Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 14

Chapter 14

The centipedes were clearly intelligent—in a way that was almost disconcerting.
In fact, they appeared to comprehend human language.
Standing before a wooden bath prepared by the attendants, its surface steaming and dotted with flower petals, I watched the centipedes moving along my arm.
“Everyone, I need to bathe now. This hot water likely isn’t comfortable for you. Would you mind waiting over there for a little while? I won’t be long.”
As I pointed toward a smaller basin the maids had set aside, the centipedes obediently slid from my arm, one by one. They entered the little tub, their motions purposeful, as though surveying their new space. Then, as I sank into the bath, they tilted their heads, observing me with an air of inquisitiveness—not unlike the alert posture of mongooses or meerkats studying their surroundings.

‘Remarkable.’

The majority of centipedes possess no functional eyes; even those that seem to have them typically lack the genetic capacity to process light. Contemporary studies indicate they rely on antennae to detect thermal signals, serving as a crude form of sight. However, this doesn’t equate to true vision—at most, they perceive shifts in light and darkness.

Furthermore, these centipedes had not yet undergone molting, meaning their pale yellow, translucent forms and underdeveloped visual organs should prevent any clear observation.

And yet, they were watching me as though they could see distinctly.

“Hey, it’s a bit awkward to be stared at while I’m bathing. Could you look away?”

As if comprehending, the centipedes turned toward each other before cautiously coiling up inside their tub, concealing themselves from view.

‘They truly do understand.’

Certain now of their extraordinary nature, I resolved to look into the matter further and determine precisely what sort of beings they were. For the moment, I allowed myself to relax into the warm water, easing the fatigue from my journey.

‘I should consult Deputy Gu Pae regarding the true nature of “spiritual beasts.” He referred to them as such, after all.’

After a lengthy soak, I felt considerably refreshed. Later, I seated myself in the pavilion situated within the east quarter’s rear garden, permitting the cool breeze to dry my damp hair.

It was then that I heard footsteps.

Tap, tap, tap.

Someone was moving with clear purpose.

Soon, a recognizable figure crossed into view: the daughter of the Tang clan leader.

Dressed in elegant robes, her face slightly flushed from haste, she was making her way toward my quarters. But when her eyes fell upon me, seated idly within the pavilion, she halted, her expression one of surprise.

Then, as if arriving at a swift decision, she altered her course and strode directly toward me.

‘Hm?’

She stopped before me, her cheeks tinged pink, and spoke in an urgent tone.

“Pardon me, young warrior. I have an important matter to ask. Might you… allow me to take your hand for a moment?”

‘What?’

Her abrupt request left me entirely taken aback. Was this the forwardness of a noble lady?

She offered no preamble—she simply asked for my hand.

But this was a traditional society, reminiscent of historical dramas. Touching a woman’s hand would be considered a significant act. Though it didn’t bother me personally, I felt a twinge of apprehension. After all, her father—the clan leader—was close by.

Even in pressing circumstances, weren’t there customary steps to building familiarity?

‘I’d prefer my first experience with such matters to be romantic, even if it’s only holding hands. I do consider myself something of a romantic.’

Clearing my throat, I attempted to reply with composure.

“Ahem… While I’m uncertain of the urgency, shouldn’t we become better acquainted before engaging in something so… personal? Not that I would object, but—”

Her expression stiffened, her cheeks flushing crimson before she retorted sharply.

“Wh-what are you implying?! That isn’t what I meant at all!”

“Whoa! M-my apologies!”

Her exclamation startled me, and I quickly raised my hands in a gesture of apology.

Her face still flushed, her voice trembling slightly, she clarified, “I didn’t intend that. I only wished to examine your pulse.”

“Ah… Oh! I see! My mistake! I misunderstood entirely!”

‘Pulse? Has she studied medicine? Does she plan to prescribe me a tonic after my travels?’

A wave of embarrassment washed over me. My imagination had run away with me, and I had once again ruined a first impression.

