Absolute Regression

Chapter 668: Our Time Begins Now

The courtyard was abuzz with preparations for departure.

It was decided that only Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang would remain, while the rest would return to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s main compound.

Even though the task was complete, it would be discourteous to the Martial Alliance for so many experts of the Cult to linger in Wuhan.

Watching the scene from a short distance away were a brother and sister—Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju.

“We have to go back with them?”

They were a brave pair who had pledged themselves to the Demonic Cult, but the thought of traveling with those people was far more terrifying to them.

“And without even the one who’s taking you with him?”

That was what Gwak Yeong regretted the most. She would have preferred if Geom Muyang accompanied them, but he had said he would come later due to other matters.

Come to think of it, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s Great Young Master was an even more formidable and frightening figure than those Demon Supremes, yet they were relying on him.

She was grateful to Geom Muyang. For someone so fearsome to stand as their support meant a great deal.

Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju had already learned who those “crazy people” were—and that it was the Poison King who had called them such.

The Poison King?

That same Poison King, before whom even peerless masters trembled, had passed by making jokes at their expense.

Their ranks were so exalted it felt unreal. In one’s lifetime, how often would anyone meet even once the former Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult or the Demon Supremes? And yet, four such people stood before their eyes right now.

“They wouldn’t actually eat us, right?”

At Gwak Ju’s words, someone suddenly spoke up from behind.

“They might not eat you, but they could still use you as ingredients for poison.”

Startled, Gwak Ju turned to find that Geom Mugeuk had somehow appeared without notice.

“You’ve never been sealed inside a vat full of poison, have you? Your body starts going limp, and you can’t even tell if that floating thing over there is your finger or your ear.”

Gwak Ju stared at him with a sharp intake of breath—not from fear of the poison vat, but because of who was standing before him.

The Demonic Cult’s Young Cult Leader!

He hadn’t known yesterday, but now he understood—this man’s status was even more exalted than those four terrifying people, and he was speaking directly to him.

Was this a dream? Yes, it had to be a dream. Even his sister, once an artisan for the Martial Alliance’s Iron Workshop, declaring her intent to join the Demonic Cult was a story fit only for dreams.

“Which carriage will you be riding in?”

At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Gwak Ju, who had been dazed, snapped back to his senses.

“Ah, ah… We…”

He looked at his sister. As if Gwak Yeong had decided beforehand where they would ride.

Two carriages stood waiting in the courtyard.

The first would carry the Demonic Buddha and the Poison King. The second would be for the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme.

“Over there, whose face looks the most pleasant to you?”

At that, the four people about to board the carriages perked up their ears.

Geom Mugeuk whispered the question to the siblings, but could the hearing of those four great masters be anything ordinary?

Besides, Geom Mugeuk was glancing their way and whispering conspiratorially.

Gwak Ju looked over at them, then murmured quietly,

“Just judging by appearance, that handsome man over there looks the most pleasant.”

He thought they wouldn’t hear—but they heard every word.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader frowned. He wasn’t shameless enough to actually want to be picked as the most handsome.

But if it was about having a pleasant face! That was him, wasn’t it? When else would he get to put this kindly appearance to use?

“If you hop on the first carriage just because someone’s face looks nice, and you make a mistake, you know what happens, right? The poison vat!”

Gwak Ju nodded, his expression stricken.

“Then… we’ll take the second carriage.”

“Right, nothing like that will happen there.”

Or so he seemed to reassure them—

“But if you make a mistake there, you’ll end up stabbing your sister to death and then killing yourself. See that man with the unpleasant face and the belly? Be especially careful of him.”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader whipped his head around to glare. I can hear you, you brat! Before he could shout, someone else cut in.

“Enough with the jokes.”

They turned to see Geom Muyang standing there.

“The two of you will return in that carriage.”

A third carriage had arrived. The escorts were the martial artists from the branch who had first come with Geom Muyang. He ordered them to escort the siblings all the way to the main compound and then return.

Relieved at the prospect of traveling separately from the Demon Supremes, Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju felt the tension ease from their shoulders.

“I’ve already sent word ahead. Once you arrive, go to the Iron Workshop and meet Artisan Gwak.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Her gaze toward Geom Muyang carried a mix of emotions. She missed the time when she had spoken to him freely, not knowing his status. That way, she could have expressed this boiling gratitude much more directly. A pity.

The two of them began walking toward the third carriage.

As they passed by, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader remarked to the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme,

“Usually, you pick the person who saved your life as number one.”

Gwak Ju flinched at that moment.

The Soul Reaper Demon Supreme humored his elder’s pettiness.

“For the Grand Art, we do need the blood of a young man.”

With a startled yelp, Gwak Ju bolted for the third carriage. Even knowing it was a joke, it was still terrifying.

Gwak Yeong followed with an awkward laugh.

Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang watched them go.

“Make sure you look after them from now on.”

