No Fighting Allowed in the Inn

The arrival of new guests drew keen attention from the second-floor occupants.

"It's the young master of the Golden Blade Trading Company, accompanied by someone in a wheelchair and a small servant," a short, gray-clothed attendant whispered while peering through the window. "Hah, the wealthy sure know how to indulge—look at that wheelchair, it’s even adorned with gold!"

A green-robed attendant sat quietly at the table before speaking after a moment of silence. "In a wheelchair and traveling with Jin Poxiao… that must be Wen Zhuzhi, the wealthiest man south of the Yangtze."

"Why would they come all the way here?" a tall, burly gray-clothed attendant asked. "Could they also be after the treasure map?"

The green-robed attendant speculated, "The Golden Blade Trading Company’s caravans traverse the world, and Wen Zhuzhi’s fortune is beyond measure. Neither are the type to chase mere wealth. Rumor has it Wen Zhuzhi has spent years searching for a rare medicine—perhaps he seeks the legendary elixir within the treasure."

"Ah, that makes sense," the short attendant mused. "But Sir, Yue Shu and the old servant are victims of the White Crane Manor case—key witnesses in solving it. Now they’re being targeted from all sides. What should we do?"

The green-robed attendant frowned.

"We wait."

"For what?"

"The message has already been sent back to the Bureau. They’ll surely dispatch reinforcements."

The tall attendant hesitated. "The Eight Directions Inn is determined to protect them. If they refuse to let the Bureau intervene, even if a Purple-Robed Envoy were to come in person, it might still be…"

He trailed off, unwilling to disrespect his superiors.

"Just what kind of place is this Eight Directions Inn?" the short attendant muttered in confusion. "And who was that peerless master from the other night?"

From downstairs, the sound of a young man arguing reached their ears.

"Wow! This inn even sells White Silk Fragrant Screen tea—and by the jar!" the short attendant gasped in astonishment.

But after witnessing the horrors of that night, his threshold for surprise had risen considerably. His reaction was now merely mild shock.

White Silk Fragrant Screen wasn’t a tribute tea, but not because its quality was inferior—it simply didn’t suit the current Emperor’s taste.

Among nobles and officials in the capital, it was highly prized, with even a single tael fetching exorbitant prices.

For such a remote and desolate inn to offer it so lavishly!

The newcomers’ actions didn’t escape the notice of Wei Liu, Tao Yang, and their companions.

"Junior Sister, the longer we stay here, the more I realize this inn isn’t ordinary," Tao Yang said with a bitter expression. "The Manor participated in the theft of the treasure map, yet they haven’t come to apologize. Are they truly foolish enough to make an enemy of the inn?"

The Manor’s strongest fighter was its master, but even he was only a sixth-rank martial artist—a first-rate expert in the jianghu, yet utterly insignificant compared to the inn’s hidden masters.

Wei Liu remained calm. "They won’t."

"Won’t what?"

"It’s not yet time to sever ties," she explained. "For the Manor Master, there’s still room to maneuver."

Tao Yang: "…"

Was his junior sister being naive?

As noon approached, Xue Guanhe finished his training and headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

Suddenly, someone strode in, frowning at the ingredients on the counter. "This is what you serve for lunch?"

Xue Guanhe didn’t look up. "What’s wrong with it?"

A'Nai scoffed. "My master’s meals must be refined. The food you make is unsuited to his tastes. Doesn’t this inn have anything better?"

"*Refined*?" Xue Guanhe bristled. "I’ve made it as refined as it gets. What more do you want?"

His culinary skills had been personally taught by his father, earning praise from the innkeeper, Uncle Zhang, and even Yan Feicang, who devoured his dishes without hesitation. How dare this stranger belittle him?

A'Nai looked horrified. "*This* is what you call refined? Have you lost your mind?"

"You’re the one who’s lost his mind!"

"Where are you from?"

"Local."

"No wonder."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

A'Nai lifted his chin. "I bet you’ve never been south, have you? Your ‘refined’ cooking wouldn’t even make it to the table in Nan Prefecture."

