Absolute Regression

Chapter 691: Not the Type to Avoid Danger, Right?

“If he’s such a great demon, then why don’t you kill him?”

An Cheong-gwang was curious. He knew well that there was no one this woman couldn’t kill if she decided to. Just as he himself had almost died a moment ago.

“There are many types of demons. There are frightening ones, cruel ones, and some that play with people and destroy them. What kind of demon do you think that one is?”

He had thought it would be an even more frightening demon than the one she had mentioned.

“A kind demon.”

An Cheong-gwang thought she was joking. But it was not a joke.

“When demons and devils fight and mingle, sometimes they feel a sense of kinship, sometimes they let things slide, sometimes they even share. You understand what I mean. You’ve lived that way too. But that kind demon doesn’t have such things. He just cuts cleanly. If he were only kind, he could be taken advantage of, but the problem is, he’s a demon. The kindness is a problem, and being a demon is a problem too.”

An Cheong-gwang felt that this woman feared that young man.

A young martial master of the Demonic Cult who frightened this woman.

Could such a person really exist?

At that very moment, An Cheong-gwang thought of one person. The one he had excluded from the start, thinking there was no way he would be here.

“The Demonic Cult’s Young Cult Leader?”

To his doubtful question, came an answer that should never have come.

“I’ll take back what I said about you resembling my son. You’re a very clever man.”

Only then could he understand why the Unorthodox Alliance had not given him any information. A kind demon? Yes, he had even heard rumors that he was called the Demon Hero.

“You crazy bitch!”

For the first time since meeting her, he cursed at her.

But she did not get angry. Instead, she smiled brightly, like a madwoman.

“That’s why you must go crazy too.”

Cha Iran slowly reached her hand toward An Cheong-gwang’s neck. Her fingers traced along the red line across his throat, then stopped at the end.

“That Young Leader does not let things slide like I do.”

*         *         *

“There is someone I want to introduce to you, young lady.”

At last, An Hu-pyeong brought Lee Ahn with him to the guest reception hall.

He only wanted to make a good impression on her, no matter what.

―If you let her meet the examiner, there will be trouble later.

Sa Chu tried to dissuade him through sound transmission, but it was useless.

―What trouble? I’ll just say they happened to meet while passing by.

Sa Chu absolutely did not want to go to the reception hall. He did not want to see those frightening and bizarre people again, nor get more entangled with them.

―If the Gang Leader finds out, a thunderous order will fall.

However, if it was this woman, he could endure anything. His words from before had not worked.

―Very well, if you report it, then he will surely know.

In the end An Hu-pyeong arrived at the guest room where the Sky Flower Pavilion Master was waiting.

Upon entering the guest room, the Sky Flower Pavilion Master’s group did not look as relaxed as the last time.

Was it because they had seen them coming through the window?

The Sky Flower Pavilion Master was standing, and all the guards were lined up in formation, as though they were paying respect to welcome an esteemed guest.

“Welcome.”

At the greeting of the Sky Flower Pavilion Master, even Evil Smiling Demon and the Faceless Swordsmen, who were standing behind, bowed in unison.

At such sincere hospitality, An Hu-pyeong felt as if he could fly from joy. They had never been this respectful before.

‘Yes, this is how it should have been in the first place. These fellows have finally come to their senses.’

With his dignity restored before Lee Ahn, An Hu-pyeong straightened his chest proudly and spoke in a booming voice.

“Have you all been well?”

But how could he have known? That respectful greeting was actually directed toward Geom Mugeuk, who was standing behind.

At that moment, Sa Chu was watching with curiosity, wondering how these two guards, who somehow gave off a similar impression, would act upon meeting each other.

‘Smile?’

Were Geom Mugeuk and Evil Smiling Demon not smiling at each other?

‘Are they recognizing one another as fellow lunatics?’

He never imagined that they might actually know each other.

Then, Sa Chu’s eyes met with one of the Faceless Swordsmen.

Was it the same one who had stared at him by his side before? With their masks, they all looked so alike that it was impossible to tell.

Sa Chu quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to notice, only to turn his head in another direction—where yet another Faceless Swordsman was staring straight at him.

‘Why do they keep staring at me!’

In the end, Sa Chu lowered his head.

‘Don’t look at me! Please, stop looking at me!’

Yet when he cautiously lifted his head, they were still staring.

‘I never told anyone that Master Yong was dead. I won’t tell anyone, ever!’

While Sa Chu struggled desperately to find a place for his eyes, An Hu-pyeong was elated.

“This here is my precious guest, this young lady. We happened to stop by while showing her around the main hall. And here stands the Sky Flower Pavilion Master, who is serving as an examiner for this tournament.”

To think he was introducing even the tournament examiner!

An Hu-pyeong’s shoulders lifted skyward with pride.

Even though he was introduced as the examiner of the tournament, Lee Ahn did not appear uncomfortable.

“I am Lee Ahn.”

That very attitude pleased An Hu-pyeong even more.

‘As expected of a demonic practitioner, her personality is truly straightforward.’

