◎Guest Physician, Departure, Beauty◎
The inn was empty except for the staff, the Wen family's master and servant, and the Shangguan family's master and servant. The four of them also attended the meeting.
Lu Jianwei sat at the head of the table, the bright candlelight in the hall illuminating her delicate features. Her eyes reflected the flickering flames, like stars shimmering in the night sky.
She glanced around and got straight to the point:
"I plan to make a trip to the southwest. This journey may take half a year, a year, or even longer."
The southwest was already a distant land, and the local martial arts circles had many barriers with those of the Central Plains. To search for medicinal herbs in the dense forests, thorough preparations were necessary.
Even though Lu Jianwei had never been to the southwest, she could imagine the locals' hostility toward outsiders. She needed to establish herself there first before she could search for the antidote without worries.
Uncle Zhang understood her intention and asked, "Does the proprietress plan to open a branch there?"
"Exactly." Lu Jianwei nodded. "But the Jiangzhou branch can't be left unattended either."
Some would go with her, while others would stay behind.
The staff exchanged glances. They all wanted to follow Proprietress Lu but knew it wasn't realistic.
"Proprietress, this old bones of mine don’t want to move around for now. I’ve spent most of my life in Jiangzhou and would like to rest a bit after returning. If you trust this old man, leave the inn to me. I’ll take good care of it," Uncle Zhang spoke first.
Yun Hui also said, "Proprietress, if you don’t mind, I’d like to work at the inn from now on."
She no longer wanted to return to the inner household or go to the Jiang family’s inn. Her only wish now was for Tiao’s poison to be completely cured.
"With the two of you here, I have nothing to worry about." Lu Jianwei smiled warmly before turning to the others. "What are your thoughts?"
Xue Guanhe said, "Proprietress, I’d like to go with you. If you’re opening an inn in the southwest, you’ll need a cook, right?"
"Naturally, a cook is indispensable." Lu Jianwei had already planned to take him along and agreed readily.
Yan Feicang said firmly, "And someone to chop firewood."
"Agreed."
"I want to go," Tiao said, meeting her gaze.
Lu Jianwei smiled. "The main purpose of this trip is to find the antidote for you. You must come."
"I—I want to go too." Yue Shu didn’t even dare to blink, afraid of missing this opportunity. "Proprietress, I can do a lot of things. Young Master Wen says I’ve made great progress in the esoteric arts. I’ll try my best not to hold anyone back."
Young people should travel and gain experience. Lu Jianwei was willing to give him a chance but teased, "I know nothing about the esoteric arts. What if you and Young Master Wen are tricking me?"
Yue Shu waved his hands in a panic. "No tricks, I swear! I’ve already learned many formations. If you don’t believe me, you can test me."
"But I just said I don’t understand the esoteric arts. How can I test you?"
Yue Shu was speechless, sweat beading on his forehead as he stared at Lu Jianwei with pleading, reddened eyes.
"I was just teasing you." Lu Jianwei chuckled. "In that case, the arrangements are settled—"
"What about me?!" Liang Shangjun suddenly spoke up, sounding aggrieved. "Proprietress, I’m also part of the staff. Are you just going to leave me behind?"
Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. "I never acknowledged you as part of the staff."
Liang Shangjun quickly improvised, "When you go to the southwest, you’ll face language barriers, right? I happen to know the local dialects. I can help."
That made sense.
Lu Jianwei agreed, treating him as a free interpreter.
With the staff settled, there were still the inn’s friends to consider.
Shangguan Yao wanted to go, but the southwest was full of miasma, and her frail health would only burden others. She said,
"Elder Sister Lu, I won’t go. But I’ve read about the southwest at home. The locals are very unwelcoming, the terrain is complex, and their customs differ greatly from the Central Plains. A single misstep could offend them. I can write to my family and have them send some books about the southwest. You can study them before setting off."
Lu Jianwei smiled. "A-Yao, you’ve thought very thoroughly. Thank you."
The system’s marketplace also had books about the southwest, but they only covered the climate and geography, lacking details that required firsthand investigation. After all, the situation in the southwest wasn’t static.
The Luzhou Academy collected books from all over the world, so their records on the southwest should be more comprehensive. She had no reason to refuse.
Her gaze then turned to the Wen family’s master and servant.
"Young Master Wen, will you continue resting at the inn?"
