No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 65

◎The True Culprit Revealed, Another Fortune Made◎

The bloodthirsty worm eagerly found fresh blood and swiftly burrowed into the bottle.

Lu Jianwei immediately sealed the opening.

Such a lively specimen—it would be a waste not to preserve it.

To prevent the assassin from harming himself, Lu Jianwei fed him an ordinary sedative and a muscle-relaxing powder, then forced two poison pills down his throat—the same treatment given to the assassins outside Dongliu City.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍poison quickly took effect.

The assassin jolted awake from unconsciousness, writhing in agony. But with the muscle relaxant in his system, he couldn’t even roll over.

His face twisted grotesquely, his throat emitting guttural moans as the pain gradually drove him to delirium.

Lu Jianwei repeated her method, feeding him another pill that soon robbed him of his senses.

"Who do you take orders from?"

"Yang Jidu."

"Who?" Lu Jianwei glanced at Wen Zhuzhi.

"Deputy Hallmaster of the Celestial Vanguard Hall in the Martial Alliance."

Lu Jianwei: ???

So the Martial Alliance was the thief crying "Stop thief"?

No wonder they couldn’t find the real culprit.

"Why slaughter the Zhou family?"

"To find the 'Polar Golden Silkworm.'"

Lu Jianwei was even more surprised.

"Does the Zhou family really have the 'Polar Golden Silkworm'?"

"Not sure."

The gray-clad assassin was merely following orders. More detailed information was likely beyond his knowledge.

"Interrogation is your expertise," Lu Jianwei said. "You take over."

Wen Zhuzhi nodded.

"How many are in your organization?"

"Don’t know."

"Where do you usually stay?"

"Panma Mountain."

"Do you only take orders from Yang Jidu?"

"..."

The assassin seemed conflicted, struggling to answer. After a long pause, he finally forced out a single word.

"Yes."

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. This Yang Jidu was probably just a front—a higher-level pawn.

In the assassin’s mind, Yang Jidu was indeed the highest leader. But humans weren’t machines. As a covert assassin skilled in gathering intelligence, he might have stumbled upon irregularities that contradicted his beliefs, hence his hesitation.

Wen Zhuzhi asked a few more questions, confirming that the assassin obeyed Yang Jidu, the deputy of the Celestial Vanguard Hall, and gauging the assassin’s rank to estimate the organization’s overall strength.

Lu Jianwei understood now.

The assassin was a fourth-level martial artist—not a true leader, but a squad captain. There were many like him.

The assassins who chased Luo Lianhuan outside Dongliu City—one sixth-level and two fifth-level—were likely the organization’s top combatants.

Yet she and Yan Feicang had wiped them all out.

No wonder the Celestial Vanguard Hall had tried to frame her. They must despise her deeply.

First in Dongliu City, then Shuangxi City, and now Jiangzhou City—they’d fallen into her traps repeatedly.

Lu Jianwei could easily imagine the deputy hallmaster wishing to grind her bones to dust.

"Manager Lu," Wen Zhuzhi looked up at her, "could you help me contact Han Xiaofeng?"

"Me?"

"In my current state, it’s inconvenient to reveal my identity." His gaze drifted to his legs.

Lu Jianwei understood. No one wanted their subordinates to see them weak and vulnerable—it damaged their image and morale.

"Fine."

Han Xiaofeng had left her a way to contact him. The Mystic Mirror Bureau had outposts everywhere, using carrier pigeons or other methods to relay messages swiftly.

Within half a day, Han Xiaofeng arrived in person, with Feng Yan trailing behind.

Learning that the assassin’s parasitic worm had been successfully extracted, he marveled, "Manager Lu, your skills are truly extraordinary!"

He hadn’t held much hope, yet here was a breakthrough.

Now, the truth was within reach.

Lu Jianwei smiled. "I gave him a drug. He’ll answer any question truthfully."

"Thank you." Han Xiaofeng clasped his fists and ordered, "Feng Yan, present the reward."

Feng Yan promptly offered a box—filled with silver, of course.

