NOVPUB◎ Taking the Initiative, The Know-It-All (Foreshadowing and Transition) ◎
Cangzhou City was bustling with visitors. 𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙥𝒖𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝒎
Martial artists from all corners of the land had gathered, eager to witness the spectacle surrounding the world's foremost major sect.
After all, with the Alliance Order in play, they had a "just cause"—even the Carefree Sect had to abide by the rules of the martial world.
Wan Cong blended in among the martial artists, gathering information from all over Cangzhou City. From the seemingly unrelated fragments of conversation, he pieced together a complete chain of events.
Manager Lu and his two companions had entered Cangzhou City, first inquiring about the Yao couple at a blacksmith's shop using a crane-shaped whistle, then stopping at Lu’s Pancake Shop for half an hour before finally settling in at the Listening Wind Inn in the western part of the city.
While others might not recognize the disguised trio as being from the Eight Directions Inn, Wan Cong was ninety percent certain of their identities.
Manager Lu, Commander Pei, and Helian Xue.
Along the way, he had heard countless tales about the Eight Directions Inn, and his curiosity burned so fiercely that he longed to rush straight to Fengzhou to witness the legendary, enigmatic inn for himself.
However, with Manager Lu himself now in Cangzhou and the impending confrontation between the Alliance Order and the Carefree Sect’s leader, he was stretched too thin to act on his desires.
Well, the inn wasn’t going anywhere. There was no need to rush.
Wan Cong stepped into the Listening Wind Inn in the western district.
"Welcome, honored guest! Will you be dining or staying the night?" the attendant greeted him warmly.
Wan Cong tossed out a piece of broken silver. "I’m quite particular about my lodgings."
"Please, honored guest, state your preferences!"
"I want a superior room. I can’t stand sharing walls with foul-smelling men. Preferably, my neighbors should be either absent or young ladies."
The attendant: "..."
And you don’t think you smell?
With a practiced smile, he replied cautiously, "Unfortunately, these past two days have been packed with guests. We only have one superior room left, and..."
"And what?"
"Both neighboring rooms are occupied by male guests."
Wan Cong deliberately frowned, feigning displeasure. "I’ve already checked several inns—why are they all full?"
"Honored guest, you may not be aware, but most of our current patrons are martial artists. If you do decide to stay, please be cautious." The attendant, sensing no martial aura from Wan Cong, assumed he was just an ordinary traveler.
After a moment’s hesitation, Wan Cong sighed in resignation. "Fine, fine. Since yours is the only inn with a room left, I’ll make do for the night. Lead the way."
"Right this way, honored guest." The attendant guided him upstairs, lowering his voice. "Even if you dislike having male neighbors, please try to act indifferent. Those are all highly skilled martial artists."
Wan Cong gave him an appreciative glance and casually tossed him a few more copper coins.
"For that warning, here’s a reward."
The attendant beamed, clutching the coins. "Many thanks, honored guest! Many thanks!"
The superior rooms were on the third floor—six in total.
Wan Cong’s room was the second from the left. Both adjacent rooms housed male guests, while the remaining three consecutive rooms undoubtedly belonged to Manager Lu and Helian Xue.
As an eighth-level martial artist, he could easily sense the cultivation levels of the other guests.
The two neighboring rooms—one fourth-level, one fifth-level—ruled out the possibility of either being Pei Zhi.
The third room from the right had a fifth-level mid-stage cultivator, matching Helian Xue’s internal energy. The second from the right showed no detectable energy—undoubtedly belonging to Manager Lu, who had already reached the ninth level.
Based on the intelligence he had gathered, sticking close to Manager Lu would guarantee him a front-row seat to the grand spectacle.
Last time, he had carelessly brushed past Manager Lu. This time, he wouldn’t make the same mistake.
After Lu Jianwei removed her disguise, word of her whereabouts spread quickly.
Representatives from major factions sent her formal requests for an audience.
The Listening Wind Inn’s manager and attendants were dumbfounded.
An elder from the Heaven-Supporting Hall? The leader of the Martial Alliance? The dean of Luzhou Academy?
These esteemed figures were gracing their humble inn, humbly requesting an audience with one of their guests!
What honor had befallen the Listening Wind Inn?!
The manager trembled with excitement as he personally carried the invitations upstairs.
Arriving at Lu Jianwei’s door, he straightened his hair, smoothed his robes, cleared his throat, and spoke in the most reverent tone he could muster.
"Esteemed Senior, several distinguished martial artists wish to meet with you. They have entrusted this humble one to deliver their invitations."