Wen Zhuzhi replied with a smile, "Rather than resting here, I’d prefer to accompany Proprietress Lu to the southwest. The region is rich in rare medicinal herbs. Perhaps while searching for the antidote, you might also find a cure for my poison."
"The journey is long and arduous. Are you sure you can endure it?" Lu Jianwei studied him.
Wen Zhuzhi said, "If you’re opening an inn in the southwest, you’ll need a property. If you don’t mind, I can assist with that."
"You have connections?"
"I do."
Lu Jianwei agreed readily. "Then I’ll trouble you, Young Master Wen. Send me the accounts later—I won’t shortchange you."
"I trust Proprietress Lu’s integrity."
The meeting concluded, and everyone returned to their rooms.
Xue Guanhe and the others began packing, Shangguan Yao wrote a letter home, and Wen Zhuzhi sent word to the southwest.
Meanwhile, Lu Jianwei reclined in a rocking chair, asked Little Tao to play a movie, sipped milk tea, and munched on fried chicken—utterly relaxed.
The plan for the southwest journey was set, but they couldn’t leave immediately. They had to wait a while longer.
Lu Jianwei occasionally treated a few patients, but most of her time was spent practicing her blade skills and studying the art of gu (venomous insects).
The southwest was known for its gu techniques. On unfamiliar ground, it was best to understand the enemy and proceed with caution.
Though an eighth-level Martial King’s defenses surpassed most, the art of gu was mysterious and unpredictable—she couldn’t afford to be careless.
Aside from gu, Lu Jianwei also dabbled in other unorthodox skills, mastering thievery and hidden weapons the most.
Her personal skills were displayed as:
- Unaging Years (4/7)
- Sparse Stars Swordplay (4/7)
- Frost-Curling Blade Technique (4/7)
- Spring and Autumn Medicinal Classics (Proficient)
- Traces Like Wild Geese (7/9)
- Gu Techniques (Beginner)
- Cloud-Brushing Hands (Beginner)
- Two or Three Dots (Beginner)
"Cloud-Brushing Hands" was a thieving technique, while "Two or Three Dots" involved hidden weapons. Both were exquisite martial arts, and Lu Jianwei, believing that more skills meant more security, practiced them diligently.
Now, her personal assets:
Earlier in Jiangzhou, she had earned a considerable sum from forces like the Green Dragon Gang, the Martial Alliance, and the Thousand Miles Tower. After expenses and small deductions, her current assets totaled seventeen million.
The inn’s public account held only three million, but since Lu Jianwei was already an eighth-level Martial King, the significance of props had diminished. She hadn’t upgraded the inn’s equipment further.
Seventh-level props were more than sufficient in Jiangzhou. Moreover, the reputation of the Eight Directions Inn was now established—no fool would dare provoke them.
Eighth-level Martial Kings weren’t idlers who wandered around aimlessly.
As long as no eighth-level Martial King showed up, the inn’s props were indestructible.
But in the southwest, where they were strangers, even her status as an eighth-level Martial King might not always protect the other staff.
Props were still necessary.
Fortunately, the funds in the public account were enough to upgrade to the seventh level.
Half a month later, Luzhou Academy sent over several local chronicles. Along with the books came a letter urging Shangguan Yao to return. She bid farewell to Lu Jianwei and left the inn with Little Tao.
Wen Zhuzhi also received a reply from the southwest.
Everything was ready—it was time to head to the southwest.
On the eve of their departure, an unexpected guest arrived at the inn.
Yuan Qiong stood outside the inn with Bai Guo, her face filled with apology.
"Forgive my abrupt visit. I hope I'm not intruding."
Lu Jianwei smiled. "How could the arrival of a distinguished guest be an intrusion? Please come in, Physician Yuan. Guanhe, serve some tea."
"Thank you, Innkeeper Lu."
Yuan Qiong led Bai Guo into the hall, her gaze inadvertently falling on the signboard beside the entrance: "No Fighting Allowed Within the Inn." The words were refreshingly straightforward.
"What does this mean?" Bai Guo asked curiously.
Yue Shu replied, "It's one of the inn's rules. No one inside is allowed to resort to violence, or they'll face punishment."
"What a strange rule," Bai Guo remarked.
Yue Shu couldn't stand the word "strange" being used to describe it. He explained, "Without such a rule, martial artists would only solve problems through fighting. Where would that leave the weaker victims with no means to seek justice?"
