No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 104

◎Movements of All Parties, Return to Fengzhou◎

The custom-made treasured blade ordered from the system shop had long been stored in Lu Jianwei’s backpack.

Last night, she quietly placed it in the training grounds.

Yan Feicang suddenly turned around, his striking features alight with an intense glow.

“Where is it?”

Lu Jianwei replied, “At the training grounds. Go fetch it yourself.”

“Shopkeeper, please convey my gratitude to that master craftsman on my behalf.” Yan Feicang clasped his hands solemnly before striding off eagerly.

He was an honest man—long before the blade was completed, he had already paid Lu Jianwei the 1.5 million taels.

500,000 went into the public account, leaving Lu Jianwei with a neat profit of a million.

All the staff rushed to the training grounds to admire Yan Feicang’s prized blade. As Lu Jianwei turned with the box in hand, a large red envelope suddenly appeared before her.

“Weiwei, New Year’s money.”

Lu Jianwei chuckled. “Don’t tell me it’s another private seal?”

“No.” Wen Zhuzhi placed the red envelope in her palm. “Just a small token of my heart.”

She pinched the edge of the envelope, estimating it to contain 500 taels in silver notes, and accepted it.

Returning to her room, she flipped through everyone’s New Year wishes—most were along the lines of the inn thriving, martial arts progressing to a certain stage, and everyone staying safe and sound.

Some were quite amusing:

Tiao: Make money, no retakes.

Yun Hui: May Tiao stay safe, and the shopkeeper’s wealth overflow.

Liang Shangjun: Expand the stables, acquire the second volume of disguise techniques.

Shangguan Yao: I want to train in martial arts.

Little Tao: May my lady stay healthy. Fengzhou is remote—hoping for good food.

Xue Guanhe: May the shopkeeper strike it rich, may I become a martial instructor, and may A'Nai argue with me less.

A'Nai: May my master be fully cured of his poison, and may Xue Guanhe talk less.

Lu Jianwei couldn’t help but laugh. A few had wished her prosperity—she’d have to be more generous with them in the future.

The last note was Wen Zhuzhi’s:

—May Weiwei’s wishes all come true.

Her lips curled into a smile as she sealed all the wishes back into the box and stored it in her system backpack, to be reopened next New Year’s Eve.

After the first lunar month, all things revived.

Months of diligent training had allowed the staff to reach their previously set cultivation goals.

Yan Feicang, in particular, had attained enlightenment while practicing with his treasured blade, advancing from mid-sixth rank to late-sixth rank in one leap.

The current combat strength of the inn was as follows:

Yan Feicang: late-sixth rank

Zhang Gaozhu: mid-fifth rank

Liang Shangjun: mid-fifth rank

Xue Guanhe: early-fourth rank

Tiao: early-fourth rank

Yue Shu: late-third rank

Yun Hui: mid-third rank

Yuan Qiong, Little Tao, and others were peripheral members and didn’t count.

Wen Zhuzhi, still afflicted by the Five Elements Poison and serving as the Mystic Mirror Bureau’s commander, was also excluded.

A'Nai followed his master’s status.

On paper, it might not seem impressive, but Lu Jianwei was a mid-eighth rank Martial King, peerless in both medicine and poison, backed by a “mysterious sect”—enough to command respect.

While her three disciples still lagged behind the first three “externally recruited” members, their talents were undeniable, and they were wholly devoted to the inn, free of other entanglements.

Yan Feicang hailed from the Yan family, and Liang Shangjun’s origins remained unclear—both carried uncertainties.

Zhang Gaozhu, being older, couldn’t be considered a pillar.

Xue Guanhe, Tiao, Yue Shu, and Yun Hui were the rising stars.

“Shopkeeper, the rumors outside are heating up! Our opening coincides with the Martial Alliance’s grand competition. Many independent travelers who weren’t planning to attend are now betting on whether Luozhou or Fengzhou will draw more crowds.” Yue Shu was excited but also a little worried.

What if no one showed up? Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?

After the Lantern Festival, Lu Jianwei sent out invitations far and wide.

Sects like the Thousand Miles Tower, Black Wind Fort, Martial Alliance, and Divine Physician Valley all received opening invitations from the Eight Directions Inn.

The Carefree Sect and the Sky Pillar Sect were no exception.

