Absolute Regression Chapter 358 : If I get stabbed twice, you'll be too, at leas

Translator: FenrirTL

Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis

Murim Term Consultant: Kopke

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Chapter 358: If I get stabbed twice, you’ll be too, at least once

Bih Sa-in steadied his resolve and cald his mind.

‘I can do it, I can win.’

It was an overwhelmingly disadvantageous fight. Monster Evil had reached the ranks of the Seven Great Unorthodox Masters like them, so even if the match was neck-and-neck, the problem was himself.

He lacked both internal energy and real battle experience. On top of that, those two had road the martial world together all their lives, while he was teaming up with Monster Evil for the first ti today.

Even so, he wasn’t afraid. From the mont he tried to send Monster Evil off with goodwill, he had already changed. And more than anything else—

‘I am the successor of the Unorthodox Alliance.’

A fight without regret, even in death!

Bih Sa-in’s expression turned grim. His already fearso face now looked even more terrifying.

―Take the one on the left.

Monster Evil told Bih Sa-in to take on the Fla King Sword. It wasn’t just because the calm Thousand Hands Sword would be trickier to deal with.

Judging by temperant and personality, the Fla King Sword would try to toy with Bih Sa-in. If Bih Sa-in could endure as long as possible, Monster Evil planned to sohow kill the Thousand Hands Sword and then assist him.

―I won’t last long.

Bih Sa-in had inherited the Unorthodox Alliance Leader’s exclusive martial art, the Tyrant’s Heaven-Shaking Sword Art.

But the only form he could currently use was the First Sword, White Heaven Form. Moreover, as he had only reached the fourth realm, he had to land the strike precisely for it to be effective.

‘There’s only one chance.’

To seize that chance, Bih Sa-in planned to rely on his own exclusive martial art, the Soul-Chasing Four Swords, which he had mastered before learning the Tyrant’s Heaven-Shaking Sword Art.

As Monster Evil stepped forward toward the Thousand Hands Sword, Bih Sa-in naturally ca face-to-face with the Fla King Sword.

The killing intent radiating from the Fla King Sword’s aura was intense. Just looking at him gave the chilling sense that a strike might fly in at any mont and pierce his heart. With all his nerves on edge, Bih Sa-in asked him,

“You were supposed to be dead.”

“You guys brought us back.”

“You guys?”

“That’s right, you guys.”

Bih Sa-in could tell. It was the Unorthodox Alliance that had saved them.

“Who sent you here?”

“I told you, you guys.”

He could feel his animosity toward the Unorthodox Alliance. In the end, they too were nothing more than blades being used by the Unorthodox Alliance. The only difference was whether that blade was ant for a chicken or for a cow.

The Fla King Sword drew his weapon and lightly lunged forward.

Chae-aeng!

The two swords clashed once. Beyond the crossed blades, Bih Sa-in glared at the Fla King Sword. Just one exchange, yet his arm hurt like it was about to fall off.

‘How much does it hurt for you?’

But the Fla King Sword’s expression remained calm.

Changchangchangchangchangchang!

In an instant, more than a dozen exchanges flew by, and the two swordsn faced off again.

"Indeed, the Young Leader lives up to the na."

However, when the Fla King Sword saw Bih Sa-in’s arm trembling ever so slightly, a glimr of ease passed through his eyes.

"Never thought a day would co in my life when I’d kill the Young Leader."

"If you kill , do you think the Alliance Leader will let you go unpunished?"

"I only did what you guys ordered. And if he doesn’t let it go?"

Just who were ‘you guys’ referring to? Bih Sa-in was desperately curious about the power behind all this.

"Young Leader, don’t bla ."

"Why would I bla you? When stabbed by a sword, you bla the one who wields it. I’ll bla the ‘you guys’ you keep speaking of."

He had said it hoping to provoke him, but the Fla King Sword was far calr than he appeared.

"Fine then, let’s both bla the one holding the sword."

"Would you be so kind as to let strike first?"

"It’s the Young Leader’s request—how could I refuse?"

As their swords were still crossed, Bih Sa-in suddenly leapt back and launched the first technique himself. He didn’t hold back his internal energy.

