Absolute Regression

The Heavenly Wind Cult Leader was not surprised to see me and Gowol.

“May we join you?”

Even though he had been waiting for us, he made a sarcastic remark.

“Are you boasting about having a new person?”

“Isn’t that why you were eating here, to boast?”

Gowol and I sat across from him.

The Cult Leader glanced at Gowol. After resting for a few days, he had gained some weight and his condition had improved, which seemed to make the Cult Leader uneasy.

“Your new master seems to be treating you well.”

“I’m eating and sleeping well.”

“I hope it’s a grand feast.”

I believed time would resolve their relationship as well.

One day, the Cult Leader would think, ‘Why was I so obsessed back then? Looking back now, it was nothing.’

Or would this be instead an unforgettable wound, a regret that would haunt him?

Even though I had lived a long life, I couldn’t be certain about things I hadn’t experienced or the feelings of others.

Before he could become more sullen, I changed the subject.

“Have you met with my father?”

“I have met him.”

“Did you tell him? That you would train the new Soul Reaper Demon Supreme to be stronger?”

“I did. He seemed pleased, just as you said.”

“He didn’t say anything else?”

“He did. He asked when Cheong Seon’s martial arts training would be finished. He seemed eager for my quick return.”

“And what did you reply?”

“I told him that I still needed to find the divine artifact and that there was much to teach.”

“You did well.”

“What should we do now?”

“I will find a way.”

“You won’t demand another divine artifact in return, will you?”

“I will discuss that with my strategist.”

For a moment, the Cult Leader’s expression hardened.

“Is that something to say to me now?”

I calmly addressed the Cult Leader.

“Cult Leader.”

“I’m listening.”

“You lost one person when you came to our sect, but didn’t you gain another? If you continue to live looking back, you will lose that person too.”

The Cult Leader’s expression grew even harder, but he couldn’t get angry. Cheong Seon, who had become the Soul Reaper Demon Supreme, was not someone to be taken lightly.

“Cheong Seon, whom you’ve accepted as your disciple, is an ambitious person. Focus on her.”

Perhaps out of spite from my advice, the Cult Leader took his frustration out on Gowol.

“As you said, if the Second Young Master here becomes an unparalleled hero, countless people will gather around him. Many of them will be smarter than you. You’ll just end up as one of those insignificant people. Who was it again? Ah, that shackle! That’s exactly who you’ll become.”

I realized that this remark was not directed at Gowol, but at me. It was a subtle warning from the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult not to treat Gowol in such a way. This man genuinely cared for Gowol.

At that moment, Gowol suddenly spoke up.

“The Second Young Master gave me one million nyang.”

I was inwardly surprised, as I never expected he would boast about the money he received from me in such a situation.

“You said that Geom Mugeuk is hypocritical, right? If you’re going to be hypocritical, do it on this grand a scale.”

Since even I was surprised, it was only natural that the Cult Leader was astonished. His astonishment quickly turned into anger.

“Save your advice for your smart new master!”

The Cult Leader stood up and stormed out.

Knowing that Gowol wasn’t a reckless person, I asked him calmly.

“Why did you do that?”

It was indeed an intentional act.

“As a strategist, I have my first proposal for you.”

“What is it?”

Gowol looked at me intently and spoke.

“I want to recruit the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult.”

I was taken aback by his unexpected words.

“Are you saying you want to bring the Cult Leader to our side?”

Gowol nodded in response to my question.

“Yes.”

“Is that even possible?”

“I can’t be certain, but there is a possibility.”

“Then why did you anger him?”

“I have my reasons.”

It seemed to be a preliminary move to recruit the Cult Leader.

“May I ask why you want to recruit him?”

After a brief pause, Gowol gave a reason I hadn’t anticipated.

“Because I want to save him.”

“Will he die if he doesn’t join us?”

“Yes, I believe that will happen.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Because of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult Leader.”

“You mean my father? Why?”

Since Gowol was mentioning the Heavenly Demon, he lowered his voice.

“The difference in capacity between the two leaders is too great. Your father possesses one of the greatest martial talents among all the Heavenly Demons. He is also very ambitious. In the end, the Heavenly Wind Cult will be devoured by the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”

I agreed with Gowol’s assessment. Without Gowol, the Heavenly Wind Cult might not be able to properly recruit new strategists and could face untold disasters.

