Absolute Regression

Chapter 671: I Should Let Him Go Ahead

Geom Mugeuk came out of the Martial Treasury.

Jin Paecheon was standing at the entrance with his back turned, waiting.

“Alliance Leader, I’m out.”

What could he have brought out? Jin Paecheon was curious about his choices.

The moment he turned to look at Geom Mugeuk, Jin Paecheon blanked out for a very brief instant. If this had been in actual combat, that momentary lapse of thought could have cost him his life.

‘The Gentleman’s Sword?’

And then the surprise hit him. He didn’t show it outwardly, but he truly was shocked. He had almost let out a “Huh!” of astonishment.

“These are the three things I chose.”

Across Geom Mugeuk’s two outstretched arms lay the Gentleman’s Sword horizontally.

On top of the Gentleman’s Sword rested a bottle of Sky-Clear Jade Oil, and beside it hung The Dream of the Priestess.

So stunned, Jin Paecheon couldn’t speak for a moment.

‘He brought out the Gentleman’s Sword?’

He had never imagined he would bring out the Gentleman’s Sword. The thought hadn’t even occurred to him at all.

The Gentleman’s Sword was a blade symbolic of the Orthodox Factions themselves.

Even he had only ever looked at it, never once drawing it from its scabbard.

‘Is the thing before me truly the Gentleman’s Sword?’

Even when he looked again, it was indeed the Gentleman’s Sword.

“Do you know what kind of sword that is?”

He asked, wondering if perhaps Geom Mugeuk had taken it without knowing.

“Of course.”

Looking down at the Gentleman’s Sword, Geom Mugeuk spoke.

“It’s The Greatest Gentleman’s Sword in All of History.”

His gaze, which had been fixed on the sword, returned to Jin Paecheon.

“I brought out the finest sword among them all.”

No matter that he had been told to choose whatever he wanted, to bring out the Gentleman’s Sword?

Jin Paecheon felt bewildered and flustered. He didn’t know how to even process the situation. Why had the possibility never occurred to him that Geom Mugeuk might choose this?

Jin Paecheon’s gaze shifted again to the Sky-Clear Jade Oil.

The most precious among all elixirs.

Perhaps because he was so shocked by the Gentleman’s Sword, that didn’t seem quite as astonishing in comparison.

Well, the Sky-Clear Jade Oil could be given. After all, Geom Mugeuk had saved his grandchildren and, furthermore, the fate of the Martial Alliance itself.

But the Gentleman’s Sword was the symbol of the Orthodox Factions. And now that sword would fall into the hands of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?

If the orthodox martial artists learned of this, chaos would erupt. The impact might even be greater than the revelation that the Hermit of Heaven and Earth had been an evil man.

‘I should tell him even now that it can’t be done.’

Jin Paecheon’s eyes went to Geom Mugeuk. He was looking at him with a face full of mischief, as if he was greatly pleased. Well, he would be pleased.

“What is that cloth?”

“It is a divine relic called The Dream of the Priestess.”

Geom Mugeuk handed over The Dream of the Priestess, which had been hanging on the sword, to Jin Paecheon.

“Three hundred years ago, it was a relic of the Priestess Palace, one of the three organizations guarding the Heavenly Will Palace.”

Jin Paecheon examined The Dream of the Priestess but found nothing special about it.

‘Aside from its historical significance, it’s nothing more than a piece of cloth with no particular effect.’

From Jin Paecheon’s expression and reaction, Geom Mugeuk could tell. That sacred energy was something only he could feel.

“May I ask why you chose this?”

“There’s someone I want to give it to.”

Jin Paecheon handed The Dream of the Priestess back to him. He didn’t ask who it was for.

That wasn’t the important matter — what was important now was making a decision. Once they left this place, there would be no turning back.

In the end, however, Jin Paecheon did not say the words that the Gentleman’s Sword could not be allowed.

A promise was a promise.

And it wasn’t just any promise. It was a promise the Leader of the Martial Alliance had made to the acting Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

“It’s an excellent choice.”

Yes, how could it be a wrong decision for a swordsman to choose the Gentleman’s Sword?

Casting aside any lingering regrets or hesitation, Jin Paecheon sincerely congratulated Geom Mugeuk.

