No Fighting Allowed in the Inn Chapter 102

◎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