Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang Novel - Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Mealworms are often seen as pests that infest stored grains, but they are also a fundamental food source for reptiles and other insects because they are inexpensive and easy to produce.

Breeding mealworms is uncomplicated, especially when compared to other insects. They are mainly fed wheat bran, which is a leftover product from processing wheat. Simply spreading a layer of wheat bran in their enclosures allows them to flourish with little maintenance. Moreover, although they possess wings, mealworms do not fly if they are well-fed, which makes housing them in basic containers filled with bran quite practical.

Their care remains simple even when they develop into adult beetles. Aside from adding some leafy greens now and then, there is hardly any added difficulty. This low-maintenance quality is essential for someone like me, who keeps venomous animals and reptiles.

With this knowledge, I set up ceramic pots layered with wheat bran and began breeding the mealworm beetles that Yeong-yeong had collected. Her catch was not enough, so I also searched the Tang Clan’s granaries to collect more and establish a strong starter colony.

I also chose to breed crickets alongside the mealworms. Crickets can also be fed wheat bran and are fairly easy to raise. While mealworms are a consistent primary food, crickets are especially good at triggering a feeding instinct in insect-eating reptiles and venomous creatures because of their rapid motion.

While I dedicated myself to raising these two crucial feeder insects in the Venom Yard, I also continued my martial arts practice. There was a great deal to study: the Five Venoms Arts, specialized Tang Clan skills such as the Iron Chest Technique, and even the art of detecting the smell of different toxins.

At times, being a young martial artist of the Tang Clan seemed an exhausting responsibility.

‘Becoming part of this family is more challenging than I imagined.’

“Poisonous Serpent’s Covetous Spring!”

On the Tang Clan’s training grounds, I called out the technique as my damp hand twisted fluidly around the wooden dummy’s arm.

Of the five methods within the Five Venoms Arts—Centipede’s Venomous Fang Claw, Poisonous Serpent’s Covetous Hand, Scorpion’s Swift Tail Kick, Lizard’s Gecko Walk, and Toad’s Explosive Palm—I prioritized learning Poisonous Serpent’s Covetous Hand.

Grandfather had told me that Poisonous Serpent’s Covetous Hand was the core technique that allowed the integration of hand movements into other forms, like the palm strike of Toad’s Explosive Palm or the claw method of Centipede’s Venomous Fang Claw.

This technique required winding one’s arm like a serpent to deflect or assault, targeting the weak points of an opponent.

“Well done. Just like that. Next!”

Grandfather gave an approving nod as I moved into the subsequent action.

“Poisonous Serpent’s Covetous Peach!”

This technique succeeded the first, unleashing the coiled arm to hit the opponent’s unprotected core. My arm uncoiled accurately, striking the dummy’s chest and causing the wood to shudder.

Grandfather provided his insight.

“Like a snake searching for water or fruit, you must seek out your opponent’s vulnerabilities. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

We drilled the movements repeatedly. Once sweat was dripping from my face and my robes were thoroughly drenched, Grandfather finally ended the session.

“That is enough for today.”

“Thank you for your instruction, Grandfather.”

“You did well today, So-ryong.”

Having begun with energy circulation at sunrise, then eaten breakfast, and trained in martial arts, it was now midday. As I used my sleeve to wipe my brow, someone offered me a towel.

“Here, So-ryong. You’ve worked hard today.”

I turned and saw my fiancée, Hwa-eun, offering the towel with a smile.

“Thank you, Hwa-eun.”

I took the towel gratefully and dried my face. It was these small gestures that fueled my determination to endure the demanding training.

‘This is what makes it worthwhile.’

Her assistance was priceless—whether clarifying martial manuals I found difficult, or having towels and medicine ready after practice. She even organized my daily agenda like an assistant.

“Once you’ve cleaned up, we should go to the Venom Yard. Commander Gu asked for you specifically. There appears to be an issue requiring your attention. Later, we will resume your poison education,” she stated, her tone both supportive and authoritative.

I nodded in response. “Understood. I’ll wash up and meet you at the pavilion.”

After refreshing myself, I rejoined her at the pavilion where the children were also waiting with her. A centipede rested on her right shoulder, and a lizard on her left.

