No Fighting Allowed in the Inn Chapter 64

◎Identity Revealed, Removing the Gu Poison◎

Xue Guanhe quickly opened the courtyard gate, his face lighting up with joy.

"You're back so soon."

A'Nai pushed aside the carriage curtain, set up a ramp, and climbed inside. Carefully, he helped Wen Zhuzhi out, his expression fraught with worry as he stepped into the courtyard and looked up at Lu Jianwei, who stood by the third-floor railing.

"The young master's condition has worsened. Since you're highly skilled in medicine, Madam Lu, could you please examine him?"

"Take him to the common room," Lu Jianwei replied calmly, turning away as the hem of her robe brushed against the railing.

For some reason, A'Nai felt his anxiety instantly soothed, replaced by an inexplicable sense of reassurance.

It was as if, with Madam Lu here, every problem would be effortlessly resolved.

Wen Zhuzhi reclined weakly in his wheelchair, eyes lightly closed, his breathing faint and his face deathly pale.

Just as Lu Jianwei approached, he suddenly coughed—once, then again, deep and wracking, as if trying to expel his very organs.

"Young master… young master…" A'Nai's eyes reddened with panic. "Madam Lu, please save him!"

Lu Jianwei reached out to take his pulse.

The moment her fingertips touched his wrist, he instinctively flinched, his eyes snapping open with a sharp glint.

Upon recognizing her, his gaze softened, and he slowly closed them again.

"Madam Lu… my thanks," he managed to rasp, his voice hoarse.

Lu Jianwei remained silent, pressing her fingers to his pulse.

She had taken countless complex pulses on anatomical models, but never had she encountered one so erratic.

One moment, it was so faint it seemed on the verge of stopping; the next, it surged with unnatural strength—over and over, like a mind at war with itself.

"What caused his condition to worsen?"

A'Nai wiped his tears. "We encountered enemies, and the young master had to use his inner energy."

Lu Jianwei knew he wasn’t telling the full truth.

When a martial artist was poisoned, they needed to use inner energy to suppress the toxin’s spread through their meridians, and indeed, reckless exertion could be dangerous.

But Wen Zhuzhi’s condition was far more severe than that.

He had been poisoned for years, using both inner energy and medicine to confine the toxin to his legs, rendering him unable to walk. The poison had stabilized—even if he exerted himself, it shouldn’t have caused such a drastic decline.

His current state suggested the toxin had circulated through his entire meridian system.

The commander of the Mystic Mirror Bureau never revealed his true face—not for secrecy, but because he couldn’t.

Inner energy flowed through the eight extraordinary meridians, which spanned the torso and limbs but not the face. To maintain mobility and ensure smooth energy circulation, he must have forced the toxin into his face.

From his legs to his face—effectively spreading it through his entire body.

Lu Jianwei didn’t hesitate. "Move him to the bed."

A'Nai immediately wheeled him over and reached to lift him.

"No need. I can manage." Wen Zhuzhi coughed lightly, bracing himself against the bedframe to shift onto the mattress.

The effort drained him completely. The moment his strength faltered, he swayed backward, his head nearly striking the bedpost.

Lu Jianwei, standing by the headboard, instinctively caught him. Her fingers caught his hair ribbon, loosening it. His hair cascaded down like silk, spilling over her arm and across the pillow.

"Careful."

Wen Zhuzhi blinked, momentarily dazed, before mustering a faint, wordless gratitude in his eyes.

"Everyone, out," Lu Jianwei ordered.

Xue Guanhe ushered A'Nai from the room.

Silence settled, so deep a pin drop would echo.

Lu Jianwei helped Wen Zhuzhi lie flat, then took his wrist again, pushing up his sleeve—only for him to resist.

"What? Afraid I’ll see something unsightly?"

Wen Zhuzhi steadied his breathing, gathering just enough strength to murmur, "It’s… not pleasant."

"I’m a physician. You’re a patient. I’ve seen far worse. Don’t worry—it won’t change my opinion of you."

"And what… is that opinion?"

Lu Jianwei smirked. "Wealthy. Handsome."

"Flattered." He released her wrist, his gaze lingering on her face.

