Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 339

Chapter 339
For the time being, I resolved to act on Lady Cheong-yu’s advice and reach out to Shaolin regarding *inyun*—the karmic bond—believed to be the crucial element for accessing the Second Gate.
I still intended to consult Hwa-eun and Sister Seol, yet I was fairly certain they wouldn’t have a superior alternative to Lady Cheong-yu’s plan.
A spark of hope was reignited. My spirits, which had nearly hit bottom, began to recover slightly.
Aware that numerous topics remained to be addressed, I gathered my focus and proceeded to my next inquiry.
Ah, Lady Cheong-yu, there is another matter I wished to discuss…
—Siaa. “Next, you wish to speak about the demise of the Bloodshade Unit’s commander, correct?”
Before I could even voice my question, Lady Cheong-yu spoke as if she had already anticipated it.
I gave a nod in response.
“Yes. I was informed her stomach ruptured. I assume this occurred because we apprehended her?”
—Siaa. “Indeed, most likely. Her stomach bursting indicates that one half of the Yin-Yang Paired Parasite was undoubtedly destroyed.”
“That is what I suspected.”
Cheong-yu had previously explained that the Five Venoms Clan implants a device known as the Yin-Yang Paired Parasite into its elite operatives. It enhances the circulation of internal energy and significantly increases the efficiency of gathering qi.
However, it was not purely beneficial—while it promised rapid advancement, the recipient also forfeited their life to the leader of the Five Venoms Sect.
If one half of the pair perished, the other would also detonate and die. It was said the matching half was always held securely by the Sect Leader.
Therefore, the commander’s death likely meant she was terminated to avoid any further intelligence leaks after her capture by our side.
This aligned with my assumptions, so I nodded once more and asked,
“Then the remaining members have probably gone into hiding by now, making another strike difficult, is that not so?”
From the instant the Bloodshade Unit commander died, I had essentially abandoned any hope of pursuing the others.
They would have certainly made preparations.
Thus, I hadn’t devised any specific plans—I merely posed the question to Lady Cheong-yu out of a sense of lingering disappointment. Her reply, however, was unforeseen.
—Sia. “Not necessarily. Provided we act with speed, an opportunity may still exist.”
“Truly!? But surely they have already taken countermeasures?”
My interest was immediately piqued by the hint of a remaining chance.
I voiced my skepticism, questioning whether they hadn’t already secured themselves, but Lady Cheong-yu shook her head.
—Siiia. “No, the intelligence divisions of the Five Venoms Sect and the Blood Cult function as independent cells. They do not communicate laterally between regional branches. Incidents are reported directly to the central sect, and directives are then disseminated from there.
The Central Plains is immense, is it not? Even if news of the Bloodshade commander’s death reached the main sect, a considerable amount of time would be required for new orders to be issued.
This is especially true now, with the borders being secured by the Martial Alliance’s troops. The delay will be more pronounced than under normal circumstances.”
“I see…”
So, her point was that the intelligence networks of the Blood Cult and the Five Venoms Sect were designed to operate in isolation.
They maintained no contact with each other and reported solely to their headquarters. This structure prevented the exposure of one cell from compromising the others, but it also resulted in a dependency on central command for instructions, introducing an unavoidable time lag.
This meant a narrow window for action remained open to us.
—Sia. “You should seek assistance from the Beggars’ Union. Given our time constraints, we must coordinate a synchronized attack.”
“Understood. I will dispatch a messenger to them at first light.”
***
Following our discussion concerning the Blood Cult and the Five Venoms Sect, I turned to the subject of martial arts.
I required guidance—and Lady Cheong-yu was the ideal person to provide it.
Her knowledge of the Five Poison Techniques surpassed even that of my grandfather.
“Ah, Lady Cheong-yu, one final request—would you examine my form?”
—Siiia. “Certainly. You are referring to the Five Poison Techniques?”
“Yes. I am encountering difficulties with the concluding three maneuvers of the Venomous Snake Life-Seizing Hand.”
I had been practicing intermittently, but had reached an impasse.
I had gained proficiency in the foundational stances, but the ultimate three secret techniques, said to embody the true core of the style, felt somehow incorrect.
Ordinarily, martial arts are not taught to those outside one’s sect, but Lady Cheong-yu was herself a casualty of the Five Venoms Sect. She felt no reluctance in instructing me.
—Siaa. “Demonstrate for me.”
“Yes, my lady.”
At her command, I performed the sequence.
Lady Cheong-yu moved nearer and corrected my posture.
Then, inclining her head slightly, she inquired,
—Sii? “Your alignment will improve with repetition… Your Qi circulation and technique are adequate. Yet, something is amiss with the final three motions of the Venomous Snake Life-Seizing Hand? What precisely seems inaccurate?”
