Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang

Geolhwang had used my signature phrase, ”expert,” without permission, but the fact that he used it so precisely at the right moment meant he was practically a dedicated viewer from my past life.

It made sense. Accurately using a YouTuber’s catchphrase at just the right moment wasn’t something you could do unless you had watched all of their content. Otherwise, it would be difficult to capture the right comedic timing.

Not that I was running a broadcast here.

Geolhwang, does he like me more than I thought? Considering how often he drops by, did he set me as a favorite or something?

It seemed like Geolhwang had taken quite a liking to me.

Having an old beggar be so fond of me was a bit burdensome, but still, Geolhwang was a useful person.

I decided to accept his favor.

After all, he had brought me information about Shintu’s incident, which allowed me to meet my hidden informants, Moji and Soji.

It was troublesome, but if it meant more useful errands like that, I welcomed it.

And now, hearing him mention the word ”expert,” I had a vague idea of why he had come looking for me again.

Since I had resolved Na-ok’s situation and even perfectly handled the matter with Shintu, it seemed he now had a firm impression of me as a poison expert.

”Being too competent is a problem too, huh?”

So I gave him a look as if I already had a feeling about what was coming and asked,

”If it’s my expertise you’re talking about... could it be?”

Since Geolhwang had mentioned my expertise, it had to be something related to poisons or insects.

As expected, Shintu nodded in confirmation.

Just as I predicted, Shintu had sought me out for an insect-related issue.

”Yes, it’s about something you’re well-versed in—bugs.”

For now, I decided to hear him out in more detail.

The fact that he called them bugs instead of spiritual creatures meant it was just ordinary insects. But earlier, Geolhwang had used the term strange event when bringing it up.

Strange event referred to bizarre occurrences.

Usually, it was rare for something strange to happen just because of insects.

”Can you explain the situation in more detail?”

At my question, Shintu nodded before beginning his explanation.

”It’s a matter concerning the Martial Alliance, and there’s a reason I came in person.

You see, just when we were troubled by the blockade preventing us from deploying our forces, someone arrived at the Martial Alliance a few days ago...”

***

”Have you confirmed the exact intentions of the Imperial Court?”

The leader of the Martial Alliance, Zhu Jung-hak, asked in an urgent tone as Zhuge Hu entered the main hall.

Just a short while ago, he had heard that a messenger had arrived with news from the Imperial Court, and he had been waiting for that information.

However, despite the pressing question, Zhuge Hu hesitated, his expression dark.

”That is...”

”What is it? Why can’t you speak?”

Frustrated, Zhu Jung-hak demanded an answer again.

Zhuge Hu, his expression heavy, finally replied.

”We are in a dire situation. I have confirmed it through the ministers in the court who are under our influence, but it seems the Imperial Court will not change its stance. Ever since the Blood Cult War, the Imperial Court has been adamant about preventing another similar disaster...”

”What!?”

Bang!

At the words that the Imperial Court would not change its stance, Zhu Jung-hak slammed his palm onto the table made of Qinggang Stone, leaving a distinct handprint on its surface.

A sigh of frustration escaped him.

”Aren’t we mobilizing precisely to prevent such an event from happening again!? If the Blood Cult is allowed to spread across the Central Plains like an infestation, countless innocent people will suffer. What the hell is the Imperial Court thinking!?”

With that, both men fell silent, their expressions full of helplessness.

The intelligence that Bi-ryong Pavilion’s vice chief, Bang Sun, had sacrificed his life to send them...

That information had revealed the location of the Blood Cult’s ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) stronghold, and they had formulated a plan to launch a surprise attack on it. But if the Imperial Court refused to yield, they would not be able to move their forces.

They had hoped that by leveraging their connections with the court ministers, they could sway the Imperial Court’s decision. But if this was the answer they had received, then they had no other options left.

They could attempt to mobilize troops in secret, but the Imperial Court had spies within the Martial Alliance. If they were caught, it would be seen as an act of disloyalty, and they would be charged with treason.

Even warriors were still subjects of the Emperor.

The principle of ”The Imperial Court does not interfere in martial matters” existed, but if a secret decree had been issued, then they could not act rashly.

