No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 93

“I don’t know.”

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. “If what you say is true, wouldn’t the mastermind despise the Eight Directions Inn by now?”

“Indeed. That’s why, after the Zhou family case, you were hunted by the Martial Alliance and besieged by martial artists.”

“Then they must really want me dead, and Yunnan is the perfect opportunity.” Lu Jianwei chuckled. “You’re saying today’s events aren’t the work of the Gu God Sect’s enemies, but someone deliberately orchestrating a massacre—and we’re just collateral in their scheme.”

Wen Zhuzhi tightened his grip slightly around her hand. “Just a guess.”

“I trust Commander Pei’s instincts.” Lu Jianwei followed his lead, stepping out of the formation at last.

They emerged beside the circular platform, where the banners lining the edges blocked the sunlight. Lu Jianwei released his hand and picked up a few small stones from the ground.

While she couldn’t see the people trapped in the formation, Wen Zhuzhi could.

“The best way to stop the killing is to immobilize them. Shall we?”

“Agreed.” Wen Zhuzhi smiled and nodded, pointing out precise locations.

The small stones, infused with eighth-level internal energy, shot into the formation. In moments, the frenzied killers with bloodshot eyes collapsed in droves.

Lu Jianwei’s acupoint-sealing technique was precise and steady, enhanced by her formidable internal energy. Those struck wouldn’t break free for hours unless they forced their meridians—but doing so would inflict severe damage.

One by one, the killers turned into “statues.”

Then, a bone-chilling killing intent surged from behind.

A seventh-level peak Martial King!

Her blade, Juanshuang, rang out as it left its sheath, reflecting a blinding light under the sun that stung the attacker’s eyes.

A crisp clang echoed as the twin rods in the assailant’s hands snapped cleanly in half, leaving him stunned and frozen mid-attack.

Lu Jianwei turned and studied him, amused. “So, the Gu God Sect has a traitor in its midst.”

The man who had tried to ambush her was one of the seventh-level Gu masters who had participated in the platform’s ritual.

Azhaqi’s sharp gaze lingered on Juanshuang, flashing with resentment and greed.

“Fine blade.”

Lu Jianwei smiled sweetly. “Flattery won’t save you. In my eyes, a blade is only worthy if it cuts down the wicked.”

Her aura surged, oppressive internal energy bearing down on Azhaqi until he could barely breathe.

Clutching his broken rods, Azhaqi rasped, “You think mere eighth-level strength can stop me?”

With a violent flick of his sleeve, dozens of assassin Gu—all at the Gu King level—swarmed toward Lu Jianwei’s face.

These Gu had been meticulously raised, each capable of silently killing a man. Had Lu Jianwei not been well-versed in their nature, she might have already fallen victim.

The Gu released toxins in unison, while butterfly-shaped Gu fluttered their wings, scattering minuscule poisonous dust.

Even if Lu Jianwei could shield herself with internal energy and hold her breath to avoid inhaling the dust, she couldn’t maintain complete protection indefinitely.

Azhaqi ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍brandished his rods with a sneer. “Don’t even think of killing them with your energy. The moment they die, all of Mu'acuo will become hell!”

Lu Jianwei had her defenses, but the innocent villagers did not. The instant these Gu perished, they would release all their toxins, and countless more would suffer.

“Manager Lu.” Wen Zhuzhi retrieved a mechanical box from his bag.

Understanding, Lu Jianwei dodged the swarm in a flash.

The box snapped open, launching a tightly woven net that ensnared the airborne Gu in one swift motion. Another press of the mechanism, and the net—along with its captives—retracted into the box, sealing shut without a gap.

Azhaqi: “...?!”

“Anai was quite foresighted,” Lu Jianwei praised with a laugh.

Wen Zhuzhi cradled the box. “He packed the food and clothes. The rest were my own preparations.”

“Ah, so it was our wise Young Master Wen who had the foresight.” She teased him playfully.

Wen Zhuzhi’s lips curled slightly as he returned the box to his bag.

Azhaqi, witnessing their casual banter, felt utterly humiliated. Furious, he prepared to unleash another wave of Gu.