She pushed the sleeve to his elbow. His skin was pale, veins stark beneath the surface—but instead of the usual blue or faint purple, they were tinged an ominous black.

Lu Jianwei frowned. "Are you trying to die?"

Wen Zhuzhi’s lips curved weakly. "Not immediately."

"Was it worth shifting the toxin just for a fight?" She reached for his collar.

"Madam Lu." His fingers closed around her wrist, something unreadable flickering in his eyes.

She arched a brow.

"If you didn’t want treatment, why come here? Wouldn’t it be better to return to Nanzhou and die peacefully in your manor?"

"That’s not what I meant."

"Then is it shyness?"

"…"

"Seems so." She undid his collar without ceremony, revealing a chest mapped with blackened veins. "And yet you’re still alive. Impressive stamina."

Wen Zhuzhi averted his eyes, murmuring, "Your blessing."

"You’re relying too much on your deep reserves of inner energy."

"Madam Lu… what makes you say that?"

She produced silver needles, swiftly inserting them into key acupoints. Her hands were steady, her focus unshaken—like a seasoned physician who had treated countless patients.

"With only third-level inner energy, as you’ve displayed, you couldn’t possibly suppress the toxin, let alone shift and suppress it again."

The third-level display was a ruse—most of his energy was devoted to containing the poison in his legs.

Once shifted to his face, it no longer obstructed his meridians, requiring only minimal energy to maintain, leaving his apparent strength unchanged.

Wen Zhuzhi met her gaze, studying her intently.

"Madam Lu sees through everything."

"Hardly." The needles descended lower, nearing his abdomen. "When you shifted the toxin, remnants lingered in your meridians. Your pulse fluctuates because you’re using inner energy to force them back into your legs."

Her hand moved toward his belt.

Wen Zhuzhi caught her wrist again.

Any further would cross a line.

"The last needle. Guanyuan point." Her tone brooked no argument.

Her composure was unnerving, leaving no room for protest.

He slowly released her and shut his eyes, amused at his own inexplicable hesitation.

He was a patient.

A patient’s duty was to obey.

The final needle pierced his skin. The searing pain in his meridians abruptly faded as the scattered toxins gathered under the needles’ guidance, retreating to his legs.

The blackened veins in his arms and chest faded to a healthier blue.

"Keeping the toxin confined to your legs isn’t doing you any favors," Lu Jianwei remarked.

Wen Zhuzhi opened his eyes, serene.

"It’s fine. They’ll serve their purpose before I die."

"Some cling to life desperately. Others court death. Which are you?"

"Neither." He smiled. "Living is acceptable. Dying is, too. No regrets either way."

"If that’s the case, why search for rare medicines?" Her gaze sharpened. "You’re not seeking a cure—just fulfilling your duty."

Wen Zhuzhi chuckled. "Nothing escapes you."

Lu Jianwei had no interest in his true identity. She simply thought he carried too much, lived too burdened, and needed to unshackle himself.

"Was Xia Huaigu really the one who leaked the information?"

"I shouldn’t have kept it from you, but this concerns Mystic Mirror Bureau secrets. I hope you’ll understand."

"I see."

"However, you are the aggrieved party and have assisted the Mystic Mirror Bureau greatly. You are no outsider." Wen Zhuzhi swiftly shifted his stance, his tone softening. "He was acting under orders. The rumor about the 'Polar Golden Silkworm' was fabricated by them."

Lu Jianwei nodded. "Because I tricked them before?"

"Yes, and no."

"How so?"

"Thousand Miles Tower is renowned in the martial world for its intelligence network, privy to countless secrets. As long as the price is right, one can buy any information they desire from them."

"So?"

"They stumbled at your doorstep, Innkeeper Lu." Wen Zhuzhi's body gradually regained warmth, his pallid complexion fading as his voice steadied. "Someone wanted to purchase information about the Eight Directions Inn, but Thousand Miles Tower couldn’t provide accurate intelligence."

Lu Jianwei chuckled lightly. "So they blame me for tarnishing their reputation?"

"They hoped to use the rumor to force your hand and uncover your secrets," Wen Zhuzhi replied, unable to suppress a smile.

Who could have guessed it would lead to such earth-shattering revelations?

