No Fighting Allowed in the Inn

◎Disguise, Level Five Friend, Unlocked◎

Lu Jianwei believed it would be more convenient to act alone.

Since her transmigration, she had either stayed at the inn or traveled with others, rarely having any personal space. Her movements had been quite restricted.

By going out alone, she could easily disguise herself as someone else, do whatever she pleased, and act without any constraints.

"After I leave, Uncle Zhang will temporarily take over as the innkeeper. Run the business as usual. Yan Feicang, you’re in charge of security. Guan He, don’t neglect your blade skills. Yue and Tiao, you two must also practice diligently."

The staff nodded repeatedly, their eyes filled with reluctance.

Lu Jianwei thought for a moment and added, "If there’s truly an urgent matter and you need to reach me, just leave a note on the table in the west-side upper room on the third floor."

She didn’t like others entering her personal quarters, so she designated the west-side upper room as a message drop-off point.

This meant the room could no longer be rented out to guests, resulting in lost income. But to Lu Jianwei now, such a small sum was negligible.

"So this is how we can contact you?" Yue Shu asked, somewhat puzzled.

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Someone will naturally inform me."

Hearing this, everyone accepted it without question.

The innkeeper’s sect was far too mysterious, and her abilities were unfathomable. Some unique method of communication was nothing out of the ordinary.

After giving her instructions, Lu Jianwei headed back to the third floor.

"Little Guest, since the inn is bound to you, if anything happens here, you must notify me immediately."

"No problem," Little Guest replied. "But why didn’t you just tell them the inn is protected by a 'master'?"

"Complacency breeds laziness. I don’t want to turn them into useless people. They only need life-saving protection in critical moments."

With Lu Jianwei present, no one dared to cause trouble. But once she left, the moment she stepped out of the valley, she might be hunted down by Lin Congyue’s enemies. Then, the Eight Directions Inn would no longer be an impregnable fortress.

As for the Level Nine Martial King who appeared that night—it was impossible for him to protect two places at once.

By changing her appearance and concealing her identity, even a Level Nine Martial King would struggle to pick her out from a sea of people.

Moreover, Level Nine Martial Kings often secluded themselves for cultivation. It wasn’t as if they could follow juniors around all day for protection.

One should never underestimate the gambler’s mentality.

Little Guest understood. "When do you plan to leave?"

"Under the cover of darkness."

"Why?"

"News that I’m heading to the Divine Doctor Valley must have already spread. Spies from all sides will definitely try to track my movements."

Lu Jianwei browsed the system shop and found the item "Disguise Mask."

The masks came in three tiers: low, medium, and high.

The low-grade mask cost a hundred taels. When worn, it fit decently but felt stiff. Ordinary people wouldn’t notice, but disguise experts would spot flaws instantly. It was also stifling.

The mid-grade mask cost two hundred taels. It moved naturally without stiffness but still lacked breathability.

The high-grade mask cost three hundred taels. It was natural, breathable, could be applied or removed at any time, was waterproof, and wouldn’t dissolve even with standard disguise-removing solutions.

Money was no issue for Lu Jianwei, so she went straight for the high-grade option.

Unexpectedly, the high-grade masks had further categories—gender, age, and attractiveness.

She chose the face of a twenty-year-old woman, delicate and unassuming, with a similar bone structure to her own for a more seamless fit.

After purchasing the mask, she received an instruction manual.

The first few lines described the application and removal process, which seemed complicated. But at the end, there was an additional note—

Alternatively, pay a service fee, and the system will handle everything for you—quick and effortless.

Lu Jianwei: "...How much is the service fee?"

"One hundred coins for application, one hundred coins for removal," Little Guest said eagerly. "It’s instant and requires no effort on your part."

Lu Jianwei found it quite reasonable.

Applying a disguise outdoors would indeed be inconvenient. But she couldn’t rely on the system for everything.

