Absolute Regression

Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis
Murim Term Consultant: Kopke
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< Chapter 189: I Have Been to That Island Too >

The Fist Demon King’s body was perfect.

His face looked demonic, but his body was a masterpiece.

The Fist Demon King’s muscles were large and thick, as if they were about to burst, yet they didn’t appear sluggish. His body, honed through arduous training and life-threatening battles, was like a diamond, intimidating anyone who merely looked at it. 1

Contrary to expectations, his body had surprisingly few scars, except for a long sword wound that ran across his chest. If anything, it only made his physique look even more impressive.

It felt as though his body was saying:

This is the body of a martial artist who has reached the ultimate level.

Could I really endure the pressure when that body charges at me? Could I withstand the destructive power of those massive fists flying towards me? Could my sword truly protect me from that body?

I was genuinely in awe. Dan Woo-gang seemed slightly pleased with my reaction.

He had surely heard the word “impressive” countless times before, and he knew it himself, so I asked something different.

“How can I build a body like that?”

“Wouldn’t a body like this hinder your swordsmanship?”

After all, the body of a swordsman and that of a martial artist were clearly different.

“I need to train in a way that strengthens my swordsmanship while building a body like this.”

“Then you should move your body rather than your mouth.”

The Fist Demon King began his martial arts training.

Honestly, I didn’t expect him to train after joining the group. His purpose for joining wasn’t likely for training.

But he started training properly. Almost as if he wanted me to watch and learn, he began demonstrating the Black Fists’ martial arts.

He took off his shirt, and I couldn’t just stand idly by. I also took off my top and stood beside him, starting to perform the stances.

Using the New Eye Technique, I meticulously observed Dan Woo-gang’s body. I compared his muscles with mine as we performed the same movements.

Understanding how and why they were different would be the greatest lesson for me.

Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee watched as the Fist Demon King and I executed the stances in perfect synchronization.

Even though I couldn’t be sure, I had a feeling that Cheon So-hee’s heart was eager to throw off her clothes and join us. She was just as fired up.

Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee also began their training.

* * *

Midnight Training Group.

Just from the name, one might think it was a casual gathering of slackers, but the four people who met were all burning with passion. That was why this training session was hotter than any other.

The sound of the wind stirred by the Fist Demon King’s punches was different from mine. Naturally, his sound was more pleasing to the ear. How could his strikes be so heavy yet produce such a crisp sound? Listening to Dan Woo-gang’s punches calmed my mind and made me feel good.

I became purely immersed in martial arts. Ever since I heard him talk about wanting to break down cliffs, I viewed the Fist Demon King with no other intention or purpose. I simply wanted to learn martial arts from him.

Perhaps sensing my sincere desire, the Fist Demon King decided to join us today.

After training ended, I shared some news with Dan Woo-gang.

“We’re meeting at Maga Village tomorrow.”

“Maga Village?”

“We’re having a welcome party for you tomorrow. It’s a newbie’s welcome party.”

The Fist Demon King was visibly startled. His eyes flared with even more intensity than when he was told he had to teach a secret martial art to join the group.

A welcome party for me? And as a newbie? Are you out of your mind?

This was probably something he’d never experienced in his entire life.

“We’ll gather at the Flowing Wind Tavern at the same time. Dismissed!”

As Dan Woo-gang glared at me, I held my ground with a look that said, “If you don’t like it, you can quit”.

He snorted and left the place.

Watching his back, I turned around and was startled.

Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee were standing side by side, glaring at me fiercely. It seemed that the Fist Demon King wasn’t the only one displeased about the welcome party tomorrow.

Lee Ahn raised her voice.

“Are you serious? Do you think we’ll be able to swallow our drinks in that setting?”

“It might be more fun than you think.”

Suddenly, Cheon So-hee put a hand on her forehead and said,

“Ah! I think I have a fever. I might have to skip tomorrow.”

Lee Ahn quickly chimed in.

“Oh! Right. I actually have plans tomorrow. I totally forgot.”

I smiled as I looked at the two women.

“Do you really think that will work? Alright, see you at the Flowing Wind Tavern tomorrow!”

Thus ended the first night of the Midnight Training Group with the Fist Demon King.

* * *

The next night.

Jo Chunbae, the owner of the Flowing Wind Tavern, yawned so wide it seemed like his mouth might tear.

With no customers around today, he was dozing off beside the counter, debating whether to close up early.

Just then, a faint presence startled him awake.

“Argh!”

He screamed and fell backward.

A terrifying demon was standing before him. Thinking he was still half-asleep and seeing things, he got up from the floor, frozen in place.

It wasn’t a demon, but a person. Jo Chunbae had never seen anyone so frightening in his life. The man’s biceps were thicker than Jo Chunbae’s thighs.

