Absolute Regression

Chapter 651: Don’t Snitch to Father About That Time

When Geom Mugeuk and the Poison King returned to their residence, Geom Muyang and the Demonic Buddha were sipping tea with the windows wide open.

Geom Mugeuk paused briefly at the entrance and looked at them.

He could feel the trust in the way they gazed at each other.

Geom Mugeuk liked the sight very much. The Demonic Buddha was filling the role he himself could not fulfill for his older brother.

‘Thank you, Demonic Buddha.’

Of course, the words that came out of his mouth were completely different from his true feelings.

“How could you! While I was locked in a three-hundred-move life-or-death battle with those terrifying old demons, you two were just lounging around!”

Geom Muyang and the Demonic Buddha gave Geom Mugeuk a sideways glance and only greeted the Poison King.

As greetings like “You’re back,” “Welcome back,” and “You’ve had a rough time” were exchanged, Geom Mugeuk raised his voice even more.

“I’m the Young Cult Leader, you know! I’m even the acting Cult Leader right now! If this continues, I’m going to summon all the Demon Supremes back home!”

But Geom Mugeuk had seen it—the fleeting, unhideable relief on his brother’s face when he glanced his way.

You were worried, weren’t you? I came back safe and sound.

Thus, Geom Mugeuk and the Poison King entered the room where the two were.

The Poison King, as soon as he stepped in, opened his satchel and showed the Demonic Buddha the poisonous herb.

“Take a look at this.”

“Oh, those are the poisonous herbs you were looking for.”

The Demonic Buddha already knew what kind of poison the Poison King had been seeking.

“That herb changed the person the Poison King cared about most. Permanently reshuffled who’s in first place.”

The Poison King corrected Geom Mugeuk’s remark.

“It was only for a very short while.”

Geom Mugeuk pouted at the Demonic Buddha, and through that gesture, the Demonic Buddha realized it—he was back to being number one.

‘You didn’t have to tell me so obviously, Young Cult Leader.’

Still, even hearing someone say he was the most cherished by another made him feel good.

With that poisonous herb, Geom Muyang could be certain: So Jeongrak was already dead.

The way he whined about fighting a life-or-death battle—he must have personally killed those two old demons.

At that moment, the Demonic Buddha took something out of a small pouch inside the satchel.

What he pulled out was none other than the Heavenly Yin Ten Thousand Poison Herb, half-eaten and stuffed back in. The very thing he had munched like a bellflower in front of So Jeongrak!

‘Ah! Not that!’

Geom Mugeuk shook his head vigorously at the Demonic Buddha, signaling him not to take it out.

The Demonic Buddha tried to slip it back in casually, but it was already too late.

The Poison King had seen it first and took it from him.

“I knew it, I smelled Heavenly Yin Ten Thousand Poison Herb earlier. So it was in here.”

A hint of regret passed across the Poison King’s face.

“Who ate something this precious?”

“I know nothing about that.”

As Geom Mugeuk flatly denied it, the Poison King examined the bite mark closely.

“I guess I just need to check if it matches your dental imprint.”

Of course, how could they truly match the bite marks? He could have just denied it outright, saying it had always been in that state. But Geom Mugeuk wasn’t the kind of person to lie to the Poison King over something like this.

“Well… So Jeongrak didn’t believe that I was immune to all poisons. So I showed him a demonstration.”

“You ate something that precious to prove it?”

“…Yes. You have to chew something toxic for them to believe it. That’s what makes it cool.”

Geom Mugeuk resentfully shifted the blame onto the Demonic Buddha for no good reason.

“I mean, you’re not just good at finding poisonous herbs—you even managed to dig one out from the front pouch of the satchel?”

“It just felt like it was there.”

“You mean it gave you the exact ‘Young Cult Leader getting scolded by the Poison King’ feeling, right? That’s what it was, wasn’t it?”

The Demonic Buddha smiled apologetically.

“Fine. I admit it. I yield the title of the Poison King’s most cherished to you, Demonic Buddha!”

