Absolute Regression

Chapter 771: My Nickname Is Valley of Wicked

Ji Han was standing in front of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps building, waiting for Geom Mugeuk.

―Wait here for a moment. You’ll soon meet the leader of the organization you’ll be joining.

―Yes, understood.

―Though you were once a division leader yourself, depending on the leader’s evaluation, you may have to start as an ordinary martial artist.

―I’m prepared for that.

After telling him to wait, Geom Mugeuk left for the training hall behind the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps.

Ji Han waited there, heart pounding, for the person who would become his leader. What kind of person would it be? Would he be able to adapt well to this new group?

At the same time, another thought crossed his mind. freeweɓnøvel.com

‘Still, I once served as the Soul-Chasing Squad Leader of the Evil King Sect. It would feel bitter to start as an ordinary martial artist again.’

But this was the path he had chosen himself. He would rise from the bottom once more.

A short while later, a man wearing a blue mask approached, leading a group of martial artists. It was Cheong Myeon, followed by the martial artists of the Tenebrous Ghosts’ First Squad.

The First Squad consisted mainly of those who used swords and blades. Through constant training, they had reached a level of skill and coordination worthy of being called elite martial artists.

Ji Han flinched slightly. He had caught a scent from Cheong Myeon—not a real scent, but the scent emanating from his energy.

From the Fire Dragon Division Leader, who had tormented him in the past, he had smelled the stench of rot. In that same way, Ji Han could sense a person’s temperament through the scent of their qi.

And the scent he caught from Cheong Myeon was—

‘The smell of blood!’

From that scent, he could feel the man’s nature. This was not someone with an ordinary temperament.

‘So this is the leader.’

Naturally, Ji Han assumed he was the leader. Someone with such overwhelming energy couldn’t possibly be a subordinate.

In front of the building, the members of the Tenebrous Ghosts’ First Squad lined up neatly, and Cheong Myeon stood before them.

Cheong Myeon looked directly at Ji Han. The cold eyes behind his mask met Ji Han’s gaze, making him hesitate.

‘Should I greet him first?’

But with Geom Mugeuk absent, it felt awkward to speak first. What would he even say?

Just then, Seo Jin, the squad leader of the Second Squad, entered with her subordinates.

The scent from her energy was that of incense burned in mourning halls—symbolizing closeness to the dead.

Indeed, the ghostly aura surrounding her was formidable. Since returning from the Golden Dragon Martial Hall, she had devoted herself to training in Ghost Arts, and the results were evident in her strength.

The martial artists following her had also learned Ghost Arts, though not the secret techniques unique to the Ghost Clan. What she had passed down were the general arts—basic ones known to all practitioners of ghostly arts.

Creating smoke to hide themselves, or crafting ghostly constructs that startled others.

Through these, Seo Jin had distinguished her squad from the others.

‘Could this woman be the leader?’

Both Seo Jin’s energy and that of her subordinates carried a peculiar air, which made her seem like the leader.

Ji Han’s gaze turned toward Cheong Myeon.

‘Then who is that masked man?’

He didn’t look like someone who would be serving under another.

At that moment, Cheong Myeon and Seo Jin exchanged respectful fist salutes. The way they greeted each other as equals only added to Ji Han’s confusion.

Then, Cha Iran appeared, leading a group of assassins. Following the First and Second Squads, the Third Squad of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps had arrived.

The instant Ji Han saw her, he knew.

‘It’s her!’

No matter how strong Cheong Myeon was or how unique Seo Jin’s presence felt, neither could match Cha Iran’s overwhelming aura. Moreover, she was breathtakingly beautiful—the most beautiful woman Ji Han had ever seen in his life.

The women who followed her were also of exceptional beauty, yet their presence suggested that their martial skills were far from ordinary.

Ji Han quickly turned his eyes forward, barely keeping himself from staring blankly at her. From Cha Iran emanated a scent that was dangerously alluring—one that stirred a man’s instincts.

“You’ve arrived?”

“I’m a bit late.”

Cha Iran exchanged greetings with Cheong Myeon first, then turned to greet Seo Jin. Seo Jin sensed her mood.

“Did something good happen?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you seem to be in a good mood.”

“Not really. Maybe it’s just the nice weather.”

