No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 139

◎White Cloud Village, The Scribe Plum◎

Xu Sanzuo was true to his word. The next morning, he led them to White Cloud Village.

Nestled deep in a mountain valley, White Cloud Village was about forty li from his residence—remote, secluded, and rarely visited by outsiders.

Xu Sanzuo rode an old horse, a gourd of wine hanging at his waist, his upper body swaying lazily with the horse’s gait.

“Young Lu, don’t say I didn’t warn you. The folks in White Cloud Village are an odd bunch. They don’t take kindly to outsiders. Even though I’ve got some rapport with the village chief, they might not give you the time of day.”

Lu Jianwei smiled faintly. “No matter.”

Whether they liked outsiders or not, as long as they were human, they couldn’t be without desires.

And where there were desires, there was room for negotiation.

“By the way, I drank quite a bit last night and vaguely heard something about you unifying the martial world?” Xu Sanzuo shook his head. “Young people, take an old man’s advice—unifying the martial world isn’t all that fun. A life of carefree freedom is the true path.”

“Master Xu, you misunderstand,” Lu Jianwei said. “I have no such ambitions. I, too, yearn for the idyllic countryside. Jiuyi the Recluse overestimates me.”

Xu Sanzuo glared at Jiuyi. “You damned scholar, always spouting nonsense! A self-proclaimed recluse meddling in worldly affairs—what’s the point?!”

“I merely thought that Innkeeper Lu, with her talent and compassion, could cleanse the martial world’s corrupt ways. Wouldn’t that be a blessing for the martial arts community?” Jiuyi fanned himself leisurely, exuding an air of effortless grace. “Though I don’t involve myself in martial affairs, I still look forward to that day. Innkeeper Lu truly has no such intentions?”

Lu Jianwei raised a brow. “None.”

Her goal had never changed—returning home was her ultimate choice. The so-called unification of the martial world held no appeal for her.

“A pity,” Jiuyi said mildly. “I had thought your establishment of rules at the inn was meant to reform the chaos of the martial world.”

Pei Zhi suddenly asked, “Does the Recluse favor the green calyx plum?”

Having removed his mask the night before, his features were now clear—handsome and warm, his amber eyes glinting like polished glass, though with a hint of cool detachment.

“Indeed.”

Lu Jianwei praised, “The green calyx plum is elegantly known as the ‘Immortal of Jiuyi’ and can also be used medicinally—soothing the liver, harmonizing the stomach, and regulating qi. Observing the Recluse’s refined and composed demeanor, it suits you well.”

His age was unfathomable, his cultivation nearing the grandmaster level, and his epithet tied to “plum”—it reminded her of someone.

Jiuyi cupped his hands in modest deference. “Innkeeper Lu flatters me. I am but a mundane man, merely admiring the plum’s noble purity.”

“Enough with all this flowery talk—it’s giving me a headache,” Xu Sanzuo cut in. “You youngsters should focus on how to win over White Cloud Village.”

Lu Jianwei and Pei Zhi exchanged a glance before she replied smoothly, “We’d appreciate Master Xu’s guidance.”

“You’re young and prone to hot-headedness. Don’t let pride provoke the villagers, or they won’t go easy on you. In short, swallowing your pride is a small matter—the swamp is the real challenge. Of course, if you’re not willing to endure it, you can still turn back now.”

Lu Jianwei nodded solemnly. “We’ll keep that in mind.”

Still, one thing puzzled her. If the villagers of White Cloud Village were so familiar with Seven-Step Swamp, why was there so little information about it?

Even if the entire village was illiterate and couldn’t record it, surely others interested in the swamp would have come asking.

Xu Sanzuo mentioned the villagers’ extreme hostility toward outsiders. Did that mean all who came seeking knowledge left empty-handed? Or had they perished in the swamp?

And why did White Cloud Village know so much about the swamp’s dangers in the first place?

After winding through the mountain paths, the view suddenly opened up.

True to its name, White Cloud Village embodied the poetic charm of “a household nestled deep in the white clouds.” Mist curled around the mountain slopes, and neat cottages peeked in and out of the haze, as if hidden in a utopian paradise.

Terraced fields spread across the mountainside, where villagers in straw hats toiled under the sun. Children played along the ridges, competing to see whose bamboo dragonflies could fly higher and farther.

Laughing, they chased after the toys until they rounded a bend—and froze at the sight of Lu Jianwei’s group.

A younger child, too slow to react, crashed headfirst into a horse’s leg. Xu Sanzuo reached down and hoisted him up, dangling him midair.

The boy, no older than six or seven, kicked his short legs wildly, yelling, “Let me go! Let me go!”

“You’re the one who ran into me—why should I let you go?” Xu Sanzuo squinted menacingly. “Tender little brats like you taste the best.”

“Waaah—” The child burst into tears but still managed to shout to his friends, “Run away! Quick! I’ll hold off the bad guys!”

His playmates chorused, “We won’t leave you behind! Let’s fight them together!”

