Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Tang Cheolsan observed his daughter, Hwa-eun, as she detailed the Tang Clan’s poisons to So-ryong, a content smile gracing his lips. Seeing Hwa-eun’s earnest dedication to her lecture and So-ryong’s focused attention, his eyes never leaving her, brought Cheolsan a feeling of reassurance. For the first time, he allowed himself to believe that his worries might have been unnecessary.

In truth, despite his firm decision to match Hwa-eun with So-ryong, Tang Cheolsan had been harboring numerous doubts. He understood his daughter’s temperament perfectly. She carried the duty of perpetuating the clan’s main bloodline—a responsibility he himself had, indirectly, placed upon her shoulders. It was no small burden. He was painfully conscious of how she had pushed herself to exceed every man in the clan, striving to demonstrate she was fit for the role.

“If only she were a boy…”
“Had she been born male, she would have undoubtedly achieved the Hundred-Poison Realm (백독지경) by now.”

Hwa-eun had been hearing comments like these all her life, and Cheolsan knew she could not simply disregard the critical eyes and whispered judgments of the wider family. Selecting a partner like So-ryong, whose potential seemed limited, would only add to her pressures, and he feared she would dread the inevitable gossip.

“A direct lineage heir with only a Ten-Poison Body? Naturally, people would be concerned about the aptitude of her children.”
“What will become of the Tang Clan’s future?”

It was almost a given that women from martial families were expected to find husbands who were either powerful or possessed extraordinary talent. This was their silent obligation. Cheolsan had wrestled with the idea that he might have to ultimately compel his daughter’s agreement.

“I am aware of my position within the Tang Clan,” Hwa-eun had stated. “I comprehend your reasoning, Father. However, I will be the one to determine if So-ryong is worthy of me.”

After she had angrily declared she would evaluate So-ryong’s value and stormed away, everyone had been anxious.

“So, what is your opinion of So-ryong’s martial potential?”
“Well… Father, you could confirm it more accurately, but from my observation, it appears his ceiling is the Ten-Poison Boundary (십독지경).”
“If that is your evaluation, it is probably correct. A pity. If he could only have reached the Hundred-Poison Realm…”
“With that level of potential, there is simply no chance Hwa-eun would ever accept him,” his father had added, his voice laced with worry.

Cheolsan shared their concerns. So-ryong might be a unique and precious find, but Hwa-eun, molded by the clan’s heavy expectations, would likely find it difficult to appreciate his value.

While the Tang Clan worked with every kind of poison, it did not mean all poisons were held in equal esteem. The types So-ryong preferred—those sourced from venomous beings such as insects and snakes—were not considered mainstream. This was due to the numerous constraints associated with these toxins. Yet, as So-ryong had shown in Hainan with the stone lizards (石蜥, Seokchuk), these poisons could be refined and amplified through dedicated breeding and nurture. If So-ryong truly managed to enhance the potency of such creatures, the prospects would expand immensely.

Cheolsan’s father, Mandok Shingun, spoke with measured consideration.
“What is your plan, then? Will you insist he becomes our son-in-law? Hwa-eun may be wounded, but if he is a good man, he could gently win her over in time.”

Cheolsan held deep respect for his father, but he paused.
“For the moment, let us observe what choice Hwa-eun makes.”
“Observe?”
“Yes. First, I wish to trust Hwa-eun to use her own judgment. Second, I want to have faith in So-ryong’s potential.”
“Hwa-eun is one matter, but So-ryong?”
“Indeed. Hwa-eun may eventually come to see his potential. And even if she does not, should we not allow them to resolve it between themselves before we step in?”
“Hm. A reasonable point. There remains a possibility she might find him agreeable on her own terms.”

Though Cheolsan spoke of trusting Hwa-eun, his deeper hope was actually invested in So-ryong. Here was a youth possessing extraordinary knowledge of venomous beasts—a rarity even within the Tang Clan. If So-ryong was indeed the expert he professed to be, then he might accomplish the remarkable, such as deciphering the habits and antidotes for beings as singular as the offspring of the Blue-Spotted Centipede or the Kissing Bugs (접문충, Jeopmunchung).

Hwa-eun was herself the Tang Clan’s most exquisite venomous creature, raised by Cheolsan with the most meticulous care.
“She is the culmination of all my efforts,” Cheolsan whispered to himself.
“And did So-ryong not say it himself?”
“What did he say?”
“That he is a specialist in this field. If he declares himself an expert, then I believe we should allow him that chance. Hwa-eun is, after all, a venomous being of the Tang Clan. Perhaps he will understand her better than anyone else could.”
“Hm… an expert, you say…”

The idea of relying on So-ryong’s specialized knowledge filled Cheolsan with optimism. Whether it would succeed with Hwa-eun was still unknown, but it was a risk worth taking.

