No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 88

Zhao Rui leaned against the doorframe and laughed. "Bian, doesn’t that Yi brute remind you of the infamous 'Stable Six'? I heard your junior brother Yu was also poisoned mute for days. After being ransomed back, he wouldn’t stop talking."

"..."

Bian Xingzhou paused mid-fan wave, unable to refute, and could only remain silent.

Those brainless fools from the Tiankui Hall deserved to be expelled from the Martial Alliance. The shame of the "Stable Six" would haunt them for years.

Stay calm. Stay composed. Don’t stoop to petty arguments.

Just as he thought the topic would be dropped, Lin Wang suddenly leaned in, curious. "What’s this 'Stable Six'? I’ve never heard of it."

"Haven’t you read The Heroine of Justice?" Zhao Rui said eagerly. "It mentions how disciples from a certain Martial Alliance hall framed Manager Lu, only for her to clear her name through sheer skill."

Lin Wang paused, then smiled. "Ah, I know that part. But the novel didn’t go into detail. If Brother Zhao has heard more, could you elaborate?"

"Of course." Opportunities to mock the Martial Alliance were rare, and Zhao Rui wouldn’t pass this up.

He hadn’t been idle these past two days, deliberately seeking out Central Plains merchant caravans to gather intel. Now, with an eager audience, he launched into an exaggerated retelling of the "Stable Six’s" legendary misadventures—each retelling more outlandish than the last, leaving Lin Wang wide-eyed.

"They really wallowed in horse dung all day?"

"Absolutely true!"

"They were so hungry they fought horses for food?"

"Exactly! A disgrace to martial artists!"

"They—"

"Enough!" Bian Xingzhou couldn’t take it anymore. "Zhao Rui, you mock others today, but who’s to say you won’t be the joke tomorrow?"

"A joke?" Zhao Rui scoffed. "I’m nothing like you Martial Alliance brutes."

Bian Xingzhou raised a brow. "We’ll see about that."

The Qingtian Hall had no shortage of fools.

"Let me remind you," Liang Shangjun interjected, shovel in hand, "if not for Miss Helian’s intervention that day, you two would be keeping Azhami company right now."

The two: "..."

"Helian?" Lin Wang’s expression froze momentarily before his lips curled into a charming smile, his voice softening. "If I recall correctly, the sect master of the Carefree Sect also shares the surname 'Helian.'"

"Isn’t that common knowledge?" Zhao Rui shot him a look. "Xue’er is Sect Master Helian’s daughter. You didn’t even know that?"

Lin Wang smiled apologetically. "I knew, but I hadn’t made the connection. I never imagined I’d have the honor of meeting the renowned 'Number One Beauty of the Jianghu' in this remote corner of Dianzhou."

Zhao Rui puffed up proudly. "Good that you’re aware."

"You’re all elite disciples from major sects. What brings you to Dianzhou?" Lin Wang asked lightly. "Could it be for 'Old Lovers' Bloom'?"

Zhao Rui smirked arrogantly. "Naturally. We overheard your conversation with Manager Lu the other day. We thought this was our exclusive lead, but who knew a lone wanderer like you would stumble upon it too."

"You flatter me, Brother Zhao. I’m just here for the spectacle, to see what this legendary 'divine herb' looks like. With all of you here, what chance do I have?"

"At least you know your place." Zhao Rui spoke as if granting a favor. "Since you’re so sensible, I’ll allow you to tag along and witness it with us."

Lin Wang: "...Then I thank Brother Zhao."

"There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask." Liang Shangjun set down his cleaning bucket and approached. "Young Master Zhao, are you aware that Young Master Lin is also a sixth-rank martial master?"

"So?" Zhao Rui blinked, confused.

Liang Shangjun: "Then why do you still act superior?"

"I’m a disciple of Qingtian Hall. He’s a nobody with no sect. Shouldn’t he defer to me?" Zhao Rui said matter-of-factly. "Liang, are you even part of the martial world? Don’t you know this basic rule?"

Liang Shangjun’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "But this is Dianzhou, not Qingzhou. Here, only the Gu God Sect holds sway—not Qingtian Hall."

Zhao Rui: "..."

He stared at Liang Shangjun, speechless for a long moment.

Bian Xingzhou, delighted by his discomfort, laughed. "Brother Liang, ignore him. He’s always been this insufferable, offending people wherever he goes. If not for his Qingtian Hall background, he’d have been ground to dust long ago."