Disguise techniques were incredibly useful in the martial world. Take Liang Shangjun, for example—his exceptional skills had fooled countless people.

There was no harm in learning more. It might come in handy someday.

"Little Guest, do you have any disguise technique tutorials?"

"You want to learn it yourself?"

"More skills mean more ways to survive."

Little Guest pulled up all the relevant books on disguise techniques. "It’s not an easy skill to master."

"That’s fine. I just want to familiarize myself with it." Lu Jianwei waved her hand and bought all the books.

Total cost: one hundred thirty taels.

She spent the entire day studying disguise techniques in her room. Just crafting a single mask was an exhausting, time-consuming ordeal. By the end, her head was spinning, and the final product bore no resemblance to a real disguise mask.

And yet, her hands were deft and steady when it came to acupuncture.

For the first time, she truly understood the frustration of forcing oneself to learn something without natural talent.

Knowing when to quit was just as important as persistence.

Disguise techniques weren’t for her.

Lu Jianwei tossed all the skill books into her personal storage and went downstairs for dinner.

After the meal, Xue Guanhe brought out some prepared food.

"Innkeeper, these are travel rations and snacks for your journey."

Lu Jianwei accepted them with a smile. "Thank you for your hard work."

"Boss, are you really not taking me along?" Xue Guanhe seized the opportunity to plead his case. "Out there, no one will be around to cook for you."

Lu Jianwei shook her head. "This time, I plan to travel light. Going alone will make things easier."

"Alright then. We'll wait for you in Jiangzhou."

The night was pitch black, and silence enveloped the Eight Directions Inn both inside and out.

Lu Jianwei opened the system map—a few green dots flickered near the inn. She wondered if they were spies.

She changed into a black martial outfit, removed all jewelry, tied her hair back, and stashed her valuables and weapons into the system backpack.

With her top-tier "Unquestioning Years" skill and the boost of sixth-level inner energy, Lu Jianwei moved at an astonishing speed.

Under the boundless night sky, a wisp of shadow flitted out from the inn and vanished in the blink of an eye.

The spies noticed nothing.

For the first time, Lu Jianwei experienced the sheer exhilaration of using qinggong (lightness skill). She ran nonstop for two hours, leaping over rooftops, city walls, and forests, heading straight for Jingzhou.

By the time she stopped, she had already left Jiangzhou territory and entered Zhangzhou.

The journey from Jiangzhou to Jingzhou required crossing Zhangzhou and Wuzhou. On horseback, it would take about six or seven days.

Lu Jianwei donned a mask and changed into an ordinary female martial outfit, transforming into an unremarkable wandering heroine. She bought a horse in Zhangzhou and galloped toward Wuzhou.

The most powerful faction in Wuzhou was the Black Wind Fortress. Recently, the massacre of the Ge Family had occurred, and the reckless men of Black Wind Fortress were scouring the area for the killer, terrorizing the locals in the process.

Their so-called investigation was just an excuse to roam freely under the guise of duty.

No one truly cared about the Ge Family’s fate—Black Wind Fortress was merely putting on a show to assert their dominance over Wuzhou.

Traveling alone as a young woman, Lu Jianwei frequently encountered Black Wind Fortress disciples who blocked her path and harassed her.

She took it upon herself to "educate" them—collecting hefty "tuition fees" before casually riding away.

All that remained were the disciples, left to weep in the wind.

Further west, she would leave Wuzhou and step onto Jingzhou soil.

Black Wind Fortress was located in central Wuzhou, while the Ge Family estate lay in the west, near the border with Jingzhou.

Xiling City was the most prosperous town at the junction of Wuzhou and Jingzhou.

Situated near the main road connecting the two provinces, it bustled with merchants and travelers.

The Ge Family manor stood just outside Xiling City, nestled against mountains and rivers—a prime location with excellent feng shui.

The surrounding farmland all belonged to the Ge Family. Tenant farmers toiled in the fields, surrendering most of their harvest to feed the Ge Family’s hundred-strong household.

