Absolute Regression

Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
========================
< Chapter 183: When Cracks Form Between People >

The next day, I went to the training area where the Blue Fists practiced.

Dressed in blue martial arts uniforms, they were distinctly different from the White Fists. They had a level of confidence that matched their skill.

Since the Fist Demon King hadn’t arrived yet, I greeted them casually. Naturally, they were aware that I had trained with the White Fists.

One of them asked me,

“Have you learned everything you needed from the White Fists? I heard you’ve only been there for about seven or eight days.”

“How long did it take you?”

“Two years. If you haven’t properly learned with the White Fists, training with the Blue Fists won’t be easy.”

He sounded as if he was concerned, but in truth, he was expressing his disapproval. It was as if he was saying, “We struggled for two years, and you got through in just a few days? Isn’t it just because of your status as the Second Young Master?” He was hinting that the difference was not about skill but rank.

I didn’t bother explaining to him. There would be others with similar grievances, and this wasn’t something that could be resolved with words in the first place.

A short while later, the Fist Demon King appeared. I learned here that Dan Woo-gang personally guided martial arts training from the White Fists all the way to the Black Fists. Other Demon Supremes only trained their direct disciples, leaving the lower ranks to their disciples, but the Fist Demon King personally oversaw all his subordinates.

“I sincerely believe that personally instructing all the Iron Fists is truly worthy of respect.”

I spoke loudly. Everyone probably thought I was just flattering him, but I meant it sincerely. Since it wasn’t common to even ask questions around here, Dan Woo-gang probably never heard such a comment before. So, I said it.

The Fist Demon King’s gaze turned towards me. Staring into his fierce and gruff face, I spoke even louder.

“You’re admirable!”

Saying it once in front of everyone like this was worth more than saying it a hundred times when we were alone. At least in this matter, this wasn’t just flattery. He truly deserved praise. It wasn’t easy for a Demon Supreme to take care of all his subordinates down the line.

Still, Dan Woo-gang’s eyes seemed to say,

—Your cheap tricks won’t work on me.

My gaze answered back,

—Then they’ll work, because this isn’t a trick.

As we began the serious training, the Blue Fists all took off their shirts.

From the Blue Fists onward, they trained shirtless to carefully observe each muscle movement.

Everyone had taken off their shirts, and their eyes turned to me. Their looks seemed to say, “Let’s take a look at our Young Master’s pale, skinny body.”

I also slowly took off my shirt. When they saw my body, they were all taken aback.

Muscles honed through rigorous training, and numerous scars. If they knew where each scar came from, even the Fist Demon King would be shocked.

I smiled broadly and said to everyone, “I’m here so I can avoid getting hit.”

The faint smirk on the Fist Demon King’s lips was unmistakable. He still harbored doubts, waiting to see how long I would endure.

The real training began.

As with previous sessions, Dan Woo-gang didn’t teach a single move directly, so I watched what they did and mimicked their actions. From this level of forms onwards, breathing techniques were crucial, so I followed their breathing patterns as well. Using the New Eye Technique, I closely observed their noses, throats, abdomens, and mouths to deduce the breathing method.

Then, I asked the Fist Demon King for confirmation.

“Please check if my breathing technique is correct.”

“Who taught you that breathing technique?”

“I learned it by watching the techniques they’re using.”

The Blue Fists looked skeptical.

But Dan Woo-gang would believe it. He was surely sensing my energy flow. I wondered how he was evaluating my skills.

My father’s words came to mind. He had said that if I got involved with the Fist Demon King through martial arts, I would inevitably have to confront him.

Looking at the Fist Demon King, I raised my hand high and said, “I have another question!”

* * *

The next day, and the day after, I trained diligently.

The slightly disdainful looks from the Blue Fists eventually faded. I worked hard, excelled, and most importantly, brought out a new side of the Fist Demon King.

“How should this form be utilized in actual combat?”

This question wasn’t really for the Blue Fists; it was for Dan Woo-gang.

Surely, the Fist Demon King would have wanted to teach his subordinates about the practical application of the forms in combat. If it were me, I’d want to share that knowledge. Wouldn’t Dan Woo-gang feel the same?

Sure enough, the Fist Demon King explained in great detail, as if he was waiting for someone to ask. The Blue Fists were visibly surprised; they hadn’t expected Dan Woo-gang to be such a thorough instructor. 1

“Do you have a special mindset that prevents you from fearing the sword?”

I asked questions about psychological aspects like this.

“Why martial arts?”

I even posed fundamental questions.

In fact, this was a question that every Fist, from the White to the Black Fists, and even the Fist Demon King himself, should continuously ask.

And with that question, I naturally asked myself as well.

