Absolute Regression

The two auras were distinctly different.

My father’s aura was like being pulled into an endless abyss—coldness seeped into my body, true energy slowed, and a terrifying sense of suffocation gripped me. In contrast, the aura of Jin Paecheon, the Leader of the Martial Alliance, was like facing a typhoon in a dark sea.

I stood firm against the Leader’s aura. Though the storm tossed me into the air and then dragged me down to the depths of the sea, I did not lose my focus.

Instinctively, my martial arts began to react. When faced with a formidable opponent, the Wind God’s Four Steps would stimulate me like this.

—Fight. Tear that aura apart! Pierce through the typhoon!

Suppressing the temptation of this top-tier martial art with great effort, I withstood the aura of the Martial Alliance Leader to the end. Just as the duel with my father in the tavern had been of great help to me, merely enduring this aura would become a significant learning experience.

As I held out against the aura, an expression that seemed to say, “Look at this little brat?” appeared on the face of the Martial Alliance Leader.

Simultaneously, the pressure intensified even further. Now, lightning struck the stormy sea. Massive whirlwinds rose from various parts of the ocean, drawing up the seawater. Truly, the Leader’s aura was terrifying.

So, the Martial Alliance Leader was such a tyrannical person. Perhaps this was why my father dreamed of unifying the martial world—because of this very leader. A formidable adversary like this could not have failed to provoke my father.

And at that moment, I saw it again.

The eyes.

Enormous eyes staring at me.

A colossal being was watching me. I recognized it as the Secret Demonic Soul that I had seen in the painting before.

I hadn’t even learned the Nine Calamities Demon Art yet, so why did I keep seeing visions of the Secret Demonic Soul? 1

The enormous Secret Demonic Soul stood in the sea, shielding me from the approaching typhoon, gazing down at me. Its eyes seemed to look at me with disdain, perhaps longing, perhaps pity, or maybe they held no emotion at all.

The vision of the Secret Demonic Soul slowly faded away.

The aura of the Martial Alliance Leader, which had surged as if to kill, had already dissipated. The Leader, standing at a distance, was astonished that I had held out until the very end.

I was on the verge of collapse. If the Secret Demonic Soul had not shielded me in that last moment, I would have lost consciousness and fallen. Even if the Secret Demonic Soul was just an illusion created by my mind, it felt so vivid, as if the real Secret Demonic Soul had truly been there.

I repeated what I had said earlier to the Alliance Leader.

―Only I can save your granddaughter.

Now, Jin Paecheon didn’t just react with blind rage. After all, it was coming from someone who had endured his qi.

―What do you mean by that?

Meeting the Martial Alliance Leader and revealing my identity—this was a choice I wouldn’t have made under normal circumstances. Yet, the reason I ultimately decided to do it was because of the two weapons I possessed.

The first was my faith in my own experience—experience gained from my life before regression and from battling Demon Supremes after regressing. I trusted myself.

However, if it weren’t for my second weapon, I wouldn’t have made the reckless decision to meet the Martial Alliance Leader based solely on experience.

My second weapon was none other than his granddaughter, Jin Haryeong.

With her deeply involved in this matter, I was certain the Martial Alliance Leader would have no choice but to assist me. I felt sorry for her, but I intended to fully use her for my cause. After all, it was ultimately for her benefit as well, so she’d understand. Hopefully.

―Have you heard of the Heavenly Society?

Jin Paecheon nodded. Given that the Heavenly Society had recently been impersonating our Cult and committing various evil acts, it was only natural that the Martial Alliance would be aware of it.

―I was ordered by my father to track them down. But I discovered that they are plotting something related to the Soaring Dragon Tournament.

―What’s your source of information?

―The Valley Lord of the Wicked.

Jin Paecheon didn’t seem surprised. He must have already heard that the Valley Lord of the Wicked had died recently, just like he had heard about the Heavenly Society. He just hadn’t yet realized that the two incidents were connected.

―I heard that the lord of the Wicked Valley has changed.

―This is information he revealed in an attempt to survive, so it’s reliable. That’s why I had my subordinate participate in the Soaring Dragon Tournament—to capture them.

―If that were the case, you should have informed us.

―There were circumstances that made that impossible.

―What circumstances?

―Eliminating the Heavenly Society’s leader is the successor test that was given to me.

Jin Paecheon’s gaze grew cold and deep as he emitted his qi again. This time, it wasn’t like the previous tempest that felt like a storm-tossed sea. It was a gentle qi, like a spring breeze, wrapping around me to gauge my emotions—a subtle attempt to discern if my words were true.

―Tell me about Haryeong.