He resolved not to regret this choice.

Even if it wasn’t the Gentleman’s Sword, even if it were all the treasures and divine relics there, it wouldn’t be too much to give — Geom Mugeuk had saved his grandsons’ lives.

If giving away the Gentleman’s Sword caused trouble, he would gladly take responsibility for it. This matter was his problem, not Geom Mugeuk’s.

Now was the time to truly express his gratitude.

“Thank you for this matter.”

With a moved expression, Geom Mugeuk looked at Jin Paecheon and then bowed respectfully.

“May you live long and keep protecting us.”

“Good grief, man. Is that something the acting Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult should be saying to the Leader of the Martial Alliance?”

The two looked at each other and laughed.

“Let’s head back now.”

“Yes, Alliance Leader.”

Geom Mugeuk tucked The Dream of the Priestess and the Sky-Clear Jade Oil into his robes, and fastened the Gentleman’s Sword to his waist.

Though Jin Paecheon had resolved to give it without hesitation, his gaze still drifted toward the Gentleman’s Sword. He still had some lingering attachment. Feeling his heart stir again—

‘Ah! I cannot call myself a true gentleman!’

As he walked, Jin Paecheon let out a faint chuckle.

Sss-ss-ss-

Just as when they had entered, the fog within the formation dissipated on its own, clearing a path.

“Will you be heading back now?”

“No. As I mentioned before, I plan to gather my friends and hold a celebration banquet for Hagun before returning.”

When he had first heard it, Jin Paecheon thought it was just an offhand remark. But it seemed Geom Mugeuk really intended to hold a celebration.

“If someone doesn’t raise the flag and call everyone to gather, we might never see each other again. I’m usually the one holding that flag.”

Jin Paecheon knew well how difficult that was. He himself was guilty of it.

I am Jin Paecheon — so why bother? If you want to see me, you should contact me first.

Honestly, to say such feelings didn’t exist would be a lie.

“Why do you go to such lengths to gather people?”

“Because I like it. I like my friends. I like Hagun, I like Young Leader Bi of the Unorthodox Alliance, and I like my other friends too. Seeing them is fun and enjoyable. That’s why I raise the flag. Of course, Alliance Leader, you might suspect that flag is a battle charge banner, but it’s just a cheerful gathering flag telling everyone to come here.”

At Geom Mugeuk’s joke, Jin Paecheon gave a faint smile.

“Don’t you have such friends, Alliance Leader?”

Even knowing full well about the matter with the Hermit of Heaven and Earth, Geom Mugeuk still asked.

As always, it was Geom Mugeuk’s effort to bury the corpse but not let the wound in the heart be buried — if you lose one friend, you should make a new one.

“How about trying to raise the flag just once now?”

Jin Paecheon looked at him in surprise. Raise the flag himself?

“If you raise the flag, the entire martial world will be shocked. So you’d have to write it big on the flag: No hidden meaning — it’s a flag for fun!”

Jin Paecheon burst out laughing. Truly, the only one who could make him laugh like this was Geom Mugeuk — and that was even with the Gentleman’s Sword strapped to his side.

“If I raise the flag, who would come?”

Then Geom Mugeuk named people Jin Paecheon never expected.

“My father, for one. And the Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance.”

“!”

As if speaking in earnest, Geom Mugeuk added,

“They might secretly be waiting for someone to raise the flag.”

With a look that said “you’re hopeless,” Jin Paecheon started walking again.

He thought it was nonsense — yet, suddenly, the memory of the Three-way Summit came to mind.

It had been more enjoyable than he expected. And as the thought that it wouldn’t be bad to gather again crossed his mind, Jin Paecheon flinched.

‘What ridiculous thoughts am I having!’

The two emerged from the formation and began walking together through the Inner Compound, when at the spot where they had parted from Jin Haryeong earlier, someone was waiting.

“Alliance Leader.”

The man who greeted Jin Paecheon respectfully was none other than Jin Hagun.

Before going into the training hall, he had ordered his subordinate: if Geom Mugeuk came looking for the Alliance Leader, be sure to call him.

He wanted to see him before Geom Mugeuk returned to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

Jin Hagun asked Geom Mugeuk,

“Did you choose a good gift?”

