Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 444

Chapter 444
Until this moment, my companions had never directed such a look toward me.
As practitioners of the martial arts, they were individuals who honed both body and spirit, which naturally endowed them with formidable self-control. Aside from the occasional smoldering glance from Hwa-eun, no one had ever regarded me in this manner.
Yet now… their eyes held a peculiar familiarity. A sensation that was, oddly, comforting.
It was a gaze I recognized solely from my own kind.
That unmistakable shine in the eyes of a fellow enthusiast—brimming with fervent fixation, with an insane craving for acquisition. Every single gaze was alight with that same frantic gleam.
As I cautiously examined their faces, privately amused, the voice of Hwa-eun resonated inside my head.
『So-ryong! Inquire with Senior Yeoncheon about the grave’s whereabouts!』
『The grave?』
『Yes!』
Hwa-eun was urging me to be the one to ask. This simple request immediately sparked two questions in my mind.
First—why delegate the question to me instead of posing it herself?
Second—why was she radiating such intense passion?
That’s right—radiating.
While the others merely had a sparkle in their eyes, Hwa-eun’s blaze seemed to emanate from her very core. I could sense that inner fervor, identical to the heat I felt when she previously attempted to persuade me to… exceed certain limits.
‘Wh-what on earth? Is tonight the night I lose my innocence?’
The tension in the air was so thick I began to suspect I might become a man before any official ceremony took place.
My heart started pounding inexplicably as I answered with nervous hesitation:
『Well, um… why? Do you intend to visit the senior’s grave to offer respects? And couldn’t you ask him yourself?』
Then, as if detonated, her reply blasted back with crystal clarity.
『Offer respects?! Absolutely not! The grave of a grandmaster might hold secret martial manuals or their prized armament! That is precisely why you must ask! If you, their benefactor, pose the question, they will surely reveal it!』
『Ah…』
Everything suddenly made sense.
If I was a fanatic for venomous creatures, then martial artists were fanatics for martial arts.
My journey with the Five Dragon Fangs had already taught me that martial artists would gamble their lives for a powerful technique.
‘If a master’s final resting place could contain hidden techniques or a cherished weapon… yes, that would drive any martial arts obsessive wild.’
To me, a grave was just a grave, but for martial masters, there appeared to be a tradition of bequeathing their legacy in the form of techniques or weapons.
It was the ultimate fantasy for a Mu-taku.
And if something of such importance was interred there, Yeoncheon would undoubtedly be more receptive to answering me than Hwa-eun.
Just as I turned my head to pose the question to Yeoncheon, I abruptly became aware of dozens of piercing stares fixed intently upon me.
‘Good grief, they’re going to scorch a hole through the side of my face.’
It was evident everyone was thinking the same thing: He is the one who must ask.
Since we had agreed to address each other as “senior,” I steadied myself and cautiously asked Yeoncheon:
“Erm, Senior Yeoncheon… is it possible that Master Hwamu-jin left behind any martial arts techniques or a favored weapon within his grave?”
Instantly, all those gleaming eyes swiveled like antennas toward the snail resting on my shoulder.
A short pause ensued… before Yeoncheon responded:
[Indeed he did, Benefactor. His treasured weapon, his combat techniques, and his method for internal cultivation all reside there.]
“OOOOHHHHH!”
“His prized weapon! His techniques! His internal cultivation method!”
“The martial techniques and inner arts of Hwamu-jin, a master from three centuries ago!”
As the group roared with astonishment and exhilaration, Yeoncheon posed a question in return:
[Benefactor… do you have an interest in Master Hwamu-jin’s martial arts and cultivation technique?]
To be perfectly honest? Not particularly.
My passion was for venomous creatures, not martial arts.
Certainly, this was a world where martial arts were a form of mystical power, and greater strength made life simpler. However, the road to achieving that was utter agony.
From what Hwa-eun said, I essentially skipped to a high level of cultivation through spirit beast poisons. But in all seriousness—how did anyone manage this through sheer effort alone?
