Absolute Regression

Chapter 612: A Counterfeit Unseen in the World

“By the way, where did you get this?”

At Geom Muyang’s call, a subordinate who had been standing far away stepped forward in response to Geom Mugeuk’s question.

“Where did you get this counterfeit Blitz Blade?”

In response to Geom Muyang’s question, the subordinate replied.

“There was some intel. We obtained information that the Black Hand Faction, a faction from the black path, was secretly seeking Blitz Blade, so we retrieved the item.”

“The ones who sold the item?”

“They used an escort bureau to send the item.”

That meant they used the escort bureau to send the item to avoid revealing their identity.

“What about the payment?”

“They said they’d come to collect the money after we received the goods.”

At those words, Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang looked at each other. These weren’t ordinary people. Saying they’d take payment afterward meant they were confident they could collect it.

“Recover the embedded needle and analyze the poison to identify what kind it is!”

“Yes! I’ll send it straight to the Heavenly Poison Forest.”

Geom Muyang picked up the Blitz Blade and started moving.

“Where are you going?”

“To the Iron Workshop. If it’s Artisan Gwak, he might be able to tell who made it.”

“I’m going with you.”

Geom Mugeuk followed behind his brother.

“Slow down!”

But Geom Muyang’s steps were quick, seemingly in a hurry.

His expression was stiff. It wasn’t because a fake concealed weapon that looked real had appeared.

His heart had started pounding belatedly from the realization that Geom Mugeuk had nearly died. That shock turned to anger.

Hire the person who made this? Not a chance. His younger brother had almost died. Whoever they were, he wouldn't let them off.

It was a strange emotion. To feel this angry just because his younger brother had almost died.

There was even a time when he had wished his brother would die.

He thought human emotions were truly like the wind. What feelings would he encounter at the end of this wind?

And so, the two of them entered the Iron Workshop.

With a rush of heat, the sound of pounding metal rang out.

Kang! Kang! Kkangk!

Inside, hundreds of bare-chested men were working.

Melting iron, striking steel, transporting goods.

The smell of their sweat and the metallic tang rode the hot air and spread thickly through the workshop.

A man standing by the entrance recognized Geom Mugeuk and bowed respectfully.

“We’ve come to see Artisan Gwak.”

“Please wait just a moment.”

While the man went to call Artisan Gwak, Geom Mugeuk waited there with his brother.

“I won’t die from a cheap trick like this.”

Next time, I’ll make sure to die properly.

It was a joke said with an expectation of a certain reaction, but Geom Muyang’s stiff expression didn’t ease. He could feel that his older brother was truly shocked and angry.

He was thankful to his brother—for making him realize that nearly dying was such a big deal to him.

And from that, he gained one more lesson.

One must always be cautious. Accidents, like what happened earlier, tend to occur when least expected—especially when one is off guard.

Since everything can happen in an instant, there’s no choice but to live with greater attention, no matter how exhausting life becomes.

A short while later, Artisan Gwak came out to meet them.

“So the two of you came together.”

“Greetings, Workshop Master.”

After exchanging greetings, Geom Muyang handed him the Blitz Blade he had brought.

“This is the Blitz Blade.”

Artisan Gwak accepted the Blitz Blade. There was a separate organization within the cult that designed concealed weapons, and the Iron Workshop produced them based on the blueprints issued by that group.

Artisan Gwak tilted his head slightly and examined the Blitz Blade once more.

“It’s a bit light.”

He immediately noticed the weight was different. Upon closer inspection, Artisan Gwak found several areas where discrepancies existed.

“This is a counterfeit Blitz Blade.”

“That’s right.”

“It’s so precisely crafted that you wouldn’t be able to tell at a glance.”

Artisan Gwak called a subordinate to bring dismantling tools. He then disassembled the Blitz Blade with skilled hands and examined its interior.

After looking inside, Artisan Gwak was even more shocked.

