No Fighting Allowed in the Inn

◎Opening Invitation, Taking on a Disciple, Apprehension◎

Five days later, Shangguan Yao had recovered enough to accompany her father, Shangguan Huai, on their visit. Tiao and Yun Hui also came along.

Lu Jianwei received them in the main hall, while Uncle Zhang and Yue Shu served tea and refreshments before discreetly withdrawing with Tiao and Yun Hui.

Only Lu Jianwei and the father-daughter pair remained in the hall.

Shangguan Huai removed his mask, revealing a dignified and scholarly face that seemed more befitting of a humble academy tutor than the head of a martial sect.

"Elder Sister Lu, you’ve saved me yet again," Shangguan Yao said, her complexion paler than before, the usual sparkle in her eyes dimmed.

Lu Jianwei offered a gentle reassurance, "Just focus on recuperating. Don’t dwell on anything else."

"Yes, it was my carelessness that allowed others to take advantage of me," Shangguan Yao murmured, her eyes reddening. "And my own greed."

"What exactly happened?"

"My greatest wish since childhood has been to master martial arts. But my meridians are too frail—I can’t cultivate internal energy like my peers. No matter how much I refine my techniques, what’s the point?"

Shangguan Huai sighed, his voice thick with regret. "It’s my fault. I failed to protect you and your mother back then."

"Father, it’s not your fault. The blame lies with those who wronged us," Shangguan Yao consoled him softly before turning back to Lu Jianwei. "I found a secret manual in the academy’s library—one specifically for those with weak meridians. At first, I didn’t believe it, but curiosity got the better of me. I studied it in secret for a few days, and before I knew it, I was entranced. I began meditating and circulating my qi according to its instructions... then the pain overwhelmed me, and I passed out."

Lu Jianwei: "..."

This girl was far too naive. A manual tailored for those with frail meridians, appearing out of nowhere at just the right time—who would believe it wasn’t deliberate?

Still, she understood Shangguan Yao’s desperation.

To possess exceptional talent yet be barred from cultivating internal energy due to one’s physique—anyone would be frustrated.

"I know I was foolish. If Elder Sister Lu wants to laugh at me, go ahead. I don’t mind," Shangguan Yao mumbled, hanging her head.

Lu Jianwei replied, "Why would I laugh? You didn’t suffer this misfortune because of foolishness, but because someone targeted you."

"Targeted me? Why?"

"Dean Shangguan," Lu Jianwei said leisurely, "I assume you’ve already realized the truth?"

Shangguan Huai clasped his hands respectfully. "For Yao’er to befriend someone like you, Shopkeeper Lu, is a stroke of fortune. There are those who resent this connection and sought to harm her, even disturbing you in the process. For that, I sincerely apologize."

"They didn’t want her associating with me?" Lu Jianwei chuckled. "Since when did I carry such weight?"

"Your martial prowess and medical skills are renowned throughout the jianghu. Your origins remain a mystery, and many seek to uncover your background or curry favor with you. Yao’er was fortunate enough to meet you, and even an old fool like me can exchange a few words with you. Naturally, some would rather this not happen."

Recalling the events surrounding the Eight Directions Inn, those who had aligned themselves with Lu Jianwei—whether survivors of White Crane Manor, inheritors of Lin Congyue’s medical legacy, or even loosely connected martial artists—had all benefited in some way, even achieving vengeance where it was due.

The jianghu had come to a conclusion: Shopkeeper Lu carried an inexplicable aura. Those who harbored ill intentions toward her or her associates invariably met misfortune.

Who wouldn’t be wary?

Lu Jianwei smirked. "If what you say is true, the mastermind should have acted against Yao’er before I returned to Jiangzhou."

Without timely treatment, Shangguan Yao would have perished quickly. Dead people don’t forge friendships.

"Yao’er ran away from home without permission. In my anger, I confined her to her quarters upon her return, forbidding her from leaving," Shangguan Huai admitted sheepishly. "Forgive my lack of composure, Shopkeeper Lu."

"How long was she confined?"

"Three months."

That lined up.

Her trip to Dianzhou had taken over four months. Shangguan Yao had been secluded for three, and even after being allowed out, she wouldn’t have immediately gone to the library and stumbled upon that manual. Someone must have guided her there.

