No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 146

◎The Establishment of the Alliance Cures Narcissism◎

A month later, representatives from various factions gathered at the Eight Directions Inn.

Present were Ling Zong of the Martial Alliance, Shangguan Huai of Luzhou Academy, Zou Hui of the Carefree Sect, Luo Wanchun of Qingyun Peak, Yan Buyou of the Yan Family, Jin Huanrong of the Golden Blade Trading Company, Hei Zhan of Blackwind Fortress, and others. However, the representative from the Sky Pillar Hall was still Zhao Xian.

"The Hall Master is still in seclusion and cannot attend. Please forgive the inconvenience, Innkeeper Lu," Zhao Xian said politely.

Lu Jianwei smiled warmly. "No matter. Please, everyone, come in."

They entered the main courtyard, while accompanying elders and disciples waited outside.

This meeting concerned the entire martial world. Not only were the leaders of major sects present, but even the heads of smaller factions had been invited—none of whom would dare refuse the Eight Directions Inn’s summons.

Sixty-seven attendees in total.

The inn’s hall couldn’t accommodate everyone, so tables and chairs were arranged in the courtyard.

"Before we discuss the alliance’s charter, I’d like to share a story with you all," Lu Jianwei announced.

The attendees tensed. Was Innkeeper Lu about to target someone?

They had strictly disciplined their disciples recently—no one had caused trouble outside.

"Deputy Commander Qi, bring them in."

Qi Yan, clad in martial attire with a curved sword at his waist, strode into the courtyard. Behind him, two Mystic Mirror Bureau officers escorted three shackled individuals.

During their journey through Jizhou, Lu Jianwei and Pei Zhi had encountered a shady inn and handed the case over to the Mystic Mirror Bureau.

Based on Pei Zhi’s sketches, the Bureau had identified the perpetrators of a massacre in a small town ten years prior. However, due to the killers’ unusual status, they hadn’t been apprehended yet to avoid alerting them.

The three prisoners were Sun Lei and the Sun siblings.

Lu Jianwei asked, "Does anyone recognize them?"

The crowd shook their heads.

"Then you’re fortunate." She smiled. "I once stayed at their roadside inn in Jizhou, only to be drugged with incense as they attempted to rob me."

Luo Wanchun exclaimed, "A den of thieves! Innkeeper Lu, such petty criminals must not be spared!"

Others echoed, "Exactly! How dare they target Innkeeper Lu!"

"Beyond that," Lu Jianwei continued, "if passing warriors coveted the beauty of the inn’s women, these three would murder them. What punishment do you think such crimes deserve?"

Hei Zhan shouted, "Execute them!"

"Right! Kill them!"

"Life for life—they must pay with their lives!"

The crowd roared in unanimous agreement, without hesitation.

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "Your righteous fury is heartening. However—"

The attendees braced themselves. Here it comes.

"Ten years ago, three martial artists passed through a small town and slaughtered over a hundred townsfolk before leaving unscathed. The survivors, consumed by hatred, set up this trap to lure and rob passing warriors. Do you believe those three killers should be punished?"

"They should!" Shangguan Huai stood immediately. "Massacring over a hundred people—such monsters are a disgrace to the martial world! They deserve to be torn limb from limb!"

Yan Buyou slammed the table. "Outrageous!"

"Death to them!"

"Innkeeper Lu, who are these beasts?"

Lu Jianwei scanned the crowd. "Any dissenting opinions?"

No one spoke.

Only a madman would oppose Innkeeper Lu—and mass murderers had no right to live.

"Elder Zhao, do you also believe these killers should die?"

Zhao Xian’s heart skipped a beat. Carefully, he replied, "If it’s proven beyond doubt, they must pay with their lives."

Why was Innkeeper Lu singling him out? Did this involve Sky Pillar Hall?

"Good." Lu Jianwei nodded. "Commander Pei Zhi sketched the killers based on survivors’ descriptions and has since identified them."

"Who are they?"

Lu Jianwei glanced at Qi Yan, who produced three portraits from his sleeve and displayed them to Zhao Xian. "Elder Zhao, do you recognize them?"

Zhao Xian’s eyes widened.

"It seems you do." Qi Yan addressed the crowd. "These three are disciples of the Sky Pillar Hall’s Hall Master."

Silence fell.

With the Hall Master involved, voices lowered—though the man was only at the late eighth rank, far below Lu Jianwei. Still, they hesitated to openly shame Sky Pillar Hall.

Lu Jianwei, however, had no patience for murderers.

"Elder Zhao, ten years ago, these killers escaped justice. The victims’ rage festered, leading to more deaths over the decade. Can you calculate this debt?"