Soul-Chasing Four Swords, First Sword: Soul Severing.

A snow-white sword energy surged from Bih Sa-in’s blade like a wave, then roared forward in a storm.

Kwaaang!

With a deafening blast, the ground trembled. Yet despite such a powerful assault, the Fla King Sword countered with his own sword energy, dispersing the oncoming attack.

They both staggered from the impact, but Bih Sa-in was pushed back several more steps than his opponent.

"If I weren’t lacking in internal energy, I could’ve handled you."

The Fla King Sword let out a snort, clearly seeing through Bih Sa-in’s intention.

"You’ve been trying in vain from the start. Do I look like the sort of lowlife who falls for such cheap provocations?" 1

"If you were, I wouldn’t even need to provoke you."

Bih Sa-in treated him with courtesy—not out of respect, but to keep himself from getting agitated.

‘If this turns into a chaotic lee, I’ll be at a disadvantage.’

He had to steer the fight into a contest of martial arts proficiency. Not to ntion the Tyrant’s Heaven-Shaking Sword Art he had learned, even the Soul-Chasing Four Swords were, he was convinced, a higher-level martial art than the Fla King Sword’s.

Sohow, he had to put that superiority to use.

"Young Leader, no matter what technique you try, it’ll be useless."

"Let’s see once you've seen them all."

Soul-Chasing Four Swords, Second Sword: Soul Suppression.

Five streams of sword energy spiraled left and right, flying out like five living dragons surging toward their prey.

From the Fla King Sword’s blade, sword energy burst forth as well. They were wolves, hunting dragons. The not-yet-fully-grown dragons were devoured entirely by the monstrous wolves.

Even the Third Sword, Iron Soul, and the Fourth Sword, Mad Soul, failed to pierce the Fla King Sword’s defenses.

The Fla King Sword proved with skill exactly what it ant to be one of the Seven Great Unorthodox Masters. On the other hand, the more anxious Bih Sa-in beca, the more his swordplay weakened.

"Wait! Let’s just take a short break before continuing!"

At Bih Sa-in’s words, the Fla King Sword laughed openly.

"You think if you stall for ti, Monster Evil will co to help you?"

"I do think so."

"More likely, you’ll end up fighting the both of us alone."

Naturally, the two of them turned to watch the battle between Monster Evil and the Thousand Hands Sword.

Monster Evil’s Slashing Iron Body was truly formidable. He dodged and absorbed the Thousand Hands Sword’s attacks with his bare body, countering as he went.

Swaeeeeek!

As he dodged the flying blade, Monster Evil’s elbow shot toward the Thousand Hands Sword’s chest.

Dodging by a hair’s breadth, the Thousand Hands Sword swung his sword. This ti, his blade grazed Monster Evil’s neck.

Then, from the tip of Monster Evil’s fist, energy exploded outward.

Puh-ung!

The Thousand Hands Sword twisted his body to dodge, and this ti the unleashed sword energy swept through where Monster Evil had just stood. But Monster Evil didn’t leap far away. He stubbornly refused to widen the distance.

It was a true hair’s-breadth duel. A single misstep would cost a life—such was the nature of the fight unfolding before them.

Bih Sa-in and the Fla King Sword paused to watch the breathless exchange.

"If you really trust your friend, then wait until that fight is over. I’ll gladly take on both of you."

But the match was too finely balanced for that to be a realistic offer.

"You think we’d still be alive if we fell for tricks like that?”

The Fla King Sword lunged with his sword, pressing the attack.

Changchangchangchang!

It wasn’t just about internal energy—there was a vast difference in battle experience.

Having fought through countless battles, the Fla King Sword gave Bih Sa-in no easy openings.

Pahk!

Blood sprayed from Bih Sa-in’s arm.

Shiiiiik!

That brief flinch beca a crisis. The follow-up strike from the Fla King Sword ca sharp and fast.

‘Too late to dodge!’

But in the next instant, the one who backed off was the Fla King Sword. Monster Evil had co to save Bih Sa-in.

Whoooong!

Charging in like a bolt of lightning, Monster Evil tried to hurl the Fla King Sword away with his back and shoulder.

