Chapter 785: For My Son

Absolute Regression

Seo Daeryong entered Maga Village, leading the Underworld Pavilion investigators and all enforcement martial artists.

When over a hundred of them marched into the village, everyone in the marketplace turned to look at them with startled faces.

Naturally, they thought it was some sort of departure procession.

However, the enforcement martial artists went from house to house, shouting loudly.

“Alright, everyone must vacate their homes now. Pack only what’s necessary and come out immediately!”

The enforcement martial artists went around Maga Village, driving everyone out of their homes.

They began clearing not only the shops in the market streets but also every residence on the outskirts. Maga Village was larger than it appeared, and the number of people living there was not small.

The Underworld Pavilion martial artists, who had already prepared a withdrawal plan, scattered to their assigned areas and guided the people out.

Seo Daeryong personally took charge of the Flowing Wind Tavern.

“You’ll have to stay for a while in the lodgings provided by the Cult.”

“Has something happened?”

At Jo Chunbae’s anxious question, Seo Daeryong replied calmly.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you the details. Please, pack quickly.”

The guests all ran to their homes. What reassured the villagers somewhat was that those enforcing the order were Underworld Pavilion martial artists.

Ever since Geom Mugeuk had established a branch of the Underworld Pavilion in Maga Village, the villagers had received tremendous help. Thanks to them, martial artists who used to harass or mistreat the residents had completely disappeared.

Even amid his confusion and alarm, Jo Chunbae thought of one person, suspecting that something grave had happened within the Demonic Cult.

“Is the Young Cult Leader safe?”

Seo Daeryong answered with a faint smile.

“Of course, he’s safe.”

Despite his words, Seo Daeryong was inwardly worried about Geom Mugeuk.

The order had come down so suddenly that he hadn’t heard the full details, but it was likely that the main headquarters was under threat—hence the evacuation of Maga Village’s residents.

If the headquarters was in danger, nowhere outside would be truly safe.

‘Young Cult Leader! Please, be careful.’

At first, he had regretted not being able to accompany Geom Mugeuk.

But now, he was relieved he hadn’t gone. There were people here he absolutely had to protect—his son, his wife, and his sisters-in-laws. Even if it cost him his life, he would protect his family.

Jo Chunbae came out after quickly packing what was necessary. Before stepping through the entrance, he turned back.

His eyes rested anxiously on the wall of the second floor. He silently wished that, when he returned, that wall would still be standing.

When Jo Chunbae came out, the people who had left before him were murmuring among themselves. Since this was their first time evacuating like this, everyone was tense and frightened. They whispered among themselves, convinced that a war must have broken out.

Jo Chunbae was grateful for at least one thing. Fortunately, his wife, Yang In, happened to be away at their child’s home in a distant town.

To speak frankly, he himself had lived long enough that he held no regrets about dying at any time. What always weighed on his mind were his wife, who had endured hardship all her life, and his children.

“Those who came from outside must come with us as well. And if any of Maga Village’s people are currently away, inform the Pavilion’s martial artists where they went. We’ll send word so they don’t return for the time being.”

Even though it involved moving nearly a thousand people, everything proceeded smoothly.

No one argued with or caused trouble for the enforcement martial artists. To outsiders, it might have looked like they were simply too afraid of demonic warriors—but that wasn’t the reason.

If not for the help the Underworld Pavilion’s martial artists had given them, and the strong bond they shared with the Young Cult Leader, the villagers might have thought the Cult meant to harm them.

But now, they believed otherwise. They knew this was being done to protect them.

“Alright, everyone, let’s head to the main headquarters.”

The Underworld Pavilion investigators went from house to house, checking to ensure no one was left behind.

Soon, all of them followed the enforcement martial artists toward the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

The villagers of Maga Village were awestruck when they saw the grandeur of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Most of them had never been inside its walls before.

After walking for quite some time under the escort of martial artists, they arrived at an area filled with hundreds of temporary tents.

“The accommodations might be uncomfortable, but please bear with it.”

Inside the lodgings were supplies of water, food, and daily necessities to sustain them for a while.

“If you need anything, go to the blue tent over there and tell them. They’ll take care of it.”

From a distance, two people watched the villagers enter the Cult’s grounds. They were Geom Woojin and Sima Myung.

After parting ways with Gowol, Sima Myung had gone straight to the Cult Leader to report the appearance of the Heavenly Killing Star.

Geom Woojin’s response was exactly what Sima Myung had expected.

—Is that so?

Sima Myung knew well. The Cult Leader was not one to believe in heavenly omens or fate. He trusted only in human will and the power of martial arts.

Indeed, the Cult Leader would probably welcome the emergence of such a deadly star.

—For the Heavenly Killing Star to appear at such a time… truly ironic.

To that, Geom Woojin silently nodded. He had just heard talk of igniting the demonic transformation, and now, the Heavenly Killing Star had appeared.

