Regressor Takes Everything

The next day.

Kang Yoo-sik, who entered the flower garden of Musaengwon as usual, stood face to face with Li Mei on the pavilion. “The technique I used yesterday… Can you show me one more time?”

"Yes."

Kang Yoo-sik nodded and simply opened the black lotus flower, and Li Mei made a surprised expression at the fog of Musaengwon that began to scatter around. “It was no coincidence…”

It was not a momentary realization, but a true acquisition of technology. After confirming this fact, Li Mei pondered for a while before opening her mouth with a determined expression. “There is something I want to show you, Cadet Kang Yoo-sik.”

With her story of Li Mei, Kang Yoo-sik followed her into her garden and moved her steps. The fog got thicker the further one would enter. From the outside, it was no different from the entrance, but Kang Yoo-sik, who recognized the change inside, put on a slightly fed-up expression.

‘If you come in without White Lotus Hwanmong, you will just die.’ The fog at the entrance harbored no such exit here. Even an S-class hunter could die forever lost in the fog if he entered the wrong place.

‘What the hell is there?’ When Kang Yoo-sik looked around with a curious expression. Through the dense fog, faint shadows appeared little by little. The shrine was so gloomy that it would not be strange even if it collapsed right now.

There wasn't even a signboard, so it was like an abandoned house, but Li Mei stood in front of it. "Please wait for a moment."

As Li Mei stretched out her hand, white lotuses bloomed around her and her mist began to gather there. After the fog cleared, a huge mandala appeared shining from the lower part of the shrine, and soon the dreary appearance completely changed. There was a tidy shrine that shone as if it had just been built.

Even though it was a simple building, Kang Yoo-sik opened her eyes wide at the shape that made her feel dizzy. ‘Each tile is part of a spell, isn’t it?’

Moreover, the link between each spell was so strong that it completely surpassed the known magic system of the present era. He then wondered if the walls of the Round Academy, which were half-destroyed by Troyes before returning and then re-reinforced, had reached this level.

Kang Yoo-sik then asked Li Mei about the structure beyond her imagination. “Who built that shrine?”

"It's a shrine built by the first Lord of Baengnyeonmun."

If it was the invitation, wasn’t it a nobleman who was a first-generation hunter and had been dead for decades? However, even from the current starting point, it was said that the result was equivalent to that of a technology that would have been created only decades later.

While Kang Yoo-sik was busy being surprised by his unusual record, Li Mei pointed inside her. “What I want to show you is inside. Let's go.”

Following Li Mei, who led the way, Kang Yoo-sik entered the shrine and looked inside. Inside the shrine, lotus-shaped metal lanterns were lined up on the platform, and hundreds of them, arranged in layers like stairs, were swaying with flames at the same time.

Kang Yoo-sik looked at the center of the shrine in a mysterious atmosphere. “….”

He found a mummy sitting cross-legged on top of a mandala. A mummy supplying magical energy to the metal lamp inside the shrine while wearing a pure white uniform with a lotus pattern.

Looking at the surrounding flow, it seemed that the mummy was maintaining the fog of Musaengwon, but Kang Yoo-sik could vaguely guess its identity. “Are you the late Baekryunmun Lord?”

“…Yes. He is my master.” He was the 2nd Master of the White Lotus Gate who taught Li Mei the White Lotus Phantom Dream. It was known to the outside that he died from a chronic disease sustained during the battle in the dungeon, but in reality, the mist of Musaengwon had been maintained in this shrine.

‘It's a bit brutal….’

Could it be that Li Mei taught her the white lotus illusion in order to maintain the fog of lifelessness like a mummy in front of her eyes? Kang Yoo-sik looked at Li Mei, who stood next to him, at the sudden possibility.

‘…No, no.’ There were eyes filled with sadness and determination. Kang Yoo-sik looked forward, waiting for Li Mei to speak first. “In Baengnyeonmun Gate, Musaengwon is known as a place to acquire the White Lotus Hwanmong, but… It's a little different in reality. It is a place where something is sealed through white lotus dream.”

