Episode 896: Send Me to the Past
Geommugeuk moved slowly.
He had walked this bloody path countless times, but had he ever been as nervous as he was today?
Eight Demon Lords.
Today, they were not the ones who used to play games with him. Today, they stood as subordinates of the Heavenly Demon and the Eight Demon Lords of the Heavenly Demon Cult. At this moment, too, Gwonma was not the Cult Leader’s in-law, but a Demon Lord himself.
Geom Mu-geuk met the eyes of the Demon Lords as he walked.
Everyone’s gaze was asking this.
Are you ready to persuade the cult leader?
I could feel that they, too, were nervous. The fate of the martial arts world would change depending on the outcome here today.
The most important thing today was my father’s heart.
“Have you come?”
“Yes, Father.”
Unlike usual, a tense atmosphere flowed between the two.
Do you have anything to say to me one last time?
It was the last chance to persuade his father. The Demon Lords wondered what secret plan Geom Mu-geuk had brought.
However, an unexpected answer flowed out.
“doesn’t exist.”
The Demon Lords were surprised by Geom Mu-geuk’s words. Blood Heaven Daoist, in particular, had expected Geom Mu-geuk to somehow persuade the Demon Lords today.
“You rascal, what are you trying to do!”
Geommugeuk truly did not try to persuade him at all. He had not tried to convince his father about this matter for the past five years. If he had thought that he could change his father’s mind through verbal persuasion, he would have visited him and tried to convince him throughout those five years.
Instead, Geom Mu-geuk lived diligently for the past five years. He lived diligently as the Young Cult Leader, and diligently as his father’s son. As a husband to one woman and a father to one child. He also did his best in his relationships with the Demon Lords.
If that life doesn’t work, it is something that cannot be done.
The sword dance drama finally asked that question.
What is your father’s dream?
He promised that if the answer was the unification of the martial arts world, he would become the vanguard of that war and go out to fight.
Geom Mugeuk felt as though he and his father were the only ones in this space.
He saw no one else. He saw only his father.
Eventually, Geom Woo-jin answered.
“My dream is…….”
In that brief silence, the tension escalated to the extreme.
“The unification of the martial arts world!
”
At that moment, Geommugeuk’s heart sank.
It can’t be, it can’t be. It felt like my vague hope was shattering and the cold reality was looming before my eyes.
Blood Heaven Daoist’s face twitched, and a silent sigh escaped from Ilhwa Sword Venerable’s lips. Soul-Seopmo Demon Venerable lowered his head, and Poison King turned his gaze toward the spear in the distance. Mabul silently rolled his prayer beads, and Chwima eventually uncorked his wine and quietly drank. Geukak Soma and Gwonma stared at Geom Mugeuk without any reaction.
Everyone’s eyes turned toward Geommu-geuk.
Geommu-geuk was neither surprised nor excited. Eventually, Geommu-geuk slowly opened his mouth.
I will stand at the forefront of that war.
I did not try to persuade my father to reverse the result. Because it was a promise I made to him.
A blood-stained battlefield came to mind in Geom Mu-geuk’s heart. He pictured himself standing alone atop a pile of corpses on that battlefield. Just
then, the eyes of Geuk-ak So-ma, whom he met, spoke to him, just as they had said during the fishing tournament.
I will serve you.
Geommugeuk nodded. Could he truly handle this war? Could he aim his sword at Jinhagun and Bisain?
Just then, Geom Woo-jin spoke again.
“but…….”
As everyone held their breath, wondering what would be said next.
“I will do the unification of the martial arts world my way.”
“!”
Geommugeuk’s eyes widened. The Demon Lords also exchanged glances with surprised expressions.
“My way is to avoid breaking tables. My way is to unify the Martial World by hosting a fishing tournament at the Demonic Temple and winning. It is to unify the Martial World by hosting hunting tournaments together and winning cooking tournaments. That is my way.”
Geom Woo-jin slowly nodded his head.
“In that case, I will unify it that way.”
Geommugeuk could tell. That his father had given up on his dream.
‘father.’
Geommugeuk closed his eyes. He could not look his father in the eye because he felt so sorry.
A moment later, Geommugeuk asked with a look filled with apology.
“Why did you change your mind? Is it because of Hayeon?”
I naturally assumed that would be the case.
“I didn’t change my mind because of Hayeon.”
“Then what is the reason?”
A surprising answer came from Geom Woo-jin.
It’s because of the allowance I received for the first time.
Everyone looked at Geom Woo-jin with eyes that seemed to say, “What does that mean?” They knew, at least, about Geommu-geuk. They knew what those words meant. But that wasn’t the only reason.
It is because of the floral pajamas I received as a gift. It is because of the memory of laughing at the person who came to ask for a loan guarantee.