“Not just the exterior, but the interior is nearly a perfect reproduction. The power must’ve been almost identical too.”

That meant it was crafted with exceptional skill.

“That’s correct. I nearly died because of it.”

At that, Artisan Gwak asked with a grave expression,

“Was there poison applied to the needle?”

“Yes, it was coated with poison.”

“The key technique of the Blitz Blade is ensuring that the interior of the concealed weapon isn’t damaged by the poison. This is so well-made, it’s almost believable that we made it ourselves. For someone with this level of skill to be crafting counterfeit concealed weapons…”

Artisan Gwak let out a sigh—whether of frustration or anger, it was hard to tell.

“Do you have any guesses as to who it might be?”

In response to Geom Mugeuk’s question, Artisan Gwak named a few individuals.

“There are a few who come to mind, but they’re all highly reputable. Artisan Hong from the Martial Alliance, Artisan Joo from the Unorthodox Alliance, and Artisan Yang from the Continental Iron Workshop. But those people wouldn’t craft something of such dubious origin.”

They were all renowned artisans. In other words, this counterfeit was made by someone of comparable skill.

“There may be someone unknown.”

To Geom Mugeuk’s remark, Artisan Gwak nodded. If martial arts masters were as plentiful as grains of sand along the shore in the murim, the same could be said of artisans. Somewhere, hidden from recognition, there were surely those hammering away with natural-born talent capable of shocking the world.

“If anyone comes to mind later, please let us know.”

“Understood.”

With that, they bid farewell to Artisan Gwak, and Geom Mugeuk left the Iron Workshop alongside his brother.

“How are you going to handle it?”

“This time, I’ll take care of it myself. I’ll handle everything, so you don’t need to worry about it.”

Geom Muyang walked off in long strides. As he walked away, he turned back and warned him.

“Don’t even think about interfering needlessly!”

Because he had nearly killed Geom Mugeuk, he intended to handle this matter alone. He had almost killed his younger brother—then received his help? That didn’t sit right with Geom Muyang’s nature.

“I’m busy too. I only wish I had the time to interfere.”

Geom Muyang resumed his steps.

As Geom Mugeuk watched his brother’s retreating figure, he turned and walked in the opposite direction—with equally urgent steps.

“You absolutely may not. Especially not with the Great Young Master.”

When Geom Mugeuk suggested going out with his brother just to handle this matter and return, Sima Myung firmly opposed it.

And he had a clear reason for it.

“Those who are to become successors cannot leave the cult together over a matter like this. It’s even written in the cult regulations.”

It was out of concern for what might happen if both were harmed at once.

“So the reason I’ve been able to roam freely until now… was because my brother stayed at the main cult.”

Sima Myung wore a face that said “not necessarily,” but he didn’t deny it either.

“But why do you insist on going out with the Great Young Master?”

“This is entirely because of my own anxiety.”

Sima Myung asked carefully.

“Do you suspect those people are behind this incident?”

“My heart’s reacting like it saw a snake and flinched at a pot lid.”

Geom Mugeuk had repeatedly faced death due to being entangled with them. In a situation where it was unclear when and where they might show up again, there was no way he could let his brother go alone.

Of course, it was possible this was simply a scheme orchestrated by a group manufacturing and selling counterfeit concealed weapons.

“But can’t I just go confirm whether it’s a snake or a pot lid?”

“You may not.”

If it were his father, persuading him might be easier. But persuading Sima Myung seemed impossible.

“If you’re stopping me from going, then perhaps Father felt this same way once.”

“With all due respect, the Cult Leader has never shown any concern for you, Young Cult Leader.”

With a personality like his father’s, he simply didn’t show it—how could he not have been worried?

In the past, Geom Mugeuk might’ve escaped in secret. But he couldn’t do that anymore.

Sima Myung offered a solution. It wasn’t as if he treated the Great Young Master lightly.

“Send a Demon Supreme with him.”

Of course, Geom Mugeuk had already thought of that. But there was a problem.

