No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 72

◎ True Intentions, Guests Depart, Physician's Invitation ◎

Du Hanqiu couldn’t understand why they showed no signs of poisoning after breakfast.

Hadn’t the insects already contaminated the well?

Anxious, he kept glancing toward the main hall.

"What are you looking at?" Xue Guanhe walked over, grinning. "Get up. The innkeeper wants to see you."

He grabbed the rope, hauled Du Hanqiu to his feet, and dragged him inside.

Only the innkeeper and her staff were present in the hall.

Lu Jianwei held a book in her hands, not bothering to look up as she instructed Tiao to administer the medicine.

Tiao was well-practiced at this—she shoved a pill into Du Hanqiu’s mouth.

Lu Jianwei had developed the pill based on the "Spring and Autumn Medical Classics" but had never bothered naming it. Earlier, when Lan Ling mentioned a "pill that makes people open up," she found it fitting and decided to call it "Heart-Opener."

"What did you feed me?!" Du Hanqiu’s eyes burned with fury as he shouted.

"You barged into the inn yesterday just to release those poisonous insects, didn’t you?" Lu Jianwei closed her book. "You’re a guard from the Divine Physician Valley, bound by their rules. You wouldn’t humiliate yourself in public for a relative you’ve never even met. The Divine Physician Valley’s reputation is something you can’t afford to tarnish."

Du Hanqiu could already feel his self-control slipping.

He knew he shouldn’t answer, but under the influence of the drug, he desperately wanted to speak his mind.

This medicine was terrifying!

"How did you discover the insects?" he asked resentfully.

Lu Jianwei smiled. "I won’t answer that. But you must tell me—what was the Divine Physician Valley’s purpose in sending you?"

"It wasn’t the Divine Physician Valley!" he protested vehemently. "I wasn’t sent by them!"

"You’re a guard of the Divine Physician Valley. How could this not be their doing?" Xue Guanhe rolled his eyes. "Do you think we’re fools?"

"I wanted to earn merit," Du Hanqiu admitted. "This was my own plan. It has nothing to do with the Divine Physician Valley."

"Such loyalty." Lu Jianwei rested her chin on her hand, studying him before suddenly laughing. "What kind of merit were you hoping for?"

Du Hanqiu’s mind was no longer his own.

"Recently, I overheard discussions in the valley. There are rumors in the martial world that someone possesses medical skills surpassing the Divine Physician Valley—someone who can heal internal injuries inflicted by high-level martial artists. Most of the valley’s elder physicians dismissed it, but some wanted to learn this technique. I wanted to distinguish myself, so I found an excuse to leave the valley."

"Why the need for merit?"

"Promotion. If I succeed, I could become a guard for a seventh-rank Divine Physician."

Lu Jianwei caught the unfamiliar term.

"Seventh-rank Divine Physician?"

Du Hanqiu, now incapable of independent thought, could only answer mechanically.

"Yes, a seventh-rank Divine Physician."

"Innkeeper, the Divine Physician Valley has a ranking system," Uncle Zhang explained. "Medical practitioners are classified similarly to martial artists. First to third rank are apprentices, fourth to sixth are physicians, and those above sixth are Divine Physicians."

The only difference was that in martial arts, those above sixth rank were called Martial Kings.

Lu Jianwei was curious. "How are these ranks determined?"

"Through examinations held every three years within the valley."

"What do these exams entail?"

"Not sure. The Divine Physician Valley doesn’t disclose such matters to outsiders."

Lu Jianwei nodded before turning back to Du Hanqiu. "No one instructed you to do this?"

"No."

"Where did the poisonous insects come from?"

"The physician I serve gave them to me."

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. "A physician breeds poisonous insects?"

"Medicine and poison are two sides of the same coin."

"Why did your physician give them to you?"

"He thought my martial skills weren’t strong enough, so he gave me the insects for self-defense."

Lu Jianwei only half-believed him.

While the drug forced honesty, a person’s understanding could still be skewed.

A short-sighted man wouldn’t recognize the true intentions behind another’s words.

Too many coincidences ceased to be coincidental.