"You—"

"Even your innkeeper must have low standards if he finds this slop palatable. Clearly, he’s never tasted real food."

That was the last straw.

Insult him all you like—but insult his *teacher*? Unforgivable.

"Bullshit!" Xue Guanhe snapped, too furious to watch his words. "The innkeeper has seen things you couldn’t even dream of! What does a southerner like you know about northern cuisine? You’re not even fit to lick his boots!"

"Oh? What *has* Lu Jianwei seen, then?"

"The innkeeper can—" *produce countless advanced martial techniques!*

Xue Guanhe caught himself just in time and sneered. "Nothing a frog-in-a-well like you would understand. If my cooking isn’t good enough for you, don’t order anything."

*Starve for all I care!*

A'Nai rolled his eyes. "Fine, I won’t! Like I’d beg for your scraps!"

He stormed back to his room, complaining to his master. "Young Master, this inn is utterly shameless! I merely made a reasonable request, and that cook started shouting at me!"

Wen Zhuzhi sighed. "You argued with someone again?"

"His cooking was downright crude—how could I let you eat that?" A'Nai fretted. "Young Master, let me ask Manager Lu if we can borrow their kitchen."

"After offending them, do you really think they’d agree?" Wen Zhuzhi chided gently. "You really must learn to temper that tongue of yours."

A'Nai’s face fell. "I’ve caused trouble for you again… What should we do? Maybe if I beg Manager Lu properly—she seems kind and approachable. If I offer to pay, she might relent!"

"Unnecessary. When traveling, one can’t afford to be overly particular. A simple meal will suffice."

A'Nai stubbornly shook his head. "Your health comes first. I’ll ask—and this time, I won’t offend anyone."

As Lu Jianwei descended from the third floor, she nearly collided with the hurrying A'Nai. She smiled. "Can I help you?"

"Yes!" A'Nai nodded eagerly. His large, round eyes, brimming with sincerity, could soften even the hardest heart. "Manager Lu, my master’s health is delicate—his meals require special preparation. May we borrow your kitchen?"

Lu Jianwei strolled to the front desk and took a seat.

"If that’s the case, how has he survived during your travels?"

A'Nai: "…"

"I understand demanding premium tea. I understand insisting on refined cuisine. But you’ve now angered two of my staff. If their resentment affects their work, and mistakes are made, how shall I explain that to the other guests?"

"Manager Lu, we carried a portable stove on the road, but it broke yesterday."

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "A decent excuse."

She *could* play dumb and keep milking the wealthy wheelchair-bound guest for money, but not at the cost of her employees’ morale.

A man who safeguarded vast fortunes couldn’t be simple. Neither could a servant of such a man afford to recklessly antagonize others.

From the moment they arrived, master and servant had been probing the inn’s depths.

After a pause, the anxiety melted from A'Nai’s face.

"Manager Lu, would you be open to discussing a business proposition?"

Lu Jianwei’s smile warmed a fraction.

"I *am* in the business of doing business."

A'Nai clasped his hands. "My master has limited mobility. Might you be willing to come to him?"

Lu Jianwei nodded. "Naturally."

The game of veiled hints was amusing once—but twice? Dull. She preferred straightforward negotiations.

At least the pair had some sense.

A'Nai led her outside, but before she could speak, the door swung open.

A faint, refreshing fragrance wafted toward them, reminiscent of bamboo groves and pine forests, imparting an air of noble purity.

Lu Jianwei lifted her gaze.

Seated in a wheelchair, the wealthy Wen Zhuzhi leaned back leisurely, still holding a jade flute in his left hand. His pale face bore a hint of a smile, and his voice was as crisp and clear as the chime of ice against jade.

"Manager Lu, I must apologize for my earlier rudeness. Please forgive me."

He turned his wheelchair slightly, gesturing for her to enter.

Inside, another man stood waiting—Jin Poxiao, who strode forward with a cupped-fist salute. "Manager Lu, your skill in repelling hundreds with a single move is truly astonishing and admirable. Brother Wen and I were concerned that a master of your caliber might disdain our company, hence our earlier test. We hope you won’t hold our presumption against us."

