Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 409

Chapter 409
I stepped to the spot where Changcheon had let the needle fall and retrieved it, placing it on my open palm as I inquired:
“Where did you find this?”
It seemed recognizable, but I needed to be sure of its source first.
—Shrrrk. Shrrrrk.
‘—Tssrik. 『Ah, that—I simply found it on the ground earlier. Do you recognize it? I’m not sure of its purpose, but it appears to be a human creation…』’
Hearing this, I was suddenly reminded of the moment when he had burrowed into the earth, sifting through the mass of locusts, and seized something in his jaws.
At the time, I had only wondered what he was chewing on—but then he came hurtling toward us and the thought vanished.
Now, looking at it properly, I understood that must have been when he discovered this and brought it with him.
‘Ah! So the glint I saw Changcheon pick up earlier—it was this silver needle!’
Which meant the one carrying it… had been one of the locusts.
The needle, already feeling known to me, now had strong supporting proof.
A recognizable needle found inside a locust? That made it… almost certain, didn’t it?
I still didn’t understand why the locusts hadn’t been altered into spirit beasts like the army ants were, but that was a separate issue.
Just as I was about to look back at the needle to settle that final sliver of doubt, Cho started translating again.
—Tssrik. 『In every swarm that arrives, one or two usually carry an item like this. I never paid it much mind—oh, and also…』
The vibrating drone from his wings was lengthy, but the translated words were brief, which intrigued me. From his halting manner, it seemed the full message was too complex to convey all at once.
Cho rubbed his head with his antennae as if trying to remember, looking endearingly puzzled.
When I gave his head a pat, something seemed to connect, and he suddenly announced with clarity:
*—Tssrik! Tssrk. 『That’s right! I believed it was the same sort of thing humans fire from those bent pieces of wood when hunting.
But upon reflection, it seemed illogical. There would be no point in hunting small locusts with such a thing.』*
It appeared that King Locust Changcheon had mistaken this needle for something similar to the arrows used by highland hunters.
Like an arrowhead—he had probably assumed it was a missile meant for killing game.
Sister Jeokwol had also lived in isolation and knew little of humankind. It seemed Changcheon was much the same.
But that was irrelevant. The crucial point was that this needle had been discovered within every locust swarm.
That raised the supporting proof from 99 to 99.9 percent.
I looked back down at the needle in my hand, determined to reach absolute certainty.
“Let’s have a closer look…”
The thin, elongated needle was crafted from silver—a different metal from the one I was accustomed to.
Until now, every needle I had come across had been gold.
The one extracted from Cheong-yu Sojeo’s body was a long needle.
The one implanted in the army ant queen was a long needle.
And the one discovered on the camel spider was also a long needle.
But this one… was the tiniest of them all. A delicate, fine needle.
It was likely due to the host’s size, but one feature was consistent with all the others.
It was hollow on the inside—engineered to hold a liquid or some agent—just like every needle I had encountered.
‘That confirms it.’
All signs now undeniably identified the guilty party.
It was the Five Venoms Clan.
There was no question—those scoundrels were involved in another scheme.
Throughout the entire Central Plains, they were the only ones who would implant needles like this into insects.
And with that understanding, I knew—Changcheon was meant to be our ally.
‘This is destiny!’
I shouted “Excellent!” inwardly, then faced King Locust Changcheon with a grave demeanor.
“Hm… It appears we are opposed by the same foe.”
—Shrrk?
‘Tssrik. 『Foe?』’
‘Ah, he isn’t familiar with the term.’
Since he didn’t seem to grasp “foe,” I carefully removed the translation mushroom from the interpreter’s neck and held it in my hand.
“It refers to those who transformed your people into that… and the villains I have been pursuing—they are one and the same.”
—Shrrrk!? 『What are you saying!? Transformed my people into what!?』
His reaction made me remember once more—he had never seen what his own kind was supposed to be.
His reply was insistent, and I answered with a touch of sadness, my expression gentle.
“The beings you consider your people… They should have green forms, the color of the plains’ grass. They are charming, gentle creatures. They peacefully eat grass, and when night falls, they rub their wings and legs together to fill the world with serene music. In autumn, they herald the harvest.”
I let my voice grow distant, fondly recalling those calm autumn evenings filled with cricket song.
“When crickets hop about in autumn, people say, ‘A plentiful harvest is near.’ It signifies the fields are abundant with grain and no one will face hunger for a time. That is what we call a prosperous year.
People hold affection for crickets. I share that feeling.
But occasionally, for reasons unknown, their numbers surge… and they become what you witnessed. It is like the rain from the heavens or the chill of winter—a natural occurrence.
