Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 422

Chapter 422
Just as I was nodding to myself, thinking that Lady Cheong-yu’s plan was genuinely clever, I sensed the weight of everyone’s stares.

I turned. It was no surprise; all focus had shifted to me and Lady Cheong-yu, likely because she had proposed not just freeing the captives, but turning them into intelligence gatherers.

Espionage. Releasing prisoners.

Naturally, such concepts would capture the group’s interest.

Before settling on a strategy, I knew we needed more details from Lady Cheong-yu—but I was the sole person who could interpret her words. So I made the decision to convey the discussion to everyone else first.

Judging by their expressions, questions were already forming on their lips. Everyone looked ready to speak.

“It appears everyone is wondering what Lady Cheong-yu and I are talking about. She is suggesting we free the prisoners and employ them as spies.”

“Free them… and use them as spies?”

“Do you truly believe that is feasible?”

“Those Five Venoms scum don’t strike me as the treacherous sort…”

As anticipated, doubts were immediately raised.

After all, many warriors of the Five Venoms Clan, particularly those not originally from the Blood Cult, were known for their fierce loyalty. Furthermore, most of them bore lethal curses within their cores.

However, from what Lady Cheong-yu indicated, it seemed some might be persuaded—under the right conditions.

She had explained that many came from varied origins or had only been with the clan a short time.

I shared this with the group.

“Well, hearing Lady Cheong-yu’s thoughts makes me believe it could work—in certain instances. You’re all aware by now that there are two distinct groups among the captives, correct?”

“Yes, Lady Cheong-yu already informed us of that.”

“So-ryong, didn’t you mention that those not from the Black Venom Unit are more like poison-crafters—similar to the alchemists of the Tang Clan?”

“That’s right, Hwa-eun. And according to Lady Cheong-yu, those poison-crafters are recent additions to the Five Venoms Clan.

Most weren’t raised within the clan—they were brought in through owed favors, debts, or emotional coercion. So they were apparently quite disturbed by what happened to her.

She proposes we leverage that.”

When I finished, everyone looked toward Ji-ryong.

As our tactician, his opinion on Lady Cheong-yu’s idea was what everyone awaited.

“Hm…”

Ji-ryong stroked his chin and thought for a moment, then offered a measured, hopeful reply.

“Hm… If that is truly the case, it might be viable. But the issue is—if we intend to use them as spies, they would need a way to stay in touch. We don’t have messenger birds or anything similar. Do we have a means of communication?”

It was a valid point.

Everyone’s attention moved once more—back to Lady Cheong-yu.

As if anticipating this very question, she answered without delay.

Shiaa. 『No, I do not intend to keep an open line of communication.』

“What? No communication?”

“?”

Her response was utterly unexpected.

My own stunned reaction must have been evident, because everyone’s faces became a canvas of confusion.

“Ah, Lady Cheong-yu says she has no plans to exchange any messages with them.”

“What use is a spy who doesn’t report back?”

“No communication whatsoever?”

The moment I translated her words, a fresh volley of questions arose—understandably so. What kind of spy operates without contact?

When I conveyed this puzzlement, Lady Cheong-yu gave a nod and elaborated.

Sshhhh. 『Yes. Ji-ryong might be agreeable, but that is likely because he does not fully grasp the inner workings of the Five Venoms Clan.

Even those who joined recently—their loyalty to me is not absolute. I highly doubt they would gamble with their lives to betray the clan simply for my sake.

You must understand, the Five Venoms are exceedingly generous when they bring someone in. They ensure you are in their debt.』

“Then… what is your alternative?”

Shiaa. 『I have considered that as well.』

“What is it?”

Shiaa. 『They are already unsettled by my fate. So upon their release, I will ask for one thing only: that, should I ever require assistance in the future, they repay this debt with a single act of aid.

I believe they would agree to that much.』

In essence, Cheong-yu wished to inform the freed warriors that the price for their lives was not ongoing betrayal, but a future favor—one act of help if she ever called upon it.

She did not expect them to become turncoats or maintain a connection. But in the martial world, a life debt is profound—and if our paths crossed again, she would call it in.