“You’re the one taking them, so why should I?”

“You’re good at looking after people.”

“From what I saw this time, you’ve got the knack for it too.”

Geom Muyang gave no reply. Saving the Gwak siblings this time had been a different version of himself than in the past. It was also a moment where he could confirm the changes within himself.

“I like the you of these days. More and more, in fact. So I’ll say it again—don’t even dream about going back to the way you were before.”

“……”

Just then, the carriages began to depart.

Geom Mugeuk ran over to greet the Demonic Buddha and the Poison King.

“I’ll see you at the main compound. And when you meet the Chief Strategist, please tell him we’re fine, so he should really take a rest!”

The two were too busy talking over some poisonous herb to even look his way.

“Demonic Buddha! You’re just being used, you know!”

And with that, the first carriage departed.

As for the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, Geom Mugeuk entrusted him with someone else.

“Cult Leader, please look after our Strategist Go!”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader slammed the window shut.

“Pretending to be concerned!”

A moment later, the window opened just enough for the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme to send a nod of acknowledgment.

The second carriage departed as well.

When the third carriage passed by, the mischief faded from Geom Mugeuk’s face.

“Welcome to our Cult.”

A completely different air from earlier—clear, deep eyes and an indescribable, overwhelming presence.

Gwak Yeong and Gwak Ju bowed respectfully.

“Thank you so much for accepting us.”

And thus, the three carriages set off toward the main compound.

Geom Mugeuk turned and walked straight out the gate.

“I’ll be making a quick trip to the Martial Alliance.”

Geom Muyang shook his head and called out loudly.

“What, is the Martial Alliance your own bedroom that you can just go in and out of at will?”

From beyond the wall came Geom Mugeuk’s reply.

“They told me to come!”

*         *         *

The streets of Wuhan were abuzz with two pieces of news.

The first was the death of the Hermit of Heaven and Earth, Hwa Yulcheong.

When it was revealed that he had been a villain who had infiltrated the Martial Alliance, the martial artists of Wuhan were thrown into shock.

The Martial Alliance made its stance clear.

They announced that the person who had personally executed the Hermit of Heaven and Earth was none other than the Martial Alliance Leader himself, and that not only the guards of the Alliance Leader’s Hall but also the martial artists of the Demon-Slaying Brigade had all confirmed his crimes.

Hwa Yulcheong had once mocked Jin Paecheon, asking whether the martial world would really believe his words—but the uproar was far less than he had expected.

Some of his ardent followers raised objections, but far more people believed in the Martial Alliance Leader and the Alliance.

What Hwa Yulcheong had failed to grasp was not only Jin Paecheon’s martial prowess, but also the hidden strength of a man who had lived his life as an Alliance Leader without a shred of stain.

It would take time for this incident to fully settle, but there was no chaos significant enough to cause real trouble.

And there was another piece of news that overshadowed the first—the announcement that Jin Hagun would be the successor.

The orthodox faction martial artists rejoiced at the news. Many had already believed that Jin Hagun ought to be the next Alliance Leader.

The Demon-Slaying Brigade had devoted themselves to the justice and honor of the martial world, disregarding their own lives in the process.

Amidst the bustling marketplace filled with chatter about Jin Hagun’s succession, Geom Mugeuk, wearing a bamboo hat pulled low, passed through quietly.

His destination was the Martial Alliance’s main compound, where Jin Haryeong was already waiting at the entrance.

She watched as Geom Mugeuk walked toward her.

‘Once again, you’ve saved us.’

Whenever she saw him, she couldn’t help but recall the very first time they met—and the more important Geom Mugeuk became to her, the more vivid that memory grew.

When he reached her, she spoke.

“It’s all over now, right?”

He shook his head.

“No! Our time begins now!”

Knowing full well that he meant they could finally spend time together, Jin Haryeong smiled brightly.

“Come on, Grandfather is waiting for us.”

The two entered the Martial Alliance together, though she did not lead him toward the Alliance Leader’s Hall.

Whether prior orders had been given or not, the guards they encountered along the way allowed them to pass without asking about Geom Mugeuk’s identity.

They walked side by side, talking as they went.

“Not disappointed?”

“About what?”

“You could have been the successor too.”

“That’s something only people with ambition would desire. I have no such ambition. Being the granddaughter of the Alliance Leader now, and in the future, the Alliance Leader’s younger sister—that’s already more than I can handle.”

Geom Mugeuk knew she harbored greater ambitions than that, but he was certain they had nothing to do with becoming the Martial Alliance Leader.

“And Hagun?”

“Brother is in the training hall right now.”

Having received instruction in the Emperor’s Sword Style from Jin Paecheon, Jin Hagun was training alone. At such a stage, properly consolidating the lessons was critical, so he would likely remain in seclusion for some time. This was the most important period for him.

“That’s good. We can use the time to prepare the celebration banquet.”