“My brother will refuse. He even warned me not to interfere.”

“So you’re not going to send him?”

Geom Mugeuk shook his head.

“I can’t do that. I’ll send a Demon Supreme.”

“If you give the order, any Demon Supreme will go.”

But Geom Mugeuk had already decided who he would send.

“The person I’m sending won’t follow my orders.”

The place Geom Mugeuk arrived at was the Heavenly Poison Forest.

The Poison King was near his dwelling, standing alone in the forest with his hands behind his back, gazing at a tree. To others, he might have looked lonely—but Geom Mugeuk knew this was, for him, a moment of complete happiness.

“Poison King! I’m here!”

Geom Mugeuk called out cheerfully. The last time he returned, he hadn’t seen the Poison King before heading out again, so this reunion had come after quite some time.

“Shh!”

The Poison King hushed him and returned his gaze to the tree.

Geom Mugeuk quietly approached and stood beside him.

On the tree, two poisonous insects were stacked on top of each other—likely mating.

Geom Mugeuk turned his head and looked at the Poison King. He still appeared as the same youthful boy.

‘What a waste of that handsome face. Poison King, of all people, should go out into the world and find a woman to be his lover.’

But the Poison King seemed far more delighted by the growing number of poisonous insects in the Heavenly Poison Forest than by such pleasures.

“On my way here, Sangseon informed me. The poison applied to the concealed weapon was Bone-Melting Bitter Poison.”

According to Sangseon, Bone-Melting Bitter Poison was a toxin developed specifically to be applied to concealed weapons. It was a fearsome poison, created by blending multiple poisons with Bone-Melting Acid as the base ingredient. Upon impact, it would instantly melt not just the surface it touched, but even the insides.

Due to its potency, Bone-Melting Bitter Poison was also extremely difficult to handle. It had to be designed in such a way that it wouldn’t corrode the inside of the concealed weapon’s casing, and would only take effect once released externally.

Yet the Poison King remained silent, watching the insects.

“This time, my brother is personally leaving the cult to investigate the counterfeit concealed weapons. I’d like you to secretly follow him.”

This request was even more difficult—because he wasn’t asking the Poison King to go with him, but to guard him from the shadows.

“Since they’re using Bone-Melting Bitter Poison, there’s a chance they might use other poisons too.”

Though Geom Mugeuk thought the Poison King wasn’t listening, he immediately refused.

“No.”

“They might use poison, I’m telling you!”

“Tell Sangseon to pack an antidote.”

Geom Mugeuk hadn’t expected the Poison King to easily agree—he had always hated leaving the Heavenly Poison Forest.

“Well, I figured you’d say that, so I came prepared.”

Clearing his throat, Geom Mugeuk declared in a stern voice,

“As acting Cult Leader, I hereby command you. The Poison King is to obey the order of this Cult Leader!”

The Poison King turned toward him. For a moment, it seemed he was about to bow in formal acknowledgment of the order—

“Nope.”

Whoosh. A breeze passed between the two of them.

“This is a command from the Cult Leader.”

“You’re just the acting Cult Leader.”

“This is rebellion, rebellion!”

“Then go ahead and arrest me.”

The authority of the acting Cult Leader had no effect whatsoever.

“You’re being too harsh. If Father told you to go, wouldn’t you?”

“You’re not the Cult Leader, are you?”

The Poison King’s gaze returned to the tree. The insects that had been mating were already gone.

“Then it’s time I bring out my second secret weapon.”

A slight smile touched the Poison King’s lips. This was why he could say, “Nope.” Because he knew Geom Mugeuk would play along and let it slide.

“This time, there’s a reason you absolutely must go.”

“What reason?”

“Because I nearly died thanks to you, Poison King.”

The Poison King turned back to Geom Mugeuk.

“Do you remember? The man who ran off after being poisoned by you.”

