A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 1: Regressors First Day

"What is going on? We were just heading to a workshop..."

Director Kim, his hair disheveled and half-swept aside, scans the surroundings as he pushes himself up.

I search my mind, attempting to pinpoint exactly where we are in the timeline.

'The first day! This is the very day we arrived in this strange world!'

The memory of how we got here resurfaces.

'We were traveling in an SUV for the workshop when a landslide hit... We were buried under the earth... and then a sudden flash of light...'

Because it is a memory from fifty years ago, the details remain somewhat blurred.

I find it difficult to remember everything clearly.

"Hey, Deputy Manager Seo."

'Now that I have undergone regression... how am I supposed to live this time...?'

"Deputy Manager Seo."

'Typically, in regression novels, protagonists thrive by utilizing their knowledge of the future. But the only future events I recall are insignificant details, like the fact that Mr. Ju’s daughter won't be born for another thirty years...'

"Seo Eun-hyun, Deputy Manager!!!"

"Ah, Section Chief Jeon. My apologies, I was momentarily lost in thought."

The shouting of Section Chief Jeon Myeong-hoon snaps me out of my trance.

Deputy Manager.

It is a title I haven't been addressed by in ages. I couldn't help but feel a jolt of surprise.

Then, I recognize the face I haven't looked upon in a lifetime.

Section Chief Jeon Myeong-hoon.

Jeon Myeong-hoon.

The nephew of Jeon Myeong-cheol, who was the executive director of my former employer, SJD Company.

At thirty-two, he is three years my senior, yet he secured his position as section chief through blatant nepotism.

'I recall having quite a strong distaste for him fifty years ago...'

However, seeing a face I haven't encountered in half a century actually brings a small sense of joy.

After all, is he not a countryman from my long-lost home, appearing before me after fifty long years?

I thought it might be time for us to finally get along.

Swish!

Without warning, Section Chief Jeon delivers a sharp slap across my face.

"Deputy Manager Seo! You idiot, couldn't you even drive a car properly?!"

"Ah..."

I stand there stunned from the blow, instantly discarding any warm thoughts of him being a fellow countryman.

I had forgotten.

This man is a complete bastard.

"You incompetent fool, we are in this mess because of you! We're stranded! You... you useless bastard...!"

Just as Jeon Myeong-hoon is about to lung at me in a rage, Chief Oh stands up to intervene.

"Now, that's quite enough. There was nothing Deputy Manager Seo could have done to avoid that landslide."

The events of fifty years ago come back to me.

Yes, I was definitely... tasked with driving the company SUV.

"Aren't you furious, Chief? We've met with disaster because of this jerk, Deputy Manager Seo! Where are we, and where is the SUV! This guy is the reason we're stuck here!"

And then, the memory clarifies.

I certainly did nod off behind the wheel.

'However, the reason I was exhausted was...'

Jeon Myeong-hoon.

That man had dumped all his overdue work on me the day before the trip, forcing me to pull an all-nighter.

"If you were too tired to drive, you should have let someone else take the wheel! Look at this catastrophe!"

Reflecting on it once more.

'Wasn't Jeon Myeong-hoon the one originally assigned to drive?'

That’s right. Jeon Myeong-hoon was supposed to be the driver. But because he wanted to flirt with the female staff in the back, he forced me into the driver's seat.

"You moron! We're stranded because of your incompetence!"

Ah.

The recollections from fifty years ago are becoming crystal clear now.

Back then, I was so overwhelmed and confused by the situation.

I ended up apologizing to Jeon Myeong-hoon without thinking.

I had actually convinced myself it was my fault.

But revisiting that memory after fifty years of life...

'Does Jeon Myeong-hoon possess no sense of shame or conscience?'

I distinctly remember asking Jeon Myeong-hoon and the female employees several times to take over for a bit.

But Jeon Myeong-hoon refused to drive and even stopped the women from helping, despite knowing I was sleep-deprived from the work he gave me.

As a Deputy Manager, I couldn't exactly demand that the chief or director take the wheel.

I was forced to drive for four hours straight without a break because of him.

Therefore...

"Section Chief Jeon... I have something to say."

