No Fighting Allowed in the Inn

◎Making Money, Six in the Stable◎

The chasm between martial ranks is difficult to cross.

The further one progresses in internal energy cultivation, the harder it becomes to advance. Diligence alone is rarely enough to bridge that gap.

Zhang Gaozhu had been stagnant for decades until he obtained a new palm technique, which granted him fresh insights and allowed him to break through to the fifth rank.

Hong Yingjie, after all, was the young master of his sect. Having roamed the martial world for over a decade, he wouldn’t give up just because of a single defeat.

He sprang up from the ground, his silver spear darting like a dragon toward Zhang Gaozhu’s chest. Zhang Gaozhu sidestepped, shifting his footing before leaping over the inn’s courtyard wall and landing on the river behind it.

A small, unmanned boat floated on the water.

Standing at its bow, Zhang Gaozhu called out, "To avoid harming bystanders, let’s settle this on the river."

Hong Yingjie paused, then burst into laughter. "Perfect!"

The river was the Azure Dragon Gang’s domain!

From the third-floor railing, Lu Jianwei and the others watched the scene unfold below.

Wei Liu remarked, "The Azure Dragon Gang built its fortune on water transport. They excel in aquatic combat. Hong Yingjie’s silver spear is legendary—he’s defeated countless martial artists with it."

Yue Shu nodded in agreement. "My father mentioned that the gang’s fighters are 20% stronger on water than on land."

Yan Feicang added, "His spear technique is indeed impressive."

"Old Zhang is fighting someone?" A'Nai, who had somehow made his way upstairs, peeked over the railing. "I want to see too."

Xue Guanhe teased, "Don’t you need to tend to your young master?"

"He’s reading and finds me bothersome."

As they spoke, Zhang Gaozhu’s palm strikes sent waves splashing into the air with a deafening roar, crashing down on Hong Yingjie like a waterfall.

Hong Yingjie thrust his spear upward, its gleaming tip shattering the cascade like a silver vase bursting, scattering droplets like pearls across a plate, glinting like gold under the sun.

The two exchanged fierce blows.

"He’s holding back," Yan Feicang observed, referring to Zhang Gaozhu.

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Since learning the Ripple Palm, Zhang Gaozhu hasn’t had a chance to test it in battle. Hong Yingjie arrived at just the right time. The river amplifies his strength, narrowing the gap between the fourth and fifth ranks. In close combat, a spear also has the advantage over bare hands—their power difference isn’t so great now."

Zhang Gaozhu’s restraint allowed the fight to remain thrilling.

Hong Yingjie, too, grew fiercer, his spear like a sea dragon, unstoppable and dazzling. The river’s surface erupted with each strike, the small boat rocking violently as if it might capsize at any moment.

Spectators peeked over walls and railings, enthralled by the spectacle.

In the past, when martial artists clashed in the streets, commoners would cower in corners or even hide in cellars.

But now, no matter how tumultuous the river became, they remained unharmed.

So this was how exciting martial battles could be—they’d missed out before!

A fourth-rank fighter, however, was no match for a fifth-rank in endurance. Hong Yingjie’s momentum waned, his face flushed crimson, eyes bloodshot and bulging like copper bells.

He could barely grip his spear!

Zhang Gaozhu decided to end it. Gathering energy in his palm, he sent a surge of water crashing toward Hong Yingjie.

Overwhelmed, Hong Yingjie lost hold of his spear. It plunged into the river, vanishing beneath the rippling surface.

With a cry of anguish, he dove after it, but the spear, forged of fine steel, sank too swiftly. Even his exceptional swimming skills couldn’t catch it. Gasping for air, he resurfaced in despair.

"My spear… my spear…"

Zhang Gaozhu hauled him up, gliding back to shore with light-footed agility before tossing him into the inn’s courtyard.

"Manager, your subordinate has fulfilled his duty!"

Outside, Jiang Yaozu and his men scattered in panic.

Xue Guanhe moved like the wind, darting out of the inn and snatching Jiang Yaozu back in the blink of an eye.

"Your movement technique is quite impressive," A'Nai remarked, impressed.

Xue Guanhe grinned. "All thanks to the manager’s teaching."

"Palm techniques, blade techniques, and now lightness skills?" A'Nai sighed. "Makes me want to work for Manager Lu too."

Xue Guanhe smirked. "You’re too sharp-tongued—she wouldn’t take you."

