Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 390

Chapter 390
If Ranghu was the spirit beast disturbed by the arrival of another companion, then among the humans, there was another individual experiencing a similar sense of disquiet.

To be more precise, it was less a feeling of unease and more one of being thoroughly flustered.

Just as Ranghu had been annoyed by Jeokwol’s presence, Father-in-law was completely taken aback by the sudden proliferation of new creatures.

“Son-in-law, it is entirely because of you that the poison arts of our Tang Clan are nearing a revolutionary advancement!”
“Haha, it was no trouble at all.”
“No trouble? You have performed an immense service for us!”
“Ah, Father-in-law, would you be able to accompany me for a short while?”
“To go somewhere?”
“Indeed. Although most of the new arrivals can reside with me, Sunbaek and Baekbaek—our White-Shell Pangolins—require a frigid climate to remain in good health.”
“I have identified a location that should be suitable for them, but I would value your opinion on it.”
“If the matter is this important, then I will certainly come.”

He had been delighted by all the new spirit beasts joining the clan—but the instant he accompanied me to the spot, his cheerful expression solidified into one of pure astonishment.

“Th-this location?”
“Yes. Sunbaek and Baekbaek need cold, and is this not the most frigid place within the Tang Clan?”
“It remains chilled here even during the warmer seasons. The ice hardly ever thaws. It is an ideal location.”

Father-in-law, despite his formidable reputation as the stern and pitiless leader of the Tang Clan, bore the title of Heavenly Poison Scholar.

One might question why a man of his age and stature carried a title including “Scholar”—as if he were some mild-mannered intellectual just beginning to explore the wider world.

But the title was well-earned.

He appeared harmless, resembling a studious academic, yet beneath that exterior, he was notorious for deploying vicious and ruthless poison techniques without a second thought.

The title held another meaning as well—his face was perpetually guileless and impossible to read, constantly concealing his true motives behind the serene mask of a benevolent scholar.

In essence, he was not a man easily ruffled.

And yet, the second I revealed this particular place to him, his words faltered.

“W-well, that is accurate, but… what of the underground prison?”

He was proposing that alternative?

I am sorry, but there was absolutely no possibility I would allow my spirit beasts to dwell in a former place of confinement.

How could I possibly house those pure white creatures in a gloomy hole where individuals had once been tormented and dissolved by poison?

The residual toxins alone were a significant danger.

Baekbaek was still practically a baby—what if she ingested something there and was poisoned?

I shook my head with resolve.
“That is situated up the mountain, correct? Regardless of it being patrolled by guards, how could we place such vital spirit beasts in a location like that?”
“Furthermore, that site was utilized for poison-assisted interrogations. If any residue lingers… it could be fatal for them.”
“Hmm… you are right.”

His voice faded away.

This was the very same man who had once boldly proclaimed his support for his son-in-law’s ‘hobby’ of cultivating venomous creatures. Now, he was wavering.

What, had I suddenly become a “secured fish”? A husband who was already caught?
“Now that he is married into the family, we can stop making an effort?” Was that it?

The formerly assertive and decisive father-in-law, who had even used his own daughter as a bargaining chip in the marriage negotiations, had vanished, replaced by this indecisive version.

Perhaps it was his age. Maybe his estrogen levels were increasing?

As a man myself, I felt a tinge of disappointment—but I collected my thoughts. It was time for persuasion.
“I appreciate your hesitation. However, there are distinct advantages to housing Sunbaek and Baekbaek here.”
“What advantages?”
“If they make their home here, the entire cavern will become colder. That would significantly extend the preservation time for the poisons and herbs stored within. Cold retards spoilage—you know this.”
“Was that not the very reason poisons were stored here initially?”
“Th-that is… true. Sigh…”

He still could not reach a decision.

We were located in the most interior section of the Mandok Hall, beyond even the chambers used for rearing venomous beings or storing toxins.

This room, perpetually cold even in summer, had always been reserved for storing the most temperature-sensitive poisons and herbs.

I was requesting to transform it into a new living space for Sunbaek and Baekbaek—and that was evidently not a simple request for him to grant.
“Even meat can be preserved here for years frozen solid. Consider the savings.”
“Mmgh…”

I had presented numerous compelling arguments. Why was he still doubtful?

Just as I was beginning to think this was becoming impossibly difficult, Hwa-eun—who had been quiet until now—finally spoke.
“Father.”
“Yes, Hwa-eun? What is it?”
“I have been contemplating during this journey… I wish for us to expedite the wedding.”
“The wedding?”

Father-in-law turned to look at me, his eyes narrowing just a fraction.

He was clearly expecting me to provide some context.

I was equally astonished.

