Absolute Regression

Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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< Chapter 172: There’s No Time, So Get On My Back >

“Where on earth have you been?”

Jo Sohyeop greeted Geom Yeom with an angry face. He had been waiting at the inn for quite a while before finally meeting him.

“I just went out for some fresh air.”

Jo Sohyeop couldn’t have imagined it. Geom Yeom had met his own father and even the leader of the Murim Alliance on his way back.

And the prey Geom Yeom had his eyes on was Jo Sohyeop himself. Jo Sohyeop had walked right into the lion’s den of his own accord.

“For a mere servant, you sure have a lot of free time.”

He pulled out a dagger from his chest. It was the same dagger he had intended to give Jin Haryeong, with the words “Congratulations on your victory” engraved on it.

“Should I just stab your master to death with this? It feels like the perfect conclusion to this situation.”

“The best conclusion to this would be for the Young Master to marry Lady Jin and for me to receive a hundred thousand nyang.”

“Then you should earn your money.”

“I need to receive money before I can earn it.”

“How much do you think it would be worth, not stabbing your neck with this dagger?”

Jo Sohyeop was anxious, worried that the marriage might not proceed as planned. On top of that, he had even boldly challenged Cheolgwon, who had come in person to pressure the marriage, so he had to push forward somehow. For someone who had never waited for anyone in his life, he had waited for Geom Yeom at the inn for two whole hours.

Geom Yeom looked down at the dagger on the table and said, “It’s time for a decisive move.”

“A decisive move? What kind of decisive move?”

“As the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader, imagine how many distinguished heirs she must have seen. They all probably boasted about their family, their wealth, or their martial arts, but to her, wouldn’t they all seem pathetic and boring?”

Recently, Jo Sohyeop had also boasted about his wealth and family, so he had nothing to refute.

“You need to show her something different from those heirs of noble families.”

“So, what is it?”

“There’s a move that works on all women, whether they are pretty, ugly, kind, mean, young, or old. It’s this.”

Geom Yeom raised the dagger as if to stab Jo Sohyeop. Jo Sohyeop quickly grabbed Geom Yeom’s wrist.

“You trying to kill me? Do you have a death wish?”

“It’s this.”

“What?”

“Saving her from danger. A man who saves her life—what more could she ask for?” 1

“!”

Jo Sohyeop’s eyes widened. It was as if a lightbulb went off in his head. Why hadn’t he thought of this before? He felt a surge of regret for not realizing it sooner.

“It’s an old-fashioned method that’s been around for centuries, but it’s always been the most effective. What’s stronger than a life debt, after all? But you’ll need to plan carefully. Lady Jin is a sharp person.”

Geom Yeom had already sensed it—Jo Sohyeop was halfway convinced.

“Oh, and something really important! You must entrust this to someone reliable. If Lady Jin were to get hurt or, heaven forbid, die, Young Master Jo’s life would be on the line as well.”

Geom Yeom had anticipated this. If Jo Sohyeop had any connection to the Heavenly Society, he would likely seek their help. After all, he wouldn’t entrust something so important to just anyone.

“Never use someone from your own family. If it’s discovered later, it would be a disaster. Is there anyone completely unrelated who’s skilled enough? Someone capable of subduing Lady Jin, and trustworthy as well?”

The moment he heard that, Jo Sohyeop thought of one person.

Cheolgwon.

If anyone were suitable for this task, it was that terrifying man. Of course, whether he’d agree was uncertain, but there was hope. His mission was to marry Jo Sohyeop to Jin Haryeong as soon as possible, and he was eager enough to apply pressure in person.

Geom Yeom noticed that Jo Sohyeop was thinking of someone.

‘Just as I thought! He does have someone around him.’

Feigning ignorance, Geom Yeom said, “Please don’t involve me in that dangerous task! I’ve already done my part.”

Of course, his words were meant to imply the opposite—that he wanted to be involved. Telling someone not to do something often makes them want to do it, and Jo Sohyeop now had every reason to include Geom Yeom.