Only then did the Demon Lords realize whose memories those were.
It is because the succession struggle was fought without bloodshed.
Geom Woo-jin’s heartfelt words, conveyed for the first time, echoed throughout the hall. His quiet yet resonant words flew into Geom Mu-geuk’s heart, one by one.
It is because of the Go board I received as a gift, and because of the scroll painting of my brothers.
As past events naturally came to mind, Geommugeuk’s eyes trembled.
It is because of the hammock I lay in while traveling, and because of that chatter that tells me all sorts of things when I return from excommunication.
Except when teaching martial arts, this was the first time Geom Woo-jin had spoken of his feelings at such length.
It is because of the whale I saw in my fantasy, and because of the nap I took that day for the first time without any boundaries.
Geom Woo-jin’s gaze turned toward the Demon Lords lined up in front of him.
It is because of the incident that made me see the Demon Lords standing over there in a new light.
All the Demon Lords formed a new relationship with the Cult Leader. They resolved misunderstandings and reduced their fear.
It is because of my lovely daughter-in-law, and because of my precious granddaughter.
Come to think of it, Hayeon was one of those many reasons.
“And… it is because I ended up speaking of someone I thought I would never mention again.”
Geommugeuk could tell that the person was his mother.
“The reason I changed my mind is precisely…….”
Finally, Geom Woo-jin added one last thing. The very person who made all of this possible.
It is because of my son.
The sword dance was swept up in immense passion. I did not know that my father would give meaning to all of it.
On the day of the return, the old man of the sky said something.
How could you possibly revert to a great law created by humans? I am allowing you to revert because of your efforts.
Both the life before and after the regression were ultimately achieved through effort.
“Son, you’ve worked hard all this time.”
The moment he heard those words, tears streamed down Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes with a sigh. It was the moment he shed tears in front of all the Demon Lords.
As Geom Mu-geuk shed tears, Hyeolcheon Doma turned his head to the side. Seeing the fellow cry, he felt himself about to cry as well.
All the Eight Demon Lords were deeply moved. They had witnessed Geom Mu-geuk’s efforts firsthand. They knew well just how hard he had worked. That effort had finally moved the Cult Leader’s heart.
Thank you, Father.
Geommugeuk bowed deeply on the spot.
Drip, drip, drip.
The tears of the sword dance fell to the floor.
Please forgive this unfilial son who crushed his father’s dream.
Geom Woo-jin rose from his seat. He slowly walked down from the Taesa’s seat.
He helped his son, who was still lying prostrate, to stand up.
I will be expelled for a while, so take good care of the school.
The look in his father’s eyes as he gazed at him was incredibly gentle, so he naturally relaxed.
“Where are you going? Surely you aren’t planning to storm the Murim Alliance after all this, are you?”
Geom Woo-jin answered that it was true to Geom Mu-geuk’s joke.
“Alright, I’m going to unify the Martial World.”
“What?”
“Didn’t you tell me before? That I should go on a trip with the Leader of the Martial World Alliance and the Leader of the Evil Alliance. So I promised to meet them. We agreed to go fishing together. Didn’t you say that winning at fishing was your way to unify the Martial World?”
That means you had already decided this outcome in advance.
Geom Mu-geuk jumped up. I should have known long ago why Commander-in-Chief Sima Ming wasn’t here.
“No, then you’ve already decided, haven’t you? I thought my son was going to faint earlier.”
That characteristic sneer formed on Geom Woo-jin’s lips.
“To make you gasp for breath, the entire martial arts world would have to mobilize.”
Geom Woo-jin took long strides, and the Demon Lords followed behind him as if spreading their wings.
“No, Father, you don’t really have to follow them all the way just because they’re leaving. Stay behind with me to talk and comfort me for all the hard work you’ve done. I am So-kyo. You need to receive the monthly stipend I give you later!”
Blood Heaven Daoist, passing by, poked Geom Mu-geuk in the side with the hilt of the Heaven-Extermination Greatsword.
Long ago, he used to stab his own side like this to leave a blood bruise, but today he poked him slightly playfully.
Ilhwa Geomjon lightly tapped the sword he was wearing. It was a gesture suggesting a duel for the first time in a while.
Seophonmajon passed by, bowing respectfully, and Chwima feigned drinking. It was a gesture suggesting a celebratory drink later.
Gwonma raised his fist. “Let’s have a late-night training session for the first time in a while.”
Mabul congratulated them, emitting a dazzling golden glow, while the Poison King sent an unexpected telepathic message.
Let’s go to the Central Plains for some fresh air next time.
The Poison King suggests doing the thing he hates most in the world first. This must be the Poison King’s celebration.
Geuk-ak Soma stopped in front of Geom Mu-geuk. His two eyes behind the mask were bloodshot. It seemed he had shed tears along with Geom Mu-geuk when he cried.
