No Fighting Allowed in the Inn Chapter 69

◎Profit, Hearing, Beyond Reproach◎

The assassination of the newly appointed Merchant Alliance leader sent shockwaves throughout Jiangzhou City.

In broad daylight, under the watchful eyes of the public, the killer’s audacity was beyond belief.

Investigate! They must investigate!

The case was swiftly transferred from the local magistrate to the Mystic Mirror Bureau.

Since the eyewitnesses were all ordinary merchants unable to identify the killer’s rank, the Bureau deliberated and dispatched one Red-Robed Enforcer and two Blue-Robed Enforcers to handle the case.

Expecting a challenging pursuit, they were surprised to hear, upon entering Jiangzhou City, that the culprit was hiding in the Eight Directions Inn.

The Eight Directions Inn was renowned in the martial world, and they had long heard of its reputation.

The innkeeper, Lu Jianwei, was notoriously greedy for wealth, and her martial prowess was unfathomable.

The three enforcers hurried to the inn, where they coincidentally encountered the Hei brothers from the Black Wind Fort outside the courtyard.

The Red-Robed Enforcer was only a fifth-rank fighter—no match for the sixth-rank brothers.

But before the Eight Directions Inn, all were equal.

The Red-Robed Enforcer, Wei Nanshan, clasped his fists respectfully. "I am Wei Nanshan of the Mystic Mirror Bureau, here to apprehend a murderer. I hope Innkeeper Lu will grant us this courtesy."

The courtyard gate swung open, revealing a fair-faced youth.

"Come in, all of you."

Wei Nanshan and the two Blue-Robed Enforcers stepped into the front courtyard.

The main hall stood tall and imposing, its layout clearly divided between east and west. Outside the six-paneled doors, a wooden plaque bore a warning from a master—a silent deterrent.

Not daring to act rashly, Wei Nanshan approached the hall cautiously.

"You’re not coming in?" The youth’s clear voice rang out behind them. "If not, I’m closing the gate."

"...We’re coming."

The Hei brothers had lingered outside the courtyard, their hesitation rooted in past trauma—once, they had been hung from the eaves as punishment.

If not for the fact that the killer of Elder Chai was inside, and given their "familiarity" with the inn, they wouldn’t have returned to Jiangzhou.

Once they dragged out the murderer, they would tear him limb from limb!

All five entered the inn, and Yue Shu shut the gate, cutting off the prying eyes outside.

Lu Jianwei sat in the hall, her attendants standing behind her.

Ping Wu, dressed in pristine white, stood to her left, exuding an air of elegance and indifference.

The five newcomers inwardly cursed his arrogance.

"Innkeeper Lu, may I proceed with questioning?" Wei Nanshan suppressed his displeasure and asked politely.

Lu Jianwei smiled warmly. "By all means."

"May I ask, young master, was it you who killed Wang Chijie?"

"I am Ping Wu. Indeed, I killed Wang Chijie."

"Why did you kill him and then seek refuge here?" Wei Nanshan glanced at Lu Jianwei’s expression. "Do you intend to evade justice under the inn’s protection?"

"Exactly!" Hei Hou fumed. "You murdered Elder Chai and fled, and now you think this inn can shield you? Not a chance!"

Ping Wu showed no fear.

"Enforcer Wei, does a suspect not have the right to defend himself?"

"Of course," Wei Nanshan replied. "Return with me to the Mystic Mirror Bureau, and you’ll have the opportunity to explain your motives."

"No!" Hei Zhong’s bushy brows furrowed. "He killed Elder Chai. We must avenge our elder. The Bureau has no right to take him."

"The Wang Chijie case falls under the Bureau’s jurisdiction."

"The Black Wind Fort repays blood with blood!"

Both sides stood their ground, neither willing to relinquish Ping Wu.

Lu Jianwei watched the spectacle from her seat, noticing Chen Hui and a servant peeking from the staircase.

When Ping Wu had entered the inn the day before, the two had been terrified, packing their belongings to flee.

But how could she let such lucrative guests leave?

She had Yan Feicang demonstrate a set of blade techniques in the courtyard, instantly winning over Chen Hui, who declared that with such a formidable warrior present, he had nothing to fear.

