Absolute Regression
Chapter 871 ·Why People Like You Even Run Clinics
Bab ini belum diterjemahkan ke Bahasa Indonesia
Naskah di bawah ini ditampilkan sementara dari versi English asli.
A lifeline descended upon Jo Dang.
For him, who had been getting torn apart by unknown venomous insects, the lifelines that fell from the sky numbered six in total.
When she saw Geom Mugeuk, the Insect Doctor pulled off the venomous insects that had been biting into Jo Dang.
Sensing an opportunity, Jo Dang mustered his strength. He was half out of his mind, but his desire to live was still formidable.
Springing to his feet, Jo Dang ran toward the main gate and shouted.
“Please save me.”
He thought they were guests who had come here. Surely, they wouldn’t kill even them to silence witnesses. Indeed, even as he walked toward them, the Insect Doctor did not stop him.
Naturally, he expected them to ask what had happened.
He had even prepared a brief answer. That they had come to buy land, but that money-grubber demanded three times the market price, and when they refused, she tried to kill them.
But among the lined-up people, one man said something completely unexpected.
“If you want to live, you have to choose well.”
Of course, the one who said it was Geom Mugeuk. His gaze fell on Hwang Chun, who was clinging to Bih Sa-in’s foot, as he spoke.
“That person’s choice can’t exactly be called a good one.”
Bih Sa-in smiled. He had come to enjoy Geom Mugeuk’s teasing. Not subtly, but thoroughly.
Though Bih Sa-in smiled in good spirits, to Jo Dang, that smile formed on his terrifying face reminded him of a reaper from hell.
“Now then, will you be able to choose properly?”
Jo Dang stood in the middle of the yard and looked at them.
‘What in the world is going on? Aren’t these people together? Or are they trying to toy with me?’
After all, this martial world was filled with all sorts of eccentrics.
He had no choice. At this rate, he would be torn apart by venomous insects and die anyway.
His gaze examined the six people.
There wasn’t a single ordinary person among them. Anyone among them, if encountered on the street, would make one turn their head for a second glance.
The one who stood out the most was, without question, Geom Mugeuk, who stood in the center speaking.
When their eyes met, Geom Mugeuk spread his arms wide.
“The best choice.”
Jo Dang quickly turned his head away. No matter what, he wasn’t so out of his mind that he’d pick that talkative and strange guy.
Next to him was the fearsome-looking Bih Sa-in. Hwang Chun, who was clinging to his foot, didn’t move at all, as if he had fainted again.
Even if one were to choose, how could someone pick a person like that? Well, judging by appearance alone, he did look the strongest.
Still, among six people, he didn’t want to deliberately choose that face.
This time, his gaze shifted to Jin Hagun. The spirit and unwavering sense of righteousness in his eyes gave the impression that if he asked for help, the man would not hesitate to lend a hand.
And that was precisely why his instincts rejected him.
Not him.
He thought that if someone like himself, who had committed evil deeds, asked for help from someone so upright, it might only bring about another disaster.
This time, his gaze turned to the women. The first was Lee Ahn, whose beauty was so breathtaking that he wondered for a moment if his eyes were deceiving him.
The other two women were the same. Jin Haryeong and Han Seol each displayed their own beauty.
Jo Dang excluded all of them. In this martial world, the most dangerous people were precisely such beauties.
Naturally, his gaze returned to Geom Mugeuk.
Geom Mugeuk smiled and said,
“See? It has to be me, right?”
Amazingly, Jo Dang chose Geom Mugeuk.
“Please help me.”
There was only one reason for this choice. He felt that this man was at the center of the group, controlling the atmosphere.
“Did you see that? You saw him choose me, right? This reliability you lot don’t have, this trust! This strength that feels like it could save someone in any crisis!”
Jo Dang wanted to shout.
‘That’s not why! I chose you because you’re the only one talking!’
After boasting to his heart’s content, Geom Mugeuk said to his companions,
“Since he chose me, I suppose I should greet last. Come on, everyone, go ahead and introduce yourselves first.”
The first to move was Bih Sa-in, who wanted to shake off Hwang Chun, still attached to his foot.
Freed from Hwang Chun, Bih Sa-in stepped forward a few paces and greeted the Insect Doctor.
“I am Bih Sa-in, Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance. I have long heard of your reputation.”
Out of respect, he revealed his identity.
Even at the mention of the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance, the Insect Doctor showed no surprise. Massaging her arm, she asked,
“My reputation? Isn’t it just ‘money-grubber’?”
“Aren’t there bugs more helpful to the world than humans?”
‘This brat’s got some sense.’ Thinking this, the Insect Doctor suddenly asked,
“Are you rich?”
“I am.”
“Then buy a few bottles of Flower Insect Wine on your way out.”
“Yes.”
“Buy five bottles. Don’t complain about the price being high.”
The Insect Doctor’s face brightened. At this moment, she truly acted like a money-grubber.
Meanwhile, Jo Dang, who had been listening, was horrified.
‘That guy is the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance?’
