Absolute Regression

Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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< Chapter 190: Are You Going to Put Me on That Ship, Too? >

“You still talk behind people’s backs, don’t you?”

I laughed at my father’s words and replied, “Talking behind your back? That’s a misunderstanding! Ah, and even if I did, how could I badmouth the great Heavenly Demon to his face? Not even the Murim Alliance Leader would dare do that. Please, have a seat.”

I was probably the first to notice when my father entered the tavern. I spoke loudly on purpose, hoping he’d hear. I wanted him to know that he should spend more time out and about, rather than staying cooped up in the Heavenly Demon Pavilion all the time. 1

“Cult Leader!”

Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee jumped up to greet him, but my father raised his hand to stop them and then took a seat. Even though he hadn’t exerted any special presence, the atmosphere in the room completely changed. This dingy second floor of the tavern suddenly felt like the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

“What brings you here?”

“I was passing by.”

He always said that, but could that really be the case? Did he come to see me? Or was it to see the Fist Demon King?

Lee Ahn spoke cautiously, “Please, continue your conversation. We’ll step aside.”

“There’s no need. I’ll be leaving shortly.”

“Yes! Then we’ll just stay quiet as if we aren’t even here.”

As she answered energetically, my father suddenly spoke up while looking at Lee Ahn, “You’ve grown a lot.”

Lee Ahn was taken aback by his unexpected words. Had she ever been this startled before? I was surprised too; I never thought my father would acknowledge Lee Ahn like that.

“Thank you.”

Lee Ahn’s voice quivered as she bowed her head. She only said that one word of thanks, but she was deeply moved. She looked at me with eyes that seemed to say, “Young Master, did you see that? The Cult Leader remembered my childhood! Ah! I’m so touched that he remembers me!”

Honestly, if we weren’t in this setting, she might have screamed and jumped up and down in joy.

My father’s gaze then shifted to Cheon So-hee.

“I hear you’re the best fighter in the Eastern Fist Faction?”

Cheon So-hee looked like she might faint from shock. The Heavenly Demon knew about her? It was beyond her imagination.

“No, I’m not.”

“So, I heard wrong?”

“What? No, that’s not what I meant!”

She had said “no” out of humility and now repeated “no” again, leaving her flustered and at a loss for words.

I stepped in to help.

“That’s correct. Lady Cheon is the most skilled in the Eastern Fist Faction. I consider her a candidate for the next Fist Demon King.”

Cheon So-hee seemed even more flustered after my intervention, so it hardly felt like I was helping at all.

“No, no! The next Fist Demon King? That’s absurd!” Cheon So-hee waved her hands frantically, strongly denying the idea.

My father’s gaze shifted to Dan Woo-gang, as if asking for his opinion on the matter. The Fist Demon King simply looked at Cheon So-hee in silence, neither confirming nor denying my words.

“It’s just Young Master teasing me, so please don’t mind it,” Cheon So-hee said, trying to brush it off.

I didn’t let it slide as a mere joke. “I meant what I said. Father, we’ve never had a woman as the Fist Demon King in our cult, have we? Wouldn’t it be impressive?”

I deliberately said this to provoke her. Becoming a candidate for the next Fist Demon King in front of the Heavenly Demon himself would probably motivate her more than a hundred words of encouragement.

Understanding my intention, my father gave Cheon So-hee a brief remark. “Strive to improve further.”

“Yes!”

Cheon So-hee probably won’t be getting any sleep tonight.

After checking in on the two women, my father turned his attention to Dan Woo-gang. “How have you been?”

“Yes, I’ve been well, Cult Leader.”

No matter how fierce he looked, no matter how well-built he was, no matter how big his fists were, he softened like a child in front of my father, the Heavenly Demon.

“I hear my son’s been bothering you?”

“Lately, I’ve been the one bothering him.”

“What do you mean?”

“This is a welcoming party for new members. I’m the new member.”

My father hadn’t known that, and he looked surprised for a moment before breaking into a smile. This is always where I feel a bit jealous—he never shows that smile to his own son, yet there he is, smiling in front of the Demon Lords. 2

Turning to Lee Ahn, my father remarked, “You must be having a hard time handling such a grand new recruit.”

“It’s alright. The Fist Demon King is…”

Lee Ahn hesitated, unsure how to proceed. She had never really thought about how to describe or introduce the Fist Demon King, especially in front of the Heavenly Demon.

I couldn’t miss the chance to tease a flustered Lee Ahn. “Cut her some slack. Lee Ahn just isn’t good at lying.”

Lee Ahn quickly added, “No, that’s not it. Sir Dan Woo-gang is incredibly impressive, dignified, gentle, and, um, well-built. He also takes good care of us.”

An awkward silence filled the room.

“Well-built?”

Even the Fist Demon King, who never expected Lee Ahn to say something like that, looked momentarily flustered. Lee Ahn, realizing what she had said, was also taken aback.