―I am certain that the Heavenly Society is targeting Miss Jin.

―And why are you so certain?

―I learned that the Heavenly Society is plotting something in relation to the Soaring Dragon Tournament. When I arrived, I found that Miss Jin was participating, and she is even a strong contender for victory. Do you think it’s just a coincidence? Not at all. They are definitely targeting Miss Jin. No, they must have known she would participate and planned around it from the start.

―Even if that’s true, I can step in and resolve it myself. Why would I entrust my granddaughter’s matter to you?

―Because if anyone else interferes now, Miss Jin will be put in danger.

The gentle qi that had been wrapping around me instantly turned icy cold. The mere mention of his granddaughter’s danger caused his qi to radiate a murderous intent.

―The Heavenly Society is a much larger and more powerful organization than we initially thought. It’s possible that they’ve already infiltrated the leadership of our Cult, the Martial Alliance, or even the Unorthodox Alliance. That’s precisely why we are speaking in secret. 2

I told him about the Valley Lord of the Wicked and the four strong demons of the cult who had already been compromised by them. With individuals of that caliber under their control, it wasn’t something to be taken lightly.

―If you investigate, you’ll find that what I say is true. Fortunately, they still don’t know that I have come this far in tracking them down. Trust me, and I will root them out completely.

Jin Paecheon stared at me silently. Normally, he would have dismissed it as a plot by my Cult and never believed it. But with Jin Haryeong involved, he couldn’t easily brush it off.

Right now, I’m the only one who can save your granddaughter.

I continued my persuasion, wielding my strongest weapon.

―I believe you’ve heard various things about me. I don’t know what you’ve heard, but this much is certain: I am working to establish a different kind of Demonic Path than before. At the very least, I do not plot by exploiting a young granddaughter from the opposing side.

The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, the Martial Alliance, and the Unorthodox Alliance constantly sent spies to one another, so they knew the basics. I assumed they also knew to some extent about my activities as the Lord of the Underworld Pavilion.

―Do you know why I’ve resolved to save your granddaughter?”

―Why?

―Because she is the granddaughter of the Martial Alliance Leader, yet she was willing to go as far as to offer herself in marriage just to protect the life of a mere servant. You’ve raised her splendidly.

It was a mix of sincerity and flattery.

Jin Paecheon strode towards me.

In an instant, with a flash, Jin Paecheon’s sword was aimed at my neck.

“Go back and wait. I will give you an answer soon.”

“Yes, I will wait.”

I respectfully bowed to him and turned around to leave.

I could feel his gaze on my back, strong enough to pierce through me.

It was only natural for him to be suspicious of me, but I hoped he would make a wise decision.

* * *

When I returned to the inn, Seo Daeryong had already packed his belongings, ready to leave at any moment.

“Oh! You’re back!”

“What’s all this?”

“What do you think? I packed everything in case we had to make a quick getaway.”

“What about me?”

“Don’t worry. I’ve packed your stuff too, Lord.”

“No, I mean, if something’s happened, it means I’ve run into trouble, doesn’t it?”

“Well, that doesn’t mean I should get caught up in it too, does it?”

“……”

“……”

“Ah! You have no idea how much I’ve missed hearing your dry jokes.”

“It wasn’t a joke, though. Anyway, how did it go? You met the Martial Alliance Leader, right?”

“I thought I was going to die.”

“He’s strong, isn’t he?”

I nodded.

“It’s good to see you back safely.”

Seo Daeryong began to unpack again. The mischievous look on his face was gone, replaced with a sense of relief.

By now, I knew Seo Daeryong well enough. It wasn’t a joke—if something happened to me, he would flee immediately. He’s not the type to charge in emotionally, seeking revenge.

Only after he returns and reports everything would his revenge truly begin. Just as he memorized the identities of the Demon Army members to avenge our predecessors from the Heavenly Demon Library, he might memorize every martial artist in the Martial Alliance. Whether it takes ten years or a hundred, he’s the type who would dream of revenge until the day he dies. That’s Seo Daeryong for you. 3

“What about your identity as the Second Young Master?”

“They know it’s me now.”

“Then they know who I am too.”

“Exactly.”

“And despite that, is it still okay to win?”

Seo Daeryong’s expression was too serious as he asked, “Can I even do it?”

“Now, you have to win no matter what.”

“Why?”

“The Martial Alliance Leader now knows about the Heavenly Society, right? Do you think he’d want his granddaughter to win and become their target?”

“So, he’d prefer that I win and become their target instead.”

“Exactly.”

“Oh, it’s tough living without a grandfather around, isn’t it? Grandfather! Are you watching?”

