No Fighting Allowed in the Inn

Uncle Zhang led Zhu Yue into the dormitory-style room.

"The room is quite spacious and clean," Zhu Yue sighed in relief.

Usually, those who stayed in such rooms were hardworking, traveling merchants or laborers. Ten or more people would cram together, and over time, these rooms became the dirtiest and messiest in the inn.

He glanced at the wide bed that could sleep ten people and didn’t feel shortchanged.

At least tonight, he could get a good night's sleep.

"We’ll head into the city first thing tomorrow," Uncle Zhang said. "We’ll gather information first, then decide what to do next."

Zhu Yue nodded. "I’ll follow your lead."

He paused, then asked curiously, "Is there really a master staying at this inn?"

Uncle Zhang’s expression turned serious. "I can’t sense their aura, so I can’t be sure."

"You can’t sense it?" Zhu Yue exclaimed in surprise. "Then it must be a true master."

Those who have studied martial arts can sense the aura of other practitioners, unless a higher-level practitioner deliberately conceals it.

If the person who opened the door earlier was truly a sixth-level master, it would be perfectly normal for Uncle Zhang, a fourth-level practitioner, to fail to sense their presence if they were intentionally hiding it.

Zhu Yue asked again, "Can you tell if the innkeeper is a martial artist?"

Uncle Zhang frowned even deeper and shook his head. "I can’t tell."

It was precisely because he couldn’t tell that it was unsettling.

If the innkeeper, Lu Jianwei, was so young yet had already surpassed his level of internal cultivation, what kind of prodigy would she be? If she wasn’t a martial artist, then what kind of confidence did the true owner of the inn have to let a seemingly weak woman manage a place in such a remote area?

Either way, this inn was not to be trifled with.

A moment later, a soft voice sounded from outside the door.

"Gentlemen, your noodles have been served in the dining hall, and the hot water is ready. I’ll be retiring for the night, so please make yourselves at home."

With that, the sound of footsteps faded away.

The two men: "..."

Zhu Yue couldn’t help but remark, "I’ve never seen an inn run like this before."

Lu Jianwei checked the map. There were no green dots within a ten-mile radius, so it was unlikely they’d have more guests tonight. She decided to return to the third floor.

"Little Ke, can that ‘Zhang’ guy see through my level?" she asked intently.

The system: "Little Ke?"

"Aren’t you called the ‘Inn Management System’? I can’t keep calling you ‘system’ every day. It’s too impersonal."

"Whatever," the system replied, indifferent to the name. "The cultivation technique you practice is unique. Others can’t gauge your true strength."

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. "So, you really like me, huh?"

The system: ?

"You just casually gave me a cultivation technique, and it turns out to be something this extraordinary."

The system replied coldly, "It’s just suited to your innate talent."

"But wasn’t my innate talent also modified by you?"

The system continued to argue, "You’re the host. Our fates are intertwined."

Lu Jianwei sighed softly. The system was stubborn, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she asked, "No one can see through it, no matter how high their cultivation?"

"Correct."

"Even a Grandmaster?"

The system patiently explained, "A sixth-level Martial King is already considered a top-tier expert in the martial world. Seventh and eighth-level Martial Kings are even more transcendent, while ninth-level Martial Kings are as rare as phoenix feathers. As for Grandmasters, they’re usually the stuff of legends. Even if they exist, they rarely appear in the world."

It didn’t even mention first to third-level Martial Apprentices.

Lu Jianwei felt slightly reassured. "In that case, the two of us can bluff even more effectively."

"But you can’t make a move. If you do, you’ll be exposed," the system reminded her.

As soon as she used her internal energy, others would immediately see through her.

Lu Jianwei agreed wholeheartedly. "True, so we need some backup. What about offensive tools?"

The system really wanted to scoff. "You don’t have enough money in the account."

"We’ll get there eventually."

Lu Jianwei opened the inn’s financial information.

The inn’s current funds were 80 copper coins. The basic offensive tool cost 100 copper coins, so she was still 20 copper coins short.

"Little Ke, how much does it cost to upgrade the tools?"

The system replied, "From level one to level two, it costs 1,000 copper coins. From level two to level three, it’s 10,000 copper coins, and so on."

Lu Jianwei did the math. At a tenfold increase each time, reaching level nine would require 10 billion copper coins, which equated to 10 million taels of silver.