***

The following morning, without a word being spoken aloud, it was evident to Tang Cheolsan and the rest of the family that something had not gone according to plan. Everyone avoided direct looks, their eyes darting away as if from an unpleasant scene.

‘It seems my daughter was not impressed by the “expert,” after all,’ Cheolsan thought with a sinking feeling.

Once breakfast concluded, the family assembled to discuss how to rectify the situation.
“You all felt it this morning, did you not? Something is definitely amiss,” Cheolsan started.
“It appears So-ryong was turned down by Hwa-eun,” his father, Mandok Shingun, responded with a heavy sigh.
“Hrm… It seems the moment for us to step in has arrived,” Cheolsan conceded. “Instead of compelling a marriage, we should attempt to nurture fondness between them. What ideas do you have to help them grow closer?”
“What if we outwardly respect Hwa-eun’s decision but assign her to instruct So-ryong in basic martial arts? Time spent together could allow affection to develop,” his wife proposed.
“A sound suggestion,” Cheolsan agreed, nodding thoughtfully.
“In the meantime,” Mandok Shingun added, “I will seek an audience with the Immortal Physician to see if they might grant So-ryong the Hair-Shedding and Marrow-Cleansing Technique (벌모세수, 伐毛洗髓). If his innate aptitude is insufficient, we can attempt to improve it.”
“That technique did not even work for Hwa-eun; I would not raise my hopes,” Cheolsan replied, shaking his head.

As they were debating plans in Cheolsan’s study, Hwa-eun’s voice came from outside the door.
“Father, it is me, Hwa-eun.”
“Hwa-eun?”
“What is she doing here at this time?”
Cheolsan called out, “Enter,” his curiosity piqued to discover what had occurred.

Hwa-eun stepped into the study and was momentarily taken aback to see all three of them present.
“Oh, I… did not know you were all here,” she said, faltering slightly.

Cheolsan’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. His daughter, whom he had known for more than two decades, seemed altered in some way. Her usual confidence was replaced by a strange hesitancy.

‘What is different about her?’ he wondered.

Hwa-eun sat down, poured herself some tea, and began to speak with uncharacteristic uncertainty.
“Father, I came to tell you something.”
“To tell me something?”

She shifted uncomfortably, her ears turning red and a blush spreading across her cheeks.
“I have decided to… act on your suggestion,” she said, her voice quivering.

Cheolsan tilted his head, perplexed.
“Which suggestion of mine?”

Her face grew even hotter, as if radiating warmth.
“The matter regarding So-ryong… I have decided to proceed.”

Cheolsan and Mandok Shingun exchanged looks of astonishment.
“Are you saying you have agreed to the marriage?” Mandok Shingun asked, unable to hide his eagerness.
“Yes… Grandfather.”
“Oh my! Does this mean you have developed feelings for So-ryong?” her mother inquired.
“Not exactly… but…” Hwa-eun’s voice dropped to a whisper, her face glowing crimson. She covered her mouth with one hand while the other nervously clutched her teacup.
“He vowed to become the Strongest Under Heaven (천하제일인, 天下第一人) for me,” she confessed.

“What!?”
“Good heavens!”

The phrase “Strongest Under Heaven” landed among them like a thunderclap.

Cheolsan, unable to restrain his curiosity, sprang to his feet and took his daughter’s hands.
“What do you mean by that? Explain everything!”

Blushing deeply, Hwa-eun elaborated in a soft voice, “Even though he is limited to a Ten-Poison Body, he promised me he would saturate those ten poisons with the toxins of the Ten Great Poisons (천하십대독물).”
“What!?”
“Hahaha! To saturate a Ten-Poison Body with the Ten Great Poisons? That boy has spirit!”

Cheolsan burst into roaring laughter. His prospective son-in-law had audacity. It wasn’t for his own glory, or even for the clan, but for the sake of one woman that So-ryong had made such a daring vow. It was an unbelievable maneuver that had managed to dissolve the defenses around Hwa-eun’s heart in one stroke.

As Cheolsan admired So-ryong’s boldness, Hwa-eun voiced a lingering anxiety.
“But I am still somewhat concerned. What if his words are empty promises…?”

Cheolsan smiled reassuringly.
“Listen well, Hwa-eun. All miraculous treasures, spirit beasts, and fortuitous encounters in the martial world already have their preordained masters.”
“That is correct,” Mandok Shingun added. “Those who desire such things without being their rightful owner court catastrophe. But when the destined person appears, these wonders naturally gravitate to them.”