She had no intention of clearing up the “Polar Golden Silkworm” incident. Instead, her ambiguous invitations to multiple sects had stoked curiosity to its peak.

Did the Eight Directions Inn really have the Polar Golden Silkworm?

Why was the inn challenging the Martial Alliance head-on?

Was what the invitations claimed actually true?

The content of the invitations varied by sect. The one sent to the Divine Physician Valley, in particular, struck right at their weak spot.

“She truly intends to share the treatment for ‘internal force parasitic syndrome’ with us?”

“That’s what the invitation says, but there’s a condition.”

“What condition?”

“Attend the opening ceremony and provide free consultations at the Eight Directions Inn until the acupuncture technique is mastered.”

“What kind of scheme is this?”

“Should we go?”

The valley’s physicians couldn’t decide and sought out the Medical Sage. Even the Medical Sage hesitated—after all, sending Divine Physician Valley practitioners to celebrate someone else’s opening and treat patients on their turf was no small matter.

The seventh-rank Medical Sage consulted the eighth-rank Medical Sage, who, lacking a ninth-rank superior, had to deliberate carefully.

In the end, the decision was made—go!

Not just the Divine Physician Valley, but healers across the martial world received word: provide free consultations at the inn, and learn the technique to cure “internal force parasitic syndrome”!

How could such a deal exist?

Pack your bags and head to Fengzhou at once!

Black Wind Fort.

The Black Fort Master was torn—on one side, the Martial Alliance; on the other, the Eight Directions Inn. Neither was someone he could afford to offend.

He’d already replied to the Martial Alliance’s hero summons—could he really go back on his word?

Perhaps he should wait and see what other sects chose to do.

Other second- and third-tier sects followed Black Wind Fort’s lead, staying silent and observing.

Truly, when gods clash, mortals suffer.

The Thousand Miles Tower didn’t hesitate—they chose to attend the opening.

Soon after, the Luzhou Academy, Carefree Sect, and Sky Pillar Sect all declared they would arrive in Fengzhou by the fifteenth of the fourth month.

When the news reached the Martial Alliance, uproar ensued.

Even the Alliance Master was alerted.

He summoned all hall masters to the council chamber.

“I’ve been in seclusion these past days, leaving many alliance affairs to the Purple Star Hall. Yesterday, Hall Master Ying mentioned disruptions to the grand competition—all because of an inn that’s been in the martial world for less than two years?”

The Celestial Vanguard Hall master kept his head low. The first conflict with the inn had involved his hall, and his deputy’s false accusations had left him avoiding others in shame.

“Alliance Master,” the Literary Brilliance Hall master reported respectfully, “the Eight Directions Inn’s opening coincides with our competition date. Many martial factions and independent travelers wish to investigate the inn’s secrets, hence their interest in Fengzhou. Rumor also speaks of traces of the Polar Golden Silkworm there—likely another draw.”

The Alliance Master scoffed, “No amount of embellishment changes the fact that our alliance has lost face. The Polar Golden Silkworm is pure fabrication—do people actually believe it?”

The hall masters collectively glanced at the Celestial Vanguard Hall master.

Someone had believed it enough to hire assassins to slaughter the Zhou family.

The Alliance Master waved a hand. “Let bygones be bygones.”

The hall masters averted their eyes. “Understood.”

“If major sects are willing to disregard decorum for this inn, it must have something extraordinary.” The Alliance Master spoke dismissively. “Our alliance has endured for centuries—there’s no need to fuss over trivial matters. Rather than risk further embarrassment, we should be magnanimous. Send a delegation with gifts to celebrate their opening.”

The hall master of the Literary Brilliance Hall said, "The alliance leader is wise."

The other hall masters echoed in agreement.

The meeting concluded, and the five hall masters left the council hall.

"Hall Master Ying, I heard a disciple from your hall saved the daughter of Sect Master Helian. Is a joyous occasion approaching?" the hall master of the Celestial Vanguard Hall teased.

He had a round face, plump and fair, exuding an air of joviality.

The Celestial Vanguard Hall managed the finances of the martial alliance, giving him considerable influence within the alliance.

Ying Chen replied sternly, "My disciple is unruly and unworthy of Sect Master Helian's daughter."

