I love this novel, It's not water and water to fill the pages like some other novels. This one, here, has enormous character progressions, good plot, and MC doesn't become spoiled s*upid child right after regression. Characters are lovable and MC has relationship with them throughout chapters and after arcs. He doesn't forget about them and author returns them to the story eventually.

MC is calm, funny and more importantly likeable.

Would rate this novel 10/10, absolute must read.

This is one of the best regression novels so far. The characters are all well-written especially supporting characters that surround the MC. As the MC navigates his life upon his return, it feels as though you are part of it, the dialogues are memorable and relatable and you will also learn through it. It is full of wisdom that you might only experience very rarely in life.

From what I've read, this novel is an absolute banger. The MC is calm, powerful, and intelligent; as well as ruthless or compassionate depending on how the side characters treat him. He will kill bad people without any hesitation and reward the people who are genuine. There is a clear goal that the MC is trying to accomplish and all of his actions are in preparation for the day he gets his revenge against an omnipotent enemy who devastated the entire Murim. This novel is very similar to Return of... more>> the Mount Hua Sect except the plot progresses much faster and MC is a heir from the Demonic Cult. <<less

I mostly like harem novels, but damn... I really love the interactions of these characters. They have such depth that the more I read the more addicted I became. For the love of good give this novel a chance, because it’s worth it.

Indeed this author has made a masterpiece. The way he fleshes out everything is incredible. The characters have received so much detail, enhancing the story so much. This MC is perhaps The One who deserves to be called a Protagonist more than anyone in Korean novels. This novel is way too addicting! At first, you're reading to pass by time, the next you're reading 100 chapters in one day just trying to get more of this story. If you like Murim stories, or simply one with martial arts and swordsmanship,... more>>

THIS IS FOR YOU.

I want to write more but I'm itching to read the next chapter!! <<less

If I had to describe this in any way, I'd say it's more addictive than fentanyl.

Summary

While living as a mercenary, he learned from a companion about the existence of a regression technique that would allow him to return to the past.

... more>> In order to seek revenge and kill a specific person, he embarks on a journey to find someone who can create this regression technique.

He returns to a point just before the Demonic Sect is about to fall, all due to one person. His true identity is the second son of the Heavenly Demon.

What I liked most about this novel was its protagonist, who feels incredibly human. His dialogues and interactions, even considering it's a murim novel, feel remarkably good. I'd say he's the best Korean murim novel MC, at least for my personal taste.

The story arcs are well-developed and don't drag on unnecessarily.

If you're looking for a well-structured martial arts regression novel, this is your choice. You should definitely give it a try. <<less

Simply a masterpiece of the Murim genre, the plots are very well developed, the caracters are also very well put together and the relationship between MC and the supreme demons is really good, but it doesn't surpass his relationship with his father, which is a really well developed relationship with plots that involve both the past before and after the regression.

it's my 1°rank murim genre.

This comment has no spoilers...

I've read many murim novels and though they were great they didn't involve/focus on how the MC fixes broken relationships like this one. The MC tries to help the characters' burdens by briefly mentioning those things (hurtful events) to the characters to let them remember it again because he firmly believes that avoiding those topics will only make it worse and when the time comes that they realize it, it'll be too late to fix resulting in regrets. The MC was quite immature and childish in the past, always ignoring... more>> people's hearts and only looking at their outer appearance, while experiencing the world he came to realize his past mistakes and regretted it terribly. On his journey, he met a friend who knows how to come back to the past but the ingredients were extremely hard to obtain. The way the author depicts his efforts to gain the ingredients and choosing to forgive his friend who also have regrets for daring to steal his chance really moved me, and thanks to that forgiveness which was actually the last and most important ingredient, that he met the requirements and was allowed to time travel. He received a mission to change the terrible future and save those who are not supposed to die and kill those who deserve it. His mission isn't easy and his enemy has a monstrous strength that he needs to overcome. He need the nine calamities (or smth I forgot) to become stronger but only will he possess that technique if he becomes the heir (r.i.p to the older brother). <<less

MC tirelessly fights throughout his first life, obtaining materials allowing him to regress - all with the sole purpose of killing one person. To some, he is cold and merciless, but to others he is compassionate and solicitous. He powers through his second life, unwaveringly bearing the weight of his goal, but regains his 'humanity' along the way.

The author tackles human psyche and interpersonal-relationships on such a deep level. The MC's relationship with his father is compelling and leaves you craving every next conversation they share. The interactions between the... more>> other characters are rich and vivid; the MC is unbelievably likeable and genuine and each character harbors their own quirks and traits that make them come alive and enrich the story.

Worldbuilding is done splendidly, the plot is structured well and the pace is flawless. Despite not being the focus, action is also written excitingly. However, the dialogue is head and shoulders above other novels.