Hwa-eun tilted her head, confused.
“Why are you telling me this?”

Cheolsan brought out a small wooden box that held a Zhenbird Feather (짐조의 깃) and set it on the table.
“Consider this. When you suffered your Qi Deviation and we journeyed to Hainan Island, we beheld incredible events.
“We captured the Blue-Spotted Centipede, a creature no one had taken for over a century. We came across the elusive and lustful Kissing Bug (접문충). I even laid eyes on the King of Poisons, the Zhenbird (짐조), myself.
“Why do you believe these extraordinary things occurred?”
“I do not know.”
“Because the rightful owner of these phenomena had arrived.”
“Rightful owner?”
“Yes. Someone who comprehends venomous creatures better than any other and whom they naturally follow. If So-ryong made you a promise, he will fulfill it.”

Hwa-eun nodded slowly as her father’s words settled over her. Her expression softened, and a slight smile touched her lips.

The conversation in Cheolsan’s study then turned from how to foster a relationship to how to fully incorporate So-ryong into the Tang Clan.
“Father, although I have accepted him in my heart, I told him we would not marry until he comes of age and only if he manages to acquire one of the Ten Great Poisons within that time. Do you believe he understood me?”
“Why not make it three poisons instead of one? A single one seems insufficient to deserve my granddaughter,” Mandok Shingun jested.

Her mother laughed softly. “Do not fret. He likely believes he must secure one within three years to earn your hand.”
“Should I explain it to him clearly?” Hwa-eun asked hesitantly.
“No, let him continue thinking that,” her mother advised. “If he believes he must constantly prove himself for you, he will strive all the harder. And you will reap the rewards of his labor.”
“For… for my sake?”
“Naturally. If he becomes complacent after winning your approval, what then? Let him remain in the dark. The wedding cannot take place until he is eighteen regardless.”

And so, the busy atmosphere in the Tang Clan’s study intensified, its occupants now engrossed in scheming how to make So-ryong a bona fide member of their distinguished clan.

***

Still shaken by the discovery that the Tang Clan employed ricin for executions, I allowed noona and the Tang family to guide me further into the cavern. We moved through a dimly lit corridor illuminated by the gentle light of Night Pearls (야명주, 夜明珠), which led us to a plain wooden door.

“This is the Tang Clan’s repository for its venomous creatures,” noona explained, indicating the door.

“So, this is it,” I murmured, my heart racing with a tumult of feelings. The understanding that noona’s family was a legendary clan of assassins and killers had not fully registered, but the prospect of seeing venomous creatures was a powerful distraction. Despite my lingering apprehension, I followed her in without hesitation.

‘How easily swayed I am,’ I sighed internally, lamenting my own lack of resolve when faced with my passions.

-Creak.

As the door opened, the sight that met my eyes stood in stark contrast to my expectations. I had imagined a neat, well-ordered environment for housing venomous beings, but what I found more closely resembled an abattoir. Snakes were stuffed into jars, their bodies thin from starvation. The diversity of species was disappointing, and there were no indications of any proper feeding routines. It was obvious these animals were held here short-term, purely for the purpose of venom collection. This was far from a professional breeding operation.

“This… is not what I had pictured,” I muttered, utterly dismayed.

My disappointment must have been plain, because the clan leader, Tang Cheolsan, approached and put a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“You must feel a little disillusioned,” he said understandingly. “Venomous creatures perish easily, and unlike plants or fungi, they are significantly more challenging to cultivate. We only keep them here temporarily to harvest their venom.”

It was true; producing poisons from plants like castor oil was far simpler to scale than maintaining the fragile ecosystems needed for venomous animals. The obvious lack of knowledge regarding the creatures’ natural behaviors and needs was startling.

Noting my concerned expression, Cheolsan continued with an encouraging smile, “If you are interested, you can assume control of this area. Whatever you require—funding, specimens, anything—our clan will supply it. Merely say what you need, and we will procure it for you.”
“Truly?” I asked, my eyes widening.

The clan of sociopathic assassins was offering to fund my personal interest without any conditions. The Tang Clan—notorious for its lethal poisons and ruthless effectiveness—was now proposing to financially support my fascination with venomous creatures. Even my earlier disquiet about the ricin momentarily receded. The notion of having boundless resources to dedicate to my passion was… incredibly enticing.

‘Is this what paradise looks like, in its own strange way?’ I wondered. A place where my hobbies could thrive, with every need met to realize my ambitions? It was difficult not to envision a modern-day utopia: a cutting-edge computer, a zero-gravity chair, an enormous monitor, and an endless supply of fried chicken.

“…I might just be able to make a life here after all.”