The one who discovered the massacre was the Village Head, who had come to report on the farmland affairs.

Now that the masters were dead, the tenants had no idea where to go.

There were always people desperate for land, but if the new owners didn’t want them, they’d have to find other means to survive.

Over the past few days, martial artists kept coming to inquire about the murders, leaving the Village Head and tenants in a constant state of unease.

Today, two more arrived.

One wore dark robes, a curved sword hanging at his waist. He was exceptionally tall, his face concealed behind a mask that left only his eyes visible.

The other was slender, also clad in black and masked—likely a youth.

The Ge Family’s corpses had been laid out in the front courtyard, left unburied for investigation.

Wrapped in white cloth, the bodies had begun to emit a faint stench.

The youth bent down and lifted the cloth, revealing a horrifying sight—the victim’s eyes were bloodshot, bulging like copper bells, a clear sign of unbearable agony before death.

Their dantians had been destroyed, and their meridians severed.

Few martial artists could endure such torment.

"Young Master, though the killer’s methods are bizarre and the injuries unusual, it’s still difficult to identify the culprit based solely on this."

"Not necessarily." The masked man’s voice was muffled. "I’ve seen this before."

"You have?"

"Three years ago—"

"Honored guests," the Village Head hurried over, "the men from Black Wind Fortress are here."

No sooner had he spoken than several Black Wind Fortress disciples stormed in, glaring.

"Who are you? Why are you trespassing?"

The two turned, revealing the intricate patterns on their curved swords and the token at their waists—the word "Mirror" emblazoned on its surface.

Their identity was unmistakable.

"Mystic Mirror Bureau?" A disciple sneered. "This has nothing to do with you. Get lost!"

The black-clad youth shot back, "Black Wind Fortress has been investigating for so long and found nothing. Now you’re obstructing others? Don’t tell me you’re copying Yang Jidu from the Martial Alliance’s Tiankui Hall—playing the thief crying ‘stop thief’?"

"You—!" Most Black Wind Fortress disciples were hot-headed. Enraged, one drew his blade and charged.

A slender hand lifted, hovering mid-air without any visible technique. Yet the disciple felt an overwhelming force—like a raging storm—effortlessly halting his attack. Just as it reached him, the power receded, pressing down lightly.

All the Black Wind Fortress disciples collapsed in unison.

"Let’s go." The black-robed Mystic Mirror agent spoke impassively, stepping over the fallen men as he and the youth departed the Ge Family estate.

The disciples trembled in fear, taking a long moment to regain their voices.

"Was that… him?"

"Impossible… They say he hasn’t made a move in years."

"But didn’t he capture Xia Huaigu from the Thousand Miles Tower?"

"Did he recover from his qi deviation?"

Outside Xiling City...

Lu Jianwei leisurely rode her horse, admiring the vibrant flowers and scenic beauty along the road.

It had been four days since she left the inn. With a face no one recognized, she felt utterly free and unrestrained.

The inn continued to generate daily revenue, and the staff worked diligently, requiring no oversight from her.

According to the system map, the last town within the borders of Wuzhou lay ahead—Xiling City, a crucial transportation hub connecting two regions.

Beyond Xiling City lay Jingzhou.

Lu Jianwei rummaged through her system backpack and retrieved the invitation from the Divine Physician Valley.

With this invitation, she could easily enter the valley, but she had no intention of revealing herself too soon.

While the Divine Physician Valley already knew something of her, she knew little about them.

She needed to find the right opportunity to slip in unnoticed.

Outside Xiling City, the terrain rose and fell with rolling hills. Occasionally, mountain passes allowed travelers to cut through, flanked by steep cliffs—an ideal spot for an ambush.

With her heightened senses, Lu Jianwei detected movement on the hills from a mile away, and the clashing of blades echoed from the pass.

Fifteen men surrounded two individuals.

The attackers were all rough, brutish men, while their targets were two young women.