A month’s gap was just enough.

Lu Jianwei mused inwardly, "Xiao Ke, am I really that terrifying? Do people fear even befriending me?"

"Mid-stage Level Eight Martial Kings are rare in this world. Most are elderly masters who either seclude themselves or oversee their sects. Few roam the jianghu as freely as you. Add your medical and poison expertise, and it’s no wonder people avoid crossing you."

Lu Jianwei had been too close to the situation to see the broader picture.

When she first arrived in this world, she had been utterly defenseless, unfamiliar with her surroundings. That sense of urgency and insecurity had left a deep mark, lingering even now.

Back then, her survival had depended entirely on the system’s tools. She hadn’t dared step beyond the inn, fearing the fragile illusion of safety would shatter.

Even after reaching Martial King status, that mindset had persisted.

Wen Zhuzhi’s remark—that she underestimated herself—hadn’t been mere comfort. He’d meant it.

To others, Shopkeeper Lu was already an untouchable force.

Finally grasping this, Lu Jianwei felt an invisible shackle loosen within her.

The Nameless Technique flowed more smoothly, its progress bar advancing noticeably.

A faint barrier revealed itself to her senses.

Though still thick and unyielding, she wasn’t impatient. Breakthroughs came in due time.

"Since Dean Shangguan has reached this conclusion, you must have a plan. What do you intend to do?"

Shangguan Huai’s expression darkened. "To be frank, I’m at a loss. Though I bear the title of dean, I’m little more than a figurehead. The academy isn’t mine to command. I couldn’t even protect my own daughter. I know how pathetic I must seem..."

"You sought me out for more than just hiring me as a physician, didn’t you?" Lu Jianwei cut through his rambling.

Long accustomed to playing the harmless mascot, he’d developed a habit of self-deprecation—a survival tactic amid the power struggles around him.

She understood, but had little patience for it.

Shangguan Huai swallowed his next self-reproach and answered, "I can’t hide anything from you, Shopkeeper Lu. Do you recall Shangguan He?"

"I do."

"He wasn’t the only one researching ‘internal energy symbiosis’ at the academy."

"Then why was he the only one expelled?"

Shangguan Huai: "That was just an excuse. The truth is, he threatened certain interests."

Lu Jianwei nodded. Even scholars weren’t immune to infighting. Shangguan He had been a casualty of their power plays.

"The martial alliance’s grand competition is the perfect opportunity to expose them," Shangguan Huai said earnestly. "I’m not afraid to die, but I fear leaving Yao’er with no one to rely on. In the past, I considered revealing these crimes, but every time I made a move, Yao’er would return injured. I didn’t dare take the risk. This incident was another warning."

Lu Jianwei asked, "Do you want me to seek justice, or to look after Yao’er?"

"If possible... please take care of Yao’er."

"Father?" Shangguan Yao suddenly understood his intention, her eyes brimming with tears. "Don’t do anything reckless."

Shangguan Huai smiled at her and handed over the money box he had brought.

"Manager Lu, this is the consultation fee. I apologize for the delay of a few days."

The box contained thirty thousand taels in banknotes—twenty thousand more than Lu Jianwei’s original fee of ten thousand.

She accepted it and casually placed it on the table.

"A'Yao is my friend. Naturally, I will protect her."

Shangguan Huai said gratefully, "With Manager Lu’s word, I can rest assured."

"However, after some thought these past few days," Lu Jianwei shifted the topic, "I’ve decided not to participate in the Martial Alliance’s grand competition."

Shangguan Huai: ?

Confusion and disappointment flickered in his eyes before he quickly masked them and forced a smile. "In that case, I won’t impose further. But may I ask the reason, Manager Lu?"

Lu Jianwei retrieved an invitation from her sleeve.

"The renovation of Fengzhou’s Eight Directions Inn is nearly complete. It will reopen on the fifteenth of April next year. I sincerely invite Dean Shangguan to attend the ceremony if your schedule permits."

Before Shangguan Huai could react, Shangguan Yao took the invitation and unfolded it.

"April fifteenth? Sister Lu, isn’t that the same day as next year’s Martial Alliance competition?"

Shangguan Huai leaned in for a closer look, his expression turning to shock.