"And you think you’re any better?" A'Nai huffed, nudging the sprawled Jiang Yaozu with his foot. "Why catch him?"

Xue Guanhe turned. "Manager, what should we do with him?"

"Tie him up and wait for his family," Lu Jianwei said, pointing at Hong Yingjie. "Bind them together."

As the saying goes, defeat the young, and the old will come.

She would wait right here for the Azure Dragon Gang’s leader and the Jiang family.

Hong Yingjie, bereft of his beloved spear, seemed to have lost his soul. He didn’t resist as they bound him, muttering in a daze,

"My spear… my spear…"

Across the street, an apothecary’s apprentice whispered from behind the door, "Elder Zhang is this strong? He even defeated the young gang leader."

"After the fall of White Crane Manor, he must have had a stroke of fortune," the apothecary mused, stroking his beard as his gaze drifted toward the inn.

A tall, slender figure flashed past the courtyard, her cloud-patterned skirt fluttering gracefully.

"A meeting with destiny, indeed."

News of the Azure Dragon Gang’s young master and Young Master Jiang’s humiliating defeat at Eight Directions Inn spread like wildfire through Jiangzhou City.

When Gang Leader Hong He heard, he stormed toward the inn in a rage, crossing paths with the Jiang family outside the gates.

"Who dares bully my son?!" Hong He’s voice boomed like a bell, infused with fifth-rank energy, as if to blast the gates open.

The gates didn’t budge.

The defensive artifact held firm, though coins clattered away like flowing water.

Lu Jianwei’s heart ached at the waste. She had no patience for this.

"Yan Feicang."

Understanding her meaning, Yan Feicang stepped forward, saber in hand, and swung the gates open to face Hong He directly.

Both men were tall and imposing, but one was young and handsome, his light bronze skin glowing in the sun, while the other bore the marks of age—streaks of gray at his temples, wrinkles framing his eyes.

The contrast was stark.

High-level martial artists could preserve their youth, but Hong He had broken through to the fifth rank late in life. Now in his fifties, he no longer retained his prime appearance.

Still, compared to ordinary men his age—bent and frail—he remained robust.

One glance told Hong He he was outmatched.

He reined in his aura, his hawk-like eyes fixed on Yan Feicang. "I am Hong He of the Azure Dragon Gang. And you are?"

"Yan Feicang."

Hong He stiffened.

No blade practitioner was unfamiliar with that name.

He grew even more cautious. "The Yan family’s Surging Waves Saber?"

Yan Feicang’s saber technique was called "Surging Waves," and his blade bore the same name—a family tradition to distinguish identity in the martial world.

As the Yan family’s prodigy, his reputation was well-established.

Yan Feicang remained expressionless. "Do you wish to fight?"

Hong He: "That won’t be necessary."

He wasn’t foolish enough to court humiliation.

"Senior Yan, is my son inside the inn?" Among martial artists, seniority was determined by rank, not age.

"Yes."

"My son is young and impulsive. If he offended you, I apologize on his behalf. Might you show mercy and overlook his recklessness?"

The leader of Jiangzhou’s most powerful gang, humbly pleading with an inn’s employee—the onlookers were stunned.

"Even the gang leader is afraid of him—just who is he?" The young medicine apprentice clung to the doorframe, both shocked and terrified.

The clinic owner also wore an expression of astonishment. "The number one blade master in the martial world, a sixth-rank expert—what do you think that means?"

"Sixth-rank…" The apprentice muttered, "Why would a sixth-rank martial artist work as an inn attendant? That’s unbelievable."

The owner frowned. "I misjudged earlier, thinking Zhang Gaozhu was being arrogant to dare provoke the Azure Dragon Gang."

The apprentice asked, "So does that mean the Eight Directions Inn is now the most powerful force in Jiangzhou City?"

"..."

"Am I wrong?"

"Having Yan Feicang willingly serve as a subordinate—this innkeeper is indeed not to be underestimated. But strength in numbers also matters. The Azure Dragon Gang leader may only be fifth-rank, but he has thousands of underlings. No matter how strong she is, can she really overpower thousands?"

"If she’s stronger than the number one blade master, it’s not impossible."

"And she’s also offended the Martial Alliance."

"True."

Yan Feicang didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he turned toward the main hall’s entrance.

Hong He followed his gaze.

Outside the hall stood a woman of striking beauty, with Zhang Gaozhu, Wei Liu, and others clearly deferring to her.

He couldn’t gauge her depth at all!