A single trump card, to be used at a pivotal juncture.

That seemed far more plausible.

Attempting to enforce regular communication or outright treachery could easily be discovered or rebound on us.

Not to mention the immense strain it would place on them.

But requesting one future favor—that was a wager with much better prospects.

I nodded and turned to explain the full plan to the others, who were now watching me with keen interest.

“So, what Lady Cheong-yu is proposing is…”

As I translated her complete strategy, Ji-ryong and the rest began to nod in agreement—clearly appreciating its wisdom.

“Yes, if that’s the reasoning, then I support it.”

“I concur. It’s a shrewd plan.”

“It makes sense. If we ever assault the Five Venoms Clan, or face a comparable threat, we could activate that promise.”

“I approve as well, So-ryong.”

My older brother, my sister-in-law, Hwa-eun, and Ji-ryong—they all voiced their assent. Then, a sharp voice interrupted.

“But what of… the others?”

It was Gungbong.

Who would have guessed he would be the one to raise this?

Everyone turned to him, startled. Just then, the sound of rustling wings reached us.

Chwarrrrk.

All eyes went toward the sound. It was Changcheon, slowly shaking his head.

That could only signify one thing—he accepted Lady Cheong-yu’s plan in part… but not for all of them.

Shiaa. 『He states he will not forgive those individuals.』

Lady Cheong-yu’s translation confirmed our suspicion. Even those who couldn’t hear her seemed to sense it, as everyone gazed at Changcheon, then nodded in understanding.

“Indeed… even he has a right to vengeance.”

“He may be a creature, but he considered them his own kind.”

“Do not worry. We never intended to release them either.”

And so, the bastards of the Black Venom Unit met their end—transformed into fungi.

The others would be freed.

***

“Alright, all of you—on your feet!”

At my older brother’s command, the Five Venoms warriors, who had been crouched in a corner of the cave, slowly got up and began to file out.

Every face was etched with dread.

They clearly believed they were being led to their execution.

After all, a scream had reverberated from the cave’s depths not long ago.

Did they inter themselves alive? It is deathly quiet now…

The day prior, we had separated the prisoners into two groups and moved everyone except the Black Venom Unit out of the dungeon.

Changcheon had gone to the dungeon entrance and released his spores there. The Black Venom fiends began shrieking almost instantly, which caused considerable alarm among the others in that initial outburst.

However, since Changcheon’s spores do not take effect immediately, the commotion subsided fairly quickly.

Yet, by morning, it was different—agonized screams erupted once more, this time because they were losing control of their bodies. This revived their terror.

“Keep moving! Faster!”

We escorted them to the cave’s cliffside opening. The harsh outdoor light made them blink, and before their vision could adjust, we marched them straight to the lip of the chasm.

After all, if you’re going to grant mercy, you must do it with theatricality.

And sure enough, once they stood at the cliff edge and gazed down, their faces grew stern and resolute.

They were certain we meant to execute them by casting them into the abyss.

That was precisely when my older brother hefted his broadsword onto his shoulder like an executioner readying his blade.

Silently, the Golden-Crowned Death King Cheong-yu glided to my side.

Shiaa. 『So-ryong, what is the next step?』

“…Hah. So this is truly Lady Cheong-yu’s desire?”

Answering her with a question of my own.

I knitted my brows, feigning that Cheong-yu had just confided something gravely serious, and then, after a protracted pause, turned to my brother and said,

“Brother. Your sword…”

“Hm. Understood.”

He adopted a fearsome demeanor, as if he were moments from decapitating someone.

“Sniff… I… I don’t want to die…”

One of the Five Venoms warriors started to weep.

Right then, I undid the blood-sealing point on one prisoner and announced:

“Go. You are free.”

“…What? Wh-Why?”

“Lady Cheong-yu has willed that you be spared.”

“L-Lady Cheong-yu…?”

“Lady Cheong-yu…?”

The warriors all whipped their heads toward her, their eyes wide with astonishment.

Inwardly, I sent a silent request to Cheong-yu.