“It feels… incomplete? They are meant to be the culmination, but they lack a lethal quality. It is as if I am delivering an unfinished blow.”
When I described the sense of dissonance I experienced, Lady Cheong-yu offered a faint smile.
—Sia. “You are quite remarkable, So-ryong. You have detected the flaw. The reason is that those maneuvers are intended to discharge concealed projectiles.”
“Concealed projectiles?”
—Siiiee. “Yes, the final three forms were devised late in the life of one of the Five Venoms Sect’s founders.
Their purpose is to launch specialized needles from a wrist apparatus. Only the sect’s Black Serpent Unit was permitted to use them.
They are stout needles, approximately this dimensions.”
“Ah…”
So, those specific hidden weapons were required.
This meant that without obtaining them—or unless Lady Cheong-yu assisted me in fabricating substitutes—I could not truly master the technique.
Consequently, I would be unable to utilize it in the immediate future. I decided to instead concentrate on another technique I had not yet begun to learn.
—Siiia. Sii. “Nevertheless, So-ryong, I am duly impressed. You perceived the inconsistency.”
As she offered this praise with a smile, I ventured another appeal.
“Well, since that is currently beyond my reach… Might I perhaps learn the Scorpion Tail Swift Kick? I believe instruction from you would be more beneficial than from Grandpa.”
Abruptly, Lady Cheong-yu fell silent mid-breath.
After a brief pause, she repeated my question,
—Si ah? “Scorpion Tail Swift Kick?”
As I nodded, somewhat bewildered, the very tip of her serpentine tail twitched behind her.
“Hurk!”
I had just requested a person who lacked legs to instruct me in a kicking technique.
I instantly rushed to apologize.
It was the equivalent of petitioning an amputee football player to teach you how to score a goal.
“I—I beg your pardon!”
So-ryong, engage your mind for once!
That person I was a moment ago… was a truly inconsiderate fool.
***
Notwithstanding the uncomfortable incident, Lady Cheong-yu still provided me with a great deal of valuable martial arts counsel.
We practiced until daybreak, and when she observed my concentration waning from fatigue, she gazed toward the lightening horizon and smiled.
—Sia. “The dawn is here. I must take my leave, Young Master So.”
“Oh, is it morning already? Then I shall see you at our next meeting.”
—Siiia. “Well… actually…”
“Yes? Was there something else you wished to say?”
—Sii. “No, it is nothing. Let us meet again in a fortnight.”
She seemed to hesitate, as if holding something back, but then smiled and bid farewell.
As Lady Cheong-yu disappeared from view, the demeanor of the Golden-Crowned Death King gradually changed.
With her departure, the typically impassive Golden-Crowned Death King leaned her weight against my shoulder.
She displayed little expression, yet her manner was reminiscent of an affectionate pet.
—Sia.
“You are awake, Cheong-yu.”
While I gently stroked Cheong-yu’s head, the sound of birdsong filtered in from outside, and the cabin door swung open with a creak. Yang Seong-hu emerged, stretching his limbs.
—Creak.
“Aah, my shoulder… Did I overdo it with the spear practice yesterday? Y-Young Master, you are awake early?”
Yang Seong-hu had been reprimanded by Geom-bong the previous day for neglecting his training.
He had dutifully, though reluctantly, resumed his spear drills and had pushed himself too hard. His shoulders were now stiff and sore.
“Yes, I remained awake through the night as Lady Cheong-yu was paying a visit.”
“Ah, it must have been the full moon last night, then?”
“It was. Speaking of which… is your shoulder alright?”
“It is fine. Merely stiff from wielding the spear for the first time in a long while.”
I was relieved to hear he was okay.
Because I required a messenger.
“In that case, might I ask a favor of you?”
“Of course. What do you need?”
“Could you please deliver a message to the Beggars’ Union to arrange a meeting for today? Simply convey that the matter is urgent—they will comprehend the significance.”
“Understood. I will depart immediately.”
Upon hearing my request, Yang Seong-hu promptly rubbed the sleep from his eyes and vaulted from the deck.
Since the use of martial arts was prohibited within Yeongcheonbu, he dashed down to the riverbank and began sprinting along it towards the port.
Good. One matter is settled.
After Yang Seong-hu had gone, the next to appear on deck was Hwa-eun.
She had insisted on keeping me company the night before, despite her weariness, and had now risen early, seemingly feeling apologetic for having succumbed to sleep so quickly.
She approached, her forehead and hair still glistening with droplets of water from having washed her face.
“So, did you manage to discuss everything, So-ryong?”
“Yes. There is news both favorable and less so.”
“Good and bad news? Please, tell me.”
“Well…”
After I recounted the events of the night, Hwa-eun considered my words and then asked,
“So the favorable news is that we still have a chance to assault the Blood Cult’s bases, and the less favorable is that we must journey to Shaolin to understand this matter of karmic connection?”
