Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 125

Chapter 125
The verdict for the lovers, whose excessive displays of affection had led to harm, was a compulsory marriage.

“I will need to speak with my elder brother… It appears we must expedite the wedding arrangements. If we delay, our first child may arrive before the ceremony…”

“N-no! We haven’t done anything beyond… k-kissing!”

“…What?”

“I-I mean… that isn’t… I’m trying to say… Waaah!”

Eunbong’s mournful cry echoed through the air, so powerfully projected it seemed infused with internal energy.

She wept bitterly, lamenting the unfairness of it all, but in these times, even mere kissing—which Hwa-eun referred to as an act for married couples only—was more than enough to warrant such a judgment.

Since the two were already betrothed, this outcome might have ultimately been in their favor.

And so, the case of Ji-ryong’s poisoning was officially concluded as an error caused by two impulsive young lovers.

However, the repercussions extended beyond them, also affecting me, Hwa-eun, and the children.

The issue was this—

Hwa-eun and I possessed only a limited expertise in the poison arts; we had identified the toxin but lacked the ability to draw it from the body.

To treat Ji-ryong, we required someone of the Tang Clan leader’s caliber, or Mandok Shingun himself.

This meant Shin-tu had to travel back to the Tang Clan to fetch one of them.

When symptoms related to the nerves manifest, it is critical to address them immediately.

Left untreated, frequent convulsions and other neurological problems can cause irreversible harm.

The nervous system is exceedingly fragile—once subjected to prolonged overstimulation, it can degrade swiftly.

After I explained this to Zhuge Hu, he made his decision without delay.

Naturally, the fastest individual for the task was Shin-tu, the human projectile taxi of the martial world.

Consequently, our departure was postponed for several days.

“…You expect me to carry that old man Mandok Shingun all the way back here?”

“We must ask this of you, Shin-tu. While we don’t anticipate Ji-ryong’s state deteriorating further, he requires prompt treatment.”

“Why not dispatch a swift messenger to summon the old man?”

“We require someone with your speed.”

“…I refuse. Why him, of all people? I feel poisoned just being in his vicinity…”

Initially, Shin-tu outright refused.
He and Mandok Shingun appeared to share some history of rivalry.

But when the leader of the martial alliance personally stepped in, Shin-tu had no choice but to acquiesce and set out.

“Shin-tu, I must insist on this. With the Blood Cult active, we cannot be distracted. Our strategist cannot be burdened by personal concerns.”

“…Alright, alright. If you say so, Commander…”

For someone with a history in illicit pursuits, Shin-tu could hardly defy the head of the martial alliance.

“Make sure to inform the children our journey is delayed by a few days.”

“Yes, yes, I understand.”

Even if Mandok Shingun had no wish to come, he could not easily decline a personal request from the alliance leader.

Thus, he eventually made haste.

In merely two days—quicker than our original journey—Mandok Shingun arrived at the martial alliance gates, his expression one of profound displeasure.

He then commenced Ji-ryong’s treatment.

As an addition, he treated Eunbong as well.

“I have extracted as much poison as possible, but complete recovery will require prolonged care.
The poisoning has persisted for too long. A significant amount has been absorbed into his system, making a single purification impossible.
He will be able to move about normally, but he must visit our main house for ongoing treatment.
For now, his vision may flicker, his speech could be slurred, and his limbs might spasm or feel feeble. So-ryong’s swift actions averted greater harm, but a full recuperation will be a lengthy process.”
“Our gratitude, Mandok Shingun.”
“And you—step forward.
You have been consuming the same substance as Ji-ryong. The absence of symptoms does not mean you are unaffected.
You are likely equally poisoned.”

That evening, after Mandok Shingun concluded the extensive treatment, Hwa-eun and I paid a visit to the guest quarters where Ji-ryong was recuperating.

A formal visit, as was proper.

Ji-ryong was, after all, a member of one of the Seven Great Clans.

As we approached the guest quarters, the sound of laughter greeted us from within.

“Hah! Your new name ought to be Gecko, not Ji-ryong!”
“Pfft—absolutely! Gecko! Hahahaha!”

Inside, I recognized the voices of Ji-ryong, Eunbong, and his companions—Geom-ryong, Kwon-ryong, and Gungbong.

“Ji-ryong! Say something!”
“Ack—enough, all of you! I am genuinely injured!”
“Come now, that’s sufficient. You’re making Eunbong uneasy. Although… why does she seem embarrassed?”

‘Gecko…? Wait, isn’t that a type of lizard?’

Their teasing tone made it clear they were mocking him.

Intrigued, I knocked on the door.

