Absolute Regression

Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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< Chapter 162: Time to Lift the Veil >

The second round of the main tournament had begun.

As the number of contestants dwindled from thirty-two to sixteen, the excitement of the Soaring Dragon Tournament grew even more intense. Now, only the late-blooming talents who had made names for themselves not just in their own regions, but also in the neighboring areas, remained.

“Alright then, I’ll win this for the Leader of the Martial Alliance!”

Seo Daeryong said this as a joke, but it also reflected his resolve.

His opponent this time was Lee Hoo from the Lee Family of Shandong.

It was a duel of blade techniques against blade techniques.

Seo Daeryong was more confident about this match than the previous ones.

“Strangely, facing blade techniques feels more comfortable than dealing with other martial arts. Why do you think that is?”

Since he was in the midst of learning the blade techniques of the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, his understanding of blade techniques was at a high level. This naturally made him feel more at ease when facing other blade techniques.

“You’re letting your guard down, Young Master.”

“No, absolutely not.”

Seo Daeryong waved his hand dismissively. It was understandable for him to feel wronged at the suggestion of complacency. He was striving as if he was born for this tournament.

“You’ve seen how Lee Hoo fights, right? He’s not an easy opponent. Don’t let your guard down.”

“Understood.”

Despite saying that, I predicted that Seo Daeryong would win this match. His opponent’s blade techniques were at a disadvantage when compared to the superior blade techniques Seo Daeryong had mastered.

As expected, Seo Daeryong won without much difficulty.

He waved at the cheering martial artists as he stepped down from the stage.

“I’ve finally made it to the top eight!”

Seo Daeryong was now set to be selected for the elite ranks of the Martial Alliance.

“It’s unfortunate. I now have a chance to live a new life I can never experience.”

“Do you want to stay? If you remain as an undercover agent, the Heavenly Communication Pavilion would welcome you with open arms.”

“An undercover agent?”

“Someone who hides their identity and operates within enemy lines. The genius who topped the entrance exams at the Underworld Pavilion! Not to mention, the best undercover agent who has mastered martial arts! How about it?”

“You said the Martial Alliance Leader already knows about our identities, right?”

“You remembered?”

“Don’t even dream of leaving me behind! Being the Pavilion Lord’s right-hand man is better than winning the tournament. Even if I won the World’s Greatest Martial Arts Tournament, the right-hand position is still better.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

“Now, imagine this! You’ve become the World’s Greatest. All martial artists respect you. Would you still prefer to be my right hand?”

“Yes.”

“Even the Demon Supremes you fear so much smile at you. You accidentally stepped on the foot of the Evil Smiling Demon, and he says, ‘That’s alright, would you like to step on this foot as well?’ So, even in this case?”

“Yes! Even then, I’d still prefer to be your right hand.”

“The beauties of the martial world are lining up, begging to meet you just once. Even then?”

“Even if you were a one-armed martial artist, you’d still look cool, Pavilion Lord.”

I burst into laughter, and Seo Daeryong joined in. These days, he was far more absorbed in martial arts than women, making the joke even more amusing. Where could I possibly send such a charming Seo Daeryong?

“Just try leaving! If you aren’t around, I’ll have Lord Jang take your place as my right hand immediately.”

“Ah! Now I’m second-guessing giving it up to someone else.”

Celebrating Seo Daeryong’s great achievement of advancing to the top eight, we left the martial arts arena together.

* * *

The next day, as Jin Haryeong prepared to step onto the martial stage, her escort, Chuho, asked her.

“Is there anything wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Jin Haryeong turned her head at his concern.

“No. Why?”

“You don’t look like you’re in a good mood.”

“Don’t worry. It’s nothing.”

In truth, her mood was subdued.

Since the banquet hosted by her grandfather, she hadn’t met either Geom Yeon or Jo Sohyeop.

