Absolute Regression

Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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< Chapter 187: Who Decides Death? >

Under the moonlight stood a woman dressed in pure white. With her noble beauty, she seemed as though she had just descended from the heavens.

Cheon So-hee wiped away her tears with her sleeve. She wondered if she was seeing things because of the sudden tears. However, the beautiful woman smiled brightly in front of her and introduced herself.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Lee Ahn, formerly the Second Young Master’s bodyguard.”

Lee Ahn greeted her energetically. She had always been a cheerful person, but she seemed even brighter recently. There was an unmistakable confidence in her actions.

“I’m Cheon So-hee of the Eastern Fist Faction’s Black Fists.”

“Oh! It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Do you know who I am?”

“Of course. Aren’t you the most formidable Iron Fist of the Eastern Fist Faction?”

Cheon So-hee felt pleased. It wasn’t just because of the praise. Lee Ahn’s compliment didn’t have the usual undertone of “A woman practicing martial arts? That’s unusual,” which she often sensed from others.

“What I said earlier when I came in was just a joke to tease the Young Master. If it upset you in any way, please forgive me.”

“It’s fine.”

“Then please, continue your conversation. I’ll be back later.”

As Lee Ahn turned to leave, Geom Mugeuk stopped her.

“Since you’re already here, why don’t you stay and chat for a bit?”

Lee Ahn cautiously asked Cheon So-hee.

“Is that alright?”

“Of course.”

Cheon So-hee’s curiosity about this beautiful woman was piqued.

The impression each woman gave was markedly different. Lee Ahn had an aura of noble elegance, while Cheon So-hee had a strength that made it seem like she could survive anywhere.

“Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I was crying because of the Young Master.”

“Really?”

“Pardon?”

Lee Ahn’s eyes sparkled as she asked again.

“Are you sure you weren’t crying because of the Young Master? I cry often because of him.”

Lee Ahn glanced at Geom Mugeuk and said.

“He always makes me cry.”

With a woman’s intuition, Cheon So-hee sensed it. Lee Ahn liked Geom Mugeuk as a man. 1

“So you were the Young Master’s bodyguard?”

“Yes, though I’ve been dismissed now.”

“Why were you dismissed?”

“He said it was for my happiness, but I’m sure that’s just an excuse.”

“An excuse indeed. Be careful. Flirts are very good with words.”

“He’s the best talker in all of the martial world.”

Geom Mugeuk smiled and spoke to both of them.

“How long has it been since you met, and you’re already getting along so well?”

The two women felt a mutual fondness for each other.

Lee Ahn had always liked strong women like Cheon So-hee. It was the kind of person she aspired to be.

Cheon So-hee also found her first impression of Lee Ahn quite favorable. For someone so beautiful, you might expect there to be some aloofness or arrogance that would make her hard to approach, but there was none of that.

Lee Ahn asked Geom Mugeuk, “How is your training going?”

“If the news has reached even your ears, tucked away in the training grounds, then surely everyone in the Cult knows.”

“Yesterday, even the kitchen staff were talking about how you passed the Red Fists test while they were cooking. I heard some people are even betting on whether or not you’ll become a disciple.”

Indeed, Geom Mugeuk’s study of martial arts within the Eastern Fist Faction was a hot topic within the cult.

Lee Ahn asked Geom Mugeuk with a gentle look in her eyes, “How do you feel?”

“It’s fine.”

Cheon So-hee watched Lee Ahn smile at Geom Mugeuk’s response. She sensed the deep trust between them and found herself momentarily envious. She didn’t have anyone like that in her life, not even someone who could pretend to be.

“But what brings you here at such a late hour?”

“I was training, and suddenly, I just wanted to see you.”

Geom Mugeuk stared at her intently before asking abruptly, “Have you arrived?”

At the cryptic question, Lee Ahn nodded seriously with a solemn expression.

“I think I have.”

With that, Geom Mugeuk leapt up from the rock and walked into the courtyard.

“Let’s have a spar.”

Lee Ahn glanced at Cheon So-hee, bowed her head slightly, and then stepped into the yard. It was rather impolite to suddenly spar in this situation, but it was something very important to her.

Understanding the mood, Cheon So-hee quickly stood up.

“I’ll be on my way, then.”

Geom Mugeuk stopped her from leaving.

“You can stay and watch. In fact, you should. This sparring will be greatly beneficial for you, Lady Cheon.”

It was a lesson for Cheon So-hee, who was destined to become the next Fist Demon King.

“Is that really alright?”

“You shed precious tears; you should at least earn something for them.”

At the mention of “precious tears,” Cheon So-hee’s eyes welled up again.

‘What’s wrong with me?’

It felt like her tear ducts, which had been blocked, suddenly opened, and she was on the verge of crying again. She was confused by this first-time experience, but fortunately, Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn were facing each other, ready to begin their sparring. 2

“I’m going to face you with my bare fists.”

