Even After It Ends, There's More - 2
They say a minor earthquake recently struck the Shiwandaishan. It was truly minor—no casualties, and property damage so negligible it barely counted. But it did create one headache for the Baekryeon Cult Leader and his followers.
"Of all places, it had to hit where we stored the herbs. Medicinal herbs and toxic ones all got jumbled together, without distinction."
A soft click of his tongue from the Baekryeon Cult Leader drew a sigh from me. Even if humans deliberately mixed them up, it'd be enough to make you curse up a storm. But this was the work of nature itself. It must have churned them with all its might, leaving even the Leader at a loss on how to sort it out.
Of course, the Baekryeon Cult surely had experts who could distinguish herbs from poisons. How else would they have managed all these years?
But even experts can't handle that volume.
This was no ordinary stockpile—it was what the Baekryeon Cult, a pillar of Daesong's founding ideals and treated with near-Confucian reverence, had amassed over decades. And now an earthquake had mercilessly mixed it all, scattered it across the floor, and shattered the storage jars.
To exaggerate a bit, it was like weeds rolling across several soccer fields. Sorting that would take forever.
"Worse, the most potent poisons are too dangerous to even approach. We'd taken extra care with those, but their containers are all smashed, making it hard to get near them."
"That's why you need Samshik, then."
"Is that little one's name Samshik?"
The Leader, hearing Samshik's name for the first time, let out a chuckle but quickly composed himself with a nod.
"Well, as you say, we need Samshik right now. Humans can't get close, but a spirit beast that thrives on poison? That should be no problem."
"True, but..."
I glanced at Samshik, who had poked its heads out from my sleeve without me realizing. Still young and small, but this was Samshik—the one that fed on toxic herbs and poisons. What threatened humans was just ordinary grass or gourmet delicacy to it.
So the Leader's request made perfect sense. The only issue nagging at me was,
"It's so tiny, I can't guarantee how long it'll take."
Samshik crawled about, wriggling its minuscule body. How much could something this small contribute to sorting herbs and poisons? Some jobs need size to get done fast. With that build, what could it really accomplish?
Even when recovering bodies from Yangminmun, it was Samshik and Buong who found them—but we soldiers did the digging. If we'd left the earth-moving to Samshik, it would've taken ages.
Sorting herbs and poisons was just like that.
"Of course, we're not asking it to handle everything. Just filter out the deadly ones humans can't approach, and we'll take care of the rest."
"H-how much volume are we talking for those deadly poisons?"
"Not negligible, but a few days' effort should suffice. No need to worry."
That "few days" qualifier made me uneasy, but I nodded reluctantly. Honestly, this was Samshik's ordeal, not mine.
"Tell it to eat its fill if it gets hungry mid-sort. We've just been stockpiling without plan—this is a good chance to dispose of the excess."
"Oh my. No need for you to relay it, then."
And it even got paid in work—perfect.
"Lucky you, our Samshik."
I stroked the head of Samshik, who was dancing for joy.
The Baekryeon Cult's vast collection of poisons, gathered from the Central Plains and neighboring lands. Permission to eat whichever it fancied. To Samshik, it must've sounded like an all-you-can-eat buffet at a five-star hotel, no time limit. For free, no less.
"But Leader, if it's about managing poisons, wouldn't calling on His Highness Nang-jung Wang have been quicker than summoning this humble servant all the way to Geomju-bu...?"
"I heard you were holding a rite for Yangminmun here in Geomju. This old man has long admired their reputation—I wanted to witness their farewell."
With that, the Leader extended a hand to Samshik, who—assured of its "VIP buffet pass"—rubbed its heads against it obligingly.
Our Samshik. Too weak to food temptations like this.
"Besides, Nang-jung Wang is too busy for this. At best, he'd send a few men. Better to borrow a spirit beast."
"I see."
No denying that. Sorting herbs and poisons was tedious drudgery, not urgent. The sticking point was the deadly poisons too risky for humans—but that risk was relative to ordinary herbalists. Masters could handle it if briefed on appearances, so Nang-jung Wang refusing wouldn't raise eyebrows.
