Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 361

Chapter 361
The logic behind it was beyond my grasp, yet there she was—Hwa-eun, rendered on the stone door with such incredible precision she might have been a real person captured in a portrait.

The image appeared before me with startling clarity.
My hand lifted of its own accord, but afraid the door might swing open, I didn’t make contact and instead lowered myself to sit before it.
“What in the world is this?”
With no way to move forward, I remained seated, sinking into profound thought.
I was supposed to open the Five Poison Gate, but not only had a sixth door materialized, it was engraved with Hwa-eun’s likeness—confusion was an inevitable reaction.
I had indeed promised myself repeatedly that I wouldn’t waver and would simply pick Cheongyu Sojeo next time, but honestly—how could anyone not hesitate faced with something like this?
‘It’s obvious. Hesitation is the only possible response.’
This wasn’t merely a choice between Cheongyu Sojeo and Hwa-eun. The very foundation of the martial art seemed to have shifted from my understanding, demanding careful consideration.
Moreover, I was intensely curious about what would occur if I opened this particular door.
What lay beyond felt like a prohibited domain.
A powerful, instinctive sensation warned me—it felt hazardous, like something I must not interact with. Why was I feeling this? As I pondered, several disturbing possibilities came to mind.
When I opened the doors marked with Cho, Hyang, and Bini, I gained the power to speak with centipedes and won their allegiance.
But what if I opened the door bearing Hwa-eun—who, unlike the others, was a human imbued with venom?
That line of thinking… it truly felt like trespassing into forbidden knowledge.
“Would I gain the ability to project thoughts into human minds, or compel unconditional devotion? Or perhaps something like that woman from the Blood Cult possessed… a mass hypnosis skill similar to Soul Capture? …This is profoundly dangerous.”
The potential powers my mind conjured were unequivocally perilous.
I had to forcibly halt this dangerous train of thought.
If it truly were a form of hypnotic control, or a power to elicit unconditional affection from people… that would feel like abandoning my own humanity.
So, despite being sorely tempted, I reined in my imagination for the moment and resolved to concentrate solely on the martial arts perspective.
“Right, this feels too risky. I should just focus on the martial aspect for now.”
Mental images flickered—of me making an error and not being reprimanded by Hwa-eun, or of Hwa-eun praising me for a failure and kissing me… yes, dangerous thoughts indeed. I steadied my breathing and tried to redirect my focus to the art itself.
The Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art—O-dok-gwi-won-shin-gong—was a poisonous martial art that utilized the toxins of five distinct venomous beings to amplify one’s martial strength.
Its concealed function was that by registering the poison of a spirit creature, you could not only employ that creature’s toxin but also establish communication with the registered venomous being.
There was a further secret within this hidden function. Once all five venomous creatures were registered, a condition known as “Five Gates” would activate, and unlocking each gate granted an extra ability.
These gates were not merely metaphorical—they were actual doors.
Within the inner realm, five gates were visible.
Opening the gate linked to a registered creature allowed you to communicate with and direct creatures of that venomous type.
Just as I had opened O-gong’s gate and gained the ability to converse with centipedes.
That was the full extent of my knowledge—information I had gathered from explanations given by Grandfather Tang Mu-seong, Sister Seol, and Cheongyu Sojeo regarding the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art.
But now, an additional door had appeared, and it didn’t display a venomous or spirit creature—it displayed Hwa-eun.
Why had this happened?
I sat and pondered the question. Soon, I began to form a theory about the cause.
“This is most likely due to the Beast Heart Art, isn’t it?”
It was almost certainly because of the Beast Heart Art—the core technique from which the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art was developed.
From what I had learned by combining accounts from Grandfather, Cheongyu Sojeo, and Sister Seol, the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art was initially formulated by merging the martial arts of the Tang Clan with the heart method of the Beast Palace: the Beast Heart Art.
Although they incorporated a portion of the Beast Heart Art, the version practiced within the Tang Clan was considered inferior to the Beast Palace’s original. This was the reason I had ultimately learned the complete Beast Heart Art myself.
Consequently, my personal version of the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art could be said to have significantly enhanced specifications.
To use an analogy, I purchased a mass-produced vehicle and then replaced its engine with one many times more powerful.
That was probably why, when I kissed Hwa-eun, she had been inadvertently registered in place of a venomous creature. It was also likely the reason Hwa-eun had appeared again on this occasion.
Hwa-eun was already registered through the Beast Heart Art, so when an empty gate slot became available, it was logical for her to manifest there.
“Wow, even so, seeing Hwa-eun carved onto a door is deeply unsettling.”