—That’s why I’d like Maga Village evacuated. If that person comes to the main headquarters, he will surely pass through the village. If he is truly one born under the Heavenly Killing Star, he may slaughter everyone there.

Sima Myung spoke carefully. It was the sort of matter one could easily dismiss as needless panic, perhaps even cowardice.

And besides, even if the Heavenly Killing Star had appeared in the sky, that didn’t mean the fated calamity it signified would manifest right away. Whether it would come tomorrow, a month from now, or even a year later—no one could know.

Yet Geom Woojin had readily given his permission.

—Very well.

That easy approval was already unexpected, but the Cult Leader went a step further.

—Bring them all into the main Cult and protect them.

When Sima Myung looked at him in surprise, the Cult Leader explained.

—If we send the people of Maga Village away elsewhere, won’t rumors spread that we’re preparing for something? Handle it quietly.

Sima Myung understood. This, too, was meant to prevent the calamity-bearer from ever crossing paths with the Young Cult Leader.

—Yes, I’ll make the arrangements.

And that was how the people of Maga Village came to be brought within the Cult’s grounds.

Just then, a commotion rippled through the crowd.

“Oh!”

“Look over there!”

From the direction they were pointing, a group of demonic warriors was approaching.

Their aura was far more intense than that of the enforcement martial artists or any of the Cult members the villagers had seen upon entering.

At the sight of the man leading them, the nearby enforcement martial artists bowed respectfully, and the villagers followed suit, lowering their heads.

Just looking at him was enough to strike fear into the heart.

It was the Fist Demon King, his massive fists and bulging muscles looking as though they might explode with power at any moment. Even without looking at his fearsome face, his sheer presence alone was enough to overwhelm everyone there.

Behind the Fist Demon King walked the Iron Fists of the Eastern Fist Faction. Among the Iron Fists, these were the strongest—known as the Black Fists. The one commanding them was none other than Cheon So-hee, the successor to the Fist Demon King.

Each of the Black Fists was a master that ordinary martial artists could never hope to face. Seeing them all assembled at once was enough to make one’s breath catch from sheer pressure.

Their gazes and their aura were razor-sharp, like warriors marching to war.

The Black Fists lined up in formation at the training field, and the Fist Demon King strode forward until he stood before Geom Woojin.

“I greet you, Cult Leader.”

“You’ve arrived.”

Geom Woojin congratulated the Fist Demon King for reaching a new realm.

“Congratulations.”

The Fist Demon King bowed his head deeply, cupping his enormous fist politely.

“Thank you.”

That was all. There was no need for further words—the Fist Demon King knew that Geom Woojin’s congratulations were sincere. The two men understood each other without speaking.

The people of Maga Village watched the scene in silence, holding their breath. Only then did those standing at a distance realize that the man before them was none other than the Cult Leader himself.

Sima Myung looked at Geom Woojin and the Fist Demon King standing side by side, and the image of their younger days came vividly to mind. For a moment, the sight of their youthful selves overlapped perfectly with the men they had become.

Just then, another group of demonic warriors appeared.

The people of Maga Village felt their breath catch again—this time with a completely different kind of pressure.

When they had seen the Fist Demon King and the Iron Fists earlier, they had gaped in admiration. Now, their mouths closed tightly in silent fear.

All eyes turned toward the figure at the head of this new group.

He was a boy with an exceedingly youthful face, yet he was one of the most formidable deterrents to war in all the martial world—he was the Poison King.

The twelve poison pouches hanging from his waist were not decorated with the cute Twelve Zodiac designs often seen in trinkets. These were not amusing or charming. They were horrifying.

Each of the twelve pouches bore a menacing depiction of a Zodiac beast. The rat’s crimson eyes alone were grotesque to look at, while the tiger seemed ready to leap from the pouch and tear a person to shreds.

These poison pouches were the ones the Poison King wore only when he marched to war. Those who knew what they signified understood at a glance what frame of mind he was in now.

Behind him followed Sangseon, bearing nine poison pouches of his own, and behind Sangseon came the Poison Fangs of the Heavenly Poison Forest.

Each of them wore a different number of pouches at their waist, but only those with at least five or more had come out this time.

The Poison Fangs took formation just as the Iron Fists had, and the Poison King approached Geom Woojin. Unlike his usual distracted and easygoing demeanor, he was now utterly focused as he faced the Cult Leader.

“I greet you, Cult Leader.”

“Welcome.”

Because of his boyish appearance, he looked almost like a son or nephew standing beside Geom Woojin and the Fist Demon King. Yet his presence was in no way lesser than that of the Fist Demon King himself.

The tension between the two of them alone felt ready to explode—yet another overwhelming presence soon arrived.

The air seemed to shake as an overpowering aura descended upon the place. The man who appeared was the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Wind Cult.

He was nothing like his usual, light-hearted self who was always quick with a joke. Now, he stood as the absolute master of the Outer Cult—the true Heavenly Wind Cult Leader.