Then, a familiar voice reached his ears.

“It’s been a while, Tavern Master.”

Geom Mugeuk appeared from behind the man.

“Master Mugeuk!”

Jo Chunbae felt as if he had just come back from the brink of death.

“This is the Fist Demon King of our cult. Pay your respects.”

At the mention of Dan Woo-gang, Jo Chunbae’s eyes widened. He had heard many rumors about the Fist Demon King, but this was his first time seeing him in person.

“I didn’t realize such an esteemed guest had arrived. I apologize for my rudeness while half-asleep! Please forgive me!”

Jo Chunbae bowed so deeply it looked like he was folding in half.

A new record had just been set. Of all the demons that had visited as guests, the most frightening one was now undoubtedly the Fist Demon King.

Lee Ahn, who had followed behind them, greeted him warmly.

“Hello!”

Jo Chunbae’s expression brightened. Seeing Lee Ahn’s always cheerful greetings never failed to lift his spirits. Standing beside Dan Woo-gang, it felt like the ultimate contrast of extremes.

The three, except for Geom Mugeuk, headed up to their usual spot on the second floor.

“How’s business these days?”

“Thanks to you, it’s going well. I’ve heard you’re training in martial arts recently, Master Mugeuk. It seems the rumors are true.”

“So you’re aware of it too, Tavern Master.”

“These days, if you don’t know that, you’re probably a spy. Actually, a spy would know first and report it to the Murim Alliance.”

Geom Mugeuk chuckled along with Jo Chunbae’s joke.

Compared to the cheerful atmosphere downstairs, the mood on the second floor was somber.

Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee were gauging the Fist Demon King’s mood. Cheon So-hee, in particular, was visibly tense. Not only had she failed to leave the group, but she was also caught talking about secretly becoming his disciple.

‘Looks like my chance of becoming the next Fist Demon King is completely gone!’

To break the awkward atmosphere, Lee Ahn asked Dan Woo-gang a question.

“Have you been here before?”

The Fist Demon King turned his gaze to Lee Ahn.

‘Is that question really worth such a scary look?’

If he had known what Lee Ahn was thinking, Dan Woo-gang would have felt very wronged. He had just looked at her, but she interpreted it as a frightening stare.

“Tell them to bring the alcohol.”

“Yes! I’ll get it right away!”

At Fist Demon King’s words, Cheon So-hee quickly got up and ran downstairs.

Now, only the Fist Demon King and Lee Ahn remained on the second floor.

“It was really unexpected. I never thought you’d join our group, Fist Demon King.”

In truth, Lee Ahn wanted to ask something else.

Did you really join because you want to fight Young Master?

Instead of answering, Dan Woo-gang asked her a question.

“Aren’t you afraid of me?”

“I am afraid.”

“You don’t seem scared at all.”

“If it seems that way, it’s because of the Young Master.”

“What about the Young Master?”

“If you were truly a threat to me, the Young Master wouldn’t leave me alone with you. You wouldn’t have been allowed to join the group in the first place.”

The Fist Demon King’s gaze shifted to Geom Mugeuk, who was standing by the counter downstairs, joking with the owner.

“The greater the trust, the deeper the hurt.”

Lee Ahn thought that if she had heard those words with her eyes closed, she would never have guessed they came from the Fist Demon King. Both the content and the gentle tone were so unexpected. She suddenly wondered if she might have misunderstood him.

“It seems like men don’t really understand women. Women know it all. It’s just a matter of choosing whether to pretend not to notice or to run away beforehand.”

“And what about you? Are you the type to pretend not to notice?”

“I’m usually the type to run away before anything happens, despite appearances. However, the Young Master is the only exception.”

“Misplaced trust often leads to misfortune.”

“That’s unfortunate. I guess I’ll never get to experience that.”

Lee Ahn’s trust in Geom Mugeuk was absolute.

At that moment, Geom Mugeuk and Cheon So-hee returned upstairs with drinks.

“Sorry for the delay. I was holding up the tavern master for a bit.”

Geom Mugeuk poured a drink for Dan Woo-gang first. In his large hand, the small cup looked tiny and delicate.

He then poured drinks for Lee Ahn and Cheon So-hee, saying,

“If anyone here has a drinking habit, remember who we’re drinking with tonight!”

Lee Ahn played along with Geom Mugeuk’s lighthearted comment.

“As someone with a drinking habit, it seems I’ll need to risk my life tonight.”

She then glanced at Cheon So-hee.

“Do you have a drinking habit?”

“I don’t have one.”

“Are you sure? Or have you just never drunk enough to find out?”

Cheon So-hee confidently replied that she would never lose control, especially not while drinking with the Fist Demon King. That was simply not going to happen.

