Absolute Regression

Chapter 645: Greeting First Isn’t Too Much, Is It?

My father would never tolerate my death?

Geom Mugeuk thought of his father.

‘If I really were to die, would Father start the Grand Demon War?’

Wouldn’t he just sit on the Throne Mat in the Heavenly Demon Pavilion like always and say something like this?

―From today, the heir of our cult is Muyang.

He might say only that one sentence and go on with his usual life as if nothing had changed. Perhaps adding something like this as well.

―Now, perhaps the cult will finally be quiet.

Of course, he also imagined the possibility that their analysis was correct.

He pictured his father alone on the Throne Mat in the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, submerged in deep sorrow. A father mourning his child.

Maybe, on the day he names his older brother as the new successor, he would turn to the Demon Supremes assembled before him and declare,

―Let us go, to the Central Plains!

Through the window of the departing carriage, a fishing rod might stick out.

There was truly no way to know how his father would respond.

“Was that prediction really made by someone intelligent?”

To Geom Mugeuk’s question, So Jeongrak replied.

“This outcome is something you created.”

To be honest, Geom Mugeuk didn’t feel bad. It meant his father truly cared for him.

“But if a war breaks out because I die, will you all be safe?”

So Jeongrak gave a meaningful smile.

“We’re people used to living different lives.”

It meant they could live in hiding, without ever showing themselves. If martial artists of their caliber deliberately chose to conceal themselves, finding them in the midst of war would be impossible.

“Rather, war would bring us enormous wealth.”

With that wealth, they would cultivate power and aim to tear out the throat of the wounded victor.

Geom Mugeuk openly sneered at him.

“Of course. That’s always been your way. A life spent with a kind face, waiting silently for the moment to strike from behind. Isn’t that what your whole life’s been about?”

Even though it was something that could provoke a sharp reaction, So Jeongrak remained composed. The last struggle before death was always laughable.

There were no variables in this situation. With a poison that would burst his blood vessels and kill him if he used internal energy, and two elite masters present, there was no way out.

So Jeongrak looked at the two old masters with satisfaction.

The Demon Flame Lord was radiating a bloody demonic energy. It was the first time he had seen someone release such red and vivid demonic energy.

His known unique martial art was Flame Palm.

A demonic art infused with searing yang energy like molten lava—just imagining the palm, flying like a branding iron into one’s chest, burning the skin and burrowing deep into the body—was terrifying.

Even at the age of one hundred, his eyes emitted a frightening gleam that rivaled those of young men.

Now, he turned to look at the White-Bone Soul Demon.

His face and limbs were so pale, it looked as if they had been powdered—at a glance, he truly resembled a skeleton. Well, considering his age, it wouldn’t be strange if he had already become one.

His bony, emaciated body was adorned with all sorts of white bone accessories—genuine ornaments made from human remains.

His unique martial art was the Forbidden Demonic Art, Soul-Reverting Ghost Spirit Art, which manipulated the souls of the dead.

It was a chilling technique that involved seizing souls and reanimating corpses, with hundreds of skeletons rising to charge—just the thought of it sent shivers down the spine.

The dark energy emanating from his eyes gave the impression of being connected directly to the underworld.

‘How about it? Can you still run your mouth in front of these two?’

With smug satisfaction, So Jeongrak looked at Geom Mugeuk.

At that moment, Geom Mugeuk abruptly spoke to the two old masters.

“Aren’t you going to greet me?”

So Jeongrak thought he had misheard.

But he hadn’t.

Geom Mugeuk raised his voice and repeated to them.

“I’m the acting Cult Leader. Greet me first!”

The Demon Flame Lord and the White-Bone Soul Demon looked at each other. Even they could not have imagined Geom Mugeuk would react like this.

“Acting Cult Leader? Has the Cult Leader died?”

The Demon Flame Lord asked in a voice like scraping metal. It was as if age had corroded even his voice, making it difficult to listen to.

So Jeongrak answered politely.

“The Cult Leader is currently in closed-door training.”

