Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 473

Chapter 473
I carefully put away the enhancement pill meant to transform So-ryong into Big Ryong.

There was no need for me to use it—not only was I already impressively “Big Ryong” for my age, but I was also on the verge of a complete awakening. Nevertheless, a present is a present.

Even when a gift isn’t necessary, one should still graciously accept it for the thought behind it.

“It’s not the value of the gift that matters, but the intention.”

With that in mind, I stored the pill and kept my promise for the day—sharing a meal with the hyungnims and discussing the approaching wedding.

“What do you imagine married life will be like?”

“I have no idea. It’s hard to picture.”

“I’m envious, So-ryong. You won’t have to tread lightly around women anymore, always guessing their feelings.”

The Three Peaks of the Five Dragons were at an age where they were naturally curious about romance. Seeing me about to enter what they saw as the culmination of that—marriage—they couldn’t help but feel a little jealous.

But I understood the reality.

Marriage isn’t a finish line—it’s a starting gate.

Perhaps the hyungnims, who had never courted anyone, saw it as a final achievement. But from what I’d heard, marriage was like taking all your previous routines and adding a new level of dedication simply to prevent resentment.

Once lunch was over, I spent time with the children until dusk. When the temple bell sounded to announce jinshi (the hour of the Dragon), I left my quarters alongside Cheong-yu Sojeo.

The sun had already disappeared.

By modern reckoning, it was only around 7 p.m., but it was the heart of winter and we were high in the mountains, leaving the world outside in total darkness.

“Shall we go, Cheong-yu Sojeo?”

– Shia. 『Yes.』

We made our way to the rear garden of the Four Courtyards, the living area of the Tang Clan’s direct descendants.

Upon arrival, we found the pavilion illuminated by lanterns, and just as anticipated, Sister Seol was there waiting.

“So-ryong.”

“I hope you haven’t been waiting long in the cold, Sister Seol?”

“Not at all, I only just arrived. Where is Hwa-eun? I thought she was joining us?”

“Ah, my mother-in-law wished to speak with her after the evening meal. She whispered something that made Hwa-eun’s face turn deep red… she mentioned she may be delayed.”

“Your mother-in-law, you say? Ah… I believe I understand the reason.”

“You do? Sister Seol, do you know what they are discussing?”

Even though the situation was ordinary, my mother-in-law had summoned Hwa-eun privately, and her flushed reaction suggested Sister Seol knew the topic.

When I inquired, she responded with a knowing, playful grin.

“Well, the wedding is nearly here, isn’t it? Heheh.”

“It is.”

“She likely called her to… provide some instruction. Regarding the wedding night. A bit of preparatory education.”

“M-my mother-in-law is teaching her that?!”

“It is customary for the mother or grandmother of the family to offer that particular talk before the wedding. As Hwa-eun has no grandmother, her mother is surely fulfilling the role.”

So that was the purpose of the summons.

A lesson in marital relations.

I had always assumed such knowledge was discovered independently. Given how forward Hwa-eun had been during our journey, I believed she was already quite knowledgeable. It seemed superfluous.

But then Sister Seol took my arm and stated:

“Well, we should proceed without her. Her presence isn’t required for this.”

“Yes, Sister Seol.”

Her meaning was clear: we were going to see Grandfather Mandok Shingun.

Cheong-yu Sojeo and I hadn’t come just to meet Sister Seol—we had scheduled a consultation with Grandfather concerning my impending advancement to the Sixth Poison Realm.

Sister Seol, who understood the complexities of the Beast Heart Art.
Grandfather, who possessed knowledge of the path to the Tenth Poison Realm.
And Cheong-yu Sojeo, who held the inherited techniques of the Five Venoms Sect.

The three of them intended to collaborate and review any potential risks or complications I might encounter during the next day’s breakthrough.

My martial arts foundation was a blend of the Tang Clan and the Beast Palace. While it drew from the Five Venoms’ techniques, it was not purely that. It was a distinctive fusion.

This was precisely why their combined expertise was essential.

Initially, I thought it was rather late to be holding this discussion the night before my advancement, but it turned out Grandfather had been studying the matter for a long while.

While I was traveling the world capturing spirit beasts, he had been meticulously deconstructing the framework of my martial development.

With Grandfather’s research complete, only the final step remained: for Sister Seol and Cheong-yu Sojeo to assess the risks from their unique viewpoints—so it wasn’t rushed after all.

‘I’ve been off enjoying myself… I feel a little guilty now.’

