Absolute Regression

Seo Daeryong was watering the flowers in a pot placed in the office of the Underworld Pavilion’s Lord.

“Iinja, when exactly is the Pavilion Lord coming back?”

He called the flowers left behind by the One-Slash Sword Supreme, ‘Iinja.’ The nickname originated from a joke that he was the third most important person in the office.

“Why didn’t they take me along? How much fun are they having without me that there’s been no news?”

With Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn gone, life felt half as enjoyable.

He had also stopped his regular drinking sessions with Jangho since last month. They had postponed it until Lee Ahn returned. Honestly, it was fun only when all three of them were together. It felt complete with all three of them.

“Hmph! From now on, you be the first-in-command. Starting today, I’ll be the second-in-command. Let’s take care of everything ourselves, the ones who were left behind!”

In reality, they were already handling everything. Seo Daeryong took care of most of the major tasks at the Underworld Pavilion. Although there were seniors, everyone knew Geom Mugeuk favored Seo Daeryong the most, so he naturally became the acting leader. And Seo Daeryong managed the role better than anyone.

The period of Geom Mugeuk’s absence was a time when Seo Daeryong grew and was officially recognized.

Gu Cheonpa never mentioned Geom Mugeuk. It was as if he thought mentioning Geom Mugeuk would reveal his longing for him.

Even when Seo Daeryong talked about Geom Mugeuk, the Blade Demon pretended not to hear and said nothing.

‘Master, that actually makes it more obvious.’

As he stood by the window suppressing his longing for Geom Mugeuk and Lee Ahn, an enforcement martial artist opened the door and came in.

“We’re ready.”

“Let’s go.”

Not knowing where his lazy leader might be, I’m heading off to work again.

Outside the building, ten enforcement martial artists were waiting. Usually, one investigator moved with two enforcement martial artists, so the presence of ten indicated that today’s operation was both highly important and dangerous.

“Has everyone put on their Baihu Armor?”

“Yes, we have.”

Baihu Armor was standard-issue armor provided to enforcement martial artists. Though it couldn’t compare to real armor, it was effective against ordinary blades. ꞦâℕοꞖËꞨ

“Let’s go. Stay alert as there may be conflicts.”

Leading the enforcement martial artists, they arrived at the Great Drunken Forest, where the Great Drunken Demon resided.

The Great Drunken Demon.

One of the Eight Demon Supremes, he was always drunk, earning him the nickname Great Drunken Demon. Numerous rumors surrounded him.

Some said the reason he was always drunk was due to a deep emotional wound, while others believed his unique martial arts relied on drunkenness. One thing was certain: the more he drank, the stronger he became. 1

His followers were called Drunkards, warriors who also loved and could hold their liquor.

The gate of the Great Drunken Forest was tightly shut.

When an enforcement martial artist knocked, a Drunkard guarding the entrance opened the door and appeared.

“Who are you?”

“We’re from the Underworld Pavilion. Open the gate.”

“What brings you here?”

Seo Daeryong raised the documents he brought.

“We’re here to arrest the Drunkard Doho.”

Doho had driven a carriage while drunk, crashing into a marketplace, killing two people and injuring over ten. He had abandoned the carriage and fled.

The Drunkard hesitated but then replied.

“Doho isn’t here. Go back.”

“How would you know? How can you be sure Doho isn’t in the vast Great Drunken Forest?”

“If I say he’s not here, then he’s not. Go back.”

The Drunkard immediately closed the door and went back inside.

They had somewhat expected this response. Followers of the Demon Supremes felt that if they obeyed easily, they would seem weaker than the other Sovereigns. If one didn’t listen, none of them would.

Especially with Geom Mugeuk’s prolonged absence, the authority of the Underworld Pavilion martial artists had been waning.

“Warn them and then break the door down.”

“Yes.”

An enforcement martial artist stepped forward and infused his voice with inner energy to issue a warning.

“If you don’t open the door by the count of ten, we will break it down and enter. One, two, three, four… nine, ten.”

Just as they were about to break the door down.

Creak.

The door opened, and someone stepped out. It was a different Drunkard from the one before. This one was Huyang, the leader of the gatekeepers.

Huyang glared at Seo Daeryong and spoke.

“Do you think you can invade the forest and leave unscathed?”

“The Drunkard Doho has committed a crime. This isn’t something to cover up blindly. Hand over Doho, and we’ll leave.”

“Doho isn’t here.”

“Don’t underestimate the information network of our Pavilion. We have reliable information that Doho returned here. If it’s revealed that he’s here, you’ll be guilty of harboring a criminal. Are you willing to risk that?”