He had heard from Jin Haryeong that their grandfather had taken Geom Mugeuk into the Martial Treasury.

“I only brought out the most incredible things.”

Jin Hagun’s gaze went to the Gentleman’s Sword strapped to the opposite side from the Black Demon Sword. Having never seen it before, he didn’t recognize it as the Gentleman’s Sword.

One thing was certain — no matter what treasure Geom Mugeuk took, it wasn’t too much for him to have.

“Thank you for this time.”

He knew full well that becoming the successor had all been thanks to Geom Mugeuk.

“Are you heading straight back?”

He naturally assumed he would now be returning to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

“I’m not going back.”

“What?”

“I’m going to your celebration banquet first. You became the successor, so we need to hold one. I’ve already called all our friends.”

“Which friends?”

“Why ask, when you don’t even have that many?”

Caught off guard, Jin Hagun looked at his grandfather. Jin Paecheon simply watched the two in silence.

“Why? You don’t like it?”

“It’s not that I dislike it.”

Truthfully, he felt good. This celebration would be one where only those who sincerely wished him well would gather.

“And here is for you.”

Geom Mugeuk unfastened the Gentleman’s Sword from his waist and held it out to him.

“A gift from me to commemorate you becoming the successor.”

The person most shocked at that moment was Jin Paecheon. It wasn’t just surprise — it was utter disbelief. Not once had he imagined that Geom Mugeuk would give the Gentleman’s Sword to his grandson as a present.

Jin Hagun waved his hand in refusal.

“No, that’s too much for a gift!”

Jin Paecheon’s face tightened with a small grimace.

Geom Mugeuk teased lightly,

“You’ll regret it later.”

“I won’t regret it. It’s your gift — you keep it.”

Geom Mugeuk made to strap the Gentleman’s Sword back onto his waist, and Jin Paecheon’s gaze followed it, filled with lingering attachment.

But instead of fastening it back, Geom Mugeuk once again extended the Gentleman’s Sword toward Jin Hagun.

“Take it. I chose it for you. Don’t ignore a friend’s sincerity.”

Jin Hagun glanced at his grandfather. Since the one who had given the gift was his grandfather, he wasn’t sure if he could accept it.

His grandfather said nothing, only looking at the sword. For some reason, he seemed tense, unlike his usual self. This was a man who wouldn’t be shaken even in front of thousands of enemies.

Geom Mugeuk pushed the sword toward him.

“I’ve already received another fine gift from the Alliance Leader. So don’t feel burdened — if we drag this out over nothing, I’ll only feel embarrassed. Go on!”

“Alright then, thank you. I’ll accept it with gratitude.”

In the end, Jin Hagun took the Gentleman’s Sword.

The moment he held it—

“!”

His eyes changed. The instant he grasped it, he knew.

‘This is no ordinary sword.’

Slowly, Jin Hagun drew the Gentleman’s Sword.

Srrrng—

The Gentleman’s Sword finally revealed itself to the world.

It had reappeared after transcending the long passage of years.

“Ah!”

A sigh of admiration escaped Jin Hagun’s lips.

The sharp, refined aura flowing along the blade was unlike anything he had ever seen. It felt as if it could cut through even the heart of the one gazing upon it.

He could feel the sword’s breath.

A deep and graceful breath.

It was the first time he had ever felt such a thing from a sword.

He hadn’t seen every sword in existence, but he still knew — this was the greatest sword.

Slowly, Jin Hagun infused his internal energy into the Gentleman’s Sword, introducing himself.

And as if to respond to that greeting—

Wooong!

The sword gave a short, resonant hum.

After that first communion, he sheathed the sword again.

Jin Hagun’s heart was pounding as if it would burst.

“You said over nothing?”

At Jin Hagun’s question, Geom Mugeuk smiled as he answered,

“It’s just not suited for me. I’m far too distant from being a true gentleman.”

A gentleman?

In that instant, Jin Hagun’s eyes widened before he exclaimed,

“The Gentleman’s Sword!”

At his surprised cry, Geom Mugeuk nodded.

“That’s right, it’s the Gentleman’s Sword.”

Jin Hagun was stunned. How could he not recognize The Greatest Gentleman’s Sword in All of History?

That legendary sword was now in his hands under the name of a gift.