"Before you left the valley, did your physician say anything? For example, expressing interest in learning this rumored healing technique? Or that contributing a new medical skill could make you a hero of the Divine Physician Valley?"

Du Hanqiu thought slowly before answering, "The physician said… if the rumors were true, it would be a blessing for martial artists everywhere. But how could one person possibly heal every injured warrior in the world? If this physician were willing to visit the valley and share knowledge, they would be treated as an honored guest. The Divine Physician Valley would never mistreat them."

"How shameless!" Xue Guanhe scowled. "Just admit they want to steal it instead of dressing it up in noble words!"

Yue Shu agreed. "Exactly. When has the Divine Physician Valley ever shared their medical secrets with outsiders?"

Lu Jianwei smirked. The physician’s methods were subtle—planting ideas in his subordinate’s mind, then using poisonous insects as a backup plan.

Was this the physician’s personal ambition, or part of the valley’s scheme?

"Did you intend to kill us with the insects?"

"No. The poison doesn’t kill—it only destroys a martial artist’s dantian and meridians."

"And after crippling them?"

"Take you back to the Divine Physician Valley."

The group seethed, their fists clenching with the urge to tear him apart.

How could someone be so despicable?!

One final question remained.

"Du Hanqiu, are Lin Congyue’s medical texts and journals in your possession?"

"No," he said. "I gave them to the Divine Physician Valley."

So that was it!

No wonder the Divine Physician Valley accepted him as a guard—they wanted Lin Congyue’s medical knowledge.

The group’s contempt for him deepened.

He had imprisoned his wife, clipped her wings, betrayed her during her pregnancy, then used her life’s work to secure a position in the Divine Physician Valley.

Utterly shameless!

"Innkeeper, how should we deal with him?" Uncle Zhang asked coldly.

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Once the drug wears off, put him to work cleaning the stables. But since he’s a guard of the Divine Physician Valley, spread the word and have them send someone to redeem him."

"What if they refuse?" Xue Guanhe asked.

"The Divine Physician Valley values its prestige too much to let this tarnish their reputation," Uncle Zhang said. "They’ll send someone."

"Good. The last thing we need is this scum lingering around the inn."

When the drug’s effects faded, Du Hanqiu realized the magnitude of his blunder. Defeated, he collapsed, his face drained of color.

Though he hadn’t directly shamed the Divine Physician Valley, his status as their guard tied him to their reputation. Once Lu Jianwei spread the news demanding ransom, the valley’s name would suffer.

He had been reckless!

Consumed by regret, Du Hanqiu knew he might lose his position altogether—let alone his dream of guarding a seventh-rank Divine Physician.

Xue Guanhe hauled him back to the stables. "Until the Divine Physician Valley pays up, you’ll stay here. Clean the stables every day, or you don’t eat."

He tossed a broom and shovel at Du Hanqiu’s feet.

"Get to work. Today’s mess hasn’t been touched."

Du Hanqiu snapped back to reality, his face dark with fury. "I’m no stablehand! Forget it!"

"Oh?" Xue Guanhe turned and called out, "Tiao! We’ve got a live one!"

Tiao arrived promptly, retrieving a pitch-black pill from her medicine pouch.

Its ominous appearance sent a chill down Du Hanqiu’s spine.

"This is a specially made poison pill from our inn. If you swallow it, you’ll experience the sensation of ten thousand ants gnawing at your heart. Would you like to try it?" Xue Guanhe smiled, yet his words were chilling.

Du Hanqiu: "..."

A den of thieves! This was absolutely a den of thieves!

Not wanting to taste the poison pill, he had no choice but to resign himself to picking up the shovel. Under the silent stares of Xue Guanhe and Tiao, he held his breath and began shoveling horse dung.

The manure was utterly revolting. He had never done such work before, and the sight alone made him gag repeatedly. It felt as if countless foul fumes were rushing into his mouth, forcing him to clamp it shut.

This inn was terrifying!

Seeing his compliance, Xue Guanhe nodded in satisfaction and turned to leave. On his way back to the main hall, he ran into the Chen family’s master and servant in the front courtyard, their bags packed and ready to depart.