To meet such a figure in a place like this? And yet he was here without any subordinates?
Could it be that the talkative fellow and the others were actually his subordinates? No wonder he was traveling with three beauties. If that was the case...
‘I'm finished! I should have chosen him instead!’
At that moment, Jin Hagun stepped forward, respectfully cupped his fists, and greeted her.
“I am Jin Hagun, serving as the Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader of the Martial Alliance. It is an honor to meet you.”
At the words “Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader,” the Insect Doctor’s expression softened with satisfaction. As someone who walked the righteous path, she naturally held goodwill toward the Martial Alliance’s rising figure.
Even with a disciple from the Unorthodox Alliance and deep ties to the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, she remained kind to her core.
“I’ve heard of your noble character many times. Please continue to serve as a pillar of the martial world.”
“You honor me beyond measure.”
Since he could roughly guess why she was trying to sell the wine,
“I’ll buy some wine as well.”
“You don’t have to. It’s too expensive.”
She openly admitted it was an inflated price.
“I also have plenty of money.”
“Then just buy one bottle. Use the rest for good deeds.”
She was certain his money would be used for good anyway.
Geom Mugeuk wasn’t about to let this favoritism slide.
“Isn’t that discrimination? It’s already unfair that I look scary, and now I’m getting overcharged too!”
“It’s best to squeeze money out of villains. You’re buying ten bottles.”
“That’s too much!”
Meanwhile, Jo Dang was shocked at the mention of the Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader. He knew well that this position was the future Martial Alliance Leader.
‘That man is the Young Leader of the Martial Alliance?’
He was so shocked that the wounds from the insects didn’t even hurt anymore.
But soon, he realized how absurd this situation was. How could the Young Leaders of the Martial Alliance and the Unorthodox Alliance be together? And without any subordinates?
‘What the hell are these people?!’
Then why was this Insect Doctor accepting such an absurd situation as if it were true? Why was she believing them so easily? Were they trying to deceive him? There was no need for that, considering his situation before they arrived.
This time, Jin Haryeong stepped forward and greeted her.
“I’m his younger sister, Jin Haryeong. It’s a great honor to meet you.”
“You must be close with your brother, traveling together like this.”
“We are.”
Geom Mugeuk slipped in and teased her.
“You lost the succession fight, right? What power does the loser have? If told to go, you go.”
As if he even knew why she had joined this journey. Making jokes without knowing her thoughts!
“Lend me one of those venomous insects you’re holding! I’ll shut that mouth—!”
When the Insect Doctor actually held out an insect as if telling her to do it, Jin Haryeong stepped back in shock. Seeing it up close, it was truly grotesque and frightening.
Next, Han Seol stepped forward. Even before she introduced herself, the Insect Doctor discerned her origin.
“You came from a cold place.”
“I am Han Seol from the Ice Palace.”
“Is your mother the Palace Master?”
“Yes, she is.”
“Then you should buy one bottle as well. It’ll warm you right up.”
“Yes.”
Lastly, Lee Ahn greeted her.
“I’ve heard about you from the Young Cult Leader. I am Lee Ahn.”
The Insect Doctor remembered what Geom Mugeuk had said about Lee Ahn.
“So you’re the one he cherishes like his own heart.”
Long ago, Geom Mugeuk had told the Insect Doctor about Lee Ahn. She had not forgotten that conversation.
The Insect Doctor quietly stared at Lee Ahn’s face. The unmistakable goodness she radiated was the very nature the Insect Doctor liked the most.
“What a waste of the Young Cult Leader’s liquor.”
Lee Ahn felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. It was the first time in her life she had ever heard such words. She had never once thought of herself that way. She had always considered herself far too lacking for the Young Cult Leader. Not once had she ever regarded herself as his equal.
She knew it was said to make her feel good, yet to her, it became something deeply moving.
Suppressing her emotions with effort, Lee Ahn spoke calmly.
“I am receiving undeserved praise thanks to having served the Young Cult Leader for a long time. I will buy some wine as well.”
At that, Geom Mugeuk shouted.
“Don’t buy it! Then our Cult will get scammed for eleven bottles!”
Jo Dang, who had been listening, heard nothing else. The words “Young Cult Leader” shook his very being.
Young Cult Leader? Which Young Cult Leader?
The Young Alliance Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance had appeared, and the Young Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance had appeared. That left only one position unfilled.
Jo Dang slowly turned his head to look at Geom Mugeuk.
‘No way. Surely not.’
Just then,
“Young Cult Leader!”
The one who called out to Geom Mugeuk was Pyo Gigwang, who had been coming out from the backyard carrying a container of venomous insects. He set the container down and ran toward Geom Mugeuk.
“It’s been a long time, Young Cult Leader.”
“You look well.”
Geom Mugeuk could tell from the sword at Pyo Gigwang’s waist that he had even recovered his martial arts.
“It is all thanks to you, Young Cult Leader, that I am living well.”
Pyo Gigwang could not hide his emotion. Back then, it had been a situation where even if Geom Mugeuk had killed him, he would have had no grounds for resentment.