Lu Jianwei replied frankly, "I’m just an ordinary innkeeper. You flatter me too much, Young Master Jin."

Jin Poxiao clearly didn’t believe her but didn’t press the matter. Instead, he poured a cup of tea and bowed deeply.

"Allow me to offer this tea as an apology."

The teacup was part of a set brought by Wen Zhuzhi—exquisite celadon, priceless in value, its elegant form perfectly complementing the hue of the tea.

A glance around the room revealed other treasures: a gilded incense burner, a lacquered box adorned with gold tracery, a sandalwood chest—each piece a masterpiece of luxury.

Lu Jianwei took a sip and set the cup down. "I assume you’re both here because of the rumors about the treasure map."

"I seek a miraculous cure," Wen Zhuzhi replied, fingers tracing the jade flute. His lips seemed paler than before. "I’ve heard the treasure holds an antidote capable of neutralizing any poison. If it truly exists, I’m willing to pay any price."

Lu Jianwei’s gaze flickered to his legs, but his robes concealed any clues.

Wen Zhuzhi allowed her scrutiny, unbothered and at ease, without a trace of discomfort or shame.

"I don’t have the treasure map," she said. "You’re wasting your time with me."

Jin Poxiao laughed heartily. "Manager Lu, don’t be so modest. The clues to the treasure map lie with Yue Shu, and Yue Shu is your employee. How could this be a waste of time?"

"Manager Lu," Wen Zhuzhi interjected, his voice calm but firm, "you must already know that Leisurely Cloud Manor, Black Wind Fort, and Thousand Miles Pavilion won’t let this go. Thousand Miles Pavilion’s intelligence is unparalleled—they wouldn’t act without solid proof of the map’s existence."

"So?" Lu Jianwei arched a brow.

Wen Zhuzhi continued, "So, the inn that shelters Yue Shu will become the focal point of this struggle. After your earlier display of strength, they won’t dare attack recklessly. Their only option is to negotiate."

Lu Jianwei shook her head. "To be honest, even Yue Shu and Uncle Zhang don’t know where the map is. Your efforts are likely futile."

"Then let’s each rely on our own skills," Jin Poxiao said, eyes gleaming. "All we ask is that you provide us with a safe haven."

Wen Zhuzhi smiled. "This inn forbids violence, and I imagine you, Manager Lu, have no love for bloodshed. If this were happening outside, the streets would already be painted red."

Lu Jianwei considered for a moment.

"Fine. You can search for the map yourselves. I’ll only guarantee this: unless a sixth-rank martial artist or higher attacks, your lives won’t be in danger. But the lodging fee won’t be cheap."

A'Nai, listening nearby, nearly choked. *Not cheap?! It’s already outrageously expensive!*

"Sixth-rank?" Jin Poxiao laughed. "Manager Lu, you’re as decisive as ever. Sixth-rank is more than enough."

Wen Zhuzhi said, "Name your price."

Lu Jianwei teased, "That depends on how much you value your lives."

Jin Poxiao: "..."

Wen Zhuzhi, ever the magnate, didn’t hesitate. "Ten thousand taels per person, for one month."

Even the most renowned escort agencies in the martial world wouldn’t dare charge such rates.

Lu Jianwei’s heart soared.

This wheelchair-bound tycoon was truly exceptional. She’d decided—she *had* to befriend him. Others could fend for themselves, but she wouldn’t let anything happen to him.

Now she understood why he had so many friends.

"Deal."

Jin Poxiao hurriedly interjected, "Wait! Brother Wen, you can’t pay for me. If we fail to find the map, you may still need to buy the antidote from someone else."

A'Nai added, "Young Master, I don’t need protection. I’m already fourth-rank—don’t waste money on me."

Wen Zhuzhi’s voice was gentle but unyielding. "Brother Jin, you’ve protected me all this way and now risk your life for my sake. I won’t abandon you. A'Nai, behave."