Now, the man was eavesdropping from the stairs—whether out of bravery or cowardice, it was hard to say.

The Hei brothers and the enforcers argued heatedly, weapons itching for action, yet none dared strike first.

The plaque at the gate was no joke.

Weary of the squabble, Wei Nanshan turned to Lu Jianwei.

"Innkeeper Lu, may I take the suspect back to the Bureau?"

"Innkeeper Lu, martial disputes belong in the jianghu. He killed our elder—he’s ours to deal with!" the Hei brothers insisted.

Lu Jianwei finally spoke. "May I offer a suggestion?"

"We’re listening."

"Please, go ahead."

"Ping Wu’s guilt is undeniable, but in the martial world, grievances are settled eye for eye. Once we understand his reasons, you may decide his fate."

"He killed in public. Without punishment, public outrage will not subside," Wei Nanshan argued.

Hei Hou added, "If we fail to avenge our elder, how will the Black Wind Fort maintain its standing?"

"The solution is simple." Lu Jianwei smiled. "We’ll hold a hearing."

"A hearing?"

"What’s that?"

She continued leisurely, "When conflicts arise, you resort to violence without uncovering the truth, breeding endless cycles of vengeance. Have you never considered sitting down to discuss matters civilly?"

The five were at a loss.

"In three days, the inn will host a hearing on 'The Case of Ping Wu’s Killings.' We invite the people of Jiangzhou and martial artists to attend as observers."

Wei Nanshan frowned. "Why?"

"You fear public outrage? Then let the people participate and decide for themselves."

"..."

"Innkeeper Lu, why go through this farce? He’s already confessed to killing Elder Chai. Just hand him over!"

"Only three hundred seats are available. Admission is one hundred taels per person, first come, first served. Tickets cannot be resold, stolen, or seized. Violators will face severe consequences."

Ignoring their protests, Lu Jianwei turned to Uncle Zhang. "All noted?"

"Noted," Uncle Zhang replied. "I’ll spread the word immediately."

She knew curiosity would drive many to pay the steep price for a ticket.

The enforcers: "..."

The Hei brothers: "..."

So this was all about profit!

Outmatched by the Eight Directions Inn, they had no choice but to wait for the hearing in three days.

Wei Nanshan asked, "Innkeeper Lu, what if Ping Wu escapes—"

"He won’t," she assured. "I won’t let him."

The five decided to stay at the inn to keep watch over Ping Wu.

Lu Jianwei welcomed them—even small coins added up.

News of the hearing spread like wildfire.

A hearing?

Commoners could participate in judging a murder case? Of course they wanted in! With the enforcers present, the killer was surely restrained—no danger in attending.

One hundred taels for a ticket?

Never mind!

Wealthy merchants, however, waved silver notes to secure their spots, eager to witness this unprecedented event.

Martial artists flocked from all directions, early arrivals snagging tickets while latecomers left disappointed.

Resourceful ones booked seats in nearby teahouses or clinics, relying on sharp eyes and ears to follow the proceedings.

In just three days, Lu Jianwei raked in thirty thousand taels.

Even Lan Ling couldn’t help but envy her profit speed.

"Innkeeper Lu, you’re playing both sides for gold."

First, Ping Wu offered three hundred thousand taels seeking protection, followed by three hundred people purchasing tickets at high prices. Lu Jianwei didn’t have to lift a finger and effortlessly gained thirty-three thousand taels.

Lu Jianwei thought to herself that it was all thanks to the groundwork laid earlier—Ping Wu’s trust in the inn, the Mystic Mirror Bureau and the Black Wind Fort giving her face. Otherwise, this hearing wouldn’t even have had the chance to be proposed.

"I actually think this method is quite good—it avoids unnecessary bloodshed," A'Nai remarked with an air of seriousness. "Innkeeper Lu, we should use this approach more often in the future."

Lu Jianwei chuckled. How often would wronged parties come knocking on their door like this?

This time, it was just a spur-of-the-moment idea—a way to earn money, avoid putting the Mystic Mirror Bureau and Black Wind Fort in a difficult position, and also reveal the truth to the public.