It was such a powerful attack that the Fla King Sword had no choice but to abandon his assault and dodge.

Puh-ung!

But the cost of disengaging from his fight with the Thousand Hands Sword was steep. A flying blade struck Monster Evil square in the back.

A grunt escaped him as Monster Evil coughed up blood. Though his Protective Energy prevented his body from being split open, the internal shock rattled him deeply.

Seizing that mont, the Fla King Sword's blade ca flying, aid at Monster Evil’s neck.

Chae-aeng!

This ti, it was Bih Sa-in who flung himself into the fray and saved Monster Evil.

Monster Evil wiped the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

The Fla King Sword spoke to him.

"You weren’t this kind of person. What did the Young Leader promise you?"

"When I was promised sothing, I wasn’t this desperate. Strangely, now that I’ve decided to receive nothing at all, I feel like I absolutely must keep him alive."

The Fla King Sword and the Thousand Hands Sword exchanged glances, their expressions filled with disbelief.

Only Bih Sa-in understood what Monster Evil ant—because he felt the sa.

Facing death had actually brought a strange peace to his heart. That was why he had been able to speak kindly when sending Monster Evil off.

"Thank you in advance. I don't think I’ll get the chance to say it later."

At Bih Sa-in’s gratitude, tinged with the weight of defeat, Monster Evil firmly shook his head.

"Say thank you after we win."

From the look in his eyes, Bih Sa-in felt it. It wasn’t sothing he said just to sound good. He truly ant for them to win.

"You’re doing well right now. Better than I thought. I believe in you."

In that mont, a fire ignited in Bih Sa-in’s heart. Just monts ago, he had been entertaining thoughts of giving up. He had planned to use White Heaven Form as a final move, and if it didn’t work, he was prepared to accept defeat. That idea had taken over his mind.

But suddenly, he realized—perhaps he had been approaching this fight all wrong.

‘What if I don’t just aim for a single chance, but fight purely skill for skill?’

He had beco the rightful successor of the Unorthodox Alliance, no matter what anyone said. Surely, there was sothing within him that made him worthy of that title. Sothing that wouldn’t allow him to die so easily in a place like this.

‘Yeah… don’t underestimate myself. Bluffing is for monts like this!’

Turning the fire that had once fed his surrender into pure determination, Bih Sa-in charged in.

Dozens of sword lines tore through the air, and every clash of blades sparked fire. The form of the fight looked the sa as before—but it was clearly a different battle now.

Bih Sa-in no longer focused on landing a decisive move. Because he had reserved himself for that one finishing strike, he hadn’t been able to pour everything into the fight. That made all the difference.

Blood spurted from Bih Sa-in’s side.

But in exchange for exposing his flank, he slashed the Fla King Sword’s shoulder.

It was the Fla King Sword’s first injury.

Having shed blood, his attacks turned even fiercer. But Bih Sa-in was thrilled—he sensed his opponent’s composure had finally broken.

Bih Sa-in poured everything into the fight. ‘You’re one of the Seven Great Unorthodox Masters? I’m the heir to the Unorthodox Alliance. You’ve been through countless battles? I learned martial arts directly from the Alliance Leader. If I get stabbed twice, be prepared to be stabbed at least once. I’m younger than you—I’ll endure longer.’

Blood sprayed again from Bih Sa-in’s arm. He was slashed hard enough to make his leg stagger, and his waist was cut too. But one of those two tis, it was the Fla King Sword who bled.

And fortunately, thanks to the two layers of protective armor he wore, he was able to avoid a fatal injury.

The blazing determination of the changed Bih Sa-in was creating what could only be called a miracle.

Puuuk!

The Fla King Sword’s arm was deeply slashed.

In the next instant, Monster Evil shouted,

"Watch out!"

Bih Sa-in flung himself aside, narrowly dodging a flying strike. The attacker was, shockingly, the Thousand Hands Sword.

Judging that the Fla King Sword was in danger, he had intervened in the fight on their side. But he, too, paid the price.

Puh-uk!

Monster Evil’s charging shoulder slamd straight into his torso.

The Thousand Hands Sword tumbled across the ground, while the Fla King Sword swung his sword defensively and retreated.

