Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 240

Chapter 240
“Is everything truly alright?”

I asked the question cautiously as Grandfather withdrew his hand from my lower abdomen, having completed his internal assessment. He offered a serene nod and a reassuring smile.

“It appears Hwa-eun is not a venomous being, so there is no conflict with the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Art. This is likely because she possesses no inherent poison… While Sister Seol could provide greater certainty, from my examination, she is simply linked to your inner world through the Beast Heart Art. And since she lacks any toxin, she has not occupied a single Poison Slot—you have no cause for concern.”

A profound sense of relief washed over me.
“Ah… Thank heavens.”
“You impulsive boy…”
Now that my mind was clear, I could acknowledge how disastrous that might have been.

But it wasn’t. There was no physical or spiritual damage.
The true problem was one of martial arts.
Specifically, the foundational poison slots required for my toxic cultivation.

As is well known, my constitution is somewhat limited—I can only accommodate a maximum of ten poisons.
Thus far, I have secured three:
The blended poison from Cho and Hyang, which occupies one slot.
Hwa-eun’s personal venom claimed another.
And the final one was taken by the Azure Flame.

I didn’t accept these poisons lightly; each must originate from one of the five venomous creatures that form the core of the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Art: the scorpion, toad, lizard, centipede, and snake.
To truly master this art, I must gather poison from all five.
That means two of the Five Poisons remain unclaimed.

My plan was to proceed in that specific order. Even if I couldn’t fill all ten slots with true venoms, completing the Five was essential.
But due to that unforeseen kiss… Hwa-eun occupied a slot.
And because she isn’t a venomous creature, I found myself trapped—unable to accept the next crucial poison for the Five Poisons, or for the subsequent Twin Origins of Ten Poisons technique.

Do you understand why I’ve struggled for so long, resisting the allure of Hwa-eun’s particular “poison,” clenching my teeth through the temptation?
It was all to safeguard those precious poison slots—to ensure I could complete the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Art and ultimately achieve mastery over the Twin Origins of Ten Poisons.

But now? That entire structure had seemingly collapsed.
I only started with ten slots. With Hwa-eun seizing one, the sequence was disrupted. The Ten Poisons could not be perfected.

Amassing the Ten Ultimate Venoms of the world was my ambition. My purpose. My very identity.
The goal of subduing all ten famed Supreme Venomous Beasts and mastering their toxins as the foundation of my poison cultivation defined who I am.
And now that identity was fractured.

That is why, the instant I comprehended what occurred, I immediately sought out Grandfather for an examination.
If I could not complete the Five Poisons or the Ten, I would be rendered utterly insignificant.

Yet Grandfather, after his inspection, declared that Hwa-eun was not a venomous creature—and therefore had not taken a slot.
How could I not feel an overwhelming sense of reprieve?
It was nothing short of a miracle.

“And there is more favorable news.”
Just as I was basking in the relief that the path to the Ten Poisons remained open, Grandfather added an unexpected statement.
“Favorable news?”
I inclined my head, and Grandfather nodded.

“It is difficult to ascertain if it is due to Hwa-eun, or one of the Supreme Venomous Beasts or spirit beasts you have bonded with… but your body’s capacity for containing poisons seems to have expanded ‘slightly.'”
“…Pardon? My capacity has increased?”
My eyes widened in disbelief.

Understand, even within the framework of the Ten Poisons, minor variations exist—some individuals can hold eleven, or even nineteen poisons. But according to the Tang Clan’s principles, someone who can accept eleven or nineteen is still considered to possess a Ten Poison body.
The martial arts one can learn do not differ significantly.

But I was the absolute embodiment of Ten Poisons.
Not a single one more. Not a single one less.
I could only assimilate ten toxins. That was the immutable limit of my physique.

And now he was stating that this limit had been elevated?
I knew that integrating new venomous beasts into the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Art induced slight physical adaptations and produced side effects… but I never imagined it could increase the total number of poison slots.

Was it because of Hwa-eun, or the beasts?
With wide eyes, I asked,
“H-how many can I accept now?”
“Well…” Grandfather stroked his chin. “Excluding Hwa-eun, I would estimate approximately twelve.”
“Twelve?!”
A tremor of excitement passed through me.

Twelve… a number of absolute perfection.
The twelve apostles of Jesus.
The twelve months of the year.
The twelve hours of the day cycle.
The twelve zodiac signs in this era’s astrology.
The twelve houses of the celestial zodiac.
Even Olympus had twelve gods!