"Hmph!" Zhao Rui regained his composure and glared at Liang Shangjun. "If you introduced yourself just by your surname, no one would care. But if you mentioned being the 'Liang of Eight Directions Inn,' even a seventh-rank martial king would treat you with respect."

Liang Shangjun chuckled. "I understand the logic. But I don’t bully others with my connections."

"Who’s bullying anyone? I’m offering him protection!" Zhao Rui snapped. "A lone wanderer like him—even if he’s just spectating—who’d care if he lives or dies?"

Liang Shangjun: "..."

Lin Wang: "..."

It sounded logical, but it was infuriating.

Two days later, Amuan, now mostly recovered, arrived pushing a cart of herbs.

"Manager Lu, I’ve brought the first batch. Please accept it."

The bamboo baskets contained all the herbs she’d requested—except the hardest to gather—neatly processed and sorted.

"So soon?"

"I sourced them from the tribe. Didn’t want to keep you waiting, so I prepared what I could first." Amuan smiled. "Amusha told me you agreed to attend the Gu God Festival. That’s wonderful! A kind soul like you will surely receive the Gu God’s blessings."

Lu Jianwei was amused by his earnest simplicity.

"You’ve worked hard. If gathering Darkeye Fruit proves difficult, feel free to take me along."

Amuan hastily waved his hands. "How could I trouble you? I’ve picked Darkeye Fruit before—it’ll be fine."

Lu Jianwei didn’t press further.

"There’s one more thing," Amuan added guiltily. "After you saved me, the Yi tribe was furious and wanted revenge. Our warriors held them off, but with the Gu God Festival approaching, everyone’s busy preparing. I’m afraid we won’t be able to stop them much longer."

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Let them come."

Come one, take one; come two, take a pair. If the stable can't hold them, they can be kept in the livestock pen on the first floor.

A few more "brave warriors" would be good practice for the inn's staff to test their combat skills.

Amuan, seeing her composure and recalling Amulang's words, believed she was indeed a formidable martial artist, and the weight in his heart eased slightly.

Inside the stable, Azhami grew increasingly desperate upon hearing this.

What’s wrong with those useless clansmen? Can’t even defeat the Buwa tribe? Or do they simply not want to rescue him?

Lu Jianwei collected the medicinal herbs, instructed Tiao to store them properly, and then returned to her room to continue studying gu sorcery.

In the dormitory-style bamboo building, A'Nai stepped out of his room, glanced up at the tightly shut door on the third floor, then made his way to the kitchen beside the main building. There, he found Xue Guanhe and handed him a note.

Xue Guanhe skimmed it casually, then his eyes widened in shock.

"Really?!"

A'Nai raised a finger to his lips. "Keep it down."

"Why didn’t you tell me sooner?" Xue Guanhe fretted. "How am I supposed to prepare anything now?"

"I thought you all knew already, but it seems you’ve been completely unaware." A'Nai tossed the note into the stove and huffed. "I came here specifically to remind you, and you’re blaming me for being late?"

Realizing his mistake, Xue Guanhe quickly apologized. "I spoke without thinking—sorry. Thank you for telling me in time, or I’d have had no face to see Manager Lu."

"That’s more like it." A'Nai crossed his arms. "So, what’s your plan?"

Xue Guanhe’s mind was a mess. He shook his head blankly. "I don’t know. But I have to inform the others."

"Go ahead, but don’t make it obvious. The whole point is to surprise her, got it?"

Xue Guanhe nodded firmly. "Got it."

After a few steps, he turned back. "How did you find out?"

"Master Wen told me," A'Nai whispered.

"And how did Master Wen know?"

A'Nai leaned closer, his voice barely audible. "It’s on the official registry records."

Oh.

Xue Guanhe gave a thumbs-up. Why hadn’t he thought of that?

The Eight Directions Inn was registered with the authorities, and the owner’s personal details—down to the birth date—were recorded. With a little effort, anyone could find out.

He’d been too dense not to consider his master’s birthday.

"A'Nai, I owe you one for this."

"How big?"

"Very big."

"Fine, I’ll hold you to it."

Xue Guanhe pretended nothing was amiss and, following A'Nai’s example, wrote notes for the other four staff members.

The four were utterly bewildered.

Tomorrow was Manager Lu’s birthday? Should they give gifts? What could they possibly give?

But Manager Lu seemed to lack nothing.

The five of them exchanged helpless glances.

To avoid alerting Lu Jianwei, they gathered around a table and communicated in writing.

Yan Feicang: "A blade?"

Xue Guanhe: "Never heard Manager Lu likes blades."

