Fabre in Sacheon’s Tang

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Chapter 2: Tasty Death

Mealworms are pests usually found in grain warehouses, but they’re also popular in breeding reptiles or insects due to their easy husbandry and cost-effectiveness.

Raising mealworms is simpler than any other insect, and they feed on very cheap ingredients.

The mealworms feed on wheat bran, which is the leftover residue after milling wheat; as long as you provide it appropriately, the mealworms will grow well on their own.

Even with wings, they won’t fly away if there’s enough food, so you just need to lay wheat bran in a suitable container and let them grow.

After they become adults, you only need to occasionally provide fresh vegetable leaves, raising their difficulty level only slightly. Therefore, for someone like me who raises venoms or reptiles, they are essential creatures.

So, I prepared ceramic jars, laid the wheat bran at the bottom, and began raising the adult mealworms that Young Young had caught.

However, Young Young’s catch was insufficient, so I rummaged through the Tang Clan’s grain storage to secure enough numbers.

As I started raising mealworms, I also added cricket breeding to the mix.

Since they’re both insects, crickets can also be raised with wheat bran, just like mealworms.

While mealworms might be sufficient, the reason for raising crickets is that reptiles, which only eat insects, respond much better to crickets than to mealworms.

The quick movements of crickets elicit a much better reaction from venomous insects or creatures.

As I began the serious breeding of these two insects in the Venomous Insect Garden, I also started my martial arts training.

I had to master the Iron Cabinet Skill, a unique martial art from the Viper’s Life-Seeking Techniques and Kwonhwang’s poison skills.

Is that all? I also needed to learn how to distinguish the fragrance of poison and study the poisons from the Tang Clan.

In the Martial Forest, the young boy So-ryong had too much to learn.

‘Becoming part of this household seems too tough.’

“Viper’s Life-Seeking Technique!”

In the Tang Clan’s training grounds.

With my shout, my sweat-soaked hands gently wrapped around the arm of the wooden mannequin.

The techniques of the Five Poisons Martial Arts: Centipede Poison Tooth Claw, Viper’s Life-Seeking Hand, Scorpion Tail Quick Leg, Lizard Wall-Crawling Step, and Toad Explosive Palm.

The first technique I needed to master was the Viper’s Life-Seeking Hand.

It’s a technique where the viper seeks life; since the Centipede Poison Tooth Claw employs finger movements in conjunction with the technique, my grandfather explained that mastering the Viper’s Life-Seeking Hand is necessary before I could use the Centipede poisoning techniques.

To learn the Viper’s Life-Seeking Hand, you must utilize your hands to block or attack the enemy. When blocking or attacking, if the enemy defends, it wraps around like a snake aiming for the vital points, making it an excellent martial art.

“Good. That’s it. Next!”

Grandfather nodded as if my movements were decent.

Immediately, I continued to the next action.

“Viper’s Life-Seeking Peach!”

Following the Viper’s Life-Seeking Technique comes the Viper’s Life-Seeking Peach.

As I unwrapped my arm from the log, I aimed for the center of the body’s vital points.

As my entangled arm quickly unfurled, a wooden piece the size of a person’s arm pushed aside, exposing the chest of the wooden mannequin.

Then came grandfather’s explanation.

“Just as a viper seeks out spring water, you’re targeting the enemy’s vital points. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Grandpa.”

After several repetitions, as the sweat poured down my forehead, grandfather’s voice echoed.

“Well then, that’ll be enough for today.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Grandpa.”

“Indeed, you worked hard today.”

Getting up early to practice breathing techniques, eating breakfast, and training martial arts, lunchtime had arrived before I knew it.

Wiping my soaked forehead with the back of my hand, a towel was passed over from beside me.

“Here you go, So-ryong. You worked hard.”

Turning my head, my older sister smiled at me, holding a towel.

“Thank you, Hua Eun.”

I expressed my gratitude and took the towel from her.

I quickly wiped the sweat off my forehead with a towel that seemed to have her fragrant scent subtly embedded in it.

‘Yes, indeed. It’s because of this that I can endure.’

I could bear the hardships of martial arts training solely thanks to my sister’s support.

Whenever I encountered parts I didn’t understand in the martial arts books, my lovely sister tutored me, and after finishing my training, she would prepare towels and medicines for me too.

She even managed my schedule like a secretary.

“First, wash up, and then we need to visit the Venomous Insect Garden. Deputy Gu has specifically asked for your presence. Something must not be going well. After that, we’ll learn about the fragrances.”

While I pondered over my sister’s two different sides, a question reached my ears.

“So-ryong?”

“Oh, I understand. Then I’ll quickly wash up and meet you at the pavilion?”

“Yes, So-ryong.”

It seemed that this afternoon I would indeed be heading to the Venomous Insect Garden with my sister.

I responded to her and hurried to the bathhouse to wash up.

After changing clothes, I arrived at the pavilion where my sister awaited alongside the kids.

My sister was split in half; on her right sat the Centipede, while on her left sat the Lizard.

– Zzrr!

– Grukku!

