Absolute Regression

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Demonic Buddha entered the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, Neung Paso, was a man of good physique and complexion, with piercing eyes that seemed capable of drilling through walls. He was known for mastering the Yangcheon Great Demonic Qi, regarded as the best martial art outside the Cult, making him the supreme ruler of the martial world in the wilderness.

There was a time when the Blood Sect stood shoulder to shoulder in power with the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect, but now, under the Heavenly Wind Cult, their strength had significantly waned, unable to compare to the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.

This time, as he left the Heavenly Wind Cult, he brought with him the ten greatest martial artists, known as the Ten Great Tempests, and a hundred elite Blood Soldiers.

But that wasn’t all. He also brought all the divine artifacts that were in his possession, including the Thunder Bell and the Blood Buddha. While it might have seemed safer to lock these treasures in a ten-thousand-year-old iron cage and have his top warriors guard them, he refused to part from his divine artifacts.

The person guaranteeing his safety within the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect was none other than the Demonic Buddha, Cheo Raban, who walked alongside him. He was only about half the height of an average adult.

However, it wasn’t his height that made everyone turn to look at him. It was his skin color.

Not only his face and hands but his entire body was golden. He looked like a small golden Buddha statue moving, which was attributed to the Heart of Gold Great Demonic Art he had mastered.

The two of them walked side by side on the Path of Blood until they reached the foot of the stairs.

“I greet the leader of the Divine Sect and the master of the world’s martial arts. Thank you for inviting me.”

Heavenly Demon Geom Woojin greeted him with a smile.

“Welcome, how many years has it been?”

Though his greeting was calm, each word struck the ears of the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader like an arrow. Even without internal energy imbued, the words flew more intensely than those with internal energy, showcasing the extraordinary level of the Heavenly Demon.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, who stood tall before anyone else, felt intimidated only before the Heavenly Demon.

“It must have been nearly ten years.”

“Have you been well?”

“Thanks to your concern, I am well.”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had resolved before going on this trip that he must never lose a battle of wills when meeting the Heavenly Demon. However, at this moment, he wondered why he even bothered with such trivialities.

This time, Geom Woojin’s gaze shifted to the Demonic Buddha.

“You’ve had a long journey.”

“It was a delightful journey to meet a friend.”

As the Demonic Buddha was about to elaborate on his friendship with the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, Geom Woojin abruptly cut him off.

“It’s late, and you must be tired from your journey. Let’s rest for today and meet again on a brighter day.”

“Yes, then we will take our leave.”

The farewell was formal and brief.

Originally, the Heavenly Demon and the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader were not close. The Heavenly Wind Cult had always been closer to the Eight Demonic Supremes rather than the Heavenly Demon Pavilion. ⱤＡ𐌽οᛒËŠ

Historically, there had been several wars between the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect and the Blood Sect. Since they were inherently incompatible, it was natural for the Eight Demonic Supremes to ally with the Heavenly Wind Cult against the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Demonic Buddha walked out of the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

“No matter how much it is, shouldn’t they at least offer tea to the supreme leader of the wilderness? It’s too much.”

“It’s late at night.”

“Then they should treat us even better.”

To the Demonic Buddha’s complaint, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader responded indifferently.

“Even if you don’t try to sow discord, there’s no chance of becoming close with their leader. So stop it.”

“What do you mean by sowing discord? This is about your pride and honor.”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader totally understood why the Heavenly Demon had cut off his words. The Demonic Buddha had a knack for making remarks that touched a person’s nerves. He had a bad habit of unnecessarily provoking others.

“Let’s go see the corpse first.”

“Won’t you see it tomorrow? You must be tired. Let’s rest and see it tomorrow.”

“Sleep is for the dead.”

“Then let’s do that. Why is everyone so stubborn?” (EN : I wonder how long this guy will survive…)

The Demonic Buddha led him to the location of the corpse. The body of the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme was stored in a cold place like an icehouse, treated with substances to prevent decay.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader immediately began examining the corpse.

The Demonic Buddha watched curiously.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader skillfully inspected the interior of the body. He meticulously felt the organs and meridians with his hands, sniffed them, and even infused internal energy into the cold corpse.

After a considerable amount of time, the examination concluded.

“The Eight Extraordinary Meridians were damaged, and the heart suffered great strain. This happened due to the continuous use of the Soul Reaping Technique.”

“Are you saying it was qi deviation or not?”