“Yes, Hwa-eun.”
As I nodded, Hwa-eun spoke in a reassuring tone.
“Do not concern yourself. For a matter such as this, Shaolin will not turn us away.
Once Young Master Peng awakens, I will ask him to send a message to Shaolin to request an audience. The Peng Clan maintains a closer relationship with them than we do. I have heard they are also regular benefactors.”
“Oh, is that true?”
“Furthermore, once the message is sent to the Beggars’ Union, it will require a few exchanges to finalize a time and location for a meeting. Therefore, you should return inside and get some rest in the interim.
I will manage all other arrangements. You had no sleep at all last night, So-ryong.”
Hoooh! Is this… the support of a devoted partner?
Was this what people referred to as “wifely devotion”?
Hearing her say she would handle everything else made me ponder—perhaps this is the reason individuals seek to build families.
And so, I complied with Hwa-eun’s suggestion and went back into the cabin to rest.
I was making an effort to be dutiful for a change.
“Very well.”
***
How much time had elapsed?
A gentle, apologetic voice reached my ears.
“So-ryong, I am sorry to disturb you after such a brief rest, but you need to awaken. The branch leader of Yeongcheonbu is here.”
“The branch leader of Yeongcheonbu?”
“Yes. It appears he came directly after receiving word from Yang Seong-hu.”
The branch leader of Yeongcheonbu referred to the local head of the Beggars’ Union for this region.
I had asked Yang Seong-hu to send a message, and evidently they had treated the situation with utmost seriousness and had come in person without delay.
Normally, several communications were needed to agree on a time and place, but they must have deemed the matter pressing.
As I sat up, I became aware of the little creatures splayed across my chest and stomach.
It seemed they had all congregated and settled on top of me while I slept.
No wonder I felt trapped in my dream…
“Hey, could you all move aside for a moment? Your father needs to step out for a quick meeting.”
—Tssss.
—Pii.
—Myu-myu.
—Myuu.
At my request, the little ones obediently slid and fluttered away, clearing a path.
I hurriedly exited the cabin.
“Please, have some tea.”
“My goodness, this is a rather exquisite tea. I will partake with pleasure.”
The branch leader was already seated at a place prepared by the Dragon Fangs on the deck, enjoying his tea. As I drew near, I inquired why he had not been invited inside, and he responded with a cheerful grin.
“Why invite a guest indoors?”
“If a beggar enters an enclosed room, the odor tends to linger.”
“Ah, I—I understand… haha…”
So he was self-aware?
During my previous visit to the Beggars’ Union headquarters, I had endured the distinctive aroma. It seemed he was quite conscious of it himself.
Just as we were sharing an awkward chuckle over his remark, the branch leader steered the conversation toward business.
“Now then. Your summons indicates you are prepared to proceed to the subsequent phase. I have heard of the Bloodshade Unit commander’s death. Have you already verified the intelligence?
Ah, should we first address that business with Eunuch Heo? Set your mind at ease. There were two individuals who fled the brothel, but we have already taken care of them.”
Despite the affair being a matter of the Imperial Court, he was already privy to the death of the Bloodshade Unit commander.
And now he was stating that the men who had escaped from Eunuch Heo’s brothel had been neutralized.
Truly, the Beggars’ Union lived up to its reputation.
He even understood the reason for my summons.
“Your organization’s reach is indeed impressive. You are correct. So, the situation is this…”
I informed him that the commander’s death was not a simple event.
That she had been captured, had divulged information, and was then eliminated.
“We have dismantled two of their bases—that is a significant accomplishment. However, we cannot rest on that alone.
We must act swiftly.”
The branch leader concurred entirely with the need for rapid action.
This was perfectly in line with my own thinking, so I nodded in agreement.
“Yes, but will the Martial Alliance not be preoccupied at present?”
“They are undoubtedly stretched thin. The majority of the major sects have recalled their disciples to reinforce the border defenses. Therefore, we cannot anticipate support from them either.”
It was effectively a state of war.
As expected, the forces of the Martial Alliance and the great sects were too dispersed to offer assistance.
“What, then?”
“We will need to enlist the strength of the Hao Clan.”
“The Hao Clan, you say?”
“Yes. North of the Yangtze River, our Beggars’ Union holds influence. But to the south, the Hao Clan possesses greater sway. Thus, we shall seek their aid.
We will commit all our resources to the north, but for the south, it is preferable to involve them.”
“The Hao Clan…”
I recalled Hwa-eun’s explanation during one of our lessons on the martial world.
They were akin to a labor union for the Jianghu.
A collective of individuals from various humble professions.
“Accompany me. We will pay a visit to the Hao Clan’s branch here in Yeongcheonbu.”
I suppose until we receive a response from Shaolin, we should investigate the Hao Clan first.
I was intrigued to witness what this martial world union resembled.