Absolute Regression

Cheong Seon formally became the disciple of the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader after performing the Nine Prostrations Ceremony.

The news spread rapidly, causing a stir within the cult, including among the members of the Western Illusion Formation.

Surprisingly, there were more supporters than detractors. They considered it a wise decision rather than criticizing her. They believed it was better to be properly trained by the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and then ascend to the full position of Demon Supreme, rather than taking the position with weak demonic arts for the sake of justification or honor. Indeed, the cult members valued practicality over justification.

Particularly, the ghost sorcerers of the Western Illusion Formation, who were expected to oppose vehemently, also supported her.

Because of this, Yang Dao found himself in a difficult position. His plan to worsen public opinion by portraying Cheong Seon as receiving external help had failed.

Now, it was uncertain who would become the successor.

“What do you think of her?”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was curious about Cheong Seon.

“Aren’t you good at assessing people? Trust your own judgment.”

“I saw it similarly.”

“She might be worth nurturing.”

It wasn’t that he wanted to take her as a disciple from the start. He wanted to use her as a pretext to stay in the Central Plains, but upon seeing Cheong Seon, he was drawn to her peculiar evil intent.

“I guess I can’t help it. I’m attracted to bad girls.”

“Be careful. She shows ambition that might even swallow her master.”

“That’s what I like about her.”

As the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader grinned, the shackled man also smiled faintly.

“You seem to be in a good mood these days.”

“Me?”

“You’re not swearing as much.”

Above all, he hadn’t asked for a new space to be opened with the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique for days.

“Should I swear at you a bit if you’re bored?”

“Absolutely not! I like it this way.”

However, deep down, he missed the shackled man’s swearing a little.

“By the way, the cult leader over there is quiet.”

It seemed the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was concerned about the Heavenly Demon.

“He will continue to be.”

“Why do you think so?”

“The Second Young Master must have finished his talk with his father.”

“Would he have gone that far?”

“He would have. Success and failure often come down to meticulousness.”

“Why are you so favorable towards Geom Mugeuk? Your evaluations are generous. Did you receive money from him?”

The shackled man lifted his head and looked at the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader.

“Do you dislike it?”

“I do.”

“Then let’s go back to Saewae. If we go where the Second Young Master isn’t, you won’t have any reason to show favor, right?”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, annoyed, sighed instead of getting angry. As annoying as it was, he wasn’t wrong. After all, he was the one who brought this man here in chains.

“I told you, didn’t I? You’re not a person blessed enough to have it all.”

“Damn it, stop with that talk! Why do you keep saying I’m unlucky?”

“Because you keep veering towards truly unlucky paths.” (EN : He’s running towards red flags LOL Flagmaster XDXDXD)

“You never miss a chance to speak up.”

At that moment, a subordinate came to report something new.

“Some cooks came to our martial artists at the outer yard and made them meals.”

“Cooks? Which cooks?”

“They were sent by the Second Young Master. They prepared a feast with top-quality ingredients and left.”

Hearing this, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader looked at the shackled man and asked.

“Is this it? Is this what you meant by the difference meticulousness makes?”

The shackled man nodded.

“He’s truly impressive at such a young age. I said it, but even I didn’t expect him to take care of things to this extent. Maybe…”

“Maybe what?”

“Maybe it’s the moment an unparalleled figure in the martial world, no, in the whole Murim, is being born. And we’re witnessing that historical moment.”

“Just because he sent some cooks?”

“Yes. He sent thieves, disciples, and cooks. It’s right. The historical moment.”

Unlike the impassioned shackled man, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was indifferent.

“In this historical moment, I’m losing all my valuables.” (EN : Can’t say he isn’t dedicated)

As if he knew that was the reason, the shackled man calmly comforted the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader.

“Change your perspective. Think of it as your valuables being used for a great cause.”

“As you said before, I’m not the protagonist of that great cause, am I? I have no desire to be a tool for someone else’s success.”

“To be the protagonist, you have to be diligent like the Second Young Master. You have to work hard like him.”

“I’m working hard too, aren’t I?”

“Are you referring to asking me about every little thing?” (EN : Ouch, the stab XDXDXD)

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader couldn’t argue. Lately, he had delegated most of his tasks to the shackled man.

Seeing the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader still troubled, the shackled man’s expression and tone changed.

“Cult Leader.”

At that moment, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was very pleased with his informal speech. He was worried he might never hear it again, but now it was comforting.

“I know you’re trying.”

“What kind of effort am I making? You’re right.”

“No. Even the effort you put into holding back your greed while handing over your treasures is an effort. Gathering and protecting those treasures took effort as well. I know that your effort in being greedy is as difficult as someone bleeding while escaping from the Heavenly Net Trap.”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader felt a lump in his throat. He realized how comforting it was when someone understood his heart.

However, not wanting to show any weakness to the shackled man, he concealed his true feelings and shouted loudly.

“No! I don’t want to hand over my treasures! Damn that Second Young Master, let him come. I’ll tell him to get lost immediately. Get lost, Geom Mugeuk ! Cover your ears, for my roar will burst your eardrums. Got it?”

At that moment, a subordinate spoke from outside.

“The Second Young Master has arrived.”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader shook his head in disbelief.

“Damn him! He really shows up at such a moment?”

The shackled man laughed out loud for the first time in a while. Covering his ears, he said politely.

“I’m ready.”