Lu Jianwei tugged the reins, leisurely approaching before stopping several yards away.

The men were dressed as mountain bandits, each with a vicious expression, brandishing swords, axes, and hammers as they shamelessly ganged up on the two girls.

The two young women, however, were quite extraordinary.

One stood eight feet tall—taller than most men—yet had a youthful, doll-like face that made her appear no older than seventeen or eighteen. Despite her age, she was already a fifth-level martial artist.

She wielded a broadsword, holding her own against the bandits’ onslaught—not because her skills were unmatched, but because someone behind her was guiding her.

"Strike his Zhongfu acupoint!"

"Target the Shenmen point!"

"Three inches below the elbow!"

"Right rear diagonal, Zhibian acupoint!"

A crisp, girlish voice echoed through the valley as she meticulously pinpointed the bandits’ weaknesses, directing the swordswoman’s movements.

One was tall and formidable, the other delicate and slender. The former fought with brute strength, while the latter relied on sharp wits, leaving the bandits utterly outmaneuvered.

The tall girl felled them one by one, and soon the bandits were sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain.

The last bandit, seeing the tide turn against him, dropped to his knees and begged for mercy. "Please, noble ladies, spare this lowly one! I have elders to care for and children to feed—I only turned to banditry out of desperation. I beg you!"

Though the two women had refrained from killing the bandits, they had severed their tendons, ensuring they could never harm anyone again.

This last one, however, had the audacity to hope for a clean escape after attempting to rob them.

"Miss, he does seem rather pitiful," the swordswoman hesitated. "Should we let him go?"

The younger girl frowned slightly. "You’re right, but Father always told me that one mustn’t be too merciful in the martial world. He tried to harm us."

"Ah, true. Then I’ll go cut his tendons."

"Watch out—!"

Seizing their moment of hesitation, the bandit suddenly raised his arm, releasing a hidden dart from his sleeve. It shot straight toward the swordswoman’s face, aimed directly at her eye.

She had no time to dodge!

An invisible force struck the dart midair, altering its trajectory. It grazed her cheek, leaving a thin trail of blood before embedding itself into the cliff behind her with a metallic clang.

The dart rebounded and clattered to the ground.

The swordswoman wiped her face, her fingers smeared red.

"You dared to ambush me?!"

With a single slash, the bandit’s head rolled.

The other girl turned and bowed gracefully toward Lu Jianwei.

"Thank you for saving us, kind lady. I am Shangguan Yao, and this is my guard, Little Tao."

Little Tao quickly sheathed her blade and clasped her hands in gratitude.

"You saved my life. If you ever need anything in the future, just say the word."

Lu Jianwei smiled. "It was nothing. My surname is Shen, and I’m the twelfth in my family."

Shen was her mother’s maiden name.

"Miss Shen, are you heading to Xiling City?" Shangguan Yao blinked her dewy almond eyes. "We owe you our lives. If you have time, would you honor us by joining us for a meal at a tavern in the city?"

Lu Jianwei declined. "No need to dwell on such a small favor. I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave."

"Wait." Shangguan Yao untied a jade pendant from her waist and approached Lu Jianwei’s horse, offering it with both hands. "Please accept this token. With it, you can send word to me through any shop affiliated with the Luzhou Academy in the future."

"Luzhou Academy?" Lu Jianwei’s gaze deepened. "No wonder you could so easily spot the bandits’ weaknesses earlier. My respects."

"It’s just a trivial skill, and I’m not even proficient," Shangguan Yao admitted sheepishly. "Those bandits were crude fighters—hardly true martial experts."

Lu Jianwei tilted her head. "What brings you two here?"

It was unusual for them to travel without additional guards.

"I... I..." Shangguan Yao flushed, but honesty won out. "I actually ran away from home."

She had never been good at lying—her thoughts were as transparent as paper.

Lu Jianwei chuckled.

