Absolute Regression

Chapter 609: Sitting Here, What Do You Think About?

Father has entered closed-door training?

Not only Geom Mugeuk, but also Fist Demon King and One-Slash Sword Supreme who had come along, looked toward Sima Myung with tense expressions.

It had been quite a long time since Father last went into closed-door training.

“Did something happen, by any chance?”

At Geom Mugeuk’s concern, Sima Myung gently shook his head with a soft expression.

“No. He entered closed-door training for the sake of cultivation.”

After his regression, he had come to understand that his father had changed as well. Unlike in his previous life, he was now much more focused on martial cultivation.

The fact that such a father entered closed-door training meant only one thing — he was on the verge of a great transformation in martial attainment.

Had the Nine Calamities Demon Art broken through Ten Star Greatness and reached the realm of the Eleventh Star? Or was he aiming to achieve Twelve Star Greatness?

One thing was certain. Father before entering closed-door training and Father after emerging would possess clearly different strength.

“Once Father completes his training, the power of our cult will grow even stronger.”

At that, Sima Myung looked at Geom Mugeuk and asked,

“Are you uneasy?”

How could he be? More than anyone else, it was he who wished for his father to become so strong that no one could challenge him.

But if that strength, as implied in the question, led directly to the unification of the martial world?

He had already publicly declared that he would oppose his father’s unification of the martial world, so Geom Mugeuk answered honestly.

“Power that overflows is bound to erupt eventually.”

Geom Mugeuk glanced at Fist Demon King and One-Slash Sword Supreme.

‘That power really is overflowing.’

Of all people, the two Demon Supremes accompanying him today were the most loyal to Father.

Fist Demon King — the one Father trusted most.

One-Slash Sword Supreme — the one who respected Father the most.

If Father gave the command, they would charge into war tomorrow without hesitation, no matter the sacrifice.

“I probably shouldn’t have told you about the Heavenly Star Body.”

Knowing the true meaning behind Geom Mugeuk’s joke, the two Demon Supremes only smiled faintly.

When Geom Mugeuk looked again at Sima Myung, he relayed the Cult Leader’s message.

“If the Young Cult Leader returns while I’m gone, tell him this. While I’m away…”

Geom Mugeuk raised his hand, pretending to guess the next line.

“Take good care of the cult? I believe in my son!”

With an expression that screamed, “You wish!”, Sima Myung mimicked Father in a deep voice.

“Don’t cause trouble.”

Laughter rang out from behind — it was One-Slash Sword Supreme.

“You still don’t know me, do you? I’m not someone who causes trouble — I’m a trouble-solving expert!”

When Geom Mugeuk turned around and appealed to One-Slash Sword Supreme,

“You saw it, didn’t you? Just how well I handled things this time?”

One-Slash Sword Supreme looked over at Fist Demon King beside her and replied,

“It was Fist Demon King who did the handling. Our Young Cult Leader snuck out quietly after everything was done underground. Am I wrong?”

There was as much grievance in Geom Mugeuk’s voice as there was mischief in One-Slash Sword Supreme’s gaze.

“Even you, Supreme? That’s just too cruel! Do you have any idea how much I suffered down there, breathing in dust and dirt? Don’t even get me started—have you ever tried sleeping on a hard wooden bed? Ever been kicked in the ribs with someone’s shoe? I didn’t say anything because I’m usually reserved, but really...”

As Geom Mugeuk’s complaints began to ramble, Fist Demon King and One-Slash Sword Supreme turned to Sima Myung to bid farewell.

“We’ll take our leave now.”

Sima Myung respectfully returned their salute with a cupped fist.

“Please rest well.”

As the two turned away, Geom Mugeuk quickly followed after them.

“Let’s go together. I haven’t even finished talking. I’ll see you again, Strategist.”

Just as Geom Mugeuk was about to head out after them, Sima Myung called out to him.

“Young Cult Leader, where are you going?”

“What do you mean, where? I’ve just come back after so long. It’s time to meet people, enjoy myself a bit. Please believe me—I’ve had a rough time.”

“I believe that. But there’s something the Young Cult Leader must do.”

“Me?”

“Starting today, you’ll be handling the Cult Leader’s duties.”

An unexpected statement came from Sima Myung’s mouth.

“From this very moment, the Young Cult Leader is acting Cult Leader.”

Geom Mugeuk’s eyes widened.

“You’re joking, right?”

“The Cult Leader gave that order before he entered closed-door training.”

“Until when?”

“Until the Cult Leader comes out.”

There was no telling whether closed-door training would end tomorrow or ten years later.

“What if he comes out a year from now?”

“Then you’ll do it until then.”

And just then—

Ssssss...

Hui, who had been hidden, revealed himself.

Chak chak chak chak chak chak!