“So you want to save the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult?”

“Yes, that’s correct. If he becomes one of your people, he can avoid that disaster.”

To gain the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult? The decision could lead to various problems, but it seemed to be a choice with as much gain as loss. Above all else…

“This is my strategist’s first proposal, so I should accept it. Alright, let’s try to bring the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult to our side.”

“Thank you.”

Gowol bowed his head respectfully.

I intended to treat him properly as my strategist, just as my father did with Sima Myung.

“Aren’t you worried that I might mess it up?”

“What?”

“You know that the Cult Leader and I are emotionally entangled. If I mishandle him, the Heavenly Wind Cult might become our enemy.”

“That could happen.”

“Then why did you allow it?”

“Do you think avoiding each other will make things better? I believe that not seeing each other only increases hatred and resentment. I think it’s better to confront the Cult Leader, argue, and settle things. Whether we make him our ally or turn him into an enemy, let’s reach a conclusion.”

Just like with the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the One-Slash Sword Supreme. Gowol’s face brightened at my words.

I extended my hand to him.

“Let’s shake on it.”

Gowol grasped my hand and said.

“This hand is firmer than a shackle.”

“Are you saying it’s a hand that can break an eternal iron? Or a hand that will hold you like a shackle?”

“Which one do you mean?”

“I see them as the same.”

“I like both.”

We shook hands firmly.

At last, I had a strategist.

* * *

The next day, I visited the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult.

“This is good tea from the Central Plains.”

The Cult Leader snorted instead of thanking me.

“Are you here to brag about giving your one million nyang strategist? It must be nice to have so much money.”

“I just wanted to see you. And don’t you have a hundred times more money than I do?”

“A hundred times? More like a thousand times.”

“Of course. I also know my place. Why would I boast about money in front of you?”

“Then why are you here?”

“I just wanted to chat over some tea.”

The Cult Leader looked at me with suspicion. It was a natural reaction, given the resentment he had accumulated because of me concerning Gowol, plus the divine artifacts behind him.

“Actually, I have a concern related to Gowol.”

“What kind of concern?”

“You saw it yesterday, right? How he boasted about money so recklessly in front of you.”

“Are you saying you were disappointed?”

I didn’t say anything, but I showed a slightly disappointed expression. Of course, it was something Gowol had orchestrated. Yesterday, Gowol had flaunted his money to create this exact situation.

“I don’t know much about Gowol.”

“Then why did you show such extreme devotion?”

“So I thought about it carefully…”

“And?”

“Maybe he was acting as a stepping stone to forge a connection between the Cult Leader and me.”

“Does that person know? That you’re stabbing him in the back like this.”

“It’s not slander or betrayal. It’s just the plain truth.”

“So what is it that you want to say?”

“I’m curious whether Gowol is a trustworthy person.”

A hint of displeasure crossed the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult’s face.

“Listen, Second Young Master.”

“Yes.”

“I suggest you leave for today while I’m still being polite.”

At the cold dismissal, I simply bowed and stood up.

“Then I’ll see you next time.”

Being kicked out like this was also within Gowol’s predictions.

* * *

The next day, Gowol visited the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult.

“What is the meaning of this behavior?”

Nevertheless, he was more welcoming than when Geom Mugeuk had come.

“I came as a guest, so please show some courtesy.”

“What nonsense.”

The Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult turned away.

Gowol went to the nearby table and made tea himself. Since even servants were rarely allowed into the Cult Leader’s quarters, it was usually the Cult Leader who made the tea.

“Are you trying to poison me?”

“What would I gain from poisoning you, Cult Leader?”

“You could enjoy life with the Second Young Master in a world without me, couldn’t you?”

“You need to be alive for me to boast, like you did with your money yesterday.”

“This crazy bastard.”

Gowol brought the tea.

“Please drink. Now that I think about it, this is the first time I’m personally serving you tea.”

Though displeased, the Cult Leader blew on the tea and drank it.

“How is it?”

“It’s terrible.”

“I’ll just have one cup and leave.”

“Do as you please.”

The two drank their tea in silence. Then suddenly, the Cult Leader spoke.

“The Second Young Master doesn’t completely trust you.”

