Absolute Regression

Chapter 675: What Do the Successors Talk About When They Gather?

That evening, Bih Sa-in and Han Seol came to Geom Mugeuk’s residence.

Han Seol had given the Cold Ice Twin Swords a rare chance to spend some time alone. Since they were going to meet Geom Mugeuk, there was no longer any need for escorts.

“You’ve finally come.”

Geom Mugeuk greeted the two warmly.

“I thought you said you’d arrive tomorrow?”

Originally, he had intended to say, “It just turned out that way.”

But when she actually saw Geom Mugeuk’s face, she couldn’t bring herself to lie.

“We arrived early today, so I went sightseeing around Wuhan with Young Leader.”

They had eaten delicious dishes at Wuhan Number One Restaurant, had a cup of tea at a tea house famous for its fragrance, and enjoyed a stroll before coming here. Bih Sa-in honestly felt sorry toward Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Muyang also came out to greet them.

“Welcome.”

“Sorry for coming so late.”

Rather, it was Geom Muyang who couldn’t look at them. He was embarrassed because it reminded him of the moment he had secretly watched the two.

“Alright, let’s go inside. We have things to discuss and a lot to prepare.”

Geom Mugeuk led them to the main hall.

“Our own celebration feast will be held two days from now.”

Since Jin Hagun would be quite tired from attending the Martial Alliance banquet today, he planned to give him a day of rest and then hold it the day after.

“And of course, a celebration feast needs a congratulatory performance, right?”

At the words “congratulatory performance,” everyone flinched and tensed up. The emotion in everyone’s eyes was the same.

What is he plotting again?

Before Geom Mugeuk could even speak further, Bih Sa-in firmly said,

“Absolutely not.”

“What not?”

“Whatever it is you’re thinking right now, absolutely not!”

Then Geom Mugeuk asked with a meaningful smile,

“What do you think I’m thinking?”

Bih Sa-in never voiced it. If he said it out loud, he would undoubtedly make it happen on the spot.

But Geom Mugeuk’s real target wasn’t Bih Sa-in.

He casually asked Han Seol,

“Do you dance? A proper celebration feast can’t be without dance and music, don’t you think?”

Han Seol thought so little of Geom Mugeuk’s eccentricity that this absurd suggestion of dancing at the celebration didn’t sound strange at all.

“Do we really need to go that far? Isn’t it enough to just sincerely congratulate him?”

“Of course, that would work. Just like all those guests who met Hagun today and offered their congratulations. If the banquet hasn’t ended yet, he’s probably still receiving them. But ten years from now, Hagun might think: ‘What exactly did that person say to congratulate me back then? Did they even come?’”

There was no way to refute that.

“So you’re saying we should do something memorable for him?”

Geom Mugeuk shook his head.

“It’s not about doing something for him.”

“Then what?”

“We’d be doing it for ourselves. For the memory of preparing such a performance for a friend. Think about it—don’t you remember more of what you’ve done for others rather than what you’ve received in life?”

“!”

Watching from the side, Bih Sa-in shook his head. He could sense that Han Seol was starting to be swayed. No! She mustn’t give in!

“I understand what you mean, but I can’t dance.”

At her words, Bih Sa-in felt relieved.

‘Well done. Truly well done.’

But then, like a bolt from the blue, Han Seol added,

“…But I could sing?”

Bih Sa-in stared at her in shock. Not only her—Geom Mugeuk and Geom Muyang were surprised as well.

“I’m not very good at it though.”

“That doesn’t matter! We’ve only had tone-deaf people so far, so this is perfect.”

While Geom Mugeuk cheered, Bih Sa-in’s heart grew heavy.

If she stepped forward, there was no way Bih Sa-in could refuse to participate herself.

Still, no matter what, dancing was completely out of the question.

This time, Geom Mugeuk roped his elder brother in.

“Besides, we have someone here who can give you a wonderful accompaniment for your song.”

Just as he was about to take the danso from his sleeve, his brother’s voice sounded in his mind.

—If you take that out, you’re dead!

—We can’t have her sing without any music.

