Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang

We stayed at Lee Tae’s base for ten full days before finally setting off again.

“Let’s go, Geumdo!”

Brrrrrr...

Geumdo let out a low, reluctant groan.

He didn’t want to leave—obviously—but what could we do? This wasn’t our home. We couldn’t stay forever.

We needed to return to the Tang Clan and secure a place where Geumdo and the others could rest safely.

“I’ll figure out a proper spot for you near the Tang Clan, okay? Just be patient a little longer, Geumdo.”

Brr.

I coaxed him along, and we made our way first to Chongqing.

We usually traveled west from there—but this time, we turned north and followed the Fu River.

We were headed toward the Tongkou River, a tributary of the Yangtze that flows eastward from Sichuan.

The Jinsha River from Yunnan and the Min River from western Sichuan meet at Yibin to form the mighty Yangtze. Following the Min River upstream leads to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan—where we usually docked for resupply and transit.

However, the river north of Chongqing is the Fu River, and the upper reaches of that are where the Tongkou River flows—right past Tangga Mountain, our destination.

In the past, we’d relied on areas near Chengdu for convenience, since we mostly docked boats or carried kids that way.

But now, the ones we needed to dock weren’t boats—it was Geumdo and Heukjeom.

And we couldn’t possibly keep them near the bustling capital. Heukjeom could hide well enough, but Geumdo, the literal Golden Turtle, was a whole different story.

If word spread that a giant golden turtle existed, chaos would break loose.

Even if we claimed it was property of the Tang Clan, people blinded by greed could still do something crazy.

So we took a different approach—navigating up the Tongkou River, even though its rapids had made it impassable in the past. We hoped to get as close as possible to Tangga Mountain.

The Tongkou wasn’t always deep, so it was unlikely we’d reach all the ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) way to the mountain itself. But we could get near enough.

Geumdo was powerful enough to handle the stronger currents, and the surrounding mountains made the area quiet and remote. Also, it was still within the Tang Clan’s territory, which meant we’d have some measure of control and security.

Brrr.

After passing the small city of Mianyang, we traveled far upstream.

Then, Geumdo let out a call—and Hyang translated at once.

Zrrt! 『Dad, Geumdo says he can’t go any farther!』

“This is probably the limit, So-ryong-nim.”

Do Sagong echoed the sentiment as he examined the current ahead.

Looking over the side of the boat, I saw clear water and a visible riverbed—but ahead, the surface was too shallow to continue. We could even see pebbles poking above the water.

This spot, though, seemed fine for the kids. The current was slow, and the river widened and deepened here. It was a calm, broad pool—perfect as a temporary base.

“Alright, let’s stop here. Geumdo, let’s head over to the bank.”

Brr.

Just as I asked Geumdo to approach the shoreline, Hwa-eun came over and explained,

“This whole area belongs to the Tang Clan. We can make sure no one enters.”

“Really?”

“Yes. From there to there—it’s all ours.”

That made things much easier.

I asked about the distance to the main Tang residence.

“How far are we from the clan estate?”

“Hmm... about ten li?”

So, about four kilometers. That was manageable.

A short enough distance that someone could run there in case of emergency.

Four kilometers with light-step technique? That’s nothing.

Close enough for Tang warriors to patrol too—perfect.

Now I just needed to confirm one thing: Would the kids be okay staying here?

I might think it’s fine, but maybe Geumdo would find the space too small, or Heukjeom might find the water too cold.

Geumdo was a Big-Headed Turtle, a species native to mountainous valleys, so he’d be fine. But freshwater stingrays like Heukjeom were tropical and could be sensitive to temperature.

“This doesn’t seem bad. Hold on, let me ask the kids if they’re okay with this place.”

“Alright, So-ryong.”

“Guys, looks like we can’t go farther upstream. Are you okay with stopping here? Will it be too cold or uncomfortable?”

Brrrr.

Zzeeeee.

Zrrrt. 『Dad, Geumdo says the water’s super clear, and Heukjeom likes it too.』

Perfect.

I’d worried they’d feel cramped, since they were used to vast open waters. But they were satisfied with this natural pool.

“Then I’ll contact the Tang Clan right away.”

We had secured a temporary base for our aquatic family.

I was about to send word to the Tang Clan and arrange for supplies and support—but just as we reached the riverbank, some familiar voices called out.

“Hey! What’s this ship doing here—Wait, miss? So-ryong-nim!?”

We were only about four kilometers from Tang territory, so some Tang warriors had arrived at the bank—probably during a routine patrol. They’d spotted our ship, a strange one this far upstream, and came to investigate.

“It’s been a while, everyone.”

I greeted them with a casual wave and a smile—only for someone among them to suddenly shout in surprise.

“Quick! Go inform the Clan Leader that So-ryong-nim and Lady Hwa-eun have returned!”

Several of them immediately took off running toward the estate.

***

Meanwhile, back at the Tang Clan estate...

“...When are those two going to come home?”

Standing by the courtyard pond, Tang Cheolsan sighed, gazing toward the inner halls with a worried expression.

His son-in-law and daughter had left months ago, supposedly just to find the Ji-yeong Snake—but it had now been nearly half a year.

They had sent a couple of letters.

The first said they’d found the Ji-yeong Snake and were heading to the Peng Clan.

The next one mentioned they were in Yeongcheon Prefecture, the capital.

So much for a quick return.

At this point, Tang Cheolsan had resolved: the moment they return, they’re not going anywhere.

Yes, So-ryong was brilliant—he’d somehow captured one rare spirit beast after another, even beings from the Ten Great Venomous Beasts and Twenty-Four Venoms.

