No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 105

◎Covetous Eyes, Guests from All Directions, Grand Opening◎

Lu Jianwei discussed with Xiao Ke in her mind.

"The inn's public account now has over ten million. The props bound to the main courtyard are still there, so no need to purchase more. The other lodgings aren’t necessary for now, but functional buildings must have props bound to them."

The inn's props had range limitations. With eight thousand acres of land being so vast, the props couldn’t cover everything, so they had to be bound separately to each building.

"What do you want to bind?"

"Training Ground, Medical Hut, Arena, Meditation Hall, and Armory—these five will first be equipped with attack props, all upgraded to Level 8. The cost is deducted from the public account, right?"

"..."

"What’s wrong?"

"Upgrading to Level 8 costs over 1.1 million. Five of them together would be over 5 million. My silver hasn’t even warmed up yet."

Lu Jianwei: "Don’t want to make money anymore?"

"But before, when using props, the fines collected all went to the public account. This time, you want a 60-40 split with me." Xiao Ke sounded aggrieved.

"The money-making mechanism is different this time," Lu Jianwei explained. "Fines aren’t a sustainable method."

"Hmph."

"Besides, the money used to build the inn all came from me."

"Only seventy thousand taels—far less than what I’ve spent."

"My money will eventually be spent in the shop anyway. Just Little Wu alone cost you hundreds of taels."

"..."

Xiao Ke stopped arguing and purchased the five props, binding them and upgrading them all to Level 8 in one go.

Over five million vanished instantly.

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Perfect. Now my ‘sect’ has five more peak Level 8 Martial Kings."

"Hmph."

"Don’t worry. The money spent can always be earned back."

"Five million… who knows how long it’ll take to earn that back."

The sound of wheels sliding across the ground approached. Wen Zhuzhi stopped outside the hall, the chilly wind making his face even paler.

Spring was nearly here, yet he was still bundled in thick winter robes.

Lu Jianwei looked up. His gaze flickered briefly with confusion before clearing, his long lashes fanning out like delicate screens against the slight upturn of his eyes.

"Weiwei, everyone else has something to do."

"You want something to do too?" Lu Jianwei propped her chin on her hand. "I told Yue to consult you if he has questions. Just wait for him."

Wen Zhuzhi: "His knowledge of esoteric arts is already quite advanced. Ordinary formations can’t stump him."

Lu Jianwei stood. "Then accompany me for a stroll around the estate."

"Alright." Wen Zhuzhi followed willingly.

"Uh, I’ll go see if Xue Guanhe needs any help." A'Nai tossed out the excuse and bolted.

The paths within the inn were paved with bluestone, while secluded winding trails were dotted with crushed stones arranged into intricate patterns—playful and full of charm.

Lu Jianwei slowed her steps, savoring the rare moment of leisure.

"Master Wen, any suggestions?"

"Everything is perfect."

Lu Jianwei teased, "If it’s so perfect, why are you still staying in the simple dormitory? With your wealth, surely you can afford a private courtyard?"

"Weiwei, don’t mock me."

"Who said I was mocking you?" Lu Jianwei’s lips curled. "Back then, the young master of the richest family was quite generous."

Wen Zhuzhi had been looking up at her the whole time, well aware she was joking. Whether it was her smile or the gentle early spring breeze, he couldn’t help but say:

"If I stayed in a courtyard, the five hundred taels would just be shifting from one hand to the other. Better to keep the courtyard and earn money from outsiders."

Lu Jianwei: "..."

Well, well. The once-shy richest man had grown up?

Before she could retort, a soft chuckle sounded beside her.

Her competitive spirit flared. She turned and blocked his wheelchair, smiling. "So, does that make you an insider?"

"If you say so." His eyes held hers, reflecting nothing but her figure.

"And if I say no?"

"Then I’ll keep trying."

Lu Jianwei: "You really are..."

"Really what?"

"Quite likable."

By late March, the plum blossoms had mostly fallen, leaving only a few stubborn petals clinging to the branches, scattering with the wind.

A faint, cool fragrance drifted through the air. A petal landed on Wen Zhuzhi’s hairpin. Lu Jianwei reached to brush it off. His lashes fluttered, then lowered—as if waiting for someone to pluck him.

He thought she was going to kiss him.

Amused, Lu Jianwei plucked the petal and held it before him, whispering, "It was coveting you."

His face flushed instantly. He only managed a soft "Mm," turning his head away.

A hand lifted his chin.