Moreover, the tools had to be upgraded step by step, requiring even more money.

It was a money-devouring beast.

Relying on others was unreliable. Improving her own strength was the true path; external aids were just that—external.

She resigned herself to climbing into bed, sitting upright with her back straight, and began practicing her cultivation technique.

The night passed peacefully.

When Lu Jianwei opened her eyes the next morning, she checked her progress bar: Level 1 (824/1000). With a bit more effort, she could break through to level two.

Until she reached level nine, her life would always be in danger.

"It’s still too slow," she muttered.

The system: "..."

If other martial artists heard this woman’s complaints, they’d probably all spit blood in frustration.

After washing up, Lu Jianwei went downstairs and happened to run into the grandfather and grandson duo, who were carrying their bags and preparing to leave.

She asked, "Aren’t you staying for breakfast?"

Zhu Yue quickly shook his head. "No, no."

They couldn’t afford the inn’s meals.

Lu Jianwei smiled and waved. "Then take care. I hope to see you again."

Zhu Yue: No, there won’t be a next time!

After they left, the inn returned to its usual quiet.

Lu Jianwei resumed her monotonous routine of cultivation, meals, and more cultivation. After a day, she finally reached level two.

But there was still no income, so she couldn’t afford any skills.

Even so, she couldn’t resist browsing the system’s store.

The system mocked her, "You don’t have any money. What’s the point of looking?"

"Preparing for the future, don’t you understand?" Lu Jianwei carefully examined the details of each item. "What if I suddenly strike it rich tomorrow and can afford something, but I don’t know what to buy? Wouldn’t that be a huge loss?"

The system retorted, "In your dreams, maybe."

Lu Jianwei suddenly frowned, her voice tinged with hurt. "Little Ke, how could you say that to me? I’m only thinking about the inn."

The system felt a pang of guilt. Had it been too harsh?

"Little Ke, in this world, I only have you," Lu Jianwei sniffled, her voice hoarse. "It’s dangerous everywhere, and I’m always on edge. You’re my greatest support, but you… You’re making me really sad."

The system suddenly stammered, "I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I won’t do it again. Please don’t be upset."

"Really?"

"Really."

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Then do you think I can strike it rich?"

The system replied, "You can."

"You’re so good to me, Little Ke."

"You’re good too, host."

"We’re the best partners. Can you stop calling me ‘host’? It’s too formal."

"Then what should I call you?"

"Weiwei. That’s what my friends call me."

"Okay, Weiwei."

Lu Jianwei chuckled. The system was soft-hearted after all.

She pressed her advantage. "If I do strike it rich, which skills do you think would suit me?"

The system analyzed seriously, "If we ignore the price, you could learn ‘Timeless Steps,’ ‘Starlight Sword Art,’ ‘Frostwind Blade Technique,’ and ‘Spring-Autumn Medical Classic.’ The others are worth trying too, but they’re less essential."

Among them, ‘Timeless Steps’ was a movement technique.

Lu Jianwei was taken aback. "That many? Can I really learn them all?"

From what she knew, martial artists usually specialized in one skill. She was worried about spreading herself too thin.

"Your innate talent suits these skills, and the cultivation technique you’re practicing will help you grasp them more deeply," the system explained patiently.

Lu Jianwei pretended to be moved. "Little Ke, you’ve been quietly supporting me all this time without me even knowing. You’re really too good to me."

The system praised her, "Actually, you’re naturally talented. Your compatibility with the cultivation technique is exceptionally high."

Innate talent was important, but comprehension was key.

Lu Jianwei said, "I see. Does the cultivation technique have any other benefits?"

The system apologized, "That’s something you’ll have to discover on your own."

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. So, there were other advantages.

She wasn’t at a loss, after all.

The system was easily swayed by emotional appeals. She could exploit this to get more out of it in the future.

Based on the system’s analysis, she glanced at the prices and let out a long sigh.

‘Timeless Steps’ cost 1,000 silver, ‘Starlight Sword Art’ was 1,500 silver, ‘Frostwind Blade Technique’ was also 1,500 silver, and the ‘Spring-Autumn Medical Classic’ cost a whopping 5,000 silver!

She asked, "Little Ke, the first three aren’t the most expensive in their categories. Why recommend them? And why is the ‘Spring-Autumn Medical Classic’ so pricey?"

