Absolute Regression

When I mentioned that I was the son of the Heavenly Demon, not only Bi Sa-in but also Seo Jeongtae and the seven members of the Thirteen Wolves were astonished.

“Are you really Geom Mugeuk?”

Bi Sa-in’s face twisted even more, and his voice became lower.

“That’s correct.”

Bi Sa-in sought confirmation from the Soma.

“Can I ask the Demon Supreme? Is it true?”

“Who in this world would dare impersonate the bloodline of the Cult Leader right in front of a Demon Supreme?”

That was the end of it. Unless the Evil Smiling Demon was insane, he wouldn’t call a fake the real one.

“Why are you here?”

It seemed the Unorthodox Alliance knew that the Evil Smiling Demon had left the Cult, but they hadn’t figured out that I was accompanying him.

“For the same reason you are here. To resolve this matter without bloodshed. Isn’t that why you came out?”

Instead of answering, Bi Sa-in posed another question.

“How did you know it was me?”

Well, it was due to past events.

But I couldn’t answer that way.

“It’s known that two members of the Thirteen Wolves are skilled enough to face a Demon Supreme. Yet, eight of you came to face one Demon Supreme? No matter how important this matter is, don’t you think that’s too many?”

“Still, that doesn’t seem like enough reason to find me out, does it?”

“Of course. So I observed you all. Typically, important people are placed in the center. So I looked at the person in the center. There were clear differences.”

“What differences?”

“Even though the clothes were the same, the shoes weren’t. Your shoes are of very high quality, hard to find in the Central Plains. The sword you’re carrying isn’t ordinary either. Not to mention, when you emitted energy earlier, it didn’t blend with the others. Since you haven’t emitted energy together often, it naturally stands out.”

“Did you really notice such differences?”

I nodded, and Bi Sa-in’s expression hardened. Although just the act of emitting energy didn’t clearly indicate a skill gap, it wasn’t a pleasant situation.

I continued to speak, feigning ignorance.

“There’s another reason. I noticed the merchant leader sending a transmission. In such a critical moment, sending a transmission means consulting someone about a decision. The person who could command the seven members of the Thirteen Wolves, wear such fine shoes, carry a precious sword and command the merchant leader in this situation—don’t you think it had to be you?”

Bih Sa-in slowly nodded with a stern face.

At that moment, Evil Smiling Demon and Lee Ahn sent the same telepathic message almost simultaneously.

― The Second Young Master is a genius.

― Young master is a genius.

I sent a telepathic message to Lee Ahn.

― You just sent the same message as the Evil Smiling Demon.

― It seems both good and evil recognize the young master.

― Which side are you already?

― Young master!

If it had been just the two of us, we would have laughed and joked, but I maintained my composure and stood calmly.

While the two were pleasantly surprised, Bih Sa-in’s mood sank.

Bih Sa-in, this is not the time for you to feel bad. You have just encountered the only opportunity to change your fate.

“I envy you.”

“For what?”

“You’ve already been confirmed as the successor, haven’t you? I’m still struggling.”

Bih Sa-in’s lips twisted. Even a slightly bitter smile turned his whole face into an extremely provocative expression.

I knew why he was making such an expression in a situation where he should have been proud.

Although he had been decided as the successor, fierce internal strife continued within the Unorthodox Alliance.

He had already suffered three assassination attempts, one of which had been truly dangerous. Since so many coveted the position of successor, it was impossible to determine who was behind it.

That’s why he was accompanied by as many as seven of the Unorthodox Thirteen Wolves.

However, in his life before the regression, he ended up being assassinated.

Would his fate change by meeting me?

That was something even I didn’t know. Whether the events would unfold as they were meant to, or if he would live a new destiny.

At that moment, one of the Unorthodox Thirteen Wolves guarding Bih Sa-in stepped forward, removing his bamboo hat. He was an old master with white hair.

“I am the one leading the Unorthodox Thirteen Wolves.”

Ilrang (One Wolf), Baek Cheol-gi.

He was the leader of the Unorthodox Thirteen Wolves and the close confidant of the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.