In response, the White-Bone Soul Demon burst into a wide grin. His mouth stretched open with a childlike brightness, revealing a nearly toothless mouth with only a few teeth remaining.

“So he’s alive? Good. I’ll tear him apart with my own hands.”

Though he had reached the age of one hundred fifty, his voice was as clear and thin as that of a child.

Just as the saying goes, old age turns one into a child—his voice, his expressions, they all radiated a strange innocence.

But the darkness within his eyes contrasted so starkly with that expression that it created an eerie sense of dissonance.

The energy radiating from the Demon Flame Lord flared and grew hot.

“I feel the same. Let’s just rip that brat apart today.”

Bound by the Forbidden Demon Order, they had lived only for this day. It had been a time of deep resentment. If their demands were met and the restriction lifted, the years they had endured would be repaid in blood.

Geom Mugeuk let out a dry chuckle. Were they trying to bluff in front of him? Or had they been tied to the Forbidden Demon Order for so long that they had completely lost touch with reality?

If they were masters of the orthodox sects, such words might have held weight. But those who practiced demonic arts could only be bluffing.

He was trained in the Nine Calamities Demon Art, the pinnacle of all demonic techniques—using demonic arts against the Nine Calamities Demon Art was several times harder.

Besides, his father was currently challenging a realm beyond the Ten Star Greatness.

When Geom Mugeuk smiled, the White-Bone Soul Demon also grinned widely.

As he stared into his mouth, Geom Mugeuk said,

“You’ve got no teeth. Are you even able to eat?”

The White-Bone Soul Demon looked at Geom Mugeuk for a moment, then turned to the Demon Flame Lord.

“What happened to the cult while I was gone?”

“I heard the younger generation these days has no manners.”

“It was like that in our time too. Some things never change.”

And so, a childlike voice and a grating metallic voice traded back and forth.

Even after hearing their exchange, Geom Mugeuk addressed them with greater sternness.

“Start with a greeting! Manners are something you uphold before demanding them from others!”

The Demon Flame Lord and the White-Bone Soul Demon looked at Geom Mugeuk. At first, they stared at him with indignant disbelief, as if wondering what kind of insolent brat this was.

But the gaze Geom Mugeuk returned was clear and profound.

He didn’t grow hot in the presence of heat.

He wasn’t swallowed by deep darkness.

In his eyes, there was no sign of the rashness or arrogance of a clueless successor.

Geom Mugeuk was sincerely scolding them.

You mannerless bastards! Show some respect while I’m being polite!

Without a hint of fear, he reprimanded them with dignity and authority.

Moreover, Geom Mugeuk hadn’t even used any internal energy at that moment. He was overwhelming them purely with the natural presence of his being.

“Impressive.”

The Demon Flame Lord clapped. It was applause given in genuine admiration. It was the first time he had been so overwhelmed by someone this young.

The White-Bone Soul Demon also revealed his honest feelings.

“It’s a shame to kill him. A real shame.”

Now he understood where that analysis about the Cult Leader starting the Grand Demon War had come from. How could anyone endure losing a son like this?

Geom Mugeuk continued to rebuke them calmly.

“Age is earned through your words. You should know when to speak, and when to keep silent. You should know when to insult, and when to show respect. Prove with that mouth of yours that you haven’t wasted your years.”

A brief silence followed.

And then, something surprising happened. The Demon Flame Lord, who had been silently staring at Geom Mugeuk, actually offered a greeting.

“The Demon Flame Lord greets the acting Cult Leader.”

Though his voice still scraped like metal, it was a greeting made with some form of respect. Of course, that didn’t mean he wouldn’t kill him. It was just admiration for this commendable opponent. A young man with such presence deserved at least that much.

On the other hand, the White-Bone Soul Demon didn’t greet so obediently.

“I did waste my years. Because of your damned Cult Leader’s order.”

Naturally, there was no way Geom Mugeuk would let that pass.

“That’s because of the sins you committed. Greet me!”