Tiny fists raised, they charged at the four intruders.

Xu Sanzuo snatched up another child and growled, “Keep screaming, and I’ll eat you right now!”

The children: “…”

Waaah… Dad! Mom! Save us!

The little radishes’ faces flushed red with effort, tears welling but refusing to fall, stubborn to the last.

Lu Jianwei couldn’t help but chuckle. She poured a handful of candies from her pouch, unwrapping them to reveal colorful oval sweets, their fruity fragrance drifting enticingly.

The children sniffed, eyes locking onto the treats in her palm. freeweɓnøvel.com

Wow… so pretty and sweet-smelling!

“Want some?” Lu Jianwei asked with a smile.

Their heads bobbed up and down eagerly.

“Then answer a few questions for this sister first, alright?”

“N-no! Mom and Dad said not to talk to strangers!” The oldest child, their self-appointed leader, resisted valiantly.

The others, though tempted, didn’t dare defy him—but their eyes remained glued to the candy.

“What a shame.” Lu Jianwei sighed, then popped a pale green apple-flavored candy into her mouth, offering some to Pei Zhi, Xu Sanzuo, and Jiuyi as well.

“I don’t like sweets,” Xu Sanzuo grumbled—yet his hand moved faster than his words, snatching one and tossing it into his mouth. After a few chews, his eyes widened. “Delicious! Best candy I’ve ever had. Ah, you little brats are missing out.”

The children’s tears finally spilled over, pattering to the ground.

“Bullies picking on kids—how shameful!” The leader jutted his chin and let out a sharp, piercing whistle.

The others chorused, “Dad! Mom! Come beat up the bad guys!”

No sooner had the whistle faded than a hoe appeared around the corner, resting on a man’s shoulder.

His steps were steady, deceptively ordinary yet carrying an odd rhythm. Yet sensing his dantian and meridians revealed no trace of internal energy.

Lu Jianwei, trained in the Nameless Technique, had keen instincts.

From the moment she saw the children, she’d noticed they carried internal energy—only concealed by an advanced art of qi suppression, imperceptible to most martial artists.

And now, this hoe-carrying man was the same. Outwardly, he seemed an unremarkable farmer.

In truth, he was a seventh-level Martial King.

After the man appeared, several more men and women carrying hoes and bamboo baskets emerged one after another, all of them skilled in martial arts but concealing their auras, their footsteps no different from ordinary villagers.

A reclusive village filled with martial artists adept at hiding their presence—how peculiar.

Could White Cloud Village be the legendary hidden sect?

"Master Xu?" The man with the hoe called out, both surprised and delighted. "You’re back? Why are you carrying Huzi?"

Xu Sanzuo set Huzi down, and the child immediately scampered back, weaving through the crowd of elders and clinging to an adult’s pant leg, peeking out with a tiny head.

He didn’t look at Xu Sanzuo but instead fixed his gaze intently on Lu Jianwei.

He really, really wanted to taste that colorful, fragrant candy again.

The other children also hid behind the adults, their curious eyes gleaming.

Lu Jianwei and the other three dismounted.

"Brother Yi, does the village still have any wine left?" Xu Sanzuo laughed heartily. "Your village’s brew is unmatched. This old man has a weakness for it, so here I am, begging for a drink!"

Yi Baige nodded. "There’s wine, of course. But who are these three?"

"They’re all friends of mine. One’s here for the spectacle, and the other two youngsters… well, they’ve grown tired of living."

"I am Lu Jianwei, pleased to meet you all."

"I am Pei Zhi, an honor."

Both were strikingly handsome, their demeanor refined and dignified, making a favorable impression at first glance.

But the villagers of White Cloud Village weren’t swayed.

"Master Xu, the village doesn’t welcome outsiders. You’re not an outsider, so drink as much as you like—but they cannot enter," Yi Baige declared firmly.

Xu Sanzuo spread his hands and looked at Lu Jianwei, as if to say, "See? I told you."

"What kind of person counts as an outsider?" Lu Jianwei asked.

Yi Baige: "People like you and him, with ulterior motives."

"My motives are simple. Master Xu told me that the people of White Cloud Village know the Seven-Step Marsh better than anyone," Lu Jianwei said bluntly. "If your village can share what you know about it, I’ll reward you handsomely."

Yi Baige’s eyes flashed with disdain. "Handsomely?"

"Is it that colorful candy from before?" Huzi suddenly piped up.

The villagers: "..."

Lu Jianwei couldn’t help but laugh. She poured out a dozen more candies from her pouch and extended her hand. "If you like them, I can give you a whole basketful without hesitation."

A whole basket!

The children’s eyes instantly lit up.

Huzi couldn’t resist taking a step forward, eager to grab the candy, but Yi Baige scolded him, "How many times have I told you? Never take food from strangers!"

"But Huzi really, really wants to try it," the child whined, his big, dark eyes glistening like grapes, soft enough to melt anyone’s heart.