Having personally benefited from this rule, he had become its most ardent supporter.
This rule was excellent, absolutely brilliant—the entire martial world should adopt it.
Bai Guo let out an "Oh" and didn’t ask further.
Having spent most of her life in the Divine Physician Valley, she had little exposure to conflicts and still couldn’t quite grasp the necessity.
Yuan Qiong sighed in admiration. "Innkeeper Lu’s insight is truly remarkable. No wonder she’s hailed as the 'Righteous Heroine.'"
"That’s just the storytellers exaggerating. I don’t deserve such praise," Lu Jianwei deflected before shifting the topic. "Physician Yuan, what brings you to our humble inn?"
Yuan Qiong wasn’t one for beating around the bush. She spoke frankly, "The Divine Physician Valley refuses to return the medical texts taken from the victims. I’m deeply troubled by this and thought leaving the valley might clear my mind. I’ve been researching meridian theory for years without progress—perhaps my perspective has grown too narrow. Whether in medical ethics or skill, I’m far inferior to the late Senior Lin."
"What are you suggesting?" Lu Jianwei asked.
"Innkeeper Lu, to be honest, I wish to stay outside the valley for a while. There are so many patients here—perhaps treating them will help me improve. But given what happened to Senior Lin, I worry about the dangers of the martial world. I’ve lived long enough, but Bai Guo is still young. The Eight Directions Inn offers shelter and medical care. I’d like to stay here and practice medicine."
Lu Jianwei: "..."
She had just been thinking that with her and Tiao heading to the southwest, the inn’s "healing" function would be inactive. Who would’ve thought someone would volunteer to fill the gap?
Hesitating even slightly would be an insult to profit.
"Physician Yuan, you’re more than welcome to practice medicine here," Lu Jianwei said after a brief pause. "However, I’m about to embark on a long journey and won’t be able to oversee the inn’s operations. Medical treatment carries risks—not that I doubt your skills, but..."
"Innkeeper Lu, rest assured. My medical practice is my own responsibility and won’t involve the inn," Yuan Qiong said solemnly. "If you’re uneasy, we can draft a contract."
Lu Jianwei proposed, "How about this? You may use the inn as your practice space, and the inn will ensure your and Bai Guo’s safety. We’ll split the consultation fees fifty-fifty. In case of danger, the inn will do its utmost to protect you both—within reasonable limits, of course."
"If you’re leaving, how will the inn protect me and my master?" Bai Guo piped up.
Lu Jianwei winked at her. "That’s a secret."
Bai Guo: "..."
"Agreed," Yuan Qiong said decisively. "We’ll proceed as you suggest."
Thus, the two drew up a contract.
Yuan Qiong, a sixth-rank physician of the Divine Physician Valley, became the Eight Directions Inn’s resident physician.
Her decision might displease the valley, but with so many physicians traveling the martial world, her absence wouldn’t be a significant loss.
The Divine Physician Valley wouldn’t pick a fight with the Eight Directions Inn over such a trivial matter.
Yuan Qiong specialized in meridian-related ailments but was also well-versed in other conditions, making her more than capable of treating commoners and martial artists alike.
With peace of mind, Lu Jianwei left the inn in the care of Uncle Zhang, Yun Hui, and Yuan Qiong. She set off for the southwest with the rest of the staff, accompanied by Wen Zhuzhi and his servant.
The southwest was far removed from the martial world of the Central Plains. If not for its abundant medicinal herbs, martial artists from the heartland would never venture into such a remote and isolated region.
From Jiangzhou to the southwest, a fast horse could cover the distance in about a month, while a carriage would take at least two months—not accounting for rest stops.
Their journey passed through Zhangzhou, Wuzhou, Jingzhou, Shuzhou, Qianzhou, and Dianzhou, with Dada City in Dianzhou as their final destination.
Before the Qi Dynasty, Dianzhou wasn’t called Dianzhou but was instead a distant land beyond imperial borders.
During the previous dynasty, Dianzhou was largely self-governed by tribes. Thousands of villages formed communities of varying sizes, each electing their strongest member as chieftain.
This tradition had persisted for nearly a millennium. Though the Qi Dynasty incorporated the region into its territory, tribal customs remained deeply ingrained after only a few decades of rule.
Given its remoteness, the central government had little influence, and tribal leaders held far greater authority than local officials.