“Azhaqi.” A hoarse voice cut through the air. “You betrayed the Gu God Sect.”

Alehong approached, leaning on her staff, her gaze stern and unyielding.

Azhaqi burst into laughter. “Alehong, you’re already at your limit. Still putting on airs as the sect leader?”

“If you wanted my position, you could have just killed me. Why slaughter our people?” Alehong’s eyes burned with grief and fury. “Azhaqi, you’ve betrayed the Gu God. He will punish you.”

“Punish me?” Azhaqi scoffed. “You’re wrong. The Gu God won’t punish me—He’ll protect me. Otherwise, how do you think I deceived all of you? It was the Gu God’s doing! I should be the sect leader. You’re nothing!”

The two spoke in their native tongue, leaving Lu Jianwei lost.

She turned to Wen Zhuzhi. “Did you release Alehong from the formation?”

He nodded. “The Gu God Sect’s affairs are best handled by its own people.”

“Fair enough. Best not to meddle in family matters.” Lu Jianwei stood aside, watching the duel unfold.

Alehong’s staff doubled as her weapon. Though her cultivation surpassed Azhaqi’s, her injuries left her unable to overpower him. They fought to a standstill, with Alehong gradually losing ground.

“Alehong, die!” Azhaqi swung his rods at her face with lethal intent.

Alehong dodged—but not entirely.

Azhaqi had played dirty.

As he struck, dozens of poisoned needles shot from his sleeve, anticipating her evasion.

Alehong had nowhere to retreat.

She deflected most, but one slipped through—streaking straight for her eye.

Clang!

A gleaming blade intercepted the needle, saving Alehong’s life.

Lu Jianwei had claimed she wouldn’t interfere, but that didn’t mean she’d stand by idly.

She intervened when the situation demanded it.

Azhaqi had tried to kill her. She owed him no courtesy.

The enemy of her enemy was a friend—and Alehong was someone worth saving.

"Thank you." Alehong spoke in flawless Central Plains dialect, her gaze softening briefly before turning back to Azhaqi. "You brought so many assassins just to create chaos, hoping to kill me unnoticed and seize the position of sect leader, didn’t you?"

She continued speaking to Azhaqi in Central Plains dialect, likely to ensure Lu Jianwei and Wen Zhuzhi could understand.

Azhaqi sneered. "I know you used the Life Gu and suffered backlash. Today, you will die without a doubt."

"Life Gu?" Lu Jianwei’s expression flickered with surprise.

Alehong ignored Azhaqi and instead asked Lu Jianwei, "You know of the Life Gu?"

"I’ve heard that the art of the Life Gu is incredibly profound—capable of divining fortunes and predicting fate. But to truly master it requires immense effort."

And could even lead to a severe decline in one’s strength.

Alehong’s gaze softened, her voice low and hoarse. "No wonder you’ve reached the level of an Eighth-Rank Martial King at such a young age. Truly extraordinary."

"You flatter me, Sect Leader."

"No flattery at all." Alehong smiled. "Before you even arrived in Dianzhou, I had already heard of you."

Lu Jianwei was taken aback. Had news spread that quickly?

"The Life Gu revealed to me that the Gu God Sect would face a great calamity, but also a sliver of hope—one that pointed to the Central Plains." Alehong’s candor was unexpected. "So I sent people to investigate recent events in the Central Plains and learned of a righteous and noble ‘Heroine of Justice.’"

Lu Jianwei: "..."

The art of the Life Gu was indeed profound.

"Though I foresaw the crisis, I couldn’t determine when or where it would strike." Alehong sighed. "I tried to delve deeper into the heavens’ secrets, and thus suffered backlash."

"Alehong!" Azhaqi, once again ignored, stomped in frustration. "Save your ramblings for when you meet King Yama!"

Alehong sighed. "Azhaqi, did you truly think I came unprepared?"

Having foreseen the impending disaster, she couldn’t simply stand by and watch her people fall into danger.

But the situation had unfolded too abruptly—the assassins were all controlled by Puppet Gu, and worse, by a Gu Emperor. She needed time to locate it.