Everyone knew Manager Lu loved money. Cash was always the right gift.

Lu Jianwei said, "This wasn’t my achievement alone. Without Young Master Wen’s help, I couldn’t have neutralized the parasite."

Han Xiaofeng paused, scanning the room but not spotting Wen Zhuzhi. "I’ll send another gift later. Please convey my gratitude to Young Master Wen."

"Of course." Lu Jianwei accepted the box with a grin.

The Mystic Mirror Bureau had funds, but they weren’t lavish. Han Xiaofeng had secured a reward of three thousand taels—paltry compared to her five-million-tael account.

But even a mosquito’s leg had meat.

After Han Xiaofeng took the assassin away, Feng Yan soon returned with another gift.

Lu Jianwei accepted it and delivered it to Wen Zhuzhi in the dormitory, teasing, "A token of appreciation from the Mystic Mirror Bureau, Young Master Wen."

Money shifting from one hand to another—how amusing.

"Manager Lu, you flatter me." Wen Zhuzhi accepted the box, added seven thousand taels, and handed it back. "I hadn’t paid the consultation fee from days ago. My apologies."

The box returned to Lu Jianwei’s hands.

For the sake of money, she offered sincere advice: "If you rest properly, you might live a few more years. But if you push yourself like this again, not even the gods could save you."

Wen Zhuzhi nodded solemnly. "I’ll remember."

Lu Jianwei left it at that and exited the room.

"Young Master," A'Nai entered, "let’s heed Manager Lu’s words. There can’t be a next time."

Wen Zhuzhi merely smiled without responding.

Three days later, the Mystic Mirror Bureau dispatched an elite force to raid Panma Mountain, capturing a group of gray-clad assassins.

Evidence from the Zhou family massacre pointed directly to the Celestial Vanguard Hall of the Martial Alliance, shocking the entire martial world.

The Martial Alliance killed Zhou Renjing? Were they behind the deaths of so many martial artists? Did the "Polar Golden Silkworm" truly exist?

Had the Martial Alliance been investigating itself, treating everyone as fools?

Outrage erupted. Martial artists demanded answers from the Martial Alliance.

No one begrudged the Mystic Mirror Bureau for cracking the case—in fact, it made the humiliation worse.

The Martial Alliance, once revered as a sacred institution, had shattered countless hearts.

Of course, loyal defenders accused the Mystic Mirror Bureau of sowing discord, but rational martial artists swiftly shut them down.

The battle at Panma Mountain was irrefutable.

In this secret stronghold, they uncovered undeniable proof linking the assassins to the Celestial Vanguard Hall.

The thief crying "Stop thief"—how infuriating!

The Martial Alliance’s reputation plummeted, forcing them to act.

An internal investigation ensued. Yang Jidu, deputy of the Celestial Vanguard Hall, became the primary suspect. Under interrogation by the Sky Axe Hall, he confessed to orchestrating the Zhou family massacre and privately raising the assassins.

After his confession, he immediately took his own life.

"Sky Axe Hall?" Lu Jianwei asked idly while cracking walnuts, as news reached her.

"The Sky Axe Hall oversees punishment within the Martial Alliance," Wen Zhuzhi explained, refilling her tea. "They also handle intelligence gathering and assassinations."

"I see."

Lu Jianwei popped a whole walnut kernel into her mouth.

After cultivating martial arts, everything became easier. With her current strength, crushing walnuts barehanded was effortless—she could even split the shell without damaging the kernel.

Every piece of walnut meat was perfectly intact, unlike in modern times where even using tools might crush them into fragments.

She seemed to have found a new toy, shelling one after another.

Wen Zhuzhi's eyes curved with amusement as he continued, "He also admitted that framing you as the culprit back then was because you were nameless and faceless—a perfect scapegoat. Yu Jiansheng and the others believed him and came to arrest you."

"What level is he?" Lu Jianwei placed the beautifully shelled walnut meat into a dish.

"Level six."

"I remember the 'Six Stallions' also had level-six members. Why did they obey him?"