"Look at him, trying to act tough. Yeah, since your failure got us stranded, you should be apologizing if you have a shred of conscience..."

"I was incredibly tired, yes. However, as I recall, I drove properly until the very end, keeping myself awake with coffee. When the landslide occurred, I made every effort to avoid it. But it was far too massive to escape, and the car was simply swept away."

I definitely attempted to stop and reverse when I saw the debris falling.

But the entire mountainside collapsed. It was a natural disaster that no one could have evaded.

"Section Chief Jeon, I realize you are upset, but this is not the time to be pointing fingers."

"This guy... lecturing me?! You don't even realize what you did wrong..."

"Sigh..."

I exhale a long breath.

In the life where I didn't have the benefit of regression.

For fifty years, I learned the art of endurance while struggling to survive.

I learned to endure when powerful bandits beat me and stole my meager coins.

I learned to endure when arrogant martial artists insulted my dignity.

I learned to endure when corrupt officials seized everything I owned to pay for taxes.

Yes.

When facing those I couldn't defeat, enduring was the only path.

But.

"Hey."

"What? 'Hey'? Seo Eun-hyun, you bastard, what did you just say?"

Bowing like a servant to someone I can actually handle...

That is not how a man should live. I learned that as well.

"I said it wasn't my fault. That is enough."

"Chief, let go of me. This guy is really asking for it..."

Thud!

Jeon Myeong-hoon rushes forward and strikes me in the face.

But the moment he attacks, I lunge forward and deliver a powerful headbutt.

Boom!

"Aaah...!"

In my previous life.

How many times was I thrashed by martial artists?

How many times was I beaten while foraging in the mountains by bandits?

How many times was I struck when robbers raided during the famine?

I was beaten, bruised, and broken time and again.

Through that meaningless cycle of pain, I gained something Jeon Myeong-hoon and the others lacked.

The experience of real violence.

Boom!

Thump!

Boom!

Following the first headbutt, I press the advantage and relentlessly pummel Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Ugh, wait, stop...!"

"You. Bastard. I. Told. You. It. Wasn't. My. Fault."

When you are beating someone.

If you strike them repeatedly in the face, they are consumed by an overwhelming sense of dread.

The sight of a fist blocking their vision, followed by immediate agony.

The pure terror of an unrelenting attacker.

I focus my punches around Jeon Myeong-hoon’s eyes to blind him with pain and fear.

'If you won't acknowledge your own faults, at least learn to keep your mouth shut!'

With every strike, the deep-seated resentment I held against him—grudges I hadn't even realized were so fresh—seemed to vent out of me.

Even after fifty years, the cruel bullying he put me through at the office remained unforgettable.

"I... I was wrong, I'm sorry..."

Sigh.

By the time a plea for mercy escaped the arrogant man's lips, I stopped the assault and surveyed the room.

Director Kim, Chief Oh, Deputy Manager Kang, Deputy Manager Oh, Manager Kim...

They are all staring at me with sheer terror in their eyes.

Among them, Director Kim speaks up, his voice trembling.

"Deputy Manager Seo, regardless of the circumstances, beating a colleague to such a degree is..."

"Yes, you are right. I apologize. I lost my temper in the moment. I am sorry for frightening everyone. And since I was the driver, I apologize for not being able to do more during the accident."

I offer a polite bow to Director Kim and the rest of the staff.

In truth, with the exception of Director Kim, I will never see any of these people again.

But Director Kim is someone I will stay with.

'Director Kim, if you pursue the path of martial arts, you will eventually stand at the peak of the world.'

Of course, that only applies to the realm of martial arts.

Even though I have returned to the past, I have already abandoned the dream of joining a Cultivation Sect.

'What Cultivation Sect? I lack the necessary talent.'

That talent is known as spiritual roots or spiritual nature.

Without it, learning the secret techniques of immortal practitioners or sensing the Qi they harness is an impossibility.

If there is one thing I desire in this new life.

It is simply...

'I hope for a slightly better chance to work harder than I did in my last life.'

In my previous existence, after Director Kim mastered martial arts and moved on.

He would still join me for a drink every now and then.

That stopped completely once he reached the absolute pinnacle of his power.

But this time, things will be different.

