Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 419

Chapter 419
The moment I laid eyes on the document held by the Black Sand Unit leader, a gut feeling told me it was significant.
It was clearly a map—but it felt far more important than a simple chart.
“Is that a marker for their new headquarters?”
Sister Seol, who was next to me, proposed it might indicate the site of their new base, but I was certain she was mistaken.
Just think about it: a new base is practically their new home, isn’t it?
And who in their right mind carries around a map pointing directly to their own dwelling? As if they’d forget where they lived?
That didn’t add up at all.
They obviously knew the location of their base. Carrying such a map risked it being seized, which would expose their entire operation.
Therefore, this map had to signify something different—something of great value.
I explained my reasoning to the group.
“I highly doubt it’s a hideout. These are the operatives working for the Five Venoms Clan out here in the Central Plains, aren’t they? The ones handling their external missions.”
“That’s correct.”
“What’s your point?”
“Now picture scoundrels like them walking around with a map that has their safehouse marked on it. What happens if it’s lost or stolen? Then what?”
“Oh, I see. You’re right. They would never carry something that could lead an enemy right to their door.”
“You’re correct, unni. I was agreeing with you at first, but now that he mentions it… it probably isn’t a base.”
“Our So-ryong is as sharp as ever, isn’t he?”
—Shia. 『I concur.』
Sister Seol, Hwa-eun, and Cheong-yu Sojeo all nodded in vigorous agreement at the same time.
I felt a slight blush of warmth in my cheeks from their admiration when Sister Seol wondered aloud,
“Then what in the world could it be marking?”
She was pondering what the map’s marking actually represented.
What else could be so crucial?
There was only one logical conclusion.
Another spirit beast of the serpent type.
‘The Black Sand Unit is known for hunting spirit beasts, specifically snake-types. So it’s very possible this map points to another serpent spirit beast.’
As Cheong-yu Sojeo had explained, each of the Five Martial Units of the Five Venoms Clan pursues beasts that match their unit’s name.
If they were carrying a map with a specific location marked?
The odds were high that it indicated where a spirit beast could be found.
My approach? If I found its habitat, I would simply communicate with it. Have a genuine discussion. Use a compassionate, ethical method to befriend and enlist it.
But the Five Venoms Clan? They would recklessly endanger lives, dispatching fighters to capture it by force. So it was logical for them to possess a map with topographical details to prepare for a future hunt.
The Black Sand Unit in particular were essentially specialized snake hunters.
And since I’d learned from Cheong-yu Sojeo that they already possessed the General Snake, it was even more probable the map led to another one—perhaps even another two-headed serpent.
“I believe it may lead to the location of another snake spirit beast.”
—Shiaa. 『Oh! That is perfectly logical. During my time with the Five Venoms Clan, they constantly sent warriors into the Central Plains to monitor the locations of spirit beasts.』
“That is certainly a possibility.”
“I agree.”
“I think so as well, So So-hyeop.”
Since everyone appeared to accept my hypothesis, we resolved to examine the marked location on the map more carefully.
“Alright, let’s have a proper look.”
Please let it be close by. Please let it be nearby.
I stared intently at the map, hoping with all my might that it was a local area—but no matter how hard I studied it, I couldn’t determine which region the topographical features represented.
If it had been a complete map of the Central Plains, I might have been able to guess. However, this was just an isolated section of some territory, making it impossible to identify.
And when that’s the case?
It was time to ask for Ji-ryong’s help.
He was standing behind me, also looking at the map. I inquired,
“Ahem. Ji-ryong, I can’t decipher this. Do you have any idea where this might be?”
“Allow me a moment to examine it.”
He courteously asked for permission to inspect the map and began studying it with great focus.
But even after a long period of scrutiny, he seemed uncertain. He tilted his head and stated,
“I cannot be sure. I believe I would need to cross-reference it with other maps. Would you permit me to take this for further study?”
I had always operated under the assumption that all discoveries were group property, but Ji-ryong likely thought that, as our unofficial leader, I had final say. Hence, he was seeking my approval.
“Absolutely. But let’s check that book first.”
“This one here?”
“Yes. It was recovered with the map, correct? Perhaps it contains writings that relate to the map.”
“An excellent point. Let us examine it.”
Since both items were found on the body of the Black Sand Unit leader, there was a possibility the book held relevant information. I promptly opened it and began to read.
Unfortunately, the contents read more like a mission log. Nothing directly pertaining to the map. It primarily chronicled the unit’s operations in this region.
“Initially, our objective was to capture yellow locusts, breed them in greater numbers, and dispatch them into the Central Plains.
However, we could not locate any within the Western Regions.