I also felt a twinge of concern.
I hadn’t known Yeoncheon for very long. Was it truly appropriate to request something like this?
Wasn’t this, essentially, despoiling the grave of an ally?
‘Even considering my status as his benefactor, is it right to make such a demand…?’
Anxious that I might damage the goodwill I’d earned, I shot a look toward Hwa-eun seeking guidance.
She returned a gaze that vehemently commanded: Agree. Immediately.
So, rubbing the back of my head in a flustered manner, I finally answered:
“Ah… well, yes… somewhat.”
Yeoncheon gave a thoughtful nod.
[Then we shall make a stop on our journey. Hwamu-jin instructed me not to allow his techniques to be lost and to lead any deserving disciples to his hidden chamber.]
“My thanks, Senior.”
I had feared appearing avaricious or impudent, but Senior Yeoncheon consented with such ease.
It turned out Hwamu-jin had left instructions for the long-lived snails to bequeath his martial legacy to a suitable successor. No wonder the exchange proceeded so smoothly.
The moment Yeoncheon gave his answer, congratulations began pouring in.
“Congratulations, Young Master So.”
“Well done, Ryong.”
“Congratulations, So-ryong.”
Everyone was offering me their felicitations.
They undoubtedly assumed everything within the tomb would be bestowed upon me.
But I felt no greed. I waved a hand in dismissal.
“No, really. I wouldn’t keep it all for myself. I’ll divide it among everyone.”
Abruptly, the entire group fell into a profound silence.
Sister Seol, who had been glued to my side, dug her elbow into my ribs.
Simultaneously, Brother Gwiseong moved forward, placed a hand on my shoulder, and stated:
“So-ryong, I understand your intention. But in this world, some things are meant to be shared—and others are not. This… this belongs to you.
No one present would dispute this.”
He was a master who stood on the verge of ascension through the sword. He likely desired this more than anyone. Yet he was telling me it was mine.
The other Dragon Fangs, Hu-gae, and Monk Jaheo all nodded in agreement.
“We do not follow the way of the sword, so it would be of little benefit to us. There is no need to speak of sharing with us, Young Master So.
Furthermore, it was you—and only you—who roused the venerable seniors.”
“Precisely. Amitabha.”
“I am curious about the contents… but this beggar lacks the audacity to request a share.”
They were martial arts fanatics. They should be coveting such a find… yet, they were all conceding it to me.
It truly made me reflect: I had chosen excellent friends.
People often say, “Oh, he’s a good person,” when someone errs.
But in this world, the measure of a good person should be their ability to retain their humanity in situations where it would be easy to lose it.
When circumstances are favorable, anyone can appear virtuous.
By that measure, my companions were all truly good people.
As I sat there, quietly immersed in appreciation, Hwa-eun smiled and added:
“Should the secret manuals happen to contain any profound insight into the path of ascension, then let us all share that portion.”
I recalled hearing that a single phrase from a supreme master could serve as a key to ascending to the next realm. This was Hwa-eun being remarkably magnanimous.
Hearing our discussion, Yeoncheon remarked warmly.
[It appears we have encountered good people, my dear wife.]
[That certainly appears to be so.]
And with that, our party proceeded onward toward the location where our boat was anchored.
***
I had been maintaining periodic communication, but with our destination nearly in sight, I reached out to Cheongwol through mental connection.
It was simply to inform her that we expected to arrive sometime tomorrow.
『“Cheongwol!”』
Among the spirit creatures remaining on the boat, only Hwayang and Cheongwol were capable of proper conversation.
But Hwayang didn’t qualify.
That fellow had yet to learn to say anything beyond “food,” making communication pointless.
Thus, I contacted Cheongwol, the most eloquent spirit beast aboard. Her initial reaction was to question the unscheduled contact.
『-Grrr. (Hmmm. Why are you calling? This isn’t our usual time.)』
“Ah, it’s nothing important. Just wanted to say we’ll likely be there tomorrow.”