Someone like Jo Sohyeop, if harboring a grudge, would think nothing of killing a person. If he killed without leaving evidence, even if suspicions arose, it would be impossible to hold him accountable. And in this world, no one would care about the death of a mere attendant.

Honestly, she wanted to break Jo Sohyeop into pieces until he begged for his life. But she couldn’t do that because of her grandfather. As long as her grandfather remained the leader, any trouble she caused would inevitably fall on him to resolve. Yes, endure it, endure it.

She could tolerate Jo Sohyeop, but there was something she found much harder to endure. The heart is indeed a strange thing; when you could see someone freely, it didn’t matter much, but once it became impossible to meet them, a yearning to see them would arise for no good reason. What was so appealing about that arrogant attendant who constantly flustered her? 1

As she stepped onto the martial stage, cheers erupted from all sides.

“Hubei’s First Beauty! Jin Haryeong! Hubei’s First Beauty! Jin Haryeong!”

“Stay strong, Lady Jin!”

“I adore you, Lady Jin!”

“Make sure you win!”

“Let’s go eat noodles!” 2

“Win the tournament, Lady Jin!”

Amid the cheers, she distinctly heard a peculiar yet welcoming voice.

Her gaze turned toward the crowd. Everywhere she looked, cheers exploded. Those who were moved by the fact that Hubei’s First Beauty was looking their way shouted her name at the top of their lungs.

Within the crowd, she spotted Geom Mugeuk. She glanced at him and gave a slight nod. It was a signal to go eat noodles together.

That day, contrary to Chuho’s worries, Jin Haryeong showcased her most outstanding skills yet. Her sword was fast and precise, and her footwork was exceptionally elegant.

She achieved a dazzling victory that thrilled the audience, advancing to the top eight.

* * *

At the inn, Geom Mugeuk had arrived early and was waiting.

“Congratulations on your victory.”

Instead of accepting the congratulations, Jin Haryeong spoke firmly.

“We shouldn’t be meeting.”

“Why not?”

“You really don’t know why? Because it puts you in danger.”

“Then why did you come?”

“Well…”

She hesitated briefly before saying something unexpected.

“Because of our promise.”

“What promise?”

“You’ll find out when we get there.”

Jin Haryeong led Geom Mugeuk out of the inn.

“Do you know how to use lightness skills?”

Lightness skills? Geom Mugeuk smiled and replied.

“Of course.”

“No, let’s just get some horses instead.”

As if regretting asking, she went to fetch some horses. Geom Mugeuk followed her lead.

“You do know how to ride a horse, right?”

“Usually, attendants are the ones who handle horses, but the attendant you’re looking at is special, remember? I ride well.”

So they rode off on two horses.

The place Jin Haryeong took Geom Mugeuk was Dongho, located east of the Martial Alliance.

“You asked me to show you around here before, didn’t you?”

“You remembered that?”

“How could I forget when we barely had any conversations?”

After saying that, Jin Haryeong thought to herself.

‘Seriously, why am I going through all this fuss over a few conversations? Making a scene in front of Grandfather, in front of Jo Sohyeop, and now coming all the way to Dongho.’

She glanced at Geom Mugeuk. His hair was still messy and hanging loose, his face obscured by a beard, and his clothes were old and dirty. What was it about this person that she liked? 3

Just then, Geom Mugeuk spoke to her.

“Shall we go over there?”

“Huh? Why?”

“I think the view might be better from that hill over there.”

From the spot where Geom Mugeuk led her, Jin Haryeong was genuinely impressed.

“It’s truly beautiful!”

It was a perfect spot overlooking the breathtaking beauty of Dongho.

“How did you know about this spot?”

“Well, attendants are good at finding the best spots.”

Jin Haryeong felt once again that this man was truly hard to figure out.

The two stood there silently for a moment, captivated by the beauty of Dongho.

Jin Haryeong was the one to break the silence.

“Your young master will soon join the Martial Alliance. Normally, you would have stayed with him, right?”

