Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 468

Chapter 468
Observing the two serpents glide toward Cheong-yu Sojeo, a single term flashed instantly into my thoughts.
“Atheris!”
Atheris is the name for a group of highly venomous vipers. If a person like me were questioned, “Among the nearly 3,900 types of snakes in the world, which one is the most beautiful?” I would find it difficult to choose a single answer.
Every serpent possesses its own distinct appeal. Selecting just one would be comparable to being asked, “Who do you love more, your mother or your father?”
Choosing your father makes the evening meal uncomfortable. Choosing your mother means your pocket money suffers. It’s one of those questions with no good answer.
Nevertheless, among dedicated enthusiasts, some always push to rank the appeal of various species—and one that consistently ranks near the top, frequently called the most beautiful, is the Atheris genus.
These snakes, found in sub-Saharan Africa, are also referred to as bush vipers. There is a specific reason they are so adored by those obsessed with herpetology:
They appear to be covered in the scales of a dragon.
Now, in my previous life, dragons were legendary beasts, so claiming something has “dragon scales” might sound absurd—but enthusiasts use this term for a particular kind of scale.
For instance, the Girdle-Tailed Armadillo Lizard, often called the “dragon lizard,” or the Korean-named Sungazer, another type of large girdled lizard, both have keeled, armor-like scales that project uniformly.
The Atheris genus shares this trait—possessing rough, pinecone-like scales that extend from their head to the tip of their tail.
This is the reason they are celebrated as the planet’s most stunning snakes.
And now, both of the two snakes advancing toward Cheong-yu Sojeo—the Thousand-Year White Snake and the Thousand-Year Black Snake—had those very same sharply keeled scales, merely in opposite hues.
They were genuine bush vipers. True dragon-scaled vipers.
“Gyaaaa! Dragon-scaled vipers!”
An exceptional pair, one in pure white and the other in pure black.
Their scales shone more acutely than a typical bush viper’s, glimmering as the two drew near to Cheong-yu Sojeo and inclined their heads in respect.
—Ksshaa. “We greet Lady Hu of Black Blossom.”
—Shakii. “We greet Lady Hu of White Blossom.”
Their speech was polished, reminiscent of arrogant noblewomen, and laden with ceremony.
It seemed they were named: Heukhwa (Black Flower) and Baekhwa (White Flower).
Cheong-yu Sojeo raised her hand gently in acknowledgement.
—Shiaa. “The pleasure is mine. I am Cheong-yu. You may raise your heads.”
More was clearly meant to be discussed, but my patience had expired. I leaned out from behind Cheong-yu Sojeo and gave an enthusiastic wave.
“Hello, I’m So-ryong!”
I simply wished to be on friendly terms as soon as possible.
The two snakes cast a brief glance in my direction—then turned their heads away with utter indifference.
Exactly like felines.
“Wow, they’re standoffish. Is this the daily experience for cat owners?”
Even their dismissiveness was endearing.
The black one, Heukhwa, inquired of Cheong-yu Sojeo:
—Kssha? “Lady Hu, who is this human?”
Cheong-yu Sojeo looked at me, then back to them, and replied:
—Shiaa. “He is the one who saved my life. He is my companion, my pupil… and an individual… a-an individual of significance to me. Therefore, please afford him your respect.”
It was akin to her introduction of me to Hwanji and Hwana previously.
After this explanation, the white one, Baekhwa, cautiously asked:
—Shakii. “Even with your assurance, Lady Hu, we are the ones who serve at your side. Might we be permitted to ascertain for ourselves if this human is truly worthy of trust?”
—Shiaa? “Ascertain?”
*—Shakii. “Yes, Lady Hu. Black and White protect you directly. Blue and Red survey the land and heavens. When foes dare to approach, we—the red and white serpents—are the ones who eradicate them. This is our sworn oath.”
“Therefore, if someone is to remain close to you, we ask that you permit us, Black and White, to evaluate him ourselves.”*
It appeared Yeondu and Juhwang functioned as scouts, Hwanji and Hwana as an elite guard…
And Baekhwa and Heukhwa? They were akin to a personal retinue or imperial chamberlains.
So now they sought approval to assess me.
Did they truly possess a method for this?
As I pondered, Cheong-yu Sojeo’s voice sounded again.
—Shiaa. “That is impolite. So-ryong is an exceedingly good person.”
—Tsrrt. “It’s true! My father is a wonderful person!”
They seemed almost insulted by the very notion that I required testing.
Cho materialized beside me, supporting the claim, and the rest of our group began to appear as well. This seemed to surprise the two snakes.
To soothe them, I swiftly performed introductions.
“Ah, allow me to introduce everyone. This is my fiancée, Hwa-eun. Over there is Yeondu, a Swift Walker like yourselves who serves her Lord. This is my daughter Cho. And those two holding onto the lady’s back are Moji and Soji.”