“You really intend to do it?”

“Of course. A friend has achieved his dream—how could I not? Let’s just invite friends and keep it small.”

Though “small” was hardly a word that fit them.

“I’ve already invited everyone.”

“You’re quick, aren’t you?”

This gathering would in fact be the official meeting of the Alliance Leader’s designated successors.

Jin Haryeong asked sincerely,

“Doesn’t doing this bother you?”

After all, among the friends who would gather, he was the one who surpassed all in status, martial skill, and even character.

It would be natural for someone to think, Do I really need to be the one to organize this?

“If just a little bit of effort on my part can give your brother an unforgettable celebration in his life, how could I skip it just because it’s bothersome?”

For a moment, Jin Haryeong thought—

If someone this extraordinary lived with such dedication, who was she to do any less? She would have to work even harder.

Of course, he also had a way of throwing her off balance.

“When should we start practicing the dance?”

“…What?”

Jin Haryeong stopped in her tracks, her face full of surprise.

“We have to do a congratulatory performance.”

“No! Absolutely not! I’d rather die! Never!”

Of course, her refusal meant nothing to Geom Mugeuk, who had already spotted his prey.

“Well, that’s a shame.”

He was giving up that easily?

Of course not.

“It’s just disappointing, that’s all. On days that didn’t even matter, you danced with such enthusiasm. And now, on the most precious day of your brother’s life, you’re saying you can’t because you’re embarrassed? Back then, the place was full of masters from the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions. This time, it’s just going to be among friends. And you know your brother—his heart is so generous, he’ll understand. But years from now, when you’re older and think back on today, you’ll say, ‘Ah, it really was nothing. Why did I act like that? Why did I hurt my brother’s feelings?’ And then you’ll shed tears of regret at Hagun’s grave. It’s fine, though—he’ll still understand.”

In the end, Jin Haryeong raised both hands in surrender.

“Ugh, fine! I’ll dance! I’ll dance until I’m so tired I collapse!”

But she wasn’t about to go down alone.

“On one condition. You have to dance, and so does Young Leader Bi!”

She had no doubt Geom Mugeuk would jump in without hesitation, but she was certain Bi Sa-in would never agree. And if he didn’t, she wouldn’t have to either. That hope was just beginning to rise when—

Geom Mugeuk gave a knowing smile, as if he already had a plan.

“Of course. Sa-in will be at the center of it.”

*         *         *

Jin Paecheon was waiting deep within the Inner Compound.

Before they reached the place, Jin Haryeong had turned back, saying she couldn’t go any farther—it was clearly a location only the Alliance Leader could enter.

Jin Paecheon stood with his back turned, gazing up at the sky.

“This time, Alliance Leader, you’ve given me another great lesson.”

He waited in silence for Geom Mugeuk’s next words.

“When you make up your mind, act on it immediately.”

It was a comment about how Jin Paecheon had wasted no time in naming his successor once he had decided.

Still looking at the sky, Jin Paecheon spoke calmly.

“The right time to do what must be done is now. I’ve believed that all my life.”

Geom Mugeuk stepped up to stand beside him.

“I’ll make sure to live by that.”

At that, Jin Paecheon finally turned his gaze from the sky to Geom Mugeuk.

“You, on the other hand, should learn to delay a little.”

It was a joke, telling him not to grow even stronger so quickly, and Geom Mugeuk smiled.

Jin Paecheon’s expression softened as he looked at him.

“If it hadn’t been for you, not just the Alliance, but Hagun and I as well would have been in serious trouble.”

“You never know what might have happened. At the critical moment, I’m sure you would have realized everything.”

“Would I, really?”

Though he said it with doubt, Geom Mugeuk truly believed he would have.

“Yes, I’m certain you would have.”

“And why are you so sure?”

“Because the Alliance Leader’s instinct for danger would never have let such a crisis pass unnoticed. When a true crisis came, it would have activated without fail.”

That was it—the reason he couldn’t simply brush it off. His counterpart was a man like this. Even if his danger sense could overlook something, this was something he could not ignore.

“I’m a man who settles my debts. I owe you, so I must repay it.”

Jin Paecheon began walking, and Geom Mugeuk silently followed behind.

After a short while, they reached a place shrouded in thick mist.

Geom Mugeuk could tell—there was a formation at work here.

If this formation guarded a place of such value, there was no way Jin Paecheon would tell him the method to break it.

He considered closing his eyes and simply following, when—

Ssshh…

The mist parted on its own to form a path. He didn’t know how it worked, but the mist twisted and wound into a trail—forward, then to the side, then forward again. It was likely a path that would open only for Jin Paecheon.

There was no need to watch where to step or where to leap; all he had to do was walk where the mist led.

When they finally emerged from the long, winding path of fog, a massive gate appeared before them.

Above it, in bold and vigorous brushstrokes, were the characters declaring the place’s name:

Martial Treasury.