After a moment of heavy silence, Zhu Jung-hak muttered bitterly,

”It seems ‘Heaven is indifferent’ is an apt phrase for this situation.”

And it was true.

From their perspective, the Imperial Court’s decision was like a bolt from the blue on a clear day.

Despite their mission being obstructed by this unexpected variable, the Martial Alliance did not simply sit idle.

Instead, they decided to use their court connections to inform the government of the Blood Cult’s growing threat.

They hoped that by alerting the Emperor to the cult’s atrocities and explaining the necessity of their mission, they could change his mind.

Additionally, they had sent a small team of operatives to the Great Moon Empire’s border to monitor the Blood Cult’s movements.

But time kept slipping by without any results.

Then, about fifteen days later, one afternoon, Zhuge Hu suddenly burst into the hall with an urgent look on his face.

”Lord Zhu Jung-hak! You must come outside immediately!”

Being summoned in such a manner meant that someone of high status had arrived.

”Who in the world has come that requires my personal presence?”

Zhu Jung-hak frowned.

In the entire martial world, there was no one higher in rank than the Three Grandmasters of Martial Arts.

But then Zhuge Hu stammered out an entirely unexpected name.

”It is... the wife of Lord Seo Bin-ak, the Prefect of Yueyang.”

”The wife of Seo Bin-ak, the Prefect of Yueyang? Seo Bin-ak... wasn’t he recently appointed as the Prefect of Yueyang? The government official? Then... then, could it be—!?”

”Yes... it is the Imperial Princess.”

At the mention of the Imperial Princess, Zhu Jung-hak’s eyes widened in shock.

Seo Bin-ak, who had been appointed as the Prefect of Yueyang near Wuhan, was already someone the Martial Alliance had been keeping an eye on.

And he was no ordinary official—he was the Emperor’s son-in-law.

That meant the person who had come was none other than Princess Gwan-do, Yu Ji-ryong, the wife of Prefect Seo Bin-ak.

”Where is she? Let’s go!”

”She has just passed the entrance to the Martial Alliance.”

Yu Ji-ryong, the wife of Prefect Seo Bin-ak, who had been assigned to Yueyang, not far from Wuhan.

The two of them had rather unique statuses.

Seo Bin-ak was originally a mere scholar from the Imperial Academy, but after marrying Princess Gwan-do, his status had risen dramatically, making him one of the luckiest men in the Central Plains.

Having become a prefect at barely over twenty, he was widely regarded as the luckiest man in the land.

Lacking ability but having secured a high status by marrying the right woman—such was the common assessment of him.

After all, he was just a scholar from the Imperial Academy who had managed to win the heart of the Emperor’s most beloved daughter.

And Yu Ji-ryong had an even more unusual background.

Not only was she the Emperor’s daughter and his most favored woman, but she also had the unique distinction of being a martial artist.

From a young age, the deeply devout Yu Ji-ryong had been captivated by Buddhism, traveling to temples across the Central Plains to offer prayers. It was during one such visit to the Nanhai Putuo Hermitage that her talents were recognized, and she was taken in as a secular disciple of the Sword Pavilion.

According to the Sword Queen, whom I had met once, had Yu Ji-ryong not been of royal blood, she would have made her heir.

In other words, Princess Yu Ji-ryong was a martial artist of royal lineage.

By the time Zhu Jung-hak and his men had hurried down to the base of Tianwu Pavilion, the princess had already arrived.

There, in front of Tianwu Pavilion, stood a woman accompanied by a scribe and several imperial guards.

She was not clad in luxurious silk garments but in the simple attire of a martial artist, looking barely over twenty.

Yet her eyes carried the fierce intensity of a tiger.

At that sight, Zhu Jung-hak’s eyes gleamed.

More than her appearance, what stood out was the sword hanging at her waist.

That could only mean one thing—she had come not as a royal, but as a martial artist.

It was natural for someone of her status to dress plainly when traveling, but if she were here in disguise, she wouldn’t have brought imperial guards.

Moreover, if she had come in her capacity as a princess, she certainly wouldn’t be wearing a sword.

As Zhu Jung-hak prepared to bow in greeting, he heard a surprised voice from across him.