"If the disciple isn’t suitable, how about your son?" The Celestial Vanguard Hall master chuckled. "Your Wumian is the alliance’s top disciple, a perfect match for the Helian girl, wouldn’t you agree?"

The other three hall masters exchanged glances—neither the Celestial Vanguard Hall nor the Purple Star Hall was someone to provoke. Best to make an excuse and leave.

---

Jiangzhou, Eight Directions Inn.

Lu Jianwei was treating a patient, using needles to expel internal energy while explaining the "Soul-Separating Needle Technique" to Tiao and Yuan Qiong.

Having mastered the nameless cultivation technique and possessing a high level of internal energy, her understanding of "meridians" was profound. But for the two who had yet to grasp it, her explanations might as well have been inscrutable scripture.

"Don’t rush. Take your time," Lu Jianwei reassured them, soothing their frustration.

Tiao and Yuan Qiong were already prodigies in medicine, yet even they struggled. One could only imagine how the physicians who had traveled to Fengzhou to learn the "Soul-Separating Needle Technique" would fare—likely questioning their life choices.

But this was fine. If they couldn’t master it, they’d remain at the inn, offering free consultations and contributing to its growth.

By late February, spring had begun to paint the land, and the bleakness of winter faded into memory.

Yuan Qiong still hadn’t grasped the essence of the "Soul-Separating Needle Technique" and needed more time to study. But Lu Jianwei could delay no longer—it was time to depart for Fengzhou.

The Jiangzhou inn would be left in the care of Yuan Qiong and Bai Guo, while the rest of the group packed their belongings.

Little Wu had recently defeated a siege of seventh-level venom kings and advanced to the eighth level.

The combat prowess of the inn’s staff had improved significantly.

Everything was ready.

Twelve people, eight horses, and three carriages set off—one for the Wen family and their servant, one for Shangguan Yao and her attendant, and the last carrying sundries and travel necessities for Fengzhou.

Lu Jianwei replaced her clay pot with a bracelet bought from the marketplace, adorned with five-colored glass beads. The beads were hollow, split into upper and lower halves that could be opened, with tiny air holes in the lids.

This was Little Wu’s new home.

The glass beads weren’t transparent, so outsiders couldn’t see the venom king nestled inside. Having reached the eighth level, Little Wu’s form had shrunk to the size of a soybean, making the bracelet a perfect fit.

The journey from Jiangzhou to Fengzhou took about a month.

They arrived at the main Fengzhou inn by the end of March without incident.

"Am I seeing this right? Is this really the same inn?" Xue Guanhe gaped from horseback. "My parents wrote that it had transformed, but I didn’t believe them."

The once-barren wilderness was now neatly cultivated farmland and lush forests.

Forsythia buds dotted the landscape, spreading like a golden carpet, while patches of green were speckled with red wildflowers, the essence of spring in full bloom.

The flora around the inn had been painstakingly transplanted and tended by master gardeners. Over a year later, it had become a breathtaking sight outside Moonview City.

The main inn stood proudly amidst the greenery, surrounded by smaller buildings that accentuated its grandeur.

At the end of a smooth road stood the courtyard gate, where two figures waited eagerly.

"Dad! Mom!" Xue Guanhe spurred his horse forward, dismounted swiftly, and rushed toward them, beaming.

"You’ve grown taller and sturdier," Fan Mian said, her eyes glistening. "You’re so different now."

Xue Pingshan nodded approvingly. "Young men should go out and make their mark."

"Where’s my sister?" Xue Guanhe looked around. "Your letter said Mom gave birth to a girl! I brought her a gift!"

Fan Mian chuckled. "She’s at home. Today’s about welcoming Manager Lu and the rest of you. It’s not convenient to bring her along. You can visit her later when you’re free."

After shooing her son aside, she turned to Lu Jianwei, her face alight with joy.

"It’s been over a year, Manager Lu. You’re even more radiant than before."

"And you, Madam Fan, look flourishing as well," Lu Jianwei replied warmly. "You’ve worked hard all this time." frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

"Not at all! Seeing this land transform has been a joy."

Xue Pingshan stepped forward. "Manager Lu, I’ve recorded all construction expenses as you instructed. I’ll bring the ledger for your review shortly."

"Thank you," Lu Jianwei acknowledged.

Before leaving Fengzhou, she had intended to fund the construction directly, but Xue Pingshan refused, insisting on settling accounts only after completion.