Local accounts suggest they materialize abruptly and disappear just as fast.
This led us to the concept of converting common grasshoppers into yellow locusts—
Our initial efforts resulted in repeated failure.
Then, by chance—a mere accident—we observed that a few grasshoppers, confined in a restricted area, had undergone a transformation into yellow locusts.
Mass breeding proved challenging, but by the summer solstice, we succeeded in releasing our first swarm.
Regrettably, this first endeavor was unsuccessful.
The locust swarm traveled up the mountain… and then disappeared partway.”
Searching through the pages, I found the entry describing their initial locust release. It seemed their original plan was to breed and disperse yellow locusts, but after accidentally discovering that desert grasshoppers could metamorphose under specific conditions, they had exploited this.
‘Damn. They stumbled upon it.’
A mere stroke of luck—but that single stroke could have meant famine for thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, across the Central Plains.
“That’s a perilous kind of luck.”
“Indeed.”
“We are fortunate we prevented it.”
As everyone nodded, expressing relief that we had averted the catastrophe, I was stuck with a frustrating realization—the book made no mention of what the map signified.
‘These wretches are truly a letdown.’
Still, there was a chance it contained other useful information, so I decided to entrust both the book and the map to Ji-ryong.
“Ji-ryong, I’ll give you this book as well, just in case. Please inform me if you discover anything.”
“Understood, So So-hyeop.”
Ji-ryong carefully placed the book inside his robes.
At that moment, my brother’s voice called from the cave entrance.
“Ji-ryong! Over here! The poisonous haze seems to have dissipated—we’re proceeding to search the inner cavern.”
“On my way.”
It appeared the toxic mist from Ranghyang had finally cleared, allowing them to investigate the interior.
Typically, cyanide gas is undetectable—no color, smell, or taste. One can suffocate without any warning.
Fortunately, Ranghyang’s venom had a distinct red color, making it visible while active. They could now commence their search in safety.
‘Perhaps I should go with them.’
I was on the verge of following Ji-ryong when Hwa-eun, gazing at the recumbent two-headed snake, asked,
“So-ryong, this one… or rather, this individual—what specific type of spirit beast is it?”
“I’m not sure. You don’t know it either?”
“I have never encountered records of a serpent-type spirit beast of this immense size. And with two heads, no less.”
“Is that so?”
I looked at the creature—its eyes shut, resting as if asleep—and posed my question gently.
I had intended to assist with the cave search, but in truth, my hyung and the Dragon Fangs could handle it. So I chose to attempt communication with the beast instead.
“Hello, are you sleeping? Do you possess a name?”
At this, one eye from each head opened and regarded me with lazy indifference.
—Ssshuu? 『What do you want, human?』
—Shiiih? 『Why are you addressing me? I haven’t moved in a long time. Can I not rest a little more?』
Having unlocked the Snake Gate, serpents were usually very accommodating towards me. But perhaps due to its size or its inherent disposition, it sounded distinctly displeased.
Hearing this irritable response, Cheong-yu Sojeo softly patted one of the heads and said,
—Shia. 『When So-ryong speaks, you will regard it as if I am speaking. You will heed him.』
—Shuuu. 『Ah, yes. I had forgotten.』
—Shiii. 『Understood. My apologies.』
The two heads promptly became more attentive and looked at me with newfound respect.
—Shuu. 『Lord So-ryong, we do not bear names in the manner of humans.』
-Shii. 『That is true.』
That response decided it—these two required names.
If they were to live alongside us, they needed names. An identifier.
“Cheong-yu Sojeo resides with us now. So if you intend to accompany us and live among humans, you will need names as well. May I bestow names upon you?”
The two heads exchanged a glance and then nodded in unison.
They seemed to be in agreement.
-Shuu. 『If that is the case, then please proceed. We intended to follow you regardless. It is prudent to maintain good relations with humans.』
-Shii. 『We shall accept, then.』
“Excellent. Could you then rise up so I may get a better look at your physique?”
Once they consented, I respectfully asked them to elevate themselves so I could observe their form.
Normally, I would name a creature based on a known classification—particularly if it was one of the Ten or Twenty-Four Venomous Beasts—but since not even Hwa-eun recognized this one, I had to depend entirely on its physical attributes.
They raised their enormous bulk, allowing me room to inspect them.
Incredible. This is astounding.
“So-ryong? What are you doing?”
“Oh… I am merely attempting to assess their distinguishing features to choose an appropriate name.”
“Then why are you… embracing it?”
“M-my leg became trapped…”
I had unthinkingly wrapped my arms around its sleek, smooth body in awe, but Hwa-eun’s direct question brought me back to my senses. I regained my focus and studied them meticulously.