Behind Hui, martial artists in the same uniform emerged in a straight line. They were members of the Heavenly Demon Bodyguards under Hui’s command—specifically, the unit leaders authorized to enter the Heavenly Demon Pavilion. Even Geom Mugeuk had never seen all of them gathered like this before.

On the chests of their formal bodyguard uniforms was a shield insignia, and inside that shield was an evil spirit emblem modeled after the Heavenly Demon Spirit.

Hui offered a formal salute and pledged his loyalty.

“Hui, Captain of the Bodyguards, hereby pledges my life in service to the acting Cult Leader.”

No, Uncle Hui, why are you doing this?

Ssssss...

After giving their official salute, they vanished just as quickly as they had appeared.

As they disappeared, Fist Demon King and One-Slash Sword Supreme, who had been about to leave, turned back and gave a formal salute with cupped fists.

“We greet the acting Cult Leader.”

Their attitude was now entirely different—unmatched in respect. Though Geom Mugeuk was not the actual Cult Leader, the two Demon Supremes observed full propriety as if he were. They were not mocking him.

Geom Mugeuk understood. He saw how they truly regarded his father. There was an unbreachable wall between the Young Cult Leader and the Cult Leader.

“Come on now, isn’t this a bit much? How can your attitude change so drastically in an instant?”

Though he had hoped they would take it as a joke, Fist Demon King and One-Slash Sword Supreme remained utterly serious.

“You’re both being so unfair!”

At that, the two Demon Supremes cupped their fists in unison with crisp motions and spoke together.

“Please give us your orders.”

Since they refused to play along to the end, Geom Mugeuk let out a sigh. He had been about to tease them—“Who do you think handled the aftermath?”—but their sincerity made it impossible.

“Go and get some rest.”

“We shall carry out your orders.”

Fist Demon King and One-Slash Sword Supreme exited the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, following the Path of Blood.

From the distant gate, Fist Demon King looked back in his direction. His gaze seemed to say:

‘It’s an important position—do well.’

Geom Mugeuk gave a single, serious nod in return.

‘Yes, Master.’

Since the order had come from his father, it was only natural that his master could not treat this matter lightly.

Of course, that didn’t mean Geom Mugeuk was about to accept the acting position without resistance.

With solemnity, Geom Mugeuk turned to Sima Myung and declared,

“As acting Cult Leader, I hereby give an order. I appoint the position of acting leader to the Chief Strategist. From here on, you will oversee the cult.”

Naturally, it didn’t work.

“The Cult Leader specifically said you would say that and instructed me to reject it outright.”

Father, are you really doing this to me?

“There are people lining up to see me!”

“Then let them wait.”

“I haven’t even unpacked yet!”

“Do that after work.”

“No, this won’t do. I must enter closed-door training myself. Honestly, I’m the one who needs it most.”

Once again, Sima Myung responded calmly.

“He anticipated that too, and said it is absolutely forbidden.”

“Father! This is too much!”

Sima Myung looked up at the Throne Mat and said,

“Shall we ascend to the Throne Mat now?”

“Do I really have to do the work from Father’s seat? Can’t I just manage things from here in comfort?”

“You may not. Even as acting leader, you are representing the dignity of the Cult Leader.”

At Sima Myung’s firm tone, Geom Mugeuk had no choice but to ascend the stairs.

He didn’t sit down immediately.

Standing beside the Throne Mat, he looked down at the empty seat for a moment. The image of his father, who had always been seated there, came to mind.

‘Father… you should’ve been here to mock me from that seat. I longed to see that mocking grin.’

Because it was a place always occupied by his father, the absence felt even heavier.

Geom Mugeuk carefully took a seat on the Throne Mat.

He sat in silence, taking in the view from that position.

Not long after his regression, his father had once let him sit there. When asked how it felt, he had replied that it didn’t stir anything in him. And at the time, that was true.

But now, the feeling was completely different.

A subtle tremor resonated through his entire body.

‘Father, why did you entrust this to me?’

There was no real need for him to be appointed as acting Cult Leader—entrusting the duties to Sima Myung would have been fine. Hadn’t his father already left the work to Sima Myung once before and even gone on a journey with him?

And yet, he had chosen to place the role of acting Cult Leader on him.

‘Is he testing me?’

To see whether he was worthy of becoming Cult Leader.

Soon, Geom Mugeuk’s gaze turned to Sima Myung.

“Looking down at you like this makes me feel undeserved and shameful.”

“Please don’t say that. You are now representing the Cult Leader.”

“What should I start with?”

Sima Myung walked over to a table placed in the corner. It was stacked with piles of documents.

“Is this the kind of work I’ll be doing for the rest of my life?”

At Geom Mugeuk’s remark, Sima Myung replied bluntly.

“It’s what needs to be done today.”

Geom Mugeuk cried out into the air again.

“Uncle Hui! Are you listening? Please tell Father! I’m going to make a mess of things! There’ll be a huge disaster, so make sure to pass that along!”

