!----
Master Hu ordered the dead to be properly buried and the wounded to be treated. Then he returned to the meeting hall with a group of people, waiting for Master Duo to arrive so they could discuss what to do.
Master Hu couldn't help feeling anxious. His opponents were so aggressive that he was starting to lose his composure. Although they hadn't yet come into full contact, he could already tell that these people were no pushovers—not like the soft targets in Cen Qi's castle.
They were ready to start killing at the slightest disagreement. Who would dare act like that without confidence in their own strength, or without being used to fighting?
And they had struck so decisively despite being on someone else's turf, in unfamiliar surroundings.
Their fighting strength was definitely no less than that of his Tiger Army.
When two tigers fought, one was bound to get hurt.
Even if his side came out ahead, could they withstand a conflict this intense? Could they afford the heavy losses?
Master Hu's thoughts were in disarray. He'd considered several strategies, but none seemed anywhere near perfect.
Just as he was growing anxious, Old Ba hurried back, looking displeased.
"Master Hu, I went straight to Master Duo's place, but Qian stopped me at the door. He said Master Duo was sick, had just taken his medicine, and needed to rest quietly for a few hours. He wasn't seeing guests for the time being. I tried everything I could think of, but Qian wouldn't budge or listen. He even mocked me."
Meanwhile, the eight Mushroom People they were denouncing had gathered once again in a dense forest on the outskirts.
Whoever they were, abandoning the women, children, old, and weak would mean the entire group's morale collapsing.
But Master Hu