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 fellow scholar, I treasured such a document—a symbol of identity—so I hid it carefully in a place even my family didn’t know about, where I kept my spare coins."

Wei Nanshan asked, "How did it end up torn?"

"Because he killed them and tried to burn the evidence. If not for the villagers putting out the fire in time, I wouldn’t even have been able to see my family’s bodies intact." Hatred flashed in Ping Wu’s eyes. "When I found it, it was already like this."

Someone asked, "If you had this document, why didn’t the authorities catch him?"

"Why do you think?" Ping Wu sneered. "Naturally, because someone protected him."

Wei Nanshan frowned. "Who?"

"Isn’t it obvious? It must be the other ‘victim,’" Lan Ling teased with a laugh. "Oh my, not all Mystic Mirror Bureau agents are clever, are they?"

Wei Nanshan: "..."

"What did you say?" Hei Hou roared. "Are you suggesting Elder Chai protected some silkworm farmer? That’s ridiculous!"

"Ten years ago, did Chai Kun suffer any injuries?" Ping Wu said scornfully. "Don’t tell me you don’t remember."

The Hei brothers exchanged glances, their expressions slightly uneasy.

Ping Wu scoffed. "Chai Kun killed a fifth-rank rogue to find a suitable weapon for the Young Fort Lord. Before dying, the rogue self-destructed, severely injuring Chai Kun. Wang Chijie, on his way to the imperial exams, saved him. To repay the debt, Chai Kun used the Black Wind Fort’s influence to help Wang Chijie evade justice and sent men to eliminate all witnesses."

Everyone was stunned.

Who would have thought that Nanzhou’s famous silk merchant had such a connection with Black Wind Fort’s third elder?

A lie like this would be easily exposed, so Ping Wu had no reason to fabricate it.

In other words, his words were likely true!

Wang Chijie’s friend still refused to believe it.

"You claim he poisoned your family, but he was just a scholar. Where would he get poison?"

"When did I say they were poisoned?" Ping Wu retorted. "The one who mentioned poisoning was just an unrelated passerby, and even they used the word ‘allegedly.’ You readily believe hearsay but dismiss my words—your bias is beyond obvious!"

The friend froze, his face flushing crimson, unable to counter.

Wei Nanshan took out the case records at the right moment.

"I did investigate the massacre of the Chu Family Village. The records state the victims were drugged unconscious before their throats were slit with a kitchen knife."

The person who had earlier mentioned "poison" awkwardly chuckled.

"I only repeated what I heard."

The crowd understood—rumors often stray far from the truth.

The only one truly embarrassed was Wang Chijie’s friend, who hung his head in shame, no longer daring to speak recklessly.

Someone asked curiously, "Where did the drug come from?"

"That’s a question for the Young Fort Lord of Black Wind Fort," Ping Wu said, looking at the Hei brothers. "You two know Elder Chai’s habits well. Shouldn’t you know he always carried drugs while traveling?"

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"So what?" Hei Zhong snapped. "Plenty of martial artists carry drugs. Does that mean they all deserve to die?"

A light laugh came from the third floor.

"What a blockhead. Sure, many carry drugs, but only Black Wind Fort members carry those specially brewed by their physicians."

Hei Zhong still didn’t get it. "Elder Chai is from the fort. What’s wrong with him carrying its drugs?"

"Because he gave some to Wang Chijie," Ping Wu explained. "They say a life saved demands a lifetime of repayment. Elder Chai wasn’t short on money, so he naturally offered silver to his savior. But Wang Chijie, pretending to be noble, refused."

Lan Ling added, "Wang Chijie was in a hurry to take the exams, and Chai Kun was badly injured with nothing else to give. So he handed over the drugs, promising they could serve as a token for future aid."

Black Wind Fort’s specially made drugs had the fort’s name engraved at the bottom of the vial. Just sending word through one of their shops would reach Chai Kun.

"This is all your wild imagination!" Hei Zhong fumed. "No outsiders were present. How could you possibly know?"

"Have you forgotten who I am?" Lan Ling chuckled. "The Thousand Miles Tower knows all under heaven."

Ping Wu cupped his hands. "Thank you, Senior Lan, for speaking up for me."

"Who’s speaking up for you?" Lan Ling snorted. "I just can’t stand these two black bears."

She still hadn’t settled her grudge over their earlier pursuit.

Ping Wu smiled. "Wang Chijie himself admitted this. In business banquets, after a few drinks, who could resist boasting about past ‘heroic deeds’?"

"I think I’ve heard something like this!" someone said hesitantly. "Once, when drinking with him, he mentioned something similar—how he did a righteous deed during his exam travels, forging a bond that later brought him success."

"Now that you mention it, I recall it too."

"Same here."

Vanity is human nature.

Wang Chijie, having once been destitute, was even more vain. Once successful, he couldn’t resist flaunting.

Having committed evil, he desperately crafted an image of kindness and benevolence, as if that could truly make him a saint.

Little did he know his bragging only further exposed his crimes.

"If you still don’t believe me, he still keeps the vial Chai Kun gave him at home," Ping Wu mocked. "Surely the two Young Fort Lords can verify whether it’s from ten years ago?"

The design of the vials had changed over the decade, making identification easy.

The Hei brothers: "..."

The mounting evidence left no doubt—Wang Chijie was the murderer.

Even if one doubted, Ping Wu had no reason to concoct such an elaborate scheme just to kill an "ordinary merchant."

He could have simply masked his face, killed, and vanished, leaving the authorities helpless.

No one present was a fool.

Those who could afford to spend a hundred taels on an entrance ticket were all wealthy merchants of considerable means. Without sharp wits, it would have been impossible for them to amass such fortunes.

The truth was now clear.

Ping Wu had committed murder—that was a fact. Wang Chijie had also committed murder—that too was a fact. Both he and Chai Kun could be said to have deserved their deaths.

But one question remained—

"What do you mean when you say Chai Kun helped Wang Chijie 'uproot the grass and destroy the roots'?" Wei Nanshan asked.

Ping Wu replied, "Naturally, it meant killing me."

"You were barely over ten years old at the time, with no martial training. How did you escape his pursuit?"

This question resonated with everyone present.

Ping Wu said, "The reason I now possess martial skills is because I encountered a benefactor—it was they who saved me."

"After your rescue, did Chai Kun simply stop trying to kill you?"

"I was already dead in his eyes—why would he keep trying?" Ping Wu sounded puzzled. "You didn’t think he’d dirty his own hands, did you? He merely sent a low-ranking martial disciple. That disciple, afraid of failing the mission, lied about completing it."

Wei Nanshan nodded and turned to Lu Jianwei.

"Innkeeper Lu, I have no further questions."

Lu Jianwei had been listening quietly all along. Having heard the story once before, she remained far calmer than the others in the room.

"Do the two Young Fort Lords have anything else to ask?"

The Hei brothers shook their heads weakly.

A life for a life—this method of vengeance aligned with the rules of the martial world. Chai Kun had been complicit in the slaughter of Ping Wu’s family and had later shielded the guilty while attempting to eliminate the last survivor. There was no fault to be found in Ping Wu taking his life.

Lu Jianwei’s gaze swept across the hall.

"Does anyone else have questions?"

The assembled crowd shook their heads.

"In that case," Lu Jianwei announced, "this hearing is hereby concluded—"

"Wait!"