‘Why the sword?’

How one seeks the answer to this question will determine how far that person can grow.

Five days after starting the Blue Fist training.

In front of the Blue Fist warriors, the Fist Demon King spoke to me.

“Starting tomorrow, join the Red Fist training.”

“Yes.”

None of the Blue Fists expressed any displeasure with this decision. Within just a few days, I had mastered all the forms they had learned.

So much so that the man who had spoken to me on the first day came over to apologize.

“Please forgive my rudeness on the first day.”

“Anyone would have thought the same. I’m sure someone will say the same thing among the Red Fists.”

“That person will be apologizing to you in a few days, just like I am now. Thank you for opening the eyes of us foolish and lacking individuals.”

All the Blue Fist warriors standing behind him lightly bowed their heads to me. I also bowed my head in return. It must have been a significant experience for them, seeing a new side of Dan Woo-gang.

* * *

“I heard Mugeuk is training under the Fist Demon King.”

Geom Muyang was keeping a close watch on his younger brother’s actions. 2

“I heard he broke through the Blue Fist training in just over ten days and started training with the Red Fists a couple of days ago.”

Ma Bul, who was sitting across from him, replied.

“With the Young Master’s martial arts skills, that’s entirely possible.”

The Demonic Buddha knew well what Muyang was worried about. He must be concerned that the Second Young Master might actually become the Fist Demon King’s disciple.

“You don’t need to worry about Dan Woo-gang. If the Second Young Master tries to draw him in, it will only backfire.”

Geom Muyang then recalled something from the past.

“Do you remember what you told me back then?”

“What did I say?”

“You said that the Drunken Demon is unpredictable. If he starts stirring things up, even the Mugeukwon’t be able to handle him easily. That the Second Young Master will lose the Demon Supremes he’s carefully gathered.”

That was what the Demonic Buddha had said to Geom Muyang when he received a broken liquor bottle from Song Sa-hyuk not long ago.

But in the end, the news was that Geom Mugeuk was drinking and having fun with the Drunken Demon.

“Please don’t take it the wrong way. It’s just that the incident with the Drunken Demon can’t be overlooked.”

Though he asked not to take it the wrong way, Ma Bul couldn’t help but feel displeased. Was there really a need to bring up his past words so accurately? Wasn’t it just a way of showing that he still held onto those events?

Is it truly impossible to restore a relationship once a crack has formed?

At first, they tried to ignore the crack, then they were careful not to let it widen, and they thought it would be fine as long as it didn’t break completely.

But the Demonic Buddha could accurately feel it.

The important thing in human relationships is not whether the crack breaks or not. The problem is that the crack exists in the first place.

If the other party hadn’t been Geom Muyang, this relationship would have already been resolved in some way. But that wasn’t possible. Geom Muyang was the path he had chosen. He had staked his life on him.

Geom Muyang spoke to the Demonic Buddha.

“Could you meet with the Fist Demon King and find out what he’s thinking?”

“Yes, I will meet with him.”

Ma Bul willingly accepted the request.

As he was getting up, the Demonic Buddha looked back at Geom Muyang. He wanted to tell him this: that it was okay to show when he was anxious, that it was fine to say everything to him, that it was hard to handle because his younger brother was too strong. That if he said it all, he’d feel a bit better.

But those words got stuck in his throat and did not come out.

“Is something the matter? Did you have something to say?”

“No, I’ll be on my way.”

As he left the office, the Demonic Buddha berated himself.

If the Eldest Young Master couldn’t do it, he could at least be candid… it wasn’t Geom Muyang’s fault.

* * *

The next day, as Ma Bul was entering the Eastern Fist Faction, his steps halted.

He saw Geom Mugeuk with the martial artists of Red Fists.

“Spread your legs wider. Lower your arms.”

Geom Mugeuk was watching and guiding their movements. He knew Geom Mugeuk wasn’t just any ordinary person, but how many days had it been, and he was already acting so friendly with the martial artists of Red Fists?

At that moment, the Demonic Buddha saw it. Geom Mugeuk’s gaze and expression. He was talking with the fervor of someone truly immersed in martial arts.

Yes, that’s why. That’s why everyone gets drawn in. You get fooled by that strange enthusiasm, almost falling into it yourself.

Then, Geom Mugeuk noticed Ma Bul and ran up to greet him.

“Long time no see. How have you been?”

Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly. How wonderful it would be if Geom Muyang smiled like that.

‘No, don’t entertain such unnecessary thoughts. He’s smiling like that because he’s an enemy.’