"The prices aren’t the highest because very few people are compatible with them. Even though they’re top-tier skills, if no one can master them, they’re just left gathering dust."

Ah, so these three were top-tier skills, but because no one could learn them, they had to be sold at a discount.

“What about the Medicine Scripture?” Lu Jianwei asked. “It’s nearly a thousand taels more expensive than the highest-priced skill.”

“Because of its potential contribution value.”

“What do you mean?”

The system replied, “That’s something you’ll have to discover for yourself.”

Lu Jianwei, having read many novels and being quick-witted, said, “Is it because it can save more lives?”

The system remained silent.

“Little Ke, you better pray that I strike it rich soon. Otherwise, who knows how long it’ll take me to save up enough to buy skills?”

“Mhm, I wish you great fortune soon.”

Lu Jianwei felt as though she was hearing heavenly music—this was the most delightful blessing.

As dusk approached, the sound of rain pattered softly.

Lu Jianwei roused herself from her cultivation and got up to close the window. Through the fine curtain of rain, she spotted someone running toward the inn.

After practicing inner energy cultivation, her senses had sharpened, and she immediately recognized the pair as the grandfather and granddaughter who had been heading to Moonview City to seek refuge with relatives.

Both were drenched to the bone.

Zhu Yue was knocking on the courtyard gate, pleading for help.

“Little Ke, open the gate,” Lu Jianwei instructed.

The system, no longer annoyed at being ordered around, dutifully opened the gate.

Lu Jianwei leisurely descended the stairs and met the two under the eaves. With a gentle smile, she asked, “Are you two looking to stay the night?”

“I… I…” Zhu Yue, soaked to the skin and pale from the rain, stammered, “Sister Innkeeper, could we possibly stay here for the night? We don’t have any money, but I promise to pay you back double once I earn some!”

“What about your relatives in Moonview City?”

Zhu Yue’s eyes reddened. “They’ve moved away. We couldn’t find them.”

Between buying food and asking around for information, the last sixty coins they had were nearly gone.

“In that case, why didn’t you try to find an inn in the city to ask for credit? My place is expensive. Wouldn’t that be a loss for you?” Lu Jianwei’s smile remained unchanged.

Uncle Zhang suddenly spoke up, “Might your inn be in need of helpers?”

Lu Jianwei’s heart leapt with joy—a fourth-level martial artist as a helper would undoubtedly add to the inn’s prestige. However, she kept her expression neutral and replied coolly, “The inn doesn’t get many guests, so we don’t need many helpers. Besides, we don’t hire people of unclear backgrounds.”

“This old man has overstepped,” Uncle Zhang said, cupping his hands in apology. He dropped the old woman’s voice he had been using and returned to his deep, natural tone. “I suppose the senior at the inn has already seen through my disguise. My grandson and I have resorted to this disguise out of necessity.”

Lu Jianwei narrowed her eyes. “Necessity implies potential trouble, and I don’t like trouble.”

“We won’t ask for wages. We only seek a place to hide. If anyone below the level of a martial master causes trouble at the inn, this old man is willing to handle it without the senior needing to lift a finger. We’ll take care of any other chores as well.”

Lu Jianwei remained silent for a while, then finally nodded under Zhu Yue’s anxious gaze.

“The inn will provide food and lodging, but you must work diligently for the inn.”

Zhu Yue’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Sister Innkeeper!”

Uncle Zhang also bowed in gratitude.

Lu Jianwei said, “You’re now part of the inn’s staff. You’ll stay in the helpers’ quarters on the first floor. Go draw some hot water, bathe, and change into dry clothes.”

The two hurriedly complied.

Lu Jianwei returned behind the counter, propping her chin on her hand with a worried expression. “Feeding two more mouths… I’m afraid our personal supplies won’t last long.”

“They’re clearly seeking the inn’s protection,” the system said. “Why did you agree to take them in?”

Lu Jianwei replied, “Free labor delivered to my doorstep—why not take it? Besides, a fourth-level martial master could easily steal money from wealthy households in the city, but he didn’t. That speaks well of his character.”

“But you said you don’t like trouble.”

Lu Jianwei said, “I may dislike trouble, but trouble doesn’t necessarily avoid me. At least until trouble comes knocking, the inn will have a fourth-level martial master guarding it.”

They each had their own needs, both relying on the other’s strength to intimidate.

The only difference was that the inn was a paper tiger.