Cheong-yu, once more.

Shiaa… ssii? 『Very well, So-ryong. Like this?』

She didn’t utter many words, but since the warriors couldn’t comprehend her, they doubtless believed she was advocating for their lives. Their expressions melted into ones of profound thankfulness.

I seized the moment to speak again.

“Naturally, this is not without condition. She asks that, one day, if Lady Cheong-yu should find herself in dire need… you repay this kindness and lend your aid. The Five Venoms Clan is not the haven you imagine it to be.”

“….”

“…”

A weighty silence fell.

It was not a pledge they could give lightly, but I had planted a seed in the quiet soil of their hearts. That was sufficient.

“Now go. The venomous beings you harmed are struggling to restrain their natural impulses.”

Now, children.

I signaled the young ones concealed nearby.

As arranged, they started chattering among themselves.

Tssrrrk. 『Is it our time now?』
Kkuu. 『What are we meant to say?』
Tssrt. 『Father told us to say something.』
Kyuit. 『Grandfather, I hold you in high honor.』
Tssrrt. 『Ah! I also! I honor Father! Wait… what does “honor” mean?』
Kkuu. 『Have you forgotten already? Auntie said it means loving someone beyond all measure.』
Tssrrtss. 『Oh, yes! That thing!』

…Somehow, the children had turned this into a symposium of affection. I didn’t understand why—but they were all professing their love for me.

Unintentionally, I smiled.

And the Five Venoms warriors—seeing my grin—looked utterly terrified, as if I were a youthful demon poised to massacre them all.

Jolted back to reality, they turned and fled, scrambling down the mountain path while casting fearful glances back over their shoulders.

***

With the matter of the prisoners concluded, everyone returned their focus to gathering supplies for the trip to Podarlap Palace.

I quietly drew Yo-hwa away into the forest.

I required her consent for something.

Ki-sit?

After we had walked a short distance, Yo-hwa made an inquisitive noise.

I glanced around—we had come to a small glade, encircled by dense tropical foliage. She tilted her head, her eyes questioning why I had brought her here.

“Ah, what is this about? Well… this spot should be private enough.”

I scuffed the ground with my heel, hesitating before finally speaking.

It concerned the mental-link ritual.

That was the reason I had brought her here.

“It’s nothing strange. I merely… wished to discuss the mental connection. You know—the bond that allows us to speak mind-to-mind.”

Ki-si?

“You recall my brother said you were next in line?”

Ki-si.

She nodded, indicating she remembered.

“Listen—please do not mistake my meaning, Yo-hwa. This is not personal.

My brother and I both agreed you would be next. But now I am… feeling somewhat uneasy.”

Ki-si-si?

“Yes. We are journeying to Podarlap Palace, correct? That place is exceedingly perilous for martial artists from the Central Plains.

So I thought—perhaps I should establish mental links with a few more before we arrive.

When we were hunting the locusts, it was truly difficult being unable to communicate telepathically with more of you.

Therefore, I wish to register Yeondu, Orange, and the twin-headed serpents—Hwanji and Hwana. It is solely for our safety. That is all. I promise.”

Yo-hwa opened her eyes wide and stared into mine, not blinking.

It was as if she were peering straight through every falsehood.

And I… was intensely anxious.

Because, truthfully—I was being dishonest.

Until very recently, I had fully expected Yo-hwa to be next.

But after encountering Hwanji and Hwana… I found myself powerless to resist. I was captivated. I needed to register them immediately.

A twin-headed serpent of such magnificence? Naturally, I desired that bond at once.

Technically, registering spirit beasts with venom attributes is complex and requires Grandfather’s oversight—but since Hwanji and Hwana were serpentine creatures like Cheong-yu, they wouldn’t consume a venom slot.

I had even contemplated doing it covertly… but the potential repercussions were severe.

So I brought Yo-hwa here to ask—to plead—for her understanding.

Please.
Please let this proceed without issue.

Yet a peculiar thought occurred to me:
Why does it seem I am perpetually apologizing to Yo-hwa…?