Isn’t it human nature to greet strangers with a big smile while frowning at one’s own people when things get tough? One mustn’t be deceived by that smile. The Eldest Young Master shows frustration because he’s on our side, and the Second Young Master smiles because he’s an enemy. 3

“I hear rumors that you’ve been deeply engrossed in martial arts lately.”

“As the leader of the Underworld Pavilion, there are so many people I’d like to punch.”

“Come on now, let’s not pretend between us. Aren’t you trying to get the Fist Demon King on your side?”

“It’s nice to hear you say ‘between us.'”

I kept finding myself softened by those obvious sweet words from his three-inch tongue.

“Stop with the pretense and go swing that cotton punch of yours.”

After forcing a cold response, the Demonic Buddha headed towards the Fist Demon King’s office. Behind him, Geom Mugeuk’s shout echoed.

“The Fist Demon King said I had baby hands, but the Demonic Buddha way I have cotton punches? Whyyy???”

* * *

“Since you’re a busy man, I’ll get straight to the point. I’m here today because of Geom Mugeuk.”

As if he had expected this, Dan Woo-gang waited silently for Ma Bul’s next words. Standing next to the tall and bulky Fist Demon King, who was much bigger than the average person, the much smaller Demonic Buddha presented a stark contrast.

“The Second Young Master wanting to learn martial arts from you is just a ploy to pull you to his side.”

In truth, the Demonic Buddha hadn’t been particularly close with the Fist Demon King before, but he felt a personal sense of camaraderie. He saw his own small stature and that fierce face as kindred spirits. He believed they shared the same physical flaw—people frowning at their appearance.

Of course, he had never revealed these personal thoughts to anyone.

“So? You came all the way here because you’re worried I’ll be swayed by him?”

“That’s right. I was concerned. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon has already gone over to his side, as has the One-Slash Sword Supreme. Even the Evil Smiling Demon and the Drunken Demon.”

Ma Bul spoke honestly. Beating around the bush could lead to misunderstandings later. He needed to make this clear.

“The Second Young Master is a fox. A fox with a hundred tails. His sweet-talking tongue is more deceptive than any traitor’s. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself accepting him as a disciple before you know it.” 4

The Fist Demon King stared at the Demonic Buddha for a long moment before asking suddenly.

“Did you almost fall for it too?”

For a moment, Ma Bul flinched internally, but he responded confidently.

“I’ve always been, and will continue to be, on the Eldest Young Master’s side.”

“The Second Young Master asked me this: to protect the Eldest Young Master.”

The Demonic Buddha flinched in surprise. Geom Mugeuk had said something similar to him as well.

“He said he wants to end the succession battle without spilling blood.”

“Do you believe him?”

“Do you?”

Ma Bul said nothing. This was the moment when he should have said he didn’t believe, but the words didn’t come out. He had come here to assure Dan Woo-gang, but all he had done was confirm that he himself was wavering because of Geom Mugeuk.

“Go and tell Geom Muyang. That my support for him hasn’t wavered.”

Whether the Fist Demon King was being sincere or not, the Demonic Buddha felt it was enough to have at least raised his awareness.

“The Eldest Young Master will be greatly pleased.”

With that, Ma Bul slowly left the office.

On his way back, he saw Geom Mugeuk again. In the distance at the training ground, Geom Mugeuk was still practicing martial arts with the Red Fists members. Even from afar, it was clear that he was genuinely immersed in martial arts, training with utmost dedication. It reminded the Demonic Buddha of his younger days when he had been deeply obsessed with martial arts.

There had been many times when he had thought highly of Geom Mugeuk, but today felt a little different.

Perhaps it was because of the Red Fists members training alongside him. Have you all already started to trust him? How long have you known him, and what’s so great that you’re swinging your fists together? 5

Suddenly, the Demonic Buddha felt a sense of fear towards Geom Mugeuk.

Doubts surged like a heart demon. What if this strategy that sways people’s hearts is sincere? What if, in truth, I am the fool, and I’m the one playing tricks? What if I’ve aligned myself with the wrong side?

But soon, Ma Bul shook his head. This was the time to be stronger. Radiating a golden light, he moved forward with determined steps. Despite the confusion, the setbacks, and the cracks that had formed.

Eldest Young Master, let’s stay strong. 6

1 : He really has a talent to make others talk openly of what is hidden in their hearts. New IRL job, psychologist ^^
2 : The sin of envy…
3 : It’s a sad and shallow relationship. Even if you get mad at your friends and subordinates, a good leader should apologize. Muyang never does that.
4 : Honesty is a much more terrifying lie than a hundred deceptions, because it changes its shape to the listener’s heart.
5 : It’s the call of the sky, the wind that makes you free.
6 : Don’t worry, your agonizing doubts will disappear soon when he will come to save you all ^^