"Young Master Chen, leaving already?"

Chen Hui replied gloomily, "Yes, I’ve already bid farewell to Innkeeper Lu."

"Young Master Chen, may we meet again someday." Xue Guanhe waved cheerfully.

After taking a few steps, Chen Hui sent his servant to fetch the carriage, then turned back and lowered his voice. "Brother Xue, is your Innkeeper Lu highly skilled in martial arts?"

"Why do you ask?" Xue Guanhe eyed him sideways.

"I just wanted to know—is she also very old?" The bitterness in his voice was palpable.

Xue Guanhe couldn’t help but chuckle. "Does age really matter?"

"Doesn’t it?" Chen Hui widened his eyes.

"Young Master Chen, do you believe everything people tell you?" Xue Guanhe deftly redirected his attention. "What if Miss Lan was just making up an excuse to reject you?"

Chen Hui: "..."

Xue Guanhe patted his shoulder. "Safe travels, Young Master Chen."

Ten days after the Chen family’s departure, the Divine Physician Valley finally sent someone to the inn.

The visitor wasn’t a physician or disciple from the valley, but rather an affiliated disciple—essentially just an overseer of their external business affairs.

The Divine Physician Valley operated numerous pharmacies and clinics. Some were opened by valley physicians skilled in commerce, while others were run by independent physicians affiliated with the valley.

These shops served as the valley’s eyes and ears in the outside world.

The man who arrived was an overseer from a Jiangzhou pharmacy. The shop’s owner was related to one of the valley’s physicians, making him half a member of the Divine Physician Valley.

The overseer was exceedingly polite, first presenting gifts of apology, then bowing deeply, his demeanor nothing short of deferential.

"Innkeeper Lu, this humble servant has been sent by the valley’s physicians to redeem our man. Our guards acted rashly and offended you. We beg your forgiveness."

Lu Jianwei sat in the main hall and replied, "The Divine Physician Valley saves lives—I ought to give you face. But as someone who walks the martial world, I cannot afford to lose mine. Du Hanqiu barged into my inn uninvited, then publicly insulted me. If I swallow this humiliation, my martial path may never advance."

The overseer: "..."

It seemed they would have to pay a steep price today.

He clasped his hands. "Innkeeper Lu, you exaggerate. He’s just a reckless guard—hardly worth your concern. We’ve heard he’s been cleaning the stables for days now. Surely that atones for his offense?"

"And the Divine Physician Valley bears no responsibility for its oversight?" Lu Jianwei’s tone was light.

"Innkeeper Lu, everything is negotiable." The overseer signaled his attendants to bring forth three wooden boxes. "These are our gifts of apology. Please examine them."

The attendants opened the lids. Inside were not gold or jewels, but rare and precious medicinal herbs—ginseng, lingzhi, and even a petal of snow lotus.

Truly, the Divine Physician Valley’s wealth ran deep.

Such gifts might sway others, but to Lu Jianwei, medicinal herbs were hardly scarce.

"I don’t want these."

The overseer was taken aback. Did she truly only care for money?

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Rumors of Lu Jianwei’s greed seemed accurate.

He ordered his attendants to bring out a prepared money chest.

"Innkeeper Lu, here are ten thousand taels in silver notes. Please accept them."

Ten thousand taels—more than enough to redeem a mere guard.

Had Lu Jianwei not been a figure of unfathomable strength and mysterious origins, the Divine Physician Valley would never have been so courteous.

Yet Lu Jianwei shook her head again. "I don’t want money either."

The overseer was baffled. If not herbs or silver, what did she want?

"Then what does Innkeeper Lu desire?"

"The other half of Lin Congyue’s medical texts and notes."

"What?" The overseer’s face blanked in confusion.

As an outsider to the valley’s inner workings, he knew little of its secrets.

"Just relay my words exactly. Return with an answer, and then you may redeem your man."

The overseer could only say, "Then we ask Innkeeper Lu to wait a little longer."

