from thinking, ‘Even after spending all this time I still haven’t found the answer,’ often made the results worse.

At times like this, it was better to live one’s daily life more earnestly. Sometimes, the answer wasn’t something one uncovered by digging deeply, but something that happened to be hanging there—like a shoe flung onto a tree branch one happened to glance at.

Of course, today, he didn’t find that shoe.

He didn’t uncover anything new about the prophecy during the reconnaissance, but it wasn’t entirely fruitless.

By deliberately asking Jeong Dae here and there, he had managed to confirm the location of Baekyang Peak.

After returning from the reconnaissance, they were eating when a loud cheer came from over in the distance.

Looking over, he saw the Martial Emperor Divine Sword inspecting the martial artists. As always, he enjoyed the absolute support of the Martial Alliance’s warriors.

When the Martial Emperor Divine Sword had first arrived here, he had asked for the names of each and every person in front of him and greeted them personally. From what he had shown, he was clearly a leader who respected and valued his subordinates.

Soon, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword passed by Geom Mugeuk and the squad members seated before their meal.

“Were you eating? Please, continue comfortably.”

As he said this and walked past—

A hearty voice called out from behind him!

“If you haven’t eaten, would you like to join us?”

Of course, the one who had spoken was Geom Mugeuk.

The squad members’ eyes widened as they looked at him.

Their expressions said it all—exactly the kind of face you’d make even if someone had just saved your life.

Is this guy crazy?

The Martial Emperor Divine Sword turned his head and looked at Geom Mugeuk. He recognized him.

“You’re that young man from before, aren’t you?”

The one who had boldly thrown that cheeky question at him on the first day. Something about him had left an impression, which was why he remembered.

“I’m honored that you remember. It’s a glory for my family.”

Among the martial artists standing behind the Martial Emperor Divine Sword, Jo Ung openly frowned. Despite going to him directly and warning him, Geom Mugeuk had stepped forward again.

Geom Mugeuk pretended not to notice. He could have reported Jo Ung’s collusion with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult to the Alliance Leader, but he hadn’t.

It wasn’t because the place Jo Ung had colluded with was the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

It was because Geom Mugeuk had no intention of interfering with the major flow of events. Of course, his presence here had already changed some things, and this moment might also cause certain ripples—but it wouldn’t alter the greater tide.

“If I join you, won’t it make things uncomfortable for all of you?”

“We’re fine.”

Of course, the squad members were screaming in their hearts.

We’re not fine!

There was a reason Geom Mugeuk had invited him to join for the meal. The Alliance Leader was right in front of him—he couldn’t just let him pass by. Though it wasn’t directly related to the prophecy, it was still part of his efforts to uncover clues.

“Very well.”

For some reason, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword chose to sit with them.

Before those who had been following him could object, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword waved them off to a distance. He had done so thinking the martial artists wouldn’t be able to eat comfortably otherwise.

In that action, Geom Mugeuk could feel that the Alliance Leader was a good person.

It was easy to sit down and pretend to be approachable—“Look how friendly I am.” But it wasn’t easy to be considerate in such small details, like sending his subordinates far off. These were things that could only be done if it came naturally. Otherwise, such moments were easily missed.

It was like how one could more easily hide something big than something small.

“Let me eat what you’re having.”

Jeong Dae quickly rushed off and brought a meal for the Martial Emperor Divine Sword. What kind of crazy situation was this?

“I’m not sure if the side dishes will suit your refined palate.”

“It’s fine.”

The Martial Emperor Divine Sword sat down purely because of Geom Mugeuk.

There was something strangely compelling about him. Those clear, deep eyes that didn’t match his age. And to casually invite the Alliance Leader to eat with him? That unexpectedness too.

He had wondered if this young man might be a martial arts master hiding his true strength, but the internal energy he sensed was only at the level of a few years' training.

If someone could deceive his eyes, that person would have to be stronger than him—and that was impossible.

This was a moment where the fact Geom Mugeuk had begun anew with only a few years' worth of internal energy worked in his favor.

And so, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword shared a meal with the 117th White Tiger Squad.

Watching him quietly eat with his chopsticks, Geom Mugeuk suddenly had a thought.

Perhaps he was feeling nervous about his upcoming duel with the Heavenly Will Palace Master. To the point that he wanted to share a simple meal with his subordinates like this.

“If I go back to my hometown, I’ll boast to my friends that I had a meal with the Alliance Leader.”

Jin Hagun, though I couldn’t swing a sword with the most famous Alliance Leader from three hundred years ago, at least I shared chopsticks with him.

Of course, it would be a boast kept only in his heart.

And just like that, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword finished his meal. He emptied his bowl completely.

After finishing the meal but before standing up, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword spoke to Geom Mugeuk, who was sitting beside him. He spoke in a low voice so others couldn’t hear.

“You asked me before, didn’t you? If there was a way to defeat them.”

“Yes, and at the time, you said this, Alliance Leader: that you did have a way, but couldn’t speak of it where there were many people.”

Then the Martial Emperor Divine Sword said something completely unexpected.

“There’s no special method. We simply have to fight and win.”

Geom Mugeuk silently nodded.

“Why aren’t you surprised?”

For the Alliance Leader to speak so honestly to an ordinary martial artist—especially to admit that he had lied—was a surprising thing. He had expected a more shocked reaction than this.