Her fingers, pale as jade, contrasted with his frost-like pallor—distinct yet complementary.

Lu Jianwei leaned in. "I was just following its example."

Wen Zhuzhi closed his eyes.

No. It was he who coveted her.

The wind carried petals into the distance, their sweetness lingering in every corner.

The news of Lu Jianwei’s return to Fengzhou and the grand reopening of the Eight Directions Inn had spread far and wide. Even common folk had heard of it, thanks to popular retellings.

With over half a month until the opening, the inn’s staff were swamped with work.

Hiring new employees was a matter requiring utmost caution.

The news first reached nearby towns before spreading further. Most residents near Moonview City were farmers with little literacy, so few came to apply.

As word traveled, more applicants arrived—commoners and martial artists alike.

A temporary recruitment station was set up outside the inn. Uncle Zhang handled hiring for managerial and service roles, while Xue Guanhe screened cooks. The requirements were clearly posted.

A tall, lanky youth approached, voice hoarse. "Is your inn still hiring?"

Uncle Zhang nodded. "We are. Can you read?"

"Yes."

"Where are you from?"

"Zhangzhou."

"Name?"

"Qi Chuan."

Just then, Yue Shu passed by after setting up a formation. He paused abruptly.

That name sounded familiar. Where had he heard it before?

He studied the youth—dressed in rough hemp clothes but neat and tidy. His face was unremarkable, but his bright eyes seemed oddly familiar.

He must have seen him somewhere!

Qi Chuan smiled at him before turning back to Uncle Zhang. "I heard in Zhangzhou that Manager Lu was returning to Fengzhou to reopen, so I brought my mother here."

"Why?" Uncle Zhang was surprised.

Qi Chuan scratched his head sheepishly. "I wasn’t prying—I just wanted to know more about Manager Lu. I heard many martial artists would come on opening day, and the inn might need extra hands, so I came."

"You deduced that just from hearing about the reopening?" Uncle Zhang was impressed but kept his expression stern. "What if the inn only hired local temporary workers? Wouldn’t this trip be a waste?"

"Not at all. I’ve always wanted to repay Manager Lu. Just being able to help makes me happy." Qi Chuan grinned. "And with Manager Lu’s reputation, more guests will come. The inn might need more workers eventually."

Uncle Zhang remained expressionless but pulled out a contract.

"Read it carefully, then sign and fingerprint it."

Without hesitation, Qi Chuan signed his name and pressed his thumbprint—without even glancing at the terms.

"I’d gladly serve Manager Lu for life."

Uncle Zhang: "..."

"I remember now," Yue Shu suddenly said. "Last year, you took your mother to Jiangzhou to seek treatment from the innkeeper."

Qi Chuan flashed a bright smile and bowed respectfully. "Senior Zhang, Young Master Yue, if there's anything you need in the future, just give me the word."

"We're all working for the innkeeper," Yue Shu waved it off. "Let me take you to your quarters first. The rules of the inn and the guidelines for staff are posted there. Read them carefully—better yet, memorize them all."

"Thank you, Young Master Yue. I'll keep that in mind."

The grand opening was set for the fifteenth of April. Recruitment had just concluded on the third, and ten days were spent on uniforms and training before everyone settled into their roles, awaiting the arrival of guests.

For Lu Jianwei, all it took was a few words, and her subordinates handled everything flawlessly.

Once the managers and staff were familiar with their duties, the original employees of the inn had more time to focus on martial arts training.

Seated on the third floor, Lu Jianwei watched as Little Wu devoured the last eighth-level Gu King, evolving into a ninth-level Gu King, its dark golden patterns now even more radiant.

She extended her hand, and Little Wu obediently landed on her palm, nuzzling affectionately.

Lu Jianwei rewarded it with a drop of her blood before storing it inside a glass bead.

For it to ascend from a ninth-level Gu King to a Gu Emperor, it would need to hunt down a martial artist of at least eighth-level cultivation.

That, however, was an almost impossible feat.

"Xiao Ke, open the system map."

The map unfolded before her eyes. She dragged the cursor and saw numerous green dots appearing in the town not far from the inn—each representing a visitor coming to offer congratulations.

These martial artists had arrived early, staying in nearby towns to ensure they could reach the inn on the day of the opening.

Fengzhou was remote, and the towns neighboring Moonview City were far from prosperous.

But with the sudden influx of martial artists over the past two days, the small town had grown lively. Nearly every inn was fully booked by these outsiders.