If she had said something like, “Why did you make me meet the examiner? I want to become the Greatest Beauty Under the Heavens fair and square,” words she did not even mean, it would have truly been irritating.

Naturally, Lee Ahn and the Sky Flower Pavilion Master acted as if they were meeting for the first time.

“Are you perhaps a participant in this tournament?”

An Hu-pyeong answered on Lee Ahn’s behalf.

“That is correct. This young lady has passed the preliminaries. Ah, it seems the two of you will be meeting again in the finals.”

The Sky Flower Pavilion Master’s expression stiffened slightly. Of course, it was an act meant for An Hu-pyeong. After all, it would have been strange to simply accept the situation without hesitation.

As if uncomfortable with the atmosphere, the Sky Flower Pavilion Master ordered the attendants away.

“I would like to speak with the guests in private. All guards, please step outside.”

At that, Evil Smiling Demon and the Faceless Swordsmen immediately left the room.

Lee Ahn glanced back at Geom Mugeuk and spoke.

“Please step outside as well.”

She could tell that the Sky Flower Pavilion Master had dismissed Evil Smiling Demon in order to give him a chance to be alone with Geom Mugeuk. Otherwise, there would have been no reason to send them away.

Without a word of protest, Geom Mugeuk also left.

At that moment, An Hu-pyeong turned his gaze on Sa Chu.

“And why are you still here?”

Sa Chu had not expected to be dismissed as well, and he was inwardly flustered.

‘You want me to stay outside with them? Please, no!’

But An Hu-pyeong was not the kind of man to keep a guard by his side like a coward when the women had already dismissed theirs.

In the end, after hearing a transmission of rebuke, Sa Chu too was forced out.

In the courtyard, Geom Mugeuk, Evil Smiling Demon, and the Faceless Swordsmen stood staring at him.

The pride of an unorthodox martial artist demanded dignity!

…But he had none. Sa Chu awkwardly lifted his head toward the sky, avoiding their gazes.

Just then, Evil Smiling Demon strode directly toward him.

‘Why? Why is he coming here!’

Evil Smiling Demon patted the terrified Sa Chu’s shoulder with a laugh.

Sa Chu relaxed slightly, realizing the gesture meant thanks for keeping the secret. But at that very moment—

Srrrrk.

His pressure points were subdued without him noticing, and he collapsed backward into sleep.

The Faceless Swordsmen stood guard around the area while Geom Mugeuk and Evil Smiling Demon conversed in the middle.

Geom Mugeuk had been planning to meet Evil Smiling Demon secretly at night, but thanks to the Vice Gang Leader’s guidance, he had come openly.

With little time to spare, Geom Mugeuk spoke straight to the point.

“The one behind this is a female assassin named Cha Iran.”

He also explained about the female assassins under her command, and the Faceless Swordsmen listened as well.

“They do not carry the unique aura of assassins, so be especially careful.”

Evil Smiling Demon, along with the Faceless Swordsmen, nodded in acknowledgment.

Hearing this, a natural question arose in Evil Smiling Demon’s mind.

“If you already know who the enemy is, why not eliminate them? The Pavilion Master’s prophecy occurred on stage. Therefore…”

“You are suggesting that we wipe them all out before the finals begin, correct?”

Evil Smiling Demon nodded. Though he did not show it outwardly, the prophecy continued to weigh on his mind. After all, it was Geom Mugeuk’s life that hung in the balance.

“Why are you not acting, then?”

As if he had already considered such thoughts himself, Geom Mugeuk revealed the reason.

“There are two reasons. The first is that if there is another mastermind behind them, I intend to draw that one out and eliminate them together.”

The plot to kill the Unorthodox Alliance Leader was not an ordinary scheme. It could cause the hidden mastermind to reveal themselves. Just as the Martial Alliance had both the Hermit of Heaven and Earth and So Jeongrak of Clearheart Clinic in place.

If they did not take care of them all at once when given the chance, another threat would inevitably arise later.

“In truth, the second reason weighs more heavily on my mind.”

His eyes grew deeper as he voiced a fundamental doubt.

“Why do they seek to kill the Unorthodox Alliance Leader in the first place?”

Of course, it could have been a plan prepared long ago. Just as the Martial Alliance had plotted for decades, they could have devised a scheme involving the Divine Transformation Gang to assassinate the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.

But now, after the Martial Alliance’s failure, to attempt to kill the Unorthodox Alliance Leader? Especially knowing that he himself was involved?

“Even if their plan succeeds, Young Leader Bi will inherit the position. What benefit do they hope to gain by forcing this plan through?”

Because of such doubts, he had not acted rashly.

“They may have another scheme in play.”

Evil Smiling Demon nodded as though in full agreement. As expected, the Young Cult Leader had seen through the situation even more clearly than he had imagined.

“What do you intend to do now?”

Geom Mugeuk smiled faintly as he replied.

“This is no one else’s prophecy but our Pavilion Master’s. It cannot be wrong, can it? Stand on stage with me.”

Of course, it did not mean he intended to let himself be stabbed quietly.

Evil Smiling Demon understood it was a declaration to face destiny head-on, and his eyes lit up with a bright smile.