“You have to help me until the end.”

“I absolutely detest dangerous tasks.”

Jo Sohyeop imagined it: this servant and Jin Haryeong in danger, and himself swooping in to rescue them. It would be a stark contrast to this incompetent guy. Yes, no need for overthinking—this would be enough.

“And you need to be the one to bring Lady Jin out. If I do it and a villain shows up, it would obviously look like I set it up.”

“Alright. I’ll help. I need to get paid, after all. But if you’re going to do this, you must hurry. If it happens after Lady Jin officially joins the Murim Alliance, the Alliance will launch a formal investigation.”

Even without this reasoning, Jo Sohyeop was in a hurry.

“Stay at the inn and wait until I contact you.”

“Understood.”

Jo Sohyeop hurriedly left. Geom Mugeuk quietly followed behind him.

* * *

Jo Sohyeop and Cheolgwon met in a shabby warehouse near the Murim Alliance.

“I told you not to contact me unless it was a matter of life and death.”

“This is just as important. I need your help, just this once.”

“What’s the matter?”

“If you help me, I can marry Jin Haryeong.”

Cheolgwon’s expression shifted to one of disbelief at the sudden proposition.

“I want you to kidnap her. Then, I’ll show up and rescue her.”

Cheolgwon was so stunned by the ridiculousness of the request that he almost cursed out loud.

“Listen, Young Master Jo. Are you drunk?”

“Let me be honest. I talked big, but Lady Jin has no intention of marrying me.”

Jo Sohyeop laid it all out frankly. He judged that begging would be the most effective approach with this cold and intimidating man, rather than resorting to any tricks.

“If I’m pressured to marry this woman under these circumstances, how am I supposed to pull it off? If it were another woman, I’d force it through threats, but we’re talking about the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance Leader. Do you think I’d resort to such measures if I weren’t desperate?”

“Do you think such a shallow scheme will work?”

“That’s why I need you. Someone capable enough to fool Jin Haryeong. Someone who can certainly subdue her without hurting her.”

“So, you plan to have me subdue Jin Haryeong, and then you swoop in to save her. You think I’d believe you could chase me away with your skills, let alone her?”

Cheolgwon considered Jo Sohyeop to be inferior to Jin Haryeong.

“Why do you think I’m weaker than Jin Haryeong?”

Jo Sohyeop revealed his energy. It was a sharp aura, not something expected from a mere late bloomer, and it wasn’t inferior to Jin Haryeong’s in the least. Jo Sohyeop had his own hidden talents.

“Your mission is to ensure that I marry Jin Haryeong, isn’t it? If you miss this chance, you’ll never fulfill your mission. Honestly, I don’t care. The only reason I’m doing this is because your people are forcing the marriage; what do I have to worry about?”

Cheolgwon hesitated. It was an absurd proposal, but if it worked and the two married, he would accomplish his mission.

“You want me to grow into a great tree, right? Well, sometimes you need to give the sapling some fertilizer to help it grow.”

After a moment of thought, Cheolgwon nodded.

“Fine. Let’s do it.”

As Cheolgwon agreed, Jo Sohyeop’s face lit up.

“Oh, and during the process of subduing her, make sure you cripple that servant boy. Cut off an arm, a leg—whatever it takes.”

With an openly irritated expression, Cheolgwon spoke.

“If you dislike him that much, why not just kill him?”

“I want to see how she reacts when that damn servant ends up a miserable wreck.”

Jo Sohyeop coldly smirked as he imagined the servant boy crippled. Would Jin Haryeong take pity on him and care for him for the rest of her life? He was certain she never would.

“If she shows that kind of self-sacrificing attitude, I might acknowledge her.”

All Jo Sohyeop wanted was to see Jin Haryeong revealed as a shallow and insignificant woman. 2

To Jo Sohyeop, Jin Haryeong was still a tainted woman who had shown interest in a mere servant over himself. Even if they married, he would never love her.

Cheolgwon found Jo Sohyeop pitiful. Whether it was because he was foolish or simply too young, Cheolgwon knew he would never think the same way.