Though she brushed it off lightly, Cha Iran was in an unusually good mood. Ak Gunhak had arrived, and she had secured his promise to personally instruct her in basic sword training. The thought of being able to see him often lightened her steps and naturally brought a smile to her lips.

Seeing them greet one another as equals only deepened Ji Han’s confusion.

‘Is this woman also a leader?’

How could someone like her not be? In truth, even if she wasn’t a leader but a branch master or division leader, it would still make perfect sense given her presence.

‘Ah, I see now. This must be a gathering of the division leaders!’

Ji Han was convinced. Both Cheong Myeon and Seo Jin possessed enough energy to be leaders in their own right.

Just then, two figures appeared from behind the building.

Ji Han felt relief at the sight of Geom Mugeuk—but his gaze instantly locked on the woman walking beside him, Lee Ahn.

The moment he saw her, Ji Han was struck speechless. He thought he had never seen such a beautiful woman before—even when he had seen Cha Iran earlier. No, this woman surpassed even that.

From her came a scent of pure goodness—the kind that only radiated from people with genuinely kind hearts. That scent seemed to illuminate her beauty even more.

Geom Mugeuk stepped forward and stood before the Tenebrous Ghosts' martial artists.

“It’s been a while. Have you all been well?”

“Yes! It’s good to see you again, Young Cult Leader!”

The Tenebrous Ghosts martial artists shouted in unison, their voices resounding across the grounds.

Geom Mugeuk walked toward Cheong Myeon.

“You’ve improved quite a bit in the meantime.”

Just by looking at him, Geom Mugeuk could tell that his skills had grown.

“The Division Leader has taken great care of me.”

Ever since achieving mastery in the Soaring Sword Art, Lee Ahn had paid particular attention to Cheong Myeon. His joining the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps wasn’t solely because of Geom Mugeuk. She, too, had been part of the reason.

Thus, like Geom Mugeuk and One-Slash Sword Supreme before, the two had become sparring partners, crossing blades and deepening their understanding of martial arts. It was Lee Ahn’s way of looking after him.

“I’ve also been learning a great deal from the First Squad Leader”, Lee Ahn added.

Only then did Ji Han realize that the woman who had arrived with Geom Mugeuk was the Division Leader of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps.

‘So this woman will be my superior.’

He had never imagined that someone so young and beautiful would hold such a position. But what surprised him even more were the others.

‘Those people are the squad leaders?’

It was astonishing. He hadn’t expected the organization to be like this. He had been worried about starting as an ordinary martial artist? When people of such caliber were merely squad leaders here?

Geom Mugeuk formally introduced Ji Han to Lee Ahn.

“This is someone I met during my recent travels. Whether or not to accept him into the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps will be entirely your decision.”

Ji Han bowed respectfully to Lee Ahn with a fist salute. His fate now rested in her hands.

“I am Ji Han.”

“I am Lee Ahn, Division Leader of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps.”

“It’s an honor to meet you.”

With everyone’s gaze fixed on him, Ji Han grew even more nervous.

“What is your background?”

“I formerly served as the Soul-Chasing Squad Leader of the Evil King Sect. When it comes to pursuing enemies, I am second to none.”

“Do you know what kind of organization the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps is?”

“No, I do not.”

“This is a direct organization under the Young Cult Leader.”

At those words, a wave of emotion surged through Ji Han’s chest.

He had joined the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult trusting only in Geom Mugeuk. He already knew that once he arrived, he wouldn’t receive much personal attention. If he had been assigned to a distant department, he might never have even seen the Young Cult Leader’s face. But this—this was a direct organization serving him!

Lee Ahn then asked the question she always did in such situations.

“Let me ask you one thing. If the Young Cult Leader gives an order that conflicts with the Cult Leader’s, whose order will you follow?”

Ji Han appeared to hesitate for a moment before answering.

“I believe I should follow the Cult Leader’s command.”

It was an unexpected answer—she had thought he would say the Young Cult Leader’s.

“And why is that?”

The reason was simple.

“If we want the Young Cult Leader to one day become the Cult Leader, we must remain in the good graces of the current one. Especially for a direct organization, we must never act in a way that displeases the Cult Leader. Once the Young Cult Leader does become the Cult Leader, however, I would obey his every command without question, even if it seemed unreasonable.”