“I will remain by your side until the end.”

The Faceless Swordsmen silently listened to their conversation.

The faint smiles in their eyes mirrored that of Evil Smiling Demon’s—an oath to remain with him until the end.

Just then, from inside the building, An Hu-pyeong’s voice called them to come back in.

Geom Mugeuk and Evil Smiling Demon entered first.

The Faceless Swordsmen woke Sa Chu, who had been rendered unconscious by sealed pressure points.

When Sa Chu opened his eyes from where he had collapsed, he saw the Faceless Swordsmen crouching in a circle around him, peering down with worried expressions.

“!”

Sa Chu closed his eyes again.

If only this were a dream. But from inside the building came An Hu-pyeong’s furious shout, demanding why they were not coming in.

*         *         *

Bih Sa-in stepped into the training hall.

This was the private training hall of the Unorthodox Alliance Leader, Baek Jagang.

“You summoned me?”

Baek Jagang was carefully polishing an iron figure forged from Millennial Cold Iron.

It was something created for the Unorthodox Alliance Leader, and its body bore countless sword marks.

“I know when and how each of these came to be.”

With just those words, one could tell the height of Baek Jagang’s realm, and how each strike he delivered carried his heart and intent.

“Whenever I sought to surpass myself, countless figures overlapped on this iron figure. The one who appeared most often was the Cult Leader.”

Bih Sa-in could tell. His master had truly wanted to surpass Geom Woojin. And from the way his master now spoke so casually of it, Bih Sa-in wondered if Baek Jagang had perhaps transcended that very boundary.

“I wonder who it will be in your life.”

Then, from Baek Jagang’s lips, came completely unexpected words.

“I will now pass this down to you.”

Bih Sa-in was startled.

“Alliance Leader!”

“It was always meant to be yours. Take it and train well.”

Bih Sa-in understood better than anyone the meaning this iron figure held for Baek Jagang. To pass it on was proof of true care and recognition.

He did not refuse. Bowing deeply with a cupped-fist salute, he accepted respectfully.

“I will surely bring the Tyrant’s Heaven-Shaking Sword Art to great perfection. I will surely become stronger.”

His firm determination carried the weight of deep emotion.

Baek Jagang nodded with a reassuring smile.

At that moment, the voice of a subordinate came from outside.

“The Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult has sent a letter.”

At the news, Baek Jagang and Bih Sa-in exchanged glances.

Since no one was allowed into the training hall, Bih Sa-in went out to receive the letter himself.

He read it aloud.

“What business has he written of?”

“It concerns the Greatest Beauty Under the Heavens Selection Tournament.”

Both men knew well about the tournament being held in Anhui.

The Gang Leader of the Divine Transformation Gang had personally visited them before, seeking permission to hold such a tournament, and asking if the banquet with the Unorthodox Alliance Leader could be offered as its prize.

The Divine Transformation Gang had long devoted themselves to the Unorthodox Alliance, and even after rising to great prominence recently, their loyalty had not wavered.

Thus, Baek Jagang had given his permission. And now, regarding that very matter, Geom Mugeuk had sent a letter.

Bih Sa-in’s expression stiffened as his eyes grew grave.

“It says there is a plan to assassinate the Alliance Leader during that banquet.”

Since it was a letter from Geom Mugeuk, there could be no mistake. He even mentioned exactly who the enemy was.

“A top-class female assassin, leading an organization composed entirely of female assassins.”

Even though it was an assassination plot targeting him, Baek Jagang looked almost delighted.

For when he had received reports about the Martial Alliance’s schemes before, he had felt strangely left out.

So they only target the Martial Alliance Leader? Do they dare ignore me?

Bih Sa-in lowered his head with a face full of shame.

“I apologize for letting you hear of such a grave matter through the Young Cult Leader.”

Of course, this was not Bih Sa-in’s fault. If anyone were to be held responsible, it would be those in charge of handling information who should be disciplined.

But Baek Jagang cared little and was not angry in the least.

“At first, I thought the Young Cult Leader was simply outstanding and ahead of his peers. But after meeting him, I realized that fate itself treats him in its own way. So do not trouble yourself.”

His words carried the meaning that the ties between the hidden enemy and Geom Mugeuk ran deep.

“So, what exactly did he say?”

“He earnestly begged that you not attend this banquet.”

But Baek Jagang had no intention of refusing to attend.

“How could I not go, when I am the very target of the plot to kill me?”

Bih Sa-in knew well that his master was not a man who would ever retreat. And if Geom Mugeuk was already stepping in to block this scheme? His master was never one to entrust his affairs to others.

“But the Young Cult Leader sent two letters.”

“Two, you say?”

“One was the official letter I just conveyed to you. The other was addressed to me personally.”

Bih Sa-in checked the letter on the spot. After reading its contents, he handed it to Baek Jagang. At first, Baek Jagang wondered why he would share a personal letter.

But upon reading it, his small eyes disappeared beneath a wide grin.

―Alliance Leader, you’re not the kind of man to stay away just because it’s dangerous, right? Since you’ll be coming anyway, we might as well escort you early!