The Xue family could bear the costs for now.

This ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍was Xue Pingshan’s way of currying favor—his son was training under her, after all.

Had Lu Jianwei declined, it would have only troubled him further, so she acquiesced.

Now, seeing the eight thousand acres developed beyond her expectations, she was thoroughly pleased.

This was the idyllic life she’d envisioned.

Leaning on the third floor, gazing at the horizon—no longer barren wilderness but endless blue skies, rolling greenery, and a riot of blossoms—was pure bliss.

As Uncle Zhang, Yue Shu, and the others prepared to lead the horses inside, Xue Pingshan stopped them. "There’s a new stable outside the courtyard. Plenty of space."

The old stable in the yard had been torn down—it couldn’t accommodate so many horses and would have disrupted the living quarters.

"Thoughtful," Lu Jianwei praised.

"With such a vast estate, Manager Lu will surely host many guests," Xue Pingshan replied with a smile. "More guests mean more horses, so we built extra stables."

Not just near the main courtyard—new stables dotted the surrounding buildings.

Lu Jianwei mused: No wonder he’s Moonview City’s wealthiest man. His foresight was impeccable.

"Manager Lu, once Guanhe wrote that you’d set off, Pingshan and I started checking in daily. We figured you’d arrive today—and here you are!" Fan Mian laughed heartily. "We’ve prepared tea and snacks for days. You must all be exhausted from the journey. Come inside and rest."

Her eyes swept over the group, landing on Yun Hui. "You must be Madam Yun? Guanhe wrote how much you’ve looked after him. Thank you."

Yun Hui waved her hands. "No need for thanks, Madam Fan. Tiao told me how you and young Xue saved her from the snow… and cared for her afterward. I’ve never had the chance to repay you."

"No need for formalities. We’re all family now." Fan Mian linked arms with her warmly. "As long as the children grow up healthy and safe, we mothers can rest easy."

Yun Hui nodded fervently.

One woman was lively and forthright, the other gentle as water—though their temperaments differed, both were kind-hearted souls. A few words were enough to make them feel like lifelong friends.

The group gathered in the main hall.

After Lu Jianwei had some tea, snacks, and a brief rest, Xue Pingshan finally brought out the construction plans and account books for the eight thousand acres of land.

"Manager Lu, please take a look."

Lu Jianwei accepted the blueprints and handed the account books to Uncle Zhang.

The eight thousand acres were designed with the inn at the center, surrounded by lush gardens, trees, and clusters of elegant, tranquil courtyards. These courtyards were reserved for guests—each consisting of a main house and side chambers, accommodating multiple occupants. They would become the inn's most luxurious accommodations, available for rent at five hundred taels of silver per month.

The next ring outward featured sparser foliage and more modest dwellings—rows of simple single rooms, ten in a row, renting for one hundred taels per month.

At the outermost ring lay vast, flat farmland with even simpler lodgings. Half were comparable to the inn's standard rooms, priced at five hundred copper coins per night, while the other half resembled shared dormitories, costing just one hundred copper coins.

Beyond this, functional buildings were arranged in eight trigram formations around the inn. Training grounds, armories, medical halls, arenas, schools, meditation rooms, dining halls—everything found in major sects was replicated here at the Eight Directions Inn.

The meditation rooms, in particular, were designed for secluded cultivation.

Everything aligned perfectly with Lu Jianwei's vision.

"Uncle Zhang, the total?"

"Manager, the sum comes to sixty-eight thousand nine hundred thirty taels of silver, with an additional eight hundred twenty copper coins in change."

Even for the Xue family, Moonview City's wealthiest clan, this was a staggering expense. Moreover, the couple had personally overseen hiring craftsmen, farmers, and laborers—no small effort. Lu Jianwei had no intention of taking advantage of their generosity.

"Master Xue, Madam Fan, allow me two days to settle in. The day after tomorrow, I'll have Xue Guanhe return home to reunite with you."

Along with seventy thousand taels in banknotes.

"We defer to Manager Lu's arrangements."

Xue Pingshan and Fan Mian, mindful of their guests' fatigue, prepared a lavish meal themselves. After wine and hearty dishes, they returned to Moonview City.

The staff gathered in the main hall to discuss grand opening plans.