After saying that, he added with an awkward smile.

“To be honest,” Ji Han began, “I still don’t know much about the Divine Cult. In fact, before meeting the Young Cult Leader, I hadn’t even considered joining. I came all this way because of the connection I felt with him. As long as I can serve the Young Cult Leader, I ask for nothing else. Whatever task is given to me, I will obey and devote my utmost loyalty.”

Geom Mugeuk looked at him and said,

“You make it sound impressive, but in the end, you’re saying you won’t listen to me, aren’t you?”

Ji Han panicked.

“N-No, that’s not what I meant…”

At that moment, Lee Ahn stepped in.

“I like him just fine. If a day ever comes when we have to disobey the Young Cult Leader’s command, he’ll make the perfect scapegoat, won’t he? We can just say, ‘Ji Han insisted on it, and we had no choice.’”

Ji Han was flustered beyond words. To say such things right to his face!

After fully enjoying his discomfort, Lee Ahn made her decision.

“Ji Han, was it?”

“Yes.”

“I appoint you as the Fourth Squad Leader of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps.”

At the words Fourth Squad Leader, Ji Han’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“I’m not sure I’m qualified for such a position.”

Looking at the three other squad leaders before him, he couldn’t help but wonder if he was truly worthy of standing among them.

“Well, I don’t know that either.”

“Then why appoint me as a squad leader?”

“Because you were recommended by the Young Cult Leader. He wouldn’t have brought you this far unless he believed you capable of leading at least a squad.”

Ji Han could feel it clearly—her absolute faith in the Young Cult Leader.

“Still, don’t be too moved. Even if you are a squad leader, there’s no one in the Fourth Squad yet.”

Rather than feeling disappointed, Ji Han saw this as an opportunity.

“Then that means I can personally select the subordinates I want, correct?”

Lee Ahn smiled and glanced toward Geom Mugeuk. Of course—this was the kind of intelligent and confident person he would recommend.

“From now on, you’ll shape the Fourth Squad according to your specialty—an organization focused on pursuit techniques.”

Joy welled up in Ji Han’s heart. Could there be a better start to his new life in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? A direct division under the Young Cult Leader, and one where he could fully utilize his skills?

“I will devote my absolute loyalty.”

Geom Mugeuk smiled warmly, looking at Lee Ahn and the four squad leaders standing before him.

“At last, the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps is complete.”

The First Squad excelled in frontline combat, the Second specialized in Ghost Arts, the Third in assassination, and the Fourth in pursuit techniques.

It was the moment when the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps achieved perfect balance in every aspect.

“You’ll soon be deployed for real operations soon. Be thoroughly prepared!”

---

“The room is so clean.”

Seventeenth Beauty could never have imagined what had transpired before those words even left her lips.

The Faceless Swordsman who had arrived upon receiving the voice transmission wore a mask painted with a rabbit design. Perhaps by fate, the one who happened to be nearby was the fastest in movement techniques among Crescent Moon’s juniors.

Not every Faceless Swordsman was permitted to paint a personal symbol on their mask. Only experienced ones who had accumulated enough skill and years of experience were granted that privilege.

The Rabbit-masked Faceless Swordsman, having rushed over, immediately opened the window to let fresh air in. Then, he grabbed the clothes piled on the bed and table and hastily shoved them all under the bed.

He sprinted next door to ask another Faceless Swordsman for help.

“Hurry! I need tea, a tea set, and incense! Also, food and some good liquor!”

“What on earth is going on?”

“Senior Crescent Moon is coming with a woman.”

That alone was explanation enough. The Faceless Swordsman next door hurriedly gathered everything that had been requested.

Back in the room, the Rabbit-masked one lit incense, moved all leftover dishes to the neighboring house, swept the floor, and wiped off the dust. The two of them put their footwork and light body techniques to their fullest use.

By the time they had finished cleaning and stepped outside, Crescent Moon and Seventeenth Beauty were already approaching from afar.

Just then, another Faceless Swordsman happened to pass by the house and frowned in disapproval.

“What’s this? Why’s there a woman here?”

Swish.

At the sound of his voice, Seventeenth Beauty turned her head toward him—but before she could even register what was happening, the man had already been dragged away and vanished, seized by the two Faceless Swordsmen.