Yue Shu: "Xue could make longevity noodles. I don’t have anything worthy to offer."

Tiao: "Neither do I."

That left Liang Shangjun.

After some thought, he gripped his brush and wrote a single word—Money.

Manager Lu loved money—this was no secret.

The other four: "..."

"No, money’s too crude. This is a birthday, not a business deal," Xue Guanhe scribbled. "Besides, tomorrow’s the day. Where would we get enough money in time?"

"Blades are out, money’s out… I’m out of ideas," Yan Feicang lamented.

Tiao: "I have a thought."

Four pairs of eyes burned with anticipation.

Lu Jianwei spent the entire night engrossed in gu sorcery, resting only briefly before dawn. By early morning, she washed up and opened her door.

The sky was a clear, cloudless blue.

"Happy birthday, Weiwei."

Xiao Ke displayed fireworks on the screen, sang a birthday song, and finally showed a cake with lit candles.

Lu Jianwei, happy 26th birthday.

"Thank you, Xiao Ke." Lu Jianwei smiled, leaning against the railing of the corridor.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers and birdsong.

Wait—flowers?

Something felt off about the inn today.

No smoke from the kitchen, no movement in the stable, no one sweeping the courtyard, no sign of Yan Feicang chopping firewood in the backyard, and even Tiao wasn’t studying herbs.

What was going on?

She extended her senses and raised an eyebrow.

With a loud bang, bamboo pipes on either side of the main building erupted, spraying countless petals into the air. The colorful blossoms, propelled by mechanical force, soared high before cascading down like a vibrant rain.

The dazzling, fragrant shower of flowers drifted under the vast sky, sunlight filtering through the petals and reflecting in Lu Jianwei’s eyes.

She stood frozen in place.

"More petals, hurry!" Tiao’s voice directed from a corner. "You—go get the noodles."

A figure darted into the kitchen and emerged with a steaming bowl of noodles, topped with a poached egg and a few leafy greens.

Xue Guanhe stood in the center of the courtyard and called out beneath the floral downpour, "Manager Lu, today is your birthday! May you stay forever young and live as long as the southern mountains!"

"Manager Lu, may fortune shine upon you, and all your wishes come true!" Yue Shu chimed in.

Yan Feicang stepped forward, blade in hand, striking a heroic pose.

"Manager Lu, I’m not skilled in much, so I’ll perform a blade dance in your honor."

With that, his saber flashed, its sharp arcs weaving through the falling petals. The wind from his strikes sent the blossoms spiraling again, slicing them into finer fragments—another dazzling floral spectacle.

Tiao brought out bamboo leaves and played a lively, celebratory tune, its cheerful melody harmonizing perfectly with Yan Feicang’s dynamic performance.

As for Liang Shangjun, he kept cranking the mechanism, sending petals skyward again and again.

Lu Jianwei had never experienced anything like this.

Yunnan was abundant in flowers, and now she truly understood why.

"Weiwei, it’s not that no one remembered your birthday," Xiao Ke said warmly. "They’re all celebrating you."

Lu Jianwei’s eyes stung as if dust had blown into them.

She blinked away the moisture, then leaped gracefully from the third floor, landing lightly on the petal-strewn ground.

"Where’s the table?" she asked with a smile.

Yue Shu promptly brought over a table and chair, and Xue Guanhe placed the noodle bowl on it.

"Manager Lu, these are longevity noodles. You have to eat them in one go without breaking them."

"Got it."

Lu Jianwei picked up her chopsticks and ate the noodles strand by strand.

As she finished, Tiao and Yan Feicang’s musical and martial performance concluded perfectly.

The courtyard was now carpeted in scattered petals, resembling an intricate, vibrant tapestry under the sun.

Lu Jianwei clapped, smiling. "That was wonderful. Truly beautiful. Thank you all."

"Manager Lu, we didn’t have anything worthy to give you, so we gathered wildflowers. Yue Shu built the mechanism overnight, Yan Feicang choreographed the blade dance, and Tiao knew a celebratory tune. The idea was hers."

Xue ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‍Guanhe stumbled over his words in his nervousness.

"What about me?" Liang Shangjun popped up. "I picked the most flowers!"

Lu Jianwei’s smile deepened. "This is the most unique and unforgettable birthday I’ve ever had. Thank you all for your hard work."

She had been too absorbed in her studies the night before to notice their preparations—never expecting such a grand surprise.

There was both surprise and a touch of emotion.

A'Nai pushed the wheelchair closer.