'If I provide Director Kim with my full support, perhaps some of his success will benefit me as well.'

To achieve that, I must stay on his good side starting now.

"Right, everyone is currently in a state of confusion, and Section Chief Jeon was being too aggressive. Of course, Deputy Manager Seo, your reaction was also far too violent. Both of you, apologize."

"Yes, Director. You are absolutely right."

After bowing to Director Kim once more, I assist Section Chief Jeon to his feet and say,

"I am sorry, Section Chief Jeon. I went too far. I sincerely apologize."

"You... you son of a..."

As I show a humble front again, Jeon Myeong-hoon, seemingly regaining his bravado, glares at me.

But the moment my gaze turns icy and sharp, he flinches, avoids my eyes, and falls silent.

"In any case, we seem to be in a forest. How about we head out and try to find a village nearby?"

Director Kim looks at the landscape and makes a suggestion.

The sky is turning a deep crimson as the sun begins to set, and the air is growing chilly.

Under normal circumstances, Director Kim’s plan would be logical.

However, in this realm, normal logic must be cast aside.

'In a world where Cultivators become immortals and soar through the skies, and martial artists battle for glory and power.'

That is the reality of this world.

And the forest we have landed in...

I search my fifty-year-old memories for the name of this place.

'The Path of Ascension (Ascending to Immortality).'

It is known as the ultimate location for demons and Cultivators seeking to transcend mortality.

It is a place where the Qi of heaven and earth is most concentrated.

There are no human settlements, cities, or nations anywhere near the Path of Ascension.

Thus, Director Kim’s plan to find a village is futile.

What matters most right now is survival.

'Night is falling. We must build a fire.'

I conclude my thoughts and address Director Kim.

"Director, do you have any signal on your phone?"

"Hmm... No, the signal seems to be completely dead."

"If there's no signal, rescue will be difficult, and we won't be able to determine our coordinates. Since it's getting dark, rather than wandering for a village we might never find, it would be safer to prepare to spend the night here."

Hearing my suggestion, Jeon Myeong-hoon, who had been sulking, speaks up weakly.

"What are you saying... Deputy Manager Seo. It's far more dangerous to stay out here at night, we need to find civilization..."

"I believe moving blindly in the dark is the real danger. How about this?"

I gesture toward a massive tree nearby.

"Why don't someone climb that tree and check if there are any roads or villages in the distance? If the area is empty, we follow my plan. Does that sound fair?"

"Climb that tree? Who's going to do that? You, Deputy Manager Seo?"

"Well, if no one else is capable of it, I'll go."

I nod simply and grip the trunk of the tallest tree, beginning my ascent.

I once had to escape a wild boar while gathering herbs in the mountains.

Back then, I climbed a tree in a desperate scramble for my life.

Modern office workers don't usually have tree-climbing skills, but having endured all sorts of trials in my previous life, I reach the top of the giant tree with ease.

"What can you see? Deputy Manager Seo!"

Director Kim calls out from below.

Just as I expected, the horizon is nothing but an endless sea of trees.

There are no roads, no houses, and no signs of human life.

'Instead, there are likely monsters and demons lurking beneath those canopies.'

I don't bother shouting the news from the branches; I simply pretend to look around for a moment before descending.

"Ha, Deputy Manager Seo. You're quite the climber. That tree had to be at least eleven meters tall."

"By the way, what kind of tree is this? It looks so strange, like nothing I've seen before."

Director Kim pats my shoulder, while Manager Oh examines the bark of the tree I just climbed with curiosity.

I brush the dirt off my hands and report my findings.

"There is nothing. No roads and no villages nearby."

"That's bizarre. Even if the landslide carried us far, there should be a highway somewhere..."

Director Kim rubs his chin, puzzled, while Jeon Myeong-hoon shoots me a suspicious look.

"Deputy Manager Seo... are you sure you looked properly? You aren't just saying there's nothing there... on purpose, are you?"

"Why would I lie? I'd much rather sleep in a bed than in the dirt. If you doubt me, Section Chief Jeon, feel free to climb up and see for yourself."

Jeon Myeong-hoon winces and backs away, looking as if he’d swallowed something bitter.