This world was not protected by oneself. It was protected because they protected it. Because it was thanks to them that one learned and realized everything that one could never have known on one’s own.
Thank you everyone.
Geom Mu-geuk drew the Black Demon Sword. Geuk-ak So-ma immediately realized Geom Mu-geuk’s intention.
Bang.
As Geuk-ak Soma flicked his sword with his finger, a clear sound echoed through Cheonmajeon.
It was the sound of Geuk-ak Soma celebrating and heralding a new era.
* * *
Late at night, Gwiryeongja was diligently writing something on a piece of paper.
Books of all kinds were piled up not only on his desk but throughout the room.
His wife, Imhyang, brought tea and fruit to the place on a tray.
“Are you going to work late again today?”
“I think I will have to.”
Im Hyang stopped in her tracks as she was about to turn and leave after placing the tray on the tea table next to the desk.
Do you remember?
Gwiryeongja raised her head and looked at Imhyang. She continued speaking without turning around.
“My parents opposed the marriage. They said that the successors of the Ghost Gate, having devoted themselves solely to research for generations, would leave a woman lonely. You said it back then. You promised that such a thing would never happen. You promised that you would never leave me lonely.”
Gwiryeong could not offer any excuses. After all, he had clearly promised.
I can make time once I finish this part of my research. It’s really almost done. When it’s finished, let’s go on a trip.
Imhyang did not believe it.
“You said the same thing last time. That we just need to finish that part.”
When one part ended, another would emerge. And so, the research continued.
I work.
Imhyang went outside.
For some reason, her retreating figure looked even lonelier today, so I felt I should follow her.
Gwiryeongja rose from her seat and her gaze fell upon the paper on the desk where she had been writing for quite some time.
I got a hunch about the research. If this moment passes, I might ruin the work of the past few days. Yeah, let’s get to work today. She’ll understand.
Gwiryeongja sat back down and wrote something intently.
Just then, the door opened again, and the sound of someone entering was heard.
“Honey, I’m really sorry about today. Let’s make sure to have tea together tomorrow.”
However, Imhyang gave no answer.
When Gwiryeongja looked up, someone else was standing there staring at him instead of his wife, Imhyang.
Startled, Gwiryeongja was about to shout when he immediately recognized who the person was.
“you are?”
The person who entered there was none other than Geommugeuk.
In the past, Geom Mu-geuk had gone with Ian to prevent his marriage. However, Gwi-ryeong-ja genuinely loved Im-hyang, and eventually, the marriage took place.
Until then, she did not know that Geom Mu-geuk was the Young Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult, but now Gwi-ryeong-ja knew. That the person she had seen back then was the Young Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult.
“I heard from Seojin who you are. Is your younger sibling doing well?”
“He has become the leader of the Gwiyeongdae, my direct subordinate organization.”
Gwiryeongja did not know whether to be happy or worried.
“Isn’t it a dangerous position?”
Geommugeuk walked to the window, pulled back the curtain, and opened the window to ventilate.
“It will be less dangerous than you, just doing research in this stifling place. How many times do you have to get up from your seat?”
Being so engrossed in his research like this, his relationship with Imhyang must have eventually reached a point of no return. He could sense, through Imhyang who had just left, that he had nearly reached his limit.
“Why did you come looking for me?”
Then, words that Gwiryeong could not have imagined came out.
Send me to the past.
Gwiryeongja was startled by Geommugeuk’s words.
How did you know that?
Geommugeuk did not answer. Gwiryeongja soon thought that Seojin had told him.
The research is not finished yet.
Geom Mu-geuk knew. He knew that although he would devote his entire life to perfecting the Great Regression Method, he would not be able to gather all the necessary materials.
This time, it was even more difficult. He
had already consumed the Inner Core of the Eternal Flower, and even if he were lucky enough to find another one, the Flying Demon Soul—the Heavenly Demon’s treasure—was decisively in his father’s possession.
It would be passed down to him, and no one would be able to take it away.
He was staking his life on an impossible dream, but his eyes were now filled with determination.
I will definitely complete it.
Geommugeuk asked him.
“What are you going to do after you finish it?”
Gwiryeongja could not answer that question. He had never thought about what came next. It was research inherited as a family business. To him, it was a duty he naturally had to perform, and he had never considered doing anything else. It was his destiny.
“Who are you going to send back to the past?”
He, too, had never thought about it.
“If things continue like this, you’ll probably want to go back to the past.”
Because that was actually the case.
“Me? Why do you think that is?”
Geom Mu-geuk looked down at the tea and fruit his wife had left behind. Untouched, they had changed color, and the tea had grown cold.
‘ah!’
At that moment, Gwiryeong could tell. He realized that the young sect leader was asking if their relationship had already turned out that way.