It was Lu Jianwei and Wen Zhuzhi who had bought her that time.

And now, she had found it.

"Master Wen, would you kindly undo the formation?"

Wen Zhuzhi flicked a pebble, shattering the formation instantly and revealing Mu'acuo’s true form.

Around the platform, many assassins remained frozen from earlier acupoint strikes, while numerous tribespeople stood bewildered, weapons in hand.

Alehong activated a mechanism in her staff. The top split open, releasing several fine threads that stretched dozens of feet, tightly binding a single figure.

The crowd watched in confusion as the threads dragged a young woman onto the platform.

"It’s Azhaduo!"

"What’s wrong with Azhaduo? What is the sect leader doing?"

Azhaduo was the most talented young Gu master among the Yi tribe, as well as its most beautiful maiden. Joining the Gu God Sect should have secured her a bright future.

Yet now, her eyes burned with resentment and unwillingness.

Azhaqi shouted in alarm, "Alehong, what are you doing?!"

The rest of the Yi tribespeople frowned in confusion.

The Buwa and Miao tribes, who had suffered unjustly, remained silent observers.

They had realized that today’s Gu God Festival was shrouded in conspiracy.

Standing tall on the platform, Alehong declared, "Azhaqi has betrayed the Gu God, colluding with outsiders to slaughter the sect’s followers. The Gu God will surely punish him!"

"What proof do you have?!" Azhaqi denied vehemently.

Earlier, everyone had been trapped in the formation—only Alehong and the two Central Plains figures knew what had transpired.

Besides, a Gu Emperor should have been impossible to detect.

Alehong saw through his thoughts. "A Gu Emperor can indeed be discovered."

"Impossible!"

Lu Jianwei was also surprised.

The Gu arts she had studied mentioned that a Gu Emperor, as the highest rank of Gu, could suppress all other Gu and remain undetectable to any Gu master other than its owner.

It seemed not everything in books could be trusted.

Alehong gripped her staff, her voice distant and solemn.

"The Gu God is merciful. How could we allow senseless slaughter?"

She drew a thread across her index finger, letting blood drip onto the staff’s apex—where a nearly transparent orb sat, so clear it could be mistaken for an empty hole.

The orb darkened with blood, and the threads within the staff trembled. The ends coiled around Azhaduo’s back, creeping toward her skull.

The once-white threads now pulsed crimson, stark against the blazing sunlight, exuding an icy lethality.

The crowd held its breath.

Alehong intoned, "The Gu God bestowed the Divine Gu to protect us, not to slaughter our own. Azhaqi, you deserve death."

As the words fell, the crimson threads pierced Azhaduo’s skull. Her eyes bulged, a guttural choke escaping her throat.

Within moments, a golden Gu insect crawled from the back of her head, inching along the bloody threads toward the staff.

No larger than a sesame seed, its golden sheen was the only thing making it visible.

"How…?" Azhaqi paled. "How is this possible?!"

The tribespeople weren’t fools—his reaction confirmed his involvement in the Puppet Gu scheme.

But the question remained: how had a mere Seventh-Rank cultivator refined a Gu Emperor?

Under the crowd’s watchful eyes, the Gu Emperor crawled into the staff.

Alehong sealed the apex shut and demanded, "Do you have anything else to say?!"

Azhaqi’s nostrils flared. "You accuse me of colluding with outsiders, yet you’re no better! If not for these two, you’d be dead, and the staff would be mine!"

"You’re full of crap!" Aleshu leapt forward, disgusted. "After slaughtering so many of our people, the Gu God would never let you lead the sect!"

"Who do you think you are, barking at me?" Azhaqi scoffed. "Ah, I remember now—you were infatuated with a Central Plains woman in your youth, even gave yourself a Central Plains name. How laughable! You’re the least qualified here! Alexi, control your grandson!"

Alexi, another priestess who had blessed the tribespeople, gripped the furious Aleshu and said coolly, "The Gu God will punish him. There’s no need to engage with a dead man."