On the day of the hearing, the crowd lined up outside the courtyard gate to enter. Even the usually unruly martial artists didn’t dare cause trouble in front of the Eight Directions Inn, obediently standing in line one after another.

Cutting in line was out of the question.

The Earth-Diving Ghost and the Starving Ghost were also in the queue. Their grotesque appearances left a wide empty space around them, with no one daring to stand too close.

"Good thing we didn’t leave Jiangzhou, or we’d have missed such a spectacle," the Earth-Diving Ghost said, bouncing on his tiptoes, eager to get inside the courtyard and witness the excitement.

The Starving Ghost, his face deathly pale, murmured gloomily, "If this succeeds, won’t more and more people come to the inn to absolve themselves of crimes?"

"Let’s see how it goes first," the Earth-Diving Ghost replied. "Innkeeper Lu doesn’t seem like someone who’d act without reason."

"A hundred taels for a ticket..."

"Stop worrying about your purse. It’s our turn now."

The two entered the courtyard without issue. The spacious front yard was neatly arranged with benches for spectators to sit.

They arrived late, so the front rows were already full. Given their unsettling appearances, they chose a secluded corner to sit.

The courtyard was eerily silent—no one dared speak.

At the beginning of the si hour (9 AM), all six doors of the inn’s hall swung open.

Wei Nanshan and his two companions emerged from the left side door, while the brothers from Black Wind Fort stepped out from the right. The two factions stood distinctly apart, refusing to even glance at each other.

They took their positions beneath the corridor.

From the central door, Lu Jianwei stepped forward with a faint smile.

She wore an exquisite dress—pale green as the base, overlaid with a delicate gauze robe embroidered with fine golden threads that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. The hem was dyed with ink-wash patterns of blue mountains and clear waters, exuding elegance and grace.

Behind her stood Yan Feicang, Zhang Gaozhu, Xue Guanhe, Yue Shu, Tiao, and Yun Hui—an imposing lineup that radiated an extraordinary presence.

On the third floor, Lan Ling, Chen Hui, and a servant leaned against the railing, watching intently.

In the corridor of the common quarters, A'Nai sat on a small stool with a plate of melon seeds on his lap. Beside him was a tea table holding a teapot and cups.

"Young Master, Innkeeper Lu’s idea is truly novel. I wonder what the outcome will be."

Wen Zhuzhi turned a page of his book without looking up.

"It is indeed unique."

But this kind of uniqueness could only be achieved by the Eight Directions Inn.

Small sects lacked the power to intimidate martial artists, while major sects wouldn’t bother seeking justice for someone as insignificant as Ping Wu.

The Eight Directions Inn was shrouded in mystery, maintaining a neutral stance, and backed by a ninth-level Martial King. Whether it was Black Wind Fort, the Mystic Mirror Bureau, or the martial artists here for the spectacle—they all had to show respect.

Lu Jianwei swept her gaze across the crowd in the courtyard, her smile light and composed.

"Your esteemed presence here today is an honor for our humble inn. I, Lu, extend my deepest gratitude."

The crowd cupped their hands in polite response, murmuring courteous words, though their eyes betrayed impatience and curiosity as they strained to peer into the inn.

Lu Jianwei didn’t keep them waiting.

"Ping Wu, it’s time for your defense."

Snow-white sleeves brushed past the threshold as a tall, slender figure appeared before the crowd.

His refined features and graceful demeanor bore no trace of malice, making him instantly likable.

"I am Ping Wu, greeting you all."

"It’s you!" A man suddenly stood up, his face twisted in fury. "I remember your face—you’re the one who killed Brother Wang!"

He was a wealthy merchant who had attended the merchant alliance meeting and had been close to Wang Chijie. He despised martial artists who killed indiscriminately.

He knew speaking out might make him a target, but with the Mystic Mirror Bureau present and so many witnesses, his fear faded.

Justice belonged to the people—murderers should pay with their lives!

Ping Wu showed no anger. Instead, his lips curled in amusement.

"Yes, I killed him. Your eyesight is sharp."

"You—" Such brazen arrogance!

The other merchants in attendance, putting themselves in the victim’s shoes, glared at him in outrage. In the face of martial artists, they were as insignificant as ants. Witnessing Wang Chijie’s brutal death had filled them with grief and terror.