To think their inn housed such an eminent figure—what fortune!
Lu Jianwei, having nothing better to do, had been practicing calligraphy in her room, with Pei Zhi grinding ink and serving tea by her side, occasionally exchanging insights on the art.
She hadn’t deliberately concealed her presence at the inn—after all, the martial factions would track her down easily.
As expected, they arrived swiftly.
Lu Jianwei set down her brush and washed her hands. "Send them up."
The manager withdrew respectfully. Moments later, three men stood outside her door.
"Ling Zong of the Martial Alliance pays his respects to Manager Lu."
Alliance Leader Ling Zong, an eighth-level mid-stage expert, was a renowned figure in the martial world.
When the main branch of the Eight Directions Inn in Fengzhou had opened on the same day as the Martial Alliance’s grand tournament, he had initially dismissed the small inn as insignificant—though he had magnanimously sent congratulations.
After the inn’s turmoil concluded, he was profoundly grateful for his earlier decision.
Considering the storms that had swept through the martial world, Zhuang Wenqing’s intentions had been glaringly obvious.
His original plan had been to throw the Martial Alliance’s tournament into chaos.
But the tournament’s schedule had been disrupted by Manager Lu, forcing him to shift targets.
Ling Zong asked himself: If puppet gu had run rampant during the tournament, could he have turned the tide, suppressing Zhuang Wenqing, Shangguan Chi, and the assassins implanted with puppet gu?
Perhaps—but at a devastating cost.
Yet Manager Lu had not only neutralized the threat, slaying Zhuang Wenqing, but also ascended to the ninth level—Martial Sovereign.
A ninth-level Martial Sovereign alone was enough to command his deference.
Manager Lu of the Eight Directions Inn could rightfully be called the foremost figure in the martial world today.
Lu Jianwei flipped the calligraphy practice sheets face-down on the desk.
"Please, come in."
The superior room was furnished with a table and chairs. Lu Jianwei sat at the head, while Pei Zhi opened the door before returning to sit beside her.
The three men entered and bowed.
Lu Jianwei poured tea herself, smiling warmly. "No need for formalities. Please, sit."
They complied, accepting the tea set before them, its fragrance lingering in the air.
Zhao Xian hesitated. "Manager Lu, the matters we wish to discuss concern the martial world. With Commander Pei present..."
"He is no outsider," Lu Jianwei said, giving him a pointed look.
Huan Meng’s son’s involvement in Carefree Sect affairs was hardly inappropriate.
Zhao Xian: "..."
"Manager Lu, we’ve come regarding the Alliance Order," Shangguan Huai interjected smoothly. "Alliance Leader Ling, why don’t we share our plans with Manager Lu?"
Ling Zong nodded solemnly. "Manager Lu, I intend to lead the martial artists to the Carefree Sect tomorrow."
"Agreed."
"Do you have any suggestions?"
Lu Jianwei’s eyes held a faint amusement. "Though you all previously nominated me to lead this Alliance Order operation, the order itself originates from the Martial Alliance. I believe it’s more appropriate for Alliance Leader Ling to take charge."
"But—"
"Alliance Leader Ling, if you require anything, you need only ask."
"I wouldn’t dare impose," Ling Zong said hastily, cupping his hands. "Manager Lu, you flatter me. Naturally, the most capable should lead."
Lu Jianwei: "Alliance Leader Ling has presided over the Martial Alliance for years, guiding it to prosperity. There’s no need for modesty."
The three men: "..."
Who didn’t know the Martial Alliance was in decline?
Was Manager Lu mocking them? She had to be!
Ling Zong gave a dry laugh. "It would be more appropriate to leave this matter to Manager Lu."
"Leader Ling," Lu Jianwei's smile faded. "Are you worried that Helian Zheng might have the Gu King and be difficult to handle? Or do you think the Carefree Sect has too many Martial Kings, and this Alliance Order will end in failure?"
"What do you mean, Manager Lu?"
"Either way, the one who takes the lead won’t come out unscathed."
Ling Zong frowned. "But you already agreed in front of everyone earlier."
"Indeed, but when I agreed, I didn’t mention the Alliance Order."
"Manager Lu, it’s the same thing. Why split hairs?" Zhao Xian asked with a frown.
"Indeed, there’s no need to split hairs," Lu Jianwei said leisurely. "Elder Zhao, you are highly respected. Why don’t you take the lead?"