After walking up to Geom Woojin, he gave a respectful bow and spoke.

“I’d like to finally earn the meals I’ve been freely enjoying. Would you grant me the chance?”

At those words, Geom Woojin nodded and replied.

“I would be grateful if you did.”

Sima Myung found himself taken aback. The Geom Woojin he knew would normally have declined politely, saying something like, ‘This is the Cult’s matter; please, rest easy.’

Yet for some reason, this time he accepted the offer without hesitation.

And then, another figure appeared.

Among the three masters who had appeared before him, there now came a man whose presence and aura yielded to none of them.

With his hair tied tightly back and a single sword at his side, the man who emerged was none other than the Sword King.

He walked forward in silence, wearing shoes on his feet.

Usually, whenever he met the Cult Leader, he would remove his shoes out of respect. But now, having come with them already on, it was clear what that meant—he intended to fight alongside the Cult Leader.

When the Sword King respectfully cupped his fists in salute, Geom Woojin silently nodded once in acknowledgment.

He had promised the Cult Leader that he would stay with Geom Mugeuk and help him when the time came. Until then, he would remain in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. From that point on, anything that happened within the Cult was his concern as well.

Once the four masters had all gathered, Geom Woojin issued an order to Sima Myung.

“Light the demonic flame.”

“!”

Sima Myung’s eyes widened in shock. He could understand summoning the two Demon Supremes and accepting the aid of the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Sword King.

But to ignite the demonic flame? The Cult Leader had expressly said he wouldn’t, since once the main headquarters became an impregnable fortress, those pursuing the Young Cult Leader would turn toward him instead.

At that moment, Sima Myung understood.

‘Ah! The Cult Leader plans to take these four masters and leave the main headquarters—to meet the enemy at Maga Village!’

He had already made that decision from the moment he approved the evacuation of Maga Village.

It didn’t matter if the enemy learned of it. In fact, it was better that they did.

The Heavenly Demon would no longer be within the headquarters but outside, in Maga Village, with only a small number of people.

It was an open invitation—drawing the enemy to come to him.

Sima Myung believed Geom Woojin’s judgment was not wrong.

Anyone capable of attacking the headquarters—especially someone born under the Heavenly Killing Star—would only cause needless sacrifice if the subordinates fought. The enemy would merely use their deaths to his advantage.

If Geom Woojin were the kind of man to throw away his followers to wear down his opponent, then it would be wiser to make a stand within the Cult. But he was not that kind of man.

The stronger the enemy, the more determined he was to face them head-on. That was the kind of man the Cult Leader was.

Knowing this better than anyone, Sima Myung calmly obeyed his will.

“Yes, please leave the rear to me.”

Their gazes met midair.

‘Please, be careful, Cult Leader.’

Geom Woojin gave a single nod, then turned to walk forward.

As he stepped out, the Fist Demon King and the Poison King followed at his left and right, with the Heavenly Wind Cult Leader and the Sword King walking behind them.

When they passed by, every demonic warrior and every resident of Maga Village bowed their heads in unison.

Sima Myung then gave an order to the attendant general waiting nearby.

“Light the demonic flame.”

The attendant ran off, and soon after—

Doom! Doom! Doom!

Throughout the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, the sound of deep drums began to echo. From the braziers held high by demonic statues, flames burst upward.

At the same time, the formations and mechanisms that had been prepared across the Cult grounds activated all at once.

Protective formations were also raised around the tents where the residents of Maga Village were staying, shielding them from any harm.

Doom! Do-doom! Doom!

Thus, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult began to transform into an impregnable fortress. And from within it, five people stepped out.

Each one of them alone possessed enough power to throw the entire Central Plains into chaos.

Ordinarily, Geom Woojin would have gone out alone to face the enemy. If not alone, perhaps he might have taken only the Fist Demon King with him, as in the old days.

But this time, he had brought them all—because of Geom Mugeuk.

“My son has always lived in fear of one particular being.”

Now, Geom Woojin understood. With the appearance of the Heavenly Killing Star, he finally realized why his son had trained so relentlessly, why he had struggled so desperately to become stronger.

It seemed his son had already known that this being would one day appear.

The four standing behind him were all people who shared deep ties with Geom Mugeuk. Because of that, they understood better than anyone what Geom Woojin meant.

“If this is the one my son feared so deeply, then I must not take him lightly.”

It was both an act of care and of trust for his son.

If this was the enemy his son had so feared, then he would face him with the utmost caution.

Geom Woojin turned to look at the four standing behind him. Each of them was a warrior unmatched in their own right—people who would bristle at being called second, let alone third, in any battle.

“This fight is not for the Cult,” he said calmly, his voice steady, his gaze unwavering.

“Nor is it for the martial world.”

Then, with quiet resolve, Geom Woojin added,

“I intend to erase that man—for the sake of my son.”