Dada City wasn’t established after the Qi Dynasty’s founding.
Dianzhou’s wealth of medicinal herbs—particularly the rare varieties found in Soul-Severing Ridge—drew countless martial artists.
The locals were distrustful of outsiders and barred Central Plains people from entering their villages.
But the Central Plains had money and goods the tribes lacked.
To facilitate trade, both sides designated a neutral, open area as a marketplace.
Over time, the marketplace grew into a town named "Dada," meaning "shining gold" in the local tongue.
The further southwest they traveled, the rougher the roads became.
Qianzhou’s weather was unpredictable—bright and sunny in the morning, but by afternoon, dark clouds rolled in, bringing rain.
"Innkeeper," Xue Guanhe said as he unfurled a rain cover, "this place is desolate. There’s no village ahead or behind us. We won’t find shelter anytime soon."
They were on a mountain path in Qianzhou, where dense forests and rugged terrain made human settlements scarce.
Lu Jianwei checked the system map and spotted a pavilion about a mile ahead. A pavilion in such a place was odd, but better than nothing.
"Keep moving forward," she instructed.
No one objected. They donned their rain cloaks and urged their horses onward.
Lu Jianwei lifted the carriage curtain and glanced back at the following carriage.
"Master Wen, are you holding up alright?"
"Thank you for your concern, Innkeeper Lu," came Wen Zhuzhi’s faint voice through the rain, slightly muffled. "I’m fine."
After a mile, a solitary pavilion came into view.
Yue Shu exclaimed, "A pavilion! Innkeeper, should we take shelter until the rain stops?"
Given Qianzhou’s weather, the rain wouldn’t last long. It made sense to wait it out before continuing.
Lu Jianwei agreed.
They tied their horses to nearby trees and hurried into the pavilion, shaking off rainwater as they stepped inside.
"I wonder who built this pavilion," Xue Guanhe mused, droplets splattering onto the peeling paint of the pillars, darkening the weathered wood.
Wen Zhuzhi slowly wheeled his chair into the pavilion.
"This pavilion is called 'Kuaiyi' (Free and Easy). Legend has it that a wandering swordsman once took shelter here from the rain, only to encounter another swordsman who arrived just as drenched. The two hit it off immediately. Though the rain was bothersome, it led them to a cherished friendship—truly a moment of pure joy. To commemorate this, they built the 'Kuaiyi Pavilion,' also as a refuge for future travelers."
Xue Guanhe listened with shining eyes, his heart swelling with the same exhilaration. Wasn’t this the essence of the martial world—to meet kindred spirits and uphold justice together?
"What happened next? Where are they now?"
The others perked up, equally curious.
Wen Zhuzhi smiled faintly, gazing into the endless curtain of rain. "I don’t know what became of them later."
"They turned on each other and died," Liang Shangjun interjected coldly.
Everyone: "..."
"Even the most sincere bonds can’t withstand the lure of profit," Liang Shangjun sighed, shaking his head. "This pavilion is nothing but irony."
Lu Jianwei cut through his pessimism. "We’re nearing the border between Qianzhou and Dianzhou. In a day or two, we’ll reach Dada City."
"I wonder if the inn is ready yet," Yue Shu said eagerly. "The new place should be just as impressive, right?"
The property had been secured and built under Wen Zhuzhi’s arrangements, so everyone turned to him for answers.
Just as Wen Zhuzhi was about to respond, the sound of hoofbeats approached.
The group fell silent.
Through the rain, a carriage led the way, followed by two riders. The driver was a young woman, a fourth-level martial artist, while a fifth-level practitioner sat inside the carriage. The two horsemen were young men, both at the sixth level.
Clad in straw raincoats, they rode side by side, though their rivalry was obvious—each deliberately cutting the other off, neither willing to yield.
"Bian Xingzhou! Have you no shame? Get out of my way!"
"Zhao Rui, with such boorish manners, how could you possibly deserve to travel with Xue'er?"
"Stop pretending, you hypocrite! You’re the one unfit to be near her!"
"You’re being too loud. Xue'er won’t like it."
"..."
The wind carried their bickering into the pavilion.
Lu Jianwei subtly straightened, her ears pricked toward the newcomers.
This was the legendary "battlefield of love." A dull journey had just gotten interesting.
