Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang

Tang Cheolsan watched his daughter, Hwa-eun, explaining the Tang Clan’s poisons to So-ryong with a satisfied smile.

The way Hwa-eun dedicated herself to the explanation and the way So-ryong listened intently, his eyes fixed on her, gave Cheolsan a sense of relief. For the first time, he felt there might be no need to worry.

Truthfully, even though he had resolved to pair So-ryong with Hwa-eun, Tang Cheolsan had carried many concerns.

He knew his daughter’s mindset well.

She bore the burden of continuing the direct line of the clan—a weight he had, in a way, pushed onto her.

It was not a light responsibility. He was acutely aware of how she had strived to surpass any man in the clan, trying to prove herself worthy of the role.

“If only she were born a man...”

“If she had been, she would’ve easily reached the Hundred-Poison Realm (백독지경) by now.”

Hwa-eun had grown up hearing such remarks, and Cheolsan knew she wouldn’t be able to ignore the scrutinizing gazes and remarks of the extended family.

Choosing someone like So-ryong, with limited potential, would only increase her burden, and he worried she would fear the consequences.

“Haha, a direct descendant with only a Ten-Poison Body? Of course, people would worry about the potential of her children.”

“What about the future of the Tang Clan?”

It was almost expected that women from martial families sought strong or exceptionally talented partners. That was their unspoken duty.

Cheolsan couldn’t help but struggle with the possibility that he might have to forcefully override his daughter’s wishes.

“I know I’m part of the Tang Clan,” Hwa-eun had said. “And I understand why you’re saying this, Father. But I will decide whether So-ryong deserves to have me.”

When she had stormed off in anger after declaring she would test So-ryong’s worth, everyone had been worried.

“So, what do you think of So-ryong’s martial potential?”

“Well… Father, you could verify it more precisely, but from what I’ve seen, it seems his limit is the Ten-Poison Boundary (십독지경).”

“If that’s your assessment, it’s likely accurate. But it’s a shame. If only he had reached the Hundred-Poison Realm...”

“With such potential, there’s no way Hwa-eun would accept him,” his father added, his tone tinged with concern.

Cheolsan understood their worries. So-ryong might be a rare and valuable individual, but Hwa-eun, shaped by the pressures of the clan and its expectations, would likely struggle to see his worth.

Though the Tang Clan dealt with all manner of poisons, it did not mean every poison was valued equally.

The poisons So-ryong favored—those derived from venomous creatures like insects and snakes—were not the mainstream.

This was because such poisons came with many limitations.

However, as So-ryong had demonstrated in Hainan with the lizards (石蜥, Seokchuk), it was possible to refine and enhance these poisons through breeding and care.

If So-ryong truly succeeded in elevating the toxicity of such creatures, the possibilities would open dramatically.

Cheolsan’s father, Mandok Shingun, spoke thoughtfully.

“So, what will you do? Will you force him to become our son-in-law? Hwa-eun might feel hurt, but if he’s a good person, he could manage her emotions over time.”

Cheolsan respected his father deeply, but he hesitated.

“For now, let’s wait and see what decision Hwa-eun makes.”

“Wait and see?”

“Yes. First, I want to trust Hwa-eun to make her own judgment. Second, I want to trust So-ryong’s potential.”

“Hwa-eun is one thing, but So-ryong?”

“Yes. Hwa-eun might eventually recognize his potential. And even if she doesn’t, shouldn’t we let them figure it out between themselves before intervening?”

“Hm. That makes sense. There’s always the chance she might find him acceptable on her own.”

While Cheolsan spoke of trusting Hwa-eun, his true hope lay in So-ryong.

Here was a young man with exceptional knowledge of venomous creatures—something rare, even within the Tang Clan.

If So-ryong truly was the expert he claimed to be, then perhaps he could achieve something extraordinary, like understanding the behaviors and solutions of creatures as unique as the Blue-Spotted Centipede’s offspring or the Kissing Bugs (접문충, Jeopmunchung).

Hwa-eun herself was the Tang Clan’s greatest venomous creature, raised by Cheolsan with utmost care.

“She embodies everything I’ve worked for,” Cheolsan murmured to himself.

“And didn’t So-ryong say it himself?”

“What did he say?”

“That he’s an expert in this field. If he claims to be a specialist, then I think we should give him a chance. After all, Hwa-eun is also a venomous being of the Tang Clan. Who knows? Maybe he’ll understand her better than anyone.”

“Hm… an expert, you say...”

