Introduction

“A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation” (also known as “회귀수선전” in Korean) is a recently released South Korean manhwa that combines elements of fantasy, cultivation, psychological thriller, and drama. First published in 2025, it is ongoing with over 24 chapters released so far. Adapted from a web novel of the same name, authored by “Umcheongnan” and illustrated by “Kim Mu-hyun,” it falls under the Shounen and Xianxia genres, targeting young adult and adult audiences with themes of fate, time regression, betrayal, and resilience. The manhwa is officially published on Naver Webtoon and has garnered significant praise for its deep storyline centered around an unending cycle of death and rebirth.

Story Summary

The story follows seven people who are suddenly transported into a world of immortal cultivation during a company workshop car trip. In this world, those with spiritual roots and unique abilities are invited to join cultivation sects, living prosperous lives. However, the protagonist, Seo Eun-hyun, appears to lack any spiritual roots or special abilities, leading him to live as an ordinary human for 50 years, accepting his fate until his death.

After dying, Seo Eun-hyun finds himself back at the beginning, discovering his true ability: infinite regression, allowing him to return to the starting point with knowledge of the future. His relentless struggle begins to break free from this cursed cycle, facing death repeatedly, learning from his mistakes, and attempting to alter his destiny. The narrative unfolds as a psychological thriller with cultivation elements, gradually revealing larger conspiracies, betrayals, and secrets of the immortal world, focusing on the protagonist’s internal struggles and growth across multiple lives.

Main Characters

As the manhwa is relatively new, it focuses on a core set of characters, with potential for more as the story progresses. Here are the key ones:

• Seo Eun-hyun: The protagonist, an ordinary person with no apparent talents at first, who discovers his ability for infinite regression after death. His character is resilient, stubborn, and filled with psychological conflict, becoming hardened yet honorable in his own way through each cycle.
• The Other Six: Companions who were transported with Seo Eun-hyun to the new world. Each possesses rare talents, allowing them to join cultivation sects quickly, leaving him behind. They develop as significant side characters with complex relationships to the protagonist across his multiple lives.

Additional characters, such as sect members, enemies, or allies, are expected to emerge as the story develops, particularly with its focus on world-building and conspiracies.

Reviews and Ratings

Being a new release, ratings are limited but generally positive. On Anime-Planet, it holds an average of 4.295/5 from 235 votes, with praise for its deep storyline, world-building, and character development. The dynamic and dark artwork suits the psychological thriller atmosphere, and the fast-paced plot is highlighted. Some readers compare it to works like “Reverend Insanity” or other cultivation novels, commending the intelligent protagonist and excellent side characters, though it needs more chapters to fully establish its place. On Reddit and NovelUpdates, it’s described as a “complete masterpiece” with praise for its storytelling and psychological depth.

Where to Read the Manhwa

Official Platform: Naver Webtoon (original Korean): Naver Webtoon. Official English translations are available on Webtoons.com (here).

Unofficial Translation Sites: English translations can be found on sites like:

• We Tried TLS: We Tried TLS
• Asura Scans: Asura Scans
• Vortex Scans: Vortex Scans
• Manhuaus: Manhuaus
• Webnovel: Webnovel

Remember, supporting official platforms helps the creators, especially for an ongoing new series.

In conclusion, “A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation” is an exciting pick for fans of cultivation and psychological thrillers, with strong potential for growth in upcoming chapters. If you’re into time regression stories filled with struggle and growth, this manhwa is worth checking out.