Absolute Regression

Chapter 633: The Seat You Must Sit in From Now On

Through the golden mist, the Demonic Buddha revealed himself.

How could someone of such small stature possess such an overwhelming presence?

He placed his palms together in a respectful gesture as he looked up from beneath the pavilion.

"Have you been well, Alliance Leader?"

Jin Paecheon also greeted the Demonic Buddha with proper decorum.

"It has been a long time."

The appearance of the Demonic Buddha was unexpected. However, it wasn’t an unfamiliar sight to see the Demonic Buddha where the Great Young Master was. Jin Paecheon was well aware of the relationship between the two.

After exchanging greetings with Jin Paecheon, the Demonic Buddha turned to Geom Muyang, who stood beside him.

Their gazes met in midair.

"You’ve come?"

"Yes, I have."

Within that brief exchange, a deep sentiment passed between them.

In truth, Geom Muyang had been unsure of what to do after the Alliance Leader had told him to leave Wuhan. Anyone else might have simply ignored the words, but one could not carelessly disobey the words of the Martial Alliance Leader.

Caught in a situation where he could neither act nor withdraw, seeing the Demonic Buddha felt like a light shining into the troubling dilemma.

The Demonic Buddha slowly ascended to the pavilion. Before doing so, he also exchanged greetings with Jin Hagun.

"I greet the Demon Supreme."

"I’ve heard of Leader Jin’s virtuous deeds even from afar. You are truly commendable for your age."

Jin Hagun was quietly pleased at his arrival. Just moments ago, a dangerously escalating conflict had been resolved thanks to his appearance.

"This is the liquor the Alliance Leader favors."

Handing over the liquor he had brought to Jin Hagun, the Demonic Buddha addressed Jin Paecheon, who stood atop the pavilion.

"Your tastes haven’t changed, have they?"

The Demonic Buddha was never one to show up empty-handed. He had always been the only Demon Supreme who never failed to send gifts whenever there was an event in the Martial Alliance.

Of course, the standard practice was to discard any gifts sent by the Demonic Cult. The Demonic Buddha surely knew this, yet he never once failed to send them.

After the Great Young Master had lost his place as successor, it had been assumed that no more gifts would come. Yet today, one was received again.

The Demonic Buddha, now atop the pavilion, looked around in admiration.

"The scenery from up here is quite different than from below."

The falling rain had already stopped, and the mist began to lift. Tall bamboo trees began to reveal themselves.

He continued to express his admiration, trying to lift the atmosphere, but Jin Paecheon remained cold.

"I didn’t expect even you to be in Wuhan."

The only reason his response was somewhat mild was because it was the Demonic Buddha. The Great Young Master coming here was already a problem, but the Demon Supreme arriving in Wuhan without any prior notice? That was reason enough to lodge an official protest with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

"I had urgent circumstances of my own."

"And what circumstances were those, Demon Supreme?"

Then, a shocking statement flowed from the lips of the Demonic Buddha.

"There was information that someone was targeting the Great Young Master of our cult."

Even Geom Muyang, who rarely showed his emotions, revealed his surprise at those words—he had not known of this.

"Who was it?"

Jin Paecheon naturally assumed it would be someone from the unorthodox factions or an individual with a grudge against the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

"It was the Byeoksan Sword."

At the mention of that name, a heavy thud resounded in Jin Paecheon's chest.

The Byeoksan Sword was one of the top masters representing the orthodox side of the martial world. That such a man had tried to kill the Great Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—this was an incident of far greater magnitude than the Great Young Master simply coming to Wuhan.

Golden light flared from the Demonic Buddha as he raised his voice.

"That madman dares to—!"

The Demonic Buddha was genuinely enraged. He was conveying that fury directly to the Alliance Leader on behalf of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

"To attempt harm against the Great Young Master is a challenge and an attack against our cult!"

In that moment, Geom Muyang understood. Why the Demonic Buddha had appeared before him so quickly.

'He had already come to Wuhan to protect me.'

Because it was the Demonic Buddha, Geom Muyang’s heart swelled. Even though he had behaved so disgracefully in the past, the Demonic Buddha had continued to protect him without change.

"Fortunately, I arrived before anything happened."

He could not truly express rage toward the Martial Alliance Leader, so the Demonic Buddha’s golden radiance soon faded.

Yet his bold demeanor seemed to be asking:

Even now, will you still question why I came to Wuhan?

The initiative of the conversation, which had been pushing for his departure, had now shifted into the Demonic Buddha's hands.

"Please don’t worry too much, Alliance Leader. Nothing has been disclosed to the outside."

Ordinarily, this would not have prompted such a serious response.

"Are you truly certain it was him?"

It was hard to believe that someone like the Byeoksan Sword would act without concern for the consequences. If it had been Han Wolgaek, that would’ve been easier to accept.