"……"
None of them were fools. While the Alliance Order had a warning and coercive effect on Helian Zheng, a few letters alone might not be enough to condemn him.
It was Zhao Xian who had initially proposed holding the Carefree Sect accountable. The Sky Pillar Palace already had grievances with the Carefree Sect, and his words had stirred up the crowd’s anger. To appease them, the other sects had no choice but to join in.
Moreover, the leader of the number one sect in the martial world frequently exchanging letters with Zhuang Wenqing—that was simply unacceptable.
With Zhuang Wenqing dead, who knew if there were even bigger "Zhuang Wenqings" lurking behind him?
They didn’t dare take that risk.
Now, the entire martial world was watching this Alliance Order assembly. Though Ling Zong was the leader of the Martial Alliance, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
This token was too hot to handle.
Lu Jianwei glanced at their expressions and knew they truly intended to pass this troublesome task to her.
"Leader Ling, please return."
"Manager Lu—"
"Manager Lu." Shangguan Huai interrupted Ling Zong, clasping his hands respectfully. "Looking at the current martial world, whether in terms of martial prowess or reputation, you stand unrivaled. This Alliance Order will only serve its greatest purpose in your hands."
Ling Zong: "……"
"Headmaster Shangguan flatters me." Lu Jianwei sipped her tea leisurely, waiting for him to continue.
Shangguan Huai didn’t mind offending Ling Zong and pressed on. "In terms of martial skill, none of us elders can match you. You are indisputably the strongest in the martial world. The younger generation admires and reveres you. If you raise your banner, they will undoubtedly follow your lead."
"So?"
"So, this Alliance Order is most fitting for you to hold." Shangguan Huai said solemnly. "Of course, if you have any requests, feel free to command us."
Zhao Xian: "……"
Isn’t this a bit too submissive?!
"Headmaster Shangguan is so sincere that I find it hard to refuse." Lu Jianwei set down her teacup.
Shangguan Huai: "Please speak."
"If the Alliance Order truly condemns Helian Zheng, his personal assets will be used to compensate the martial world. Agreed?"
"Naturally."
"And the distribution will be at my discretion."
Shangguan Huai: "No problem."
After he finished, he noticed the other two hadn’t responded and turned to prompt them.
Ling Zong and Zhao Xian both looked displeased.
Everyone knew Manager Lu was like a mythical money-devouring beast—when it came to wealth, she never let others take even a sliver of advantage.
The Carefree Sect had deep roots, and Helian Zheng had been its leader for many years. Who knew how much wealth he had accumulated in his private treasury?
Their willingness to hold him accountable was partly motivated by this very thought.
Martial techniques, weapons, gold, and silver—all were scarce resources for sects.
But the incident where all of the Thousand Miles Tower’s assets ended up in Lu Jianwei’s private coffers was still fresh in their minds. If she monopolized the spoils again this time, what was the point of all their efforts?
"Leader Ling and Elder Zhao seem to have something to say?" Lu Jianwei said frankly. "No need to worry. Once everything is settled, I will distribute the assets fairly based on the list of victims and participants."
Shangguan Huai quickly added, "I naturally trust Manager Lu."
Ling Zong and Zhao Xian also snapped out of it and echoed their agreement, their hearts settling somewhat.
Though Manager Lu loved wealth, she was true to her word and never went back on her promises.
Their visit wasn’t just to hand over the Alliance Order—it was also to secure her commitment.
After the three took their leave, Lu Jianwei toyed with the token in her hand.
The token was no larger than a palm, forged from fine steel. The front was engraved with the characters "Martial Alliance," while the back bore the word "Order." Its design was ordinary, nothing special.
Its value lay solely in the authority the martial world had bestowed upon it.
"Look at these people—each one is shrewd. They push the difficult tasks onto others. If things go wrong, they lose nothing. If things go right, they still get a share of the spoils. The world’s blessings really do seem reserved for them." Lu Jianwei scoffed.
Pei Zhi’s eyes softened. "That’s why your arrival was just right."
"Just right?" Lu Jianwei feigned ignorance. "What do you mean?"
"Just right to open an inn in Fengzhou, just right to take in the survivors of White Crane Manor, just right to thwart those scheming for the treasure, just right…"
"Hmm?"
"Just right for me to personally investigate." Pei Zhi pulled her into an embrace, his voice low and warm. "Weiwei, I’m very fortunate."
Lu Jianwei: "……"
His sweet talk was getting smoother.