Although I now comprehended the reasoning, the initial shock of finding her image on that stone door remained.
I looked to the left and saw the entrance to the gate inscribed with Cheongyu Sojeo.
The door bearing Hwa-eun felt utterly forbidden, as if I should never touch it—but that didn’t mean I could unhesitatingly choose the one with Cheongyu Sojeo either.
‘Ugh, this is maddening.’
I sensed this path led to a perilous future, yet perhaps that very danger made it all the more enticing.
To think Hwa-eun was such a dangerous woman…
It was enough to make me feel like I was losing my sanity.
‘Gyaaaaaaaaah!’
***

So-ryong stood motionless on the deck, eyes shut, cradling Dong-i in his hands.
The entire crew stood behind him on the deck, their expressions strained as they observed.
The qi infusion that had begun at dawn was still ongoing, now stretching into the midday hours.
The final transfer of energy, predicted to last approximately one shikjeong, was not yet complete.
They had estimated one shikjeong, but three sijin had already passed.
“Yaaawn.”
“Haaaahhh… M-my apologies.”
“Forgive us.”
In the hushed tension, the yawns from Geom-ryong and Kwon-ryong cut through the air.
Under the stern looks from Hwa-eun and Sister Seol, the two offered immediate apologies.
They had yawned while everyone else was watching So-ryong with anxious concentration.
“If you feel the need to yawn, take yourselves inside!”
“N-no, it’s not that!”
As Sister Seol yelled angrily, Geom-ryong responded in a fluster.
Then, Jaheo spoke, his voice laced with worry.
“This is taking exceedingly long. Is all well? Should we perhaps summon someone from Shaolin more proficient in matters of internal energy?”
“No, I believe that is unnecessary. It appears he has entered his inner realm. Such extended durations are common when one journeys within.
Still, he is the youngest among us… it is strange that his takes the longest.”
Just as Sister Seol finished speaking, every gaze returned to So-ryong.
So-ryong’s hand, which had been transmitting energy into Dong-i, seemed to hover just slightly above him.
“It’s moving!”
Geom-ryong, recently chastised for yawning, called out happily, and everyone nodded in agreement.
As Geom-ryong had noted, the hand positioned over Dong-i’s head had distinctly risen a fraction.
–Pweep!
At that instant, Dong-i opened his eyes between So-ryong’s hands, shining brightly.
Responding to Dong-i’s sound, Hwa-eun swiftly extended her hand and inquired,
“Dong-a, were you in the inner realm with Grandpa?”
–Pwiip.
She was asking if Dong-i had accompanied So-ryong into the inner realm, but Dong-i shook his head emphatically in refusal.
“No? So-ryong!”
In that moment, So-ryong’s body began to tilt slowly backward.
If he had been deep within his inner realm, it would have been wisest not to disturb him, but his body was falling like a person losing consciousness.
Furthermore, from the moment Dong-i opened his eyes, sweat had been streaming profusely down So-ryong’s body.
Dong-i’s denial, So-ryong’s physical state being entirely unlike his previous entries into the inner realm, and now his collapsing form—it was impossible to disregard.
Hwa-eun sprang into action.
“Unni!”
“I have him.”
Hwa-eun passed Dong-i to Sister Seol and seized So-ryong’s falling arm.
She caught and supported him immediately.
As she held him, her hair clung to So-ryong’s sweat-soaked form.
The qi infusion must have been tremendously draining.
“We must get him to the cabin immediately.”
Just as Hwa-eun prepared to hurry toward the cabin with So-ryong in her arms—
Cho drew near, propping up So-ryong’s body, and uttered a soft cry.
–Trrrr.
Since So-ryong was unconscious, the group mental link was inactive, but Cho was indicating that he would carry him.
It was undoubtedly steadier for Cho to float him along than for Hwa-eun to manage it alone.
Observing Cho supporting So-ryong’s back, Hwa-eun made a request.
“Cho-ya, please take him to the cabin for now. He needs to lie down.”
–Tssrrrr!
Still bearing So-ryong’s weight, Cho moved directly toward the cabin.
Up the stairs to the first door.
–Clack.
As the door opened, Hyang, who was still in a sulk, was stuck to the ceiling.
Hyang glanced over, saw them, and her antennae quivered in astonishment—Hwa-eun noticed this.
–Churrr!
–Tssrrrr!
Cho called out something as he headed for the bedding, and Hyang, jolted into action, leaped down from the ceiling and started straightening the blankets.
Cho must have requested her assistance, and once the bed was prepared, Cho laid So-ryong upon it swiftly.
Hwa-eun removed his shoes, and turning her head, she spotted Unmirang.