“Let me know once the time and place are set.”

Cheolgwon left first, and Jo Sohyeop followed behind.

As they disappeared, two more people emerged at the same location. They were Geom Mugeuk and Jin Paecheon, the leader of the Murim Alliance. Jin Paecheon had discreetly teamed up with Geom Mugeuk after announcing he would seclude himself for a few days.

Jin Paecheon was appalled by Jo Sohyeop’s true nature. He barely restrained himself from rushing out and crushing him on the spot. 3

“Why don’t we just capture that Heavenly Society scum right here?”

“Our target isn’t him. Even though he’s skilled, he’s just a disposable tool. No matter how much we interrogate him, he won’t lead us to the Heavenly Society leader.”

Based on what they had observed so far, the leader of the Heavenly Society wasn’t someone they could capture just by subduing a subordinate.

“So, what do you intend to do?”

“Our target is Jo Sohyeop.”

“What do you plan to do with Jo Sohyeop?”

“We’ll drag him to the gates of hell. When we push Jo Sohyeop to the edge of the cliff, let’s see how Jo Ryongjang reacts. Jo Ryongjang is the one who will lead us to the leader of the Heavenly Society.”

Jin Paecheon was inwardly impressed by Geom Mugeuk’s insight and fearless initiative. If only he weren’t the Second Young Master of the Demonic Cult, Jin Paecheon would have considered making him his son-in-law by any means.

‘What a waste.’

However, Geom Mugeuk was not only unsuitable as a son-in-law; he was also a potential enemy of the orthodox Murim, one that seemed exceedingly dangerous. 4

Concealing his true feelings, Jin Paecheon spoke gruffly.

“Four days remain.”

* * *

The next day, Jin Haryeong put on her cherished martial robe and left her quarters.

Geom Yeom had suggested they go to Dongho for a visit.

Riding on horseback the entire way, she was in a good mood. At moments like this, she could see just how hypocritical she was.

The better her mood, the greater her sense of regret.

‘If only he weren’t an attendant.’

Underlying these thoughts was the belief that she could not, or would not, marry an attendant.

And she knew. She knew she would never cross the line of status.

‘I’m going to regret this later. Pathetic girl, you shallow fool! Just live alone. Live alone.’

As she mulled over these thoughts, the two of them arrived at Dongho.

After silently gazing at the lake for a while, Geom Yeom spoke first.

“I heard someone say once that it’s more important to part well than to meet well.”

“Why are you suddenly saying that?”

“I’m leaving in a few days.”

“What?”

“Thank you for everything.”

His words startled her.

“Where are you going?”

“Back home.”

She felt a pang of sadness. She liked being alone and had only a few friends, none of whom made her feel as close as he did. The words “don’t go” rose up to her throat.

But she wasn’t going to be responsible for his life. Once she joined the Murim Alliance, she’d be busy and wouldn’t be able to see him often anyway.

“Someday, you should become the leader of the Murim Alliance.”

“What?”

She was surprised, her eyes widening at his words.

At that very moment, someone ambushed her from behind. Distracted by Geom Yeom, she hadn’t noticed the attacker approaching.

As she turned around, startled.

Tap, tap!

Cheolgwon, wearing a mask, swiftly subdued her pressure points. The difference in their skills and the surprise attack left her completely defenseless.

Of course, Geom Yeom had sensed Cheolgwon’s approach from a distance. He was prepared for any situation, in case other variables arose.

Cheolgwon, having subdued her, turned his gaze towards Geom Yeom.

At that moment, Jin Haryeong shouted.

“Not him! Don’t kill him!”

She believed the masked man would kill Geom Yeom. If she was the target, there was no reason for the attendant who was with her to be spared.

“No! Please! Let him go!”

Despite her desperate cries, Cheolgwon strode forward and aimed to cut off Geom Yeom’s arm with a single slash.

At that exact moment!