Its underside was white, but its main body coloration was a overall reddish tone.
The most prominent feature was the series of white, ring-like patterns along its skin.
Recalling how it had flared its hood earlier, I suspected a cobra-like design might be present. So I requested:
“Might you open your hood once more, as you did before?”
-Shuu. 『Very well.』
-Shii. 『Giving us names is more complicated than I anticipated.』
Cobra varieties often possess misleading markings on their hoods designed to frighten opponents by creating an illusion of greater size.
Previously, I hadn’t gotten a clear view because they had their backs turned. But now, I desired an unobstructed look.
After all, cobras in the Central Plains are frequently called “Spectacle Serpents” due to the twin, eye-like patterns on their hoods.
Shraaa—
Their hoods spread wide instantly—and in that moment, a gigantic red sun motif erupted into visibility at the center of their white hoods.
A brilliant circular emblem with fiery streaks radiating outward.
“Whoaaah!”
It had been completely hidden when the hood was relaxed—like a concealed image—but now, fully expanded, the dazzling pattern was stunningly clear.
Hwa-eun gaped, astonished.
“Wait… Could that be the Red-Flamed Sunring Serpent?!”
“The… Red-Flamed Sunring Serpent?”
That name was familiar.
It was listed among the Twenty-Four Venomous Branches—specifically, the beast symbolizing the “Sun” within the Sun, Moon, Star, and Quake constellation.
Translated directly: the Red-Flamed Sunring Serpent.
Remembering the texts, I recalled a passage stating its hood, when expanded, displayed a vibrant, sun-like design.
But then I felt doubt.
Because the recorded Red-Flamed Sunring Serpent was described as being the size of a deer—not this colossal—and it definitely was not noted to have two heads.
“Perhaps not… It isn’t supposed to be this large, and it certainly wasn’t documented as two-headed…”
Before I could fully articulate my skepticism, Hwa-eun was already voicing her own uncertainties aloud.
She also seemed doubtful.
Which was reasonable—this creature didn’t align with any entry in the archives from our home.
Then a new idea came to me.
Wait. What if the specimen our ancestors documented was merely a juvenile? And this one is a two-headed aberration? That is not outside the realm of possibility.
It is entirely plausible that the creature in the historical record was observed in its youth—and the twin heads could simply be an uncommon mutation.
I nodded and said,
“You may be correct, Hwa-eun.”
“But… the size, the heads…”
Hwa-eun still sounded unconvinced, but I replied with measured gravity.
“No, I believe this is a unique variant of the Red-Flamed Sunring Serpent. Some serpents are born with two heads—it is a known occurrence. And if the recorded one was immature, that would account for the difference in size.”
“Hmm… Well, when you explain it that way, I suppose it is plausible…”
Persuaded by my earnest and logical argument, Hwa-eun acquiesced, albeit hesitantly. Even if it wasn’t an exact match, I wanted it to be.
Because discovering a creature even more unique than those already known? That is the aspiration of every beast-tamer.
“In that case, I shall enter this one into the So-ryong Bestiary as the Twin-Headed Red-Flamed Sunring Serpent. And I will name you… Hwanji and Hwana.”
Honoring our ancestors is commendable—but identifying your own extraordinary spirit beast? That is superior.
When I bestowed the names Hwanji and Hwana, the two heads inclined and softly licked my cheek, seeming delighted.
-Shuu. 『Mmm. It is agreeable.』
-Shii. 『I find it agreeable as well. But… which of us is Hwana, and which is Hwanji?』
That question immediately plunged me into profound distress.
This was akin to choosing between two favorite foods. Like deciding between two beloved dishes.
In other words… a choice of impossible difficulty.
They both immediately laid claim to Hwana:
-Shuu. 『Then I shall be Hwana.』
-Shii. 『Then I shall be Hwana.』
-Shii. 『Why must you always select the same name as I do?!』
-Shuu. 『You always attempt to claim it the moment I choose first!』
What had been a tranquil instant rapidly devolved into a vehement quarrel.
Their demeanor transformed entirely—no longer composed and dignified. These two were now squabbling.
-Shuuu! 『You perpetually do this! Anything I choose, you endeavor to take it!』
-Shiiiii! 『When!? You are the one who consistently imitates me!』
They appeared majestic as a twin-headed entity—but it turned out sharing one body resulted in more contention than anticipated.
This might prove to be a greater challenge than I’d imagined.
I began to feel a trace of trepidation about raising them—but well, I would simply have to manage it.
They were, after all, a gigantic twin-headed serpent.
I’ll just have to bear it with fortitude.