"Manager Lu, this is…"

"I’m not attending the competition because the opening date coincides with it," Lu Jianwei said meaningfully. "Would Dean Shangguan be willing to come to Fengzhou for the ceremony instead?"

Shangguan Huai: "…"

This was the last thing he had expected!

"I want to go," Shangguan Yao said without hesitation. "Sister Lu, I’ll definitely be there on your opening day!"

Lu Jianwei smiled. "You’re most welcome. Dean Shangguan, you may take your time to consider. There’s no need to give me an answer now."

"Manager Lu, if I may ask—did you deliberately choose April fifteenth for the reopening?"

"It’s an auspicious day, isn’t it? Otherwise, why would the Martial Alliance schedule their competition on the same date?" Lu Jianwei sidestepped the question.

Shangguan Huai didn’t press further. He carefully tucked away the invitation.

"Manager Lu, allow me to think it over."

As the dean of Luzhou Academy, such a significant decision couldn’t be made lightly.

"I won’t impose any longer. Farewell."

"Dean Shangguan," Lu Jianwei called after him. "There’s something I’ve been curious about."

"Please, go ahead."

"That day at the inn, why were you wearing a mask?" She found such furtive behavior inconsistent with his usual demeanor.

Shangguan Huai froze.

"Sister Lu," Shangguan Yao explained for him, "that day was my mother’s death anniversary. Father planned to take me to pay respects to her. Every time we visit her, he wears a mask."

Sensing the sensitivity of the topic, Lu Jianwei refrained from further questions despite her curiosity.

Shangguan Huai said guiltily, "I’ve yet to avenge my late wife. I’m ashamed to face her. When A'Yao suddenly fell ill, I didn’t have time to remove the mask. My apologies for the odd behavior, Manager Lu."

Lu Jianwei shook her head. "I overstepped."

"Not at all," Shangguan Huai clasped his hands in apology. "My actions were unusual."

After a few more polite exchanges, the father and daughter left the manor.

Shortly after, Tiao and Yun Hui entered the hall.

As they moved to kneel, a gentle force lifted them before their knees could touch the ground.

Lu Jianwei sighed. "What’s this about?"

"Manager, I’ve wanted to do this for a long time," Yun Hui said earnestly. "The kindness you’ve shown me and Tiao is something we could never repay, even in another lifetime. I’m not particularly capable, but thanks to your care, I’ve come this far. When you asked me before whether I wanted to learn martial arts or go to Fengzhou, my answer is yes—I want to learn, and I want to go."

Tiao added, "You’ve taught me medicine. In my heart, I’ve long regarded you as my master. My mother said even carpentry apprentices in the city must serve tea and formally bow to their masters. We shouldn’t neglect this courtesy."

"Manager, your lifesaving grace and the second chance you’ve given us are etched in my heart. Today, I’ve come to express my gratitude—and to shamelessly ask to become your disciple. The rites of master and disciple must not be overlooked." Yun Hui’s resolve was unwavering.

Lu Jianwei pondered for a moment. "When I asked you before, I did intend to teach you martial arts, but I hadn’t planned to take disciples. Now I’ll ask again—are you certain you wish to join my sect?"

Both nodded firmly. "Absolutely!"

"The sect’s rules are even stricter than the inn’s. Are you truly prepared?"

"We are!"

"Once you enter the sect, your foremost duty will be to uphold its honor. Any act that brings disgrace will result in the loss of your martial arts and expulsion. Understood?"

"Understood!"

Lu Jianwei instructed Tiao, "Call everyone here."

Tiao immediately left the hall and found the diligent inn staff training in the courtyard.

At the mention of the manager’s summons, they hurried over.

While waiting, Lu Jianwei asked Yun Hui a few more questions.

"You’re married. Can you truly leave Jiangzhou behind?"

"Manager, I hadn’t fully decided before, but after you asked if I wanted to go to Fengzhou, I made up my mind. The next day, I went with Jiang Yunchang to the magistrate’s office and obtained a divorce decree."

Lu Jianwei was surprised. For a woman who had lived over thirty years constrained by societal norms to display such courage and determination was remarkable.

She suddenly felt eager to see just how far Yun Hui could grow.

"Have you settled all matters with the Jiang family?"