“The cause of death was indeed qi deviation. However, it is certain that the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme died while fighting someone in the realm he had opened himself.”

The expression on the Demonic Buddha’s face hardened.

“So, he was murdered by someone after all.”

“Exactly. The problem is that he died despite using the Soul Reaping Technique.”

The Demonic Buddha shook his head.

“It’s hard to believe. Who could be skilled enough to infiltrate the Western Illusion Formation, kill Yasuo, and escape?”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader pointed his finger to the sky, suggesting that perhaps the Heavenly Demon had killed him.

The Demonic Buddha shook his head again.

“We’ve determined that’s not the case. The Soul Reaper was a key figure when dealing with the orthodox sects. The Cult Leader didn’t dislike him either. There’s no way the Cult Leader killed him.”

Unlike the cautious Heavenly Wind Cult Leader, the Demonic Buddha spoke comfortably about the Cult Leader, confident in his assessment.

“Then, is there someone else considered a suspect?”

“There is one person.”

“Who is it?”

“The Cult Leader’s second son.”

The expression of the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader stiffened momentarily. He hadn’t expected the Cult Leader’s son to be suspected as the culprit.

However, thinking about it in another light, it made sense that the Cult Leader’s son would have the ability to commit such an act.

Although he hadn’t said a word about this throughout the journey, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was boiling inside, feeling dragged into such a dangerous situation. Yet, he showed no outward change in emotion.

If someone tripped him, he would pick up a stone and stand back up, and if they hit him with a rock, he would still smile—that was his way.

“Let’s meet the Second Young Master first thing tomorrow.”

* * *

Seo Daeryong had finished his morning report and was about to turn around when he spoke to me.

“Are you alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“Now even those outside our borders are challenging you.”

“Let them all come.”

“As you wish. Just as long as I’m not involved in the fighting.”

“Sorry, but you’ll always be there, so they call you my right-hand man.”

Seo Daeryong pretended to hold his head in pain.

“They say learning martial arts would darken you, but you still seem bright.”

“Well… I thought I would become darker too, but to be honest, I enjoy learning martial arts.”

“Is it that you enjoy learning martial arts, or do you enjoy learning from Blood Heaven Blade Demon?”

After a brief pause, Seo Daeryong spoke.

“… I don’t dislike it. Not yet.”

“Not yet? That sounds like a prediction that you’ll like it more and more.”

“If that happens… you might need to cut off your right arm and find someone else who is dark and serious.”

“Where would I find someone as dark, crooked, and fun as you? Don’t even dare dream of running away from me.”

“I’m fine with that.”

At that moment, a subordinate from the Underworld Pavilion reported.

“The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader has arrived.”

“Show him in.”

Seo Daeryong quickly left the office and said as he went out.

“Don’t lose!”

“Stay with me!”

“Everyone has to fend for themselves!”

“Where have I heard that before? Are you already starting to imitate him?”

Seo Daeryong left without looking back.

A moment later, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader entered.

“Greetings to the Supreme of the Wilderness.”

I greeted him respectfully, and the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader smiled.

“Second Young Master, it’s been a long time. I saw you as a child, and now you’re all grown up.”

“The Cult Leader remains vigorous as ever.”

Although he was smiling with a kind face, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had been scrutinizing me since he entered.

“I heard you arrived. Your schedule must be busy; what brings you to visit me?”

“There are ears that hear even from afar. Recently, your reputation has reached our cult.”

“It’s nothing but an empty reputation.”

“Still humble, I see.”

After exchanging formal greetings, we sat facing each other.

“You seem deeply affected by the death of the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme.”

He subtly mentioned my father while bringing up the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme, trying to glean something from my responses.

“He was one of the Demonic Supremes my father cherished the most.”

“Who could have killed him?”

“Was he murdered? I heard he died from qi deviation.”

At that moment, a stream of energy emanated from the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader’s eyes. Normally, this would have been an imperceptible, subtle energy, but I could see it clearly.

I realized at that moment that I had gained a new ability.

I could see intangible energy with my eyes. What I would have just sensed before, now appeared like a shimmering haze.

This wasn’t solely because of the New Eye Technique, nor just the Blood Eye Essence. The combination of these two had given me this new ability. Whether it only applied to Blood Sect martial arts or to the energy of other warriors as well, I couldn’t yet determine it.

“Why are you smiling?”

“I’m happy to see you after such a long time.”