It was just inefficient to mobilize experts for this, briefing them on each poison's look. Deploying one Samshik was more economical. Hence the Leader's personal visit to Geomju.
"Once the fire's out, we'll show our gratitude to you as well. Rest easy."
"I am deeply moved by your magnanimity, Leader."
I bowed swiftly at the promise of suitable reward—even for Samshik's owner.
Free ride this time.
I smirked faintly while bowed. Samshik would do all the work; I'd just watch. What joy.
Trip to Shiwandaishan was a hassle, but it was on my itinerary anyway. Going where I must, with compensation? No better deal.
...Truth be told, I'd gladly pay to skip it instead of taking the Leader's reward—but impossible. If best isn't viable, aim for second-best.
Route works fine too.
Original plan: Geomju-bu to Namyeong, Gyeirim, then Shiwandaishan. Reversing to Shiwandaishan first, then Namyeong and Gyeirim? Solid alternative. Finish Guangxi pilgrimage in Gyeirim and head north—perfect.
Thanks, earthquake.
No lives lost, just mixed weeds. Best quake I know.
From Geomju to Shiwandaishan, Samshik hummed atop my shoulder the whole way.
The humming right by my ear was a touch distracting, but Samshik hadn't been this thrilled since its special poison egg. I let it slide.
Though, if it's so happy, why not celebrate inside the sleeve? Why commandeer my shoulder?
Time to come down.
Samshik claimed my shoulder since leaving Fujian's Tianzhou. We'd passed Guangdong into Guangxi—time to yield it back. Yet Samshik clung on. At this rate, it'd ride to Kaepyeong.
"You and your spirit beasts get along so well. Heartwarming to behold."
"I'm embarrassed by affection beyond my worth."
I smiled sheepishly at the Leader's words. No false modesty—this was genuine. How much love does it take for a turtle to cling while spitting acid?
Ppiae, dozing in my arms. Yeah, you.
"Beyond your worth, eh."
The Leader stroked his beard, chuckling amid it all.
"Pfhh, yes. Quite beyond."
What?
Something off in his reaction stirred unease. My travels had honed instinct over logic. Couldn't explain it, but that response hid something.
Yet grilling the imperial Baekryeon Cult Leader? Impossible. I swallowed my anxiety alone.
"More importantly, Lady Ak. Any discomfort? Guangxi's terrain is rugged—tough on first-timers."
"I'm fine, Leader. Kki-ing-i handles the path so well."
"True enough. With such a steadfast spirit spouse beside you, what discomfort could there be?"
Ak I-yeon's ears flushed red at the Leader's words. My unease melted away.
Ak Sojeo, face flushed red. Han Un, serene as ever. The inspector trailing silently behind.
Impressive, keeping up without a word.
I glanced skyward briefly, then forward. No one seemed to notice yet—I stayed silent.
Speaking up on a roadside would cause a stir. Best pretend ignorance for now.
Where'd that thing latch on from?
Han's words echoed: affection beyond his worth. Spot-on. Even Taizu, who received heaven's mandate and quelled the sacred mountain, hadn't drawn such spirit beast love.
Yet a joyous thing. A bureaucrat blessed by heaven's gaze and beasts' affection, serving Daesong. Not just any—descendant of Iseongwang, who aided Taizu in founding it.
Taizu watches over our Daesong from heaven. Having passed the mandate to our Emperor, he bids Han Un faithfully assist.
Even heaven thinks of this Daesong.
Taizu—Father—came to mind, bringing a smile. Father, who drove out the savage Mongol barbarians and unified the realm. Who brought smiles, not tears, to the people. Who never rested a moment post-unification, fortifying Daesong.
Even after ascending, he'd left provisions for Daesong. How moving.
...I should've gone before Father.
Father would be shocked if he heard, but so what? He can't know my thoughts.
"Hm?"
Lost in thought, a clear cry rose from below as I walked.
"Well, now."
Buong, the baby mak among Han's spirit beasts. It had approached my feet, sniffing eagerly.
You know, don't you.
My mind cleared strangely as the baby mak neared. Another spirit beast Father had arranged from heaven.
Yes. Father knows my thoughts even now.
What a thing.
This son won't reach Father's heels in a hundred years.