It was a story he already knew, but Kang Yoo-sik listened quietly, and Li Mei slowly reached out his hand. A part of the back in the shrine burned fiercely according to the touch, and the mummy, who was sitting cross-legged, moved as if in response.

The female slipped her hand into her clothes and took out an old book of hers, revealing it in front of her. It appeared to be a seemingly ordinary book. However, Kang Yoo-sik read the title after realizing that that was exactly what Chen Tien wanted and what the Chinese government wanted.

‘Vacuum incense burner…?’ It was a name he had never heard before.

Kang Yoo-sik looked at the strange object in a puzzled way, and Li Mei continued his explanation. “That book is an item from the dimensional fragment obtained from the S-class dungeon by the first Baengnyeonmun master, and it is the original secret level that served as the basis for completing the White Lotus Hwanmong.”

“The original source of White Lotus Hwanmong?” Kang Yoo-sik gave a slightly surprised expression at Li Mei’s explanation. This was because the white lotus fantasy dream known to the public was known to have been created from the beginning by the first master of the white lotus pattern, as was the case with any arcane tactic.

‘And if it's a nuclear power plant, it means there's a separate technology called a vacuum incense burner….’

What kind of technology was it that the tremendous technique called white lotus dream could be derived from? Seeing Kang Yoo-sik being curious, Li Mei calmly asked if he had read his thoughts. “But other than that, nothing is known about the vacuum incense burner in detail. It's because the first master of Baekryunmun kept silent with the seal, and my master did the same.”

“Okay….”

"But… You poor thing. The words of the first Baengnyeonmun master when he first discovered the vacuum incense burner are known to some people.”

Seeing the incense burner in Mira's arms, Li Mei muttered calmly. “When you reach the true vacuum, you realize immortality.”

"Imperishability…?”

“The interpretation is different. But those who read the story think it is a clue to immortality.”

It was only then that Kang Yoo-sik realized how the situation was going. “There are people who covet this level.”

“Yes. In the past, now, and probably in the future. Because that is what immortality is.” If immortality was an absurd story before the gate appeared, it was now a subject that was being studied seriously.

There existed a story that immortality might be possible because it was a gate that made unrealistic things a reality.

‘I can see why the Baengnyeon Guild collapsed all at once….’

It was still unknown what exactly happened in the Beijing incident, but behind it, there must have been a vacuum incense burner. Kang Yoo-sik, realizing that the incident that must have taken place inside China was bigger than he thought, made an estimate by guessing the memories that came to mind.

Chen Tien then tried to increase his power by using a vacuum incense burner. There were those who sought immortality. In addition to this, the White Lotus Guild disappeared from history with the Beijing Incident.

‘This is so….’

When Kang Yoo-sik had a hard expression at the various hypotheses that popped into his head. Li Mei slowly opened her mouth. "It's still in the future, but one day, when Master's strength runs out, I have to sacrifice myself to maintain the seal of Musangwon."

“…Are you Lord Baekryunmun?”

“Yes. This seal is maintained through the life of the person who acquires the White Lotus Hwanmong.”

Looking at the mummified master, Li Mei made a vague expression. “Being the master of Baengnyeonmun means preparing for such a future. I finished that resolution a long time ago, but… I started to wonder if that would really be right.”

Li Mei had doubts about just maintaining the seal. Kang Yoo-sik made a curious expression. “Then what do you plan to do?”

"I….” Li Mei paused for a moment before continuing her story in a firm voice. “I intend to destroy the vacuum incense burner and remove it from this world.”

Kang Yoo-sik was surprised by the story, but at the same time, her choice was understandable. ‘If what I said above is true, it will be passed on to someone else someday.'

The reason why Li Mei hid her appearance before her return was probably that she sacrificed her life before she was deprived of her secret salary so that she could live without life. This was probably because of the seal. However, even if one were to do that, someday the seal would be lifted over time, and Baengnyeonmun Gate, which would be sure to nurture future generations, had disappeared, so there was no means to protect the vacuum incense burner.

In other words, to protect the vacuum incense burner, destroying it was the best option!

“Is there a way?”

“It’s a hypothesis… It should be possible. Especially if it’s the black lotus that cadet Kang Yoo-sik developed.”