Easily one of the best novels written. <<less

Damn this is just great, if you have read other works of the author you would surely have the hope that it will be a master in interactions as well and surely it is but it's impeccable even in those. Reborn as Heavenly Demon and this one are just masterpieces for real. The MC feels like he is genuine character and everyone stays true to their character but there is clear developement and reflection on their own principles of everyone.

People who complain about RHD and AR about having less action... more>> would also agree that when there is action it's thrilling to imagine and it justifies his power completely and if you are looking for a novel which can constantly give you life tips (about behaviors and talk) this is your way to go (same for RHD and AD) <<less

I recommend this novel not only for those who like stories about going back in time or martial arts, but also for those who like reading about a protagonist who is wise and affectionate as he creates deep bonds with those around him. The protagonist has a unique perspective on life and on how to connect and understand the people around him, far from being a heavy story, but one that is capable of making you reflect on your own life, my favorite part of this novel was reading every... more>> interaction that the protagonist had with all the people he met on his journey, a simply incredible and engaging read, in which I was entertained in each chapter, I have nothing but praise for this story. The only annoyance I had, more a matter of personal taste, was the chapters that were too focused on building the protagonist's future romantic relationship, not that FL is bad, I like her, but after a certain change that happened to her, I was no longer very interested in that aspect of the story, but, overall, I'm loving this novel. <<less

My god, this novel is amazing. The main highlight is the interactions between the side characters and the main character. At times, they are intense, wholesome, and outright comical. You are on the edge of your seat as you read each chapter.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. The story is rich and three-dimensional. The author seems to know how to craft a great MC and compelling side characters. Unlike other martial arts novels that only focus on the MC becoming stronger, this one is engaging and enjoyable throughout. There... more>> is an emphasis on human relationships, and the fight scenes give you goosebumps. There are no s*upid characters; everyone plays their roles realistically, making the story feel more immersive and authentic.

The novel masterfully handles three-dimensional characters, resolves foreshadowing, and doesn't abandon side characters but uses them well. It's a masterpiece. I am constantly looking forward to the next chapter. Without a doubt, "Absolute Regression" and "Return of the Mad Demon" are my two favorite Wuxia novels. They are so unique and make me want to read more. <<less

I got attracted to this novel after I read the beautifully illustrated manhwa version. And this series doesn't disappoint. It has the best character interaction in murim novels I read so far. Unlike most regression genre where the MC simply becomes someone with a cheat knowledge of the future but still acts immature, Geom Mugeok truly feels like a wise person that likes to engage other people with sincerity. Like truly, the dialogues between the characters, and their respective growths are the best. A very enjoyable read.

This is a pretty good murim regression novel. The main character is relatively unique for a protagonist of this kind of story, having a bright personality. He does have the Gary Stu problem that these novels tend to have, but the overall quality of the writing makes up for it. The action writing, and the overall progression of the MCs strength is a bit boring. He gets too strong too fast, which takes a way a lot of the suspense from the narrative. The way he gets power is pretty... more>> lazy too. He stumbles upon a miscellaneous magical energy growth pill after every arc more or less, sometimes due to his own planning, but mostly because of his own luck.

With that said, the main appeal of this story is the relationships the MC develops with the rest of the cast. It's what the author puts the most focus on and is by far the strongest part of the story. To be a bit reductive, it's basically a story about opening your hearts to others and talking it out. This theme is always present throughout the story, with it being represented through how the villains interact with the world as well. Within the context of a demonic cultivator cult it's a bit surreal, but it works out.

As for some minor things. The romance is cute. The love interest if pretty interesting character. There are some things about her overall character arc that people will understandably have some problems with. Given the greater context of the world the story was set in, I wasn't too bothered by it, but I could understand if some were. The romance itself is very wholesome and charming though. <<less

One of the most well written novel I’ve gotten the privilege of reading. The first chapter itself is the perfect prologue to what’s to come. The progress of the novel gives you a perfect understanding of the physiology and philosophy of the martial world. Being a philosophy major, I was thoroughly impressed by the descriptions of human turmoils and growth of not only the main characters but also the sides characters. I was honestly impressed that effort was made for attention to detail without being the least bit boring. Of... more>> course the witty banter was the icing on the cake for me too.

Overall, if you appreciate a steadily growing (both mentally and physically) main lead, without the boring repetitive major obstacles, and enjoy reading life changing experience through dialogue then this novel will be perfect for you. This novel will surely show you a new understanding into the martial world. <<less

i like this novel because unexpected things that MC shows.

even though he regressed to his youth, seeing him walk a different path was refreshing.

amazing things that happen around MC. So it makes me always addicted to waiting for the next episode.

thank you so much, for the good novel. Top tier novel.

Probably the best regression novel I've read this year 2025. I love that this story is looking at the world in a wider sense not just focusing on revenge without thinking of the repercussions it might have to the world in general.