The carriage driver spotted the pavilion first and exclaimed cheerfully, "Miss, there’s a pavilion ahead. Should we take shelter from the rain?"
From inside the carriage came a voice as clear and melodious as jade struck by ice.
"Alright."
A single word, yet it sent a ripple of warmth through the listeners.
Even Lu Jianwei felt her heartstrings plucked, her ears tingeing pink. She instinctively activated her nameless mental technique, clearing her mind instantly. Scanning the group, she noticed everyone except Tiao and Liang Shangjun seemed momentarily dazed—even Yan Feicang, who was usually obsessed only with his blade.
As for Wen Zhuzhi and his attendant, Wen Zhuzhi sat with his head slightly bowed, his expression unreadable, while A'Nai leaned against a pillar, staring transfixed at the source of the voice.
"Guanhe."
"A'Nai."
Lu Jianwei and Wen Zhuzhi spoke simultaneously.
They exchanged a glance before shifting their attention to the four approaching figures.
A'Nai, Xue Guanhe, and the others snapped out of their stupor, cheeks burning with embarrassment. How could they have been so entranced by a mere voice?
Yan Feicang turned away in frustration, running his fingers over the hilt of his blade. His sword was the only thing worthy of his devotion—everything else was illusion.
Liang Shangjun crouched in a corner, his plain, disguised face betraying nothing as he feigned curiosity at the newcomers, blending in like an ordinary servant.
The carriage appeared modest at first glance, but its extravagance was undeniable—from the rare wood of its frame to the priceless horses pulling it. The window curtains were woven from the finest silk, dyed with premium incense that perfumed the air as they fluttered in the wind.
The two young martial artists were equally refined, their noble bearing marking them as scions of prestigious families.
Compared to them, Lu Jianwei’s group seemed almost shabby.
"Miss, we’ve arrived," the driver said, unfurling an exquisite bamboo umbrella with a frame made of rare, costly bamboo.
The two riders hastily dismounted, eager to assist. Both reached for the carriage door at the same time—one on the left, the other on the right—and in their tug-of-war, the curtain tore down the middle with a sharp rip.
Everyone: "..."
"Bian Xingzhou, are you insane? I was already opening it! Did you really need to stick your clumsy hand in?"
"I reached first! Zhao Rui, must you be so uncouth in front of Xue'er?"
Lu Jianwei: Keep going. This is getting good.
"Enough!" The driver waved them off impatiently. "You’re blocking the door. How is the miss supposed to get out?"
The two immediately fell silent, exchanging glares before stepping aside—though they remained close, like loyal knights guarding a princess.
"Xue'er, let me help you down."
"Xue'er, if you’re worried about strangers in the pavilion, I’ll clear them out."
Lu Jianwei’s group: "..."
Clear who out?
After a brief pause, a slender, jade-white hand parted the torn curtain—delicate, boneless, and flawless.
Lu Jianwei’s eyes sparkled. A beauty, no doubt.
The woman emerged, dressed in white robes, her figure slender and perfectly proportioned. Standing atop the carriage, her sleeves fluttered like petals in the wind, ethereal as a snow lotus untouched by the mortal world.
The only disappointment was the veil shielding her face.
She stepped down, her pristine shoes sinking into the muddy path, her hem splattered with dirt. She paid it no mind, but the two men behind her winced.
"Ah, my fault. I should’ve laid down stones to keep your dress clean."
"Xue'er, why not use qinggong?"
Ignoring them, the woman followed her maid into the pavilion. Spotting Lu Jianwei’s group, she offered a polite nod before turning away to gaze at the distant mountains, silent.
Zhao Rui and Bian Xingzhou, deflated, rallied and entered the pavilion.
The space was already cramped with Lu Jianwei’s eight-member party. With the addition of the woman and her maid, there was hardly room to stand.
Zhao Rui, irritated by the crowding and his failed attempts to impress, directed his frustration at the others.
Eight people—the strongest only at the sixth level, their clothes unremarkable. Three teenagers with even lower cultivation, a cripple in a wheelchair, a nondescript servant in the corner, and two women—one pretty but with no discernible inner energy, the other likely a maid.
In short, no threat whatsoever.
He clasped his hands behind his back, his tone haughty as he addressed Yan Feicang. "I’m claiming this pavilion. Kindly step aside."
Lu Jianwei’s lips curved.
A chance encounter with arrogant fools—how entertaining.