Hwa-eun asked her for help.
“Could you fetch water and a cloth? He is soaked and needs to be dried.”
“Understood, Young Miss.”
If this wasn’t an inner realm episode, wiping away sweat should be acceptable.
As Hwa-eun rolled up her sleeves to tend to So-ryong, Unmirang came back into the cabin with a cloth and a jug of water.
“Young Miss, here. I thought cold water might be unsuitable, so I blended in some water from the tea to warm it slightly.”
“Thoughtful of you.”
She dipped her fingers into the jug and felt the pleasantly tepid water.
This would be fine—it wouldn’t startle So-ryong. With that decided, Hwa-eun immersed the cloth in the jug.
–Drip drip.
After saturating the towel and wringing it out firmly, she looked again at So-ryong.
And abruptly, her hand stilled.
Of course—she needed to remove his clothing.
It was only then she realized she would have to undress her own fiancé.
With that realization, Hwa-eun felt her ears and cheeks grow intensely hot.
They had surely flushed red with embarrassment.
Then, observing quietly from nearby, Unmirang ventured a cautious question.
“Young Miss, would you like me to do it?”
At the word “undress,” Hwa-eun’s ears and cheeks burned even hotter.
Collecting herself, she replied hastily.
“Ah—no, I will manage. Please wait outside. I am his betrothed, so it is not improper for me, but if another person were to see him unclothed… wouldn’t So-ryong feel ashamed?”
“Do you think so? Are you certain you don’t require assistance?”
“Yes, it will be fine, you may leave.”
“Understood, Young Miss. I will be directly outside, so please call if you need anything.”
“O-okay.”
With a slightly concerned expression, Unmirang exited the cabin, and Hwa-eun released a heavy sigh.
“Phew…”
She had seen So-ryong without his robes on a few occasions prior.
Such as when he was gravely wounded pursuing a thief who had broken into the Tang Clan, or when ambushed by assassins from the Five Venoms Clan in Cheonghae.
But undressing him herself… this was a first.
Hwa-eun moved a chair to the bedside and sat down.
She placed the damp towel back into the jug on the floor and reached for the knot fastening the front of his robe.
–Slide.
–Gulp.
She loosened the knot at his chest, and as she drew the fabric aside, the front of his garment opened.
Just as she was about to part it fully—
So-ryong’s body twitched.
Sensing something amiss, Hwa-eun raised her eyes—and found So-ryong’s eyes, squeezed shut, clearly clenched deliberately.
His hand was also gripping the blanket tightly.
It was unmistakable—he was conscious. So Hwa-eun cried out,
“Th-this is not what it appears!”
***

When I regained awareness, Hwa-eun’s face was deeply flushed, her ears red, as she was in the process of removing my clothes.
We had definitely agreed to wait until we were back at the Tang Clan, so I hadn’t expected her to be this bold.
Initially, I kept my eyes firmly shut and feigned unconsciousness, but every slight touch of her hand was so ticklish I couldn’t help but react.
Ultimately, I revealed myself.
And Hwa-eun, taken aback, exclaimed,
“Th-this is not what it appears!”
Since I was discovered, I offered an embarrassed smile and said,
“It’s alright. Hwa-eun, I, well… I also appreciate women who take initiative.”
“I-it is not that!”
Flustered, Hwa-eun began fanning her chest rapidly.
It was then I heard the children’s sounds from nearby.
–Tssrut?
Startled by the noise, we both turned our heads—Cho and Hyang were observing Hwa-eun with their heads cocked.
“Wh-when did you two arrive here?”
“F-from the beginning. Hwa-eun intended to clean you up because you were perspiring so heavily.”
“I-I see…”
With the children present, there was no possibility Hwa-eun had been attempting anything inappropriate, so it seemed it truly had been a misunderstanding.
At that moment, the cabin door flew open and Sister Seol hurried in.
“Hwa-eun! Ah! So-ryong, you’re awake! Come outside, quickly! A major event has occurred!”
“Sister Seol, wait a moment—oh, my clothes…”
She rushed over and began pulling me from the bed.
I hadn’t even managed to retie my robe, but she dragged me out onto the deck regardless.
At first, nothing appeared unusual.
“Ah, that’s cold.”
Abruptly, something icy touched the tip of my nose.
I glanced upward. Something white was drifting down, alighting softly on my forehead.
Again, the cold sensation returned.
“Snow?!”
It was autumn—snow at this time of year? Astonished, I turned to look toward Cheongwol. Over Dong-i’s glimmering blue form, white snowflakes were settling gently.
“Gyaaaaah!”