Chirr!

Croak!

The creatures moved excitedly to my shoulders, nuzzling my face with their cool, textured skin.

“Okay, okay, I understand. Settle down,” I said, gently calming them before my patience wore thin.

On our way to the Venom Yard, I inquired, “Did Commander Gu specify what the trouble was?”

“It involves the crickets. Their population isn’t growing as it should, and they’ve begun attacking one another,” Hwa-eun clarified.

“I see,” I murmured.

Crickets are known for their hostility. Cannibalism is a frequent issue, particularly when they are under strain or poorly maintained. I had faced the same problem when I lived on Hainan Island.

At the Venom Yard, Commander Gu welcomed us with a regretful expression.

“My apologies, So-ryong. I have failed to handle this correctly.”

His serious attitude was almost humorous. I smiled reassuringly. “There’s no need to be so stern. This isn’t a failure. Let me examine them.”

I checked the cricket pens, which were made from large, cut clay jars containing wheat bran for nourishment and ample leaves for cover. Superficially, the arrangement seemed correct—it was the same approach I had used on Hainan.

However, the sight of scattered cricket limbs inside the jars revealed the truth. They were consuming each other.

“I had this same issue before on Hainan…” I said, thinking carefully.

The cause was evident, but I did not have the specific knowledge to address it. Although skilled with venomous creatures and reptiles, crickets were not my focus.

I wasn’t just Fabre—I was Spicy Fabre. My specialty was venomous beings.

As I considered options—altering their diet, expanding their space—a cautious voice broke my concentration.

“Um…”

I turned and saw one of Commander Gu’s assistants tentatively raising his hand.

“Did you want to say something?” I asked.

He paused briefly before answering. “I might know a person who understands crickets…”

“Someone who knows about crickets?”

He nodded, rubbing his neck self-consciously. “I’ve… well, participated in cricket fights… As a pastime. Just casually—nothing major!”

“Cricket fighting?” I asked, curious.

Hwa-eun elaborated, “It’s a form of gambling where crickets are pitted against each other, and people wager on the results.”

“Ah,” I said, faintly recalling something from my past life. Cricket fighting was an old tradition in ancient China, starting as entertainment for palace attendants and growing into a widespread cultural practice. Successful crickets could sell for immense sums.

It appeared we had found a lead. Bringing in a cricket specialist might be a wise step. With that in mind, I rearranged my plans to travel to Chengdu and explore further. It seemed a perfect chance to acquire some sorely needed knowledge.

***

The journey was not long, and I first assumed we would use qinggong, but we took a carriage instead.

The idea was that, since we were visiting a gambling establishment, we should dress formally and arrive by carriage to fit in.

So, Hwa-eun, Commander Gu, I, and our guide, Hwang-geon, wore silk robes and set out for Chengdu. Several skilled martial artists rode alongside us on horseback as guards, due to the earlier trouble with the Blood Sect.

“We have arrived, Master So-ryong,” Hwang-geon declared.

We were on a street dominated by tall, impressive structures. Hwang-geon informed us that this was the center of Chengdu’s cricket-fighting culture.

As we stepped out of the carriage, women in revealing outfits on the street started beckoning to potential customers.

“Step inside for a while.”

“Right here, young master. This way.”

The road was crowded with gambling houses and brothels, giving it a vibe similar to Gangnam from my former life. I tried to avoid looking, but my gaze drifted involuntarily. Just then, I felt a hand on my left arm.

I turned and saw Hwa-eun holding my arm with a soft yet intimidating smile. Her message was unmistakable even without words.

I nodded quickly to show I understood: my attention should remain on her.

‘Right, eyes ahead!’

Keeping my focus on her, we approached the doors of a three-story building. Two bulky guards initially stood transfixed at the sight of Hwa-eun, then moved to obstruct us.

Hwang-geon moved in front, his expression severe. “Pardon me, but without an introduction—”

“This is Lady Hwa-eun of the Tang Clan and her intended, Master So-ryong. Move aside at once!”

“W-what?! Lady Hwa-eun of the Tang Clan? One of the Three Blossoms of Wulin?!”

