Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 231

Chapter 231
As I lay on my back in the Medical Hall, staring vacantly at the ceiling, a sense of dread began to settle over me. The moment I was healed, they intended to start that brutal training again.

“A sigh… The golden era of So-ryong has passed. I wonder what form the training will take this time? Physical exertion I can handle, but I truly despise anything that involves rote memorization…”

I had been happily avoiding any real drills lately, occupied with other matters, but it seemed my days of peace were officially over. I was still lost in these gloomy thoughts when I noticed the attendants around me starting to arrange the moxibustion and acupuncture implements.

My treatment was on the verge of starting.

On one side, Medical Hall personnel were sorting medicinal herbs for brewing, and just as Mandok Shingun was poised to apply a gold needle with his expert touch—

An urgent shout from a soldier erupted outside.

“L-Lord Tang, your presence is required! Lord So-ryong, too!”

“Hm? What is the matter?”

“So-ryong?”

The worried tones from beyond the door had everyone hurrying outside, where we were greeted by the ashen, frantic faces of several Tang Clan fighters.

Their disturbed demeanors made one thing clear—something was terribly wrong.

“What has occurred to put all of you in such a state?” inquired my father-in-law, his brow furrowed at the disturbance.

The warrior faltered before delivering his news with a strained look.

“P-please make haste to the Nine-Tiered Gates! The Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Armored Scorpion that arrived with Lord So-ryong…”

“Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Armored Scorpion?”

“Ah, Cheongwol!”

It suddenly dawned on me—Cheongwol was not the sort to allow just anyone to handle her.

That meant I was responsible for personally seeing her into the Tang Clan grounds. I must have completely forgotten, leaving her stranded at the entrance without me.

Or perhaps, even worse, someone else had attempted to move her and caused an incident.

‘But weren’t Sister Seol and Deputy Commander Gu Pae with her? What could have possibly happened?’

Even in my absence, those two should have been perfectly capable of managing the situation. Sister Seol in particular—Cheongwol would certainly accept her assistance.

“Grandfather, I believe I must go and see to Cheongwol—I mean, the Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Armored Scorpion. Perhaps we could reschedule the treatment for now.”

“Alright, but take care. And do not channel your inner energy—I will not have you injuring yourself again.”

“Understood, Grandfather.”

After convincing Mandok Shingun to hold off on the treatment, I hurried off with my father-in-law toward the main entrance of the Tang Clan—and the moment we got there, it became instantly clear why the warrior had been so alarmed.

The Nine-Tiered Gates, that stately and imposing symbol of the Tang Clan’s might, had been knocked over like a line of falling blocks. Every single one.

They had fallen in flawless order, from the very first gate to the very last.

“W-what in heaven’s name…?” my father-in-law uttered, completely bewildered by the scene.

The nine gates of the Tang Clan stood for the clan’s honor and prestige—and now all nine were lying flat on the ground, like overturned game pieces.

‘This is not good.’

I turned to see Sister Seol standing near Cheongwol, wearing a deeply apologetic look.

“What exactly happened here?”

She gave an uncomfortable laugh.

“Haha… Well, you see, when Cheongwol watched the elders haul you away, she tried to follow. But she became lodged in the first gateway. There was little I could do, as you’re the only one she fully accepts. And in her struggle to break free… this was the result.”

Apparently, when I was abruptly taken, Cheongwol, fearing trouble, attempted to come after me. However, she became wedged in the initial gate—and in her efforts to twist herself loose, she brought it down.

The others then fell, one after another.

I stole a glance at my father-in-law.

He was producing a laugh, but his expression was one of pure, powerless astonishment.

Remembering what he’d told me earlier, I offered a swift apology.

“I—I am truly sorry, Father-in-law. Just as you said, significant achievements often carry a cost…”

He winced, the corners of his mouth trembling.

“A-ah… indeed. Well, I suppose… these things happen. For the time being, let us just focus on moving the Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Armored Scorpion inside. The gates… they can be repaired at a later date, can they not?”

He didn’t sound entirely fine with it, but he claimed he was—so I had little option but to agree.

Following his suggestion, I guided Cheongwol along the path next to the entrance.