"It was my third encounter with him."

Meaning, it could not have been a case of mistaken identity.

Before Jin Paecheon could even ask, the Demonic Buddha revealed the outcome of the event as well. He was someone who knew how to lead a conversation smoothly.

"For our fourth meeting, we agreed to have a drink together."

He had phrased it mildly, but Jin Paecheon could understand. It meant he had overpowered the other man. They wouldn’t have ended things with mere words.

At the news that the Byeoksan Sword was still alive, a trace of relief appeared on Jin Paecheon's face. But at the same time, discomfort settled in his chest.

‘Did the Byeoksan Sword lose to this man?’

Jin Paecheon quietly observed the Demonic Buddha. He felt different from the last time they had met. There was a certain ease about him—subtle but evident. And with that ease likely came a corresponding increase in strength.

For a moment, Geom Woojin—currently undergoing closed-door training—came to mind.

‘The Demonic Cult is growing stronger.’

It was another moment where he was forced to confront that uncomfortable truth.

In any case, this was something that could be confirmed through the Byeoksan Sword, and the Demonic Buddha would not lie about such a matter.

‘Why would the Byeoksan Sword attempt to kill the Great Young Master of the cult? No way... was it at someone’s request?’

Someone could certainly ask the Byeoksan Sword for a favor. But that favor couldn’t possibly be something like, "Please kill the Great Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult."

Unless it wasn't a favor, but a command.

"Did he say why?"

"He didn’t say, but it seemed like he had been asked by someone."

Jin Paecheon probed further, his tone testing.

"Do you have anyone in mind?"

The Demonic Buddha shook his head, as if he had no idea. Although he already knew through the Heavenly Communication Pavilion that the Hermit of Heaven and Earth was behind it, he never once mentioned even a word of the Hermit's name.

He merely pointed out the nature of those pulling the strings.

"Those who’ve tried to sow discord between our cult and the Martial Alliance—it’s not something that began yesterday."

He emphasized again that someone was trying to drive a wedge between the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Martial Alliance.

The Demonic Buddha never brought up Han Wolgaek. To explain sending him away would require disclosing that the Poison King was in Wuhan as well.

"That’s why I couldn’t notify you in advance. I ask for your generous understanding."

"I can understand fully."

"Thank you."

The Demonic Buddha looked up to the sky. The sun, hidden behind dark clouds, had begun to show itself.

"Now that the rain has stopped, we’ll take our leave."

At the Demonic Buddha’s parting words, Geom Muyang also gave his farewell.

"Then until we meet again, Alliance Leader."

"Be well on your way."

Leave Wuhan, or see you again—no such words were exchanged. What came next would need to be handled with careful judgment.

As they descended from the pavilion, Geom Muyang’s eyes met Jin Hagun’s.

Geom Muyang gave him a slight nod, and Jin Hagun responded with a nod of his own. It was a mutual understanding—to cooperate and handle things as best they could.

Having left the pavilion, Geom Muyang and the Demonic Buddha walked side by side through the bamboo forest, speaking as they went.

Neither had expected to meet like this again, much less to be walking side by side in front of the main division of the Martial Alliance.

It was Geom Muyang who broke the silence first.

"The Hermit of Heaven and Earth is definitely behind it."

The Demonic Buddha nodded at his words.

"I know."

That was precisely why this opponent was proving to be the most difficult they had faced so far.

"As long as the Alliance Leader trusts him, we can’t touch the Hermit of Heaven and Earth recklessly."

Personal closeness with the Alliance Leader was one thing, but the respect the orthodox forces held for the Hermit of Heaven and Earth was another problem entirely. If they so much as mishandled him, those people would quickly frame it as a conflict between the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Martial Alliance.

When Geom Muyang came to a stop, the Demonic Buddha also halted.

Words rose up to Geom Muyang’s throat, then sank back down again. It was something he had never said to anyone before.

Not even to his father. Not even to Geom Mugeuk.

And now, he said those words to the Demonic Buddha.

"Please help me."

How could the Demonic Buddha not understand how difficult those words must have been to say? How deeply valuable they were?

His pupils trembled, and the radiance emanating from his body grew even brighter. A true heart responded only with greater sincerity.

"I will dedicate my entire life to serve you with loyalty."

Bathed in that radiant light, Geom Muyang felt a pang of regret.

If only their relationship had been like this during the succession struggle... If he had treated the Demonic Buddha with this kind of sincerity back then... Would the result of that fight have been different?

*         *         *

Jin Paecheon and Jin Hagun stood side by side in the pavilion, watching the backs of the receding Geom Muyang and the Demonic Buddha.

"What do you think?"

Jin Hagun sensed that how this matter concluded would greatly affect the decision on the next successor.

Since all of this might be another test from his grandfather, he had to weigh every word and respond with care.