No sooner had she spoken than countless Seventh- and Eighth-Rank Gu Kings flew from the priests’ palms, ensnaring Azhaqi.

Though a Gu master himself, Azhaqi had exhausted most of his Gu in his earlier assault on Lu Jianwei. Now, facing the priests’ combined might, he stood no chance.

With a vicious glare, he pulled a round orb from his sleeve—only for a gentle breeze to whisk it into another’s hand.

Lu Jianwei twirled the stolen Thunder Pearl between her fingers.

"A Thunder Pearl—this is a Central Plains weapon. So you really did collude with Central Plains forces."

"You—"

Before he could retort, a swarm of Hunter Gu engulfed him. His screams faded as he breathed his last.

The crowd stood in somber silence.

Those freed from the Puppet Gu’s control slowly regained their senses. Some warriors, freshly blessed, had exhausted themselves in the slaughter and now lay lifeless.

Many innocent clansmen lost their lives in this massacre, while others suffered damaged meridians and were on the verge of becoming cripples.

"Leader, what should we do with Azhaduo?" Alexi asked coldly.

After the Gu Queen was extracted from her, Azhaduo collapsed weakly to the ground. She knew she was a traitor to the Gu God Sect, but she felt no regret.

The only thing she hated was her own incompetence—her failure to destroy the corrupt and dark Gu God Sect faster.

Alehong glanced at her indifferently and said, "Take her back for questioning."

Immediately, several people dragged Azhaduo up and escorted her to the sect’s dungeon.

"Forgive the unsightly display," Alehong turned to Lu Jianwei and Wen Zhuzhi. "Had it not been for your intervention, the casualties among our people would have been immeasurable. Alehong expresses her deepest gratitude."

Lu Jianwei smiled lightly. "It was nothing."

Just a front-row seat to some drama.

"You two are honored guests of the Gu God Sect. I would like to host a banquet in your honor," Alehong said with gentle composure. "Would you do us the honor?"

An invitation from the leader of the Gu God Sect was no small matter.

Lu Jianwei nodded. "We’d be delighted."

The sudden rebellion was swiftly quelled. Many clansmen were still in shock, only snapping back to reality when the shamans began tending to the wounded, prompting them to lend a hand.

Amusha and Amuan were fortunate, escaping unharmed. Having witnessed everything clearly, they were seething with anger.

"The Yi tribe are a bunch of brainless fools, colluding with those treacherous Central Plains people just for the position of sect leader—does he even deserve it?!"

"Not all Central Plains people are treacherous," Amuan said gratefully. "Shopkeeper Lu helped us greatly again, saving so many of our clansmen."

Amusha nodded. "Young Master Wen too. I’ve finally seen the wonders of Central Plains' esoteric arts firsthand—truly impressive."

"Shopkeeper Lu’s martial skills are even more remarkable."

"Young Master Wen’s formations are no less impressive either."

Amuli, passing by, rolled his eyes. "What’s there to argue about? Both are our saviors—aren’t they both amazing? Why compare?"

Amusha and Amuan exchanged glances. That did make sense.

After all, Shopkeeper Lu and Young Master Wen were practically family.

Though the rebellion had erupted suddenly, thanks to Lu Jianwei and Wen Zhuzhi’s timely intervention, casualties were kept to a minimum.

Still, lives were lost, and injuries sustained. The clansmen were heavy-hearted, and this year’s Gu God Festival ended in disarray.

Lu Jianwei accepted the invitation to the Gu God Sect.

The sect was nestled halfway up Gu God Mountain. Unlike the stilted houses of the village, its structures were built from solid stone, sturdy and unyielding.

The interiors were surprisingly bright, far from the dim and eerie atmosphere one might expect.

The sect members, aware of their status as honored guests, treated Lu Jianwei and Wen Zhuzhi with utmost respect. Even Aleshu’s attitude had softened, his expression now tinged with gratitude.

The banquet was held in the main hall. Aside from Alehong, Alexi and several other elders and priests were in attendance. Aleshu was seated at the far end—likely due to his similar age to the guests, assigned to keep them company.