Geom Muyang silently listened to their conversation.

Even when Geom Mugeuk made silly jokes, behind them was his intent to improve the relationship between the Demonic Buddha and the Poison King.

It was now clear to Geom Muyang what kind of heart that came from.

You don’t have to be closest with me.

Because he carried that sentiment, he didn’t distort the relationships others formed. Nor was he jealous.

Geom Muyang understood well—when building relationships, how difficult that kind of mindset was. The closer you got, the harder it became.

After that not-quite-a-commotion settled down, Geom Mugeuk spoke seriously.

“By the way, there’s something both of you should know.”

Geom Mugeuk told the two about what he had experienced on his way back—the story of the woman he had met in the marketplace.

“She was a master of Soul Reaping Art.”

At the mention of Soul Reaping Art, a moment of silence fell.

“We still don’t know what their intentions are.”

Previously, Geom Mugeuk had sensed that it wasn’t a simple warning to leave—there had to be a different motive.

For now, understanding that motive was important, but this came first.

“We must prepare against Soul Reaping Art. We absolutely cannot fall victim to it.”

Among those present, the one most knowledgeable about Soul Reaping Art was the Demonic Buddha. He spoke to Geom Mugeuk.

“As someone who’s learned Nine Calamities Demon Art, Soul Reaping Art will hardly affect you, Young Cult Leader.”

Not to mention, he had also learned Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique, which meant it was virtually impossible for his mind to be manipulated by Soul Reaping Art.

“I’m also unlikely to fall under its influence,” the Demonic Buddha added.

His martial arts were innately resistant to such techniques.

Then Geom Mugeuk turned his gaze toward the Poison King.

“What about you, Poison King?”

The Poison King also had his countermeasures.

“I don’t have to worry about Soul Reaping Art.”

The idea of the Poison King, a wielder of deadly poisons, being controlled by someone else went beyond severe—it would be a state of full-scale emergency. Which is exactly why he had already made preparations.

“In the Heavenly Poison Forest, once a person develops three or more poison sacs, they begin regularly consuming the fruit of Heart-Soul Grass. The Heart-Soul Grass clears the mind and blocks the intrusion of sorcery that targets the spirit. Naturally, the longer you’ve taken it, the stronger its effects.”

Even without the Heart-Soul Grass, Geom Mugeuk thought it would not be easy to penetrate the mental defenses of someone like the Poison King.

Now, the only one left was Geom Muyang.

“The problem is me.”

If it had been the old version of his brother, he would have been visibly irked and prideful in a situation like this. But now, he didn’t reveal any discomfort.

Geom Mugeuk turned to the two Demon Supremes and spoke.

“Would you mind stepping out for a moment?”

At the sudden request, the Demonic Buddha said to the Poison King,

“I’ll help sort through the poisonous herbs.”

“Much appreciated.”

Neither of them asked why Geom Mugeuk needed them to leave; they simply stepped out.

As they left, the Poison King gave the half-eaten Heavenly Yin Ten Thousand Poison Herb a little shake in Geom Mugeuk’s direction before walking away.

“Whew, persistent, isn’t he? When it comes to poison, he’s endlessly persistent.”

Thus, only Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang remained in the room.

“What is this about?”

Geom Mugeuk walked over to the window.

Through it, he could see the Poison King and the Demonic Buddha heading toward the courtyard. He shut the window tightly.

Geom Muyang was curious why his younger brother had suddenly sent the two Demon Supremes out. And the reason—was something he truly hadn’t expected.

“From now on, memorize the mnemonic verse I’m about to say.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“It’s a martial art I learned from the Heavenly Demon Library. It’s a mental technique that counters Soul Reaping Art.”

Geom Muyang was taken aback. He was suddenly being taught a technique to counter Soul Reaping Art?

“But the mnemonic verse is extremely difficult. You’ll need to hear it multiple times before you can memorize it.”

Soon enough, the light in Geom Muyang’s eyes turned resolute.