Ever since Bih Sa-in got his face scarred at a young age, Baek Cheol-gi had felt a lifelong guilt for not being able to prevent it. Later, when Bih Sa-in was assassinated by hidden forces, he died trying to protect him.

Perhaps that was why? I had a favorable impression of him. Seeing him, who had died protecting his leader, overlapped with my image of Lee Ahn.

“I have heard that the Second Young Master of the Divine Cult has recently been making a name for himself, and it is indeed well-deserved.”

“It was just a keen eye.”

“For a martial artist, a keen eye is a talent more important than any other skill.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Ilrang got to the main point.

“The reason the Young Leader himself has come out today is not just to resolve the trading company issue.”

“Then what is it?”

“Someone hopes the Evil Smiling Demon will once again initiate a bloodshed.”

At the mention of his name, Soma stepped forward and asked,

“Who are they?”

Baek Cheol-gi shook his head.

“We don’t know.”

Then, the Evil Smiling Demon looked at me as if seeking an answer. I met his expectations.

“It must be those vying for the Unorthodox Alliance successor position.”

“What do I have to do with them?”

“Imagine if Lord Soma were to annihilate the White Bird Trading Company today. Wouldn’t there be another uproar? It seems the masterminds behind this incident are attempting to stir up conflict and disputes between our Cult and the Unorthodox Alliance to further their own agenda.”

Ilrang and even Bih Sa-in were surprised that I had immediately grasped their understanding of the situation.

Bih Sa-in resumed the conversation.

“How did you know?”

“As you said, today Young Master Bi personally stepped forward. If it weren’t an issue directly related to him, he would have sent someone else instead of coming himself.”

“Since you are so astute, there is no need to explain why you must return to your Cult. It would be best for both sides if you returned.”

“We also have demands for Young Master Bi.”

“What demands?”

“Immediately transfer the White Bird Trading Company to our Cult. And compensate Lord Soma for all the losses incurred over the past two years.”

Everyone was shocked by my unexpected words. The Evil Smiling Demon was probably the most surprised by my proposal.

The first to react was Seo Jungtae, the head of the White Bird Trading Company.

“What are you talking about? Transfer it immediately? And compensation? Is that even reasonable?”

I looked coldly at Seo Jungtae.

“It seems there is no hierarchy here. A subordinate speaks out of turn in a conversation involving his Young Leader.”

I felt a bit sorry for saying that. Our Cult was also in disarray after all.

Bih Sa-in, taking Seo Jungtae’s place, responded coldly.

“Instead of gratitude for the warning, you increase your demands. What insolence.”

“The insolence is on Young Master Bi’s part.”

“Me?”

“How long has it been since you became the official successor?”

“Two years.”

“The ones who orchestrated this incident must have been working to become the successor since around the time Young Master Bi was chosen, perhaps even before then. Isn’t that right?”

“Let’s say that’s true.”

“Then, is there any evidence that they weren’t involved in the bloodshed Lord Soma caused two years ago?”

“What?”

Bih Sa-in was taken aback. He probably hadn’t considered that possibility.

“You saw how Lord Soma handled the situation today, controlling himself even in a very frustrating situation. But why do you think he acted the way he did two years ago?”

I looked at the Evil Smiling Demon. He spoke with a look of realization.

“Are you suggesting that there was a hidden hand behind that incident as well? That they used me? The Evil Smiling Demon? That those people who seemed desperate to die back then had a reason?”

With every word, the cold demonic energy around him thickened.

Soon, Soma laughed like a madman. It was his laugh when he was truly angry.

“Second Young Master, I once joked about wiping everyone out and spending ten years in confinement. Now, it might be twenty years.”

Feeling that the Evil Smiling Demon’s reaction was genuine, Bih Sa-in couldn’t speak for a moment. He must have also been starting to suspect that the bloodshed two years ago was part of their plot.

“Even so, I won’t transfer the White Bird Trading Company.”

“Fine. Then let’s add one condition.”

“What condition?”

“Lord Soma and I will help uncover the masterminds behind this incident.”