"Brother Wen, I’m here to try my luck too," Jin Poxiao sighed. "If I *do* get the treasure map, I’ll strike it rich, won’t I?" But he couldn’t sway Wen Zhuzhi.

A'Nai fell silent at the word "behave."

The highest-denomination banknotes in the Qi Dynasty were one thousand taels. Thirty thousand taels amounted to thirty notes, neatly packed into a wooden box and handed to Lu Jianwei.

It was the first time she’d held so much money. The weight of the box filled her with a profound sense of accomplishment.

*The thrill of making a fortune is intoxicating!*

*More patrons like this wheelchair tycoon, please!*

She carried the box back to her room. The thirty thousand taels—payment for protection—went straight into the inn’s public ledger.

Ensuring guests’ safety relied on the inn’s defensive mechanisms, which fell under its operational expenses.

"Little Guest," she mused, "you once said the defensive measures are passive and don’t actively shield guests, right?"

"Correct. You can activate them manually and designate specific guests for protection. Any expended defensive resources will be deducted from the public ledger."

Lu Jianwei nodded. "Then I designate Wen Zhuzhi, Jin Poxiao, and A'Nai as protected guests."

Little Guest: "Settings confirmed."

---

"Envoy, Manager Lu entered Wen Zhuzhi’s room and left carrying a wooden box. Could they have struck a deal?"

"Would she hand Yue Shu and Uncle Zhang over to them?"

"If they take them away, how do we explain this to our superiors?"

"Envoy, we can’t afford to be passive any longer."

The green-robed envoy rubbed his temples, overwhelmed. What had seemed like a simple task—locating a survivor from a massacre—had spiraled into chaos.

With only fourth-rank cultivation, he was the weakest in the inn. What could he do?

"Envoy," a short, gray-robed subordinate suggested, "Manager Lu seems reasonable. Why not ask her directly?"

After a long pause, the envoy agreed. "Fine. Let’s sound her out."

The three descended the stairs, nearly colliding with a pair of martial siblings. Both parties ignored each other, sidestepping with practiced indifference.

Wei Liu and Tao Yang had come down for dinner.

They’d grown accustomed to dining at the inn—convenient, if a tad costly.

"Wei Liu, I was just about to call you. Sit," Lu Jianwei said, her mood buoyant from her windfall.

Wei Liu obeyed, her eyes lighting up.

"Wow, white-cut chicken! My favorite! Thank you, Sister Lu, and thank you, Brother Xue."

"Don’t mention it," Xue Guanhe replied bashfully. "I’m just glad you like my cooking."

Tao Yang: "..."

Something felt off. Why was his sister chatting so easily with Manager Lu and the others? Given that Leisurely Cloud Manor had joined the night assault, shouldn’t Manager Lu resent them?

He’d been too ashamed to join the meals lately.

As the group settled around the table, the three from the Mystic Mirror Bureau lingered awkwardly.

Lu Jianwei glanced at them. "Would you like to order? But be warned—new rules require advance notice for meals. If you order now, the chef will finish eating first."

The three: *What kind of inn operates like this?!*

The blue-robed envoy blurted out impulsively, "Innkeeper Lu, might the three of us join you for the meal?"

Lu Jianwei: "Uh…"

Her mouth moved faster than her brain. "It'll cost extra."

"No problem!" The envoy swept aside his robes and promptly sat beside Xue Guanhe.

The dining table was a square Eight Immortals table. Lu Jianwei took the seat of honor, with Uncle Zhang and Yan Feicang to her left, the martial siblings to her right, while Xue Guanhe and Yue Shu occupied the lower seats.

Being young and not yet fully grown, there was still some space left on their bench—just enough to squeeze in one more person.

Everyone: "…"

Lu Jianwei rubbed her temples. She hadn't thought it through earlier, only focused on making some extra money without considering seating arrangements.

Now that things had come to this, she decided to lay her cards on the table.

"Guanhe, go make a few more dishes. A'Yue, ask Young Master Jin and his group if they'd like to join. Yan Feicang, bring another table."

The three promptly obeyed.

The two tables were combined into one long table, now seating over a dozen people.