-Grrrr. (Ooh! That’s—well, very good. Journey safely. *Ahem*.)
Her reply was offhand, but the way her spirit first brightened before she hastily adopted a collected tone was exceedingly amusing.
I couldn’t suppress a smirk and teased her with another thought.
『I truly miss you. My dear Cheongwol.』
-Grr!? (Wh-What are you talking about!? J-Just return safely! Enough of that foolishness!)
As anticipated, she became thoroughly disconcerted.
She really behaved like a prickly younger sister.
Still amused by her tsundere reaction, I asked if anything of note had occurred these past few days.
It was unlikely, given her tone, but ever since Ranghu became upset that I once failed to inquire about her welfare during a check-in, it had become a customary practice.
『So… all is quiet on the boat?』
-Grrr. (What could possibly happen? It is tranquil here.)
“How is Hwayang?”
-Grrrr. (Unchanged. He eats, he sleeps.)
“And Geumdo?”
-Grrr… (That one also sleeps the day away.)
“And Heukjeom?”
-Grrrmm. (He is well. He even hunts fish for the boat crew—they are quite fond of him.)
“Ah, yes, you mentioned that previously. And what of Ranghu?”
-Grrt. (From the moment I informed her of your return, she has been scaling the mast daily, gazing out toward the direction you vanished.)
“I-Is that so?”
-Grrrr. (Yes.)
It sounded as if someone should build a shrine to loyalty in Ranghu’s honor.
Wait—no, that would be a catastrophe. Erecting a loyalty shrine is akin to… suggesting Ranghu had…
I swiftly banished the thought from my mind. That path led only to trouble.
『R-Right, understood. Until tomorrow. Send my greetings to all.』
-Grrr. (Very well. Until tomorrow.)
After that brief update, our conversation concluded. However, later that afternoon, I heard a buzzing from above.
-Buuuuuuung. Buuung.
Gazing up through the canopy, I spotted several Golden-Furred Wasp Workers—the children of Ranghu—navigating between the trees. There were five or six of them.
They were unmistakably searching for me.
“So-ryong, I believe the children have come to welcome you.”
“It appears so. Hey Ryong, your crew is here.”
I’d said we would arrive tomorrow, but I suppose Ranghu’s impatience got the better of her and she dispatched the children early.
Sighing, I waved up at them.
“Sigh… That girl, I swear. Hello, kids!”
Yet despite my calls and waves, they did not fly to me. Instead, they flew directly to the head of our group and began a meticulous inspection of the area.
-Buuuung. Buuuung.
“Hey, kids?”
They paid me no mind, wholly focused on the front of the procession and its environs.
I was puzzled by their behavior, but when one noticed Yeonji on my shoulder, and then saw Yeoncheon place a foot upon her shell, they promptly retreated.
Next, they flew over to Changcheon, examined him with care, and shook their heads.
“They’re vetting the new faces, are they?”
“Seems that way.”
Their actions clearly indicated they were conducting a security check on the new members. Once they finished surveying the area, they relaxed their wingbeats, appearing satisfied.
But then they noticed Hwanji and Hwana—so massive they could be confused for trees. It seemed they hadn’t initially registered the two as spirit beasts.
The moment they did, their demeanor transformed into one of pure astonishment.
-BUUUUNG! BUUUUUNG!
-BUUUNG!
They scrutinized Hwanji and Hwana intensely for a time, circling and inspecting them.
Once their examination was complete, the entire swarm shot over to me in a tight formation, their wings vibrating with urgent intensity, as if signaling a grave crisis.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
It was then that a dreadful suspicion dawned on me.
‘It can’t be… are they reporting that unmarried females are prohibited or something!?’
They had completely disregarded Yeoncheon, Yeonji, and Changcheon—but the presence of Hwanji and Hwana had clearly triggered an alarm.
If that were truly the case… I was in deep trouble.