No longer was I confined to a mere Ten Poison body.
I was now a man of Twelve Poisons.
A monumental evolution.
Gyaaaaah!

***

Yet, gain is often accompanied by loss.
What I exchanged for the Twelve Poisons… was my liberty.
Specifically, my mental freedom.

The moment Grandfather Mandok Shingun concluded his examination, the voice of my soon-to-be formally recognized wife resonated clearly within my mind.
‘So-ryong, did your discussion with Grandfather proceed well? Did he confirm that all is fine?’
…
Her voice startled me, and because I hesitated for a mere second, her next thought arrived instantly, tinged with anxiety.
‘So-ryong? Can you hear me?’
“Y-yes, Hwa-Hwa-eun.”
I stammered my reply, caught off guard—and immediately, a faint sensation of hurt brushed against my awareness.

I was uncertain if my own emotions were yet reaching Hwa-eun, but as with the other companions bonded through the Beast Heart Art, I could perceive Hwa-eun’s feelings flowing into me—
and they carried a subtle note of disappointment.
‘You responded slowly. I feared Father-in-law might have overheard.’
‘N-no, not at all. Grandfather and I were merely… engaged in a brief conversation…’
‘I see. I am with my mother at the moment. We are working on some embroidery. But being able to speak with you like this, in complete secrecy… I adore it. Do you feel the same, So-ryong?’
‘Y-yes. Of course.’

I pondered if my feelings were transmitting to her as well—and within moments, I was certain.
They absolutely were.
‘How strange… why does it feel like you were hesitant just now?’
I swiftly concealed my alarm and responded with a measured, firm tone.
“N-no way! Certainly not!”
‘Hmm… perhaps it is simply because this is our first time communicating through thought. Regardless—did Grandfather assure you your body is unharmed?’
“Yes. He said everything is fine.”
‘What a relief. I was so worried I might have damaged your martial development…’

Then her concern flowed into me, genuine and profound. Feeling a pang of guilt, I answered with warmth.
‘Not at all. In fact… he shared some encouraging news.’
‘Encouraging news?’
‘Yes. He mentioned that since we formed a connection via the Beast Heart Art, my capacity for holding poison has increased by roughly two slots.’
‘Is that truly so!?’
‘It is.’
‘Congratulations, So-ryong! That is wonderful! I must go tell Sister immediately—and Mother too! We must celebrate!’
‘N-no, really, that isn’t necessary—’

Hwa-eun’s reaction was so overflowing with happiness, a thought briefly crossed my mind—that in matters of the heart, understanding a woman’s feelings is paramount.
And in that respect, I likely had no reason for concern.
At this juncture, I decided to adopt a wholly positive outlook.
After all, even if one were a servant, being the personal attendant to the Tang Clan’s sole daughter… didn’t seem like such a terrible fate.

***

After concluding my mental exchange with Hwa-eun, I accepted a talisman from Cho and proceeded to the most isolated section of the Tang estate.
This was the Tang Clan, so naturally, we maintained our own detention facility. That was my destination.
The underground prison.
“That should be it, Cho.”
– Chororok.

With Cho coiled around me, I navigated the remote reaches of Tang Mountain, asking for directions along the way. At the distant end of a courtyard patrolled by guards, the mouth of a cave became visible.
The guards noticed me immediately and offered deep, formal bows.
“You have arrived, Master So-ryong.”
“Your efforts are appreciated.”
“We merely perform our duty.”

My legs were still sore, so I allowed Cho to carry me aloft, supported by his coils like a living chair. As I drifted into the cave on Cho’s back, the swaying light from lanterns illuminated the grim, confining stone passage.
Deeper inside, a series of vacant cells lined the walls.
“You have arrived, Master So-ryong!”
Further down the corridor, additional guards stood and bowed sharply upon seeing me.
“Yes. Grandfather mentioned that Father-in-law requested I come for an inspection.”
“Of course.”

The guards gestured, and my attention shifted to the two women huddled within a cell.
These were the commanders of the Blood Flower Unit from the Blood Cult, captured previously.
Their faces were lowered as they crouched, and though their garments were torn, their bodies showed no signs of injury. They had not been tortured.
Not because our martial sect is particularly merciful…
But because these two had been unusually compliant.