But Geom Mugeuk had given him a second chance. This life he was now living was entirely a life given by the Young Cult Leader standing before him.
He wasn’t the only familiar face.
Among those who had come together, Pyo Gigwang spotted Bih Sa-in.
“Young Leader!”
“Good to see you.”
“Have you been well?”
Since Bih Sa-in had once saved his life, Pyo Gigwang’s gaze toward him was filled with deep gratitude.
By the time everyone had finished greeting each other, Jo Dang was in shock and confusion.
With trembling voice, he asked Geom Mugeuk,
“Why do they call you Young Cult Leader?”
The answer that came made him wish he had never asked.
“Because I am the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”
“!”
The moment he saw those clear and deep eyes, Jo Dang instinctively realized it. The man before him truly was the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
“Why would people like you come to see a mere physician like this?”
No matter how skilled this physician named the Insect Doctor was, surely they had access to far better physicians.
Geom Mugeuk stared straight at him and said,
“You’re wrong. She is someone who sacrificed her entire life, bearing the stigma of being called a money-grubber, all for the sake of orphans. It is she who is meeting brats like us.”
A demonic aura seeped into Geom Mugeuk’s gaze as it turned cold.
“She’s someone even we respect this much. What exactly have you done?”
Hearing this, the Insect Doctor closed her eyes. Geom Mugeuk’s words comforted and embraced her long, arduous life.
Yes, if she could receive such an evaluation from the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, how could she regret this life?
At Geom Mugeuk’s rebuke, Jo Dang could say nothing and only trembled.
He had lived a life completely opposite to the name of his sect, Symbiosis.
Living together? No. He had lived only for himself. To satisfy his own greed, he had committed every manner of evil alongside Hwang Chun.
Until now, he had managed to get away without being caught.
But today, he had finally been caught. And not by a single faction, but by the entire martial world: righteous, unorthodox, and demonic alike.
“Since you chose me, come with me to the Cult.”
Jo Dang’s face turned pale as he staggered backward. In this situation, if he were dragged to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, his fate was obvious.
He looked toward Jin Hagun and Bih Sa-in. They, too, stared at him with expressionless faces. If they had intended to help him, they wouldn’t have come together like this in the first place.
Jo Dang staggered back toward the Insect Doctor.
Standing before her, his gaze fell upon the venomous insect in her hand.
Slowly, Jo Dang reached out, grabbed the Insect Doctor’s wrist, and pulled it toward himself.
The venomous insect in her hand touched his chest.
Crunch.
“AAARGH!”
Rather than being dragged to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, he chose the agony of being bitten to death by venomous insects.
Geom Mugeuk nodded and said,
“That might actually be the best choice.”
At the Insect Doctor’s signal, Pyo Gigwang came over, sealed the Devil’s Hole and acupoints of Jo Dang and Hwang Chun, and dragged them off to the backyard.
Only then did Geom Mugeuk properly reunite with the Insect Doctor.
“Elder! Insect Doctor!”
With a delighted expression, Geom Mugeuk ran over and lifted the Insect Doctor up in an embrace.
“Our noona has become even more beautiful!”
Just like before, he ran up and hugged her without hesitation, playfully calling her “noona.”
The Insect Doctor greeted Geom Mugeuk with a bright smile.
“I thought I would die without seeing you again, but you came.”
Though she usually did not show her emotions easily, she could not hide her joy now.
“Did everything you set out to do go well?”
“Yes.”
Geom Mugeuk nodded. The Insect Doctor smiled warmly and patted his shoulder.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“It’s all thanks to you, Elder.”
Thanks to her, he had become immune to all poisons, and thanks to that fortuitous encounter, he had been able to escape many dangers with ease.
“But who were those people earlier?”
“You’re asking that rather late.”
From the backyard, Pyo Gigwang walked out and answered.
“They were scum who tried to take away the home of the children the Elder supports.”
Not only Geom Mugeuk but the expressions of his companions darkened as well. Even if they weren’t taken to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, they would have faced the same suffering if handed over to the Martial Alliance or the Unorthodox Alliance.
Geom Mugeuk volunteered to handle the aftermath.
“If we leave them in the backyard, people from our Cult will arrive soon to deal with it.”
Since it concerned the Insect Doctor, they would thoroughly investigate what those men had done and ensure there were no lingering issues.
“What brings you here, anyway?”
“I brought my friends to introduce them to you.”
Everyone once again cupped their fists in unison and showed proper respect. How could they not understand why Geom Mugeuk had brought them here? He wanted to show them that a life like this existed.
A life that leaves behind sincerity rather than fame; a life where fame is nothing more than the cast-off shell of an insect.
And for Geom Mugeuk, there was one more reason.
“Didn’t I make you a promise?”
“What promise?”
From Geom Mugeuk’s mouth came words she had never expected.
“I said I would definitely cure your illness.”
“!”
Shock bloomed across the Insect Doctor’s face. She had never imagined he had come for such a reason. It was a promise even she herself had forgotten.
“I think… I can finally give it a try now.”