Apparently, unlike before her return, she seemed to have met the conditions to destroy the vacuum incense burner by herself. Kang Yoo-sik, who heard all of Li Mei's story, looked at her.

‘Does one want to get her hands and the other to destroy?’ In that situation, Kang Yoo-sik calculated which one would benefit her more.

‘Right now, it's Chen Tien….’ If one were to think about it under the assumption that Chen Tien was behind it, it was highly likely that the identity was China itself. Since China was accumulating enormous wealth and power around the world, it may not be bad to be on the side of this side.

‘But what comes after that is the problem.’

He didn’t know when he would get dumped, and if he ever really develop immortality, he couldn’t afford it. In addition, an individual or a suitable group could hold a leash by operating contracts and creditors, but it became virtually impossible when it went out on a national scale.

‘In the end, it’s best to help Li Mei.’

She, her S-class hunter, could be an ally of her White Lotus Guild. It was about Chen Tien's containment. She could handle it somehow, so she liked it best this way, but her problem was with her now. It was quite an airy atmosphere.

“…I have a question for you.”

“What is it?”

“If you destroy the vacuum incense burner, what will happen to Lord Baengnyeonmun?”

Kang Yoo-sik's question made Li Mei's eyes shake. At that obvious reaction, Kang Yoo-sik looked at her with her eyes narrowed. “You are dying. Just like the previous masters of Baekryunmun.”

Kang Yoo-sik, who had been to and from many battlefields, had seen the eyes and atmosphere of those who were prepared for her sacrifice many times. To put it lightly, it was a little bit easy to notice.

“…The seal of Musaengwon is engraved on the vacuum incense burner itself. So, in order to destroy it, I have no choice but to connect it to my life and then destroy it, just like when replacing the core of the seal.”

“Are you saying that either of you has to die?”

"If I'm going to do my mission… That would be it.”

Li Mei gave a bitter reply and looked at Kang Yoo-sik again. “This she was going to tell me after making a promise… In fact, even cadet Kang Yoo-sik could be seriously injured.”

“Me too?”

“Yes. But don't worry about that part. It's absolutely not fatal, and I've prepared an S-class elixir so that Ihwa Danju can be treated immediately.” Kang Yoo-sik made a puzzled expression at the female’s appearance after completing all her preparations.

“Why did you try to hide it?”

“If you knew I was going to die… I thought that Cadet Kang Yoo-sik might hesitate. Sorry….”

Kang Yoo-sik calmly looked at Li Mei, who seemed to feel guilty. ‘It doesn’t really matter.’

In fact, if one were to receive an S-class elixir, your stats might improve, let alone get injured. And the heartache that Li Mei was most worried about was also not applicable to Kang Yoo-sik. ‘Still, did you open all the tiles with this?'

Realizing that all of the cards on the board were revealed, Kang Yoo-sik pondered deeply. ‘The best thing… It saves Li Mei and destroys the non-class too.’

In that case, the A-level debt will be a piece of cake for the atmosphere. However, the problem was that, no matter how much he was to think about it, he couldn’t see a way to do that. Kang Yoo-sik, who had been thinking about various cases, looked at Li Mei. “There is something I want to ask you.”

“Yes. Please speak."

“Can’t we examine the vacuum incense burner in its current state?”

“Yes?" Li Mei looked at him with a surprised expression at Kang Yoo-sik’s unexpected question. “I was wondering if there might be another way to destroy the vacuum incense burner.”

“That way….”

“You don’t know again. It’s because the technology has changed since the past when you gave up.”

Kang Yoo-sik's story made Li Mei ponder for a moment, and she answered cautiously. “Because of the seal, the contents inside cannot be read. But looking at the outside… It seems possible.”

“Then may I ask you a favor?”

“…I know." Li Mei nodded and reached out her hand again to adjust the seal on her shrine. The vacuum incense burner was held in Mira's hand and stretched forward, and the intangible power flowing inside the shrine disappeared.

“Follow me.” Kang Yoo-sik, who walked along with Li Mei, who zigzagged across the temple as if there was a wall, stood in front of Mira.