"Manager, will this courtyard no longer host guests?" Xue Guanhe asked shrewdly.

Lu Jianwei nodded. "From now on, this courtyard is reserved for our own. Everyone may choose their preferred rooms."

"But the guest quarters are so far out," Yue Shu wondered. "Without extra staff, how will we attend to them?"

Liang Shangjun teased, "What's distance to a martial artist? Perfect for practicing lightness skills!"

The group fell silent.

Lu Jianwei interjected, "I plan to recruit long-term workers. The high-end courtyards will each have a dedicated steward, while others will oversee multiple lodgings. Uncle Zhang, I leave this to you."

"Manager, should we prioritize hiring martial artists or commoners?"

"Both are acceptable," Lu Jianwei said. "Fighting won't be tolerated here. You needn't worry about guests bullying staff or vice versa."

"Understood."

"Yue Shu," Lu Jianwei continued seriously, "I have an important task for you."

The young man's eyes brightened. "Your orders, Manager!"

"Among the flower groves beyond the main courtyard, set up some formations. Draft a proposal first for my review. If you encounter difficulties, consult Young Master Wen."

"Rest assured, Manager! I'll handle it diligently!" The boy was already brimming with excitement.

Lu Jianwei turned to Xue Guanhe. "Hire more chefs—preferably those skilled in regional cuisines."

"I'll get right to it."

The remaining staff watched her expectantly.

"Manager, any assignment for me?" Liang Shangjun volunteered eagerly. "My lightness skills are decent—I could attend to guests all over."

After a moment's thought, Lu Jianwei said, "You'll oversee all stables henceforth."

"Ah?" His face fell. "But we're hiring new workers, aren't we?"

"Should anyone cause trouble, they'll be confined there as before. Unless you'd rather not manage such individuals?"

"That suits me perfectly!"

Yan Feicang spoke up unprompted: "Manager, I'll handle all firewood from now on."

"Agreed," Lu Jianwei said, "but you have another crucial duty."

"Your command?"

"Once martial artists arrive, I'll open the training grounds. Don't embarrass our inn."

Yan Feicang: "Yes!"

Before Yun Hui and Tiao could speak, Lu Jianwei assigned them: "From now on, Madam Yun will assist Uncle Zhang in managing affairs. Routine matters will alternate between you two. For gender-specific issues—female or male guests requiring special attention—you'll handle them respectively."

"Understood," Yun Hui acknowledged earnestly.

"Tiao, you've mastered most of the 'Soul Departure Needle Technique.' Many physicians will come seeking it. I'll arrange for them to study here in exchange for providing free clinic services. They'll be your responsibility."

Tiao nodded briskly. "You can count on me, Manager."

With duties efficiently delegated, the staff dispersed to their new roles, leaving Lu Jianwei alone in the hall.

Sipping tea, her eyes held quiet satisfaction.

A year and a half had passed since her transmigration—a period filled with events and encounters that enriched her beyond measure. Without them, how could she now possess this sprawling estate? How could she sit here, savoring tranquility?

Her once rootless heart had finally found a semblance of peace.

Until her return to the modern world, this would be home.

"Big Sister Lu!" Shangguan Yao entered with Little Tao. "I just saw the nearest courtyard—surrounded by plum blossoms and bamboo! May I stay there?"

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Of course."

"Uncle Zhang said it's five hundred taels monthly." Shangguan Yao produced five hundred-tael notes from Little Tao. "I'll reserve it now, so when Father and our sect arrive, we won't have to scramble."

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "There are plenty of rooms."

"It's not the same—that one's my favorite."

"As you wish. Give the payment to Madam Yun; she's temporarily managing accounts."

"Good! I'll see if Aunt Yun needs help."

The two departed, encountering Wen Zhuzhi and A'Nai in the front courtyard.

Little Tao asked, "A'Nai, won't you pick a courtyard too?"

"No need! The young master and I are used to shared quarters."

Shangguan Yao frowned. "But Big Sister Lu said the main courtyard is for family. If you don't choose now, all the good ones will be taken."

A'Nai: "..."

"Young Lady Shangguan is too kind," Wen Zhuzhi interjected, turning toward the main building. "The distance is inconvenient for me. I must speak with Manager Lu—pardon us."

Shangguan Yao: "..."

Little Tao muttered her thoughts aloud: "It's really not that far."