To my surprise, however, she also offered an apology, her tone laced with contrition.

“I suppose it was my fault for being so abrupt. I can understand how the misunderstanding arose… though I’m not entirely certain what you were thinking.”

Her gaze was sharp and unamused, seeming to see straight through me.

‘She must believe I’m some sort of arrogant fool.’

“W-well, it wasn’t anything improper, I assure you!”

As I fumbled for words, she sighed, her tone softening slightly.

“My father informed me earlier. You are aware of his intentions, correct?”

“Intentions? Do you mean regarding…?”

“That he wishes for you to become my husband.”

“Ah, yes… I did hear something to that effect…”

It seemed she had sought me out to address her father’s sudden declaration. Naturally, she was upset. Who wouldn’t be?

“I cannot speak for you, but I am not pleased with this arrangement. You saved both my father and me, and I intend to repay that debt. But to be treated as a reward to be given away? That does not sit well with me.”

Her anger was palpable, and I could not fault her for it.

Hoping to lighten the mood, I attempted a jest.

“Oh, I understand completely. If my father suddenly brought home some scrawny orphan and told me to marry them, I’d likely think he’d lost his senses as well.”

Her eyes widened, and she stammered, “N-no, that isn’t what I meant! It has nothing to do with your appearance or background. This is an internal matter of the Tang Clan…”

Realizing she feared she had caused offense, I quickly reassured her.

“No, no, I understand. I know you didn’t mean it that way.”

“…? How can you be so sure? We have known each other only a few hours.”

I offered a slight smile and shrugged.

“Call it intuition. Besides, someone who didn’t care wouldn’t have apologized.”

She blinked, seemingly caught off guard, before a faint smile touched her lips.

Her expression softened, and she carefully took a seat beside me.

“Allow me to apologize again. I burst in and behaved rudely, and I should have been more thoughtful. But I wish to be frank with you regarding my reason for coming.”

“Frank? About what?”

She began to explain her family’s situation—the distinction between the main and branch families of the Tang Clan, her unique position as the sole direct descendant of her generation, and the pressure her father faced to take a concubine to secure the lineage.

“But your father refused, because you were sufficient?”

“Yes. The Tang Clan holds a tradition of accepting sons-in-law. It is a method for daughters to perpetuate the family name.”

“I see… a son-in-law…”

The duty of continuing the lineage has now passed to my older sister.

The Sacheon Tang Clan, renowned for its mastery of poisons, has a long custom of bringing in sons-in-law to safeguard its secrets. Because the clan leader declined to take another wife, the obligation to secure the succession fell to my sister.

If my sister weds and bears a child, that child will inherit the leadership of the Sacheon Tang Clan.

However, my sister, having suffered under the interference and scorn of collateral relatives, desired something that would firmly establish her position—whether through martial prowess or marriage.

With martial arts, I could offer assistance. The remaining task was to find her a husband.

My sister insisted that her partner must, at the very least, possess exceptional martial potential.

“Talent, you say? You mean innate ability?”

My sister’s wish for a partner with strong martial potential was not solely for her own benefit, but for theirs as well.

Martial potential defines one’s limits—the heights one can achieve. Martial arts hold immense value in the martial world, and thus, potential is highly prized.

Since standing within the clan is determined by one’s accomplishments in martial arts, even a son-in-law would require outstanding potential to maintain respect within the clan.

The persistent oppression from the collateral branches had been unrelenting.

“…So I must apologize in advance, but I wish to assess your potential. Of course, even if your potential does not meet my hopes, I will not cast you out. You are my benefactor, after all. You are already a guest of the clan—or perhaps we might become sworn siblings? I will ask Father to ensure the clan supports you for life. So…”

In short, my sister was pragmatic. Even if the candidate was not already accomplished, she desired someone with the potential to master the most valued aspect of the martial world: martial arts.

“Hmm… My sister is more practical than I imagined.”

For someone born into a major clan, it was not unexpected. Marriages in such families were often transactions rather than love matches.

