Otherwise, he would have preferred to savor the plain rice for a while before touching the meat.
The bone broth, made by Second Uncle, was the most delicious ome.
There was also a dish of braised bones, it golden and richly colored, with flavor that had seeped deep into the marrow—it smelled amazing.
With so many dishes on the table, the aroma of the braised bones wasn't particularly strong, but seeing Im Beomhyeon eating them so eagerly was proof enough that they were delicious.
Bok Taejin had already noticed that Im Beomhyeon was quite picky about food.
If he liked something, it was usually really good; if he barely touched a dish, it was probably just average.
After eating to their heart's content, some people stayed behind to clean up—clearing tables, washing dishes, and handling other chores.
By now, the night had fallen.
The sky was dark, but several bonfires had been lit in the open space, along with lanterns hanging outside the houses, illuminating half the village.
Bok Taejin watched as the villagers brought out the pre-marinated wild chickens and rabbits, roasting them over the fire.
He clicked his tongue in amazement.
They had just eaten so much food—did they really still have room for more?
It's no wonder that everyone here was so sturdy.
It seemed all the meat they ate truly turned into strength and height.
Although he was sure he couldn't eat another bite, Bok Taejin still sat by the fire and joined in the conversation.
The villagers were simple and warmhearted.
As the newcomer, he received extra attention, and many people were curious about how he had ended up in the perilous Jade Blossom Mountain Range.
Bok Taejin once again explained that he was the new Sect Leader of the One Flower Sect.
The villagers, like Im Beomhyeon, weren't particularly shocked.
However, they did have their own thoughts.
Some of them lamented the passing of the former Sect Leader, while the others worried about the village's future.
Hwayang Village was originally under the One Flower Sect's territory, but in three years, the sect's century-long mission deadline would arrive.
If they failed to complete it, all their lands would be reclaimed by the empire.
No one knew whether the land would remain under imperial rule or be redistributed to someone else.
The One Flower Sect had few members, and the former Sect Leader had never been one to govern actively.
Because of this, the people living on the One Flower Sect's land were free from heavy taxes or forced labor.
As long as there were no major natural disasters, their lives were quite comfortable.
For this reason, they held deep feelings for the One Flower Sect—and now, they were treating Bok Taejin with even greater warmth.
Second Uncle as the village's eldest and current village chief, thought for a moment before asking in a deep voice, "Sect Leader Bok, do you plan to take food from our village back to the mountain, stay here with us, or go somewhere else?"