Using her as a shield, Geom Mugeuk took out the danso.

“Amazing, isn’t it? That my brother can play an instrument.”

Then he slyly praised him.

“He might be the strongest person in the world who can play an instrument.”

Geom Muyang looked at him with an expression that said he was hopeless.

His younger brother’s gaze seemed to be saying,

—Brother, wouldn’t it be fun to live a kind of life you’ve never tried before?

Well, if he was going to refuse, he shouldn’t have played back at the music shop that day.

“I’ll do the accompaniment.”

Yes, if it was inevitable, it was better to just decide cleanly.

To be honest—

Playing the danso was a hundred times better than singing or dancing.

He felt relieved. If it had been dancing, he’d rather wash his face with coal and go into seclusion.

Now, only one person remained—Bih Sa-in.

He was backed right up to the cliff’s edge. If he fell, he’d have to dance! No! Absolutely not!

Geom Muyang now clearly understood what Geom Mugeuk had been plotting for Bih Sa-in.

There was no way he could help him with this. Sorry, truly sorry.

If he made one wrong move, his danso could be taken away, and he’d be dragged into a dance himself.

Geom Mugeuk began trying to persuade Bih Sa-in.

“Fortunately, we have an entire day.”

“Just a single day.”

“What’s the big deal if we’re not great at singing, dancing, or playing an instrument? It’s just for us to hear and see.”

Geom Mugeuk emphasized the words “just for us.”

“This is something the five of us will do together. We’ll take it to the grave.”

“Why five?”

“Because Lady Jin has already agreed to join.”

Lady Jin too!

Clatter!

A stone tumbled down the cliff from behind his feet.

“Were you a dancer in your past life? Why are you so obsessed with dancing?”

But Geom Mugeuk’s reason was something unexpected.

“When we were on the brink of death, you said it yourself—if you survived, you’d dance.”

“!”

Because of that promise, he had ended up dancing during the three-way summit.

“It was a choice you made from your subconscious. The very first thing you wanted to do if you survived. Maybe it was because you wanted to live a life different from your usual one.”

He really had a knack for twisting someone’s words!

Still, thanks to Geom Mugeuk, he was getting a chance to live a different kind of life. His current relationship with Han Seol was proof of that.

Whoosh.

Just as he was about to give in and fall from the cliff—

Grip.

Someone caught his hand.

It was Han Seol.

“Let’s do our best.”

Her words changed Bih Sa-in’s mind. Something he couldn’t bring himself to do in front of her became something he could boldly attempt because she was watching.

Bih Sa-in declared to Geom Mugeuk,

“This will be the last time I dance.”

Geom Mugeuk grinned brightly and exclaimed,

“Alright! Dance to your heart’s content this time, and then find something else you’ve never tried before.”

*         *         *

Two days later.

Jin Hagun stepped into Azure Cloud Forest.

Today’s celebration feast was to be held here, at the place where the final battle had taken place.

The pavilion was gone, but the bamboo grove remained the same.

In the middle of the bamboo grove, a banquet table had been set up.

The table was laden with fine liquor and excellent dishes—foods prepared by the alliance’s cooks at Jin Haryeong’s request.

“Welcome, my friend.”

Geom Mugeuk, Bih Sa-in, Han Seol, Jin Haryeong, and Geom Muyang were waiting for him.

Just seeing them lifted Jin Hagun’s spirits. He hadn’t even said a word yet, but he felt good already.

“Come, have a drink first.”

As Jin Hagun strode forward, Geom Mugeuk poured him the first cup.

Trrring—

A clear sound as the cup was filled.

Jin Hagun met Geom Mugeuk’s gaze. His ascension to the successor’s seat—

‘No matter what anyone says, it’s thanks to you.’

Once his cup was full, Jin Hagun filled Geom Mugeuk’s in return.

‘I’ll follow you at my own pace, my friend.’

After filling Geom Mugeuk’s cup, he filled everyone else’s as well.

Geom Mugeuk raised his cup high.

“To the next Martial Alliance Leader!”

Everyone there followed Geom Mugeuk’s toast and emptied their cups.