“I understand your meaning. Very well, you may proceed.”

Nodding at her explanation, I extended my arm.

My sister hesitated, blinking in confusion at my offered wrist.

“Are you certain? Is this truly acceptable?”

“Of course. If you wish to examine it, please do.”

“What if I were to lie and claim your potential is poor because I disapprove of you?”

“You wouldn’t do such a thing, would you?”

My sister stared at me, then cautiously reached out and took my wrist.

The instant her hand made contact, a flash of light seemed to cross my vision, accompanied by a peculiar sensation, as though something briefly departed and then returned to my mind. It was an odd, indescribable feeling—like something minute slipping deep into my body.

“Is something wrong?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. You haven’t begun yet, have you?”

“Not yet.”

“Then please proceed.”

Though the sensation was strange, I steadied myself as my sister closed her eyes and concentrated.

A faint tingling followed, and I could sense something flowing into me through her grasp.

“This is… a rather unusual feeling.”

After a period roughly equivalent to drinking a cup of tea, my sister opened her eyes, her initial words surprisingly positive.

“The martial arts of the Tang Clan are not suited to everyone. While some cannot learn poison techniques at all, you fortunately possess the capacity to learn them.”

“Oh! That’s encouraging!”

But just as I felt a spark of hope, her subsequent words dashed my spirits.

“However, it appears your limit is the Ten-Poison Realm (십독지경). Within the Tang Clan, we classify bodies capable of enduring poison, and yours seems to be a Ten-Poison Body (십독지체).”

“What?! Ten-Poison Realm? Ten-Poison Body? I did handle poisonous creatures like centipedes and snakes in my past life, but can they truly detect such a thing?”

Her declaration shocked me, though I quickly realized it was not ten virtues (십덕) but ten poisons (십독).

In other words, my body could tolerate ten varieties of poison.

**”The tiers are Five-Poison (오독), Ten-Poison (십독), Hundred-Poison (백독), Thousand-Poison (천독), and Ten-Thousand-Poison (만독). As one’s internal energy grows, the body must adapt to withstand greater poisons to attain the highest levels. Your body, however, can only endure ten.
While a Ten-Poison Body is impressive for an outsider, within the broader martial world, it represents the ceiling of a first-rate martial artist—the limit for an ordinary person without innate gift.”**

The words struck heavily.

It felt like a direct declaration that I lacked talent.

Whether termed “ten virtues” or “ten poisons,” the message was clear—I was not suited for my sister.

To make things worse, the clan leader had mentioned that capturing the Zimjo bird required achieving the Ten-Thousand-Poison Realm (만독지경). With only a Ten-Poison Body, I was two entire stages behind, a gap that felt immeasurable.

My hopes crumbled instantly.

My sister, noting my expression, withdrew quietly.

It seemed she understood I needed time to absorb the news.

As she departed, I noticed the sunset dyeing the sky crimson. Normally silent, the O-Gong centipedes peeked out from my sleeves.

“Chrrr…”

Their soft noises sounded almost sympathetic.

I murmured to myself.

“Everyone… So I’m just a Ten-Poison… No, it’s fine. But really… Was I just rejected without even professing anything?”

Reflecting on it, this marked my first rejection since reincarnation: zero confessions, one rejection.

It felt profoundly unjust.

***

At dinner, no one mentioned a word about it.

I thought my sister might have spoken privately to the elders, but they appeared entirely unaware of what had occurred.

The meal was lively and congenial, with my sister showing no sign of concern.

And then, that very night.

I distinctly recall falling asleep in the quarters provided by the Tang Clan. Yet, when I awoke, I found myself in a forest.

To my astonishment, my sister stood before me, bowing deeply and weeping.

“Hic… Hic… Thank you for your boundless kindness and grace.”

In my arms, three young girls, their fingers in their mouths, clung to my clothes. They stared up at my sister with wide, fearful eyes.

“What sort of illusion is this?”