Xue Guanhe worked swiftly—the dishes were already prepared, and he soon carried plates to the table.

Yue Shu also returned with Jin Poxiao and his companions.

Jin Poxiao made himself right at home, plopping down beside Yan Feicang without ceremony.

"I was just salivating over the smell earlier. Didn’t expect Innkeeper Lu to invite us—thanks."

"That’s not what you said a moment ago," A'Nai remarked as he wheeled his master to the table.

Xue Guanhe's ears perked up. "What did Young Master Jin say earlier?"

"I was planning to borrow your kitchen to cook something, but he insisted on mooching off us."

"You know how to cook?" Xue Guanhe asked, surprised.

A'Nai puffed up proudly. "Is cooking such a big deal? My young master loves my cooking."

Xue Guanhe scoffed. "I don’t believe you."

"Believe what you want," A'Nai retorted, rolling his eyes. "Young Master, these dishes are too heavily seasoned. Let’s go back."

Wen Zhuzhi sighed. "Enough, A'Nai. Sit down."

"Yes."

With everyone seated, they waited for Lu Jianwei to speak.

She picked up her chopsticks.

"The food’s getting cold. Eat first, talk later."

Once she started, the others followed.

Wen Zhuzhi picked up a leafy vegetable.

"Young Master!" A'Nai looked alarmed.

He wasn’t being fussy—his master’s health required light, bland food. Though the dish looked plain, the oil and salt were still too much for him.

Wen Zhuzhi smiled. "It’s fine."

The moment the vegetable touched his tongue, his taste buds exploded with the long-forgotten richness of savory flavors.

"It’s delicious," he said.

Only when his expression remained unchanged did A'Nai relax, darting out to fetch a cup of mild tea.

Wen Zhuzhi set down his chopsticks, quietly sipping his drink.

As martial artists, the group had no qualms about eating quickly.

Within moments, the plates were empty.

Lu Jianwei, satisfied at seven-tenths full, set down her chopsticks. Wei Liu, Tao Yang, the three from the Mystic Mirror Bureau, and Jin Poxiao all sat stiffly upright.

Everyone knew—the meal was incidental. The real discussion was about to begin.

"Innkeeper Lu, did you have something to say?" Jin Poxiao broke the silence.

Lu Jianwei nodded, turning to the blue-robed envoy.

"Introduce yourself."

The envoy stiffened as if facing his superior, his expression tense.

"I am Feng Yan, a Blue Envoy of the Mystic Mirror Bureau."

"I am Wang Xiaoshun, a Gray Envoy."

"I am Zheng Dalu, also a Gray Envoy."

Lu Jianwei: "You’re here about the White Crane Manor massacre?"

"Yes," Feng Yan replied, his fists clenched under the table. "Innkeeper Lu, we’ve been sent by the Mystic Mirror Bureau to track down the surviving descendants of White Crane Manor. Our only goal is to find the culprit—nothing else."

Lu Jianwei pressed further. "You planned to take Yue Shu and Uncle Zhang away?"

"That was the initial idea. But now, even if we took them, we couldn’t guarantee their safety." Feng Yan was self-aware.

Lu Jianwei smiled.

"With the treasure map rumors spreading, my staff have become hot commodities, causing me quite a headache. To avoid disrupting the inn’s operations, how about this—everyone takes a step back."

"Please elaborate."

"Those seeking Yue Shu and Uncle Zhang only want details about the night of the attack. You may question them anytime—I won’t interfere, nor will I let others interfere. As for you, Miss Wei and Master Tao—given Leisurely Cloud Manor’s prime suspicion, the two of you must stay out of this. No conspiring to take them away. Young Master Wen and Young Master Jin are after the treasure map. Whether you find it depends on your skills, but no harmful methods are allowed."

"Does this sound fair?"

Feng Yan cupped his hands. "Feng Yan thanks Innkeeper Lu."

The martial factions in the inn far outstripped their own. They had wanted to approach Yue Shu and Uncle Zhang earlier but found no opportunity.

With Lu Jianwei’s assurance, they felt much more at ease.