In the stables, Du Hanqiu watched the overseer depart, the light in his eyes dimming instantly.

He had been here for ten days!

From head to toe, inside and out, he reeked of horse dung. The stench clung to him relentlessly, as if he had become one with the filth.

Why had the overseer come and gone without resolving anything?

Had the ransom negotiations failed? Had Lu Jianwei raised her price at the last moment? Would the Divine Physician Valley abandon him? What would become of him now?

Yue Shu appeared outside the stables, pointing at a fresh pile with clear displeasure. "Clean this up immediately. What if the guests catch a whiff?"

"..."

After previous disobedience and subsequent hunger, Du Hanqiu had grown more compliant. Now, with the overseer gone, anxiety gnawed at him, and he could only resign himself to picking up the shovel once more.

Once the task was done under Yue Shu’s watchful eye, the latter turned to leave—only for A'Nai to beckon him from under the eaves.

Yue Shu followed him into the shared quarters, where a new writing desk stood. Unvarnished but polished to a flawless smoothness, not a single splinter remained.

Behind the pale wooden desk, Wen Zhuzhi held his brush aloft, the final stroke of his calligraphy complete just as Yue Shu entered.

"Young Master Wen, you wanted to see me?" Yue Shu approached the desk.

Wen Zhuzhi nodded with a smile. "You’ve worked hard these past days crafting this desk for me. I’m deeply grateful. These are my recent insights into the esoteric arts. If you don’t mind, take them as my thanks."

"Mind? Not at all!" Yue Shu accepted the papers eagerly, the scent of ink and paper filling his senses. "Your mastery is unparalleled. To receive your guidance is an honor I should be thanking you for."

Wen Zhuzhi added, "My family sent word of some business troubles. I’ll be departing for Nanzhou this afternoon, so these notes were written in haste. If fate allows, I’ll gift you a more detailed volume in the future."

"You’re leaving?" Yue Shu’s disappointment was palpable. "So suddenly?"

A'Nai interjected, "It’s just business matters. The young master has to handle them. It’s not like he’s never coming back."

"That’s a relief."

"Of course, if you could convince Innkeeper Lu to lower the rates for our next stay, that’d be even better."

"...But the two hundred thousand was paid by Young Master Wen himself," Yue Shu pointed out factually.

A'Nai argued, "It was an emergency! If we hadn’t offered a hefty sum, would Innkeeper Lu have protected us?"

"When I first arrived penniless, the innkeeper still took me in."

"..."

"A'Nai," Wen Zhuzhi cut off their debate over lodging fees, "go bid farewell to Innkeeper Lu."

"Understood."

Lu Jianwei was now inseparable from her books, cycling daily between medicine, pharmacology, poisons, and the Gu arts.

With her growing wealth, purchasing books no longer gave her pause.

Her system’s inventory was stacked high with volumes, yet she still felt it wasn’t enough.

"The Spring and Autumn Medicinal Canon" was particularly vexing—an insurmountable peak looming before her.

The mountain path was overgrown with thorns, branching into countless forks. She had to traverse every winding trail, wade through every stream, familiarize herself with every plant, and breathe in every fragrance before she could find a clear and open road to the heavens.

Fortunately, ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‍Lu Jianwei had patience to spare.

The wheelchair rolled heavily across the corridor, its dull rumble echoing through the hall.

A'Nai pushed Wen Zhuzhi into the main hall, stopping just a foot away from the counter.

"Manager Lu, there have been some unexpected developments with the business in Nanzhou. I’ve come to bid you farewell," Wen Zhuzhi said, cupping his hands in a polite gesture.

"Any unused lodging fees won’t be refunded," Lu Jianwei stated bluntly before adding, "I thought you’d left all business matters to your stewards?"

Wen Zhuzhi sighed. "They’re not up to the task."

"I see," Lu Jianwei replied, offering no further persuasion. "Then I wish you swift success."

If a patient refused to follow the doctor’s advice, she couldn’t force them.

"Thank you for your kind words."

Shortly after noon, A'Nai led out the carriage, loading all their belongings into the compartment.