The thought of trusting So-ryong’s expertise gave Cheolsan hope. Whether or not it would work out with Hwa-eun remained uncertain, but it was worth the gamble.

***

The next morning, though no one openly mentioned it, it was clear to Tang Cheolsan and the family that something had gone awry.

Everyone avoided making eye contact, their glances skittering away as if something unpleasant had occurred.

‘So, my daughter wasn’t swayed by the “expert” after all,’ Cheolsan mused grimly.

After breakfast, the family gathered to deliberate on how to salvage the situation.

“Did you notice it this morning? Something definitely happened,” Cheolsan began.

“It seems So-ryong was rejected by Hwa-eun,” his father, Mandok Shingun, replied with a sigh.

“Hrm… it seems the time has come for us to intervene,” Cheolsan conceded. “Rather than forcing a marriage, we should try to foster affection between them. What do you think would help bring them closer?”

“What if we pretend to respect Hwa-eun’s wishes but assign her the task of training So-ryong in basic martial arts? Spending time together might help them grow closer,” his wife suggested.

“Not a bad idea,” Cheolsan admitted, nodding thoughtfully.

“Meanwhile,” Mandok Shingun added, “I’ll consult the Immortal Physician to see if they can bestow the Hair-Shedding and Marrow-Cleansing Technique (벌모세수, 伐毛洗髓) on So-ryong. If his aptitude is lacking, we can elevate it.”

“That didn’t even work on Hwa-eun; I wouldn’t get my hopes up,” Cheolsan replied, shaking his head.

As they discussed strategies in Cheolsan’s study, they heard Hwa-eun’s voice from outside.

“Father, it’s me, Hwa-eun.”

“Hwa-eun?”

“What brings her here at this hour?”

Cheolsan called out, “Come in,” curious to uncover what had transpired.

Hwa-eun entered the study, momentarily startled to find all three of them there.

“Oh, I… didn’t realize you were all here together,” she stammered.

Cheolsan frowned slightly. His daughter, whom he had known for over twenty years, seemed different somehow. Her demeanor was oddly subdued.

‘What’s changed?’ he wondered.

Hwa-eun seated herself, poured tea, and spoke hesitantly.

“Father, I’ve come to tell you something.”

“Tell me something?”

She fidgeted, her ears reddening and her cheeks flushing.

“I’ve decided to… follow what you suggested,” she said, her voice trembling.

Cheolsan tilted his head, confused.

“What suggestion of mine?”

Her face reddened further as if she were emanating heat.

“The matter concerning So-ryong… I’ve decided to follow through.”

Cheolsan and Mandok Shingun exchanged surprised glances.

“Do you mean you’ve decided to go through with the marriage?” Mandok Shingun asked eagerly.

“Yes… Grandfather.”

“Oh my! Does that mean you’ve come to like So-ryong?” her mother asked.

“Not exactly… but…” Hwa-eun’s voice trailed off, her face glowing red. She covered her mouth with one hand while nervously gripping her teacup with the other.

“He promised to become the Strongest Under Heaven (천하제일인, 天下第一人) for my sake,” she confessed.

“What!?”

“Good heavens!”

The words ”Strongest Under Heaven” hung in the air like a bombshell.

Cheolsan, unable to contain his curiosity, shot to his feet and grasped his daughter’s hands.

“What exactly do you mean? Explain everything!”

Blushing deeply, Hwa-eun explained in a soft voice, “Although he has the limitations of a Ten-Poison Body, he promised to fill those ten poisons with the toxins of the Ten Great Poisons (천하십대독물) for my sake.”

“What!?”

“Hahaha! To fill the Ten-Poison Body with the toxins of the Ten Great Poisons? That boy is ambitious!”

Cheolsan roared with laughter. His would-be son-in-law had guts.

It wasn’t for himself, or even for the clan, but for the sake of a single woman that So-ryong had made such a bold promise. It was an unexpected masterstroke that had melted the walls around Hwa-eun’s heart in an instant.

As Cheolsan marveled at So-ryong’s audacity, Hwa-eun voiced her concerns.

“But I’m still a little worried. What if he’s all talk and no action…?”

Cheolsan smiled reassuringly.

“Listen carefully, Hwa-eun. All miraculous treasures, spirit beasts, and serendipitous opportunities in the martial world already have their destined owners.”

“That’s right,” Mandok Shingun chimed in. “Those who covet such things without rightful claim invite disaster. But when someone worthy appears, such marvels naturally fall into their hands.”

Hwa-eun tilted her head.

“Why are you telling me this?”