“Yes!”

“No, Lee Ahn! Shouldn’t you be worried that I’m fighting without a sword?”

“Worried? Even if you fought with both hands and feet tied, I still couldn’t win against you.” 3

“That’s true. As long as I have this mouth of mine.”

Watching them, Cheon So-hee nodded slightly in agreement.

Geom Mugeuk, who had been standing with his back turned, spoke to her.

“Don’t nod your head.”

In response, Cheon So-hee nodded even more emphatically. He was the kind of person who seemed to have eyes on the back of his head. It was clear that having a sword or not was not the real issue with him.

When the sparring began, Lee Ahn initially couldn’t focus. Although she said she trusted him, she was still worried that Geom Mugeuk might get hurt fighting barehanded.

However, after exchanging a few moves, she quickly realized that her concerns were unfounded. Geom Mugeuk was too fast—far too fast. Even if she wielded ten swords, none would come close to touching a hair on him.

‘Who’s worried about whom here!’

Geom Mugeuk pressed her relentlessly.

His fist, powerful enough to shatter a jaw, flew toward her face.

She barely dodged it, only for another punch to fly at her side. She twisted her body just in time to evade; had it landed, her ribs would have been shattered.

Whoosh! Whooosh!

The sound of Geom Mugeuk’s punches slicing through the air was as crisp as the sound of a sword’s wind.

She blocked and dodged, trying desperately to create some distance between them, but Geom Mugeuk stuck to her like a shadow. Once he got close, it was nearly impossible to shake him off.

‘So this is how I die!’

Lee Ahn was experiencing a new type of battle—one against a martial arts master.

Unable to secure any distance, her swordsmanship could not even exhibit half of its power. Meanwhile, Geom Mugeuk’s punches relentlessly targeted her vital points.

She managed to narrowly evade, putting everything she had into it.

Realizing that merely dodging would eventually lead to her downfall, Lee Ahn tried to counterattack at any cost.

At a critical moment, she found an opening in Geom Mugeuk’s defense and used it to create some distance.

‘Now’s my chance!’

Only one opportunity!

Her sword sliced through the air. As she executed the Second Form of the Soaring Sword Art, known as the Transforming Heavens Style, her blade underwent twelve transformations.

A gasp escaped Cheon So-hee’s lips, which she had been holding in throughout the fight.

“Aah!”

Geom Mugeuk avoided what seemed like an inescapable attack by using the footwork of the Black Fists’ martial arts.

‘Is that really the same footwork?’

Cheon So-hee suddenly realized just how extraordinary the martial arts she had learned were. Watching them, her heart felt like it was going to burst. She wanted to jump in and fight alongside them. She wanted to display her skills just as Geom Mugeuk did.

The impact of this sparring match on her was more than just that.

Despite being a supreme martial artist and the Second Young Master of the cult, Geom Mugeuk was still seeking out the Fist Demon King to learn martial arts.

And Lee Ahn, whose beauty could easily be deemed the greatest in the world, had come out late at night to practice her swordsmanship.

She felt a mix of embarrassment and admiration, and the sight of these two people became etched in her mind like a scene from a painting.

“Well done!”

Geom Mugeuk beamed at Lee Ahn. He had driven her to the brink, giving her an opportunity to break free, and she hadn’t missed it. It was the result of her relentless training.

“I still feel like there’s something tickling at me.”

Geom Mugeuk could tell that she was on the verge of reaching the ninth level and was searching for its entrance.

“From now on, come find me every night.”

“Thank you, Young Master.”

Just as his father had forcibly led him to the true mastery of the Wind God’s Four Steps, Geom Mugeuk intended to throw her Soaring Sword Art into the ninth level. Once her Soaring Sword Art reached the ninth level, he’d feel assured no matter where she faced opponents.

When Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn finished their conversation, Cheon So-hee spoke in a trembling voice.

“To be honest, the swordplay the Young Master displayed felt so unreal that it didn’t scare me. But the sword swung by this martial artist late into the night terrified me.”

Could she ever overcome the sword that trained so late into the night?

Among women of her age, she privately considered herself the strongest in the martial world. But after watching the sparring, she realized that was merely arrogance. Not wanting to lose, she clenched her fists tightly.

At that moment, a fire ignited within her heart.

Feeling the heat, Cheon So-hee blurted out, “Please teach me as well, Senior Brother.”

Senior Brother.

She knew what this meant.

If word of this reached the Fist Demon King, it could lead to severe consequences. Being expelled wouldn’t even be the worst of it. It was a statement that put her entire life on the line. Senior Brother.

She might regret saying it later, possibly all night when she returned to her quarters.

For this reason, Geom Mugeuk spoke warmly to her.

“Alright, you can come too. Junior Sister.”