The little ones greeted me as they noticed my arrival.

I placed a hand on my sister’s shoulder, and they suddenly leaped onto me.

Then they began rubbing their faces against both sides of mine simultaneously.

I felt a cold and rough sensation on my cheeks.

“Alright, I get it, you little rascals. Enough.”

I decided to calm them down, as I felt like my cheeks might wear away, and hurried towards the Venomous Insect Garden.

“So, did they say exactly why, Hua Eun?”

“Oh, it seems that the crickets aren’t increasing in number. They might be eating each other.”

“Oh, so that’s the reason.”

Crickets might not be the most harmless of insects, but they are incredibly aggressive.

Not only do they fight each other, but cannibalism also occurs frequently.

Even when I was in Hainan Island, I struggled with this issue, so it seemed the same was happening here.

Arriving at the Venomous Insect Garden, I was greeted by Deputy Gu with an apologetic expression.

“I’m sorry, So-ryong. I haven’t done a good job with my responsibilities.”

He wore an oddly serious look.

I chuckled lightly in response.

It’s not like the guards were eating them; I couldn’t quite say it was entirely his fault, as I hadn’t properly taught him the methods to raise them.

“What’s this about being so serious over a few crickets not multiplying? Let’s take a look.”

First, I inspected the cricket breeding facility.

A large jar had been cut in half to be lowered in height, filled with wheat bran to use as food, and laden with leaves as hiding spots.

Using a method I had used in Hainan Island, it seemed like there were no significant issues.

However, I spotted cricket legs scattered around the jar.

This indicated considerable cannibalism was occurring among them.

“I dealt with this problem when I raised them in Hainan too… Hmmm…”

The reason I didn’t know the exact cause was due to my lack of expertise in mass breeding crickets.

I had extensive knowledge when it came to venomous insects or reptiles; however, I felt somewhat less professional in dealing with general insects.

After all, I was Spicy Fabre, not just Fabre.

My expertise leaned more toward venomous creatures and snakes.

As I removed the leaves, I uncovered even more cricket legs.

The situation seemed a bit worse than when I was in Hainan.

“I’m quite at a loss when it comes to crickets too, so this is slightly frustrating.”

While I pondered whether to change their food or alter their breeding environment significantly, one of the guards standing behind Deputy Gu timidly spoke up.

“Um…”

“What is it?”

Seeing that he seemed to have something to say, I inquired, and his response was totally unexpected.

“I think I might know someone who knows a lot about crickets.”

“About crickets, you say?”

As I looked at him in surprise, some tension returned to his demeanor.

Then Deputy Gu chimed in.

“Oh, Huang Jian. So-ryong, Huang Jian was the only one who volunteered to join our Venomous Insect Team alongside me.”

“You volunteered?”

I thought Deputy Gu was the only one who had volunteered to join our Venomous Insect Team, so I grew curious about who this additional person was.

Allowing him some points for first impressions, I asked again.

“So there’s someone who knows a lot about crickets?”

Huang answered with a nod.

“Well, when I’m bored, I sometimes go to the cricket fighting ring to earn a little pocket money… not that I do it often. Just enough to cover my drinking expenses.”

“Ah, I understand. Cricket fighting?”

I furrowed my brow at the unfamiliar term, prompting my sister to explain.

“It’s a gambling game where listeners place bets on cricket fights.”

“Cricket fights? Ah!”

Thinking back, I vaguely recalled hearing something about that in my past life.

Cricket fighting had been popular in ancient China, and I remembered that it all started as a boredom escape for palace maids before it blossomed into a culture, where winning crickets can be worth thousands of coins.

The cultural practice was said to have begun during the Tang dynasty, so although I couldn’t pin down the exact current era, those people were bound to be experts.

Without delay, I cleared my schedule and headed towards Sichuan’s Chengdu.

It seemed I could sense promising talent hidden in this situation.

Based on what I learned, they are experts who work hard to grow strong and large crickets, so there are even dedicated cricket caretakers.

If there are cricket caretakers, then they must be specialists.

The biggest drawback of our Venomous Insect Team was the lack of experienced people working hard, so it seemed wise to recruit someone.

As an expert.

*

Not being far, I thought I could use my lightness skills to get there, but we ended up taking a cart.

It seemed a bit more presentable to arrive in a cart since it was a gambling hall, after all.

So my sister, Deputy Gu, and Huang Jian, who would be our guide, all dressed in fine silk clothing as we headed towards Chengdu.

Of course, a few skilled fighters accompanied us due to the recent Blood Cult incident.

“Here we are, So-ryong.”

Huang announced as we arrived at a street lined with tall, grand buildings.

According to Huang, this area is like the Mecca of cricket fighting in Chengdu?

No sooner had we disembarked from the cart than beautifully attired women began to tempt the passersby.

“Come in for a visit.”

“Prince, right over here.”

It looked something like a street reminiscent of the vibrant nightlife of the past; I wasn’t deliberately looking but couldn’t help glancing over, only to feel a sensation on my left arm.