Xu Sanzuo chimed in, "Brother Yi, it’s just a few candies. Let them have some. Even an old man like me, who doesn’t care for sweets, finds them delicious. Don’t be so harsh on the little ones."

"No." Yi Baige was unyielding. "Master Xu, if you’re here today to plead their case, I’m afraid I have no time to entertain you. Another day, I’ll personally deliver a few jars of wine to you."

He grabbed Huzi’s hand, ignoring the child’s pitiful expression, and turned to head back into the village.

The other villagers also tugged their children along and followed.

Xu Sanzuo wiped his face and sighed dramatically. "Little Lu, I’ve lost all face for you. Don’t you think you owe this old man some compensation?"

"Hold out your hand," Lu Jianwei said.

Xu Sanzuo eagerly extended both palms, his eyes darting toward the bundle containing her treasured sword.

"Since you like candy so much, I’ll give you a little extra." She poured all the candies from her hand into his.

"Ah, ah! How could you abandon me after using me?" he grumbled, but his hands betrayed him as he popped one into his mouth and stashed the rest in his robe.

Jiuyi teased him, "You just ate all the candy Huzi was longing for."

"Then he can blame Yi Baige for it." Xu Sanzuo leaned against his old horse and patted its head. "We just got here, and now we have to leave. Can your old bones handle it?"

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Who said anything about leaving?"

"Don’t tell me you plan to force your way in?" Xu Sanzuo’s eyes widened. "That won’t do! Even if your martial arts are formidable, you can’t just bully your way in. If you try, I’ll cut ties with you!"

"Force my way in?" Lu Jianwei shook her head. She retrieved a cushion and a square oilcloth from her luggage. "Master Xu, don’t you know White Cloud Village has several ninth-level Martial Kings? If I barged in, wouldn’t that be suicide?"

Xu Sanzuo stiffened. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

"You didn’t know?"

"Know what?"

Lu Jianwei sat on the cushion and handed the oilcloth to Pei Zhi to spread out. She then opened a few smaller bundles, revealing an assortment of candies and snacks, which she piled onto the cloth.

These were treats she’d prepared for herself to pass the time during her journey. Every time she reached a bustling town, she’d claim they were "wholesale goods" from her sect, gradually accumulating this stash.

"What exactly should I know?" Xu Sanzuo pressed impatiently.

Pei Zhi sat beside Lu Jianwei and smiled. "Every villager who appeared earlier possesses martial arts—even Huzi."

As someone skilled in concealing his own aura, he could naturally see through Yi Baige and the others.

"Impossible!" Xu Sanzuo frowned. "I’ve known them for years and never noticed any martial arts. And what you said about multiple ninth-level Martial Kings—that’s absurd! Are you mocking me?"

Jiuyi, fanning himself, shamelessly took a seat as well and reached for the snacks on the oilcloth.

He picked up a piece of preserved fruit, chewed thoughtfully, and stroked his beard. "Not long ago, a kind young lady also treated me to preserved fruit. The flavors each have their own charm."

Lu Jianwei propped up one knee, took a sip of water, and rested her arm on it, teasing, "People’s fortunes vary. While Jiuyi here met a sweet, innocent girl, our Master Xu was deceived for years by simple farmers—no, wait, the entire village lied to him. How pitiful."

"I don’t believe it." Xu Sanzuo huffed and sat down, crossing his arms. "You’re all just ganging up to mess with me."

Lu Jianwei shrugged. "Fine, let’s say I’m messing with you."

Her indifference only made Xu Sanzuo more uneasy.

He’d never considered it before, but now that the idea was planted, the more he thought about it, the more things didn’t add up.

He wasn’t the only one who knew about the Seven-Step Marsh, and surely others were aware of White Cloud Village’s expertise. Not everyone would be as indifferent as him to the marsh’s poisons and herbs.

By the usual rules of the martial world, White Cloud Village shouldn’t have remained untouched for so long. The only explanation for their peaceful seclusion was that they feared no intruders.

The more he brooded, the more he drank, and the wine in his gourd dwindled.

"If you keep drinking, there’ll be none left," Jiuyi kindly reminded him.

Xu Sanzuo snapped, "So what if it’s gone? If it’s gone, this old man will just march into White Cloud Village and take ten or twenty jars! Let them see what it’s like to run out!"

"In that case, you’d probably be chased out," Lu Jianwei quipped, then turned to Jiuyi. "Of course, if the esteemed Jiuyi were to act, success would be guaranteed."

Xu Sanzuo froze, then suddenly stood up, wine spilling from his gourd unnoticed.

"Even you dare deceive this old man?!"

Jiuyi's fan paused mid-sway as he chuckled helplessly. "Shopkeeper Lu truly has eyes like fire."

Being ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌‍exposed for his true cultivation level was no great matter—he wasn’t particularly flustered.

Lu Jianwei remarked idly, "How could I compare to you, sir? Disguising yourself as a court scribe and even swindling dried fruit from young girls."

Jiuyi: "…"