As the pair continued walking closer, yet another appeared—this one shirtless, wearing only a mask, scratching his backside as he yawned.

Swish.

He, too, disappeared as if abducted.

Thanks to such desperate efforts, Crescent Moon and Seventeenth Beauty were able to arrive at the house peacefully, chatting calmly along the way. She even remarked,

“I somehow knew your room would be clean.”

Crescent Moon subtly pushed the edge of the bed with his foot, shoving the clothes sticking out back underneath. The area beneath the bed was already crammed full of garments.

Considering how little time they’d had, it was almost miraculous how clean the room looked.

“The room smells nice.”

“Does it? I can’t really tell.”

“I’m thirsty. Could I have some tea, even if it’s cold?”

“Wait here a moment.”

Did he even have tea in the house? He usually drank only liquor, not tea. Hopefully there was at least something stored away.

When Crescent Moon opened the cupboard, he found a tea canister there—along with unfamiliar tea utensils. Beside them sat a bottle of wine and some snacks. ‘That rascal really thought of everything, even down to this.’

The Faceless Swordsman brewed the tea and served it with the snacks.

“The tea’s good, and so are the snacks.”

“I’m glad.”

Seeing her pleased expression lifted Crescent Moon’s mood as well.

“No man in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult will approach me now.”

“What do you mean?”

“When people see me, won’t they say, ‘That’s the woman from Valley of Wicked’? From now on, my nickname will be ‘that girl from Valley of Wicked.’”

After all, she was probably the first woman ever to visit the Valley of Wicked out of fondness for one of its members. Seventeenth Beauty’s boldness shone brighter than ever.

“I want to see the face behind your mask.”

It wasn’t something one could normally do—falling for someone whose face they hadn’t even seen. Anyone who heard about it would probably call her a crazy woman. ‘How could you like someone when you don’t even know who’s behind that mask?’ they would say.

“I’m afraid you might be disappointed.”

“The longer you delay, the greater that disappointment will grow.”

She was right. He couldn’t hide his face forever.

Crescent Moon slowly removed his mask.

Behind it appeared a young man’s face. Judging from the blood symbol drawn on his mask, she had expected someone with a rugged, masculine look—but his features were gentler, more refined than she imagined.

And Crescent Moon hadn’t lied about visiting her before. It really was the same face she had glimpsed during training—one that had stood out among the fierce Demonic Practitioners watching nearby.

And, incredibly, she remembered having thought at the time—

‘If only it could be that man.’

Seventeenth Beauty said softly,

“I’m disappointed.”

Crescent Moon froze in confusion.

“I was really nervous, you know. What if you turned out to be so ugly I couldn’t bear it? Or what if you were some old man twice my age?”

‘You wanted to date me with that face?’—she thought it absurd even to imagine saying such a thing herself.

“Do you know what I kept thinking? I’ll still go. No matter what, I’ll see this through. Even if you’re ugly, even if you’re twice my age—I’ll still go to you. I’d prepared myself completely for that.”

“And now?” freewebnovel.cσ๓

“You’re far too handsome!”

Relief flickered in Crescent Moon’s tense eyes.

He looked at Seventeenth Beauty in silence for a moment before suddenly speaking.

“I’ll take responsibility. I’ll take responsibility for ‘that girl from the Valley of Wicked’.”

At Crescent Moon’s words, Seventeenth Beauty’s face lit up with joy.

Yes—she had fallen for this manly side of him when he had rescued her. Though his features were youthful, the look in his eyes was unmistakably that of a true man.

“You all heard that, didn’t you?”

She walked over to the window and leaned her head out.

Beneath the window hid four Faceless Swordsmen—the Rabbit-masked one who had rushed over at the voice transmission, the neighbor who had brought the tea and snacks, the one who had asked why a woman was here, and the shirtless one from earlier. The neighbor still held a stick of incense in his hand.

In truth, Seventeenth Beauty had known they were there all along. How could a former assassin like her fail to sense their clumsy attempts at hiding?

“He said he’d take responsibility for me. You four are my witnesses.”

Among the masks gazing up at her awkwardly, she spotted a familiar drawing.

“Mr. Rabbit, you heard that clearly, didn’t you?”