Zhao Xian attempted to deflect. "Portraits alone aren’t proof—"

"True. Then summon them here for a public trial." Her tone brooked no argument.

"Innkeeper Lu, today’s purpose is to discuss the Martial Aid Alliance. Why not address this old case later?"

Qi Yan countered, "Elder Zhao, moments ago you demanded blood debt. Why evade now? Do Sky Pillar Hall’s warriors stand above the law?"

"Qi Yan, I’m speaking of the alliance. This case is irrelevant to today’s agenda." Zhao Xian frowned. "Innkeeper Lu, if you insist on holding the trial now, perhaps we should reschedule."

Lu Jianwei’s expression turned grave. "This case is precisely why the alliance must exist. A decade ago, a town was slaughtered, yet justice was denied, breeding further evil. Countless such tragedies persist."

"Isn’t that the Mystic Mirror Bureau’s duty?" Zhao Xian argued.

Shangguan Huai interjected, "Elder Zhao, if killers hide behind powerful sects, even the Bureau struggles to apprehend them. Many here have faced Commander Pei Zhi’s inquiries before."

The crowd shifted uncomfortably.

"Innkeeper Lu proposes that through mutual oversight under the alliance, sects will be compelled to surrender criminals promptly." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

Lu Jianwei nodded. "Exactly. As martial elders, you must set an example. The alliance’s purpose is to uphold justice—remember this."

The meeting left the attendees conflicted.

Refusing to join risked exile from the Eight Directions Inn’s network. Joining meant no more unchecked violence—a stifling prospect.

One brave soul asked, "Innkeeper Lu, what if we’re attacked? Can we fight back?"

"Such scenarios will be detailed in the charter."

After three days of debate, the alliance’s charter was finalized, and its first council elected.

Lu Jianwei became the alliance’s chair, with six overseers and all attending sects as members. Major decisions would require a vote among the seven leaders.

After the establishment of the alliance, it would select ten outstanding martial artists annually based on their performance in the jianghu, rewarding them handsomely.

On ordinary days, if a martial artist acted bravely for justice, the alliance would issue a commendation medal after verification.

Those holding such medals could later enter the training grounds of the Eight Directions Inn for free, receive guidance from a master, and even gain priority access to custom-made weapons from the inn, among other benefits.

All these rules were compiled into a handbook and announced to the public and martial artists alike.

If anyone—be it a commoner or a martial artist—suffered oppression, they could seek help from the alliance, which was obligated to assist.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‍newly formed alliance was short-staffed.

A recruitment notice was widely circulated, once again stirring the jianghu, with many independent martial artists responding enthusiastically.

Compared to serving under a sect, working for the alliance was a far better option—at least there was a stable livelihood without life-or-death struggles.

The first case handled by the alliance was a collective plea from the survivors of Sun Family Town, seeking justice for their innocently slain relatives.

Zhao Xian, unable to withstand the mounting pressure, found himself speechless even in the presence of the leader of the Sky Pillar Hall.

The three culprits were escorted to Fengzhou and, before the public, forced to confess their crimes. What sent chills down everyone’s spine was that their atrocities extended far beyond the massacre of the small town a decade ago.

In the end, the three met their demise with severed heads.

Sun Lei and his accomplices were no exception—once victims, they had turned into perpetrators and could not escape retribution.

The case of the town massacre marked the grand debut of the Jianghu Assistance Alliance.

Though Lu Jianwei was the alliance’s leader, she didn’t need to handle every matter personally. Many were eager to serve her, especially those from minor sects.

They hoped to forge connections with the Eight Directions Inn through the alliance—or at least gain a moment of Lu Jianwei’s attention.

Establishing branches across the region required substantial funds, but fortunately, the wealth left behind by Helian Zheng was more than enough to sustain operations for three to five years.

Even after that period, the alliance would not lack resources.

For martial artists who committed crimes, confiscating their assets was merely the most basic punishment—all seized wealth would be funneled into the alliance’s operations.

With alliance affairs settled, the sect leaders departed Fengzhou—except for Shangguan Huai.

Upon hearing Lu Jianwei’s words, he was overjoyed: "Innkeeper Lu, can A-Yao’s illness truly be cured?!"

Lu Jianwei nodded. "If you trust me, let her stay at the inn for a year. After that, I’ll return to you a healthy daughter."

"I do! Of course I do!" Shangguan Huai was moved to tears and even attempted to kneel in gratitude, only to be stopped by Lu Jianwei’s internal energy.

"Dean Shangguan, I hope you will contribute wholeheartedly to the alliance in the future," Lu Jianwei said.

Shangguan Huai bowed solemnly. "I will not disappoint you, Innkeeper Lu."