Cheolgwon’s sword stopped in mid-air. A colossal presence loomed from behind him. All at once, every hair on his body stood on end, and his survival instincts screamed at him to flee. At any other time, he would have turned and bolted without a second thought.

But his body wouldn’t move. He felt as if he were floundering in the middle of the ocean, with no boat or island in sight to save him.

Desperately, Cheolgwon tried to muster all his inner strength and turned his body.

A towering wave of unfathomable height surged before him. It was the Murim Alliance Leader, Jin Paecheon, standing right behind him.

“…Damn it!”

He desperately tried to turn and flee, but before he could even take a single step, his own pressure points were subdued in an instant. No matter how skilled Cheolgwon was, in front of Jin Paecheon, he was nothing more than an insignificant ant.

Cheolgwon couldn’t make sense of the situation.

‘Why is the Murim Alliance Leader here?’

The original plan was that after he cut off the servant’s limbs, Jo Sohyeop would appear and rescue her. But why was this happening?

If something had gone wrong, Jo Sohyeop should have appeared by now. He needed to smooth over the situation, smiling and explaining to Jin Haryeong that he was just trying to make a good impression and that this was all a prank. He was supposed to say, “This man is my subordinate”.

But Jo Sohyeop didn’t show up.

At that moment, a chilling thought ran down Cheolgwon’s spine.

‘A trap?’

Could it be that he had been sold out to the Murim Alliance? Otherwise, why would Jo Sohyeop not appear?

Meanwhile, Geom Mugeuk had already focused on Jo Sohyeop hiding in the distant woods.

‘Don’t come out!’

The division between Cheolgwon and Jo Sohyeop was exactly what he wanted.

Jo Sohyeop was hiding in the forest, observing the unfolding situation. He was deeply alarmed by the Alliance Leader’s sudden appearance.

‘This is a disaster.’

What could he possibly say to the Alliance Leader if he stepped out now? That he staged a kidnapping to make himself look like a hero? That would immediately ruin any chance of marriage. And who was he supposed to say Cheolgwon was?

Still, he couldn’t just stay put. He couldn’t let Cheolgwon be taken away like this.

He wanted to step out, but his feet wouldn’t move. He thought it was because he feared the Alliance Leader, but in reality, it was the subtle force emitted by Geom Mugeuk that was discreetly pushing him back. Flustered and scared, Jo Sohyeop didn’t notice this at all.

‘Damn it!’

In the end, Jo Sohyeop decided to retreat for now and deal with the situation later. When he stepped back and turned around, his body moved freely. Without looking back, he hurriedly fled the scene.

Jin Paecheon released the pressure points of his granddaughter.

“Grandfather! How did you end up here?”

“I’ll explain everything later.”

For now, it was crucial to proceed with the plan.

Jin Paecheon and Geom Mugeuk exchanged a nod as they looked at each other.

Jin Paecheon tucked the immobilized Cheolgwon under his arm, soared into the sky, and disappeared from sight in an instant. It was an impressive display of his supreme lightness skill that left anyone watching in awe.

Jin Haryeong turned to Geom Yeom and asked, “What on earth is going on?”

She sensed that something was happening beyond her understanding.

“Let’s go back. We don’t have time to linger here. Can you handle dizziness when using lightness skills?”

“What are you talking about now?”

“I’m asking if you can handle it.”

“I’ve never felt dizzy during lightness skill.”

“If you do feel dizzy, keep your eyes closed. And don’t throw up on my back.”

Geom Yeom turned his back to her and lowered his body.

“Get on. There’s no time, hurry.”

Sensing that the situation was serious, she climbed onto Geom Yeom’s back. Carrying me and running? Why? I’m not even injured. She was curious to see what he would do.

“Are you worried I’ll get dizzy while you carry me on your back and ruuuuuuuuun!” 5

1 : A move often used by womanizers and scammers.
2 : This is a sick hobby.
3 : Remember, it’s you who insisted on this marriage ^^
4 : He’s forging himself into a treasured weapon, as his enemy is THAT much of a threat.
5 : This joke will never get old ^^