The Farmer Who Ended Up Teaching the World’s Greatest Martial Artist - Chapter 87

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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| Chapter 87

“I’m thinking of bringing him into the main sect.”

“What? Bringing him into the main sect?”

Chang Hae asked in surprise at Yeo Chang-dong’s words. His eyes widened as if he had heard something unbelievable. Yeo Chang-dong smiled as if he had expected such a reaction and continued speaking.

“Seeing him today, that fellow is no ordinary talent. With just a little guidance, he’ll surely become someone great.”

Yeo Chang-dong’s eye for talent had long been renowned. If he personally recommended someone, their potential was as good as verified. Moreover, Chang Hae had also recognized that talent early on, making him an exceptional prospect.

“But he should at least go through the entrance examination. It would be troublesome if he turned out to be a spy for Jeongdo later.”

Indeed, ever since Maegyo began large-scale farming, spies from Cheonmu Alliance often tried to infiltrate to assess the truth. Weeding out such people was also part of Chang Hae’s duties as a member of Mangakjibwondae.

Looking at Chang Hae who was lost in thought, Yeo Chang-dong continued speaking.

“I’ll leave the entrance examination to you, Chang Hae. I’d like to handle it myself, but… as you know, there are many watching eyes.”

The fact that Yeo Chang-dong worked as a squad leader was known only to some high-ranking members of Maegyo and Heukryeon Trading Company. Therefore, it was proper for Chang Hae to step forward in such matters.

“When should we carry this out?”

“In ten days. During the regular inspection would be good.”

“Are you planning to make a big scene?”

“A person’s true nature is revealed only in moments that deviate from the ordinary. It would also be the perfect time to confirm his martial arts skills, wouldn’t it?”

“Indeed. Since you’ve set the stage like this, I’ll execute it perfectly.”

“Then I’ll leave the rest to you.”

Yeo Chang-dong left those words and departed. Chang Hae waited for the door to close completely before showing a faint smile.

“I was getting bored anyway… This should be interesting.”

*

“Thank you for your hard work today.”

Yoo Eun-hyun greeted the workers. Though he had become the leader of the 6th squad overnight through Yeo Chang-dong’s recommendation, there was no particular awkwardness since it was work he had always done.

“Hey, Squad Leader Yeo! Sharp as a blade! Finished right on time again today! You’re on a different level from the previous squad leaders!”

One worker laughed heartily and patted Yoo Eun-hyun’s shoulder. It was only natural. Whenever the workers fell behind, Yoo Eun-hyun would step in to help first. It was thanks to watching everyone’s pace and moving one step ahead of others.

“How is Brother Cheol-dong doing?”

“From what I can see, he should be able to return to work starting tomorrow. Don’t worry too much.”

“Still, he hasn’t fully recovered yet, so it would be better to be careful. I’ll arrange for him to do lighter work.”

“Yes, that would be good. You’ve worked hard. See you tomorrow.”

Having finished work, Yoo Eun-hyun headed to his lodging.

The salary increase from becoming squad leader was nice, but the best part was being assigned new lodging. It was the room Weon Il-chu had used, and it was so small it was embarrassing to call it a room – barely fitting a bed and desk. Even so, Yoo Eun-hyun was grateful for just this much.

“Even if it’s cramped, having a place to rest alone is the best.”

Yoo Eun-hyun smiled with satisfaction and lay down on the bed. Just as he was about to close his eyes for a moment.

“Squad Leader Yeo, are you there?”

Suddenly the door burst open and someone entered as if it were their own home. Barging into someone else’s room like this was extremely rude, but the man just grinned without a care.

“As expected, you were inside.”

“You’ve come again.”

The visitor was none other than Yeo Chang-dong. Ever since he was appointed squad leader, Yeo Chang-dong had unfailingly visited Yoo Eun-hyun whenever work ended. At first, his sudden visits were unsettling, but since he only asked about farming and left, his wariness gradually eased.

“Shall we have a drink today too?”

“Of course. Please come in.”

“I brought something to wet our lips, so let’s have another good chat today.”

Seeing Yeo Chang-dong grinning while holding a bottle, Yoo Eun-hyun naturally brought out two cups.

“Today I brought honeysuckle tea. It has the effect of cooling the body’s heat. It should be good for relieving the heat from working.”

With that, the golden honeysuckle tea was calmly poured into the cups. When Yoo Eun-hyun lightly smelled the fragrance and took a sip, a bitter taste spread on his tongue, unlike the subtle sweet aroma. He had tried flower teas before, but this was his first time encountering such high-quality tea.

Watching Yoo Eun-hyun savoring the tea, Yeo Chang-dong began the conversation.

“What kind of soil is good for growing peppers?”

“Since peppers are crops, they naturally grow well in fertile soil. However, even with the same soil, the quality varies depending on location and depth, so even slight changes in conditions affect how the crops grow.”

As always, the conversation about farming continued. The discussion went on endlessly, and before they knew it, about two hours had passed.

“Phew. It was truly a beneficial time. You’re indeed a talent who surprised me.”

“When it comes to handling peppers, I’m confident in myself.”

After saying that, the phrasing seemed a bit odd somehow, but Yoo Eun-hyun tried to shake off that thought. With such things, the person who becomes conscious of it first ends up more embarrassed. It seemed the same for Yeo Chang-dong as he laughed heartily.

“No need to be modest. You’re worthy of being called a master.”

“I think I’m still lacking to receive such a grand title.”

“Haha. No need to decline. Though a title is too grand to use casually. Normally, I’ll just call you Brother Hyun. How about that?”