A carriage stopped outside the largest inn. A young man on horseback immediately dismounted and lifted the curtain, speaking gently, "Xue'er, we've arrived."

A woman in a veiled hat stepped out of the carriage, straightening her posture before entering the inn under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Her maidservant followed closely behind.

"Wasn't ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍that the Purple Star Hall's Young Master Bian from the Martial Alliance?"

"It was indeed him. Why didn’t he come with the other Alliance disciples?"

"What are fellow disciples compared to a beauty?"

"A beauty?"

"Are you blind? Couldn’t you tell that was the number one beauty in the martial world?"

"She was wearing a veil—how could I tell?"

"Ah, I’ve never seen the first beauty’s true face. Is she really that stunning?"

"There are portraits of her, but they’re expensive and still pale in comparison to the real thing."

"Number one beauty? More like an overhyped fraud!" someone sneered sharply. "What kind of decent person would collude with the evil cults of the southwest?"

"Her looks have nothing to do with her actions, brother. That matter is in the past—no need to get worked up."

Lvluo followed He Lianxue into their room, whispering angrily, "Miss, those people are so vulgar and love to gossip!"

"Pay them no mind," He Lianxue removed her veil, revealing a face as cold and flawless as a lotus flower. "I never conspired with the Gu God Sect. The innocent need no defense—my conscience is clear."

"But…" Lvluo’s heart ached. "Back in Yongzhou, those people even attacked you. If Young Master Bian hadn’t happened to pass by, wouldn’t we have been killed by those blind fools?"

He Lianxue met her gaze. "Whether those attackers were truly martial artists is debatable. And as for the Young Master Bian you speak of—he doesn’t believe me either."

"True…" Lvluo lowered her head dejectedly.

"Xue'er, I’ve brought you some tea," Bian Xingzhou called from outside the door. "Could you open up?"

Seeing her mistress nod, Lvluo went to let him in.

Bian Xingzhou entered with the tea tray, and upon seeing He Lianxue without her veil, his mind momentarily blanked, his gaze filled with infatuation.

"Xue'er, don’t take those rumors to heart. You’re the daughter of the Carefree Sect’s leader—no one would dare provoke you."

He Lianxue stared coldly at him. "And if I weren’t the Carefree Sect leader’s daughter, would I have deserved to die?"

"Don’t say such reckless things," Bian Xingzhou pleaded. "I know you’re upset, but we can’t just kill everyone who speaks ill of you, can we?"

"Bian Xingzhou, why don’t you believe me?"

He Lianxue couldn’t understand. These men acted as if they were madly in love with her, yet they refused to grant her even the slightest trust.

What did she truly mean to them?

Did they even genuinely like her?

When she first entered the martial world, she had naively reveled in the admiration and attention. But when young talents began fighting and killing each other over her, she sensed something was wrong.

Their obsession was so extreme that she sometimes wondered if she were some rare treasure rather than a person.

After she started wearing the veil, such incidents decreased, bringing her some peace.

Yet those who had seen her face remained hopelessly infatuated, occasionally causing trouble.

Since they never harmed her and even obeyed her requests not to harm others, she hadn’t dwelled on it further.

But after the "White Hair Incident," the slander from the martial world and the distrust from people like Bian Xingzhou felt like a bucket of cold water poured over her head—forcing her to face the truth.

Their so-called "love" wasn’t love at all. It was more like wolves eyeing prey, or warriors coveting a priceless artifact—driven by some insatiable desire.

She didn’t know where this desire came from, but she no longer trusted any of them.

"Xue'er! Xue'er!" Zhao Rui’s voice suddenly rang out from outside the inn. "Bian Xingzhou, what right do you have to stop me?"

"The right of being the one who brought Xue'er here!"

"And you’re making her stay in this dump? How disgraceful!" Zhao Rui shouted. "Xue'er, I’ve bought a quiet courtyard in town, decorated just the way you like. Come stay with me, won’t you?"

He Lianxue: "…"

Her preferences?

Had she ever said she liked quiet, secluded places?

The onlookers watched the spectacle unfold.

Many young disciples from other sects also admired He Lianxue, but fearing the might of the Sky Pillar Sect and the Martial Alliance, they only dared to watch from the shadows, not making a sound.

"Zhao Rui, don’t sully Xue'er’s ears with your vulgar displays," Bian Xingzhou scoffed. "Everyone knows the Zhao family of the Sky Pillar Sect is wealthy—must you flaunt it so shamelessly?"