Regrets could come later, but for now, Cheon So-hee’s face was filled with joy.

Although Lee Ahn could have felt some resistance, as if her own training was being interrupted, she welcomed her warmly.

When a person changes, so does their martial arts.

Geom Mugeuk was convinced that Lee Ahn’s generous heart would lead her to the rank of a supreme master.

And so, Lee Ahn created a second gathering after their drinking sessions.

“Welcome to the Midnight Training Group.” 4

* * *

Training within the Black Fists continued.

In the meantime, I was engaged in a battle of wills with the Fist Demon King. It was a contest to see who would raise the white flag first.

I was confident in this fight.

After all, my life was one of constant preparation.

Learning Dan Woo-gang’s martial arts wasn’t the only way to progress to the next level. His martial arts were just one part of the ongoing process of preparing for everything at once.

I could learn his martial arts today, tomorrow, or even a year from now. Why? Because I had many things to do, much to learn, and many people to take care of. I was endlessly preparing for other things as well. Did he really think he could beat me?

From time to time, our eyes would meet. Each time, we communicated silently through our gazes. “Give up.” “You give up.” “I can go all the way.” “So can I.” “I’m young.” “That’s why you won’t last.”

He might think I’d eventually give up because I’d get bored with training, but that was his miscalculation. I wasn’t just an ordinary young person. That time had long passed.

* * *

At night, I taught Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee.

On the first day of martial arts training, Cheon So-hee asked me.

“Senior Brother, is it alright for me to be here while this martial artist learns such important martial arts?”

Although she had earnestly asked to be taught together that day, now that she was actually participating, it seemed she felt guilty.

I told her, “You’re more important than this martial art. The current Fist Demon King belongs to my father and brother. My Fist Demon King is you.”

The future Heavenly Demon and Fist Demon King.

A rush of emotion crossed her face. Then she asked about the worst-case scenario.

“What if I don’t become the Fist Demon King and you don’t become the Heavenly Demon?”

“Then the three of us will open a rice soup shop in front of the Murim Alliance and make a living.”

Imagining a bowl of rice soup floating through the air from the kitchen, carried by Void Telekinesis, Cheon So-hee burst into laughter. It seemed like the first time I’d seen her laugh so freely since we met.

“But why in front of the Murim Alliance?”

Lee Ahn answered on my behalf.

“Maybe there’s a woman he wants to see.” 5

“Aah!”

I shouted that it wasn’t true, but the two of them were already nodding, starting to discuss the traits of a flirt.

On the fifth day of the Midnight Training, Lee Ahn finally discovered the entrance to the ninth level.

Her swordsmanship had become faster, stronger, and exhibited even more dazzling transformations.

There was no need for words of thanks or congratulations. Lee Ahn ran up to me and hugged me tightly. I embraced her firmly in return. You did well, Lee Ahn. Now, only one hurdle remains until you reach mastery.

Just then, we heard the sound of sobbing, and both Lee Ahn and I turned to look at Cheon So-hee.

She was crying.

“It seems my tear ducts opened that day. I never cried before, but now I keep tearing up.”

As she cried, Lee Ahn also started to shed tears.

“Why are you crying?”

“Because Lady Cheon is crying.”

The two women turned away from each other as they cried.

“Why are these strong women, who could beat up every man in the world, acting like this?”

Cheon So-hee wiped her tears and spoke.

“Senior Brother, please keep teaching me.”

She was deeply reluctant to let the Midnight Training end like this.

Lee Ahn spoke up on her behalf.

“Young Master, let’s continue this Midnight Training Group.”

It was at that moment someone spoke coldly from behind.

“Who said you could call him Senior Brother?”

Cheon So-hee was startled and turned pale.

Dan Woo-gang was approaching us with a fearsome expression, like an avenging ghost.

I greeted him calmly.

“Welcome.”

In truth, I knew the Fist Demon King had been there. He had already come twice before. He would conceal himself, watch secretly, and then leave. What had he been thinking as he watched?

The Fist Demon King stood in the yard, glaring at me, Lee Ahn, and Cheon So-hee.

Cheon So-hee, in particular, was in a state of shock. Having called me “Senior Brother” in his presence, there was no room for excuses. Terrified that she might be expelled from the Eastern Fist Faction, she kept her head bowed, her entire body trembling. She was praying he wouldn’t say, “You’re expelled”.

But with that menacing look, Dan Woo-gang uttered something completely unexpected.

“Let me join this Midnight Training Group.” 6

1 : Woman’s intuition, how scary… Then again, they’re pretty obvious XDXDXD
2 : You could always use the excuse that you’ve opened the wrong meridians and now your tears are outside your control ^^
3 : You broke the cute and innocent Lee Ahn XDXDXD
4 : *Nightclub starts*
5 : Roasted !!!
6 : Can’t stop the charisma~~ !!!