"Yang Jidu is at the peak of level six, higher than them. Moreover, he’s built a reputation over years in the Celestial Vanguard Hall and commands great authority."

Lu Jianwei nodded and asked, "Where did the gu worms come from? Don’t tell me the Martial Alliance raises insects."

"He confessed that he stumbled upon the gu recipe by chance, cultivated them for ten years, and later secretly raised assassins."

"Does the Zhou family truly possess the 'Polar Golden Silkworm'?"

"He claims so."

"Did you retrieve it?"

"No."

Lu Jianwei shook her head. "What’s the point?"

With all that power and wealth, why not just live a peaceful life? All this killing and scheming only stirs chaos in the martial world.

Wen Zhuzhi chuckled. "If everyone were as clear-minded as you, Shopkeeper Lu, the Mystic Mirror Bureau wouldn’t need to exist."

"Flattery won’t work."

After finishing a whole plate, Lu Jianwei stood up to take it upstairs and enjoy it slowly. She paused mid-step, then turned back.

She extended the plate toward Wen Zhuzhi.

"Want some?"

Wen Zhuzhi was momentarily stunned before reaching out to take a piece.

"Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

Lu Jianwei carried the plate away, her figure disappearing around the stairwell.

Wen Zhuzhi held the walnut meat between his fingers, gazing at it for a moment before placing it in his mouth.

Crisp and fragrant, with a faint bitterness.

After the truth behind the Zhou family case came to light, the ones most shaken were the Martial Alliance and the Thousand Miles Tower.

Whether the "Polar Golden Silkworm" truly existed was beside the point.

The key issue was that both had slandered Lu Jianwei.

On the surface, it was just the personal actions of Yang Jidu and Xia Huaigu, but given their high-ranking positions within their respective factions, their sects couldn’t claim innocence.

Even if they weren’t guilty of instigation, they were still guilty of negligence.

Who was Shopkeeper Lu?

A person under the protection of a Level Nine Martial King!

Her origins were a mystery, her cultivation unfathomable, and her sect’s background completely untraceable.

With someone like her, no amount of caution was excessive.

The Martial Alliance reacted swiftly, publicly apologizing to Lu Jianwei and announcing that they would soon bring generous gifts to Jiangzhou to make amends.

The Thousand Miles Tower followed suit, expressing their apologies and promising to visit with gifts.

At the mention of "generous gifts," Lu Jianwei perked up instantly.

The Martial Alliance was immensely wealthy, their resources beyond measure. If they could casually produce two million taels, these gifts were likely worth far more.

And all that silver would flow straight into her private coffers!

"I’d always heard the Martial Alliance gathered the finest talents of the land. I used to dream of venturing into the martial world when I grew up, of visiting Luozhou to see it for myself," Yue Shu said, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I never imagined it’d be so corrupt."

"Every place has its light and shadows. Where there are people, there are selfish desires," Liang Shangjun began his usual pessimistic musings.

Yan Feicang added, "Selfish desires are normal, but they shouldn’t harm the innocent."

"Exactly. I have my own desires too—I want to master peerless martial arts. But I’d rather work hard than kill and steal for rare treasures," Xue Guanhe declared righteously.

Yun Hui brought out a plate of pink peaches. "These were shipped from Nanzhou. I’ve washed them all—go ahead and try one."

She handed one to Tiao.

Tiao took a bite. The juice burst forth, the flesh white with a blush of pink, incredibly sweet and refreshing.

"Delicious."

The others reached for their share.

Before Liang Shangjun could grab one, his hand was smacked away.

"What’s that for?"

"You didn’t clean the stables properly today. One peach penalty—it’s mine now," Xue Guanhe said solemnly.

Liang Shangjun was indignant. "I swept it spotless! How dare you slander me and steal my peach?"

Xue Guanhe burst out laughing. "Hah! Just teasing you. Wanted you to experience a taste of injustice."

"..."

From Luozhou to Jiangzhou, a fast horse could make the journey in ten days. With luggage in tow, it’d take a day or two longer.