If someone like this wasn’t punished, how could their own safety be guaranteed in the future?

The common folk seethed with anger, while the martial artists watched with detached interest.

The Earth-Diving Ghost remarked, "Seems to me there’s more to this story. Maybe that Wang fellow deserved it."

"No kidding?"

"You spent my money, and now you’re lecturing me?"

"That was just a little?"

"You’re enjoying this just as much," the Earth-Diving Ghost deflected. "Still, I wonder which powerful faction backs the Eight Directions Inn—even the Thousand Miles Tower couldn’t uncover it."

"Innkeeper Lu doesn’t seem to dislike the Mystic Mirror Bureau," the Starving Ghost mused. "Perhaps she’s been secluded for too long and treats all sects and the Bureau equally."

"True. I’ve never seen her show deference to anyone," the Earth-Diving Ghost sighed.

Black Wind Fort, the Thousand Miles Tower, even the Martial Alliance—they’d all suffered losses at Innkeeper Lu’s hands, yet still had to smile and pay up afterward.

That was why the Eight Directions Inn could host such an unconventional hearing.

The Mystic Mirror Bureau hadn’t been idle these past three days.

Wei Nanshan raised a hand to quiet the murmurs before turning to Ping Wu.

"Why did you kill Wang Chijie?"

"Ten years ago, he murdered my entire family," Ping Wu replied coldly. "Killing him was only just."

Gasps erupted in the courtyard.

"What? Wang Chijie killed people?"

"What really happened?"

"So it was revenge?"

Wei Nanshan pressed, "Wang Chijie is dead. What proof do you have?"

"Ten years ago, I was just a commoner. My family made a living raising silkworms and spinning silk. Though not wealthy, we were happy. Wang Chijie was a failed scholar returning home after failing the imperial exams. Passing through Jiangzhou City at night during a heavy rainstorm, he fell ill, ran out of money, and had nowhere to go. My family took pity and let him stay to recover."

At this point, Ping Wu’s eyes reddened, his voice choked with tears.

"I wish they hadn’t been so kind! If they hadn’t taken him in that night, they wouldn’t have died. I wouldn’t have lost everyone in an instant. He deserved to die! He should’ve died long ago! What’s wrong with me killing him?!"

"We can’t take your word for it. Where’s the evidence?"

"Yeah, prove he killed your family!"

Ping Wu sneered. "The unsolved massacre of the Chu Family Village in Jiangzhou’s Pear Blossom Bay ten years ago—the government still has records. Go check!"

"Pear Blossom Bay…" someone exclaimed. "I’ve heard of it. Seven people died, and the case remains unsolved."

"Now that you mention it, I remember. They said it was poison."

Wei Nanshan: "Even so, how can you prove Wang Chijie was the killer? Where were you at the time?"

"I ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​‍was studying at the school in town and went back the next day, only returning home once every half month, so I was lucky enough to escape the tragedy. I reported it to the authorities, but they couldn’t find the killer."

"If that’s the case, how did you uncover the murderer?"

"Because Wang Chijie’s silkworm-raising method was stolen from my family!"

"Impossible!" Wang Chijie’s friend exclaimed. "If your family had such a method, how could you have lived in poverty?"

"Exactly. With such a method, anyone would have prospered."

Ping Wu replied, "You’re right. However, this ingenious silkworm-raising technique was painstakingly researched and developed by my cousin. She planned to test it the following year, but who would have thought... He must have overheard and harbored evil intentions."

"That still doesn’t make sense. Why would a scholar be interested in raising silkworms?"

"A scholar who’s impoverished and hopeless about his career prospects would naturally turn to wicked schemes when desperate."

"You’re just speculating!"

"I have proof," Ping Wu said, pulling a torn fragment from his sleeve. "This is his examination document from back then, bearing his name and the seal of the Nanzhou Prefecture."

"How did you get this?"

"He came to my house running a high fever. My father and I changed his clothes and wiped him down. The document was soaked by the rain, so my father told me to dry it. The next day, when I left for school, he was still unconscious, so I didn’t return it."

Ping Wu’s lips curled in mockery. "As a fell