“Our apologies, Sir Hwang!”

The guards hastily moved out of the way, and we entered the gambling house. Inside was opulently furnished, with women in translucent outfits serving drinks, and various games of chance happening at large tables. The noisy room went quiet the instant we walked in.

As Hwa-eun proceeded further, the lightly clad women seemed to withdraw apprehensively. If they were fireflies, she was a blinding light.

‘No, she is more like the sun.’

“A warm welcome! We are honored by your presence in our modest Golden Phoenix Gambling Den!”

A man with a rodent-like face, likely the proprietor, hurried over to welcome us. Hwang-geon spoke to him.

“This is Lady Hwa-eun of the Tang Clan and her betrothed, Master So-ryong. They wish to observe a cricket match. Show us the way.”

“The honor is ours! It so happens that today is the final match of the General Cricket Championship. Please, accompany me to the third level.”

The owner beamed, assuming we were there to spend generously. He guided us upstairs to the third floor, where the cricket fights were occurring.

The event was quite engaging, complete with an announcer. Hwang-geon mentioned that the General Cricket Championship was a monthly competition to crown a champion cricket. Essentially, it was the final match.

A dealer placed a cricket on each side of a circular dish divided by a wooden barrier. He provoked them with a brush made from cat whiskers until they were agitated. Then he lifted the divider, and the irritated crickets instantly started fighting.

The two crickets bit and wrestled fiercely. Eventually, one retreated, fearfully showing its back. The winning cricket chirped in triumph.

Chirp, chirp.

The dealer’s loud voice resonated through the space.

“The General Cricket is determined!”

Cheers and complaints arose as wagers were paid. Some people grinned with pleasure, while others drank away their disappointment. The winning cricket was even auctioned then and there, selling for an impressive thirty silver coins.

‘I could generate significant income by selling crickets later.’

The notion of breeding and selling crickets as a source of funds for the Venom Yard occurred to me. I faced the owner, who was still nearby, and asked, “Is there a cricket handler I could talk with?”

“A cricket handler? Well, people ask sometimes, but we don’t have much to display. We aren’t concerned with which cricket wins. We just provide food and remove waste…”

The owner seemed evasive, his voice fading. Noticing his hesitation, Hwang-geon cut in firmly, “Master So-ryong, we should proceed to the Yellow Dragon Gambling Den. I regret having brought you here.”

“Oh, no, no! Please, permit me to show you. It isn’t that I refused, but, well, our cricket handler isn’t remarkable. Merely someone who feeds them and cleans up…”

Grudgingly, the owner took us to a moist basement room echoing with cricket sounds.

In a shadowy area, a woman who appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties was slouched against a heap of straw. Her untidy look and somber aura gave her a ghostly impression.

“What are you doing?! These are distinguished guests from the Tang Clan! Show proper respect!” the owner snapped.

Hearing the name Tang Clan, the woman’s eyes widened momentarily before returning to a vacant, downcast state. She silently bowed her head.

I handed the owner some silver coins and asked, “I sometimes raise crickets as a hobby. May I ask her a few questions?”

“Certainly, young master! Please, go ahead,” the owner replied cheerfully, his spirits lifted by the silver.

I turned to the woman, who was still staring at the floor. “I keep multiple crickets together, but they keep eating each other. Do you know why?”

Chirp, chirp.

Her voice was almost lost under the cricket sounds as she responded, “Meat… They need more meat.”

“Meat? Ah!”

Her answer brought instant clarity. Crickets eat both plants and meat. The cannibalism was probably because they weren’t getting enough protein.

‘Could this woman be a cricket expert?!’

Her reply was sufficient to prove her usefulness. As we had prearranged, I looked at Hwa-eun and nodded. She immediately took out a gold bar from her sleeve.

Displaying it, she asked the owner, “May we purchase this woman?”

“Certainly—I mean, yes, without a doubt…”

The owner agreed without delay, already nodding enthusiastically. Clearly, he saw her as nothing more than a lowly keeper who fed and cleaned up after the insects.

But before the agreement was final, the woman suddenly yelled, “No! You must not!”