Thousand Miles Tower seemed to have gained intelligence—yet also seemed to have gained nothing.

Now that everyone knew of the existence of a ninth-level Martial Sovereign, the Tower’s intelligence lost its value.

For the time being, no one dared challenge the Eight Directions Inn.

"One more question," Lu Jianwei said as she began collecting her needles.

"Go ahead."

"Is the 'Wealthiest Man Wen' title real?"

"..."

Lu Jianwei wiped the silver needles clean with a damp cloth before tucking them away into her case, her movements fluid and rhythmic.

"Is it difficult to answer?"

"It’s real," Wen Zhuzhi admitted, lightly adjusting his collar. "I just didn’t expect that to be your question."

Once the needles were stored, Lu Jianwei stood. "With your capabilities, why not pursue something else?"

If she had enough wealth to last a lifetime, she doubted she’d have the courage to endure such suffering.

To constantly suppress toxins with inner energy while enduring the agony of their spread through every meridian—she could scarcely imagine it.

Wen Zhuzhi smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Innkeeper Lu."

"Qi deviation?"

"Martial world rumors."

"Twenty-seven years old?"

"Twenty-eight last year, twenty-nine this year."

Lu Jianwei chuckled and turned away, tossing a final remark over her shoulder.

"Don’t forget—ten thousand taels for the consultation."

In the backyard, Xue Guanhe stood with his back to A'Nai, drawing water from the well to wash vegetables.

"What exactly happened between you and Young Master Wen?"

Silence answered him.

Xue Guanhe turned in surprise, nearly dropping the bucket in his hands.

A'Nai stood with his head bowed, tears streaming soundlessly down his face, falling like rain.

"H-Hey, don’t cry," Xue Guanhe stammered, setting the bucket down in a fluster. "Whatever’s wrong, tell me. I’ll help you figure it out. Just stop crying."

He couldn’t stand seeing others cry.

Especially A'Nai, who was always sharp-tongued and never one to take grievances lying down. This sudden outburst was utterly unexpected.

A'Nai sniffled but kept his head down.

"Mind your own business. Wash your vegetables."

"I want to mind your business!" Xue Guanhe scowled. "It’s just… your crying is ruining the mood."

"I’m not even making noise! What’s it to you?" A'Nai retorted, his voice thick. "You’re being ridiculous!"

His quarrelsome spirit was intact, but his muffled tone made him sound pitiful.

Xue Guanhe softened slightly but still teased, "A grown man crying like this—aren’t you ashamed? Keep this up, and even if your master recovers, he’ll starve."

"Shut up!"

"If you don’t want me to talk, then stop crying."

A'Nai wiped his tears and lifted his red-rimmed eyes.

"What? Want to fight?" Xue Guanhe rolled up his sleeves. "Not like your family can’t afford the fines. What’s there to fear?"

A'Nai glared at him for a long moment before suddenly bursting into laughter, tossing him a familiar eyeroll.

"So stupid."

"Hey!" Xue Guanhe grabbed a wilted vegetable leaf and flung it at him. "I was trying to comfort you, and this is the thanks I get? No gratitude at all!"

"Who comforts people like you? Calling you stupid is being kind. And don’t throw that at me—it’s disgusting!"

Xue Guanhe tossed the leaf aside, washed his hands, and plopped down beside A'Nai, propping his chin on his palm as he gazed at the sky.

"Was it about Young Master Wen’s condition?"

A'Nai gave a sullen nod.

"Young Master Wen is a good man. Heaven will watch over him."

"You don’t understand."

"Right, right, I don’t. Please enlighten me, oh wise A'Nai."

"Even if I explain, you still won’t get it."

"Talk like that, and you’ll have no friends left!"

"Aren’t you my friend?"

"Only because I’m kind-hearted."

"Exactly. So, kind-hearted Young Master Xue, could you please go back to washing your vegetables?"

Xue Guanhe: "..."

Enough. This conversation was shortening his lifespan.

Just then, the sound of a door opening echoed.

A'Nai sprang up and dashed to the front courtyard, intercepting Lu Jianwei.

"Innkeeper Lu, how is my master?"

"The toxicity has been suppressed. He’s stable for now," Lu Jianwei replied. "But if this happens a few more times, not even the gods could save him."