The Thousand Miles Tower was in Jingzhou, much closer.

Before the Martial Alliance’s delegation arrived, the Tower’s apology gifts had already been delivered.

The crisp jingling of bells pierced through the courtyard gate, carried by a warm breeze laden with the rich scent of perfumed powder.

"Shopkeeper Lu, it’s been a while."

Lan Ling, clad in her usual red gauze dress that revealed swathes of fair skin, sauntered into the front yard, golden bells chiming at her wrists and ankles.

Her makeup was immaculate—full red lips, eyeshadow trailing into a seductive wing at the corners, enhancing her allure.

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Months apart, and Miss Lan’s charm has only grown more captivating."

"Shopkeeper Lu, your words are sweeter than honey," Lan Ling purred, her waist swaying as she approached. Delicate fingers reached to brush Lu Jianwei’s cheek. "In all the martial world, I’ve yet to find another beauty as delightful as you."

Lu Jianwei sidestepped the touch.

"You flatter me. In my eyes, you’re the one who outshines all."

Mutual flattery—who couldn’t play that game?

Lan Ling giggled, her laughter like tinkling bells, her eyes pools of liquid charm that could ensnare souls.

"No wonder you’re such a successful businesswoman. With just those words, I’d gladly hand over my entire fortune to you."

"Then hand it over." Lu Jianwei stretched out her palm with a grin. "I only judge people by their actions."

Lan Ling beamed. "I adore this money-loving side of you too."

She clapped her hands toward the courtyard entrance.

Her subordinates, waiting outside with horse-drawn carts, promptly filed in carrying heavy chests.

Eight chests in total, each one visibly weighty.

Lu Jianwei feigned surprise. "What’s this?"

"Shopkeeper Lu, there were some… misunderstandings before. You were dragged into quite the mess. It was all that old wretch Xia Huaigu’s doing. He competed with me for the Deputy Tower Master position, couldn’t win, and then targeted my dear friend instead! The scoundrel deserves the Mystic Mirror Bureau’s worst tortures!"

"Dear friend?"

"You helped me so much before. I thought we’d become good friends by now."

Lu Jianwei gave a dry chuckle.

If they were truly good friends, given Lan Ling’s level-six cultivation, she would’ve long met the condition of "gaining the friendship of a level-five or higher martial artist to unlock special merchandise."

Would she still be deprived of modern conveniences otherwise?

The chests were arranged in a neat row, an impressive sight.

Once the task was done, the underlings retreated like the ebbing tide.

"Miss Lan’s wealth is indeed extraordinary," Lu Jianwei remarked before instructing, "Uncle Zhang, Yan Feicang, take these to the third floor for me."

The staff obeyed.

"Oh, this isn’t my wealth," Lan Ling said, her smile radiant. "Our Tower Master personally ordered these gifts as an apology. I’m relieved you’ve accepted them, Shopkeeper Lu."

Lu Jianwei replied, "In business, harmony brings prosperity."

She’d take the money first. As for grudges? Those could wait.

"Wise words. Let’s not allow certain villains to ruin our friendship."

"Naturally. Was there anything else, Miss Lan?"

"Jiangzhou is a blessed land with excellent feng shui, and your inn is particularly charming. I suffered some grievances under that old scoundrel Xia Huaigu before, so I thought I'd take this chance to make amends and relax here for a while. I wonder if Innkeeper Lu would welcome me?"

"Any paying guest is welcome."

Lan Ling giggled. "I'll take the room next to yours again—the eastern one on the third floor. Please take good care of me, Innkeeper Lu."

"Of course."

As Lan Ling stepped into the hall and took out some silver pieces, her gaze suddenly caught Liang Shangjun crouching in a corner, munching on melon seeds. Her eyes brightened.

"And who is this?"

"A helper at the inn." Lu Jianwei accepted the silver and noted it in the ledger before adding, "He mucks out the stables."

Lan Ling: "..."