Originally, he never intended to tell him. He wanted Geom Mugeuk to feel the heat, that was his honest feeling. But facing Gowol, he found it hard to hold back.

“Is this an attempt to sow discord?”

After going to the trouble of telling him, and now this? The Cult Leader scoffed as he was about to lash out.

“Think whatever you want.”

At that moment, Gowol smiled and said,

“I’m touched. That you would even say such things to me.”

“Didn’t you say it was sowing discord?”

“I know it’s not.”

“How?”

“It’s part of the plan.”

The Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult was startled by the word ‘plan’.

“Plan? What plan?”

“It’s an plan to bring you in, Cult Leader. The Second Young Master suspects me, so he’s cornering me, and we’re using your weak heart to pull you to our side.”

“What?”

The Cult Leader, who had been momentarily stunned, raised his voice.

“Did you think I’d fall for such a trivial plan?”

“If I’m cornered, will you just stand by and watch?”

“Of course! You’re already gone; why should I care?”

“Then why are you getting so worked up right now?”

“I’m not worked up. I’m not!”

But it was clear the Cult Leader was agitated.

“Then why are you telling me this?”

“Because I don’t want to deceive you into coming over.”

“!”

The Cult Leader hesitated, not knowing what to say. At that moment, Gowol spoke again.

“Even saying this is part of the plan. It’s to make you trust me more.”

“What on earth are you talking about? Even after leaving, this ghost-like guy is tormenting me! Go away! Get lost!”

“Now, that sounds like you, Cult Leader.”

“You think shouting is like me? Are you mocking me? Fine! I’ll shout as much as I want, so mock me all you like!”

After shouting for a while, the Cult Leader felt a sense of relief.

“Why are you trying so hard to bring me over?”

“Because at this rate, you’ll fall victim to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s Cult Leader.”

Gowol had been honest with the Cult Leader from start to finish.

“I won’t fall victim! I’ll find new soldiers as soon as I return.”

“You know roughly who in the Heavenly Wind Cult will take my place, right? They won’t be enough.”

“I’ll find someone, just like I found you.”

“Will such luck come twice?”

“Damn it! Damn you, you insolent brat!”

“I’ve shown all my cards. Now it’s your turn to reveal yours, Cult Leader.”

“…As if you don’t already know all my cards.”

The Cult Leader let out a long sigh.

“Geom Mugeuk will take everything from me.”

“Then, each time, take what you want. If you lose one thing, gain another to fill the gap.”

“I can’t manage that with my own head.”

“I’ll help you.”

“Go help yourself. Don’t end up being a nobody and getting tied down. All those humans pretending to be good or superior are just the same in the end.”

“That’s why. Since they’re the same, let’s get along together.”

“Can I really trust you?”

“Are you scared?”

“Wouldn’t you be if it were you?”

At that moment, Gowol’s expression changed, and he suddenly altered his tone.

“Cult Leader.”

The Cult Leader looked at him with a mixture of surprise and welcome.

“Don’t lie. You’ve never been nervous in your life, have you? Not even once. Nothing has ever threatened you, the Cult Leader. Just the thought of venturing into the Central Plains makes you nervous? Don’t lie. You’ve always sung about venturing into the Central Plains, but you’ve never seriously considered what it means, what the consequences would be. Honestly, it’s always been a nuisance to you, hasn’t it?”

“!”

He couldn’t deny it. His grandfather and father had all held it as their lifelong wish, so he too inherited it as his own. He only desired to venture into the Central Plains because rejecting it felt like becoming a traitor to the Heavenly Wind Cult.

“You can kill someone with a single word, embrace countless beauties, and enjoy the finest delicacies every day. It’s the life everyone dreams of. But, Cult Leader, you’ve lived that life to the fullest, haven’t you? There’s no more thrill or happiness left in that life for you, is there? Cult Leader, let’s live a different life. One that’s tense, exhilarating, and heart-stopping. Let’s show the world what a real bloodstorm is. Your martial arts are rusting away in the sandstorms; let’s show the world what real combat is like. It’s a life where you might die with a croak if you’re unlucky. But luckily, we have someone who’ll bring a flower to each other’s graves, don’t we?”

The two locked eyes in midair. Eventually, the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult spoke softly.

“Call the Second Young Master.”

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