“The Alliance Leader gave me three treasures from the Martial Treasury.”

From here on, Geom Mugeuk spoke to both Jin Paecheon and Jin Hagun.

“He’s been Alliance Leader his whole life and never took a single item from the Treasury. Knowing his upright character, the Gentleman’s Sword would have remained stored there forever, right?”

It was true. Jin Paecheon had no intention of ever bringing the Gentleman’s Sword out into the world.

“Growing up under a grandfather like that, would you have been any different? The Gentleman’s Sword would have been kept in the Treasury for the next generation too. That’s why I caused some trouble. I figured I had to make a mess for that sword to finally see the world. So? How is it, meeting the Gentleman’s Sword? Seems like it also feels good after being freed from that stifling place?”

Jin Hagun didn’t know what to say.

“Really, you…”

He was right. If not for him, this was a sword he could never have possessed.

And on top of that, it was one of the three treasures Geom Mugeuk had given up for this gift.

Jin Hagun looked at his grandfather. His eyes asked if he could truly accept this sword, and Jin Paecheon nodded.

Though he didn’t show it outwardly, Jin Paecheon felt an immense joy. It was far greater than if the sword had simply gone back into the Treasury. The Gentleman’s Sword would protect his grandson more steadfastly than any other being.

Of course, the happiest of all was Jin Hagun. What could be better for a martial artist than to gain a fine weapon? And if that weapon was the Gentleman’s Sword?

“It’s good, isn’t it? So good you could dance?”

It was almost good enough for him to fall into that trap — he nearly answered yes.

“I’ve heard the Gentleman’s Sword is the history of the Orthodox Factions. From now on, my friend, you’ll continue writing that history.”

Seeing Geom Mugeuk so happy as if it were his own achievement, Jin Hagun looked at him with trembling eyes.

He couldn’t say a word. There was no way to express such gratitude.

Jin Paecheon asked Geom Mugeuk,

“Why didn’t you say this earlier?”

He had worried for nothing about the Gentleman’s Sword ending up in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, not knowing this was how Geom Mugeuk felt.

“I partly wanted to surprise you, but more than that, it was because I trusted you.”

“You trusted me?”

“Yes. Even though I brought out something that absolutely shouldn’t have been taken, you never stopped me. I believed you would act that way, and you kept your promise until the end. Now, in my heart, you’ve become an even greater figure.”

Jin Paecheon silently gazed at Geom Mugeuk.

Setting aside the Orthodox and Unorthodox divide, setting aside status, he could only think, as a fellow martial artist—no, as a fellow human being—that this was truly remarkable.

“Then, I’ll be on my way.”

After offering a polite bow of farewell to the Alliance Leader, Geom Mugeuk spoke to Jin Hagun.

“It’ll take a while for everyone to arrive. I’ll send you the time and place later.”

Jin Paecheon and Jin Hagun stood watching for a long time as he ran off, brimming with excitement.

When Geom Mugeuk was no longer in sight, Jin Hagun spoke calmly.

“There were moments I gave up. I thought, I’ll never be able to surpass him. No matter how hard I try, I can’t win.”

Sensing that this wasn’t the end of his thought, Jin Paecheon asked in a steady voice,

“And now?”

“It’s not giving up — I’m sending him ahead first.”

At his grandfather’s questioning look, Jin Hagun smiled.

“He’s such an exceptional friend. I should let him go ahead. Instead, I’ll quietly follow after him.”

It was never resignation. But neither was it the determination to defeat him at all costs.

It was the resolve to walk alongside Geom Mugeuk. Even if he arrived later, he would quietly walk the same era with him.

“Someday, far in the future, I might see that friend, hair turned white, sitting on a rock, waiting for me. And then I’ll tell him — I made it this far thanks to you.”

Jin Paecheon thought his grandson, whom he had always seen as young, had grown so much.

Until now, he had only worried — about the martial world Jin Hagun would lead, about the grandson who would have to face Geom Mugeuk.

But today, a different thought came to him.

It was no longer time to worry about these youths — it was time to cheer them on.

As he began walking toward the Alliance Leader’s Hall, Jin Paecheon said,

“When that day comes, be sure to tell him — that I was on pins and needles, worried he might take the Gentleman’s Sword away.”