This girl’s eyes were clear and guileless. She must have been dearly sheltered.

"Never traveled before?"

"No."

"And you’re not frightened by all this bloodshed?"

"Why would I be?" Shangguan Yao looked genuinely puzzled.

Lu Jianwei was taken aback, silently chiding herself for judging by appearances.

Shangguan Yao had grown up in the Luzhou Academy, raised under an education quite unlike that of ordinary girls. In her worldview, conflict and even killing were mundane matters—even if she hadn’t witnessed them firsthand, they held no fear for her.

Lu Jianwei sidestepped the topic and said, "Miss Shangguan, a word of advice—the martial world is treacherous. When traveling, it’s best not to casually reveal your name or background, lest you invite covetousness or deceit."

"Why?" Shangguan Yao frowned. "Father says our family holds considerable influence in the martial world. There’s no need to fear others."

"The young mistress is right," Little Tao chimed in. "Many martial artists come to the academy seeking guidance, and they treat her with the utmost respect."

Lu Jianwei offered no further argument.

"Miss Shangguan, farewell."

"Wait—the jade pendant!"

Lu Jianwei hadn’t intended to accept it, but sometimes refusing gratitude could breed resentment. She turned back, took the pendant, and swiftly departed.

As dusk approached, she reached Xiling City just before the gates closed and found the cleanest, most well-kept inn, securing a superior room on the second floor.

Shortly after, the inn’s door opened again, admitting two new guests.

"One superior room, please."

Lu Jianwei recognized the voices—Shangguan Yao and her maid.

After paying, the pair ascended the creaking wooden stairs. Their footsteps drew closer before halting at the neighboring room.

"Young mistress, the stories were right—the martial world is far too dangerous," Little Tao murmured, still shaken. "If not for that kind swordswoman today, I might never have seen you again. I even thought of sparing him, but who knew he’d be so treacherous!"

Shangguan Yao sighed. "I overestimated myself and put you in harm’s way."

"No, no! I wanted to venture out too. Staying cooped up in the academy was suffocating."

Shangguan Yao chuckled. "Once we head further west into Jingzhou, we can visit the Divine Physician Valley. It’s been ages since we’ve seen Aunt Yuan—we ought to pay her a visit."

"I’ll follow your lead," Little Tao said. "And we can have Physician Yuan examine you while we’re there."

Divine Physician Valley?

The mention sparked an idea in Lu Jianwei’s mind.

The next morning, as Shangguan Yao and Little Tao stepped out of their room, they spotted a familiar figure.

"Miss Lu."

Lu Jianwei turned, her eyes crinkling with a smile.

"Ah, Miss Shangguan, Little Tao—what a coincidence."

"You stayed at this inn too?" Little Tao blinked her large eyes, her tall frame nearly blocking the hallway. "Right next to us? Truly serendipitous."

Shangguan Yao asked, "Are you leaving Xiling City, Miss Lu?"

"Yes."

"Beyond Xiling lies Jingzhou. Are you headed there as well?"

"I have some business in Jingzhou."

Shangguan Yao brightened. "Miss Lu, if you don’t mind, let’s travel together. I’m also going to Jingzhou."

"Indeed! You’re skilled, and I’m no slouch either," Little Tao added. "As long as the young mistress points out their flaws, no villain stands a chance."

Lu Jianwei obliged. "Very well."

The trio descended for breakfast, after which Little Tao purchased provisions from the inn, stuffing them into a bundle slung over her back.

They mounted their horses and rode out through the western gate.

Conversation flowed easily, and by midday, they crossed into Jingzhou.

"Miss Lu, where in Jingzhou are you headed?" Shangguan Yao asked, reluctance coloring her voice.

Having traveled so long without meeting someone so like-minded, she dreaded parting ways.

Lu Jianwei lowered her gaze with a sigh. "To be honest, I’m seeking medicine at the Divine Physician Valley."

"What?" Shangguan Yao was startled. "You don’t seem ill."