“I am entering. This is So-ryong of the Tang Clan.”
“Oh! So-ryong! Please, come in!”

Ji-ryong’s voice immediately warmed.

Upon entering, I saw the rest of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes gathered around.

Eunbong, meanwhile, had turned completely crimson.

“We heard the treatment was finished, so we came to see how you are faring.”
“Ah, I ought to have come to you myself, but given my state…
Eunbong has informed me of everything.
I am deeply indebted to you, So-ryong.”

When we first met, he had been irritable and rigid.

But now, with the mercury poisoning being addressed, his demeanor and voice had softened noticeably.

“There is no need for thanks. Mandok Shingun performed the healing—I merely assisted in identifying the cause.”
But Ji-ryong shook his head.
“No, I must express my gratitude.
You did not only save me—you saved Eunbong as well.”

Even as he spoke, his left hand shook slightly, and his lips occasionally twitched from the poison’s residual effects.

Nonetheless, he managed to bring his hands together in a respectful fist-and-palm salute directed at me.

After some polite conversation, Eunbong served us tea.

It was then that my curiosity emerged.

“Incidentally… I did not mean to overhear, but earlier I heard someone call you Gecko.
What was that about?”

PFFFT!

Both Geom-ryong and Kwon-ryong, who had been drinking tea, spat it out.

Poor Gungbong, seated between them, was struck directly.

“…Eh?”
Gungbong blinked in confusion.

As he wiped his face, the others fought to contain their laughter.

“Pffft…!”
“My apologies, Gungbong. Pfft…”

Hwa-eun and I exchanged puzzled looks.

Ji-ryong, scratching his head awkwardly, let out a sigh.

“…Well, since you ask, I suppose an explanation is due.”
“Ji-ryong, don’t!”
“He did save my life, Eunbong…”
“…Waaah…”

Eunbong looked as if she wished the floor would swallow her.

Ji-ryong cleared his throat and continued.

“You see… zhusha is not intended for human consumption, correct?”
“…That is true.”
“The only creatures that actually consume zhusha are… well, geckos.”
“Geckos?”
I frowned.
Why would a lizard eat zhusha?

Hwa-eun suddenly whispered.
“Oh… You are referring to the geckos bred for making Shougongsha?”
“Yes. Precisely.”
“…Ah.”

Now I understood.

This mirrored what I had heard at the Namgung Clan.

The same ridiculous belief that led to force-feeding zhusha to lizards and grinding them into a powder to test a woman’s virtue.

“But what does that have to do with you?”

Ji-ryong looked away, evading Eunbong’s fierce glare.

“…Well, I consumed zhusha to protect Eunbong’s honor.
So, they said I was just like those lizards…”
“…Pfft.”

I struggled to suppress my laughter.

These people… they were truly amusing.

***

“Hahaha! Is that so? You and Do-ryong are sworn brothers? Then you must call me ‘big brother’ as well!”
“If you are Do-ryong’s younger brother, then you are our younger brother too.”
“Hey, why are you two claiming my benefactor as your little brother?”
“This way, we can also be your elder brothers. Since So-ryong saved your life, shouldn’t you regard him as an older brother instead?”
“What!?”
“Uwahahaha!”

Geom-ryong was the senior disciple of the Zhongnan Sect, real name Mu-jin. Kwon-ryong was the eldest son of the Hwangbo Family, named Hwangbo Yeong.

They were individuals with bold and extroverted natures.

They seemed to be naturally sociable, and after just a few words, I felt quickly at ease with them.

What was intended as a short greeting evolved into a lengthy discussion that lasted well into the night.

“But… is it a rule that if someone saves your life, you must call them ‘big brother’?”
“…Huh?”

Gungbong tilted his head in confusion. He possessed a somewhat innocent, spacey quality. He was a disciple of the enigmatic Myohwa Palace.

[Ah, pay no mind to Gungbong. He is always like this.]
[Gungbong has a certain innocent charm.]

The Martial Alliance did not officially permit alcohol within its grounds, yet somehow, they had procured some.

It seemed a night like this demanded drinks.

“You should have a drink as well, younger brother!”
“I am still underage…”
“I began drinking at twelve, so it is fine.”

And with alcohol being served, they insisted music must follow.

Despite their earlier teasing of Eunbong, they now pleaded with her to perform.

“Eunbong, you should play your flute for our benefactor!”
“Indeed! Not because of the drink—play it for So-ryong!”
“Haa…”

Though she did not seem enthusiastic, I was sincerely curious, having never witnessed sound-based martial arts firsthand.

“If it is not too much trouble, might I have the honor of seeing it? I have never observed sound-based techniques before.”
“If it is for you, So-ryong…”

Eunbong drew a jade flute from her sleeve.