“Alright, teach it to me.”

In his current state, he wouldn’t be able to stand at the frontlines. If something went wrong, he might become a burden. And that was the one thing Geom Muyang could never accept.

“Alright, let’s begin.”

Geom Mugeuk released his internal energy and created a barrier around them. It was to ensure that what they said wouldn’t leak outside. It was the first time Geom Muyang had seen his younger brother act this cautiously, which only deepened his curiosity.

‘Just what kind of martial art is this?’

As he was about to ask the name of the technique, Geom Mugeuk began reciting the mnemonic verse. And so, the transmission began—without Geom Muyang even knowing the name of the martial art.

For now, he focused on memorizing the verse.

“From the Life Gate Acupoint, circulate your energy gently through Will Point, Earth Point, and Stomach Circulation Point. The qi at this stage must be as light as snow resting on a blade of grass. As for Spleen Circulation Point, Liver Circulation Point, and Diaphragm Circulation Point, the speed at which you circulate your energy is critical…”

The mnemonic verse was truly difficult. Only after hearing it numerous times could he memorize it completely. But he could feel it.

‘This is martial art of a level beyond description.’

After having his brother repeat the verse several times until he had it memorized,

“Now, let’s try practicing it together.”

Geom Mugeuk wasn’t just passing on the verse—he was intending to fully teach the technique.

“Because the situation is urgent.”

Geom Muyang could sense it. While that was certainly part of the reason, more than anything, the martial art itself was so difficult that Geom Mugeuk had to guide him through it directly.

Even after memorizing the mnemonic verse, there were sections that made no sense at all. Moreover, the technique was of such an exalted level that a single misstep in moving the qi could lead to severe internal injuries.

In that moment, Geom Muyang did not let pride get in the way. When a vessel of hollow pride has a younger brother as humble as Geom Mugeuk, it becomes natural to understand a simple truth:

A person falls to pride, but rises through humility.

“Alright, I’ll rely on you.”

Geom Muyang’s life was truly beginning to change.

Geom Mugeuk channeled a thread of internal energy through his brother’s back. Like a scout team clearing the path, it moved along his blood vessels, directly demonstrating how to guide the qi.

“When it says ‘as light as snow,’ this is how I interpreted it. Now, feel it.”

Geom Mugeuk first demonstrated the flow using his own energy.

At every difficult point, Geom Mugeuk showed him how to do it with clear examples. Under normal circumstances, this process could severely harm the recipient, but the one teaching was Geom Mugeuk.

Like that, Geom Muyang felt Geom Mugeuk’s energy and successfully completed the mnemonic verse. Though there were several critical moments along the way, he calmly chose to trust and follow his younger brother.

It was something truly impossible without deep trust in one another.

Having now fully learned the martial art, Geom Muyang understood something.

If Geom Mugeuk hadn’t taught it to him so thoroughly, it might have taken him years to grasp it on his own. No—he might never have properly learned it at all.

“Brother, take a break.”

Geom Muyang was drenched in sweat from the sheer concentration. But he didn’t rest.

“I’ll try it right away while the feeling’s still fresh.”

On his own, Geom Muyang began circulating the qi exactly according to the mnemonic verse.

Geom Mugeuk watched intently, staying close and alert. He was ready to inject energy immediately if anything went wrong.

But Geom Muyang completed the mnemonic flawlessly.

“As expected! My brother is amazing. I mean, whose son would fail at something like this?”

But the overwhelming joy coursing through him wasn’t from his brother’s praise. When he finished the mnemonic, an indescribable thrill radiated throughout his body.

Had he ever felt such deep and full satisfaction upon learning a martial art?

Even when he had mastered the Soaring Sword Art, he hadn’t experienced this sensation.

With emotion welling up, Geom Muyang asked,

“What martial art is this?”

And from Geom Mugeuk’s lips came a shocking answer.

“It’s Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique.”

In that instant, Geom Muyang’s expression hardened, and his eyes widened. He was so stunned, he couldn’t say a word.