“Did I say that?”

“Yep. And that was the only honest part of your lie.” 3

Lee Ahn shot me a look, her eyes full of exasperation. Stop teasing me! The Cult Leader is right here!

My father poured a drink into the Fist Demon King’s cup.

“You must be having a hard time because of my mischievous son.”

Dan Woo-gang accepted the drink politely, with a look that said he was already well aware of it.

The two of them drank in silence.

They appeared at ease, yet not quite comfortable. The Fist Demon King clearly felt uneasy and intimidated in my father’s presence.

Still, when I looked closely, there was a resemblance between my father and him. Despite their true personalities, both of them had a strong, almost destructive aura about them, like they would rather break things first and deal with the consequences later. They also both seemed somehow lonely.

“This is your first time joining a gathering like this, isn’t it?”

“It is.”

“How does it feel?”

Could it be that the reason my father came today was to find out why the Fist Demon King joined this group? 4

“It’s nice to spend time with younger people; it makes me feel young again.”

“Are you really old enough to say things like that? It feels like just yesterday when we were in our prime. Do you remember that time we fought the orthodox sect bastards at Mount Wutai for three days and nights?”

“You still remember that?”

“You were really impressive back then.”

“I guess I haven’t done anything more impressive since, which is why that memory still stands.”

My father and the Fist Demon King.

I expected the atmosphere between them to be tense, with little conversation, but surprisingly, they chatted rather easily.

In fact, my father seemed slightly more relaxed and friendly with him compared to how he usually was with other Demon Lords.

Gu Cheonpa once said that Dan Woo-gang was my father’s favorite among the Demon Lords. I was starting to think that might actually be true.

On the other hand, the Fist Demon King only responded when spoken to, showing clear signs of unease around my father. Perhaps that’s why their relationship has remained stable; problems always arise when both parties get too comfortable.

After the drinks had gone back and forth a couple of times, Lee Ahn, who had been waiting for the right moment, spoke to my father.

“I’ve been wanting to thank you in person if I ever got the chance. Thank you for what you did last time.”

Lee Ahn stood up and bowed deeply. She didn’t specify what she was grateful for, but both my father and I understood. It was gratitude for allowing her to be taught the Soaring Sword Art.

Geom Woojin calmly replied with a single remark.

“Great martial arts come with great destinies.”

Though it wasn’t solely because of the Soaring Sword Art, she was now on a new path of destiny.

“I will keep that in mind and do my best not to bring disgrace to the great favor you’ve granted me.”

I hoped this moment would hold even greater significance for Lee Ahn.

“In that spirit, why not pass on a lesson to Lee Ahn?”

At my suggestion, my father’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“Right now?”

“When else would there be another opportunity like this?”

Lee Ahn started to step in and say she was fine, but I raised my hand to stop her.

“For my father, it’s just another drink, but for Lee Ahn, this could be a life-changing moment.”

I then continued my words through a voice transmission.

—She’s reached the Ninth Star at her age. You know how much effort it takes to achieve that, don’t you? That kid has grown up so well, hasn’t she?

Perhaps my last words struck a chord with him.

Standing up, my father spoke to Lee Ahn. “Come with me for a moment.”

My father took Lee Ahn outside.

As she followed him out, Lee Ahn glanced back at me. Am I going to die like this?

I waved at her as if bidding farewell. She wouldn’t die, but it would certainly be an experience that felt like it.

Of course, I could guide her to greatness myself, but being taught a lesson directly by my father was something entirely different from simply advancing in martial arts with the help of a friend, no matter how close he was. It was a significant experience that could profoundly impact a martial artist’s life.

I turned to the Fist Demon King with an apology.

“Sorry for ruining the mood.”

“When I’m around you, unexpected things always seem to happen.”

“That’s why everyone just loves having me around, right?” 5

Dan Woo-gang, who had been quietly observing me, finished his drink and then spoke.

“Earlier, I told that girl something: the greater the trust, the deeper the wound. Misplaced trust brings misfortune. Come to think of it, I haven’t said that to you.”

It was a question of what I would do when, after taking care of others like this, I ended up being betrayed by them.

“It might seem like I trust everyone, but that’s not really the case. I trust this person to this extent and that person to that extent. I have my own standards and boundaries. To trust everyone or to trust no one—I actually think that’s the easier path. So, I’ve decided to take a more challenging road, one where I wrestle with who to trust and who not to. How much should I trust the Fist Demon King? How can I make others trust me more? I’m planning to continue on with those questions in mind.”

It was the first time I had revealed to Dan Woo-gang what kind of person I truly was.

“So? Do you think you can bring everyone along that way?”

“Eventually, there will come a time when I can’t take anyone aboard my ship. Either I’ll be too exhausted, or the ship will be too small.”