Yet when it happens, people perceive it as divine punishment. The insects that once sang of plenty arrive as a blight, and we fear we have incurred heaven’s wrath.
However, judging by that needle… this was not a natural shift. Someone interfered. Someone with malicious intent perverted your people.”
As I stressed that point, stating that his kind had been deliberately twisted, Changcheon’s antennae shot up, rigid.
Then came the sound of his wings—seething with anger.
—SHRRRRRK!
‘—TSSRIK! 『Who… who is responsible for this!? Who made my people into such abominations!?』’
His cry was fiery. His wings and legs rubbed together with such ferocity they seemed to smolder.
I tightened my fist and answered.
“The Five Venoms Clan. I will need to verify it, but… I am nearly sure. They are the sole faction that employs needles of this kind.”
—Shrrr…
‘Tssrk. 『The Five Venoms Clan…』’
Changcheon turned his gaze westward—the direction from which the locusts had come.
As he started beating his wings, I caught hold of him and asked:
—Shrrk. Shrrk.
“You aren’t planning to confront them alone, are you?”
—Shrrrr…
‘Tssrik… 『To reduce my people to mindless monsters… it is intolerable!』’
So impulsive…
I shook my head.
“They are probably located further down the mountain, but you cannot face them alone. Even if you locate some, they will merely be a fragment of the whole. Their main stronghold… their nest lies elsewhere. And their numbers are too great for you to fight solo.”
—TSSRIK!
‘Tssrik! 『Regardless, if they are my people’s en—ah! Enemy! Do not attempt to hinder me!』’
He squirmed in my grasp, trying to break free, but I spoke to him soothingly.
“I do not mean to hinder you. Just as they have harmed your people… they have also harmed my family.”
He went completely still.
I believe he was stunned—learning that I too had suffered family losses at their hands.
Shared grief, as the saying goes.
I had not spoken a falsehood.
Several fighters of the Sichuan Tang Clan had been killed by Blood Cult filth now allied with the Five Venoms Clan.
As they were from my wife’s lineage, they were kin to me.
And if they were slain by the Blood Cult serving the Five Venoms, then it is the same as if the Five Venoms themselves did the deed.
‘The reasoning is complex, but it holds true.’
Now that he had ceased struggling, I released him and continued.
Time to secure his alliance.
“If you seek vengeance for your people… why not ally with me? I am already committed to erasing the Five Venoms Clan from this earth. You and I—we have both lost those dear to us. We are alike.”
Changcheon looked up at me, motionless and quiet.
He seemed to be considering my proposal, turning it over in his thoughts.
Then, he lifted his head again and gave a nod.
—SHRRRK!
‘—TSSRIK! 『Agreed! I will remain with you until the day we tear them out by the roots!』’
“Splendid! Then from this moment, we are comrades—and kin!”
As Changcheon and I joined hand and foreleg in a pact of brotherhood, sharing a warrior’s understanding, the translator, who had just roused, blinked and asked:
“Um… what in the world is happening?”
“What does it look like? So-ryong’s family has grown again. He’s overjoyed, as usual.”
At this, the interpreter’s face contorted in even deeper bewilderment.
***
A short time later, the group that had left came hurrying back, their questions urgent:
“What occurred?!”
“What’s the status?!”
“Thanks to the Locust King’s assistance, the cure has been administered.”
“Ah. What a relief.”
“Truly, that is good news.”
But the moment they noticed my slightly embarrassed smile—and the translator’s—after I confirmed the treatment’s success, their focus immediately shifted to the silver needle I presented.
Although Hugae cast a sharp look toward the translator, even he recognized this was a much more critical issue.
“So you are saying this silver needle was discovered on a locust? And it seems to be an implement of the Five Venoms Clan?”
“Yes.”
I responded to Ji-ryong’s query, and then my older brother, who had been examining the needle, asked:
“You are sure the Five Venoms Clan crafted this?”
“Yes, Brother. I have seen their work on multiple occasions. It is a match.”
“So-ryong is likely correct. It resembles what we recovered in the Beast Palace.”
“It is very similar to the one removed from Cheong-yu Sojeo’s body.”
“Then it is settled.”
“So it truly is the handiwork of the Five Venoms?”
They were all seeking the same confirmation—was this genuinely a Five Venoms Clan needle?
With both Seol and Hwa-eun corroborating my judgment, everyone nodded in agreement.
Anyone who had previously seen the Five Venoms’ needles concurred—the resemblance was exact.
After this, everyone’s mood grew somber.