"It has to be one of three things. Either the Cult is lying, the Hermit of Heaven and Earth truly is behind it, or someone is scheming to make others believe so."

It wasn’t the answer Jin Paecheon had hoped for.

"I asked for your thoughts."

"At least one thing, I believe, is certain."

He knew his grandfather was worried that Jin Hagun might end up placing too much trust in Geom Mugeuk and suffer for it.

"At the very least, I don’t believe the Cult is lying."

And so, a trace of concern flickered across Jin Paecheon's face. In the past, Jin Hagun might have said what he thought his grandfather wanted to hear.

But not anymore. He now understood that answering just to get through the moment was like building a bridge made of sand toward the other person.

Even if it worked now, one day that bridge would collapse. And if it happened when they were closer, when things were more complete, the disappointment would be greater, and he would sink deeper into the sandpit.

"Do you trust the Great Young Master that much?"

He did indeed feel some trust toward Geom Muyang. It was something he could sense instinctively—that he was telling the truth. But there was a reason even more definite.

"No."

"Then why?"

It was an answer that would likely worry his grandfather even more.

"I trust the Young Cult Leader."

Jin Hagun conveyed his honest heart to his grandfather.

"Since the Young Cult Leader is serving as the acting Cult Leader, the current master of the Cult is the Young Cult Leader."

Jin Paecheon gave a nod. All final decisions would ultimately rest with him.

"He might be harboring hidden ambition."

Jin Hagun had expected his grandfather to deny it, but instead, he accepted the possibility without resistance.

"He’s so clever—he might indeed."

"Then why do you trust him?"

Though he didn’t know Geom Mugeuk fully, there was at least one thing he was certain of.

"He’s not the type of person who would carry out a scheme at the expense of putting his own brother in danger."

Right now, the Great Young Master was isolated in Wuhan and in a dangerous situation. Jin Hagun didn’t believe Geom Mugeuk would have driven his older brother into such a position.

"If he were that kind of man, the Great Young Master would’ve already been dead during the succession struggle."

Jin Paecheon had no rebuttal to that. The Geom Mugeuk he had seen was no different from what his grandson described.

"It seems I must keep all possibilities open as I fight forward."

He braced himself for his grandfather’s rebuke. Because saying he had to consider all possibilities also meant suspecting the Hermit of Heaven and Earth.

But Jin Paecheon didn’t get angry. Instead, he looked at his grandson with a gentle gaze.

"Hagun."

"Yes, Grandfather."

"Are you worried about this old man?"

"I’m not."

Though he said that, it was clear he was worried. Worried that long-standing friendship might cloud his grandfather’s judgment. Worried about the wound he would suffer if a trusted friend turned out to be a traitor.

Then, something unexpected came from Jin Paecheon's lips.

"In my heart, I’ve already killed him."

"Grandfather?"

Jin Hagun opened his eyes wide, not understanding.

"I’ve already thrust my sword into that man’s heart. I’ve already stood before his grave."

Jin Hagun immediately understood whom he meant—Hwa Yulcheong. It was in his grandfather’s deeply bitter gaze.

‘Ah... Grandfather had already prepared himself for every possibility!’

He had forgotten. His grandfather had lived by the honor of a pact that was hard to make even once, and had spent decades observing the countless faces of humanity as the Martial Alliance Leader.

"I pray it isn’t so… but I’ve already accepted the possibility that a friend I’ve known for decades might betray me."

He had staked his entire life on this position.

"Because I am the Martial Alliance Leader."

And for the first time ever, he was saying something he had never told his grandson before.

"The seat you must take in the future… is this one."

With an expression of shame, Jin Hagun lowered his head.

"I’m sorry, Grandfather."

He tried to look properly. Tried to face him straight on. But still, he couldn't look his grandfather in the eye. It was astonishing how difficult it was to truly see a person straight on.

Instead, Jin Paecheon spoke in an even gentler tone.

"In all the years I’ve held this position, what I’ve come to understand is that our orthodox sect can never keep pace with the Demonic Cult or the unorthodox factions on equal footing. Even if we sprint out ahead to lead them, we always end up several steps behind. We’re too busy cleaning up the mess and chasing after them. And yet, do you know why we’ve never been destroyed by their cruel and relentless desires?"

"Why is that?"

Jin Paecheon looked up at the blue sky that had emerged after the storm clouds receded. He filled his eyes with that expanse of blue and declared with strength in his voice:

"Because we are right."

Jin Hagun's chest thumped. His grandfather had lived his entire life holding on to that one belief. And now, with a single sentence, he had shown him the path he needed to follow.

You, too, walk the righteous path.

Jin Paecheon, his eyes full of the blue sky, turned his gaze to his grandson.

"That’s why, place your trust in the Young Cult Leader, after this belief."