Cheolsan retrieved a small wooden box containing a Zhenbird Feather (짐조의 깃) and placed it on the table.

“Think about it. When you fell into Qi Deviation and we went to Hainan Island, we witnessed extraordinary events.

“We caught the Blue-Spotted Centipede, a creature no one had captured in over a hundred years. We encountered the elusive and lewd Kissing Bug (접문충). I even saw the King of Poisons, the Zhenbird (짐조), with my own eyes.

“Why do you think such incredible things happened?”

“I don’t know.”

“Because the rightful owner of these phenomena appeared.”

“Rightful owner?”

“Yes. Someone who understands venomous creatures better than anyone and whom they willingly follow. If So-ryong promised you something, he will make it happen.”

Hwa-eun nodded, her father’s words slowly sinking in. Her face softened, and a faint smile graced her lips.

The discussion in Cheolsan’s study shifted from how to foster affection between the pair to how to integrate So-ryong fully into the Tang Clan.

“Father, though I’ve accepted him in my heart, I’ve told him that we won’t marry until he’s of age and only if he succeeds in acquiring one of the Ten Great Poisons during that time. Do you think he understood me?”

“Why not make it three poisons instead of one? One hardly seems enough to win over my daughter,” Mandok Shingun joked.

Her mother chuckled. “Don’t worry. He probably thinks he must capture one within three years to earn your hand.”

“Should I clarify things for him?” Hwa-eun asked hesitantly.

“No, let him think that,” her mother replied. “If he believes he must prove himself for your sake, he’ll work even harder. And you’ll benefit from his efforts.”

“For… for my sake?”

“Of course. If he feels complacent after winning your heart, what then? Let him remain unaware. After all, the wedding can’t happen until he’s eighteen anyway.”

And so, the bustling Tang Clan’s study shifted into overdrive, its occupants busy plotting how to transform So-ryong into a full-fledged member of their illustrious clan.

***

Still reeling from the revelation that the Tang Clan used ricin to execute people, I was led deeper into the cavern by noona and the Tang Clan family.

We passed a dimly lit passage illuminated by Night Pearls (야명주, 夜明珠), their soft glow guiding our way until we reached a simple wooden door.

“This is where the Tang Clan keeps its venomous creatures,” noona explained, gesturing toward the door.

“Oh, this is the place,” I muttered, my heart pounding as conflicting emotions swirled within me. The realization that noona’s family was a clan of legendary assassins and mass murderers had yet to fully settle in, but the mention of venomous creatures was enough to distract me.

Despite my lingering dread, I eagerly followed her inside.

‘How weak-willed am I, really?’ I sighed inwardly at my own inability to resist the allure of my interests.

-Creak.

As the door swung open, what lay before me was a stark contrast to what I had imagined.

I was expecting an organized, pristine habitat for venomous creatures, but what I saw was closer to a slaughterhouse.

Snakes were crammed into jars, their bodies emaciated from lack of food. The variety of species was underwhelming, and there were no signs of proper feeding systems.

It was clear these creatures were kept here temporarily, solely for the extraction of venom. This was no professional breeding facility.

“This… is not what I expected,” I murmured, stunned.

My disappointment must have been obvious, as the clan leader, Tang Cheolsan, stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

“You must be a little let down,” he said with a knowing tone. “Venomous creatures often die easily, and unlike plants or mushrooms, they’re much harder to cultivate. We keep them here only briefly for venom extraction.”

Indeed, poisons like castor oil from plants were far easier to produce on a large scale than maintaining the delicate balance required for venomous creatures.

However, the lack of understanding about the creatures’ habits and ecosystems was glaring.

Seeing my furrowed brow, Cheolsan continued with an encouraging smile, “If you’re willing, you can take charge of this place. Whatever you need—funds, venomous creatures, anything—our clan will provide it. Just say the word, and we’ll acquire whatever you require.”

“Seriously?” I asked, wide-eyed.

The clan of sociopathic assassins was offering to support my hobby without reservation.

The Tang Clan—a family infamous for their deadly poisons and merciless efficiency—was now proposing to bankroll my personal interest in venomous creatures.

Even my earlier unease about ricin briefly faded. The thought of having unlimited resources to pursue my passion was… tempting, to say the least.

‘Could this really be heaven, in its own twisted way?’ I wondered.

A place where my hobbies could flourish, with no expense spared to achieve my vision? It was hard not to think of a modern paradise: the latest computer setup, a zero-gravity chair, a massive screen, and unlimited fried chicken.

“...I might actually survive in this place after all.”