Turning my head up, I found my sister smiling at me, her arms wrapped around mine.

It was a kind smile, yet there was something unsettling about it.

Not interpreting the meaning could label me a fool, so I hurriedly nodded my head.

I guessed it was meant to signal me to keep my gaze fixed on her.

‘Yes, looking straight ahead!’

Focusing on my sister, we stood at the entrance of a three-story building, where I zoned out for a second only to be stopped by two broad-shouldered guards.

Huang stepped forward, scowling as he exclaimed.

“I apologize, but without a guarantor…”

“I have brought the esteemed Hua Eun of the Tang Clan and her fiancé, So-ryong with me. Will you not let us enter!?”

“Gulp! T-Tang Clan’s direct line! The Martial Forest Triad!”

“I-I am truly sorry, Master Huang!”

Passing by the guards and entering the gambling hall, the vibrant atmosphere inside was quite glorious.

Women in gauzy dresses served drinks, and gambling tables filled the space with various games, but as we entered, the boisterousness of the gambling hall fell to silence.

As my sister entered, all the other women in gauzy dresses shrank back, powerless.

If they were fireflies, my sister was akin to a flare.

‘Or perhaps a sun?’

“W-Welcome! It is an honor to have you visit our Jin Bong Gambling House!”

In the hushed atmosphere, a man with a ratty beard dashed forward, immediately the owner of the establishment.

Huang stepped forward and spoke.

“This is Hua Eun and her fiancé So-ryong from the Tang Clan. We have come to see the cricket fights, so guide us.”

“Such an honor! Just in time, as today’s generals battle is about to commence, please go up to the third floor!”

The owner, interpreting our arrival as having money to spend, had a smile stretched wide.

Following his lead, as I observed the cricket fighting, there were even commentators and surprisingly lively entertainment.

Moreover, according to Huang, the generals battle was a showdown selecting the champion cricket from a month-long tournament.

It was said to be the title match.

A dealer, emerging on the scene, placed a cricket in each half of a circular dish that was blocked by a wooden plate.

With the use of a brush made from cat whiskers, he agitated the crickets, and once the wooden plate was lifted, the agitated crickets began furiously fighting.

The two crickets struggled fiercely, biting each other.

One of them, in the middle of the clash, mustered its courage, exposing its back, and the victor emitted a triumphant cry.

– Zziick, zziick.

The resounding voice of the dealer echoed through the room.

“Just now, the generals battle has concluded!”

As the generals battle ended, cheers and disappointments swept through the people who had placed bets.

Some smiled, while others bore a face of despair as they downed their drinks.

In an instant, a large-scale auction was held, and a single cricket was sold at a whopping thirty pieces of silver.

‘Maybe I could sell crickets later on?’

I thought about how raising crickets for sale could become an income-generating project for the Venomous Insect Garden and casually inquired to the owner eyeing us.

“Can we perhaps meet the cricket caretaker?”

“The cricket caretaker, you say? Others sometimes inquire about them, but we have no special ones. We merely feed them and clean up after them, that’s all…”

As the owner’s tongue trailed off on the topic of meeting the caretaker, it seemed he was pondering something.

Huang immediately interjected.

“Lord So-ryong, let’s head to the Huang Long Gambling Hall. My efforts in bringing you here feel somewhat inadequate.”

“Oh, why are you so hard on yourself! We’ll show you! It’s just a matter of showing you something we didn’t mean to hide… It’s unnecessary since they just do the feeding and cleaning.”

Thus, as we descended into the damp depths filled with the sound of crickets, we were greeted by a woman in her late twenties or early thirties, who appeared disheveled in the corner amidst a pile of straw.

“What brings you here? These esteemed guests from the Tang Clan… where’s the greeting!?”

Her reprimand initiated the conversation.

Upon hearing the mention of the Tang Clan, the woman’s eyes gave a noticeable flicker, almost shining for a moment before being clouded over with a dull gaze.

She bowed her head in silence; speaking up instead was the gambling house owner, offering her some silver coins.

“Occasionally I raise crickets myself and I’ve been curious, may I ask something of this lady?”

“Oh! A young prince raises crickets? Of course! Whatever you ask, young prince!”

With the silver touched to her hand, the owner instructed her to respond truthfully.

“Why do the crickets tend to eat each other when raised together?”

– Zziick, zziick.

The woman answered in a voice faint enough to barely be heard over the cricket sounds.

“Because of the meat… They lack meat.”

“Meat? Ah!”

The mention of meat sparked a thought.

Crickets are omnivorous insects.

So her answer about each other eating would imply the protein feed was lacking.

‘So she’s the cricket expert!?’

Her response certainly appeared worthy of recruitment, so I nodded toward my sister as previously agreed.

When my sister suddenly produced a gold piece from her clothes and waved it in front of the owner, she asked.

“Can we buy this woman?”

“Of course…”

Given that this was a gambling house where any cricket could win or lose, her assessment was likely true.

Without a moment’s hesitation, the owner nodded in agreement to my sister’s question.

But the woman suddenly cried out.

“Oh. No way!”