She wasn’t one for sweet words, preferring action, so she planted a kiss on his cheek.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Manager, she’s awake."
Amuyan’s body had deteriorated severely. Even after being fed medicinal broth, her complexion showed no improvement.
Her first words upon seeing Lu Jianwei were: "I sensed an anomaly in his Gu King."
All of Helian Zheng’s gu insects had been refined by her. Though he had fed them his blood to establish a connection as their master, she was the one who had personally crafted them.
As the true master of gu arts, it was impossible for her not to leave a backdoor.
When Helian Zheng activated the Puppet Gu King, she could sense it. Thanks to the Perception Gu, her intuition was even sharper.
"Don’t worry about this matter." Lu Jianwei stated bluntly. "Your condition is dire. Even with the best medicine, I can only prolong your life by half a year."
"I know I don’t have long." Amuyan smiled weakly. "I’m already content."
She looked at Helian Xue, her gaze serene and tender.
Helian Xue’s heart ached. She couldn’t understand why her father had imprisoned someone in a cave for so many years.
"Amuyan, some words shouldn’t stay buried in your heart." Lu Jianwei advised kindly. "Don’t leave regrets behind."
Amuyan: "Thank you. But I’m worried your journey will be perilous. If I still had strength, I would consult the Fate Gu."
"Danger?" Helian Xue’s heart clenched. "Isn’t this just about clarifying the truth?"
Deep down, she knew it wasn’t so simple, but she hadn’t dared dwell on it. Helian Zheng was still her father, and the Carefree Sect was the home she had grown up in. She couldn’t bear the thought of bloodshed within its walls.
Amuyan spoke slowly. "Helian Zheng has reached the ninth rank. To my knowledge, neither the Martial Alliance leader nor the Sky Pillar Palace elder are ninth-rank Martial Kings."
"But Manager is a ninth-rank Martial King." Helian Xue countered.
Amuyan: "……"
Her pupils constricted sharply. After a long pause, she finally managed to ask hoarsely, "How old are you?"
"Twenty-seven."
Amuyan: "...No wonder you're the honored benefactor of the three clans."
Without such strength, one couldn't possibly become the savior of the three clans.
Suddenly, an infinite surge of courage rose within her. "Manager Lu, I want to watch him die with my own eyes."
Lu Jianwei understood her meaning, but—
"Given your current physical condition, you should only rest in bed."
"Manager Lu, I beg you." Her gaze was unyielding.
Twenty years of isolation had strengthened her will but also made her obsessive.
Watching Helian Zheng die had become her final fixation.
Lu Jianwei sighed inwardly but maintained a stern expression. "I can use medicine to temporarily restore your strength and take you to the Carefree Sect, but it will come at the cost of your lifespan. Making this trip will kill you."
"I've clung to life all these years just to see him disgraced and dead, with no place to bury his corpse. Now that I finally have the chance, this is my only opportunity. I don’t care about losing half a year of my life."
"Your life is yours to decide," Lu Jianwei said calmly. "But some matters require an early resolution. We’ll leave for the Carefree Sect tomorrow. Once you’ve made your decision, come find me."
Amuyan’s eyes welled with tears. "Thank you."
Lu Jianwei returned to her room to continue practicing calligraphy.
A while later, Helian Xue knocked on her door, her eyes red and swollen. The moment she saw Lu Jianwei, she rushed forward and embraced her.
Silent tears soaked the front of Lu Jianwei’s robe.
Lu Jianwei: "..."
She let Helian Xue hold her for a moment before asking softly, "Have you decided?"
"Manager Lu, I truly don’t know what to do," Helian Xue choked out. "If it were you, what would you choose?"
Lu Jianwei patted her gently. "When you don’t know how to choose, let the current carry you and leave it to fate."
"Alright." Helian Xue tightened her embrace. "Manager Lu, I’m so glad you’re here."
Lu Jianwei: "..."
Why did everyone keep saying things like this?
"Time is short. I need to prepare the herbs."
Helian Xue reluctantly released her, her eyes still red. "Manager Lu, I barely saw my father growing up, and my mother 'passed away' early. To be honest, I don’t have much attachment to them. It’s not so much reluctance as it is unresolved resentment."
"I understand." Lu Jianwei nodded. "So leave it all to fate."
Without genuine interaction, deep bonds between people were rare. That Helian Xue felt no attachment to Helian Zheng or Amuyan wasn’t hard to comprehend.
Perhaps it was for the best—less grief to bear.
At dawn the next day, heroes from across the land gathered outside the western city gate.