Yue Shu and Xue Guanhe watched them leave with reluctant hearts, standing at the gate as the carriage disappeared into the distance.

Strangely, not long after Wen Zhuzhi and his servant departed, Lan Ling also took her leave from Lu Jianwei, with Ping Wu following closely behind.

The inn suddenly felt empty. Aside from Du Hanqiu in the stables, only a few staff remained.

Xue Guanhe sighed, bored. "Why does everyone come and go all at once?"

"Those who walk the martial path are always busy. That they stayed this long was already unusual," Uncle Zhang mused, his eyes thoughtful. "I noticed Lan Ling didn’t head toward Jingzhou."

"Right! She went the same way as Young Master Wen," Yue Shu said, puzzled. "Wen Zhuzhi left through the south gate for Nanzhou, but the Thousand Miles Tower is in Jingzhou. If she were returning, she should’ve taken the west gate."

Lu Jianwei smirked. "She’s investigating Wen Zhuzhi."

During her stay at the inn, Lan Ling had shown keen interest not only in Lu Jianwei’s "master’s sect" but also in Wen Zhuzhi.

Having failed to uncover any clues about the sect, she naturally shifted her focus to the departing Wen Zhuzhi.

A fourth-level servant pushing a cripple—compared to the formidable reputation of the Eight Directions Inn, they seemed like easy prey.

Xue Guanhe frowned. "Why? What’s there to investigate about Wen Zhuzhi?"

"Will Young Master Wen and A'Nai be in danger?" Yue Shu asked, worry flickering in his eyes.

Lu Jianwei suspected that the Thousand Miles Tower might have picked up on certain clues from the "Fengzhou treasure dispute" and the "capture of Xia Huaigu," leading them to question Wen Zhuzhi’s involvement.

As a renowned intelligence organization in the martial world, they wouldn’t lack such instincts.

"If he chose to leave the inn, he must have prepared for all contingencies," Lu Jianwei reassured them. "No need to worry too much."

Yue Shu and Xue Guanhe felt slightly relieved.

But within a day, news arrived.

A martial arts family in Wuzhou had been massacred overnight—every member found dead, their meridians shattered and dantians destroyed.

Uncle Zhang relayed the details to the group.

"The family name was Ge. The patriarch was a sixth-level warrior, and though they were a newly risen martial family in Wuzhou with little heritage, his strength alone made them a minor power in the region. Over a hundred lives were lost, and the killer remains unknown."

Xue Guanhe frowned. "The Black Wind Fort is in Wuzhou. Could they be involved?"

"Unlikely. The methods used were too refined—Black Wind Fort’s techniques are crude and brutal."

Yan Feicang’s brows furrowed. "To slaughter over a hundred people silently, including a sixth-level and several fifth- and fourth-level warriors, the killer must be at least seventh-level—possibly even eighth."

"Eighth-level?!" Xue Guanhe gasped. "Why would a Martial King wipe out an entire family?"

"This is too cruel…" Yue Shu murmured, his own past flashing before his eyes as his vision blurred with unshed tears.

Lu Jianwei studied Yan Feicang. "You’ve never cared much for such news before. Something’s different today—do you know the Ge family?"

"Not personally," Yan Feicang admitted. "But as fellow martial families, it’s hard not to feel sympathy."

"Young Master Yan hails from the Yan Clan of Luzhou, a lineage with over a century of history and deep roots. Rumor has it the Yan patriarch has reached late seventh-level, just a step away from the eighth," Uncle Zhang explained for Lu Jianwei and the others.

Xue Guanhe’s eyes widened. "So they must have many fifth- or sixth-level warriors in their ranks!"

If a single sixth-level could establish a minor power, how much more formidable would multiple be?

Truly a family with a century of heritage.

Yan Feicang shook his head humbly. "Before Manager Lu’s master’s sect, I wouldn’t dare claim deep roots."

For a fleeting moment, Lu Jianwei felt a pang of guilt.

These major factions all had seventh- or eighth-level experts at their core. She was only sixth-level, with nothing but a "ninth-level Martial King" disguise tool—and only three minutes of it left.