"Thank you, Innkeeper Lu." A'Nai hesitated before asking hopefully, "Your medical skills are extraordinary—you easily neutralized 'Beauty’s Envy' and 'Heartless Lover.' Could my master’s poison…"

Lu Jianwei shook her head.

Seeing the boy’s face fall, she added, "But everything in this world follows its own logic. There’s always a solution."

A'Nai’s shoulders slumped. "We’ve searched for so long. Too long."

"The poison in his body—any single strain would be fatal. Yet the five distinct toxins have formed an equilibrium, confined to his legs under the suppression of his inner energy. That means the heavens have left him a path."

"Wait—what?" A'Nai’s eyes widened. "Five poisons?"

Lu Jianwei raised a brow. "You didn’t know?"

"I… My master never mentioned it. When he found me, he was already poisoned. I only knew it was deadly, but not that it was five different toxins."

"If it were a single poison, finding the right antidote wouldn’t be difficult. But with five intertwined, neutralizing one could disrupt the balance and unleash the rest." Lu Jianwei mused. "That might be why his condition has persisted."

A'Nai: "..."

What ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍in the world had his master endured before?!

Lu Jianwei returned to her room and sank onto the daybed, lost in thought.

"What’s on your mind?" Xiao Ke asked.

"I’m wondering—if I cure the Five Elements Poison, would the 'Wealthiest Man Wen' be willing to hand over his entire fortune to me?" Lu Jianwei mused. "Earned through skill—perfectly legal and fair, no?"

Xiao Ke: "…You haven’t even cured Tiao’s poison yet."

Lu Jianwei rubbed her temples.

"Not just Tiao’s poison—I still haven’t lured out the parasitic gu either. Xiao Ke, you dropped me into hard mode."

Xiao Ke: "No one’s forcing you to solve it."

"No!" Lu Jianwei forced herself upright. "I need to earn my way home. I can’t afford to slack off."

She had fully analyzed the Blood-Consuming Gu, but how to coax it out of the body remained a mystery.

Yue Shu’s ant formation had given her an idea, but without understanding the principles of formations, she couldn’t devise a flawless method.

Should she ask the 'Wealthiest Man Wen'?

But he’d just endured another episode of toxin migration—would he even have the energy to discuss formations?

Lu Jianwei tugged at her hair and sighed deeply.

Days passed. Wen Zhuzhi recovered enough to move to the courtyard and bask in the sun.

With no breakthrough in sight, Lu Jianwei steeled herself and decided to seek his advice.

She handed a can of white silk-scented tea to Wen Zhuzhi.

"What's this?"

"You like this tea, don't you? It's for you."

Wen Zhuzhi chuckled. "No reward without merit—does Shopkeeper Lu need something from me?"

"I have a few questions I’d like to ask." Lu Jianwei placed the tea can directly onto his lap, then paused. "Where’s your Cold Jade Flute?"

Wen Zhuzhi: "After your acupuncture treatment, I’ve improved. There’s no need for the Cold Jade Flute to suppress the poison anymore."

"Cold jade can suppress poison?" Lu Jianwei looked baffled. "Are you joking with me?"

"It’s related to the cultivation technique I practice."

"Oh."

Wen Zhuzhi cradled the tea can in his hands, his eyes gentle and warm.

"Shopkeeper Lu, feel free to speak plainly."

"You’re skilled in formations—have you ever tried setting one up on a human body?" Lu Jianwei knew her idea was unconventional. "It might sound far-fetched, but..."

"I have." Wen Zhuzhi smiled. "It’s rare for someone like Shopkeeper Lu, who hasn’t studied formations, to have such an inventive thought. The human body’s vital energy aligns with the balance of yin and yang and the five elements, falling within the scope of mystic arts."

Lu Jianwei’s eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really."

"How effective is it?"

"That depends on what kind of formation you want to set up."

Lu Jianwei grabbed the handles of his wheelchair.

"Come with me."

The wheelchair rolled toward the examination room, where an unconscious man in gray lay on a bed, his chest exposed as if it had been uncovered multiple times.

Wen Zhuzhi understood immediately.

"A gu worm?"

"Right." Lu Jianwei b