“I am happy too.”

Despite this exchange, his energy continued to explore every corner of my body. After thoroughly inspecting me, he finally focused on my eyes, trying to determine if I had the Blood Eye Essence or similar divine objects in them.

However, it was impossible for him to discover anything new from my eyes transformed by the New Eye Technique.

The energy he emitted was retrieved back through his eyes. It was truly amazing to see, not just feel, the energy.

“I’ll be going now.”

“That’s a shame. Please stay a bit longer.”

“It’s enough that I saw your face. I shouldn’t keep a busy person detained.”

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader rose from his seat.

“Let’s meet again next time. Thank you for coming.”

Thanks for the ability I gained because of you.

Since before the regression until now, the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader had been giving me so much. Of course, he didn’t give it willingly, but somehow I kept receiving things from him. So, I didn’t dislike him.

* * *

As the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader left Geom Mugeuk’s office, the Demonic Buddha was waiting for him.

“How was it?”

“The Second Young Master had nothing to do with the Soul Reaping Technique. To overpower someone in the space created by the Soul Reaper, one would need to master martial arts from the Buddhist or Daoist sects to the extreme or have similar level of skill, but there were no such traces.”

“Does that mean Geom Mugeuk is not the murderer?”

“That’s correct.”

“Are you certain?”

“If you didn’t trust me, why did you call me all the way here?”

“It’s an important matter, so I was double-checking. Don’t take it the wrong way.”

Despite his words, the Demonic Buddha didn’t seem entirely convinced.

“I am certain.”

“Let’s go then. I’ll summon the Seven Demon Supremes, and you can tell them.”

“No need. You go and relay my words. It’s the same message anyway.”

“Are you sure that’s alright?”

“What could go wrong?”

The Demonic Buddha knew that the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was displeased with this trip to the Central Plains. So he didn’t press further.

“Let’s do that then.”

The Demonic Buddha bade farewell and left.

The expression in the eyes of the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader as he watched him depart was not pleasant.

There was a reason he didn’t want to attend the meeting with the Seven Demon Supremes. It was just because he wouldn’t have to lie in front of seven people instead of one.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader looked back at the place where Geom Mugeuk was and muttered quietly.

“How on earth did the Second Young Master kill the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme?”

Surprisingly, he had figured out that Geom Mugeuk had killed the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme.

However, for some reason, he did not tell the Demonic Buddha the truth. It wasn’t just about bringing someone who didn’t want to come, there was clearly another reason behind his decision.

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader walked in the opposite direction from where the Demonic Buddha had gone.

* * *

That night, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon came to see me. He had come straight to me after the meeting with the Seven Demon Supremes.

“For now, you’ve been cleared of suspicion regarding the death of the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme.”

He looked at me with a surprised expression.

“How on earth did you avoid the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader’s scrutiny?”

“I was drinking with the elder all night, wasn’t I? I didn’t commit any violent act.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon shook his head.

“You really must have the fate of an ascending dragon. Otherwise, these things wouldn’t be possible.”

“I’m far from a dragon. I’ve just barely transformed from a mudfish to a snake.”

“Then what kind of dragon will you become if the snake is already at this level?”

I chuckled, and the Blood Heaven Blade Demon warned me.

“But it’s too early to relax. Among the Seven Demonic Supremes, there are those who don’t believe the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader’s words. Especially the one who seems closest, the Demonic Buddha, is the most skeptical. So much for being close.”

“Elder.”

“What?”

“If you ever feel like the Demonic Buddha and have a different opinion from me, please tell me.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s expression hardened slightly.

“Why do you say that?”

“I just think that if we’re smiling at each other now but end up pointing swords at each other later, it would be too painful. So if there’s anything you don’t like or anything that seems wrong, please tell me immediately. Don’t hold back and let your anger build up. From what you’ve seen so far, haven’t I handled my shortcomings quite wisely? Never assume how I might react and make sure to speak up.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon stared at me for a moment before he spoke.

“Second Young Master.”

“Yes.”

The words that came out of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s mouth were unexpected.

“What if the opposite happens? What if you find me too unsatisfactory and inadequate? What if you think I don’t fit into your new Demonic Path? Right now, everything seems fine and good, but what if, over time, I seem old-fashioned, outdated, and tiresome? What if I lose all my appeal? What will you do then?”

With a fiery look in his eyes, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked,

“Will you eliminate me too?”

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