I had wondered what ‘jeokja’ meant—it turned out to be a kind of Chinese flute.

A melody both melancholy and beautiful filled the room, leaving me captivated.

Then, she displayed her true skill.

Seemingly irritated with Geom-ryong and Kwon-ryong, she played a hypnotic tune that made them drowsy.

Just as their heads began to droop, a sharp, piercing note cut through the air, startling them awake.

‘Wait… what was that?’

Taken aback by the sudden sound, I looked to Eunbong, who was observing me with interest.

“What did you think of the music from our Moonshadow Palace?”
“It was astonishing. I am truly in awe.”
Hwa-eun nodded in agreement.

Seeing our appreciation, Eunbong smiled with satisfaction.

She then reached into her sleeve and brought out an ornate lacquered box—but upon seeing its contents, her face immediately showed discomfort.

She had retrieved the container holding the danji.

Clearly, she was embarrassed to have instinctively reached for it after all the trouble it had caused.

“Ah… It is a habit. Even though Tianlang purchased it for me, I should dispose of it.”
“I will find you one made with safflower next time.”
“But that does not feel as pleasant on the lips…”

Hearing their exchange, I sensed a deeper story behind it.

When I inquired, I finally learned why Eunbong was so devoted to applying something to her lips.

As a specialist in sound techniques, her flute was effectively her weapon.

However, constant playing for martial training frequently caused her lips to chap and crack.

Moonshadow Palace was a martial sect, so such matters were largely ignored.

At most, they would use oil to soothe the lips.

But Ji-ryong, troubled by the sight of her chapped lips, had bought her the danji, and thus their romance began.

Their frequent kisses were, in a sense, a method to keep her lips moisturized—a type of treatment.

“So that is what happened?”
“…Yes, well…”

Eunbong blushed after her explanation.

For a moment, an uncomfortable silence lingered.

To shift the atmosphere, I decided to ask about something that had intrigued me since her performance ended.

“Eunbong, something occurred to me during your performance. If it is not an imposition, might I seek your counsel?”
“Counsel?”
She tilted her head but smiled and nodded.
“Of course. You saved both me and Tianlang, so I will assist in any way I can.”
“Earlier, at the conclusion of your piece, you played a note that produced a sharp, ringing sound. I heard a similar noise recently.
The instant I heard it, my internal energy was thrown into chaos, and I lost focus.
Is there a method to defend against such a thing?”
“You have encountered sound-based techniques before?”

The sound Eunbong had played reminded me of the shrill noise generated by the wingbeats of Guimyeonghuzi—the sound that utterly shattered one’s concentration.

If Eunbong was a master of sound techniques, she might know a countermeasure.

“It is confidential, but as none of you are the sort to spread tales…
It occurred in Yunnan…”

Even though it was secret information, this was an issue I would have to confront eventually.

And with the Five Venoms Sect aligned with the Blood Cult, it was not impossible for Guimyeonghuzi to appear in the Central Plains.

So I explained the situation in full.

“…That is how it transpired.”
“Oh, so that is why you did not share the details of the incident with Jianfeng and Peng-hyung earlier?”
“Yes, Hwangbo-hyung.”
“And Jianfeng—he is well?”
“Yes. He and the others are being treated at Beast Palace, so there is no cause for concern.”
“That is a relief.”

After my explanation, the talk briefly turned to concern for Peng-hyung and the others.

Once the mood settled, Eunbong reached for the sake that had been served with the tea and filled a cup halfway.

Then, she had Geom-ryong tap the side of the cup with a chopstick.

Ting. Ting.

“Sound moves in waves, similar to ripples on water when a stone is dropped.
If you can discover the opposing frequency and cause them to collide—”

She paused, then played a note on her flute.

Simultaneously, Geom-ryong struck the cup again.

The two sounds met and nullified each other, resulting in silence.

‘Ah! It is like noise cancellation!’

I had assumed she was merely fixated on kissing, but it turned out she was more of a debuffer than I had realized.

And, even better—she was the ideal counter to Guimyeonghuzi!

I decided to propose an arrangement.

“Eunbong, if I ever need to confront Guimyeonghuzi, could I rely on you to join me and neutralize its sound?”
“Certainly. If it benefits the martial world, I should assist. But… what did you mean by ‘something we need’?”

She tilted her head, evidently curious about what I was offering.

What else could it be?

A completely non-toxic, hydrating lip balm.

One that would allow her and Ji-ryong to kiss as much as they desired—without any repercussions.

‘Go on. Kiss as much as you like. There is no need to restrain yourselves any longer.’