Soon, it was time for dinner.
There was no meat bone soup tonight—probably because the hunters had a successful outing yesterday and had saved the bones for broth.
Today, everyone had only worked in the fields.
Although there was still plenty of meat on the table, it wasn't as fresh or as extravagant as the previous night.
However, they did have the fish Im Beomhyeon had brought.
The food wasn't ready yet, but everyone already knew there would be fish for dinner.
The fish had been scored on both sides with decorative cuts, then split open and laid flat on a large dish.
A layer of julienned ginger and scallions covered the fish.
After steaming it, a drizzle of soy sauce was poured over it, followed by a splash of sizzling hot oil.
The aroma of the ginger and scallions burst forth, mingling with the fragrance of the soy sauce and the natural freshness of the fish, making everyone's mouths water.
Bok Taejin had already stuffed himself with roasted fish that afternoon, but even now, he found himself eating heartily.
The steamed fish was much more tender and delicate than grilled fish.
Tonight, the one responsible for cooking the steamed fish was none other than Second Uncle, the village's top chef.
He had steamed the fish to absolute perfection—taking it out a moment too soon would have left it undercooked, while a moment too late would have made it tough.
Even the soy sauce, though rich in color, was seasoned just right, enhancing the fish's natural freshness instead of overpowering it.
After dinner, the night ended a bit earlier than usual.
On the way home, Bok Taejin asked Im Beomhyeon about it and confirmed that last night's gathering was indeed a celebration of a bountiful hunt.
Of course, it also served as a way to welcome him as a newcomer to the village.
The village was not particularly lively at night.
After returning home, Im Beomhyeon began practicing his punches in the courtyard.
Bok Taejin had originally planned to cultivate in his room before he got sleepy, but upon seeing Im Beomhyeon's fierce and powerful punches, he couldn't help but stand by the door and watch.
Im Beomhyeon finished a full round of practice and closed his stance.
His sharp gaze swept over Bok Taejin, who suddenly realized that skilled martial artists likely disliked being watched while they trained, lest someone secretly learned their techniques.
Just as Bok Taejin was about to explain himself, the fierce glint in Im Beomhyeon's eyes had already faded.
Im Beomhyeon lifted his chin toward him and asked, "Do you want to learn?"
Bok Taejin nodded, and then shook his head.
Im Beomhyeon, who had been eager to teach him instantly lost his enthusiasm.
He slumped, looking dispirited, and was about to resume his training.
Bok Taejin heard him mutter, "If you don't wanna learn, just say so. What's the point of teasing me first? If you weren't so young, I'd have beaten you up first before saying anything!"