None of us had anticipated the enemy would strike using such a method.
If Changcheon had not stopped them, if events had unfolded just a little differently, the locust swarm could have reached the Central Plains—and unleashed total devastation.
“They are producing locusts now as well? This means we must act swiftly.”
The urgency was palpable in Ji-ryong’s tone, and I nodded in reply:
“Yes, but we must wait a short while longer. There is an individual—a person, not a creature—who is essential to this. I dispatched Yeondu and Cho to retrieve her.”
“Ah, you sent them for Cheong-yu Sojeo?”
“Correct, Hwa-eun. If anyone comprehends the ways of the Five Venoms Clan, it is her. We require her insight.”
The moment everyone had returned, we had hastened to send Yeondu and Cho by boat.
It was simply unthinkable to pursue the Five Venoms Clan without Cheong-yu Sojeo.
Even if their operatives were likely somewhere down the mountain, locating their secret headquarters would be challenging.
But for a former member of the Five Venoms Clan? It should be far simpler.
Once I finished explaining, everyone nodded in agreement.
Then Hwa-eun’s voice chimed in.
“And So-ryong—shouldn’t you introduce him properly?”
I turned to see her offering a warm smile toward the interpreter, who was presenting Changcheon to the children.
—Tssrrrk. 『This is Mr. Changcheon. He is Father’s friend now.』
—Chwarrrrk.
—Tssrik. 『Not “mister,” is that right? My apologies, I was unaware.』
—Kuuu. 『So you have formed a friendship with Father?』
—Ska.
I had already provided Hwa-eun with a summary before the others arrived, so she was likely prompting a formal introduction to the rest of the group.
Since the children had already made his acquaintance, I introduced him to the others.
“Ah, yes. This is the King of Locusts—his name is Changcheon. He has chosen to join our cause. He seeks retribution against the Five Venoms Clan for corrupting his people into those monstrous locusts.”
“Oh, Changcheon. A powerful name. We welcome you, Changcheon.”
“A pleasure to meet you. We share your hatred for the Five Venoms Clan—they are our sworn enemies.”
—Chwarrr. Chwarrrrk.
—Tssrrrk. 『I-I anticipate collaborating with you all.』
“He says he looks forward to working with us.”
“As one would expect from a locust king—so courteous.”
The introductions had just concluded when a tentative voice spoke up nearby.
“Um…”
Everyone turned to see the translator scratching his head.
“Yes? What is it?”
“Am I… truly healed?”
I had mentioned earlier that he was effectively cured, but now he sought specifics.
“Yes. The infection had spread through your system, but once the mushroom was extracted from your throat, your body naturally assimilated the remainder.”
“I understand. I apologize for causing concern.”
His face showed clear relief at my explanation.
I was about to return my attention to Changcheon when the translator pointed at the mushroom taken from his neck.
“But, uh… would that be alright to eat?”
This fellow still had much to learn.
***
Two days later, moments before sunrise—
Cheong-yu Sojeo arrived.
—Siaaa. “This is unmistakably a Five Venoms needle.”
The instant she arrived, she identified it without pause after inspecting the needle I gave her.
She also clarified its function.
*—Sia. Ishi. 『In contrast to the gold needles, this is not for creating spirit beasts or controlling their minds. This type is designed to transmit basic commands to insects.
Essentially, it designates one insect as a guide, and the others obey its direction.
This time, the command was most likely to fly east—toward the rising sun—as the locusts originated from the west.』*
“Ah…”
Since they came from the west, the order was probably to travel toward the Central Plains. I acknowledged her analysis with a nod and asked:
“Do you believe we can trace them back?”
At this, Cheong-yu Sojeo offered a slight smile.
—Siii. 『Naturally. They likely presume I am dead. They would not imagine me being with you, So-ryong, so they will still be utilizing my former signals.』
‘Time to give those Five Venoms villains an unexpected reception, then.’
The thought of taking them unawares made me smile.
But then Cheong-yu Sojeo posed a question:
—Siaa. 『But if the trail leads west… we may need to journey all the way to the Western Regions. Are you prepared for that, So-ryong?』
She was inquiring if I was apprehensive—given that in these times, most individuals never journey beyond their own hamlet, much less to foreign lands.
But apprehensive? Quite the opposite—I was exhilarated.
If our path leads to the Western Regions… that means India.
India is home to cobras—and a multitude of unique poisonous creatures.
And this is a world full of marvels.
Who could guess what kinds of spirit beasts might be found there?
‘To the Western Regions we go!’
My heart raced with excitement at the prospect of discovering what new venomous wonders awaited.