* * *

“Welcome back, Second Young Master.”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader greeted me with a pleasant expression.

On the days he handed over his treasures, his hands would usually tremble, but today he looked more at ease. Perhaps he had learned the truth that letting go brings peace?

Shortly after, a subordinate brought out a liquor set.

“Let’s have a drink together today.”

“Sounds good.”

“Have a drink.”

I accepted the drink.

“Here, cheers.”

After clinking glasses, I drank the liquor he served with no hesitation.

“I’m glad to see you trust me.”

I didn’t spit out the Blood Poison Pearl I had in my mouth to not spoil his mood.

Right at that moment, he asked.

“Are you holding a detoxifying pearl in your mouth?”

I knew. The shackled man must have informed him through a telepathic message. Indeed, he was no ordinary man.

“Yes, I am.”

I spat out the detoxifying pearl from my mouth.

“My goodness! When did you hold that in your mouth?”

“I did it when the liquor set was brought out.”

“It wasn’t noticeable at all.”

“I practiced a lot.”

“Using a detoxifying pearl on the liquor I offer… You really are too much.”

“Didn’t I tell you before? There’s still no trust between us. The relationship between you and me is nonexistent.”

“Are you saying that even though you’re here to take my precious treasures again today?”

“In this chaotic world, a relationship can’t be formed based on how many treasures are taken.”

“So right now, the only thing between us that guarantees our cooperation is a detoxifying pearl, huh?”

“A clear relationship where we give and take as needed is better than a flimsy one that changes with the situation.”

“You’re really good with words. Just like someone else I know.”

“Who?”

“Never mind.”

I guessed that the person he referred to was the shackled man.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader stood up.

“Well, since the taste of the drink has soured, let’s pick out the treasure. Come on, hurry up and choose.”

“Thank you.”

Before choosing a treasure, I headed to the Thunder Bell.

“I’d like to see the Thunder Bell again. No matter how many times I look at it, it’s magnificent.”

In truth, I wanted to be close to the shackled man again.

While looking at the Thunder Bell, I glanced at the man. The shackled man sat like a fossil, with his head bowed.

‘Why are you helping me?’

I liked that he didn’t send me a telepathic message. He wasn’t a frivolous man.

Would the day come when I could have a conversation with this man? How far would our destinies intertwine?

I walked towards the place where the treasures were kept again.

Though I pretended to browse around, I had already decided what to take.

“I will choose this.”

This time, the treasure I chose was a thickly wrapped bandage.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader’s expression hardened. His face swore instead of using words.

Damn it! How do you always manage to take the most precious things?

“Do you know what that is?”

Of course, I knew it very well.

“I’m not sure. The wrapped cloth just looked mysterious.”

“That is…”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader took a deep breath. After calming his rising anger, he explained it.

“It’s the Supreme Heavenly Silkworm Thread. It’s an ancient treasure known to be resistant to even a sword strike, and when wrapped in multiple layers, it can block sword energy or sword aura. You can use it to wrap around your arms or legs, or protect your heart. Not only that, but it also keeps you warm and doesn’t burn in fire. In the martial world, the number of weapons that can cut this Supreme Heavenly Silkworm Thread without sword energy or sword aura can be counted on one hand.”

My Black Demon Sword, which I carried, was among those few weapons.

“I didn’t realize its true value due to my lack of knowledge.”

“If you didn’t know, why did you pick this? Why?”

“I’m sorry.”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader couldn’t hide his regret. He sighed several times before handing it over to me. His hands were trembling.

“Use it well.”

“Yes, thank you.”

It felt like forcibly taking something he didn’t want to let go of.

I felt grateful to the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader. Despite his inner anguish, he always kept his promises and generously gave away the treasures.

The rewards were more than what I had done for him, but the reason I accepted them without hesitation was because I intended to fulfill his dream.

“I will never forget your kindness, Cult Leader.”

This was a moment when it would have been fitting for him to show some magnanimity, yet the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader couldn’t hide his regret.

Over his shoulder, the shackled man was looking at me. Given how much he regretted it, there was no way the Cult Leader would have handed over the treasure willingly. The same was true for the Blood Divine Pill and now this Supreme Heavenly Silkworm Thread. It was undoubtedly thanks to the shackled man that I received them smoothly.

The message in my gaze was clear.

Thank you. I won’t forget this.

As if he understood, the shackled man slowly bowed his head and returned to his fossil-like state.

* * *

Back in my quarters, I took out the Supreme Heavenly Silkworm Thread.

I unwound it to a length that could wrap around my wrist about three times and cut it with the Black Demon Sword.

Although it could be cut normally, I wanted a clean cut, so I infused my internal energy into the sword and cut it carefully.

In front of ancient treasures like my father’s Heavenly Demon Sword or my Black Demon Sword, it’s just fabric, but to other weapons, this thing is a monster.

I wrapped it around my left wrist three times.

No matter what happens, as long as I wear this, my hand won’t be severed by any attack. For now, wrapping it around my left wrist was enough. My right hand was protected by the Black Demon Sword. The advantage of being able to use it selectively on needed areas was better than any other armor or protective gear.

I wrapped the remaining Supreme Heavenly Silkworm Thread around the hilt of the Black Demon Sword. I would use it when needed in the future.

I just hoped that I wouldn’t have to wrap this tightly around my body and dive into some situation. That place would be hell. Or it was already hell from the start.

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