“Why do you keep trying to send me away? I intend to stay with the Young Master.”

Jin Haryeong looked at Geom Mugeuk. He spoke as if his mind was already made up.

“The day you told everyone that you were in a relationship with me, Lady Jin, you did everything you needed to do. The rest is my choice.”

“It will be dangerous.”

“How did you feel when your grandfather tried to force you into marriage?”

“I hated it.”

“I feel the same way. I don’t like anyone meddling in my life either.”

“I dislike it, but it doesn’t kill me.”

“A life in an unwanted marriage might be more painful than death.” 4

“!”

After a brief pause, Jin Haryeong spoke.

“I don’t think you’ve ever been married, though.”

“I once saw someone suffer greatly because of it. Don’t worry about me.”

“I don’t understand why you’re an attendant.”

“Then what do I seem like to you?”

After a moment, she reached out her hand and said.

“The Martial Alliance Leader’s granddaughter’s friend. Let’s be friends.”

She didn’t fully understand her own feelings. Why was she forming such a deep connection with a mere attendant?

“Isn’t Lady Jin losing out too much?”

“Why weight gains or losses in friendship? If you do that, it’s not really friendship.”

Geom Mugeuk firmly grasped her extended hand.

“To be friends with the Martial Alliance Leader’s granddaughter!”

“To be friends with an attendant!”

After a hearty handshake, she said.

“If anyone bothers you, just tell them your friend is the Martial Alliance Leader’s granddaughter! Got it?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll brag too, wherever I go. That the most extraordinary attendant is my friend.”

“If there ever comes a time when you need that attendant friend, call for me. Who knows, that special friend might surprise you by doing something unexpected.” 5

Jin Haryeong looked at Geom Mugeuk.

“You’re strange.”

This man didn’t seem like he could die. This man didn’t seem like he would ever be in dire straits. She worried how she might regret it later if he ended up being killed by Jo Sohyeop. What would she do when that time came…?

After returning from Dongho, the two parted ways discreetly at the entrance of Wuhon.

Geom Mugeuk was heading back alone when someone blocked his path.

A venomous snake in human form—it was Jo Sohyeop.

“Did you enjoy your outing?”

Geom Mugeuk confronted him with a look of utter fear. He intended to observe how Jo Sohyeop behaved, at least until he figured out whether Jo Sohyeop was here solely because of the marriage arrangement or if he was somehow involved with the Heavenly Society.

“When you’re with her, you’re so bold, but alone, why are you trembling?”

“If you touch me, Lady Jin won’t just stand by.”

When Geom Mugeuk pretended to be scared, Jo Sohyeop’s face twisted into a mocking grin.

“Hiding behind a woman, huh?”

Jo Sohyeop strode over and grabbed Geom Mugeuk by the collar, who staggered backward.

“Lady Jin has been tainted because of a worthless piece of trash like you.”

Jo Sohyeop raised his hand high, preparing to strike. Geom Mugeuk clenched his eyes shut, deliberately showing a frightened expression. 6

“If you thought I wouldn’t kill you just because of what happened in front of the Martial Alliance Leader, then you’ve severely misjudged me.”

“Please, spare me!”

Jo Sohyeop lowered his raised hand.

“I won’t kill you. It’d be too boring to just kill you. I want to see Lady Jin regret her choices. I want to see her disappointment when the veil falls from her eyes. She’ll come crawling back to me, eventually.” 7

Geom Mugeuk knew that wasn’t Jo Sohyeop’s only reason. If he were to die or disappear, Jin Haryeong would never go through with the marriage.

Despite talking about her being tainted, Jo Sohyeop still wanted to marry her, which was telling enough of what that married life would be like without needing to see it.

“If you don’t do exactly as I say from now on, I’ll peel off your skin and toss you into a barrel of salt. Got it?”

“Yes!”