She shot Lu Jianwei a playful glare and cooed, "Innkeeper Lu, what a waste! Such a handsome face, yet you make him do such filthy work. Why not let him follow me? He could have a much brighter future."

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "He may be good-looking, but he’s lazy. While others are hauling crates, he hides here snacking. If you want him, just ask him yourself. I can’t afford to keep such an idle helper."

"That sounds perfect. Jiangzhou truly breeds exceptional people—to produce someone so striking."

Liang Shangjun was so startled he dropped his melon seeds, his face full of panic.

"Innkeeper, didn’t you say I was just a stable cleaner? So after I finish cleaning, can’t I take a break and snack?"

"If you dislike mucking stables, I’ll grant your wish. Why not go with Miss Lan? She’ll give you a better path."

"Innkeeper, I don’t dislike it! I’ve found joy in cleaning stables. Even if I reek of manure every day and flies swarm around me, I’d still savor it!"

Lan Ling took a step back, instinctively covering her nose.

"What a shame."

She didn’t spare Liang Shangjun another glance and headed upstairs. Then, as if remembering something, she turned back.

"Innkeeper Lu, may I still dine with you?"

Lu Jianwei nodded.

"Pay for your own meals."

Lan Ling blinked. "I won’t shortchange you."

When she reached the third floor, she ran into Uncle Zhang and a few others.

"It’s been months, Uncle Zhang—you’ve broken through to the fifth rank! The Eight Directions Inn must be a blessed place. Perhaps if I stay here awhile, I’ll find my own breakthrough."

Uncle Zhang chuckled. "May you achieve it soon, Miss Lan."

"Thank you for the kind words." She swayed gracefully into her room.

The others descended the stairs, only for Liang Shangjun to rush over, wailing.

"The innkeeper’s selling me off!"

Xue Guanhe gasped in mock surprise. "Someone actually wants to buy you?"

"Probably," Yue Shu remarked objectively. "He’s gotten quite good at cleaning stables, and the horses are well-fed. He’d make a decent stablehand."

"You two just love mocking me!" Liang Shangjun grabbed a handful of candied fruit and chewed furiously. "What good does selling me do you? If I leave, you’ll have to muck the stables yourselves!"

"Wouldn’t be so bad."

"True, we’ve got time to spare."

Liang Shangjun raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"As real as gold."

"Fine." He turned and marched to the counter, putting on an air of dramatic departure. "Innkeeper Lu, you once said I could leave anytime."

"That’s right." Lu Jianwei flipped a page in her book, unbothered. "Leaving? Don’t let the door hit you."

Liang Shangjun grabbed another handful of melon seeds, stuffed them into his pouch, and waved. "I’m really going. Don’t miss me too much."

Only then did Xue Guanhe and Yue Shu realize he was serious. Panic and guilt flashed across their faces.

"Why so sudden?"

"We were just joking—don’t be upset!"

"Fine, I’ll help with your chores from now on!"

Liang Shangjun lifted his chin smugly. "Realized your mistake, huh? Too late. My mind’s made up—you can’t change it."

"Still here?" Lu Jianwei smiled sweetly. "You’re disturbing my reading."

Liang Shangjun: "..."

All his melodramatic sorrow vanished!

With a huff, he didn’t even pack his belongings—just activated his peerless lightness skill and vanished before their eyes.

Yue Shu looked crestfallen.

"Why did he leave?"

"Probably worried about his virtue," A'Nai quipped as he walked in, amused. "Miss Lan took a liking to him. If he didn’t run, he might’ve ended up in her chambers."

Xue Guanhe couldn’t hold back a snort.

If that was the reason, his guilt lessened considerably.

A'Nai turned to Lu Jianwei. "Innkeeper Lu, we didn’t bring much medicine this time. We’re missing a few herbs for Young Master’s medicinal meals. Could we buy some from you?"

"What do you need?"

"Here’s the list."

Lu Jianwei skimmed it.

"These are common herbs. Any pharmacy in town would have them."

"But the quality here is better."

Lu Jianwei shook her head. "I came from Fengzhou and didn’t bring much stock."