Fwoooosh!

In an instant, dark energy erupted from the White-Bone Soul Demon’s eyes.

“Let’s see if you’re worthy of receiving my greeting.”

The Dark Heart Eye, which allowed one to peer into a human soul, had been activated. Through this demonic art, one could discern what kind of person their opponent truly was.

Before the Dark Heart Eye, no bluff nor pretense could hold. One’s true self stood bare—revealing a fox in a tiger’s skin, or a coward in armor.

The very moment he peered into Geom Mugeuk’s heart—

The White-Bone Soul Demon flinched in surprise.

Moments later, the dark energy in his eyes dissipated.

His gaze, which had looked into the heart of the one called Geom Mugeuk, had changed.

As he silently stared at Geom Mugeuk, he took a step back in their contest of presence.

“The White-Bone Soul Demon greets the acting Cult Leader.”

Only then did Geom Mugeuk accept their greetings.

“I am acting Cult Leader Geom Mugeuk.”

At that moment, it felt as if they were inside the Heavenly Demon Pavilion. Geom Mugeuk sat on the Throne Mat, and the two of them felt as if they were looking up at him from below.

As if he had never asserted any authority at all, Geom Mugeuk suddenly beamed and offered a fresh greeting. He looked so friendly, as if he were an entirely different person from a moment ago.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, seniors. I mean, even if you're going to kill me later, a greeting’s not too much to ask, is it?”

Watching that sight, So Jeongrak became convinced that changing their target to Geom Mugeuk had been the right choice.

To receive greetings from those two in a situation like this? Who in the entire martial world could manage such a feat?

He became certain that once this Young Cult Leader grew further, no one would be able to stop him.

So Jeongrak tried to suppress Geom Mugeuk’s momentum. He too had been impressed, which made him all the more eager to downplay it.

“Meeting the two of you while unable to use internal energy has left him completely terrified. He probably doesn’t even realize what he’s saying.”

At the mention of being unable to use internal energy, the Demon Flame Lord’s voice grew even more grating with complaint.

“Why was his internal energy suppressed? We said we’d kill him ourselves!”

A greeting was one thing, but their desire to tear Geom Mugeuk apart remained unchanged.

So Jeongrak explained Geom Mugeuk’s situation. After all, these two had spent decades bound by the Forbidden Demon Order and likely knew nothing of the current state of the martial world.

“That Young Cult Leader possesses peerless martial prowess.”

The ones who had already died at his hands were proof of that.

“Even now, with his internal energy suppressed, he is not someone you can afford to underestimate.”

“But still, we can’t kill someone who can’t even use their internal energy. Release him.”

So Jeongrak responded calmly.

“I cannot do that.”

Though the two old demons were indeed formidable, So Jeongrak did not fear them. Those who wield poison feared no one. The only man he acknowledged was the Poison King.

Breaking the tense atmosphere between the two, the White-Bone Soul Demon stepped forward. Rather than repeating the request to release Geom Mugeuk’s internal energy, he asked something else.

“Is everything ready to lift the seal?”

“If you two kill only the designated targets, I’ll begin the great technique immediately, just as promised.”

At those words, Geom Mugeuk asked in shock,

“I thought I was the new target? So why is it two now?”

Then, a name that should not have been spoken was uttered.

“We’ll kill you and Jin Hagun. One side lost a son—so for balance, the other should lose a grandson.”

So Jeongrak turned to the two old demons and spoke.

“Please end it now.”

The White-Bone Soul Demon looked to the Demon Flame Lord. His eyes asked for them to act together, and the Demon Flame Lord gave a nod. The White-Bone Soul Demon had clearly grown more cautious after peering into Geom Mugeuk’s heart. That wasn’t like him. What had he seen?

Just as the two began to walk toward Geom Mugeuk—

“But have you two actually met the person who will lift the seal?”

At Geom Mugeuk’s question, the Demon Flame Lord and the White-Bone Soul Demon halted.

Both of their gazes turned toward So Jeongrak.