We walked through the rear garden and reached Grandfather’s residence.

The door stood open despite the chill—perhaps he was airing it out? He must have detected our approach, as his voice came from within.

“So-ryong, is that you?”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

“Come inside.”

“Yes, sir.”

We entered to find him making tea.

Steam curled from a kettle resting on a brazier.

“A pleasure to see you again.”

“You’ve arrived. Please, sit here. So-ryong, where is Hwa-eun?”

“Ah, she was detained by my mother-in-law.”

“Hmm… I see. I had intended to call for her myself, but it is likely fine. She has, after all, attained the Flower Mirror Realm.”

After we were seated with Sister Seol, Grandfather poured the tea.

– Pouring…

Vapor rose from the cups, bearing a rich aroma.

It was an exceptionally high-quality tea.

Even I, who normally couldn’t distinguish such things, could instantly tell this was a superior grade.

“Here. This is for the young lady.”

– Shia. 『Thank you.』

As Cheong-yu Sojeo did not drink tea, Grandfather gave her a stone warmed by the brazier instead.

In her serpent form, she was susceptible to the cold, so it was a thoughtful offering.

I glanced over and saw her embracing the stone, her expression one of pure contentment.

I smiled and turned back to Grandfather.

“This tea has a remarkable scent.”

“It was a gift from a good friend of yours.”

“A friend… of mine?”

I had praised the tea’s fragrance, and Grandfather informed me it was from a friend.

This made me pause.

I wasn’t without companions, but aside from elders like The Three Peaks of the Five Dragons, I didn’t have many close friends my age—certainly none who would send such a fine tea.

‘I suppose my mental age is somewhat advanced for my peers…’

Perhaps I was just too mature to relate to others my age. It was then that Grandfather mentioned a name I didn’t expect.

“It was sent by Geum Gi-ryung, the master of the Geumjeok Merchant Guild.”

“Ohhh. Geum Gi-ryung! He sent a present?”

That was right. I’d forgotten—I had become friendly with Geum Gi-ryung before we went our separate ways.

‘Ah, so I do have one friend.’

It was somewhat of a commercial connection, but a friend nonetheless.

I reminded myself to send him a letter of thanks later. Then Grandfather mentioned another visitor.

“He sent a gift even though we only announced the news within Sichuan. Oh, and another party has reached Chengdu as well.”

“Someone… for me?”

“Yes. Just as you predicted, an envoy from Podarlap Palace has come. They arrived recently and are spending a day in Chengdu to rest before ascending here.”

“Ah. Podarlap Palace.”

We had issued them no formal invitation—yet they had apparently tracked my movements and now arrived.

“Hmm… is that acceptable?”

“Although our history with the martial artists of the Central Plains has not been particularly cordial, is it not wiser to gain another ally in these times, with the menace of the Blood Cult and the Five Venoms Sect growing?

I consulted with the Emei Sect and arranged for them to gather Buddhist scriptures in Western languages. We should use them to foster positive relations. Then again, you are being mistaken for the Buddha himself, so perhaps such efforts are redundant. Hahaha.”

“That particular story is somewhat…”

I had questioned if it was truly alright, considering the traditionally strained relations. The conclusion: the Heavenly Master Temple.

I was mortified and wished to hide, but just then, Sister Seol, who had been listening, placed her teacown down and spoke.

“Elder, should we commence shortly?”

In other words, the small talk was over, and it was time to address the matter at hand.

“Then let us begin.”

– Sia. 『I agree.』

“Cheong-yu Sojeo says she is ready.”

As I was needed to interpret for Cheong-yu Sojeo, I relayed her response. With that, Grandfather started his explanation.

“First, I will provide a concise overview of So-ryong’s current state. You are all likely aware, but it is best to review it thoroughly.

Initially, So-ryong cultivated the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Art. To progress to the Ten-Poison level, he transitioned into the Ten Poisons Dual Core Art. The original Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Art is an adaptation of the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art, and it cannot support more than five poisons.

However, after obtaining spirit beasts, So-ryong ultimately mastered the true form, the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art, and even the Beast Heart Art that serves as its foundation.

This is where the complication emerged…

He was meant to finish the Five Poisons stage before advancing to the Ten Poisons Dual Core Art, but his acquisition of the Beast Heart Art has profoundly altered the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art.”

As Grandfather stated, I started with the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Art.

The plan was to absorb five distinct poisons, achieve the Five Poisons level, and then naturally progress to the Ten Poisons Dual Core Art.