"Not me—a friend," Lu Jianwei replied, her expression somber. "She’s gravely injured and can’t endure the journey, so she’s following slowly behind while I go ahead to inquire. I’ve heard the Divine Physician Valley has strict rules. If no healer is willing to help, we’ll need to make other arrangements."

Guilt flickered in Shangguan Yao’s eyes.

"It’s my fault for insisting we travel together, slowing you down. I’m sorry."

"It’s fine," Lu Jianwei assured her. "I have no connections in the valley, nor can I offer substantial payment. I wasn’t holding out much hope to begin with."

Shangguan Yao immediately brightened. "That’s no trouble at all! Come with me into the valley. I’ll take you to Aunt Yuan—her skills are exceptional. She’ll surely heal your friend."

"Really?" Lu Jianwei’s face lit up. "Miss Shangguan, thank you so much!"

Shangguan Yao was equally pleased to help.

"Don’t stand on ceremony. You saved Little Tao and me earlier—guiding you into the valley is the least I can do. Besides, I was already going there. Call me Yaoyao—that’s what my family calls me."

A twinge of remorse stirred in Lu Jianwei’s heart.

"Very well, Yaoyao."

"Then may I call you Twelve?"

"Of course."

"Twelve, you’re the first friend I’ve made since leaving home. I’m so happy." Shangguan Yao’s fair face bloomed with a genuine smile.

Little Tao also said, "My lady's friend is my friend too. Jianwei, if you ever need someone to fight by your side, just come to me."

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "You two have such a good relationship."

"Little Tao has been with me since childhood. I’ve long considered her a younger sister," Shangguan Yao said softly.

"You’re older than her—" Lu Jianwei’s voice abruptly cut off.

Shangguan Yao smiled. "I’m three years older. She’s seventeen, and I’m twenty. Jianwei, how old are you?"

But ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‍Lu Jianwei was no longer listening.

Just a moment ago, the instant Little Tao finished speaking, Xiao Ke—her ever-present companion—had uttered the words she’d been waiting for:

"Jianwei, congratulations on earning the friendship of a fifth-level martial artist. A special item has been unlocked. Please check the details for transaction rules."

It was so sudden.

So sudden that she didn’t know how to process her emotions.

"Xiao Ke, I’m really curious—how exactly do you determine this 'friendship'?"

Lu Jianwei found it hard to believe that Little Tao had genuinely accepted her as a close friend. It all felt too fast.

Xiao Ke sounded puzzled. "Didn’t she just say it? You’re her friend."

"That’s it?"

"That’s it."

"But Lan Ling said the same thing before."

"I’m not stupid. I can tell sincerity from pretense."

Lu Jianwei: "…"

So Little Tao truly meant it?

"Jianwei? Jianwei?"

Lu Jianwei snapped back to attention. "Apologies. I was just thinking about a friend. I’m three years older than you."

"You must be really worried about that friend," Shangguan Yao said, tightening her grip on the reins. "Jianwei, why don’t we pick up the pace and hurry to the Divine Physician Valley?"

"Thank you for understanding, Yao."

The Divine Physician Valley lay south of Jingzhou. Riding at full speed along the main road, they could reach it in less than two days.

Many traveled to Jingzhou seeking medical aid, so inns lined both sides of the official road, providing rest for weary travelers. There was no need for them to stop in the city.

As dusk deepened, three horses raced down the Jingzhou highway.

Up ahead, an inn came into view—lanterns hung outside its courtyard, and the interior was brightly lit.

The three led their horses inside, where a stablehand promptly took the reins and guided them to the main hall.

Just as they were about to ask for rooms, a low, raspy voice spoke from behind them.

"Stablehand, prepare a bucket of hot water."

Lu Jianwei glanced over.

A tall, lean youth dressed in black stood in the shadows, his face hidden behind a mask.

Though he deliberately softened his voice, it didn’t escape her sharp hearing.