"From now on, there is only Yun Hui—no more 'Madam Jiang.' I’ve also withdrawn all my dowry and deposited it in a bank."

"What about your parents and relatives?"

"My mother passed away long ago, and my father died of illness two years back. The rest of my family isn’t close. There’s nothing holding me there anymore."

"If I accept both you and Tiao as disciples, you’ll be peers within the sect."

"I don’t mind that," Yun Hui smiled. "Within the sect, we follow its rules. Privately, she’ll still be my daughter. Oh, and she’s changed her surname too—she’s now Yun Shuitiao."

Lu Jianwei praised sincerely, "Madam Yun, you’re nothing like the person I first met."

"If not for you, Manager, how could I have been so fortunate?" Yun Hui’s gratitude shone in her eyes.

Little Ke asked, "Weiwei, didn’t you say before that you didn’t want disciples? What changed?"

"Back then, I’d just arrived, completely lost, unsure if I could even survive. How could I take disciples?"

"Later, when you were established, you still didn’t consider it."

"I was too busy, and it didn’t seem necessary."

"And now it does?"

"I’ve thought it through carefully," Lu Jianwei analyzed. "Among the inn’s staff, only Xue Guanhe, Tiao, and Yun Hui are wholly devoted to the inn with no other ties. Yan Feicang has the Yan family behind him, Uncle Zhang and Yue Shu have White Crane Manor, and Liang Shangjun’s background remains unclear. If I were to take disciples, I’d naturally favor the first three."

"That makes sense, but why the sudden need for disciples?"

"For a sense of belonging, pride, and a bit of healthy competition."

"Meaning?"

"Right now, everyone at the inn is just an employee. On the surface, they all work hard for the inn, but there’s still a lack of deeper cohesion. Part of that is my fault—my 'sect' is too mysterious. They can’t grasp it, so they don’t feel a strong connection."

"So you want to inspire them by taking disciples?"

"Consider it one reason," Lu Jianwei said, "but there's another. If there ever comes a day when rules must be established, I want them to carry out my plans and ideas without hesitation."

Xiao Ke sighed. "Weiwei, your mindset has really changed a lot."

"Either don’t do it at all, or do it to the best of your ability," Lu Jianwei declared firmly. "That way, when we return home, we’ll earn a much bigger bonus, right?"

Xiao Ke: "..."

Take back what I just said—the host hasn’t changed at all. Still as money-loving as ever.

The staff had all gathered in the main hall.

"Boss, what instructions do you have for us?" Xue Guanhe asked.

Lu Jianwei glanced around at everyone. Outside the door, A'Nai peeked in curiously.

She casually instructed, "Go call your young master. He should witness this too."

"Right away!"

A'Nai dashed off and soon returned, pushing Wen Zhuzhi forward, his face brimming with curiosity.

Everyone waited for Boss Lu to speak.

"I’ve called you all here today to make an important announcement," Lu Jianwei said, her tone calm, yet her words dropped like a boulder into the pond of their hearts. "I’ve decided to take on disciples."

The staff: ???

"Disciples?" Xue Guanhe nearly jumped, torn between excitement and nervousness. "Boss, who are you planning to take as your disciple?"

Though he had always considered himself her disciple, there had never been a formal ceremony, and the boss had never allowed him to call her "Master." Deep down, he had always felt insecure about it.

Lu Jianwei deliberately teased him. "I plan to take Tiao and Yun Hui as my disciples."

"That’s… that’s great." Xue Guanhe forced a smile, though disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Tiao, Aunt Yun, congratulations."

"Don’t rush to congratulate others just yet," Lu Jianwei said with a smile. "Once you enter my sect, you must abide by its rules. If you violate them, the punishment ranges from having your martial arts abolished and being expelled, to death as atonement. Do you understand?"

Xue Guanhe froze.

"What are you standing around for?" A'Nai pushed him impatiently. "Hurry up and kneel to acknowledge your master!"

"Oh!" Xue Guanhe dropped to his knees with a thud and kowtowed without hesitation. "Master, please accept this disciple’s bow!"

Tiao and Yun Hui also bowed sincerely.

"From now on, you’ll still address me as 'Boss' as before, and continue serving the inn diligently."

"Yes!"