“To the Unbeatable Fist Demon, welcome! Cheers!”

Geom Mugeuk raised his cup, and everyone toasted together.

Geom Mugeuk put in the effort to make the gathering lively and enjoyable, especially for the Fist Demon King, who had arrived just on time despite acting as if he wouldn’t come at all.

Led by Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn, the conversation covered all sorts of topics. They discussed martial arts, women, men, the Murim Alliance, the Unorthodox Alliance, and even other Demon Supremes.

Dan Woo-gang didn’t seem to dislike the gathering. He drank well and answered the occasional questions directed at him.

But throughout the conversation, Geom Mugeuk sensed something—he could feel the Fist Demon King’s loneliness. Seeing him laugh and chat in a setting like this only made it clearer.

The four of them were drinking together, but the Fist Demon King was alone, far away on a distant island.

Geom Mugeuk had been to that isolated island as well. 2

He was like the Fist Demon King. Though surrounded by people, he never truly enjoyed life. Driven by the singular focus of gathering materials for the Great Regression Technique, he had no life of his own.

Perhaps Dan Woo-gang, too, lived solely with the obsession of breaking down cliffs, having lost the joys of reality long ago.

Lost in thought, Geom Mugeuk continued to drink when he noticed Lee Ahn looking at him. Her gaze seemed to ask, “What are you thinking about?” She appeared even more beautiful today. “Oh, just this and that”, he thought.

At that moment, a slightly tipsy Cheon So-hee finally spoke up about something she had been holding back.

“I thought all night about the question the Fist Demon King asked yesterday—about what I would do if I became strong.”

She had genuinely pondered over it.

“To be honest, I don’t really remember what I was thinking before I joined the Eastern Fist Faction. At some point, all I wanted was to win, and then win some more, to become the Fist Demon King. But even in the midst of all that, one thought stayed with me: that I would be happy once I became the Fist Demon King. That I would be happy. That all this effort would be rewarded once I achieved it.”

Her voice trembled.

“When I become strong… I want to be happy.”

Feeling embarrassed after speaking, she quickly added more.

“If the goal of someone aspiring to be the Fist Demon King is merely to find happiness rather than accomplishing great feats for the cult, then that’s not acceptable.” 3

It was Geom Mugeuk who responded to her words.

“I think it’s fine.”

Geom Mugeuk turned to look at Dan Woo-gang and asked,

“What do you think, Fist Demon King?”

“It’s pathetic, but not entirely bad.”

“If it’s pathetic, say it’s pathetic. If it’s not bad, then say it’s not bad. Please choose one and stick to it. If you stay in the middle, our junior will spend another sleepless night overthinking it.”

“It’s not bad.”

Geom Mugeuk smiled and nodded at Cheon So-hee.

In truth, what Cheon So-hee really wanted to say was this:

I want to be like this warrior.

Lee Ahn looked happier than anyone else. On top of that, she had someone she trusted and cared for as much as her own life.

‘I envy you.’ 4

We continued drinking together.

The Fist Demon King set down his cup and asked Geom Mugeuk,

“You said you wanted to learn martial arts to become stronger, right?”

“Yes.”

“And what will you do once you’re strong?”

It was the same question he had asked Cheon So-hee.

“I’ll live freely. I’ll go when I want to go. I’ll come when I want to come. I’ll hang out with the other Demon Supremes, and if I want to be alone, I’ll shut myself in the Heavenly Demon Pavilion for days. When I get restless, I’ll just take off to the Central Plains. If I meet good people, I might stay in their village for a few days. I’d drink with herbalists on scenic mountains. At the very least, I won’t live cooped up in the Heavenly Demon Pavilion like my father, feeling all stifled. He should take a break and go on a trip or something. Wait, why do you all have that look on your faces? Why do you look so serious… I’m not wrong, am I?”

Imitating the way Cheon So-hee had spoken the day before, Geom Mugeuk turned around.

Standing there was someone whose mere presence altered the atmosphere, someone who made even the usually relaxed Fist Demon King tense. A person whose existence alone put everyone on edge: it was none other than Heavenly Demon Geom Woojin.5

1 : He’s so blinding he just need to expose his upper body to turn into a headlight XDXDXD
2 : It’s him in his past life. And us, the beings superior to normies who don’t go out to touch grass.
3 : It’s better actually. With Mugeuk there’s no need to gain great military feats against the Murim Alliance/Unorthodox/others, and I much prefer someone who wants to be happy rather than someone who wants to crush all opposition, or have so much ambition he becomes a Jafar.
4 : Lee Ahn has a lot of luck. That’s the Karma of her past life.
5 : HAHAHAHAHA, everyone gets a turn XDXDXD