“This evening, I’m hosting a banquet for the young rising talents. Lady Jin has been invited, and you will come too. Clean up your hair, shave your beard, and use this money to buy the most expensive clothes you can.”

Jo Sohyeop believed that part of the reason Lady Jin liked this servant was his unkempt appearance. It was just a young girl’s fantasy. The idea that an unadorned man looks more confident. But once you peel back the layers, there’s nothing there. Tonight, he planned to shatter that illusion.

If this servant shows up in expensive clothes that don’t suit him, trying to present himself as something he’s not, it will backfire. Lady Jin will realize he’s just like anyone else trying to win her favor. Tonight, Jo Sohyeop would destroy that naive fantasy of hers completely.

“If you cooperate as I say, I’ll let you live. I’ll even give you a big sum of money later.”

“How much will you give me?”

“A hundred thousand nyang.” 8

The unexpected amount made Geom Mugeuk’s eyes widen greedily.

“You must follow through.”

“I always keep my promises. So you’d better do as you’re told.”

Jo Sohyeop felt inwardly pleased.

‘What a piece of garbage!’

That would make him much easier to use.

As soon as Jo Sohyeop left with light steps, Geom Mugeuk, who had been pretending to be scared, immediately reverted to his usual demeanor.

“He’s offering a hundred thousand nyang, so it’s clear he plans to kill me once this is all over.”

Though it seemed like he was talking to himself, his words were intended for the hidden martial artist nearby.

“Report everything that was said in this meeting to the Martial Alliance Leader without leaving out a single word. This is crucial for Lady Jin and the Martial Alliance Leader.”

Just from this report alone, the Martial Alliance Leader would be able to discern Jo Sohyeop’s true intentions.

“And convey this as well: when the time comes to wrap up this matter, I’m willing to deal with Jo Sohyeop myself. He’s someone who will continually pose a threat to Lady Jin. The Martial Alliance can’t just eliminate the heir of a prestigious faction without consequences. Inevitably, interests and alliances will cause them to let it slide. So tell him to leave it to me.”

The hidden martial artist remained silent.

* * *

That night, Jin Haryeong entered the manor.

All the invited young rising talents had already gathered. Although she didn’t want to attend, Jo Sohyeop had specifically invited her, saying:

“I’ve invited that servant too, so Lady Jin, you must come.”

If Geom Yeom was coming, she had to be there as well. He wasn’t just an attendant anymore; he was her friend. She couldn’t send him alone into the poisonous snake’s den.

Jo Sohyeop greeted her warmly with a pleasant expression.

“I’ve called both of you today to offer my apology.”

“An apology?”

“Yes. My pride got the better of me that day, and I ended up wronging both of you unintentionally. I’m sorry.”

Jin Haryeong eyed him with great suspicion, but Jo Sohyeop continued to face her with a gentle expression. Today, he didn’t remind her of a snake.

‘Well, it would be better to settle things amicably if possible.’

For Geom Yeom’s sake, there was no need to provoke Jo Sohyeop unnecessarily.

Just then, a commotion arose near the entrance, drawing the attention of Jin Haryeong and Jo Sohyeop. 9

1 : Because you always experience new things with him, it tickles your curiosity ?
2 : I wonder what the people around Mugeuk think when they hear him scream this at the Murim Alliance Leader’s granddaughter XDXDXD
3 : His calm and noble heart, or his sharp and bold tongue ^^
4 : Past life Seo Gong can confirm that while shedding blood tears XDXDXD
5 : *Evil snickering*
6 : The watcher must have a lot of fun, watching the Bloodline of The Heavenly Demon act so terrified XDXDXD
7 : Everyone who talks about women like that deserves to be punched. Even if they’re being deceived and you want to protect them, talking like they’re your possessions shows how toxic you are.
8 : Lol, Jo Sohyeop pay Mugeuk to sabotage him even further XDXDXD An innate talent as a swindler XDXDXD
9 : The Main Character is here. And it’s true XDXDXD