Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 415

Chapter 415
My intention for today had been merely to conduct reconnaissance.
The initial strategy was to watch closely for a few days, develop a thorough plan, and then eradicate those scoundrels in a single, decisive strike.
To be frank, once our preparations were complete, there was no chance of them evading us.
This was especially true with the children assisting us.
With Cho, Yeondu, Moji, Soji, and Elder Sister Jeokwol providing aerial surveillance for anything unusual—and with Cheong-yu Sojeo’s photographic traps in place—who could possibly escape?
Furthermore, we had Changcheon, Hyang, Bini, and Ranghyang, all motivated by a thirst for revenge. Our target stood no chance of breaking free from this encirclement.
‘Try to flee. I’d like to see you try.’
The martial world has a concept known as Heaven’s Net and Earth’s Snare. It describes a perfect trap, akin to a spiderweb that cannot be broken out of.
Yet any net woven by human hands, regardless of its tightness, will inevitably have weaknesses.
Now, consider a net woven not by humans, but by our children.
That—is the genuine Heaven’s Net and Earth’s Snare.
Yeondu’s ability to detect infrared signatures. Ranghyang’s sensitivity to vibrations in the earth. The antennae of Cho, Hyang, and Bini that can detect shifts in temperature.
And that is not the full extent of our capabilities.
Yohwa could perceive the most minor disturbances in the air itself.
Therefore, once our team committed to a full assault, breaking free became a near impossibility.
However, the slight possibility of a concealed tunnel or hidden escape route remained. That was the reason we desired a complete and detailed survey first.
But witnessing those Five Venoms wretches walking about so openly, their emblem boldly displayed on their backs? Their overconfidence made my anger flare.
‘Conceited fools!’
The Five Venoms Sect is no righteous martial order. In the Central Plains, they are considered turncoats, dissenters, and enemies of the entire Murim. They cannot even show their faces in daylight there!
And yet here they are—roaming freely in a foreign land, in the open, with their symbol fully visible?
I will not allow it.
Someone must enforce what is right.
Those who commit crimes ought to live in fear and secrecy, while honest people walk without fear. That is the natural order of things.
‘And what of me? I am skulking in the shadows, while they parade about without a care?!’
That decided it. This would no longer be a simple observation mission. Today, at a minimum, a couple of them would learn a painful lesson.
‘Kids, come here.’
At my summons, two sleek forms unwound themselves from my arms and slid down—Gukja and Jugeok.
They expanded their hoods and fixed their gazes on me.
I had given them names meaning kitchen utensils because the shape of their spread hoods reminded me of ladles and turners.
Both serpents cocked their heads, questioning me silently: What is it?
‘See those men walking ahead? They are exceptionally wicked individuals. Would you care to go and spray some venom into their eyes?’
Hearing this, their hoods spread wide with aggressive excitement.
To them, I represented ultimate trust and affection—their guardian and closest companion.
We were connected through the Snake Gate. We were now a family.
—Srrrshh.
Gukja and Jugeok sped off with remarkable velocity toward the oblivious pair ahead of us.
Cobras are swift. They glided over the cracked stone path and weaved through undergrowth as I directed them with silent commands.
[So-ryong, what is this!?]
[Young Lord! What is your intention!?]
I offered a soft smile, directing a finger toward the Five Venoms fighters in the distance.
Every gaze trailed my pointing finger—and at that precise moment, the villains’ conversation reached us.
“Now that we’re all the way out in the Western Regions, I wouldn’t complain about visiting a village for some rice. Why is entering villages forbidden again?”
“Tell me about it. It feels like an eternity since I’ve had a good bowl of rice…”
“Steamed rice… soaked in boiling hot soup…”
“Ugh… merely the thought makes me salivate.”
It seemed they were out hunting game to replenish their provisions, similar to what we had done on our Qinghai journey.
I felt it—that sympathetic twinge of shared hardship. We too had grown weary of a diet consisting only of meat.
I comprehended their craving for rice.
Which is precisely why… I resolved to provide them with some.
Funeral rice.
I answered the mental exclamations with a smirk.
[They appear famished. I thought I might offer them a decent meal.]
[Wait, what does that mean?]
[Just a moment—what sort of meal!?]
[Did you just say… funeral rice!?]
My companions gazed at me, astounded.
‘Alright, both of you—don’t inflict serious harm. Just one spray each, and if it doesn’t land, pull back at once, understood?’
I sent this last command to Gukja and Jugeok.
Just as the two warriors began to turn toward a shaking bush to their right, I watched the snakes take aim.
—Rustle… rustle…
“Huh?”
“What was that? Some small creature?”
Their alertness was pitifully lacking. They clearly anticipated little danger here—likely assuming it was just an animal to hunt.
As they moved nearer to the bushes—
Now!
At my mental cry, Gukja and Jugeok emerged from the leaves.
In flawless unison, they ejected their venom like seasoned criminals settling a score.
—PSSSHHH! PSSSHHH!
Four thin streams of venom shot forth—one from each fang.
The jets sailed through the air and hit their mark perfectly—directly into the eyes of the astonished warriors.
Well, one of them, at least.
The second man reacted just in time to protect his face with his arm.
‘Tch! Blast it!’
Nevertheless, one of them collapsed to the ground, shrieking.
“GYAAAHHH!!”
He gripped his eyes, thrashing on the ground in torment.
I instantly ordered the snakes to withdraw, concerned the unhurt one might retaliate.
But he was too preoccupied.