“We’ll go up this way, Cheongwol.”

Krurrr.

Not long after, we arrived at the most extensive open area, situated partway up the mountain estate of the Tang Clan.

I addressed Father-in-law.

“Our first priority should be to find a home for the new arrivals.”

My recovery was crucial, but securing proper living arrangements for these creatures took precedence.

He nodded in assent.

“Yes, absolutely. We cannot have such exceptional spirit beasts residing out in the elements. Oh—and when selecting their living quarters, you must seek my counsel. Do not act unilaterally as you did with the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings. Is that clear?”

It appeared he was still somewhat aggrieved about the incident where I’d effectively sacrificed an entire lakeside structure for the wasps. “Consult with me” most likely translated to “secure my explicit permission.”

Wanting to prevent further issues, I resolved to simply bring him with me.

“Yes? Oh, certainly, Father-in-law. In fact, I had a few locations in view—would you care to inspect them with me?”

“Yes, let us do that. Which spots are you considering?”

I motioned across the open space, indicating a training ground.

“That area, right over there. What is your opinion?”

This wasn’t the training ground with the ancient tree that served as the home for the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings. This one was floored with stone, reminiscent of the temporary enclosure the Kunlun Sect had arranged for Cheongwol.

It was the most sizable training ground within the Tang Clan.

It was ordinarily used for clan-wide ceremonies or seeing off troops, but it had seen no use whatsoever since my arrival.

Given its vast size and current idleness, I thought it might suit Cheongwol perfectly.

After all, she had been content in a comparable space back in Kunlun.

“Ahem… t-that particular location, is it?”

My father-in-law cleared his throat uneasily at the proposition.

He seemed less than enthusiastic—but given Cheongwol’s immense size, any more confined area would be unsuitable.

This was the most spacious spot I could think of, so before he could outright refuse, I sought Cheongwol’s own thoughts.

We were “discussing” it together, weren’t we? I never committed to simply following his wishes.

‘If Cheongwol disapproves, then the matter is decided.’

“Cheongwol, what are your thoughts on this place? For your new home?”

Krorrng. ‘My home?’

From behind me, Father-in-law’s voice came out in a fluster.

“W-wait a moment, son-in-law, my intention was—”

Cheongwol lifted her body and started to examine the grounds, looking over the walls of the training area.

But after a brief inspection, she dismissed the idea.

Krurrr. ‘It is not to my liking. It feels barren, like a desert.’

“What? I believed you preferred deserts?”

“She says she does not?”

My father-in-law’s face instantly became cheerful.

“Yes, she does not like it.”

“Then we shall proceed to look elsewhere immediately!”

Thrilled by her rejection, he almost leaped at the opportunity to move on.

I asked Cheongwol for her reason.

Krurrr. ‘No. I resided there merely because I required a place to conceal myself. Humans are bothersome. I do not genuinely enjoy deserts. They are excessively hot by day and frigid by night.’

“…Is that so?”

It turned out she wasn’t actually a desert-dwelling scorpion. She had only taken shelter in the sand out of necessity.

This immediately disqualified most of the locations I had been contemplating.

Thinking it over, I climbed onto Cheongwol’s back and directed her gaze toward the mountain.

“Very well, then let us attempt that direction. There is a clearing further up the mountainside—it has foliage and open land.”

There was a meadow higher on the mountain.

A variety of toxic plants grew there, and it offered a commanding view down the slope—an ideal prospect. The nights might be somewhat chilly, but that could be remedied by requesting Yoha to erect a large shelter.

Krurrrng. ‘Understood.’

Cheongwol started moving again, heading toward the mountain clearing I had pointed out.

As we traveled past several pavilions, the familiar hum of beating wings reached my ears—a sound I hadn’t heard for some time.

Buuung. Buuuuung.

I turned toward the source and saw the pond of the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings coming into view past the courtyard.

From my elevated position on Cheongwol’s back, I had an unobstructed view of the Tang estate, and the pond was particularly noticeable.

White and red lotus blossoms were thriving in great numbers, spanning more than half the water’s surface.

Adjacent to it, there stood more structures than I recalled. And sure enough, a number of Golden-Furred Wasp Kings were flying to and from the pavilions.