How could she compare to these ancient, well-established families?

She changed the subject. "You once mentioned the Luzhou Academy."

"Yes. The academy specializes in martial research. Many warriors seek their guidance when facing bottlenecks," Yan Feicang said, glancing at her. "I once mistook you for one of theirs."

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "I’d like to visit someday."

Days passed, and the inn welcomed a steady stream of guests—ordinary travelers and martial artists alike—earning just enough to cover their daily expenses.

Then the apothecary’s steward returned.

"Manager Lu, the physician has replied."

Lu Jianwei arched a brow. "And?"

"Your conditions have been accepted," the steward said carefully. "But once Lin Congyue’s belongings leave the valley, they’ll be fiercely contested. She made many enemies in her time, and if word gets out, the medical texts may not survive the journey."

"So?"

"The physician suggests you visit the Divine Physician Valley yourself and make a copy to bring back."

"No way!" Xue Guanhe cut in before Lu Jianwei could respond. "Manager, who knows if this is some kind of trap?"

Since joining the inn, he’d witnessed enough of the martial world’s scheming to grow wary of outsiders.

Lu Jianwei smiled. "The Divine Physician Valley is known for healing the world. I doubt they’d resort to underhanded tactics."

What a clever move.

If she refused out of fear, she’d lose face—appearing indifferent to her staff’s lives would tarnish her reputation. If she went, the valley wouldn’t harm her within its bounds, but once she left with the texts, Lin Congyue’s enemies would swarm like vultures.

She’d posed a challenge, and now they returned the favor.

From the moment he planted the seed in Du Hanqiu’s mind, the physician had been playing from above.

He nudged a piece on the board. Whether it won or lost, the Divine Physician Valley remained untouchable.

So what did he truly want?

—Her technique for healing internal injuries.

Everything was clear now.

Lu Jianwei’s lips curved. Let’s see whose skills were sharper.

"Manager Lu’s decision?" the steward pressed.

Resting her chin on her hand, Lu Jianwei asked a single question.

"Where is the Divine Physician Valley?"

The steward: "…"

Uncle Zhang suppressed a chuckle. He should’ve expected this.

"It’s in Jingzhou," he answered for the steward.

"Same as the Thousand Miles Tower?"

"No. The tower is in northern Jingzhou; the valley is in the south."

"It seems Jingzhou is truly a land of talent and beauty. Not visiting it myself would be my loss," Lu Jianwei remarked.

The steward immediately clasped his hands with a smile. "Having a distinguished guest like you grace our doors would be our honor."

He produced an invitation.

"This was personally written by Elder Dou Ting of the valley. With this, you may enter directly."

Lu Jianwei motioned for Uncle Zhang to accept it.

"Manager Lu, I’ll take Du Hanqiu with me now," the steward said. "Might I purchase an antidote for 'Ordinary Guest'?"

Lu Jianwei naturally agreed, earning a thousand taels in return.

Even the smallest profit is still profit.

The steward left. Du Hanqiu left.

The staff closed the courtyard gate, refusing further visitors, and gathered in the main hall, awaiting Lu Jianwei’s instructions.

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. "Why are you all staring at me?"

"Manager, do you really intend to go to the Divine Physician Valley?" Yue Shu, having heard Xue Guanhe’s concerns, also felt uneasy.

Tiao spoke bluntly, "Don’t go. I can find the antidote myself."

"Manager Lu, their intentions may not be pure," Yun Hui said, stepping out of her room with a worried expression. "If you risk yourself for Tiao’s sake, how could I ever be at ease?"

Lu Jianwei waved a hand dismissively.

"I’ve hit a bottleneck in my medical studies. This trip to the Divine Physician Valley is also an opportunity to seek a breakthrough. My decision is final—no more objections."

Seeing her resolve, the others abandoned their attempts to dissuade her.

"Then I’ll pack the essentials."

"I’ll tend to the horses and prepare the carriage."

"I’ll make some travel rations."

"No need," Lu Jianwei said. "I’m going alone. The rest of you will stay in Jiangzhou."

Everyone: What?!