Zhao Rui: "Bian, have you sunk so low that even the mention of a courtyard offends you? Who knows what hardships Xue'er has endured by your side. Xue'er, come with me. This place is crawling with riffraff—who knows if some fool might bump into you?"

The crowd inwardly rolled their eyes, but since the speaker was a disciple of the Sky Pillar Sect, they swallowed their complaints.

"You care about her now? Where were you when Xue'er was attacked in Yongzhou? Probably off gallivanting in some brothel—"

"Don’t you dare slander me!"

"Zhao Rui, too cowardly to admit it?" Bian Xingzhou fanned himself mockingly. "Can you honestly say you’ve never visited a brothel?"

Zhao Rui flushed with rage. "I was there on business! Xue'er, don’t listen to him!"

A light, silvery laugh drifted through the air.

"It's been a while since I've seen something so amusing—a disciple of the Purple Star Hall from the Martial Alliance and the son of a Carefree Sect elder, openly discussing brothel matters in broad daylight. What a disgrace to the fair lady."

A woman draped in red silk landed gracefully on the rooftop, her beauty striking, skin as white as snow, her gaze so mesmerizing it could steal one's soul.

"It's Lan Ling from the Thousand Miles Tower."

"Seeing her in person is better than hearing a hundred rumors."

Zhao Rui shot her a fierce glare. "Lan Ling, don’t stir up trouble here."

"Miss Lan, I have not wronged Xue'er. You shouldn’t speak carelessly," Bian Xingzhou said coldly. freewёbnoνel.com

Lan Ling let out a mocking laugh, her voice dripping with playful provocation. "Dear beauty inside, these two men are no good. I advise you not to be fooled by their sweet words."

"Thank you for the warning," came a voice from within the room, clear as jade, enchanting the moment it reached the ears.

The number one beauty of the martial world—truly living up to her reputation!

Lan Ling paused briefly, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes before she giggled again. "Those two unworthy dogs don’t deserve you, my beauty. Why not come with me instead? Just hearing you speak would soothe the soul."

"Thank you for your kindness," He Lianxue replied. "Tomorrow marks the grand opening of the Eight Directions Inn. I suggest everyone retire to their rooms and rest well."

Her cool, ethereal voice had an almost hypnotic effect, and the crowd instinctively turned to leave.

Lan Ling pouted. "Why won’t you accept my offer, beauty?"

"Lan Ling, do not cause trouble." A deep, resonant voice infused with internal energy rang out, the aura of an eighth-level Martial King enveloping the inn.

Lan Ling stiffened, replying respectfully, "Yes, my lord."

With a light tap of her toes, her red robes fluttering, she vanished in an instant.

The oppressive presence of the eighth-level Martial King also dissipated.

Only then could the crowd breathe again.

"Was that the master of the Thousand Miles Tower just now?"

"Must have been."

"Didn’t expect Master Zhuang to personally deliver congratulations."

"What’s the big deal? Innkeeper Lu is also an eighth-level. Why wouldn’t Master Zhuang pay his respects?"

"Exactly. Innkeeper Lu is also a master physician—plenty of people want to get close. Not just Master Zhuang from the Thousand Miles Tower, but also Dean Shangguan from Luzhou Academy, Hall Master Ying from the Martial Alliance, Elder Xie from the Carefree Sect, and Elder Zhao from the Sky Pillar Hall have all come."

"Why did the Martial Alliance only send a hall master?"

"Only? Do you not realize Hall Master Ying is already at the peak of the seventh level?"

"So what if he’s at the peak? He’s still not an eighth-level."

"Hall Master Ying’s swordsmanship is peerless, unmatched in power. Even at the peak of the seventh level, he can hold his own against an eighth-level Martial King."

"Wow, Innkeeper Lu’s reputation must be immense to have so many eighth-level Martial Kings gathered here."

"During the Martial Alliance’s grand tournaments, the sects send even more experts. This is just a congratulatory visit—each faction only sent one representative."

"Even so, the sects have shown great respect."

On the fifteenth of April, the sky was a clear, endless blue.

The Eight Directions Inn was adorned with red silk, bustling with servers weaving through the crowd, carrying trays of tea and pastries to the front courtyard.

The stable in the courtyard had long been dismantled, making way for rows of tables and chairs.

Qi Chuan was among the servers—sharp-eyed and quick-witted, he was assigned by Uncle Zhang to greet guests at the entrance.