A'Nai promptly brought over three cups of tea. "Quick, offer them."

"Boss, please have some tea."

One by one, the three presented their tea. After completing the formalities, they stood up at Lu Jianwei’s instruction.

Xue Guanhe, belatedly realizing something, asked, "Boss, how do we rank among ourselves?"

He had joined the inn before Tiao and was older than her, so he should naturally be the senior brother. But Aunt Yun was a generation older—how should they address each other?

The question stumped everyone.

"By order of entry, Guanhe is the senior brother, Tiao the second senior sister, and Yun Hui the junior sister," Lu Jianwei said, amused at her own words. "In private, you can keep things as they were before. Guanhe, as the senior brother, you’re responsible for guiding and supervising your junior sisters. Understood?"

"Understood!" Xue Guanhe grinned so wide his face might split. "Boss, I won’t let you down!"

He was the senior brother now! This was fantastic!

Lu Jianwei’s smile faded. "Don’t celebrate too soon. Training will only get stricter after joining the sect. There will be an assessment every six months. If you fail, you get one chance to retake it. Fail again, and you’ll have to face the consequences."

The three tensed—they had to pass!

"Tiao, you previously followed Hu Jiuniang and learned a basic internal technique, but it wasn’t suited to you." Lu Jianwei took out a prepared manual. "This technique is called Everlasting Joy. It matches your physique. Study it diligently and train hard."

Tiao accepted it solemnly.

"Though you’re only interested in medicine and poison, as a healer, you must be able to protect yourself. I have a martial skill here that suits you. Do you want to learn it?"

"I do!"

"Good." Lu Jianwei set a goal for her. "Starting today, you have one month to reach the fourth level. Then, I’ll give you the martial skill."

Tiao was currently at the mid-third level. Her previous technique had been too crude, hindering her progress. With a method tailored to her, her advancement would speed up—one month was more than enough.

As for medicine and poison, her foundation was already solid. What she needed now was practice with difficult cases.

She vowed, "I’ll do it."

Lu Jianwei turned to Yun Hui. "Yun Hui, now that you’ve joined the sect, I won’t go easy on you just because you’re older than me. If anything, I’ll be stricter. You started martial arts late—if you don’t work harder than others, the gap between you will only widen."

She had confidence in Yun Hui.

Though Yun Hui appeared delicate, she was remarkably resilient. Though she’d begun training late, her physique was excellent, and with a perfectly matched technique, she had a promising future.

Yun Hui took a deep breath. "Boss, I understand."

She would train harder than anyone else.

Lu Jianwei handed her the manual Gentle Rain at Dawn. "I’m setting a goal for you too—reach the third level in two months, and then I’ll teach you a martial skill."

"Yes!"

"Guanhe, you’ll be responsible for teaching them lightness skills."

Xue Guanhe nodded eagerly. "Don’t worry, Boss. I’ll teach them well."

And so, the matter of taking disciples concluded.

The newly minted disciples were naturally thrilled, while the other staff members, though happy for them, couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy and disappointment.

Yan Feicang: "Congratulations."

Liang Shangjun shamelessly said, "Boss, I’d like to become your disciple too."

"You lack sincerity. I can’t teach you," Lu Jianwei replied.

Liang Shangjun pouted. "How am I insincere? I’ve been wholeheartedly serving the inn—have you seen me running off lately?"

"I ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍don’t even know if your name is real."

"But you gave me that disguise manual the other night!"

Lu Jianwei: "I gave you the disguise manual, Yue Shu an internal technique, and promised Yan Feicang a custom-forged blade. Those were rewards for your efforts in defending the inn in Dianzhou."

"Boss Lu, your sect’s disguise techniques are truly exquisite," Liang Shangjun praised before whining, "But you only gave me the first volume."

A'Nai snorted. "Liang the Divine Thief, greed doesn’t suit you."

"But it’s driving me crazy! I can’t stand it!"

Xue Guanhe gloated. "Want me to scratch that itch for you?"

With the ceremony over, Lu Jianwei returned to her room.

"Weiwei," Wen Zhuzhi called out to her at the courtyard gate. "Aside from money-making missions, does your sect have other objectives?"

"Commander, you’re quite sharp," Lu Jianwei leaned in, lowering her voice with a teasing smile. "What else have you guessed?"