But Cheolsan’s desire to ground him wasn’t just about concern.

Buzzzzz...

The familiar sound of buzzing wings snapped him out of his thoughts.

It was the very reason he’d made that decision in the first place.

Looking toward the pavilion, Cheolsan saw the Queen of the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings hovering near the hall.

Their eyes met—and the Queen promptly flew over to him.

Cheolsan sighed heavily.

“Ahh...”

She was about to start ranting again, in her incomprehensible buzzing language.

And he couldn’t just ignore it.

He had to listen intently and even respond in sync with the rhythm of her buzzes.

“So-ryong? Still no word, huh?”

Buzzz...

“Yeah... not even a letter lately.”

Buzz? Buzz-Buzzz!

“Was... was my answer wrong?”

What was all this buzzing about?

He couldn’t be exactly sure—but it sounded like another grievance against his son-in-law.

Probably because of his tardiness?

No... more likely because of the letters.

Yes. Thinking about it now, that made sense.

The first few months were fine.

So-ryong had told the Queen of the Golden-Furred Wasp Kings ahead of time that he might be late.

But as the indefinite delay stretched on, the queen started acting strange.

She flew out of the hive with a few of her drones in tow and began seeking out Tang Cheolsan.

Bzz-bzz. Bzzzz.

“Hm? You came to find me?”

Bzzz.

“You’re looking for me... Is it because you’re worried about So-ryong?”

BZZZ! BUZZZZ!

When asked if she was looking for news of her master, the queen nodded violently.

Since then, she’d come by from time to time with the same question.

One day, a letter finally arrived from So-ryong—and Cheolsan relayed the news.

“There’s news today. A letter arrived—want to hear it?”

Bzzz?

“A letter is a message sent from far away. It’s written on paper—people write how they’re doing, and ask how others are doing too.

‘I’m doing well. Are you doing well?’ That kind of thing. It’s how we send greetings when we’re far apart.

This one says where So-ryong is and how he’s doing.”

BZZZ!

The first letter was simple: just that they were safe and heading elsewhere.

Nothing dramatic.

But ever since that first letter, the queen’s visits became more frequent—eager for updates.

Then came the second letter.

“Father-in-law, we’re doing well. So please don’t worry. Please send my regards to Grandfather and Mother-in-law as well. We’ll return soon.”

Bzzz?

“Hmm? Don’t understand that part? Which one?”

Bzzz?

“You mean this? ‘We’ll return soon’?”

She pointed insistently at the end of the letter.

Cheolsan read it out loud—and that’s when the queen erupted in rage.

BUZZZZZZZ!

Looking back, it made sense.

Hadn’t he explained that a letter was for sending greetings?

It mentioned the family—but not her.

That missing line must’ve offended her deeply.

She had even asked if there was any more to read—but that was the end.

Since then, she had come every day, refusing to let Cheolsan do anything else.

So now, he visited her every morning instead—just to appease her.

Bzzz.

She arrived again today, twitching her antennae like always, silently asking if there was news.

“No news today either.”

BZZZ!

Same reaction as always.

Just as he braced himself for another round of unintelligible wasp lamentations—

“Clan Leader!”

A Tang warrior, rushing in with light-step technique, fell to his knees before Cheolsan.

“What is it?”

He wore an urgent but excited expression.

“They’ve arrived! So-ryong-nim and Lady Hwa-eun!”

“Really!?”

A delighted smile spread across Cheolsan’s face.

“So-ryong has returned! Would you like to come with me?”

BZZZ!

Despite all that waiting, when invited to come meet him—the queen whirled around and vanished into the hive.

Cheolsan let out a slow breath.

“...Guess I’ll let them sort that one out themselves.”

***

“Wh-what is all this...”

Cheolsan and the gathered Tang family members stood at the riverside with stunned expressions.

It wasn’t just So-ryong and Hwa-eun who had returned.

They had brought a small army of new companions.

There was:

Yeolbi, the bombardier beetle. Juhwang, the Ji-yeong Snake—Yeondu’s future mate. Geumdo, the massive Millennium Golden Turtle. And that wasn’t all.

There was:

Jeokwol, the Blood-Blossom Dream Illusion Butterfly, one of the Ten Great Venomous Beasts. Sandan, the Twin-Blossom Orchid Mantis. Ranghyang, the Red-Cloud Black Millipede. Sunbaek and Baekbaek, the White-Shell Pangolins. And finally—

the White Moon Black-Spotted Ray: Heukjeom.

An absolutely formidable lineup.

And Geumdo—his sheer size, resting in the river like a golden island—was even more awe-inspiring than the last time So-ryong had ridden in on Cheongwol.

As I was basking in pride, my father-in-law approached.

“Im... Impressive, son-in-law.”

“Heh. I figured I’d make good use of the trip.”

I replied with a modest smile—as if this was just 10% of my power.

Cheolsan gave me a proud nod, but then frowned—like something had just occurred to him.

“But—tell me. When you sent that letter... why did you leave out the most important person’s regards?”

“The letter?”

I turned to Hwa-eun.

She had sent the letter on my behalf.

[“I wrote it under your name.”]

Apparently, she’d written it trying to win some points, but now she tilted her head in confusion.

“I’m pretty sure I included everyone in the greetings?”

Cheolsan shook his head with an exasperated smile.

“No, not me. Not the family. There’s one other very important being whose wellbeing you should have asked after.”

“...Huh?”

Was there such a person in the Tang Clan?

My mind went blank.