She handed the list back.

A'Nai was disappointed but understood. Fengzhou was their main base—naturally, they’d have more supplies there. He and his master had followed Lu Jianwei from Shuangxi City and hadn’t seen her carrying herbs.

"I’ll buy them outside, then."

Clutching the list, he headed for the courtyard gate but nearly collided with someone rushing in.

The man was frantic, his voice hoarse as he shouted:

"Innkeeper Lu, save me!"

The cry echoed so loudly the entire neighborhood heard.

Two heads peeked out from the medical clinic across the street.

"I don’t recognize that lady from earlier, but this one’s familiar," the clinic owner mused, stroking his beard.

His apprentice asked, "What does Young Master Hong need saving from?"

"Could something have happened to Chief Hong?"

"How? Who in Jiangzhou would dare cross Chief Hong?"

Hong Yingjie’s voice rang out again.

"Innkeeper Lu, my father’s been injured! The villain even wants to destroy the Azure Dragon Gang! Please, stand up for our brothers!"

Behind the counter, Lu Jianwei was speechless.

She was just an innkeeper, not Jiangzhou’s magistrate—why come to her?

Had they even paid their respects to the local authorities?

"Young Master Hong, if you need treatment, bring your father here. I run a business—I don’t meddle in martial disputes."

Hong Yingjie froze. "But the Giant Whale Gang said once they crush us, they’ll control the waterways from Jiangzhou to Nanzhou! The people will have to pay higher ferry fees!"

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"I can heal your father so he can fight back." Lu Jianwei refused to take on unnecessary trouble.

She wasn’t some savior here to rescue the masses.

Hong Yingjie was at a loss. "Thank you, Innkeeper Lu. I’ll bring him right away."

Head drooping, he trudged toward the gate.

A'Nai suddenly spoke up. "If the Giant Whale Gang monopolizes the Jiangzhou-Nanzhou trade route, won’t the price of rice, fruit, and other goods from Nanzhou skyrocket?"

"Those Giant Whale Gang scoundrels only care about money—they’ll definitely hike prices!" Hong Yingjie spun around, indignant.

"Never took you for someone who cared about the common folk," A'Nai scoffed. "Still, you’ve made a fair point. Innkeeper Lu, if the Giant Whale Gang seizes control, grain prices will soar, and even Nanzhou’s peaches won’t make it here."

Lu Jianwei: "..."

They’d found her weakness.

The inn consumed a lot of food daily, and southern fruits were already expensive. If prices surged further, even she wouldn’t be able to afford them.

"Master Hong, how do you expect me to take charge of this?"

Hong Yingjie, sensing an opportunity, quickly replied, "Innkeeper Lu, your martial prowess is unmatched. You could easily defeat the leader of the Giant Whale Gang, and their forces would collapse in surrender."

"I’m not fond of violence," Lu Jianwei said. "Why not sit down and talk things through? There’s no need for bloodshed."

Hong Yingjie gave a bitter laugh. "It’s the Giant Whale Gang who’s being unreasonable. My father even invoked your name on the battlefield, but those southern bumpkins scoffed at it—what does an innkeeper amount to, they said."

Lu Jianwei silently applauded him in her mind.

The young master of the Hong family wasn’t foolish after all—he knew how to provoke an enemy.

"Someone actually dares to look down on our Innkeeper Lu?" Lan Ling descended gracefully, her voice icy. "A bunch of worthless scum. Just kill them and be done with it."

Lu Jianwei chuckled.

"I don’t like killing."

Lan Ling pouted. "You’re too soft-hearted. Every stray dog thinks it can bark at you. I just think it’s unfair to you."

"Are you referring to the Thousand Miles Tower?" Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. "They’ve done more than just bark."

Lan Ling: "..."

Innkeeper Lu’s tongue was as sharp as ever.

Lu Jianwei set down the book in her hand.

"Hong Yingjie, I’m a businesswoman. Saving your father alone and saving your entire gang are two very different prices—like clouds and mud. Have you thought this through?"