Wen Zhuzhi held his breath. "Nothing more."

"Then why ask?"

"The old Boss Lu was a carefree observer. The current Boss Lu is more like a dormant tiger biding its time."

"From observer to tiger—that’s quite the leap."

"When the tiger awakens, the mountains and forests will tremble."

Lu Jianwei shook her head. "I’m alone and weak—hardly a tiger. Even if I were, the starving wolves outside would swarm and overwhelm me."

"Can I help you?" Wen Zhuzhi asked.

Lu Jianwei teased, "And if, after helping me gain power, I start oppressing others and disregarding innocent lives—what will you do then?"

"By then, I’ll no longer be a Mystic Mirror Envoy," he said.

Lu Jianwei curved her lips: "So sure about that?"

"Mm."

"The duty of a Mystic Mirror Bureau envoy is to uphold justice and protect the innocent. Even if you’re no longer one, you wouldn’t stand by and watch people die, would you?"

"Not sure." Wen Zhuzhi replied with unflinching honesty. "I only know what needs to be done at any given moment."

Back in Fengzhou, Lu Jianwei had noticed a hint of madness in him. In Jiangzhou, that impression deepened. Now, his unrestrained nature—walking the line between light and dark, unbound by rigid rules—struck a chord within her.

She understood what he meant.

When he was the commander of the Mystic Mirror Bureau, he adhered strictly to the law. But once he shed that role, his actions would be guided solely by his own judgment.

She resonated with his words because she was the same.

In the modern world, she had been a law-abiding citizen. Yet in this world, she had easily accepted the act of taking lives.

If there was any remorse after killing, it was fleeting—just a faint ripple.

"You promised to help me. No backing out later," she said, her eyes crinkling with amusement.

Wen Zhuzhi: "I won’t."

"There’s a small favor I need from you now."

"Alright."

Lu Jianwei: "Yue has great potential. Help me teach him more."

With such a high-quality mentor right in front of her, why let it go to waste?

"Alright." He agreed without hesitation.

"I’ll head back to my room first."

Her sleeve was tugged.

"What is it?"

"They all got rewards for guarding the inn."

Lu Jianwei chuckled. "What reward do you want?"

The moment she asked, she noticed his gaze sweep over her brows before lingering on the corner of her lips.

The meaning was unmistakable.

Just a kiss—why be stingy?

She leaned in—

"Young Master!" A'Nai’s voice suddenly rang out.

As he approached and spotted Lu Jianwei, his expression immediately sobered.

"What is it?" Wen Zhuzhi turned his wheelchair, his tone indifferent.

A'Nai glanced at Lu Jianwei.

Wen Zhuzhi: "Speak."

"Yes." Sensing his master’s displeasure, A'Nai spoke quickly. "Word has spread in the martial world—a traveler seeking shelter from the rain in an abandoned inn outside Moonview City claimed to have found ‘Polar Golden Silkworms.’ Now, countless martial artists are rushing there, hoping to uncover traces of them."

Lu Jianwei: "..."

An abandoned inn outside Moonview City… Wasn’t that her soon-to-be-completed main branch?

If someone had broken in, how could her system not know?

And now, they were framing her with Polar Golden Silkworms again?

She was certain now—someone was targeting her.

With the inn empty and the deterrence of a ninth-level martial king gone, the martial artists flocking there for the ‘Polar Golden Silkworms’ would likely turn on each other.

Whether or not casualties occurred, the Eight Directions Inn—now linked to the Polar Golden Silkworms—would become the center of a storm.

What could a ninth-level martial king do? They couldn’t slaughter every martial artist in the world.

The first time, they were restrained by the ninth-level martial king’s presence. But what about the second time? The third?

Human greed was insatiable.

They would start wondering—did the ninth-level martial king use the Polar Golden Silkworms?

Soon, rumors of martial artists having their inner energy drained might spread across the martial world, and every incident would be pinned on the Eight Directions Inn.

The most likely outcome? The inn would be forced to shut down, and she’d have to retreat to her sect amid the chaos.

"Jianwei," Wen Zhuzhi looked up, "they fear you."

Lu Jianwei sighed helplessly. "I’m just an innkeeper."

A'Nai: "..."