Martial artists could usually sense each other’s internal energy levels. If one couldn’t, there were only two explanations: either the other person had no internal energy, or theirs far surpassed their own.

Of course, techniques to conceal one’s energy were an exception.

Hong He was a seasoned veteran, not as reckless as the younger generation. He had seen much and thought deeply.

Yan Feicang wasn’t a fool, and neither was Zhang Gaozhu.

For these two to willingly work as attendants at an inn, this female proprietor was no ordinary figure.

"This humble one is Hong He of the Azure Dragon Gang, paying respects to the esteemed elder."

He had bowed before, and he could bow again.

Lu Jianwei hadn’t met someone so tactful in a long time. Pleased, she smiled warmly, her voice soft and melodious.

"I am Lu, the proprietor here. Leader Hong, your reputation precedes you."

"You flatter me, Innkeeper Lu." Hong He exhaled in relief and cautiously asked, "My son is crude and impulsive. If he has offended you, I offer my sincerest apologies on his behalf."

Lu Jianwei replied, "It wasn’t much of an offense. He merely exchanged a few moves with one of my attendants and accidentally lost his weapon. He’s currently… shedding tears of grief."

Everyone: ???

A burly man crying? They couldn’t picture it.

Hong He knew his son’s temperament—that spear was his treasure, meticulously maintained and entrusted only to his most loyal subordinates when he went out for leisure.

Now that it was lost in the river, beyond recovery, he must be utterly devastated.

He forced an awkward smile. "Losing in a spar is a sign of his lack of skill."

"Leader Hong is most reasonable." Lu Jianwei smiled. "However, your son barged into my courtyard without cause, seeking to avenge his so-called brother. That made me lose face."

Hong He hadn’t known the details. He glared at Hong Yingjie’s lackeys.

"Leader, it—it was Young Master Jiang who sought out the young leader. As for what exactly happened, this lowly one doesn’t know."

Before Hong He could speak, a member of the Jiang family interjected, "It must be my son who offended the noble guest. The young leader, out of brotherly loyalty, only meant to plead for leniency. Leader Hong, all fault lies with my son. I beg your forgiveness."

"And who are you?" Xue Guanhe asked haughtily.

"This lowly one is Jiang Yaozu’s father." The man bowed obsequiously. "My son is unruly. I implore Innkeeper Lu to be merciful."

Xue Guanhe narrowed his eyes. "You’re Jiang Yunchang?"

"No, this humble one is Jiang Yunsheng. Jiang Yunchang is my elder brother. Do you know him, young hero?"

Xue Guanhe scoffed. "No wonder."

Like father, like son.

The son was arrogant, the father glib-tongued.

Hong He was no fool. He’d turned a blind eye before because the Jiang father and son’s antics hadn’t crossed him.

But now that Jiang Yaozu had provoked a master, he couldn’t pretend not to see.

"Innkeeper Lu, could you clarify the matter so these ignorant fools may repent and apologize properly?"

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Leader Hong, please come in."

Hong He obeyed.

The courtyard gate closed behind him—untouched by any hand.

Cold sweat broke out on his back. Thank goodness he hadn’t acted rashly.

Hong Yingjie and Jiang Yaozu were tied back-to-back in a corner of the hall, disheveled and pitiful.

The former was despondent; the latter trembled in fear.

The conversation outside had reached them clearly. Jiang Yaozu had initially hoped Hong He would crush the inn and avenge them. But upon hearing Hong He address Yan Feicang as "esteemed elder," his mind went blank.

He was done for. Truly done for.

After the fall of White Crane Manor and Leisurely Cloud Manor, Jiang Yaozu had latched onto Hong Yingjie, relying on the Azure Dragon Gang’s influence to bully his way through Jiangzhou City. He’d never tasted defeat, and the constant flattery had only fed his arrogance.

He’d thought the Eight Directions Inn was no different from the others he’d trampled.

The only difference was that its proprietor was breathtakingly beautiful.

Yet this very proprietor was someone even Hong He dared not offend.

Even if the inn spared him, Leader Hong wouldn’t.

He curled into himself, trying to disappear, awaiting his fate.

Lu Jianwei ordered, "Yue, explain the situation to Leader Hong."

Yue Shu recounted everything—from the incident with the plaque to the disruption of the opening ceremony, the failed retaliation that brought Hong Yingjie, and finally Hong He himself.

His voice was clear, his words precise. No matter how thick-skinned Hong He was, he couldn’t dismiss Jiang Yaozu and Hong Yingjie as merely "young and reckless."