‘This is a vacuum incense burner… ‘ Kang Yoo-sik, who saw the vacuum incense burner held out in front of him, frowned. A strong sense of deja vu felt separate from the seal placed inside. Kang Yoo-sik made a puzzled expression at that unknown feeling.

‘What is it?’ For what reason did he feel this sense of déjà vu? Kang Yoo-sik recalled the number of cases in a sense that was too clear to pass it off as simply an illusion.

There was one more thing. She recalled some portentous possibilities. ‘Percival.’

Again, the answer didn’t come back right away. In response to the expected reaction, Kang Yoo-sik, unlike yesterday, slightly put her magical energy on her and shouted strongly.

‘Wake up, Percival!’

The pendant vibrated faintly, and for the first time, an answer came from inside Musaengwon.

– Speak.

‘This book in front of my eyes. Can you analyze it?’

-Wait a minute.

Percival’s voice cut off again, and he felt a slight fever, and Li Mei made a puzzled expression. “Cadet Kang Yoo-sik?”

“Please wait for a moment."

If her own thoughts were correct, there was a good chance. Kang Yoo-sik looked at her vacuum incense burner whilst waiting for her analysis to finish, and after a while, she heard her answer.

– Analysis completed.

‘The result?’

-Compatibility with the seal has been confirmed.

However, if it failed, it may rather increase due to the latent seal inside. The seal of inanimate circle could rather be added to Percival. In that case, unless one were to kill Li Mei, it would be impossible to release it, so it may be difficult to completely free Percival.

‘That's right….’

Two possibilities lay in front of him. Kang Yoo-sik, who had been thinking for a while, looked at Li Mei, who stood next to her. “…Okay. I will cooperate too.”

“Really?”

“If that is really something related to immortality… It would be better to get rid of it.”

This was her sincerity to some extent, and Li Mei smiled softly as she felt it. "Thanks… … Cadet Kang Yoo-sik.”

[Satisfying the debt relationship conditions.]

[Checking the registration of the debtor ‘Li Mei’ and determining the debt grade as C.]

Was it apologetic for asking for a dangerous job? Kang Yoo-sik's eyes lit up at the debt that had risen more than he thought.

‘This is enough.’ Seeing that the preparations were complete, Kang Yoo-sik looked at Li Mei.

“Lord of Baekryunmun… …, Li Mei-sama.”

“Yes?"

When Li Mei looked at him incredulously, Kang Yoo-sik asked seriously. “If there was a way to destroy the vacuum incense burner without dying, would you believe it?”

“….”

Li Mei's eyes widened at that one word, and she soon made a complicated expression. She looked around for a while and came up with a method she thought was impossible. In a way, it was strange to believe that right away.

That was why Kang Yoo-sik used the collection to increase the possibility even a little.

[The debtor ‘Li Mei’ is going into compulsory execution. Abnormal condition ‘Hope’.]

[Debtor ‘Li Mei’ goes into compulsory execution. Abnormal status ‘Hope’.]

[The debtor ‘Li Mei’s’ debts have all been paid.]

Trying to amplify the fear of Li Mei, who had already decided to sacrifice herself, would not have much effect. That was why Kang Yoo-sik put her hope in so that she could lead her heart to him. “That means… Really?”

Li Mei, who saw Kang Yoo-sik, asked her, clenching her fists. If she were a different person, she wouldn't have asked, even if she was equally hopeful. However, if it was Kang Yoo-sik who created a new technology based on the white lotus dream, if he was the same genius as the first white lotus gate master!

She thought it might make the impossible possible. “If you succeed, you can. And if it fails….”

Kang Yoo-sik, who was about to talk about the possibility of her recovery, suddenly looked into Li Mei's eyes. Then she erased the answer that had popped into her head and answered again. “I will try to turn it into a success somehow.”

Wasn’t that the technology she created to do that? Li Mei, who met the unshakable Kang Yoo-sik’s eyes, nodded. "All right. I will believe you.”

In response to Li Mei's answer, Kang Yoo-sik looked at her vacuum incense burner again. “Then I will go.”

And, without hesitation, she stretched out her hand and raised her mana. “Blooming black lotus.”

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