Their eyes darted around, noting each face. When I concluded, they seemed astonished.
—Shakit. “A human connected to so many spirit beasts…”
—K-Ksshat? “Incredible, sister…”
And this wasn’t even half of my companions.
Smiling, I sent a mental message to Cheong-yu Sojeo.
‘You needn’t prevent them. They are merely fulfilling their duty to protect you. They likely only wish to understand my character.’
—Shiaa. “Even so…”
‘It’s alright. Truly.’
Even Hwanji and Hwana had posed similar questions during our initial meeting.
Back then, they stated: “The current Hu appears to be one who coexists well with humans.”
When I inquired further, they elaborated.
If the spirit that merges with the Four Emperors holds hostility toward humans, the Four Emperor of that era will see humans as adversaries. But if the spirit is benevolent toward humans, then that emperor will become their protector.
Therefore, verifying the nature of the human beside her is a matter of grave importance.
Whatever technique they employed—I, So-ryong, a man utterly sincere in my affection for venomous beings—was certain to excel.
—Shiaa. “If So-ryong consents, then it is acceptable.”
After a moment’s consideration, Cheong-yu Sojeo gave a nod to the twin serpents.
They promptly motioned toward me.
—Shakii. “We thank you, Lady Hu. You are So-ryong, correct? Please accompany us.”
—Kssha. “My sister has spoken. Please come quickly.”
“Over there?”
—Shff, shff…
They moved off toward a low dune created by settled sand.
Hwa-eun looked at me, confused.
“Where are you going, So-ryong?”
“They mentioned they just wish to converse. I will explain everything when I return.”
“Alright.”
After reassuring Hwa-eun, I trailed after them over the sandy slope.
Abruptly, I felt something coil around my legs—glancing down, I saw both snakes winding their way up.
—Shakii. “Do not be frightened. We merely wish to verify certain matters.”
“Understood.”
They ascended, positioning themselves on my shoulders, and commenced inspecting me from all sides. Then Baekhwa spoke quietly.
—Shakii… “Please gaze into our eyes.”
I complied with her request.
And the interrogation started.
—Shakii. “What is your purpose in serving Lady Hu?”
“It isn’t really about service. I am fond of her, so we cohabitate. I have a deep affection for creatures such as snakes and insects.”
—Shakii. “You do not covet her Neidan, then?”
“Ugh, never! Absolutely not. That is the single thing I despise most—how could anyone ever…!”
Did they believe I kept Cheong-yu Sojeo and the others merely to harvest their Neidan?
That is madness. I do not even possess one myself. And if I did, I would sooner give my own than ever take theirs.
Still, I understood. This was our first encounter, and caution was necessary.
I waved my hands and shook my head emphatically.
The two looked at one another—and gave slow, deliberate nods.
– Kisha. 『He spoke no falsehoods, Unni.』
– Shaki. 『Indeed. It was all truthful.』
I cocked my head at their statement.
Because they spoke with complete certainty that I had been honest.
Then the two of them answered with faint smiles.
– Kishasha. 『We possess the ability to discern truth and deception. I perceive truth.』
– Shakit. 『And I perceive lies.』
“I see.”
Gun Hye-rin of the Heavenly Demon Cult had once mentioned that martial artists who surpass the Flower Realm can detect the intent within an opponent’s martial energy through something called Willforce or similar. It seemed these two possessed a related ability.
They were also reputed to wield an internal energy that even the Heavenly Demon could not contend with.
Which implied… these two were also martial artists of a level beyond the Flower Realm, correct?
As I nodded to myself, Baekhwa spoke in an approving tone.
– Kishat. 『You are a remarkably forthright individual, are you not?』
“Fufu. I’ve been told I am the sort of person who would manage perfectly well even if laws did not exist.”
When I responded with a boastful tone to Baekhwa’s words, jesting lightly, Heukhwa let out a soft laugh and stated.
– Shaki. 『That is a lie, Unni.』
The instant she said it, Baekhwa adopted a mildly offended expression and said,
“From this point onward, you should attend to Hu with your complete devotion. Speaking of which, is there nothing you wish to ask us?”
She was now encouraging me to pose any questions I had for them.
And the moment I heard that, the timing felt ideal.
The two of them were resting on my shoulders, and I could sense the unique texture of their scales. The craving to touch them was overwhelming.
So I promptly asked Baekhwa,
“Excuse me! Would you permit me to touch your scales just once?”
– Shakit? 『Our scales?』
“Yes, I have an immense desire to feel your sharp scales! Honestly, the anticipation is making me lightheaded. I want to touch them desperately. I mentioned it before, did I not? That I have a great love for friends like Sana Chung and such. I mean it. I truly, sincerely do. So it is acceptable, yes? It is alright, isn’t it?”