"Manager Lu, congratulations on your birthday," Wen Zhuzhi said, lifting a small metal box resting on his lap. "Please accept this gift."

The box, about the size of a palm, was made of metal with simple yet ancient engravings, exuding a sense of weight and history.

"Thank you."

Lu Jianwei smiled as she accepted it, opening the lid to reveal a jade seal inside.

The lustrous white jade was roughly the length of a little finger and as thick as an index finger. Its surface was exquisitely carved with what appeared to be a range of encircling mountains, while the base bore an intricate design—a tiger with wings, radiating majesty and power.

"What is this?" she asked curiously.

Wen Zhuzhi replied with a faint smile, "The purpose of this item is hidden within the box. Manager Lu will have to decipher it herself."

Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow—playing games with her?

She had to admit, she was intrigued.

"Fine, I'll take my time studying it later in my room," she said, closing the lid. "You've all gone to such lengths to celebrate my birthday, and I’m truly grateful. Today, the inn will close for business. Let’s prepare a feast and enjoy ourselves."

Xue Guanhe joked, "Then I’ll have to bring out my best skills and show off my cooking!"

"Brother Xue, I’ll help with the fire," Yue Shu said, his eyes crinkling with laughter.

"You’re too slow—who knows how long it’ll take to finish a whole table of dishes," A'Nai said with a haughty tone. "Fine, I’ll lend a hand too."

Xue Guanhe rolled his eyes. "Couldn’t you at least say something nice if you’re offering to help?"

Lu Jianwei carried the box back to her room.

Inside, apart from the jade seal, there was also a neatly folded piece of paper lying flat at the bottom.

She unfolded it to find what resembled a Sudoku puzzle—but instead of numbers, the blanks were meant to be filled with words based on horizontal, vertical, and diagonal sentences.

The sentences were excerpts from medical texts, and Lu Jianwei recognized the answers at a glance.

She filled in the blanks in order, and the combined answers formed a single phrase:

Tianqi Bank—the seal stands for the person.

What did that mean?

Was this the private seal of the Wen family of Nanzhou?

Lu Jianwei closed the lid and leaned back in her chair, sighing softly.

"What’s wrong?" Xiao Ke asked. "Isn’t it good that he’s giving you money?"

"It’s not that it’s bad," she replied with a helpless smile. "It’s just… a little regrettable."

"Regrettable how?" Xiao Ke didn’t understand. "If you want it, keep it. If not, return it."

"It’s not that simple."

"It’s not that complicated either."

Lu Jianwei closed her eyes. "Smart, obedient, good-looking, and capable."

If this were the modern world, maybe something could have developed between them.

"You mean Wen, the richest man?"

"Mhm."

Xiao Ke still didn’t get it. "So what exactly are you hesitating about?"

"You know I’ll have to go back eventually," Lu Jianwei said, opening her eyes, her expression firming. "If there’s no future in it, it’s better not to start at all."

Xiao Ke: "…"

Still didn’t understand.

Lu Jianwei refolded the paper, placed it back in the box along with the jade seal, and was about to head downstairs to find Wen Zhuzhi when a knock sounded at her door.

It was Lvluo.

"Manager Lu, my mistress heard today is your birthday and asked me to deliver a gift."

Lu Jianwei opened the door to find Lvluo holding a tray covered with a red silk cloth—quite the formal presentation.

"Such an extravagant gift—I’m undeserving."

Regardless of whether it was actually extravagant, it never hurt to sound humble.

Lvluo smiled warmly. "Manager Lu, my mistress is very fond of your inn. She feels at ease staying here. Though we’ve only just met, fate brings people together. Today is your birthday, and this is just a small token of her appreciation—may the fates bless you with happiness and longevity."

Refusing further would be impolite.

Lu Jianwei accepted the tray with both hands and replied gently, "Tonight, the inn is hosting a feast. I sincerely invite Miss Helian to join us."

Lvluo, relieved to have delivered the gift, nodded. "I’ll relay your invitation."

Once she left, Lu Jianwei closed the door and lifted the red silk.

Before doing so, she had wondered what the most beautiful woman in the martial world might give her—books, jewelry, jade pendants—but she never expected…

A golden abacus!

Literally, an abacus made entirely of gold!

"Jianwei, it seems she really has read all those romance novels," Xiao Ke remarked sincerely. "She knows you love money, so she specifically gave you a golden abacus."

Lu Jianwei stared at the golden abacus, bewildered.

"Wait, that doesn’t make sense. She’s the most renowned beauty in the martial world—why would she carry a golden abacus around?"