A broad smile spread across Jin Hagun’s face as he lowered his cup.

He had achieved his dream, and there were people here who sincerely celebrated it. Not one among them was here to curry favor because he was the next Martial Alliance Leader.

“Now, let me pour you a drink.”

This time, Bih Sa-in filled Jin Hagun’s cup.

“Thank you for coming all this way.”

“No matter where you were, I would’ve come.”

As the two drained their cups, Geom Mugeuk casually added,

“Maybe you were hoping the trip would be longer.”

Jin Hagun’s expression asked what he meant, and Geom Mugeuk gave Bih Sa-in a sidelong glance.

Bih Sa-in, flustered, looked away. The meaning was clear.

‘So, he figured it out.’

What keen instincts he had.

In truth, Bih Sa-in felt it was better this way. Being teased by Geom Mugeuk was more comfortable than carrying the discomfort of deceiving him.

Next, Jin Haryeong stepped forward.

“Congratulations, big brother.”

“Thank you.”

Their warm gazes met.

“Brother, that’s the way siblings should look at each other.”

Geom Muyang ignored the comment and poured a drink for Jin Hagun.

“Here, have one from me as well.”

“Thank you sincerely for coming.”

Jin Hagun hadn’t asked Geom Muyang to look after the Gwak Yeong siblings separately. He was the kind of man who gave confidence that he would do well without needing to be asked. To Jin Hagun, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s Great Young Master had become that kind of person.

Lastly, Han Seol poured him a drink.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you so much for being here.”

And so, Jin Hagun went around drinking with each person there.

Now, the real drinking began.

After several rounds, with everyone warmed by alcohol, Geom Mugeuk stood up and walked outside.

“Now then, in celebration of our friend Hagun becoming the successor, we have a congratulatory performance!”

It was so unexpected that Jin Hagun was startled.

When he saw everyone rise and follow outside, he was even more surprised.

‘All five of them?’

Of all people, even Geom Muyang? That was the most shocking part.

The five took their positions at a designated spot.

Geom Muyang and Han Seol stood at each end, with Geom Mugeuk, Bih Sa-in, and Jin Haryeong in between.

Standing in a line, the five looked directly at Jin Hagun. The setup was so unusual that Jin Hagun felt a wave of nervousness.

‘Just what are they planning?’

There were no musicians—were they going to perform a sword demonstration instead? But just then—

Geom Muyang took out a danso. That alone was enough to shock everyone. This was the moment when the Great Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult drew out a flute instead of a hidden weapon.

As he assumed his stance and blew into it, the danso sang with a beautiful tone. His skill was truly of the highest level.

Soon after, a clear and pure singing voice flowed along with the melody of the danso.

The sight of Han Seol singing was the second thing to shock Jin Hagun.

The Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, singing to congratulate him?

And finally, to match the tune and song, the three people in the center began to dance.

Jin Hagun’s gaze went to one man in particular—someone whose appearance seemed the least suited for dancing in the entire world.

‘Sa-in, my apologies.’

How much must he have been tormented by Geom Mugeuk just to make him dance like this? Jin Hagun could tell without even asking.

Yet, despite that thought, Bih Sa-in was the one dancing the most earnestly among the three. He had sworn he’d never do it, but once he agreed, he wasn’t the type to perform half-heartedly.

It was obvious he had practiced a great deal. The three’s dance matched the danso and the singing perfectly.

Bih Sa-in’s utterly absorbed dance—

Had he practiced dancing in secret all along? It was hard to believe that just one day of practice could produce something so skillful.

He deserved to be in the center.

On either side, Geom Mugeuk and Jin Haryeong also danced with enthusiasm, but they deliberately reduced their own movements to make Bih Sa-in stand out even more.

The accompaniment grew livelier, Han Seol’s singing more spirited. Mist drifting through the grove made the performance even more striking.

Before Jin Hagun’s eyes was a sight he knew he would never forget for the rest of his life.

What would happen if, someday when he was older, he told someone about it?

—Long ago, when I became the successor, a celebration performance was held for me. The Great Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult played the danso, the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace sang, and the successors of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Unorthodox Alliance, along with my younger sister, danced to the song.