"Even if we plan to explore, we should establish a base and start a fire first, as night is fast approaching."

"That makes sense. Then... oh, we should look for the SUV as well. We were inside the car when the landslide hit, so logically, it should be close by."

Director Kim claps his hands together.

However...

'This is a place where logic fails...'

The SUV is gone. It won't be found anywhere.

"How about we find the car and sleep inside? It’s packed with supplies for the workshop..."

Since the workshop was essentially a company picnic, the SUV was loaded with food and camping gear.

But the vehicle has vanished.

'I know this because I've lived it, but they won't believe me if I tell them the car is simply gone.'

Rather than wasting breath trying to convince them, it is better to let them see for themselves.

"Let's divide into teams. One group will search for a place to camp, and the other will look for the SUV. We should regroup here before the sun is completely down."

I propose the split.

I am paired with Deputy Manager Oh and Manager Kim to find shelter.

Director Kim, Section Chief Jeon, Chief Oh, and Deputy Manager Kang form the search party for the car.

We part ways to begin our tasks.

"Um, Deputy Manager Seo. You said we should look for a place to stay, but how do you even find a spot like that?"

Deputy Manager Oh asks tentatively.

She seems nervous around me after witnessing me beat Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"Sleeping out in the open forest is risky. Predators might attack, and a fire in the wrong spot could start a forest fire. A small cave would be ideal. Ah, looks like there's one right over there."

"Oh my, a cave?"

"You found one just like that? Talk about luck!"

Of course, I had led them directly to the cave I had stayed in fifty years ago.

'In my last life, I only found this refuge after wandering aimlessly for hours.'

To Deputy Manager Oh and Manager Kim, it looks like a stroke of fortune, but it was entirely intentional.

'Even in my past life, this was the safest place to stay, free from any internal dangers.'

I inspect the cave and begin gathering dry leaves and twigs from the area.

"Wow... Mr. Seo, you're surprisingly handy."

"Were you in the Boy Scouts or something?"

"Ah, well... you could say I have some experience."

It wasn't the Boy Scouts, but rather fifty years of surviving as an "Old Scout" in this harsh world.

"We can start the fire later using Director Kim’s lighter. For now, shall we gather enough wood for a bonfire?"

"Oh, this reminds me of going to summer camp as a kid."

"You're right. It feels exactly like that."

The two women chat cheerfully as they assist me in piling up dry branches for the fire.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon,

"Alright, let's head back to the clearing. The others should be returning soon."

"Okay~"

"Understood~"

I lead the two women back to our original meeting spot.

Shortly after, we reunite with Director Kim, Chief Oh, Section Chief Jeon, and Deputy Manager Kang.

"Did you find the SUV?"

"..."

Director Kim shakes his head, his expression grim.

Chief Oh and Section Chief Jeon also look deeply troubled.

Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee speaks up, her face pale with tension.

"There’s no sign of it. We searched the entire area, but it's as if it disappeared into thin air. It makes no sense—if we were in the car during the landslide, how are we here while the car is gone?"

She looks around nervously, clearly intimidated by the dark forest.

"There's nothing more we can do today. We've secured a place for the night, so let's head there. we will resume the search tomorrow."

"Alright."

The group follows me to the cave, their moods somber.

"Oh, what is all this?"

"Mr. Seo built it."

"Huh, Seo Eun-hyun is surprisingly capable. Did he live in the wilderness or something?"

Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee is impressed by the windbreak and the makeshift door I constructed for the cave.

Chief Oh Hyun-seok quietly voices his admiration and offers praise.

Director Kim nods in approval, and as for Jeon Myeong-hoon...

He looks displeased, but he is far too exhausted to complain and simply walks inside.

"Director, could I use your lighter?"

"Oh, of course."

Director Kim pulls a lighter from his pocket and ignites the dry tinder I prepared.

We huddle around the growing flame inside the cave.

The smoke drafts perfectly out through the ventilation hole I left in the windbreak.

"Wow... I can't believe we're in this situation."

"None of this is logical..."

"..."

Everyone sits in a heavy silence, consumed by worry. It was at that moment.

Gurgle—

The sound of a stomach growling echoes through the cave.