Hui was probably the only one who could enter the place where his father was undergoing closed-door training.

Of course, that didn’t mean the message would actually be delivered. Unless war broke out, or unless it was some critical emergency, nothing would be allowed to interrupt his father’s training.

Sima Myung began the official briefing.

“First, I will report on the major incidents and developments in the Central Plains.”

Out of the many events occurring across the Central Plains, only the most critical ones were reported.

Movements from the Martial Alliance and the Unorthodox Alliance were prioritized, followed by the trends of major sects and even the shifting tides of the trading world. All sorts of information poured in.

Where and how the elites of the Martial Alliance and the Unorthodox Alliance were moving. Which sects had been in conflict. Which trading companies had aligned with which sects.

Once that report concluded, it was time to make decisions on pending matters.

“Next, there are matters requiring your approval. First, I believe we need to increase the personnel at the Henan Branch. It’s in response to the Martial Alliance’s increase in numbers at their own Henan Branch.”

“How many have they added?”

“Ten men.”

Henan was within the righteous faction’s sphere of influence. For that reason, both the cult and the Unorthodox Alliance had been operating with smaller numbers in their respective branches and divisions. Each side respected the other’s territory.

“Is it really necessary to respond to a change of just ten people? Wouldn’t that just provoke the Martial Alliance unnecessarily?”

He thought perhaps it was because Henan was far from the main division and needed attention.

But Sima Myung gave an unexpected answer.

“Rather, doing nothing would be more provocative to them.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“This kind of response is more like a conversation. It’s to let them know we’re watching their moves as well. That we know they’ve increased their numbers by ten. So we’re responding by adding our own. But if we show no reaction, that in itself becomes a warning sign. It would signal that our internal intelligence network isn’t functioning properly.”

“Then isn’t that a good sign, not a warning?”

“No. They don’t want to see change from the cult.”

He hadn’t realized that the Heavenly Communication Pavilion paid attention to such delicate matters.

Perhaps because it was the first decision on the first day, Sima Myung left the choice to Geom Mugeuk.

“How many should we send?”

He was about to suggest, “Let’s just send five.”

“How about we send a thousand and give them a good scare?”

“Please do.”

As Sima Myung picked up the next document as if he truly meant it, Geom Mugeuk quickly stopped him.

“I was joking!”

Of course Sima Myung knew it was a joke.

“What a shame. It was a perfect opportunity to assign a thousand to the Henan Branch.”

But Geom Mugeuk also knew his words weren’t entirely a joke.

“Do you wish for it as well, Strategist?”

“What are you referring to?”

“My father’s unification of the martial world.”

“Why bring that up all of a sudden?”

“Because I figured sitting here like this, you’d give me the most honest answer.”

After a brief pause, Sima Myung replied.

“I want to see the Cult Leader’s world.”

In other words, he hoped the Cult Leader would unify the martial world.

Perhaps more than anyone, Sima Myung wanted to help Father accomplish the unification of the world. That, after all, would be the greatest achievement of any strategist.

Geom Mugeuk didn’t press the issue any further. It wasn’t a question to ask while looking down from above.

“So, what’s next?”

Maybe because it was his first time doing such work—

Time passed in an instant.

“That will be all for today. Let’s stop here.”

It seemed there was a set schedule even for working with Sima Myung.

“There’s still a lot left to do.”

They hadn’t even finished a third of what was brought.

“Let’s continue tomorrow.”

“Do you finish all the work within the day when you’re with Father?”

“Usually, yes.”

As Geom Mugeuk rose from the Throne Mat, he said,

“Now I understand. Why Father remained so firmly in this seat. He couldn’t leave—there was too much work to run from.”

He had vaguely known that there was a lot of work, but he hadn’t realized just how much his father had been handling on his own.

Truly, without a sense of immense responsibility, it would be impossible to keep up with it all.

“For a first day, you did quite well.”

Sima Myung had seen a new side of Geom Mugeuk through their work together today.

“You’re much more meticulous than I expected.”

Geom Mugeuk asked immediately when he didn’t understand something, and he didn’t handle any part of the work half-heartedly. He thought things over two or three times.

“It’s not that I’m meticulous—it’s that I have anxiety. What if I make the wrong decision and everything goes wrong? What if Father or the Chief Strategist is disappointed in me?”

Sima Myung looked at Geom Mugeuk for a moment and then said,

“The greater the anxiety, the greater the results tend to be. Though it’s harder on the one carrying it. Now, please get some rest.”

Sima Myung gave a respectful bow and exited the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

Since there was still time before the day’s duties were truly over, Father must have remained here even after Sima Myung left, holding this place alone.

‘Sitting here, what did you think about the most?’

He hadn’t realized it while Father was present.

But now, in his absence, he was beginning to understand his father more deeply.

‘Even so… I miss you, Father.’