Alehong was not one for pleasantries. She cut straight to the point. "I heard Shopkeeper Lu came to Dianzhou seeking medicine to save someone. Name the herbs you need, and we shall provide them."

"The required herbs have already been entrusted to a clansman from the Buwa tribe for gathering. Only one remains—Gubaitou."

"Gubaitou…" Alehong mused, as if recalling something, then smiled gently. "Most who seek Gubaitou do so for its unique properties, hoping to hoard it for profit. But I believe your intentions are pure—to save a life."

"It will bloom in five days," one of the elders said. "I’ll retrieve it then."

Alehong shook her head. "No. Gubaitou is most potent when freshly picked. Shopkeeper Lu, I shall personally guide you to harvest it for immediate use."

"Many thanks, Leader," Lu Jianwei said. "I’ve heard many from the Central Plains will also come to seize it. A bloody conflict may be unavoidable."

"Those despicable Central Plains people!" Aleshu’s face darkened, but a cough from Alexi reminded him. "I—I didn’t mean you."

He hesitated, then mustered the courage to ask Alehong, "Leader, may I accompany you?"

Alehong saw through his intentions but nodded. "Very well."

"There’s one more matter I’d like to request," Lu Jianwei said earnestly. "A decade ago, a physician from the Central Plains came here seeking herbs. I wish to visit her former residence, though it now lies within the Miao tribe’s territory. Would that be possible?"

Aleshu blurted out, "Are you speaking of Lin Congyue?!"

"You know her?"

A thought flashed through Lu Jianwei’s mind—before his death, Azhaqi had mentioned Aleshu falling for a woman from the Central Plains. Could it be Lin Congyue?

He’d even taken a Central Plains name—Lin Wang.

The surname matched, and the given name combined to form "Wangshu," a poetic reference to the moon.

"What is your relation to her?" Aleshu was visibly agitated, his pale face flushing. "Why seek her former home?"

"Aleshu," Alexi reprimanded sharply before turning to Lu Jianwei. "Forgive him. He was acquainted with Physician Lin and is understandably emotional."

"It’s fine," Lu Jianwei replied, unbothered. In fact, she smiled. "A staff member at my inn could be considered half a successor to Physician Lin. She’s been poisoned with 'Journey to the Underworld.' Back then, Physician Lin came here seeking its antidote."

Aleshu’s eyes reddened instantly. "Yes! That’s exactly why she came! But she never took a disciple—what do you mean by 'half a successor'?"

"If you’ve heard of my reputation, why are you unaware of this?"

"..." Aleshu faltered. "Truthfully, I didn’t listen to storytellers. I just... interrogated a few Central Plains people."

Lu Jianwei raised a brow. "I’ve heard the Holy Medicine Hall’s leader enjoys capturing Central Plains folk to torment them. Is that true?"

"They were treacherous first! I merely taught them a small lesson."

"And why did you poison Miss Helian with a Gu?"

"She’s from the Carefree Sect! Every last one of them deserves to die!"

Lu Jianwei was taken aback, but before she could inquire further, a sect member hurried in.

"Leader, Amuqiao, chief of the Buwa tribe, requests an audience."

Alehong didn’t wish to neglect her guests, but Amuqiao wasn’t one to intrude without grave reason. She apologized briefly and summoned him.

Amuqiao entered with a pained expression, kneeling before them.

"Amuqiao, what brings you here?"

"I beg the honored guests to save lives," he pleaded, looking at Lu Jianwei. "During the rebellion, many of our warriors were injured—some may become crippled. Shopkeeper Lu, you saved Amuan before. Your medical skills are peerless. Could you help our warriors?"

He hated to disturb them, but lives were at stake.

Lu Jianwei nodded. "I can help, but I have conditions."

"I’ve heard your fee is ten thousand taels per treatment," Amuqiao said desperately. "Could you grant us a few days’ grace?"

"The payment can wait," Lu Jianwei agreed. "But the herbs I requested earlier—deliver them all within three days."

The freshly picked White Head herb is most potent when used immediately, so she needed to prepare the other ingredients first in order to craft the perfect antidote without delay.