“Why are you so intent on bringing them along? With your martial arts alone, you could live a life enjoying the freedom you spoke of.”

“It’s because it feels like the dam is about to break.” 6

“!”

After a moment of silence, the Fist Demon King asked, “If the dam breaks and a flood comes, will only those on your ship survive?”

“No. It might actually be the opposite.”

“The opposite?”

“My ship will sail to stop the dam from breaking. But those who board my ship might end up dying because of it.”

I turned to Cheon So-hee, who was listening.

“So, you don’t have to board my ship.”

Her eyes, staring at me, seemed to say, “But it feels like I’m already on it.”

This time, though, she was speaking with her head, not her heart.

“I have no intention of boarding. I’ll be on the ship the Fist Demon King is steering. Actually, I’m already on it.”

“Sister!”

“Sister? Why are you calling me that, Young Master?”

She was drawing a clear line in front of Dan Woo-gang.

“Yes, Lady Cheon. I wish you all the best!”

I laughed first after saying that. Cheon So-hee probably wanted to laugh along, but she didn’t dare in front of the Fist Demon King.

At that moment, the Fist Demon King calmly asked, “Will you put me on that ship as well?”

A brief silence followed. Cheon So-hee looked more nervous than Dan Woo-gang as she awaited my answer.

“I’m not sure yet. To be honest, I haven’t really seen you properly, Fist Demon King. All I’ve seen are your fists. Right now, all I want is to turn these small hands of mine into fists like yours.”

The Fist Demon King quietly drank after hearing my words. I drank as well, and Cheon So-hee cautiously followed suit.

Unbeatable Fist Demon, you can board my brother’s ship. And if you don’t like his ship, you can take him aboard yours. But one day, I’ll make sure to carry both of your ships on mine. I’m doing all this because I hope my ship will grow that large.

After a short while, my father returned with Lee Ahn.

Lee Ahn looked flushed. I wasn’t sure what kind of lesson she had received, but for her, it was probably a rare opportunity.

“How was it? Did you enjoy the welcome ceremony today?” I asked.

Lee Ahn nodded.

“So, Father, will you join this group too?”

Everyone was shocked at my suggestion. Cheon So-hee even covered her mouth to stifle a gasp. 7

I expected my father to say something like, “Do I look like I have that much free time?” But instead, his response was surprising.

“If I join, will there be any benefits?”

“Of course! You’re not just anyone; it’s the Heavenly Demon joining. There are special perks.”

“What kind of perks?”

“To start with, the four of us will be at your service anytime you want.”

Then the Fist Demon King interjected.

“Wait, the four of us?”

“You’d enjoy it too, right? Spending quality time with the Cult Leader.”

Dan Woo-gang bristled, glaring at me with an expression that could curse.

I pretended not to notice and turned my head, while my father asked again, “What’s the second benefit?”

“If you’re willing to teach us about martial arts, we’ll always be ready to learn.” 8

“That sounds like a benefit for you, not for me.”

“Young people these days often dismiss the teachings of their elders as nagging. And it’s not like they have many opportunities to boast about what they know. But we’ll be different; we won’t miss a single word. Feel free to share all your old stories!”

“My words are well-received by people of all ages, aren’t they?”

Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee bit their lips, holding back their laughter as they realized that getting swept up in this banter could lead to trouble.

“That’s not all. We’ll also travel with you, Father. During those times, it’ll be goodbye to the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, goodbye to the Demon Supremes, and goodbye to the Strategist Advisor.”

“What else?”

“You’re quite demanding. What more could you possibly want?”

Father then said, “I’d like to play Go when I want, go hunting.” 9

The moment he said that, I felt a lump in my throat. What my father just mentioned weren’t benefits for him—they were entirely for me.

“Even with these incredible benefits, are you still not going to join us?”

My father finished his last drink and stood up. Just as he had come suddenly, he left just as abruptly.

Father bid farewell to the Fist Demon King. “See you soon.”

“I’ll come visit you.”

We all stood up and bowed respectfully to my father.

“Since you’re already here, why not buy us some drinks before you go?”

To my surprise, he actually did buy us drinks. Excited, Jo Chunbae carefully set aside the money he received from my father.

“This is a rare treat, drinking on the Heavenly Demon’s tab.”

Upon hearing my words, Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee lifted their cups with both hands and drank reverently.

Dan Woo-gang finished another drink and then asked me, “Do you know why the Cult Leader came here today?”

1 : Literally telling his father, “Go touch grass” XDXDXD
2 : Work hard, Geom Mugeuk !!!
3 : I disagree, he’s just too awkward to show it.
4 : That’s just sad man….
5 : That’s…. accurate ? XDXDXD
6 : Being more and more open about it.
7 : Come on, this one was obvious XDXDXD
8 : How shameless !!! Staying true to his character XDXDXD
9 : Awwww, such a cute father-son moment ^^