She had only just learned about the birthday—there was no way this was prepared in advance.

Hold on, there was another question she’d overlooked.

How did Xue Guanhe and the others even know it was her birthday?

Unable to figure it out, Lu Jianwei took the jade seal and went to find Wen Zhuzhi, placing the box in front of him.

"What does this mean?"

Wen Zhuzhi answered plainly, "With this seal, you can withdraw eighty percent of my assets from Tianqi Bank."

"It’s too valuable. I can’t accept it," Lu Jianwei said firmly.

"Manager Lu has saved my life multiple times. I have no way to repay such kindness. The only thing I can offer is wealth. If this can help you return to your sect sooner, then it’s being put to good use."

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Lu Jianwei met his gaze. "If I really do return to my sect, I won’t be coming back."

Wen Zhuzhi froze.

After a moment, he asked quietly, "Is that your sect’s rule?"

"Yes."

"That’s… fine," Wen Zhuzhi said with a faint smile. "The martial world is full of troubles."

Lu Jianwei shook her head. "No matter what, I can’t take this seal."

The debt was too great.

"Other than this, I don’t know what else to give you for your birthday," Wen Zhuzhi admitted, a trace of helplessness in his eyes. "Manager Lu’s preferences are hard to guess."

"You remembered my birthday and told Xue Guanhe and the others, allowing me to receive such a heartfelt celebration. That’s already the best gift."

"You figured it out?"

Lu Jianwei smiled. "I wasn’t sure before, but now I am."

It wasn’t hard to deduce.

Given Xue Guanhe and the others’ personalities, if they had known her birthday beforehand, they wouldn’t have been caught unprepared.

So it was clear they had only just learned of it.

In this inn, the only ones who could have informed them were Wen Zhuzhi and his servant. Her records were on file with the authorities—Wen Zhuzhi could easily have looked them up.

Earlier, she had been too close to the situation, but now, stepping back, the logic was clear.

Wen Zhuzhi chuckled. "Manager Lu, it’s against tradition to return a birthday gift."

Lu Jianwei thought for a moment. "Then let’s exchange it for something else."

Her eyes swept the room before landing on several wine jars in the corner. Brightening, she said, "We’re hosting a feast tonight, and good wine is missing. How about gifting me some of this instead?"

"This wine was already meant to celebrate your birthday," Wen Zhuzhi replied with a smile.

"When did you buy it?" Lu Jianwei glanced at the label. "You can get Jiangzhou wine all the way in Dianzhou?"

"I brought it from Jiangzhou."

Lu Jianwei: "…"

Of course—only a man of his wealth would plan so meticulously.

Thanks to the river fish, fruits, and vegetables sent by their friends from the Buwa tribe, Xue Guanhe had enough ingredients to prepare a lavish feast.

For today’s celebration, he had already informed the guests that no meal orders would be taken—they could either arrange their own food or join the banquet.

The more, the merrier.

None of the guests objected—nor would they dare. Besides, a free meal was always welcome.

The sky was clear and bright, the sun shining warmly.

The banquet was set up in the courtyard, with two square tables pushed together to form a long table, enough to seat the five shop assistants and seven lodgers. Lu Jianwei still occupied the seat of honor.

"Thank you all for taking the time to attend my birthday celebration. This fine wine was brought from Jiangzhou—those interested are welcome to try it. If you don’t care for alcohol, tea is just as welcome in its place."

Xue Guanhe stood to pour wine for everyone. When he reached Helianxue, whose face was hidden behind a veil, he hesitated.

"Please pour me a cup," a cool voice came from behind the veil. "Thank you."

Xue Guanhe obliged, filling a delicate cup to the brim.

"Xue'er," Zhao Rui said with concern, "you’ve never had alcohol before. Drinking can harm your health."

Bian Xingzhou, unusually, didn’t argue with him and also advised, "Xue'er, perhaps you should drink tea instead. Too much wine isn’t good for you."

The others exchanged glances.

"Fine wine can lift the spirits," Lin Wang said with a light chuckle, raising his cup. "Brothers Zhao and Bian, why stop Helianxue from enjoying it?"

Lu Jianwei rested her chin on her hand, watching the scene unfold with amusement.

What choice would the peerless beauty who had gifted her a golden abacus make?

The veil swayed slightly as Helianxue lifted her head. She reached out, took the delicate wine cup, and—before everyone’s eyes—brought it beneath the veil, tilting her head back to drain it in one go.

"Good wine," she said. "Another cup."