After disposing of Seob Wi-Mun's body, Mu-Gun and Namgung Byeok's groups found their way to a nearby inn.0

The innkeeper expressed his gratitude to Mu-Gun and Namgung Byeok for putting an end to the monstrous threat that had left a trail of bloodshed around Hongze Lake. Despite their polite refusal, the innkeeper insisted on treating them to the finest dishes at the inn, on the house.0

To him, their intervention had not only spared his establishment but quite possibly his life as well, had the monster reached there. Offering them the inn's finest dishes as a token of gratitude was the innkeeper's heartfelt gesture.0

Eventually, Mu-Gun and Namgung Byeok's groups graciously accepted the generous offer and relished the hearty dinner. Despite any underlying discomfort, Mu-Gun remained composed and concealed his true feelings while sharing the meal with Namgung Byeok.0

“The Loyal Heart Alliance is in high spirits lately.” Namgung Byeok abruptly cut through the various topics they were discussing.0

“We are still inferior to the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families.”0

“Considering the size of territories alone, the Loyal Heart Alliance could potentially surpass the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families. Is your expansion into Jiangsu Province an indication that Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces are insufficient?” Namgung Byeok asked, blatantly displaying his wariness of the Loyal Heart Alliance’s rapid expansion.0

“We have never deliberately tried to expand our forces. Preventing the Nine Celestial Demons Sect’s evil ambitions simply attracted various sects to join the...0