I didn’t really like how MC is kinda arrogant now ngl. I mean I get that he’s confident but there’s a fine line between arrogance and confidence and he definitely has crossed it for me. It has gotten to a point where I just cringe on his inner thoughts... more>> lol. If this goes on I’m considering dropping this book and just come back to read the ending.

Additionally, this should be tagged as romance. I prayed to god that it wouldn’t be but as the story went on, there’s definitely an end game romance but surprisingly, the FL is super cute and I kinda like her.

Lastly, I love the side characters so much. Especially the Supreme Demons, his dad and his brother. I hope the author expands on them more and I hope nobody dies please I’m way too attached for any deaths.

This really should have been a 5* rating but MC is annoying me so Imma leave it at 4. But truthfully, this is a very good story and I recommend you to read this if you’re sick and tired of the same old wuxia/murim regression novels that are just s*upid. <<less

My most favorite martial arts fic as of now! It's written so amazingly and captures the complexities of human relationships so well! Makes me wonder if the author is a psychologist or if they experienced what the MC experienced themself 😆🤣💗💗

Possibly my favorite murim/martial arts novel.

The MC is just phonomenal, he starts strong and becomes op pretty soon but he doesnt just bulldoze through his problesm with his strength and instead with his social skills. The novel has a ton of really good fleshed out unique characters and all of their interactions and conversations with the MC are where this novel really shines fot me.

This is one of the few novels that have really good and deep characters that develop and grow over time. There are no characters in this novel who have appeared and stayed the same throughout. The development is actually insane. The best part of this novel is, of course, the MC. We finally get calm and collected MC, who has deep understanding of people, he goes back in time after spending 70 years in misery and he actually acts like a mature, experienced person with deep understanding of people and... more>> the world.

Another great thing about it is the novel is the pacing. All too often we have novels where there is constant tension and constant action, fast paced with no time to calm down and relax. In this novel MC spends at least half the time just talking or drinking in a tavern. These times are not "waste" by any means as one - they server as relaxation points, but in addition MC is always with some other character, progressing their relationship or unveiling some inner or personal conflict and solving it. It's not a super high tension situation, but it's still grabs and keeps your attention. Then there is MC's dad: a lonely man who has all the power in the world, but cannot spend time with his sons and wants to do many things, but is forced by his circumstances to rule the demonic cult and abstain from doing what he actually wants. Every interaction between him and MC, watching how they display more humanity and grow close is just a pleasure to read and always very emotional. And Lee Ahn is a shining light of this novel, she has so many sides and depth and each scene with her is just a joy to read and she just brightens up every interaction.

And of course, the main plot is also wonderful. There is an OP dude who destroyed all the main sects in murim, but we don't know who he actually is or how he got in or how strong he actually is, but we do know that he is at least stronger than the current strongest martial artist or even a group of them. So MC has to grow in power and strength to combat him. The progression is very good, it's steady and reasonable paced. There is a long enough time for MC to grow without facing the final boss right from the start. There are no bs magical power ups that appear out of nowhere or anything like that. MC utilized the skilled he honed during his past life and the knowledge he gained to properly grow strong. But there are also many things the doesn't know because he had no way of knowing them. So we have a mystery and we have some benefits of hidden information, and both make sense, which is great.

Of course the novel is not perfect. One negative I can think of is that the power levels are not clearly defined. There are definitely levels there, but it doesn't seem like you really have to breakthrough limits or something like that, just keep accumulating more energy and progress your techniques. But this makes the power levels unclear - how much it is about energy vs how much it is about techniques and such. Another negative is that the novel can feel at times that it is moving too slow because the author takes his times developing everything. But it by no means boring or stagnant, just a lot of character interactions.

All in all, this is surprisingly really good, deep novel that is very interesting to read and maybe the first one I've come across where

Spoiler

siblings do not actually go out of the their way to kill each other by all means in battle for power. The author seem to have wanted to do some kind of large internal conflict like this, but changed his mind and didn't.

[collapse]

Definitely a novel worth a read. <<less

This is the best novel I've read in recent years.

Absolute Regression pulls you in with its deep characters, rich world, and emotional relationships. The protagonist’s journey is filled with struggles that feel real and relatable, even though their world is completely different. Every character, even the side ones, gets their moment to shine, making the story feel layered and alive. The worldbuilding is fantastic—it’s detailed and immersive without overwhelming you, blending familiar elements with fresh, creative ideas that keep you hooked.

All characters have very well-made personalities, where even the side characters doesn't seem to be just side because the author develops the personalities a lot and well.

The novel puts emphasis on the relationship between people and has many characters.

MC is calm, smart and knows how to get close to a person, honestly if he puts his mind to it I don't think there will be someone who wouldn't like him.