By the time he finished telling it, the listener might seek out the Martial Alliance’s physician.

—…Alliance Leader, I think you may be unwell.

The danso and the song ended, and the dance concluded with perfect synchronization. For something prepared in just one day, it was an outstanding performance.

A brief silence followed.

Jin Hagun rose from his seat and bowed his head.

“I will never forget this moment for as long as I live.”

He was truly grateful to them. These were not people who would normally play the danso, sing, or dance. The fact that they had practiced for his sake moved him deeply.

Bih Sa-in, having burned himself out completely, staggered back to his seat and downed a drink in one go.

“How is it? Doesn’t it feel good now that it’s done?”

He couldn’t deny Geom Mugeuk’s words. That drink had been the most delicious he’d ever tasted.

At that moment, Bih Sa-in met Han Seol’s gaze.

“That was amazing.”

Her single remark was enough. Bih Sa-in smiled with satisfaction.

Still—

‘Never again in my life will I dance!’

*         *         *

That night.

Under the moonlight, three figures stood atop the bamboo canopy.

They were the three successors who would lead the martial world in the future—Geom Mugeuk, Jin Hagun, and Bih Sa-in.

“I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Geom Mugeuk intended to return straight to the main cult as soon as this gathering was over. There was somewhere he needed to go, but since he had been away from the cult for too long, he planned to first return to the main headquarters with his brother.

Jin Hagun felt regret. If they parted like this, who knew when they would meet again?

At the same moment, Bih Sa-in was feeling the sting of a different farewell.

Once this gathering ended, Han Seol would also be leaving for the Northern Sea with the Cold Ice Twin Swords.

Bih Sa-in’s gaze drifted to where Han Seol sat below.

Down there, Geom Muyang, Jin Haryeong, and Han Seol were drinking and chatting.

"Let’s have a drink, among those who lost the successor’s seat!"

Jin Haryeong had offered the toast, and the remark had somehow brought Geom Muyang and her closer. The stuffed bear Han Seol had brought to the gathering had also become a topic of conversation.

They were an unexpected trio, yet the conversation never stalled. Even Geom Muyang, who looked as if he’d never utter a word, spoke now and then.

Bih Sa-in’s gaze shifted from Han Seol back to Geom Mugeuk. He knew he’d already been found out.

“Why aren’t you teasing me?”

He had expected Geom Mugeuk to poke fun at him, making jokes and flustering him over his feelings for her.

“With the road ahead stretching ten thousand miles, I figured I can take my time teasing you.”

It was a remark tinged with concern, an acknowledgment of how difficult it would be for the two to truly get together.

Jin Hagun nodded as if to say he felt the same.

Bih Sa-in asked him,

“When did you realize it?”

“From the first time I saw you two.”

“How?”

“You both came wearing white, carrying a stuffed bear, and you expected me not to notice?”

Bih Sa-in’s face grew slightly warm. He was so used to Geom Mugeuk’s teasing that nothing embarrassed him anymore, but with Jin Hagun, there was still a hint of self-consciousness.

He was not the type to discuss matters of women with anyone—he’d rather die.

Still, knowing that the two of them were aware made him feel at ease.

“If the Ice Palace Master opposes, we’ll storm the Northern Sea together! The cult will just look the other way.”

Jin Hagun played along with Geom Mugeuk’s joke.

“Let’s not do that—we’re supposed to be helping the Ice Palace, after all.”

“You’ve got to help your friend! Sa-in, make him pay back that dance!”

Bih Sa-in laughed at that. It was the first time in a while that he had smiled so openly.

“Oh! That’s a charming smile! Show that smile to Lady Han!”

At Geom Mugeuk’s words, Bih Sa-in let out a light sigh. Would such a day ever come?

Just then, from below, Jin Haryeong called out,

“What’s so funny up there?”

Three young men gathered together—obviously, the topic had to be women.

Geom Mugeuk shouted back to her,

“What do you think successors talk about when they gather? Naturally, it’s about peace in the martial world!”