Wei Liu remained calm, while Tao Yang awkwardly agreed.

"Innkeeper Lu," Wen Zhuzhi suddenly asked, "are you truly not interested in the treasure map at all?"

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "Yue Shu and Uncle Zhang’s belongings have already been checked—no treasure map was found. That means it’s not meant for us, and we shouldn’t force it. Of course, if someone does acquire the map, it would only be fair to compensate the descendants of White Crane Manor for the tragedy they suffered."

She loved money, yes—but the map simply wasn’t there.

Wen Zhuzhi: "Innkeeper Lu is remarkably open-minded."

"You flatter me, Young Master Wen." Lu Jianwei’s eyes curved. "As long as everyone follows the inn’s rules, all will be well."

Suddenly, a booming voice erupted from outside the courtyard.

"Such arrogance!"

A torrent of inner force, like a raging river, surged toward Lu Jianwei.

A Rank Six martial artist—launching a killing strike from the outset!

The crushing pressure pinned weaker martial artists in place, the attack aimed precisely at Lu Jianwei’s face.

Yan Feicang, also Rank Six, instinctively moved to block, but a chill ran down his spine—another surge of inner force, cold as a snake’s tongue, locked onto him and struck without warning.

A second Rank Six martial artist, arriving silently and catching them off guard!

Pincered between two attacks—how could they withstand it?

"Innkeeper!"

"Sister Lu!"

Xue Guanhe and Yue Shu, too weak to resist, were forced to the ground. Only Rank Four martial artists could barely move.

Uncle Zhang’s protective stance was understandable, but even Wei Liu struggled against the Rank Six pressure, trying desperately to reach Lu Jianwei.

The overwhelming force was unstoppable—already at her brow.

Yet Lu Jianwei only laughed softly.

"What impudent fools."

With those words, the inner force abruptly dissolved—as if brushed aside by an invisible hand—vanishing into nothingness. The Rank Six pressure was utterly erased.

"Where did it go?!"

Yan Feicang had braced for battle, only to find his opponent’s energy completely gone.

Everyone: "…"

What exactly were you expecting?

"Shifu, are you alright?!" Xue Guanhe scrambled up, so startled he’d blurted out "Shifu."

Lu Jianwei smiled and patted his shoulder.

"Good boy, go clean up the dishes."

"But—"

"Don’t worry. I’m here."

Her composure was absolute. Xue Guanhe’s anxiety faded, and without another word, he obediently started clearing the table.

The act was a blatant dismissal of the ambushers outside.

They struck again—two formidable bursts of inner force converging on Lu Jianwei.

She didn’t even flinch, leisurely pouring herself a cup of tea.

Once more, the attacks dissipated into nothing.

"Xiao Ke, how much defense value was used?"

"4,328 points total for both strikes."

Lu Jianwei tightened her grip on the teacup.

Perfect.

Every penny she’d lost would be clawed back from those vermin.

Jin Poxiao stared in astonishment, asking at the most inappropriate moment: “Manager Lu, may I ask how old you are this year?”

He had a reasonable suspicion she was some ageless senior master!

Lu Jianwei shot him a glance. “Is that any way to speak?”

Jin Poxiao: “……”

“Manager Lu’s talent at such a young age is truly admirable. I’m in awe,” said Wen Zhuzhi, turning his wheelchair. “As for the vermin outside—how do you plan to deal with them?”

Now that was the kind of talk befitting a wealthy man. Smooth as silk.

Lu Jianwei leisurely sipped her tea.

“Just a couple of insects who only know how to ambush. Dealing with them would dirty my hands.”

The two men outside the courtyard: “……”

First “vermin,” now “insects”—did they not exist to these people?

Fine. If the innkeeper was a tough nut to crack, they’d just kill the cripple for fun.

What right did a third-rate invalid have to insult them—or covet the treasure map?

A faint smile crossed Wen Zhuzhi’s face.

“Manager Lu, I leave it to you.”

Lu Jianwei suddenly realized: this bastard had provoked them just to test her “protection guarantee.”

How ruthless!