He could not refute it.
The meaning of what Geommugeuk said was ultimately this: he will want to return to fix his ruined marriage.
“Even you…….”
I couldn’t bring myself to tell him not to meddle in my married life. After all, he was the young leader of that fearsome Demonic Cult. No, he was my younger brother’s direct subordinate.
Geom Mu-geuk knows. She knows that saying a few words won’t change him or his married life.
Still, Geom Mu-geuk didn’t want him to become unhappy.
“I missed out on many things because I couldn’t look others straight in the eye. That is why I always keep this in mind: When it comes to relationships, do not let your imagination run wild. Look straight ahead, and listen properly.”
Geommugeuk rose from his seat and asked him.
“Are you looking your wife straight in the eye?”
“!”
“Perhaps understanding the heart of the person next to you is more difficult than that difficult and magnificent Dafa you study. Do not worry about Seojin. I will take good care of him.”
After saying only that, Geommugeuk was about to open the door and come out when Gwiryeongja shouted from behind.
“This research is the family’s long-cherished dream!”
Geommugeuk turned toward him.
“Pass down this research exactly as it is to future generations. In some generation, a genius will emerge who can easily and effortlessly perfect the Dafa without having to devote their entire life like you have. Continue to pass it down until then. That genius will fulfill your long-cherished wish.”
As Geommugeuk turned around again to open the door and leave, Gwiryeongja asked from behind.
Do you believe this Supreme Court will succeed?
I believe it. I’m probably the only person in this world who believes.
However, Geom Mu-geuk firmly shook his head for the sake of Gwi-ryeongja’s life.
I don’t believe it.
Geommugeuk left the place, leaving him behind.
Walking into the distance, he turned back to see him coming out of the study and walking toward the building where his wife was. At least tonight, he would spend time talking with Imhyang.
You are doing well. Because the past you want to return to is right now.
Today you succeeded in regression.
* * *
Whoosh.
Waves surged onto the water’s surface where sunlight shattered, and the grains of sand on the beach, where crabs crawled, sparkled like jewels.
Geommugeuk was sitting on a chair side by side with Cheonmahon inside the space-time illusion.
It’s all over now.
He told Cheonmahon that he had thwarted his father’s dream of unifying the martial arts world.
As always, Cheonmahon listened silently.
Having finished speaking, Geom Mu-geuk leaned back comfortably in his chair and gazed at the blue sea.
Just as he was resting in the warm sunlight, a deep, softly ringing voice was heard.
“How are you going to live from now on?”
Geommugeuk looked at Cheonmahon with surprised eyes. The person who had just spoken was none other than Cheonmahon.
It was the moment Cheonmahon spoke to him for the first time.
Cheonmahon stared only at the sea as if he hadn’t said a word. He was feigning innocence.
Geommugeuk also looked at the sea again as if nothing had happened.
Geommugeuk’s gaze turned toward the sky beyond the sea. Even though he tried to hold it back, laughter spread out.
Geommugeuk’s bright laughter, resembling both the sea and the sky, spread far and wide on the wind.
Daemi (大尾).
* * *
Author’s Note
I sincerely thank all the readers who have read Absolute Regression so far.
I received far more love than I deserved while writing this work.
I was truly happy as a writer throughout the entire writing process.
I believe you patted me on the shoulder for the steadfastness of having written only martial arts fiction since my debut. I bow my head in gratitude to all of you who supported me with comments and sternly rebuked me when I went astray.
During the three years and six months I spent with Mugeuk, I also did my best and wrote diligently.
With you showing such love and even creating a nickname like ‘Late Night Book Club,’ how could I not write hard?
I truly tried my best, and I tried again. Enough to confidently say that this was the best I could do.
Even so, looking back now that I have put the period at the end, there are so many shortcomings and regrets. Perhaps it is because of these regrets that I am writing the next work.
It is always bittersweet to end a story. I have already said goodbye to the characters in my works and to all of you thirteen times, but I don’t think I have ever felt such deep regret as I have with this project.
(Since many of you have been curious about the side stories, I would like to say just a few words.
Because so many of you were disappointed by the ending, I am considering filling in some of that emptiness in the form of side stories to leave out the unfinished parts.
The only thing I can promise is my writing, but since nothing is more beyond my control than writing, I cannot give you a definitive answer; however, I will give it deep thought while taking some time to recharge.)
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Team Leader Yoon Doo-han, who was in charge of editing throughout the entire serialization period.
I would also like to thank authors Park Jin-hwan and JP, who are currently serializing the webtoon Absolute Regression. They are doing an amazing job!
And above all else, I would like to thank our readers once again.
Please stay healthy and happy until we meet again!
—Sincerely, Jang Young-hoon.