“Are you okay!? Damn it, why are there two spitting cobras here!?”
“M-My eyes! My eyes!!”
“Just hang on! We’ll get to the pond—then you can see the Heuksadae Captain. He understands snake venoms. You’ll be alright!”
Fortunately—while he was aiding his hurt comrade, Gukja and Jugeok made their escape.
“Ughhhh…”
The envenomed man was squirming in pain, his eyes already blistering. The other one lifted him up and began heading back the way they had come—toward a nearby pond.
I trailed them from a distance, with Jeokwol on my shoulders.
The pond they reached was dominated by a headless stone statue of a serpent wrapped around itself.
The injured fighter bent over the water, moaning, and started to rinse his eyes.
Observing him was deeply gratifying.
‘This is immensely satisfying. Should I order another attack?’
It was so rewarding that I genuinely contemplated repeating the act.
I wasn’t the only one relishing the moment, either. Despite their earlier worry, the rest of the team now appeared delighted.
If I had attacked them directly, they might have become more vigilant or fled. But being struck by what they believed were mere wild cobras? That risk didn’t exist.
They could never suspect that I had masterminded the entire event.
‘You see? I knew you would appreciate it.’
***
—Grrrr…
It occurred when Seon-hwa came back from the scouting mission and softly petted the head of the tiger she had “reserved.”
A deep, menacing growl echoed out.
The animal bared its teeth, its sharp fangs glinting.
It was growling at Seon-hwa—attempting to threaten her.
“Oh… still not fully tame, I see. My apologies.”
It seemed the Beast Heart Art had not yet fully subdued it, so it did not acknowledge her as its master.
At that moment, Bini moved in, tapped the tiger’s head several times with her antennae, and reprimanded it like a stern instructor.
—Tsrut! 『You there! Remember your place!』
—Whine…
Instantly, the tiger’s ears flattened and its tail slumped to the floor.
So much for the mighty monarch of the wilderness.
Truthfully, its behavior was more reminiscent of a petulant house cat than a tiger.
Perhaps… even more like a scolded dog.
If I had to name it on the spot? Honyang. (Tiger-Cat.)
‘Hold on… isn’t the lion supposed to be the “King of Beasts” anyway?’
As I mentally scoffed at this tiger’s sorry display, the village chief entered the dilapidated temple—accompanied by a line of villagers.
They were bearing large platters.
On the platters were an assortment of foods—the fiery curries that had alarmed everyone the previous night, alongside a selection of tropical fruits. It seemed the evening meal was ready.
“Please, help yourselves.”
There were still no utensils—everything was to be eaten with hands—and the spiciness was as intense as before. Most of our group still seemed reluctant.
The men opted to try the curry again. The women primarily chose the fruit.
“Were you successful in your search?”
The chief gave us a courteous look before inquiring about our examination of the temple.
I nodded.
“Yes. The group we are pursuing—they are undoubtedly there.”
“It is a relief to hear that.”
“They are dangerous individuals. Please ensure that none of your people approach that area.”
The Five Venoms Sect was, after all, infamous for conducting horrific experiments on humans without remorse.
I did not wish for these generous villagers to come to harm.
The village chief appeared profoundly touched.
“Understood. Sincerely. You are concerned for our safety as well… Thank you, Nagak!”
I was about to take more curry when I suddenly sensed movement at my wrist.
—Ssshhk.
It was Gukja and Jugeok.
The two spitting cobras shifted, communicating a clear need: They were also hungry.
This was logical—they had just expended their venom.
Snakes consume significant energy when they release their toxin; reproducing it demands both time and resources.
I decided they needed to be fed as well.
As they twisted around my arm, a recollection from earlier surfaced in my thoughts—something that had felt odd.
‘Just a moment…’
I addressed the village chief.
“Incidentally… earlier, when I was at the temple—I noticed something peculiar.”
“Peculiar?”
“Yes. I was told it was a Shiva temple, but in the pond, there was a statue of an enormous snake coiled around it. Do you know the significance of that?”
The statue I saw was huge—at least three stories tall—and the image of that coiled serpent was striking.
The chief tilted his head, asking with surprise:
“The Nagak is not familiar with this?”
‘Oh no.’
That’s right. They all believe I am a Nаga.
If I mishandle this, my disguise will be ruined.
Taken by surprise, I could only stammer incoherently.
“Well, you see… that is…”
“Ahh, certainly! It must be because it was a rough creation made by human hands. That serpent symbolizes Kundalini Shakti—as you well know, the divine feminine energy that coils around the waist of Lord Shiva.”
“Ah, yes! Kundrati… I mean—Kundalini Shakti! Naturally, I am aware.”
I had narrowly avoided disaster.
I wiped a bead of anxious sweat from my brow.
‘That was too close.’
I told myself to choose my words with greater care from now on.
Even so, a feeling of unease persisted.
That decapitated statue—probably wrecked by Muslim iconoclasts—was unmistakably a representation of Shiva.
But the snake encircling it was not merely at the waist. It wound around the entire form.
Its shape was also distinctive. Something felt incorrect.
The chief’s interpretation did not completely align with what I had observed—yet I could not inquire further.
Asking too many questions might reveal that I was not truly a Nаga.
That would brand me a deceiver—a charlatan accepting food and shelter under fraudulent circumstances.
‘However… that is not the primary concern at this moment.’
The crucial task is to pursue the villains of the Five Venoms Sect.
And I intend to crush them. Every single one.