But I learned the original version, the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art, and furthermore, the foundational Beast Heart Art, to such an extent that the divine art evolved into something entirely new.

Ordinarily, registering more than five poisons should trigger a shift to the Ten Poisons Dual Core Art. Yet, even with Hwa-eun registered, all poisons and spirit beasts remain contained within the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art.

The Ten Poisons Dual Core Art has remained inactive.

Because the Beast Heart Art permits as many bonds as one’s mental fortitude can sustain, it appears the divine art adjusted itself to accommodate more than five poisons or creatures.

I couldn’t be certain, but this was the most plausible theory.

“As you are aware, despite registering Hwa-eun, we have not moved beyond the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art.
However, as Hwa-eun lacks a unique poison, we cannot be certain.”

Grandfather shared this perspective, and everyone nodded in agreement.

“Indeed…”

– Siaaa. 『That is logical.』

“So, when So-ryong registers Yohwa, will he transition to the Ten Poisons Dual Core Art? Or will the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art transform? We cannot know.”

“Precisely.”

A short silence fell.

Grandfather continued.

“Yet there is no cause for excessive concern. If it shifts to the Ten Poisons Dual Core Art, I will monitor So-ryong and intervene should anything go ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) awry…”

His words faded as he looked toward Sister Seol and Cheong-yu Sojeo.

Sister Seol responded with understanding.

“Given the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art is currently stable, a change is necessary if he is to properly accept a true spirit beast or venomous creature. Should it change, then Cheong-yu Sojeo and I will jointly observe So-ryong.”

In short, the strategy was for all three to watch me carefully. If the Tang Clan’s technique, the Ten Poisons Dual Core Art, activates, Grandfather would take action. If the Five Poisons Divine Art changes, Sister Seol and Cheong-yu Sojeo would oversee and mitigate any problems.

Grandfather posed another question.

“Exactly. This is why I ask the two of you: if the Five Poisons Returning to the Origin Divine Art does change, what problems might arise?”

Sister Seol and Cheong-yu exchanged a look and gave almost identical responses.

“The Beast Heart Art itself does not malfunction with multiple registered creatures. That aspect should be secure. However… with the continual addition of spirit beasts, we are concerned the psychological load may become excessive.”

– Siiia. 『The Five Poisons Sect originally restricted poisons to five because of the mental pressure. I fear the consciousnesses of the spirit beasts could sway his own.』

As I translated Cheong-yu Sojeo’s words, both Sister Seol and Grandfather nodded simultaneously.

It appeared they all harbored similar worries. The discussion carried on late into the night, planning countermeasures for potential complications.

“If an issue emerges from the Ten Poisons aspect, I will personally suppress the poison energy…”

“If it is a matter of the mind, we may seek assistance from Lady Gun. I understand her family specializes in mental techniques.”

“Her clan… were they truly renowned for mental cultivation?”

“It appears to be their hidden tradition.”

***

The following day, at approximately the same hour.

We all assembled in the Tang Clan’s underground training chamber.

The only change from the day before was the presence of Father-in-law, Hwa-eun, and Yohwa.

I had scarcely exchanged words with Hwa-eun all morning. Since being pulled aside by Mother-in-law the previous night for her “education,” she had been avoiding my gaze and starting nervously whenever I was near.

As I sat in the center of the chamber with Yohwa, Hwa-eun approached tentatively, a faint blush on her cheeks, and spoke.

“You will be successful, So-ryong.”

“Naturally. I must succeed.”

I had to achieve a breakthrough, attain the stage of Bone Shedding and Marrow Cleansing, and experience the most magnificent wedding night possible. This was my firm resolution.

Yohwa stood near me and offered a smile.

Its pedipalps, once inept at conveying feeling, could now clearly display its eager anticipation.

At that moment, Grandfather’s voice echoed in the chamber.

“Let us begin.”

“Yes, Grandfather. Yohwa, are you ready to release the venom?”

– Kisit.

Yohwa’s venom was a paralytic agent.

It did not induce instant death or agony, which is why I requested it instead of blood or saliva.

A single drop of venom fell onto the back of my hand.

The transparent liquid rapidly dispersed through my system, producing a sharp, tingling sensation.

Before the venom could fully dominate my senses, I activated the Beast Heart Art. The qi flowing from my dantian combined with the venom, gradually amplifying.

In that final instant, I saw Yohwa briefly lick its lips—and then my sight vanished.