While Lex could not see through the endless strategies that Dao Lords may employ, he could see through some surface level ploys - at least by Dao Lord standards. For him, as the host, in such an incredible setting and company, to be so blatantly challenged by some random guests was actually not so random. Maybe they were genuinely upset about Wu Kong's actions, but this was also clearly a probe. All Lex could say was that either these Dao Lords were way smarter than him, or way too dumb. Why would they challenge him when he could so easily bring them to such an incredible place, while also hosting some entirely out of reach characters in the same party?

Either they saw through his real strength and wanted to reveal it, or they were too dumb to come to the conclusion that anyone who could do such a thing would clearly have to have sufficient power. Another option could also be that they just wanted to show off.

There was a handsome Grizzly who could attract the female guests, an enchanting blue lady who could make even Lex's heart stir, not to mention countless other impressive guests. Being in the presence of such illustrious company may entice anyone to show off a little to attract some attention. But why would they choose to pick a fight with the one guy trying to make sure no fight erupts? The answer was because they were stupid, that's why.

"Dear guests, it seems like there has been some kind of misunderstanding," the Innkeeper said warmly, his smile never fading, the light in his eyes never dimming. "I am here, as your host. My purpose here is to ensure you all have a pleasant experience, which is exactly why I stepped in to stop what I can only assume is a harmless prank.

"What I am not here to do is hold your hand and make sure that the mildest occurrence won't offend you. Dear guest, this is a party with many other guests here as well. While I am here to make sure that the basic rules of etiquette are followed, I have no salve for those who suffer when no harm has been done.

"If you cannot abide by the presence or actions of others, or perhaps if you find my hospitality lacking, then I can only apologise to you - as well as inform you that you are free to leave whenever you wish. Or, maybe, if you wish to take certain matters into your own hands, and seek compensation, then feel free to do so. Just know that as I stepped in to stop Wu Kong from wrongdoing, I will be forced to step in if any rules are broken.

"And if, through some unfortunate actions, I am not able to save you from the consequences of your own actions, and you end up damaging the garden in any way, shape, or form... then I should have you know that the condition to arrange this party was that Eclipse can kill whoever harms her garden. You may test the veracity of my statements yourself if you find my words questionable." Throughout, the Innkeeper never dropped his smile, and kept talking as if he was utterly concerned for his guests wellbeing. However, the message was clear: if anyone wants to pick a fight, they need to do so at their own risk. Also, some people really needed to learn how to take a joke.

Silence followed the Innkeepers words, as everyone waited to see if anyone would continue to challenge the Innkeeper.

A challenge need not be a fight - it could be many things. The only question was if anyone would truly have the guts to do it, and if so, how would the Innkeeper react.

Nulli kept giving the Innkeeper provocative looks, as if she was incredibly thrilled by his words, and could not get enough of his diplomatic firmness. Crusty was ignoring the lot of the, staring instead at the flowers Eclipse had collected. Eclipse was waiting for someone to start a fight, and Ventura was studying Voidmaw's ribs which he had taken from Voidmaw.

It seemed that none of them actually took the probe or threat seriously at all, and instead were treating this like a game, and the other Dao Lords like children.

"Wait a minute," Bridget suddenly said, ignoring the confrontation. "The Innkeeper said you're not charging Wu Kong for his other clones, right? But I just searched this entire tavern... besides the workers and us, there are no extra people. Does that mean... one of us is actually Wu Kong's clone in disguise?"

Although she addressed the question to Ballom, the question itself ushered in a new bout of silence as the entire group stared towards Wu Kong, who now had a deadpan expression.

He was struggling internally. The issue was not the Innkeeper - although the Innkeeper had thrown Wu Kong under the bus, he had also defended him, so he was not worried about offending him. No, he was worried about the curious looks the Primordial Queen was giving him.

Dammit, his plan was to lay low so that she didn't notice him when he slipped into the garden. Now it felt like he was under extra supervision. He gave that one Dao Lord who complained a hateful look. This was far from over.

After that... two other guests who were attending the party, who had accompanied the Governor, and had longstanding relationships and influence going back thousands of years, suddenly morphed into Wu Kong.

"I resent that statement - I paid for the attendance of all my clones," Wu Kong said. It was another matter entirely that he had tried to spread countless hairs across the tavern without transforming them into clones, but they kept getting cleaned up.

Damn that Innkeeper and his impeccable cleanliness!

The Governor, who was up until now focused entirely on the dynamic between

the Innkeeper and Eclipse, suddenly had a change of expression. What the hell? Even he had been fooled by the monkey? How many organisations had he infiltrated with his clones? All of them?