Because they were dragon scales, I had been restraining myself with great effort, but now the opportunity had arrived, my inner fanatic burst forth uncontrollably.
Heukhwa’s flustered voice emerged.
– Kisha-a? 『Lightheaded from wanting to touch…? What kind of…』
She was essentially questioning the sanity of that, but beside her, Baekhwa murmured in a bewildered tone,
– Sha, Shaki… 『It is all true. What a… preposterous man.』
Startled, the two of them leaped from my shoulders, which left me feeling somewhat dejected.
‘Ah, please don’t leave…’
***
When I returned from my discussion with the two, Cheong-yu Sojeo and Hwa-eun both wore expressions of concern.
I suppose it was because I appeared a little downcast.
– Shia. 『It cannot be… did So-ryong not pass?』
“So-ryong, what occurred?”
“It is not that…”
I provided a quick overview of events through the mental connection, and Cheong-yu Sojeo and Hwa-eun offered consolation.
– Shi, Shia. (They simply have not yet realized how exceptional you are, So-ryong.)
“That is correct, So-ryong. Just allow a little time and everything will be fine.”
Well, today is not the only day. I assumed I would get to touch them as much as I desired once we became better acquainted, and so I asked Baekhwa and Heukhwa, who were standing a short distance away.
“Cheong-yu Sojeo resides with us. You will be accompanying us as well, correct?”
I asked naturally, assuming their agreement was a given, but Baekhwa surveyed our surroundings and offered a slightly different opinion.
– Shaki. 『I cannot speak to the quality of your home, but we already have such a suitable dwelling prepared here—would it not be preferable to remain? The former owner is somewhat persistent, but we have nearly completed tidying up… Ah, yes. You arrived with that woman, did you not? I detected her energy earlier?』
This reminded me of Gun Hye-rin of the Heavenly Demon Cult.
“Ah, correct.”
Turning my head, I saw Gun Hye-rin waiting anxiously behind our group.
Recalling our agreement, I explained to Baekhwa and Heukhwa that the Tang Clan residence was a significantly superior place to this.
If we took this location, she would likely be distraught.
“There is a location far more suitable than this. So…”
– Shia. 『I also believe that place is much better.』
– Shakii? 『Not an abandoned place, but one guarded by people? That certainly… If Hu believes that place is superior, then very well. We shall go there.』
Fortunately, Cheong-yu Sojeo supported me, and Baekhwa and Heukhwa acquiesced readily.
I turned to Gun Hye-rin, who stood with a tense expression, and informed her she could now claim the Sacred Fire Bell.
“You may retrieve the Sacred Fire Bell now. We will depart from this place.”
“Th-thank you!”
She hesitated briefly, then suddenly darted forward with incredible speed and returned carrying a large bell shaped like a flame.
Looking genuinely elated, she continued to thank us profusely before asking Hwa-eun with a tentative expression,
“Thank you so much! But, um… would you… ever consider maintaining correspondence?”
“Correspondence?”
“Yes.”
“You mean, between myself and you, the successor to the Heavenly Demon Cult?”
“Yes, between the daughter of the Tang Clan and myself.”
Hwa-eun looked taken aback, as if she had not anticipated Gun Hye-rin proposing an ongoing connection.
As she delayed her response, Gun Hye-rin’s expression became slightly downcast.
“Ahem. It is simply… I have never before encountered a martial artist from my own generation who also shares my level of cultivation. If this makes you uneasy, it is perfectly acceptable. I understand it is not simple to maintain ties with someone in my position. I am, after all, the leader of a faction with ambitions toward the Central Plains.
Though last time, I could not say it with my subordinates present—in truth, I do not hold any strong feelings regarding the Central Plains.
Past generations harbored much bitterness toward them, holding them responsible for the downfall of the Heavenly Demon Cult, but after reviewing our own historical records, it seems our cult was not entirely blameless either…
Not that I should be divulging all this. My apologies for chattering.”
“N-no, that is not the concern. I was only anxious that if a messenger were intercepted, we could both face significant difficulties.”
“Well. That is acceptable. I understand.”
She said it was acceptable, but her tone suggested otherwise.
Believing it best for Hwa-eun to manage this sensitively, I turned to Cheong-yu Sojeo.
“In any case, we still must register Baekhwa and Heukhwa. Shall we do it here before we depart?”
Then abruptly, I heard Hwa-eun’s voice within my mind.
『That’s it, So-ryong! The registration!』
“Huh? What about it?”
“It is the answer to my concern and Gun Hye-rin’s request!”
“What?”
I turned back at the voice resonating in my thoughts, and Hwa-eun was gesturing toward Gun Hye-rin.
Surely not, seriously…?
It was impossible. It could not be what I was thinking.
It absolutely must not be.