This wasn’t recklessness—it was deliberate provocation!

Hong He’s face darkened. He glared at his son, but the young leader was too busy mourning his lost spear to notice.

"Innkeeper Lu, I’ve failed as a father, raising such a fool who listens to vile instigators and disturbs your peace. I am ashamed!"

Lu Jianwei had no interest in making lifelong enemies.

She ran the inn to make money. As long as no one crossed her bottom line, most issues could be resolved with compensation.

In business, harmony brought prosperity.

"Jiangzhou is a fine place. I only wish to run my inn quietly, with no further ambitions. But having the young leader and Young Master Jiang disrupt my opening day has been… vexing. Leader Hong, if it were you, how would you handle this?"

Chop them up and feed them to the fish in the river!

That’s what Hong He thought, but he didn’t dare say it aloud. He only had one son—he couldn’t gamble with that.

After a pause, he said, "Innkeeper Lu, I’ll make this unfilial brat kowtow to you in apology. Today is your grand opening—a joyous occasion. If you’ll accept it, I’ll send gifts at once to wish you thriving business and overflowing wealth."

The "gifts" were, of course, reparations.

"Very well." Lu Jianwei agreed.

Hong He relaxed. He untied his son, dragged him before Lu Jianwei, and barked,

"Worthless child! Kowtow and beg Innkeeper Lu’s forgiveness!"

Hong Yingjie mumbled blankly, "My spear… my spear…"

Everyone: "..."

Hong He smacked him hard, sending him sprawling face-first into a full prostration.

“No need for such grand gestures,” Lu Jianwei teased. “It seems Young Master Hong is quite fond of his spear. What a pity it fell into the river during our earlier spar—my staff might have been a bit too heavy-handed. Guild Master Hong, I hope you won’t take offense.”

Hong He waved it off. “Not at all, not at all. Manager Lu, you’re too kind. This fool of mine doesn’t know right from wrong. Losing his spear serves as a lesson for him.”

“Young Master Hong’s spear skills are exceptional. Losing such a weapon is truly a shame.” Lu Jianwei smoothly shifted the conversation. “I happen to know a master blacksmith whose work is no less impressive than your son’s prized possession.”

“Really?!” The previously despondent Hong Yingjie immediately perked up, his eyes burning with excitement as he stared at Lu Jianwei. “You swear it’s as good as my treasure?”

Lu Jianwei smiled. “My word is my bond.”

“I’ll buy it! I want it now!” Hong Yingjie promptly kowtowed several times. “Manager Lu, I was wrong. Please forgive my recklessness. I shouldn’t have listened to that scoundrel’s lies or dared to offend you.”

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. “It won’t be cheap.”

“Manager Lu, money is no issue,” Hong He declared with the confidence of a wealthy man. “This fool’s treasure cost a fortune to begin with.”

Lu ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‍Jianwei named her price. “Two hundred thousand taels. A deposit of fifty thousand, and you can collect it in five days.”

Two hundred thousand was an astronomical sum, but the Green Dragon Gang had controlled river transport for years, amassing considerable wealth. For them, this amount was manageable.

A divine weapon was a rare find—some could spend a lifetime without ever acquiring a suitable one. In that light, two hundred thousand wasn’t unreasonable.

The father and son eagerly agreed.

Hong Yingjie, now brimming with anticipation for his new spear, scrambled to his feet and grinned obsequiously. “Manager Lu, you’re as kind as you are beautiful.”

The “kind and beautiful” manager merely smiled.

“The Jiang family, emboldened by your backing, has bullied countless citizens of Jiangzhou City. Are you truly unaware?”

Hong Yingjie, with a natural talent for sycophancy, slapped himself hard across the face without shame. “Manager Lu, I never wanted to get involved, but that Jiang Yaozu kept going on about how stunningly beautiful you were! I was weak—blinded by lust! Punish me however you see fit, just… don’t forget about my spear.”

“Enough with the act,” Lu Jianwei’s smile faded. “Guild Master Hong, if I were just an ordinary innkeeper, I’d likely be in grave danger by now, wouldn’t I?”

Hong He promptly kicked his son to the ground. “You disgrace! Look at the mess you’ve made!”

“I was wrong! I’ll never meddle in Jiang Yaozu’s affairs again!” Hong Yingjie begged for mercy.