Bih Sa-in was in for another surprise. It was probably the first time in his life he had been shocked so many times in one day.

“You told us to return, but we won’t. Lord Soma is not really the kind of person who would leave just because you tell him to, right?”

The Evil Smiling Demon chimed in to support me.

“I’m the type who stays if you tell me to leave.”

I smiled faintly and continued.

“As you can see, he’s that kind of person. So we will help you. We can’t just stand by if they are trying to involve Lord Soma.”

“Are you confident you can uncover the masterminds?”

“It might be impossible to completely expose those who have been operating in the shadows for years, but we can find a solid lead. If we provide that lead, will you meet the demands I proposed earlier?”

The reason for my proposal was simple.

I already knew who the masterminds were.

Bih Sa-in would eventually accept.

Today, they must have seen something extraordinary in me, and above all, the benefits in Guizhou or retribution against the Evil Smiling Demon were nothing compared to finding and eliminating those viciously hiding in the shadows while plotting to kill them.

Bih Sa-in, Ilrang, and Seo Jungtae exchanged a storm of telepathic messages.

I gave them some time.

Then the Evil Smiling Demon sent a telepathic message.

―Do you think they will accept? The losses will be enormous.

―They will definitely accept. Want to bet? How about a meal?

―You’re obsessed with meals and my mask again. I refuse.

I laughed telepathically, but he did not.

Eventually, Bih Sa-in finished his telepathic meeting.

“Fine. We’ll accept. But you must withdraw once we give you the lead.”

“Agreed. Let’s do that.”

I drew the Black Demon Sword and extended it to him. Bih Sa-in drew his sword and lightly tapped it against mine.

Cheng.

The clear sound of the swords clashing was the seal of our agreement.

We looked at each other through the crossed swords.

My gaze, looking at his distorted and twisted face, was utterly calm.

I didn’t have any special affection for him, but I had a strong aversion to the next successor. That absolute trash would take his place.

Of course, if this life went the same way as before, it would mean nothing. That guy would also be killed by Hwa Moogi.

But what if we all survived?

Then it would mean something.

Better for you to survive.

Your scarred face will benefit the martial world much more than that pretty face of that useless trash.

“Then, until we meet again.”

“Indeed.”

With that, we left the White Bird Trading Company without shedding a drop of blood.

On the way back in the carriage, Soma asked me,

“Boring, wasn’t it?”

“Meeting the Unorthodox Alliance’s successor among the seven of the Unorthodox Thirteen Wolves? Discussing the plot to kill him? What part of that was boring?”

The Evil Smiling Demon laughed. It was his habitual laugh, but I felt it had changed a bit.

“How did you know he would accept?”

“It concerns his life and the position of Unorthodox Alliance Leader. I thought he would accept any condition.”

“Are you confident you can catch them?”

“That’s a question for you, Lord Soma. Are you confident? They are after you, not me.”

The Evil Smiling Demon laughed even louder.

“My boring world is becoming interesting.”

“It was never boring from the beginning. The martial world is so thrilling, but perhaps you and I have been stuck in our Cult too much, Lord Soma.”

“Then where do we find those guys?”

“We won’t need to find them. They’ll come to us. We just need to do our part.”

The Evil Smiling Demon genuinely looked at me with admiration. Since an attack was inevitable, if we could gain a clue during the process, all the troublesome issues in Guizhou would be resolved in one go, including making up for past losses.

Adding to his admiration, I said, “I don’t care whether the Unorthodox Alliance’s successor lives or dies. The only thing I care about is Lord Soma’s world. Witnessing that world.”

This journey was about witnessing the Evil Smiling Demon’s world, and by the end of this journey, we would know much more about each other.

Soma, who had been quietly observing me, spoke with a gleam of interest in his eyes.

“This time, I’ll have to show you why my ugly heart is so ugly.”

And so, the carriage once again started racing towards another part of his world.

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@ This chapter was edited while listening to the ‘Save Everyone (Instrumental)’ track from the “You Can Save Everyone – Official Game Soundtrack” from RAZEACC. It came out on Youtube 8 days ago, go listen to it~~ ^^

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