‘Once Cheongwol’s situation is settled, I ought to go and pay my respects to Ranghu and Nanghu as well.’

The pond appeared even more splendid than when I had left. The image of Ranghu entered my mind, and I determined I would visit both queens after arranging Cheongwol’s lodging.

Just as we were moving past the pond, Cheongwol stopped abruptly.

A dark shape passed above me. Glancing up, I saw Cheongwol’s tail poised over my head, gesturing toward something.

“Hm?”

She was indicating the pond area.

When I looked to where she was pointing, I understood she was inquiring about the suitability of that location.

Krurrrng. ‘What about that place?’

“That one?”

Krurrrng. ‘I am fond of the blossoms and the small body of water.’

Within the mental world, Cheongwol had resembled a battle-hardened veteran, so I had presumed she would favor rough landscapes—but her preferences were unexpectedly refined, almost feminine.

I wished to honor her choice, but that pond was already claimed—specifically by Ranghu, the queen of the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings. I would need to seek her authorization.

Even though the wasps had not formally occupied all the land around their pavilions, it was still effectively their domain. Simply moving in would be improper.

Furthermore, I had been contemplating placing Hohae within the pond itself, so while the water might be available, the surrounding land was a separate issue.

“Remain here for a moment. I will go and speak with the wasps.”

Krurr.

I dismounted from Cheongwol’s back and sprinted toward the pavilions near the pond. The instant the wasps saw me—

Buuuuuung. Buuung.

They buzzed with excitement and started to orbit around me, evidently pleased by my return.

“Hello, everyone. I hope you have been faring well? Is your queen available?”

I greeted each of them in turn, then asked for an audience with their queen. Two of them attached themselves to my shoulders and started to raise me into the air.

My feet gradually lifted off the ground as they ascended.

From the first level to the second, then the third, then the fourth…

It was a different experience from Cho’s graceful flying; this ascent had its own distinct rhythm as I was carried higher.

At the pavilion’s summit, they gently deposited me on the interior side of the balcony railing, then vanished through the window to retrieve their queen.

Buuuung.

Shortly after, two antennae appeared from the window.

They quivered as they surveyed the environment, then focused on me.

Then, Ranghu cautiously extended her head—just a little at first.

Buuuuuung!

Her eyes sparkled the moment she saw me, and she abruptly shot forward, colliding with me in an enthusiastic embrace.

“Whoa—waaah!”

I landed squarely on my backside, my arms occupied by the vibrating wasp queen. Her wings were humming intensely, as if she were voicing a multitude of grievances.

Buuung. Buuung.

She was likely upset that I had not visited for such a long time.

I patted her head and offered my apologies.

“My journey took me a great distance away. I am sorry for my extended absence.”

Ranghu clasped her front legs together like arms crossing, clearly dissatisfied.

I apologized once more, this time with greater sincerity, and at last she unfolded her legs and waved an antenna as if stating, “I shall pardon you on this occasion.”

Buuung!

“Y-yes… thank you.”

Honestly—what is it with these affectionate spirit beasts?

Caring for them was certainly no simple task. With that notion in mind, I addressed the primary reason for my visit.

“Listen, Ranghu, there is actually a favor I wished to ask of you.”

Buuung?

She inclined her head, curious.

“I returned from my travels with some new companions. Would it be acceptable for them to reside near your pond?”

Buuuung?

I pointed toward Cheongwol, who was observing us from a distance, awaiting the outcome of our discussion.

“That is one of them—her name is Cheongwol. She is the newest member of our group.”

Buuung!?

Ranghu’s buzzing shifted in pitch as she noticed Cheongwol far away. She seemed somewhat taken aback.

Then, without warning, several worker wasps darted from the hive, seized me, and transported me back toward Cheongwol.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw Ranghu flying closely behind us.

“Huh? Are you coming to introduce yourself?”

When we touched down in front of Cheongwol, Ranghu landed nearby and crossed her front legs once more, tilting her head and examining Cheongwol with a slight cant.

Her back legs fidgeted in the air as if she were assessing her.

‘Why does the atmosphere feel so charged?’

The space between them was… peculiar.