There was an unspoken order to the proceedings: lower-ranking guests arrived first, followed by those of higher status.

The first to enter were minor factions, there mostly to join the festivities and curry favor with the Eight Directions Inn.

After announcing their gifts, they were seated at the far end.

"Luo Wanchun, Peak Master of Green Cloud Peak, has arrived!" Qi Chuan had memorized the attire and appearances of major sect leaders and elders. If uncertain, he could always refer to the invitations.

Luo Wanchun was tall and lean, with a flowing beard, dressed in a blue robe with a sword at his waist. Behind him followed Elder Ge and disciples Luo Sheng and Luo Lianhuan.

As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, his eyes landed on the woman standing elegantly under the corridor.

Her brows were refined, her presence extraordinary.

"Innkeeper Lu, congratulations," he said with a smile, cupping his hands. "May your business flourish and wealth abound."

Lu Jianwei returned the gesture. "Peak Master Luo, your presence honors me. Please, take your seats."

Servants promptly guided them—Luo Wanchun and Elder Ge were seated at the front, while the disciples were led elsewhere.

Luo Lianhuan glanced around, disappointed not to see the person she sought. She stopped a passing server.

"Is Yan Feicang here?"

The server replied, "Swordsman Yan is practicing his blade."

"Where? Take me to him."

"Apologies, Miss Luo, but I must attend to other guests." With a bow, he disappeared into the crowd.

Luo Lianhuan stood. "I’ll find him myself."

"Junior Sister," Luo Sheng held her back, sighing. "Since Brother Yan is here, you’ll see him eventually. Why rush?"

"It’s been a year," she muttered, sitting back down dejectedly. "Who knows how long he’ll train?"

A faint chime of bells drifted on the breeze.

"Innkeeper Lu, it’s been too long. I’ve missed you dearly," Lan Ling teased, eyeing Qi Chuan before he could announce her. "Compared to before, you’ve hired even more servers—all so handsome, it’s dizzying."

Qi Chuan: "..."

After Lu Jianwei saved his mother, he had learned all about the Eight Directions Inn’s history, including the Thousand Miles Tower’s past schemes.

He disliked them and felt no embarrassment at Lan Ling’s flirtations—only displeasure.

"Zhuang Wenqing of the Thousand Miles Tower has arrived—"

Zhuang Wenqing, eighth-level mid-stage Martial King, current master of the Thousand Miles Tower.

True to his name, he carried himself with scholarly grace, his wide sleeves and long robes making him resemble a refined scholar-official rather than a martial artist.

He wore no weapons, only a jade pendant at his waist, exuding elegance. Lan Ling stood behind him, the contrast between them stark and oddly jarring.

Lu Jianwei had met cultured martial artists before—Chu Yutai from the Martial Alliance’s Literary Hall was one—but Chu’s refinement was merely superficial.

Master Zhuang, however, was the picture of scholarly nobility. Dressed in official robes, he could easily pass for a high-ranking statesman.

"Innkeeper Lu, a pleasure," Zhuang Wenqing said amiably, his manners impeccable. "May your business prosper and treasures fill your halls."

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Thank you for your blessings, Master Zhuang. Please, be seated."

Next came representatives from the Golden Blade Trading Company, Black Wind Fort, the Yan Clan of Luzhou, Luzhou Academy, the Divine Physician Valley, the Martial Alliance, the Sky Pillar Hall, and the Carefree Sect—gifts arriving in chest after chest.

Familiar faces filled the procession.

Jin Poxiao, the Black brothers, the former stablehands, Shangguan Huai, physicians from the Divine Physician Valley, Zhao Rui, He Lianxue—all gathered in the courtyard.

Alongside major sects were many independent martial artists.

With all factions assembled, the crowd waited for Lu Jianwei’s address.

Then another group approached.

Qi Chuan announced loudly, "Deputy Commander Qi Yan of the Mystic Mirror Bureau has arrived—"

He took the gift list, scanned it, and nearly faltered at the sight of eight carts of presents behind the Mystic Mirror envoys.

Qi Yan, leading Han Xiaofeng and others, stepped into the courtyard under the watchful eyes of all, offering his respects to Lu Jianwei.

"Manager Lu, I, Qi Chuan, have come on the orders of the Commander to congratulate you on the grand opening of your inn."

Lu Jianwei: "..."

Eight carts of congratulatory gifts—just how much money had been spent on this?