The moment the Alliance Leader’s decree was issued, martial sects large and small, along with wandering warriors from all corners, rushed under the stars to join this rare and grand assembly.
Wan Cong arrived early at the inn’s main hall, waiting for the Alliance Leader’s decree to appear.
Outside the inn stood the Martial Alliance Leader Ling Zong, Elder Zhao Xian of the Sky Pillar Hall, Shangguan Huai, headmaster of Luzhou Academy, and other renowned masters.
At the start of the morning hour, Lu Jianwei stepped out of the Whispering Wind Inn, holding the Alliance Leader’s decree. Behind her followed Pei Zhi, Helian Xue, and a figure wearing a veiled hat.
The crowd bowed in unison, their deference absolute.
They expected Lu Jianwei to deliver a rousing speech to bolster their spirits.
"Let’s go." Two simple words drifted into their ears, instantly dampening their fervor.
Wan Cong couldn’t help but chuckle before quickly rising to follow at a measured distance.
Beside him walked Hei Zhan, leader of the Black Wind Fort, a seventh-level warrior likely present only to make up numbers.
In the presence of Lu Jianwei and the others, he was hardly a master, but among younger martial artists, he still commanded some respect.
Wan Cong’s round face was pleasant and guileless, his eyes free of weariness, giving him the air of an untested youth.
"Which sect’s disciple are you? Where are your manners?" Hei Zhan scowled and snapped.
Wan Cong pointed at himself, surprised. "Are you talking to me?"
"Who else?" Hei Zhan waved a large hand. "A junior like you should stay at the back."
Wan Cong had suppressed his aura, so Hei Zhan, being of a lower level, naturally couldn’t sense his strength.
He didn’t argue but also didn’t retreat. Instead, under Hei Zhan’s stunned gaze, he strode forward and blended into the ranks of eighth-level masters.
As Shangguan Huai walked, someone appeared beside him.
He glanced sideways, sensing this person was no ordinary figure, though he couldn’t place him immediately.
"Headmaster Shangguan, may I walk here?" the round-faced youth asked with a smile.
Shangguan Huai nodded reflexively. "Of course."
"Headmaster Shangguan remains as approachable as ever."
"...And you are?"
Wan Cong clasped his hands. "I am Wan Cong. A pleasure."
"Wan Cong?" Shangguan Huai jolted in realization. "You’re—"
"Headmaster Shangguan is as knowledgeable as ever."
Shangguan Huai was speechless.
The name "Omniscient Wanderer" was known throughout the land, yet no one had ever seen his true face. His most notable trait was his "cheerful round face," though no portraits of this face existed in the martial world.
There were two reasons why people speculated the "round face" was a disguise.
First, the Omniscient Wanderer had been famous for many years. Those who claimed to have seen him said his "round face" never aged—a physical impossibility, no matter how strong one’s cultivation.
Second, the Omniscient Wanderer was said to know everything under heaven. Branches of his organization existed everywhere, offering services ranging from martial gossip and court intrigue to folk tales and fortune-telling.
Different people in different places had reported seeing the same round-faced Omniscient Wanderer on the same day, despite the distances making it impossible for one person to be in multiple locations.
Thus, it was theorized that "Omniscient Wanderer" was a title held by many, all wearing identical masks.
This sounded similar to the Thousand Miles Tower, but the Omniscient Wanderer’s network predated it by far.
Unlike the Tower, which meddled in martial conflicts, the Omniscient Wanderer’s branches existed solely to provide information.
Though the "round face" was his trademark, countless people naturally had round faces, so no one assumed every round-faced person was the Omniscient Wanderer.
Thus, Wan Cong could move freely in Cangzhou City without being recognized—unless he revealed himself.
Shangguan Huai mused: That disguise is flawless. No trace of artifice at all.
As they passed through the streets, the group reached the western gate.
A sea of martial heroes, weapons in hand, stood waiting on either side of the gate.
Their gazes burned as they fixed on Lu Jianwei.
"Little Guest, there are so many people," Lu Jianwei muttered. "Count them for me."
"Including your group, four thousand eight hundred thirty-two."
"How many are in the Carefree Sect?"
"Three thousand one hundred twenty. Unless Helian Zheng has hidden puppet assassins—then more."
Lu Jianwei: "With this many people, we’ll eat the Carefree Sect out of house and home."
"Is that the point?"
"It is," Lu Jianwei said solemnly. "So to avoid bankrupting them, we’ll make this quick."
"..."