“He’s right there, isn’t he?”

At the Demon Flame Lord’s question, Geom Mugeuk shook his head.

“He can’t do it alone.”

The Demon Flame Lord’s expression stiffened slightly.

“He can’t?”

“How could one person lift the Forbidden Demon Order seal alone? If it were that simple, do you think it could’ve lasted for so many years?”

The Demon Flame Lord turned to So Jeongrak.

“Is that true?”

So Jeongrak didn’t answer.

“That’s a matter for us to handle.”

He could tell—Geom Mugeuk was trying to drag out the hidden forces behind him. This bastard... he really was insane!

Immediately, the expressions of the Demon Flame Lord and the White-Bone Soul Demon hardened. One’s energy grew hotter, the other’s colder.

So Jeongrak felt cornered. He should have killed him outright instead of trying to act composed.

Every time Geom Mugeuk opened his mouth, something unexpected happened.

And that mouth opened once more.

“Even if I don’t know the full cost, I’m sure that great technique would require an absurd amount of money. Probably enough to make anyone start thinking other thoughts.”

What those “other thoughts” were, how could the two old demons not understand? It meant the cost of killing them might be cheaper than the price of lifting the seal.

The Demon Flame Lord firmly denied the suggestion.

“That won’t happen.”

The White-Bone Soul Demon also nodded. At the very least, it showed they still trusted the one who made the promise.

“Whoever made the promise doesn’t matter. The one handling the work is that man. Isn’t it the heart of the one holding the knife that matters most to those being cut?”

At that, So Jeongrak replied with a calm tone.

"You’re trying to sow discord with petty words, but it won’t work.”

At that, Geom Mugeuk said something entirely unexpected.

“I’ll now show you why that man cannot be trusted.”

Even before his words had fully left his mouth—

Swiik.

Geom Mugeuk’s sword was drawn.

Chwaaaak.

“Ugh!”

The one who let out a sharp cry was So Jeongrak. The sword energy unleashed from Geom Mugeuk’s blade split in all directions and severed the vine-like threads that had been connecting So Jeongrak to the sleeping patients.

It looked like a light move, but it was infused with an unparalleled level of martial knowledge. That’s why it had appeared so effortless and simple.

“Didn’t he just lie about me not being able to use internal energy?”

Before So Jeongrak could come up with an excuse, Geom Mugeuk quickly added,

“You intended for me to rush in unguarded and end up in danger in front of our two seniors, didn’t you?”

In that instant, the expressions of the Demon Flame Lord and the White-Bone Soul Demon hardened. They had clearly heard So Jeongrak say he couldn’t use internal energy.

“Weren’t you planning to let us fight to mutual destruction, then kill everyone with poison at the end?”

So Jeongrak could only stand there, stunned, listening to Geom Mugeuk’s accusations. But more than the misunderstanding, what truly shocked him was that his earlier poison had failed to work.

‘Why didn’t his blood vessels burst and endl him?’

However, to the two old demons, his expression looked like he was silently admitting everything Geom Mugeuk had said.

So Jeongrak turned to Geom Mugeuk and asked,

“What happening?”

He was asking why the poison hadn’t worked.

“What's happening? Your plan to use me for mutual destruction failed, that’s what.”

Geom Mugeuk began coaxing the two old demons.

“They say blood runs thicker than water. If we join forces, I’ll survive, and you’ll have your seal lifted. What do you say?”

So Jeongrak was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Geom Mugeuk to attempt to ally with the two demonic practitioners.

‘What’s he really after?’

But in the urgency of the situation, he couldn’t figure out Geom Mugeuk’s true intentions.

“Don’t be fooled by such wicked schemes.”

As he said that, So Jeongrak secretly administered poison to Geom Mugeuk once more.

White Snake Powder.

A poison that caused blindness and silenced speech. He had to shut that infuriating mouth first.

But Geom Mugeuk opened his eyes even wider and raised his voice louder than before.

“My seniors, are you really going to entrust your lives to that liar?”