Certainly, we had discussed marrying upon my return, but I never anticipated her bringing it up so directly.

As Father-in-law and I shared a look of mutual surprise, Hwa-eun continued, endeavoring to explain herself.
“Yes. So-ryong consistently places himself in peril to collect spirit beasts. I believe it is time we formalized the wedding—as soon as it can be arranged.”
“And beyond the ceremony itself, I genuinely want him to remain at the Tang Clan more frequently. If he is to develop stronger connections to the clan, we must foster those bonds here.”

Her face was flushed, yet her tone was steady. She must have summoned considerable courage to say that.

All her words essentially translated to:
“Let us marry quickly, so my fiancé ceases embarking on hazardous missions and remains here, pursuing his hobby safely.”

Supporting his spirit beast rearing was preferable to him perishing elsewhere.

And truly, what father could refuse his daughter’s heartfelt plea?

Father-in-law scratched his head, then released a sigh with a distinctly resigned expression.
“Agh… very well. Hwa-eun. Fine. So-ryong, we will use this space. I will personally address the elders.”

Even if his tone suggested surrender, permission had been granted.

I offered a wide smile and a deep bow.
“Thank you! Sincerely, Father-in-law!”
“Th-thank me? This place, this clan… it is all essentially yours now, is it not?”
“That is the Father-in-law I recognize. Just as decisive as always.”

It appeared he had finally accepted the situation.

With that characteristic confidence returning to his voice, a realization struck me—

If I continue to gradually expand like this…

The Tang Clan will inevitably transform into So-ryong’s Vast Spirit Beast Preserve.

And frankly? That day is rapidly approaching.

***

Now that a new home for Sunbaek and Baekbaek was officially approved, work commenced without delay.

We could not continue to keep them confined within the ship’s limited quarters.

The faster the construction was completed, the sooner they could be relocated to an appropriate habitat.

Fortunately, the undertaking was not particularly complex.

The innermost area of Mandok Hall was already equipped with ventilation, drainage, and basic structural compartments. The primary tasks were to insulate the entrance and remove any stored items for reorganization in other areas.

Chilling the interior would be effortlessly managed—Seol and Bing would see to that.
“Place that over there. Relocate the temperature-sensitive poisons to the adjacent chamber.”
“Yes, Elder.”

Once Father-in-law had directed people to empty the space, he called for the artisans from the Tang Clan’s primary workshop.

Not himself—I refer to the actual craftsmen, not my father-in-law.
“…Therefore, I trust you to guarantee the cold is properly contained.”

After I outlined the essential specifications, the craftsmen nodded with self-assured looks—then posed an unexpected question.
“Have no concern, Lord So-ryong. We Tang artisans are masters of our trade. Ah, and… might we utilize some of Yohwa’s silk?”
“Yohwa’s silk?”
“Yes. Given its capacity to retain heat, we believe it may also be effective at retaining cold.”
“Ohhh.”

Now that they mentioned it, it was perfectly logical. Yohwa, is, after all, a spirit beast that spins silk impervious to infrared radiation—often referred to as heat rays.

If it blocks infrared, it possesses high thermal insulation. That same property should logically work in the opposite manner: containing cold as effectively as it contains heat.
“You may proceed. Inform Yohwa I granted permission. Simply explain it is for the construction.”
“Understood, Lord So-ryong.”
“What is the estimated duration for the project?”
“We will complete it within two days.”
“Excellent. Let us go, Hwa-eun.”
“Yes, So-ryong.”

With the schedule confirmed, I considered the housing issue for Sunbaek and Baekbaek resolved.

Walking out of Mandok Hall with a light step, I encountered Mandok Shingun—Grandfather.

He had been visiting the capital city of Sichuan for several days, so I had not seen him since my return.
“Grandfather.”
“Grandpa!”

We both greeted him warmly, and he spread his arms to embrace Hwa-eun, laughing softly.
“You have returned safely, I see. My, my. My dear granddaughter has matured so much—we could arrange the wedding practically anytime.”
“…!”

Hwa-eun’s face turned a deep scarlet.

She reacted to his jest as if it were a serious statement, and the old man looked at her with sudden curiosity.
“Oh-ho? I was only joking, but it appears you truly desire the wedding to happen soon?”
“Yes, Grandpa. I have already discussed it with Father.”
“Haha! Well, So-ryong may not have undergone a formal coming-of-age ceremony yet, but that is merely a number. He is already mature and capable. An early wedding would not be unfavorable. I will converse with your mother and father and ensure it is arranged.”
“Thank you, Grandpa.”
“Thank you.”

His response was quintessential Grandpa—bold, upbeat, and definitive.