Geom Mugeuk wasn’t the kind of younger brother who would joke about Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique. No—his body was already speaking the truth. If it wasn’t Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique, how else could such a sensation be explained?

Geom Muyang jumped to his feet and shouted.

“You! Are you insane?!”

He glared at Geom Mugeuk with terrifying eyes.

“Do you even understand what you’ve just done?!”

He was genuinely scolding his brother. Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique was a martial art passed down only to the heir.

“I gave you a life, Brother.”

People often said that learning Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique was like gaining an extra life.

But Geom Mugeuk, who had mastered it to its highest level, had experienced it many times over.

It wasn’t just one life. There were countless times he had survived crises thanks to it. He knew it would continue to save him throughout his life.

“Brother, the enemy this time is a master of Soul Reaping Art. Ordinary martial arts will never be enough to stop them.”

What weighed most heavily on Geom Muyang’s mind was their father.

“If Father finds out, he won’t let this go.”

More than anything, it was the fact that he had learned it that troubled him. Saying “I didn’t know it was Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique when I learned it”—while technically true—was not an excuse he wanted to give to their father.

“Father won’t find out.”

“What?”

“As long as you don’t say anything. Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique isn’t a flashy martial art. That’s what makes it so great.”

“You!”

“Looks like we’ve got a secret between us now.”

Geom Muyang didn’t know what to say.

Then, Geom Mugeuk looked at his brother with a deep gaze.

“It’s not just because of the enemy using Soul Reaping Art that I taught you this.”

If the enemy used Soul Reaping Art, Geom Muyang could just stay out of the fight. He might feel disappointed, but the current Geom Muyang would surely accept that.

“Then why did you do it?”

What Geom Mugeuk said next was even more shocking than when he had revealed the name of the martial art.

“I want you to stay by my side, safe, for a long time.”

“...!”

It was his honest wish. If he had truly followed his heart, he would have taught him Nine Calamities Demon Art too. But that was absolutely impossible.

Feeling the sincerity of his younger brother, Geom Muyang couldn’t bring himself to say a word.

“Brother, you’ve finally got real leverage on me. If you tell Father about this, I’ll probably be stripped of my heir position.”

Of course, that wouldn’t happen. At least not over Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique. Their father wasn’t in a position to say anything either, since he had taught Geom Mugeuk that technique in exchange for Wind God’s Four Steps even before officially naming him as heir.

Suddenly, Geom Muyang recalled something the Demonic Buddha had said.

—The Young Cult Leader would never want the Great Young Master to live only as his shadow.

With a deepened gaze, Geom Muyang spoke bluntly.

“Alright then. If you ever become really insufferable, I’ll rat you out to Father.”

“We’ll probably both get kicked out of the cult.”

And at that very moment—

His brother smiled.

It was the first time. He had never seen his brother smile so brightly before. Had such an expression ever even existed on his face?

Geom Mugeuk understood. That smile meant more than if his brother had said “thank you” a thousand times.

And because he knew that speaking about that smile would make it disappear forever, never to be seen again—

Instead of saying anything, Geom Mugeuk walked to the window and threw it open wide.

Out in the yard, the Poison King and the Demonic Buddha were laying out poisonous herbs and chatting.

Geom Mugeuk shouted toward them.

“If we brothers get kicked out by Father, you two will come with us, right?”

The Poison King and the Demonic Buddha glanced at Geom Mugeuk but didn’t respond. They simply leaned their heads together and went on with their discussion.

“You’ll sell herbs and feed us, right? You will, won’t you?”

Geom Muyang stared silently at his younger brother’s back.

Once again, he recalled something the Demonic Buddha had said.

—Being the older brother of an exceptional little brother isn’t easy, is it?

Closing his eyes quietly, Geom Muyang began to move his internal energy according to the mnemonic of the Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique. Until now, it had always been a vague sense of duty—he's my little brother, I must protect him.

‘Now... it’s time I truly learn to be a proper older brother.’