At that moment, Huyang exuded a cold demonic energy.

As the head of the Drunkards on duty, his aura was sharp. He believed he could make the Underworld Pavilion investigator retreat, but Seo Daeryong didn’t back down.

Instead, Seo Daeryong’s aura overwhelmed Huyang. This was the result of never missing a day of learning saber techniques from the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and consistent training.

Unknowingly, Huyang began to step back when a fierce-looking middle-aged man walked out from the Great Drunken Forest.

Smack!

The man mercilessly slapped Huyang across the face.

“You idiot! You’re getting pushed around by an investigator like that.”

Huyang, who had been knocked to the ground, quickly stood up and bowed his head.

“I’m sorry!”

The man who came out was Guma Young, one of the three major Drunkards of the Great Drunken Forest, known for his foul temper. His notorious reputation was well-known. He was said to be hot-tempered, acting without thinking about the consequences.

Recognizing who he was, Seo Daeryong’s expression hardened.

‘Of all people.’

Guma Young, reeking of alcohol, walked up to Seo Daeryong.

“Why the fuss and bother, ruining my drinking mood?”

“A man named Doho here drove a carriage while drunk and caused an accident.”

“It’s natural for a Drunkard to be drunk, and accidents can happen while driving a carriage. Why make such a fuss with so many people?”

“Even a Drunkard isn’t allowed to drive a carriage while drunk. It’s against the law.”

“Bullshit. Do you follow every law?”

“At least I don’t drive a carriage drunk and kill people.”

Guma Young leaned in close to Seo Daeryong. The overwhelming stench of alcohol made Seo Daeryong wrinkle his nose.

“Look me in the eyes.”

Seo Daeryong didn’t avoid his gaze.

“Go back and find someone suitable to pin the blame on for driving the carriage. Look into my eyes. Understand?”

“I can’t do that.”

“What? Say that again.”

“I said I can’t do that. If you don’t step aside, I’ll arrest you too.”

Guma Young’s face twisted in anger as he pulled out a flask from his waist.

He raised it high, intending to pour it over Seo Daeryong’s head.

The enforcement martial artists behind Seo Daeryong simultaneously grabbed their sword handles.

They were ready to charge at a moment’s notice, even risking a confrontation.

Guma Young glanced at the enforcement martial artists.

“Go ahead, draw your swords if you want to die.”

The Drunkards behind Guma Young also readied themselves to draw their weapons.

In the tense standoff, Seo Daeryong raised his hand to hold back the enforcement martial artists. A fight breaking out here would only make things worse.

As expected, just as Guma Young was about to pour the alcohol over Seo Daeryong’s head with a mocking smile, a low warning voice came from somewhere.

“If you pour that alcohol, I’ll cut off your wrist and fill that bottle with your blood before pouring it over your head.”

Recognizing the voice, Seo Daeryong’s face lit up with joy.

“Pavilion Lord!”

When Seo Daeryong turned around, Geom Mugeuk was walking towards them.

“My dear ones, you’ve worked hard.”

His appearance was met with great joy by Seo Daeryong and the enforcement martial artists.

“Welcome back, Pavilion Lord!”

“Pavilion Lord!”

“We’re glad to have you back.”

They greeted Geom Mugeuk with such warmth that it was clear there was no other leader who was as welcomed as he was.

After greeting them, Geom Mugeuk walked towards Guma Young.

“Did your Demon Supreme teach you to pour alcohol over someone’s head?”

At the mention of the Great Drunken Demon, a murderous look appeared in Guma Young’s eyes.

But Geom Mugeuk’s aura overwhelmed him. Without even releasing any demonic energy, his sheer presence trapped Guma Young in fear. Every hair on Guma Young’s body stood on end in terror.

‘Was the Second Young Master always this intimidating?’

Guma Young felt like his drunkenness had suddenly sobered. The Second Young Master he had heard rumors about felt completely different in person.

“And to think you planned to pour alcohol on the head of an Underworld Pavilion investigator. Have you been in closed-door training so long you haven’t heard of me? Or did you think I’d never come back because I was gone for a while?”

Guma Young could only glare fearfully at Geom Mugeuk, unable to come up with any excuse. He had thought the rumors about Geom Mugeuk defeating the Demon Supreme were exaggerated, but now he realized they were true.

“Go inside and….”

Geom Mugeuk turned to Seo Daeryong and asked.

“Who was it again?”

“Doho.”