Hong He added hastily, “Manager Lu, you must understand—our gang has always focused on waterways. But after the two manor lords passed away, the people of Jiangzhou City were left unprotected. I entrusted matters to this idiot son of mine, but he’s too easily swayed by flattery. No matter how often I warned him, he never listened. With so many responsibilities, I can’t oversee everything. His negligence has caused harm, and for that, I am deeply ashamed before the people of Jiangzhou.”

“Though Jiang Yaozu is the true culprit, your son shares blame for poor judgment. Clean up the mess Jiang Yaozu made—apologize where necessary, compensate where due.”

Hong He wiped his brow. “Of course, of course. Manager Lu, it’s getting late. I’ll return to the gang now and personally deliver the deposit and a gift as apology.”

“As you wish.” Lu Jianwei turned to her attendant. “Uncle Zhang, see Guild Master Hong and Young Master Hong out.”

“Yes.”

The two men quickly took their leave.

“Young Master! Young Master! Save me!” Jiang Yaozu wailed in despair, his cries piercing the courtyard walls. “Manager Lu, I was a fool! I shouldn’t have crossed you! Please, spare me this once!”

Lu Jianwei ignored him and addressed Hong He. “Would you mind sending your men to the Jiang residence? I’d like to invite Master Jiang and his wife for a conversation.”

“You weren’t aware?” Hong He hesitated. “Master Jiang fell gravely ill last year and has been bedridden since. His wife, long in poor health, took a turn for the worse as well. I doubt they can come.”

Lu Jianwei arched a brow. “What a coincidence. My sister here has some medical knowledge. She could take a look.”

Hong He glanced at Tiao, skepticism flickering in his eyes.

Could a girl so young really help?

Even the best physicians in Jiangzhou City had failed to cure them.

“If I may ask… why does Manager Lu wish to treat Jiang Yunchang?”

Lu Jianwei replied coolly, “Is that a problem?”

“No, not at all!” Hong He gestured hastily. “Young lady, after you.”

Tiao slung her medicine bag over her shoulder and followed them out.

As they passed the front courtyard, Hong He caught sight of the figures in the stable and froze. “Brother Zhang, who are they…?”

Uncle Zhang answered dismissively, “Just some troublemakers from the Martial Alliance. Pay them no mind.”

Hong He: “……?”

The Martial Alliance he knew?!

Any lingering illusions shattered. Swallowing his shock, he became even more deferential.

Jiang Yaozu, sensing his impending doom, let out a bloodcurdling scream that echoed through half the street. His father, Jiang Yunsheng, knelt outside the gate, pleading for mercy over and over.

No one pitied them. If anything, the onlookers relished their downfall.

“Master,” an apprentice from the nearby apothecary craned his neck to watch the Green Dragon Gang depart, eyes wide with admiration. “What kind of connections does the place across the street have? Even Guild Master Hong treads carefully around them!”

The apothecary master lazily ground herbs. “Whatever her background, it’s best to keep our distance. Stop gawking and get back to work!”

“It’s not like we have customers—” The apprentice’s eyes lit up as a new figure entered. “Young master, here for medicine?”

The newcomer was slender and pale, his steps unsteady, his demeanor frail and scholarly.

“I’ve been feeling unwell lately but didn’t dare self-medicate. Is there a physician available?”

The master rose, stroking his beard, and motioned to the consultation table.

“Sit. Let me examine you.”

The young man obeyed, extending his arm for the pulse reading. His gaze drifted toward the commotion outside. “What’s happening over there?”

Eager for conversation, the apprentice launched into an animated retelling.

“The manager is a woman?” The young man looked scandalized. “She shares a room with so many men? How… how improper!”

“They’re martial artists—they don’t fuss over such things,” the apprentice defended. “She’s highly skilled. No ordinary man could lay a finger on her.”

The young man’s frown deepened.

“Young master, your condition isn’t serious,” the apothecary interjected. “Just excessive worry. I’ll prepare a calming tonic. Get more fresh air—clear your mind, and your health will improve.”

The young man’s eyes flashed with anger. “Are you implying I’m petty? Forget it—I won’t trouble you further.”

Without another word, he stormed out, leaving the master and apprentice exchanging exasperated glances.

If that wasn’t pettiness, what was?

The young man vanished around a corner into a narrow alley. Moments later, a disheveled figure emerged, half-carrying a barely conscious man, and staggered toward the apothecary.

“Doctor! Help! Save him!”

The apprentice rushed to assist but couldn’t shake a growing suspicion.

No patients all day, and now two in a row?