And to his own surprise—it was Bih Sa-in who stood shocked.

‘He ca to save the Fla King Sword!’

That ant Bih Sa-in had been doing incredibly well. He realized then—the other three fighters were all paying attention to the opposite battle. Because they couldn’t afford to die. If one side collapsed, it would turn into a two-against-one.

In contrast, Bih Sa-in had thrown himself into this battle like a madman. While his opponent could only fight at eighty percent, he was fighting at one hundred and twenty.

Monster Evil and the Thousand Hands Sword clashed once more, while Bih Sa-in resud his duel with the Fla King Sword.

They fought with ferocity, like maniacs, but unfortunately, with his focus broken, Bih Sa-in’s fire began to cool. Bit by bit, he started losing ground. A hundred seconds, two hundred, three hundred… In the end, as a fight drags on, the one with more internal energy and experience ultimately obtains the advantage.

Bih Sa-in felt regret. He had thought the skill gap would be much wider, but now that he had actually fought him, it wasn’t that far apart. And that made it more frustrating.

It wasn’t that he was dying to a hopelessly stronger foe—but that he was dying to soone he could’ve killed, if only they had t a little later.

There was a limit to how far youth and sheer tenacity could carry him. He had lost too much blood, and his movents were gradually slowing.

And so, Bih Sa-in was pushed into his final corner. Leaning against a wall, panting heavily, he watched as the Fla King Sword slowly approached.

‘This is the end.’

He had just enough strength left to thrust his sword once more.

Had he lost too much blood?

It was as if he were seeing his life flash before his eyes—his surroundings began to move in slow motion.

Even in slow motion, the clash between Monster Evil and the Thousand Hands Sword was still visibly intense. Despite his increasingly furious attempts to dash towards him, Monster Evil’s battle was so urgent that he was completely bogged down and couldn’t afford to co help here.

As the Fla King Sword walked toward him, he said sothing—but Bih Sa-in couldn’t hear it. It was like watching silent mouthing.

And then he began to see illusions.

At first, it was just a dot embedded in the far-off sky. While everything else moved in slow motion, that dot alone was moving fast. It grew larger and larger, hurtling toward them.

He saw it in the Fla King Sword’s face—the expression of soone convinced of victory.

Even then, the dot visible over the Fla King Sword’s shoulder continued to grow faster.

The Fla King Sword thrust his sword forward.

Bih Sa-in could see it clearly—the blade flying toward his neck. The problem was, his own movents were just as slow.

With the last of his strength, he too thrust his sword forward.

Two swords, flying toward one another.

And in that mont, the dot he had seen earlier was still moving many tis faster than either his or the Fla King Sword’s movents. Was it a bird? A flying rock? Could it be… a person? 2

He saw a distant wall collapse. The thing that had fallen from the sky smashed into the wall and launched upward again.

Dust from the crumbling wall billowed out slowly in all directions due to the force of the leap, but the one who had broken through it was already gone.

anwhile, the Fla King Sword’s blade had reached his neck.

Just as the cold blade began to dig into the skin of Bih Sa-in’s throat, soone dropped down and tightly grabbed the Fla King Sword’s arm from behind.

The sword could go no further—it stopped dead in its track.

At that very mont, ti resud its natural flow.

Shiiiiiik!

Puaaahhhk!

Bih Sa-in’s blade did not stop. It thrust straight ahead, piercing through the Fla King Sword’s flesh, bones, and heart.

It wasn’t an illusion. The sensation in his hand was unmistakably real. He watched as the Fla King Sword slowly crumbled.

And behind him stood one man.

Soaked in sweat, gasping for breath—it was Geom Mugeuk.

He had moved so quickly that the broken wall far behind them had only just now finished falling to the ground.

Bih Sa-in’s eyes slid shut. He no longer had the strength to remain standing. Leaning against Geom Mugeuk’s body as if collapsing, he spoke with the last of his strength.

"…Please save Senior Gwe." 3

1 : Weelll, yeah.

2 : No, it’s Superman !!!

3 : Good job on holding on until he arrived. One second less of struggle and Mugeuk would have been too late to save you. You have as much responsibility in your good fate as Monster Evil and Mugeuk.