As happiness illuminated Hwa-eun’s expression, I turned to ask him, “Were you on your way to Mandok Hall, sir?”
“No—I was searching for the two of you.”

He must have heard of our return and sought us out personally. I felt apologetic.
“Had we known you were back, we would have come to you first. My apologies.”

He shook his head.
“It is unnecessary. I came because I wished to see you, yes, but also because when I returned and spoke with your father-in-law, he delivered some astounding news!”
“Astounding news? Regarding a spirit beast?”
“No, not that—he informed me that the two of you achieved the Three Blossom Refinement Realm! That is something you should have told me immediately upon your arrival! Come, I wish to evaluate your cultivation personally.”

Ah—so that was the surprise. He likely spoke with Sister Seol after returning and learned of our breakthrough.
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay, Grandpa.”

We had both planned to request his assessment regardless. Since attaining the Three Blossom Refinement Realm, we had hoped he could examine our condition.

Sister Seol and Cheongyu had provided assistance, but Grandfather was the Tang Clan’s supreme elder—there was no one more qualified to verify our internal energy flow.
“We will begin with Hwa-eun. It is almost time for the evening meal, so let us be efficient. I instructed the kitchen to prepare a special dish since the entire family is gathered.”
“Yes, Grandpa.”

And so we accompanied him to the Training Grounds by the Ancient Tree.

The sun was starting to set by the time we arrived.

I observed the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings returning with the fading daylight—perhaps Nanghu was brooding alongside Ranghu, as neither acknowledged our presence.

Grandfather instructed Hwa-eun to sit and initiate breathing meditation.
“Demonstrate your Qi circulation.”
“Yes.”

Seated cross-legged on the stone pavement, she channeled her inner energy, revealing her new level of cultivation.

Grandfather felt her pulse and smiled with evident pride.
“This is the venom of a spirit beast, is it not?”
“Yes. From Sandan, the Double-Blossomed Orchid Mantis.”
“You subdued it independently? Extraordinary. Your Qi is steady—you have performed admirably. Continue to refine it.”
“Thank you, Grandpa.”

He commended her for reaching this realm on her own and enduring the agony of venom assimilation.
“Now you, So-ryong.”

Like Hwa-eun, I completed my Qi circulation routine, and Grandfather nodded his approval.
“Splendid. Your energy is finely cultivated. Maintain your efforts.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Well then, shall we dine?”

Just as we prepared to depart, a thought occurred to me.

The merging of Cheongwol’s ability with my Iron Turtle Art—I had intended to inquire about it.
“Oh! Grandfather, something unusual occurred.”
“Unusual?”
“It is… Cheongwol’s ability—it somehow merged with my Iron Turtle Art…”
“Hoho… that is indeed fascinating.”

I raised my robe to show him the effect, and he scrutinized the alteration thoughtfully.

After a moment of consideration, he inquired,
“So-ryong, apart from the Five Venoms Techniques, what other martial arts have you studied?”
“Hmm… Dagger techniques? Throwing blades?”
“No, I refer to internal energy disciplines.”
“Ah—besides Five Venoms and Iron Turtle Art, I have also learned the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Technique, and… oh! Another from the Beast Palace. Myoa’s Secret Night Technique—it allows me to see perfectly in the dark.”
“Is that so? Attempt to activate it.”
“Huh? Why?”
“If Cheongwol’s powers influenced one of your techniques, perhaps others have been altered as well.”

One must expect such insight from a top master. Grandfather’s perception was on a different level.

Now that I considered it, I had not employed Myoa’s Secret Night Technique lately.

I activated it with a sense of anticipation—my vision brightened.

But… nothing appeared to have changed.
“Hmm. It does not seem any different?”
“Perhaps not. It is nearly dinnertime regardless. We can investigate tomorrow. We would not want the food to grow cold. The servants are waiting by the entrance.”

I turned and, just as he stated, noticed servants standing uncertainly—prevented from entering by the wasps.
“Shall we proceed?”

I took a few steps, feeling somewhat let down that I had not unlocked a new ability… when abruptly—

Hwa-eun, walking next to me, discreetly slid her hand into mine.

The brazen gesture made me start with surprise—and in that very instant, my vision went dark.

I instinctively pressed my fingers to my temples, blinking rapidly, and then—

An entirely new world revealed itself before my eyes.

Everything was awash in hues of red, blue, and green.

A world perceived entirely through temperature.
“Gyaaaah! Infrared vision!?”

The cheeks of Hwa-eun, whose hand I held, were glowing a vivid red—quite literally.

There was no doubt about it.

Myoa’s Secret Night Technique had evolved into thermal sight.