I laughed at Seo Daeryong’s joke.

“Look at it positively. This is a moment in your life when you’ll have the Martial Alliance Leader cheering for you.”

“Oh, that’s true. Another story to brag about during drinking parties. But is it okay to reveal everything like this to the Martial Alliance Leader?”

“You’ve got to let go of the idea that you can accomplish anything by deceiving Jin Paecheon. I plan to continue dealing with him honestly. I’ll show him ninety-nine truths.”

“Then what’s the one lie?”

“Why assume it’s a lie?”

“Huh?”

“It could be a truth that hasn’t been revealed yet.”

“What kind of truth?”

I looked out the window at the distant Martial Alliance building and said,

“You’ll find out later. Much later.”

* * *

The next morning at dawn, I woke up.

The Heavenly Demon Body Protection Technique had roused me.

I left my room and went down to the first floor, where the closed inn lay silent, save for one figure sitting alone in the darkness. Even without revealing any qi, his mere silhouette in the shadows exuded a palpable presence. Sitting with his back turned, he was none other than the Martial Alliance Leader, Jin Paecheon, and even his quiet posture was enough to make me tense.

“You’re here?”

I sat across from him. I didn’t see the Heavenly Dragon Guards anywhere nearby. However, I knew they were surely hidden nearby, guarding the area with a tight watch.

Jin Paecheon abruptly brought up my father.

“I’ve met your father twice in my life.”

I listened to his story in silence.

“Each time we met, he was someone who made me feel like I needed to strive harder. It was your father who kept me from stopping.”

I could sense what was on the Alliance Leader’s mind. My father was someone who longed to become stronger more than anyone else.

“For a while, I had forgotten, but yesterday you reignited the dying embers of my heart.”

It meant that he had received a strong impression from me for enduring his qi. If I, as young as I am now, could manage this, what would I become later? That thought likely stirred a sense of urgency in him.

“Very well, I will leave this matter in your hands.”

He must have deliberated a great deal before making this decision. Who did he consult with? Who was the person he trusted the most?

“There is, however, one condition.”

“Please, tell me.”

“I must be kept informed of all developments going forward. From this moment on, one of my people will accompany you. They will observe your every move.”

I could sense that someone was already hiding nearby, watching us. This person was as skilled in the art of concealment as Hui, my father’s bodyguard. Of course, I didn’t let on that I was aware of their presence.

The Martial Alliance Leader entrusting me with this task wasn’t just because of potential traitors.

He also wanted to test me. He wanted to see what kind of person I was, someone who might become the next Cult Leader. In the end, I was being tested by both the Cult Leader and the Martial Alliance Leader. 4

“In return, I have a condition as well.”

“What is it?”

“We will handle the Heavenly Society’s leader on our end. But we will do it as discreetly as possible and leave quietly.”

Jin Paecheon nodded and stood up.

“Just do what you need to do and leave.”

I could sense what Jin Paecheon was worried about. He didn’t want me to stir Jin Haryeong’s feelings.

“My subordinate teases me, saying that destined love always ends in tragedy. But young people these days don’t like tragedy. That’s true not just for me but for your granddaughter as well.”

I understood why Jin Paecheon was so concerned. His son and daughter-in-law met a tragic end, so he wished to keep his granddaughter away from any heartbreak involving romantic entanglements.

“Sometimes, tragedy can be closer than you think.”

“What do you mean?”

“When Miss Jin announced in front of everyone that she was seeing me, it wasn’t just out of affection or goodwill towards me.”

“Are you saying it’s because of the one threatening to kill you?”

“Miss Jin takes after you, Lord. She’s someone who cannot stand injustice.”

“That’s why I worry even more.”

“Then find out who that person is and how they are pressuring your granddaughter. Investigating that will do more to improve your relationship with her than a hundred worries will.”

Jin Paecheon stared at me as if assessing me, then left after leaving a single remark.

“Stop worrying about irrelevant things and focus on the task you’ve been given.”

I watched as the Martial Alliance Leader’s figure receded into the distance, then headed up to the room on the second floor. Before entering my room, I spoke into the air.

“If I sleep, you can sleep too. I’ll let you know if I go anywhere.”

Despite my unnecessary attempt at camaraderie, the hidden observer didn’t respond.

1 : Maybe you’re fated to wield it ? The Chosen One ? Then Hwa Moogi is Agent Smith ^^

2 : A Murim novel is not complete without a secret society plotting to destroy/conquer the world ^^

3 : He’s a good friend for sure, and a loyal right hand. Getting killed for nothing is useless, ensuring your revenge succeeds is much better.

4 : No pressure here~~ ^^

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