He still hadn’t told the Poison King that Battle King had come back to life. The last time he returned, he had to leave the cult again before getting the chance to meet him.

“He came back alive.”

A flicker of shock passed across the Poison King’s face.

“That’s impossible.”

But he also knew Geom Mugeuk wouldn’t lie about something like this.

“That impossible thing happened.”

A moment of silence followed.

“How did it happen?”

“It seems they used a great technique several times just to barely keep him alive. Of course, even then, he wasn’t completely healed, so when we fought, he was still reeking of deadly poison.”

This was a moment that cracked the Poison King’s pride.

Naturally, Geom Mugeuk didn’t bother to soothe that pride.

“He came back even stronger than before. I nearly died because of him—so this time, you have to grant my request.”

It was clearly pushing things, but it worked on the Poison King. After all, someone he was certain had died had returned alive.

“You don’t even trust me that much. Why are you sending me? Why not send that Evil Smiling Demon you’re so fond of?”

After a pause, Geom Mugeuk answered.

“Because I feel more at ease if you’re the one going.”

“Are you giving me the disease and the cure?”

“A mistake is a mistake, but skill is still skill.”

A sharp light flashed in the Poison King’s eyes.

“The Evil Smiling Demon might be hurt if he hears that.”

“I'm sure he’ll understand. Not just him, but the other Demon Supremes as well. None of them would be able to deny what I just said.”

He had phrased it gently, but ultimately, the meaning was clear:

The Poison King was the strongest.

Geom Mugeuk could feel the Poison King’s mood beginning to soften.

“Hoo.”

The Poison King sighed and sat down on a small rock beneath the tree.

“They brought that man back to life?”

Geom Mugeuk sat down beside him.

“They say it cost a tremendous amount of money. The Evil Smiling Demon and I nearly died fighting that man. And even this time, despite both the Fist Demon King and the One-Slash Sword Supreme accompanying me, it still became dangerous. That’s why it has to be you, Poison King. I can’t overlook even the slightest possibility.”

Still, the Poison King hadn’t given an answer. So Geom Mugeuk brought someone else into the equation.

“If you don’t want to go alone, how about going with the Demonic Buddha? You can gather some rare poisonous herbs while you’re out there too. Have you and the Demonic Buddha been out collecting herbs lately?”

The Poison King shook his head.

“He hasn’t come by at all lately. Things feel a bit awkward between us now.”

“What? You got awkward with him that quickly?”

Geom Mugeuk burst into laughter, and the Poison King, realizing how absurd it sounded, laughed along.

“You said to guard him secretly, didn’t you? But can I really sneak around with the Demonic Buddha? That golden glow of his isn’t exactly discreet.”

That brilliant golden aura and secrecy didn’t go hand in hand.

“That’s why I came to ask you directly, Poison King.”

“I might just kill them all.”

“Just bring my brother back alive.”

Geom Mugeuk spoke sincerely.

“You probably don’t know how much I want to go outside with you, Poison King.”

Not just to watch poisonous insects mate—what he really wanted was to enjoy the company of female warriors alongside the Poison King.

As he looked at Geom Mugeuk, the Poison King eventually gave a nod.

“I’ll go.”

That was enough. Now there was no longer any worry about his brother.

“I’ll consider the debt repaid.”

“What debt?”

“The one where I nearly died because that man came back alive.”

“How’s that my fault!”

Those were the words Geom Mugeuk had been waiting for. That’s right—it wasn’t the Poison King’s fault.

The more pride is involved, the more important it is to speak openly like this. Joke about it repeatedly, talk it through again and again, tease and be teased.

Because trust is built for moments like this.

This kind of thing should be talked out in person, argued over with a bit of sting, and left behind. It shouldn’t be left unresolved to fester long after parting ways.

“Did you know? You’re the only one in the world who holds the antidote that doesn’t exist.”

Looking at him sitting beside him, Geom Mugeuk added with a bright smile,

“You’re the antidote to my anxiety, Poison King.”