“I had a feeling.”

“What do you mean, you had a feeling?”

“If you had a method to win, Alliance Leader, you would have already done so. I believe that you’re not someone who would stand by and watch martial artists die, no matter the reason.”

“!”

“So please, for our sake as well—be sure to win.”

A flicker passed through the Martial Emperor Divine Sword’s eyes as he looked at Geom Mugeuk. Where else in the world could there be a martial artist who would say such words to the Alliance Leader? And one this young, at that? And yet, those words undoubtedly gave him strength.

“I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

It was a request he had truly not expected.

“When this war ends, our unit leader here will return to his hometown and hold a wedding ceremony.”

What? Why bring that up now? Jeong Dae was shocked the moment he heard himself mentioned. But why would he have said it?

“Please give a congratulatory address at the wedding, Alliance Leader.”

So surprised that he let out a strangled cry, Jeong Dae exclaimed,

“No, Alliance Leader, absolutely not!”

He even waved his hands in refusal, but Geom Mugeuk continued on, pretending not to notice.

“There were thirteen in our squad. Now there are five. He’s endured that sorrow, stood firm, looked after his men, and held the line on the battlefield. I believe he fully deserves congratulations from you, Lord.”

Jeong Dae belatedly rushed over and clamped his hand over Geom Mugeuk’s mouth.

“This lunatic’s lost it in the middle of war. My apologies, My Lord.”

At that moment, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword silently nodded and granted the request.

“Very well. I’ll give the congratulatory speech.”

Everyone was stunned at those words. Especially Jeong Dae—he was nearly fainting.

But from the look in the Martial Emperor Divine Sword’s eyes, Geom Mugeuk could tell he meant it.

“Well then, let’s all finish our meal.”

The Martial Emperor Divine Sword left the area.

Jeong Dae sat there dazed for a moment, recalling what had just happened. The Alliance Leader would give a speech at his wedding? Just imagining it made him feel good. His elderly mother would tell everyone she met, no doubt.

“I did well, didn’t I?”

When Geom Mugeuk asked slyly, Jeong Dae, caught between amusement and exasperation, shouted,

“You’re seriously insane!”

Three hundred years ago, Jeong Dae had called him insane. In that case, it meant he was being true to himself—and doing things just right.

With a smile, Geom Mugeuk said to him,

“It’s the least I could do for someone who gave me meat.”

Though Geom Mugeuk had taken care of Jeong Dae’s wedding arrangements, he still hadn’t found a single thread of the prophecy’s meaning.

That night.

Geom Mugeuk climbed Baekyang Peak.

As it was the designated location for the duel, someone might have been guarding it. Because of that, Geom Mugeuk ascended with the utmost caution.

While he couldn’t use the Nine Calamities Demon Art due to his lack of internal energy, his senses remained sharp.

He moved carefully, relying on those senses. Fortunately, he didn’t encounter anyone along the way.

All the way to the peak of Baekyang Peak, he didn’t meet a single person. Well, considering it was the appointed place of the duel, it made sense no one would dare approach it carelessly. If the other party were to find out, it would spark controversy for being underhanded before the battle even began.

Once he reached the top, he understood why Baekyang Peak had been chosen.

The summit offered a broad space suitable for two absolute masters to engage in a magnificent battle. There were trees, rocks, and an atmosphere of natural elegance.

Under the bright moonlight, Geom Mugeuk looked around.

Could this place be connected to the prophecy?

But he couldn’t find anything unusual. On this night, the moon was especially bright—so bright that there wasn’t even a hint of darkness.

‘Secret Box, where should I begin to find the thread of the prophecy?’

At that moment, he sensed a presence far behind him.

In that instant, Geom Mugeuk vanished. He had slipped into the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique in a flash.

He reacted so swiftly that the person approaching wouldn’t have even known he had been standing there moments ago.

From within the darkness of the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique—barely large enough for a single person—Geom Mugeuk quietly watched as someone approached.

Soon after, a man arrived.

He was a young man clad in a black robe embroidered with elaborate patterns. It was someone Geom Mugeuk had never seen since arriving here.

Despite his youth, the aura he emanated was anything but ordinary. It wasn’t the energy of the orthodox factions, yet it also didn’t resemble Wi Mucheon’s nor the Guardian Palace Master’s. It had a different nature altogether.

‘Who is he?’

The man's eyes glowed under the full moonlight with an intense brilliance. A burning desire radiated from his gaze.

How long did he stand there, alone like that?

Then, someone else appeared.

To Geom Mugeuk’s surprise, the second person was someone he had seen before—the very masked figure from the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult who had met secretly with Jo Ung had now shown himself here.

From the masked man’s mouth, the identity of the first man was revealed.

“Dark Palace Master.”

At those words, Geom Mugeuk immediately understood who he was. He was the Palace Master of the Dark Palace, the final palace of the Three Great Divine Palaces under the Heavenly Will Palace.

Why he was meeting a demon of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult in this place, Geom Mugeuk didn’t know. But there was one thing he did know.

The prophecy the Priestess had spoken to him resurfaced in his mind.

Darkness will lead you to the Heavenly Will.

He instinctively knew. That “darkness” referred to none other than the Dark Palace Master, the last lord of the Three Great Divine Palaces under the Heavenly Will Palace.

‘This is the one who will guide me to the Heavenly Will.’