“Let’s do that.”

Yoo Eun-hyun nodded as if he had no choice at Yeo Chang-dong’s insistence. But inwardly, he was subtly observing his demeanor.

‘From the flow of energy I can sense, he’s definitely practicing martial arts… Why does he keep asking only about farming?’

The more he learned, the more suspicious aspects he felt, but he couldn’t openly interrogate him, so his frustration only grew. Having no choice, Yoo Eun-hyun decided to step back and put down his teacup.

“Brother Dong. Let’s stop here for today.”

The honeysuckle tea in the bottle had run out. Yeo Chang-dong shook the empty bottle once, then clicked his tongue with regret.

“Can’t be helped. Then I’ll head back now.”

Though his regret was evident, it was quite late so he couldn’t stay longer. Yeo Chang-dong stood up and quietly left the room, spinning the bottle.

*

After that, Yeo Chang-dong visited Yoo Eun-hyun’s room almost daily. Naturally, there were more days of drinking flower tea and discussing farming, and their relationship grew closer during this time.

Then one day. It was the seventh day since Yoo Eun-hyun took office as squad leader. That day, as soon as work ended, rain began pouring down as if it had been waiting.

“Yikes. This rain is quite heavy, isn’t it?”

To avoid the pouring rain, Yoo Eun-hyun quickened his pace toward the lodging. When he was almost there, he spotted a man standing tall in the rain.

“Brother, you’re late today.”

It was Yeo Chang-dong as always. Standing in the rain with a bottle still in his hand, he looked somehow composed. Looking at him soaked by rainwater, Yoo Eun-hyun quietly handed him a towel and spoke.

“Brother Dong. You could rest at least on rainy days.”

“Haha. A farmer can’t be lazy. But this rainfall is serious. It’ll be difficult to work until tomorrow morning.”

Yeo Chang-dong laughed heartily and sat under the eaves. Watching him shake the water from his wet clothes, Yoo Eun-hyun paused for a moment before quietly speaking.

“Speaking of which, today I prepared something to drink.”

“…Hm? You did, Brother Hyun?”

Yeo Chang-dong looked surprised, as if Yoo Eun-hyun’s suggestion was unexpected.

“I can’t just keep accepting drinks. I should offer this much, shouldn’t I?”

Saying this, what Yoo Eun-hyun brought out was the Doyangju he had secretly hidden underground since coming here.

Initially, he had to hide it because he lived in shared lodging, but now that he had a private room, there was no need to conceal it.

“This is… alcohol, isn’t it?”

“This is alcohol we used to share after work when I was farming in my village. It’s brewed only in that village, so you’ve probably never tried it before, Brother Dong.”

“Hmm. I’m not particularly fond of alcohol.”

“At least smell the aroma.”

Yoo Eun-hyun uncorked the Doyangju he placed on the table. Then a rich peach fragrance spread throughout the room. At that aroma, Yeo Chang-dong’s suspicious expression gradually relaxed, and Yoo Eun-hyun poured the Doyangju into the cup they used for tea and handed it to him.

“Oh… Rich peach aroma with a subtle peach blossom scent rising later. And at the end, there’s a fresh yet bitter herbal fragrance lingering. Excellent. Indeed worthy of Brother Hyun’s proud presentation.”

“Please have a drink first. If you’re right, we’ll be resting tomorrow, so this much should be fine, shouldn’t it?”

When Yoo Eun-hyun also raised his cup, Yeo Chang-dong raised his without further question. He knew well that such things could only be truly appreciated by drinking them directly. Yoo Eun-hyun downed the Doyangju in one gulp and glanced at Yeo Chang-dong, who was slowly savoring the aroma and taste.

‘I hope he likes it.’

Of course, Yoo Eun-hyun didn’t bring out the Doyangju because he felt sorry for all the flower tea he had received. He had a different purpose for infiltrating this place.

‘The fact that he practices martial arts, and anyone can see he’s either a Maegyo follower or connected to them. For now, channeling Doyangju through him is the safest method.’

He couldn’t think of a better method for now. The only people Yoo Eun-hyun could contact here were Byeon Ak and Yeo Chang-dong, and between the two, Yeo Chang-dong seemed much better. Yeo Chang-dong appeared to have greater influence than Byeon Ak.

“This is really good! I can see why you drink it while working. It feels like strength is surging.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

“With this quality, alcohol might be worth drinking occasionally. It has an aroma that doesn’t fall short of the finest flower teas. This kind of aged, rich fragrance is something flower teas don’t have.”

“Flower teas are enjoyed for their subtle aromas.”

“It’s like comparing length and shortness, so they’re bound to be different. But what did you say this alcohol was called?”

“It’s called Doyangju.”

“Alcohol brewed with peaches and herbs… The name suits it well too.”

“Let me pour you another cup.”

The alcohol went around several times. The two men shared various stories, and Yoo Eun-hyun, who had been watching for an opportunity, finally felt the time had come.

“I think I’m really lucky. To meet someone like Brother Dong.”

“Haha. What is there to thank me for? I’m not someone who gives you money. If you want to be grateful, be grateful to those who pay you.”

“Still, the person who created this job opportunity in the first place is truly the one I’m most grateful to. That’s also why I offered Doyangju to you, Brother Dong.”

“Huh? What are you talking about now?”

At Yeo Chang-dong’s question, Yoo Eun-hyun inwardly caught his breath. After taking that breath for just a moment, Yoo Eun-hyun opened his mouth with a nonchalant expression.

“Brother Dong. Who is the highest-ranking person in this place?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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