Luzhou Academy had always held a lofty position in the jianghu. Though it had produced scoundrels like Shangguan He and Shangguan Chi, Shangguan Huai, leveraging the influence of the Eight Directions Inn, had thoroughly purged the academy, restoring its integrity.

However, with the sudden rise of the Eight Directions Inn—its training grounds and master-guided martial training—the academy’s uniqueness had diminished significantly.

Yet Shangguan Huai wasn’t overly concerned. After all, his academy wasn’t the only one affected—even the Divine Physician Valley hadn’t raised objections, so why should he worry?

As long as he could see A-Yao safe and sound, he would have no regrets in life.

At the inn’s training grounds, Yi Baige sat in the audience, his face burning with embarrassment.

The martial artists he had brought from the village were all top-tier among their peers, yet they lost more often than they won on the training platform.

Before stepping onto the platform, they had been brimming with confidence, but after defeat, they wilted like frostbitten eggplants.

A seventh-rank swordsman challenged Yan Feicang but was swiftly defeated by his blade.

The swordsman, however, took it in stride, clasping his fists with a smile. "Brother Yan, your blade skills have grown even more refined."

"You honor me," Yan Feicang replied courteously. After the swordsman left, he remained on the platform, awaiting another challenger.

Ten breaths passed with no response.

Just as he turned to leave, a familiar voice rang out from the training ground’s entrance.

"Warrior Yan, hold on."

Yan Feicang’s head snapped up.

A woman in martial attire strode forward, her movements effortless and graceful, her striking features as sharp as a drawn blade.

He couldn’t recognize faces, but he felt it—this was her.

Qi Yan leaped onto the platform, grinning. "Last time we sparred, you were only sixth-rank—it wasn’t satisfying."

Now, Yan Feicang had reached the early seventh rank, while she had progressed to mid-seventh rank. A fierce duel was exactly what she needed.

True to form, Yan Feicang responded without hesitation, his masterful blade techniques meeting her challenge.

Their battle was exhilarating, and the spectators below were equally enthralled—especially Yi Baige and the young disciples beside him.

The longer they stayed at the training grounds, the more they realized how isolated White Cloud Village had been, missing countless opportunities for growth and learning.

This journey had been immensely rewarding.

On their way back to their quarters, one of the young disciples ventured, "Uncle Yi, before we left the village, I heard that Innkeeper Lu is also a disciple of a reclusive sect. She’s been active in the jianghu, intervening in so many cases—won’t that attract scrutiny from other hidden sects?"

Yi Baige frowned. "What’s your point?"

"I just think… it doesn’t seem so bad. Innkeeper Lu is genuinely upholding justice. If we can’t even support that, then what’s the purpose of training in martial arts?"

Other youths chimed in boldly, "Yeah, the Eight Directions Inn is great, and the training grounds are even better. We’ve learned more in these few days than in a whole year back in the village."

Yi Baige sighed.

Their hearts had already flown far from home.

"Focus on your training. Don’t overthink the rest."

"Yes, sir."

Just as the Jianghu Assistance Alliance’s influence swept through the martial world, the Eight Directions Inn welcomed seven new guests.

Outwardly, they seemed unremarkable—no different from ordinary folk.

But the moment they stepped into the inn, Xiao Ke detected their power levels.

Most were eighth or ninth-rank Martial Kings.

These individuals were undoubtedly from hidden sects.

Skilled in concealing their presence, they didn’t immediately seek an audience with Lu Jianwei or book private courtyards. Instead, they reserved a few ordinary rooms, blending in as regular guests.

Since they made no move, Lu Jianwei pretended not to notice.

She was preoccupied with treating Shangguan Yao.

"A-Yao, the treatment will take at least a year. During this time, you must stay at the inn—no long trips, no overexertion."

Shangguan Yao sat in a medicinal bath, her cheeks flushed from the steam, her eyes misty with emotion. Her voice was soft and choked.

"Sister Lu, you’ve done so much for me… I don’t know how to repay you. Maybe after I recover, I can stay and work at the inn?"

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "The best repayment is for you to focus on healing."

After Shangguan Yao finished her bath, Lu Jianwei administered acupuncture before returning to the main courtyard.

The moment she entered, Liang Shangjun sidled up, whispering conspiratorially, "Innkeeper, I’ve noticed a few guests acting suspiciously."

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by suspicious?"

"There's a man who keeps snooping around asking questions, and then there's this woman—she stood there watching me for ages while I was cleaning the stables." He fretfully touched his face. "Could she see through this mask and recognize the peerless beauty beneath?"

Lu Jianwei: "..."

Narcissism is a disease—one that needs treatment.