”Please, do not bow, Sword Emperor. I have come today in my capacity as a disciple of the Sword Pavilion.”

At her words, Zhu Jung-hak smiled and responded,

”As a disciple of the Sword Pavilion, it would not be so easy to meet Zhu Jung-hak. Are you certain you wish to proceed this way?”

He was testing her, curious about what kind of person she truly was.

Yu Ji-ryong, however, merely smiled in return.

”I am well aware of that. However, once you hear the gift I have brought, you will surely agree to meet me.”

”A gift?”

Zhu Jung-hak tilted his head at her words.

And then Yu Ji-ryong spoke in a clear, steady voice.

”You are unable to mobilize your forces, correct? I may be able to help with that. If I tell the Emperor that I feel threatened and unsafe because of the Blood Cult, he may send reinforcements instead of blocking your movements.”

I had once heard from the Sword Queen that Yu Ji-ryong was not only highly devout but also exceptionally intelligent.

Now, I could see that for myself.

Zhu Jung-hak burst into hearty laughter and nodded.

”Haha! If that is the gift you bring, then indeed, you are more than qualified to meet me.”

A short while later, in the leader’s chamber, with warm tea set before them, the conversation began.

”Now then, what brings you to seek out Zhu Jung-hak?”

At his question, Yu Ji-ryong politely clasped her hands together and replied,

”I wish to assist the Martial Alliance, and in return, I would like the Martial Alliance to assist me.”

”The Martial Alliance... assisting the princess?”

At her words, Zhu Jung-hak immediately glanced at his strategist.

The Zhuge family often held positions in the court, so he wanted to see if they knew anything about this matter.

If she was seeking their help in some imperial power struggle, they could never get involved.

A message was transmitted to him telepathically.

[I have heard nothing of the sort. Princess Gwan-do has no interest in courtly conflicts. She does not support any of the princes or the crown prince.]

Immediately after, Yu Ji-ryon spoke.

”You seem concerned, but rest assured, this has nothing to do with the Imperial Court. Though I am a secular disciple, I am still a disciple of the Putuo Hermitage. I know well the principle that the Imperial Court and the martial world must not interfere in each other’s affairs.

Besides, I have already left the Imperial Court. I simply wish for some assistance in helping my husband.”

”Your husband... You mean Prefect Seo Bin-ak?”

Though they were married, it was widely known that Yu Ji-ryong remained the Emperor’s most beloved daughter.

Given that, she was likely the only person who could persuade the Emperor to allow the Martial Alliance’s forces to mobilize.

If possible, Zhu Jung-hak wanted to grant her request.

But even if this was not a matter of court politics, helping her husband would still mean assisting the Emperor’s son-in-law.

Zhu Jung-hak asked again, just to be sure.

If they helped Seo Bin-ak, it could still become entangled with imperial affairs.

Yu Ji-ryong’s response, however, was unexpected.

”Yes. To be more precise, I wish for help with an incident that has occurred in Yueyang. A bizarre phenomenon has caused unrest among the people, and I need aid in resolving it.”

”A bizarre phenomenon? Unrest?”

Zhu Jung-hak frowned as Yu Ji-ryong pulled a pouch from her robe and placed it on the table.

”Please, open it.”

Zhu Jung-hak did as she asked and peered inside.

Within the pouch was something dark and shriveled.

He emptied its contents into his palm, and a heap of dried insects spilled out.

They were jet-black bugs.

With their wings still intact, they were clearly flying insects, and there were quite a lot of them.

Seeing them, Zhu Jung-hak’s expression stiffened in shock.

”This is...!?”

”All of Yueyang is currently infested with these insects.

The roads, the streets, even the houses. People cannot even go outside without covering their faces with cloth.

Because of this, rumors are spreading that it is a curse brought by the newly appointed prefect.

My master once told me that there are many eccentric figures in the martial world, some of whom specialize in controlling insects.

Would the Martial Alliance be able to find someone who could help me?”

At the princess’s request, Zhu Jung-hak and his strategist Zhuge Hu exchanged glances.

At the same time, they spoke in unison.

”This can only be So-ryong...”

”This can only be So-ryong...”

Because there was only one person they knew who was an expert in dealing with insects.