Geom Mugeuk turned back to Guma Young.

“You heard him. Bring out Doho. Now!”

Guma Young’s face twisted in defiance, but he didn’t move.

Geom Mugeuk unsheathed his Black Demon Sword without hesitation. The killing intent emanating from the sword made the hearts of all the Drunkards present freeze in fear.

“You may be a drunkard, but I’m a madman.” 2

When Geom Mugeuk took a step forward, Guma Young couldn’t hold out any longer.

“I’ll bring him out!”

Guma Young retreated inside.

I had purposely handled Guma Young roughly. It was to boost the morale of Seo Daeryong and the enforcement martial artists. Today’s events would spread throughout the Cult, and no one would dare pull such stunts in my absence again.

Seo Daeryong and the Enforcement Martial Artists gathered around me.

“When did you arrive?”

“Just now. I was about to change clothes and visit my father, but I heard you were here, so I stopped by on my way to the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.”

Seo Daeryong was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes.

“Is it that good?”

“I didn’t know I’d be this happy to see you return, Leader.”

“Is it not because you’re glad to avoid being insulted by a drunkard?”

“When I smelled it earlier, I realized it was expensive alcohol. When would I ever get to drink such a thing on a small salary? I had to at least taste the alcohol running down my face.”

Geom Mugeuk smiled as he looked at Seo Daeryong. During their time apart, Seo Daeryong had grown even more. Not only in martial arts skills and aura but also in composure. One must be this calm when dealing with someone like Guma Young.

“Should I leave the Cult more often then?”

“Please don’t! I was so bored to death without you, Leader!”

Seo Daeryong’s words made the Enforcement Martial Artists laugh. Geom Mugeuk felt good seeing them again. He didn’t realize how much he missed them until they were apart and then reunited.

In the meantime, the door opened again, and Guma Young dragged Doho out. His face was beaten, and blood was flowing down. It seemed Guma Young had vented his anger on him.

“Arrest him!”

The Enforcement Martial Artists apprehended Doho.

Guma Young glared fiercely at Geom Mugeuk, trying to maintain his last shred of pride.

In contrast, Geom Mugeuk spoke in a soft tone, unlike before.

“Since you’re drunk, I won’t stop you from drinking. But you must drink without causing trouble for others. Thank you for your cooperation.”

You can’t just push a beast like him too hard. Otherwise, he will end up causing significant harm to someone and self-destructing.

After breaking his pride in front of his subordinates, it was also a strategy to give him a slight reprieve to maintain relations.

“Let’s have a drink next time. My treat.”

At Geom Mugeuk’s words, Guma Young simply scoffed and went back inside.

The Enforcement Martial Artists took Doho and returned to the Underworld Pavilion, and Geom Mugeuk and Seo Daeryong slowly walked towards the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

“Did you get hurt anywhere this time?”

“No.”

“That’s a relief. I was really worried when I heard the Evil Smiling Demon returned alone.”

“Worried he might have killed me and returned alone?”

“At that moment, I really wanted to go to the Valley of Wicked and ask.”

“If you had, another investigator would be here in your place today.”

“That’s why I didn’t go. Now that you’re back, I’m planning to take a few days off.”

“I’ll tell old man Blade that his beloved disciple has taken leave to prepare for hellish training.”

“…What leave? I should be working.”

“Right? Since I just returned, you can’t leave now, can you?”

We laughed as we faced each other. Joking with him made me truly feel like I had returned home.

“Wait!”

Seo Daeryong suddenly stopped and whispered.

“Northwest. Look without making it obvious.”

A woman who instantly captured the eye stood there.

“Has there ever been such a beauty in our sect? How can a person have such a figure? Ah! She must have descended from the heavens.”

“Do you like her?”

“Who wouldn’t?” 3

“Do you want to meet her?”

“Oh, I don’t think I could even make eye contact. What did you just say? Meet her? How?”

“She came with me this time.”

“What? What?!”

Seo Daeryong looked at Geom Mugeuk in shock, then shook his head.

“Oh, come on, don’t joke with me.”

“I’m serious. We’re close.”

“You know such a beauty? You’re close? Why would you boast like that between us? Wow, now I see you’re a man too.”

Geom Mugeuk gestured towards the woman.

The woman then began to walk gracefully towards the two of them.

1 : Drunken Butterfly Dance !!! Almost as famous as the Lazy Donkey Roll ^^

2 : A quite cool catchphrase ^^

3 : Really ? What about Jo Hyang ? ^^ Ahahaha, this joke is never gotta get old ^^

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!