The Blood Cult is renowned for its fierce loyalty—especially regarding secrets of the central altar. Yet the leader of this unit had suffered a complete mental collapse—likely due to my creatures. She was so thoroughly broken that she answered every query without resistance.
To be precise, it wasn’t cooperation.
It was sheer, unadulterated terror.

Apparently, while Hwa-eun and I were unconscious, the others grew restless—or perhaps curious—and took turns visiting the prison. Each time they appeared, the women were sent into hysterics, and under questioning, they divulged everything as freely as water pouring through a sieve.
They revealed the Blood Cult’s headquarters, disclosed the locations of their hidden altars scattered throughout Murim, everything.
Their total breakdown may have been facilitated by the fact that the Blood Cult had recently been absorbed into the Five Venoms Sect and had lost its independent status…

“On your feet!”
At the guard’s command, the women raised their heads.
The instant they saw my face, framed by Cho’s coils, they screamed and pressed themselves flat against the floor.
“L-Lord of Venoms!”
“…Lord of Venoms?”
Is that… akin to ‘Master of Venomous Beasts’?
The title sounded more suited to a cult leader than a proper martial rank, so I tilted my head in confusion.

The woman who appeared to be the superior officer quickly explained, her voice trembling.
“Y-you command both venomous beasts and spirit creatures… that makes you our L-Lord of Venoms!”

The reason for my father-in-law’s request was to ensure they were withholding nothing.
They had been interrogated for the past ten days, but as a final precaution, I was to bring my companions and frighten out any remaining secrets.
I reached out and gently patted Cho’s head.
“Is there anything else you might be concealing from us?”

The woman glanced up—and met Cho’s gaze. Her body immediately began to shake uncontrollably.
Both women bowed even lower, their voices quivering.
“N-no! We have told your people everything we know. The cult’s headquarters location. The concealed prison beneath the central altar. The full name of every member. We held nothing back. We are already dead. There is no purpose in lying.”
“Y-yes, it is true, Lord of Venoms.”
“Hm…”
Cho—just a slight intimidation.
– Chorororok!
“Kyaaah!”
“P-please! At least grant us a painless death! We vow there is nothing left to tell! Truly!”

Father-in-law had only instructed me to verify—
and honestly, I possessed no personal experience in interrogation, so I couldn’t discern if they were being truthful.
But then an idea struck me.
If they believed death was inevitable, wouldn’t they cling to any remaining secrets?
They claimed to have revealed all, but wasn’t that because they thought themselves doomed?
Perhaps… if I offered a glimmer of hope, they might provide something even more valuable.

“Hwa-eun?”
‘Yes, So-ryong?’
“Whoa! You startled me!”
‘Why are you surprised? You called for me, did you not?’
She replied instantly. I recoiled slightly at the swiftness.
Struggling to regain my composure, I asked:
“Are you with Father-in-law currently?”
‘Yes, So-ryong. Why?’
“Perfect. I am at the prison, following his orders. Could you ask him what the intended disposition is for the women we captured from the Blood Cult?”
‘Very well, one moment.’
After a brief pause, her voice returned.
‘So-ryong, Father states a final decision is pending, but most likely we will assume responsibility for them. Since all intelligence has been extracted, and you were their captor…’
In other words, their fate rested with the Tang Clan.

“Then, could you bring two Parasite-Dissolving Pellets here?”
‘The Mugoyonghwadan?’
“Yes. Given that Father-in-law said their interrogation continues… I doubt someone resigned to death would offer more. But if we provide a faint hope…”
‘Hmm… I am unsure if it will succeed, but I understand your reasoning. I will be there shortly.’

A few minutes later, Hwa-eun arrived.
“So-ryong, here you are.”
“Thank you.”

I held up the two Parasite-Dissolving Pellets and addressed the prisoners.
“If you remember anything—anything of genuine value—you may not regain your martial arts, but your lives could be spared. These are the Parasite-Dissolving Pellets you both sought so desperately.”
“Anything concerning the Blood Cult. Even rumors from the Five Venoms Sect would suffice…”
Before I could finish, one of the women’s eyes widened, and the apparent leader blurted out in a panic:
“King of Serpents! I-I definitely overheard one of the Five Venoms men mention that title in passing!”
“…King of Serpents? You cannot mean—the Golden-Crowned Serpent King?”
From beside me, Hwa-eun whispered a name heavy with significance.