NOVPUB◎Earning Money, the Jianghu Assistance Alliance◎
Helian Zheng was dead.
Amuyan also perished in his self-detonation.
At the same time, Helian Xue lost both her parents. Yet she did not cry—only stood dazed, a complex and indescribable sensation rising from her chest, both sour and bitter, as though something insignificant had slipped away forever.
It wasn’t quite grief or sorrow, just a heaviness in her heart.
Since childhood, she had seen her father only a handful of times. In her mind, her mother had passed away long ago, leaving no emotional ties to speak of.
She had always been an orphan, "fatherless and motherless." Nothing had really changed.
So why were her hands and feet so cold?
Helian Xue couldn’t help but look at Lu Jianwei, like a lost young beast desperately seeking shelter and support. She spoke in a bewildered, panicked voice.
"Manager Lu, what… what should I do now?"
Lu Jianwei asked, "Do you want to become the sect leader?"
"No," Helian Xue shook her head quickly. "I can’t."
Her cultivation was too weak—how could she possibly lead the sect?
"Then you don’t need to do anything." Lu Jianwei paused. "If you wish, you can arrange your mother’s burial."
Helian Xue nodded. "I’ll handle her funeral."
It was the least she could do to repay the debt of birth.
And so, the crisis passed.
Aside from the Five Elders of the Carefree Sect, there were no other casualties.
Someone sighed, "This is truly a blessing in disguise."
"If not for Manager Lu, we might have already…"
"Thankfully, Manager Lu was here, along with those senior experts."
"We should also thank ourselves—we contributed too, didn’t we?"
"Hahaha, you’re right."
Helian Zheng’s death didn’t have a major impact on the Carefree Sect, but his misdeeds left the sect’s members ashamed before the other major factions.
The Five Elders, who could have spoken up, were severely injured and unconscious, leaving no one to take charge.
In the end, the sect elected an "honest man" to step forward.
An "honest man" was just a polite way of describing the most inconspicuous elder—one who had stayed out of power struggles and focused solely on cultivation.
The chosen one was Zou Hui, a mid-stage Level 8 Martial King, who had also participated in suppressing Helian Zheng’s self-detonation. His energy was not yet fully restored, and his face was pale with exhaustion.
"Manager Lu, Elder Xie and the others suffered meridian damage from Helian Zheng’s internal energy. Our sect’s physicians cannot treat them. Would you be willing to intervene?"
Lu Jianwei didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she glanced at Pei Zhi.
From a moral standpoint, Xie Tongshu could be treated. As for the other four… well, as Xie Tongshu himself had said, they were fools beyond redemption.
Though they weren’t directly responsible for Huan Meng’s death, their choices under the threat of the gu worms had been dishonorable to the Huan family.
As a physician, Lu Jianwei had a duty to heal, but she had to consider Pei Zhi’s feelings.
"A ninth-level Martial King personally intervening—how should the consultation fee be calculated, Weiwei?" Pei Zhi asked with a smile.
Zou Hui immediately understood. "Manager Lu’s expertise naturally commands a generous fee."
"Perhaps we should wait until they wake up before discussing it," Pei Zhi suggested. To him, the Five Elders were strangers. Even if they were to be saved, he wouldn’t let Lu Jianwei suffer a loss.
Suddenly, a disciple hurried in. "Elder Zou, Elder Xie has awakened. He wishes to see Manager Lu and Young Master Pei."
Zou Hui turned to Lu Jianwei. "What do you think…?"
Lu Jianwei nodded. "Very well, let’s meet him."
Under Zou Hui’s guidance, she and Pei Zhi arrived at a side chamber near the main hall—originally used for serving tea and refreshments, now repurposed as a temporary infirmary.
Xie Tongshu and the other four lay on low couches, attended by disciples.
Xie Tongshu’s control over his internal energy surpassed that of Yin Sui and the others. When Helian Zheng’s energy struck, he had shielded his meridians with his own energy, minimizing the damage. Thus, his injuries were the lightest.
"All of you, leave us," he instructed the attending disciples.
They obeyed, closing the door behind them.
"Manager Lu, please sit." Xie Tongshu struggled to sit up, unwilling to appear weak before them.
Pei Zhi brought over two chairs, and they both sat.
"I’ll skip the pleasantries," Xie Tongshu said bluntly. "I failed Huan Meng and couldn’t protect his legacy. All I’ve managed these years is to safeguard the Huan family’s assets from greedy hands. I will hand over everything belonging to the Huans to you, along with all my personal wealth, as gratitude."
Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. "Gratitude?"
"You saved Pei Zhi’s life, and you saved the Carefree Sect."
"And what about yourself?" Lu Jianwei asked. "You won’t treat your damaged meridians?"
"My cultivation has stagnated for years. Healing them would be pointless." Xie Tongshu’s tone was indifferent.
"You don’t need to blame yourself," Pei Zhi suddenly spoke. "He chose to take those five poisons for the sake of the Carefree Sect and your clansmen. It was his decision."
Pei Zhi would not judge his father’s choice to sacrifice himself.
In this matter, Xie Tongshu bore no fault.
If there was any mistake, it was that both he and Huan Meng had misplaced their trust in Chang Ci.
Xie Tongshu lowered his gaze. "I should have stopped your father."
"There’s no use dwelling on it now," Lu Jianwei said. "The Huan family’s assets rightfully belong to Pei Zhi. But your wealth—I can’t accept it."
"Why not?"
"If I take your money without justification, what will others think of me? That I’m exploiting the situation?"
Xie Tongshu: "…"
Since when did Manager Lu care about others’ opinions?
"Let’s make a deal instead," Lu Jianwei said with a smile. "I’ll heal your injuries, and your wealth becomes mine."
Xie Tongshu agreed without hesitation. "Done."
His injuries were not difficult for Lu Jianwei. A few rounds of acupuncture and medicinal supplements would suffice.
After the first session, Xie Tongshu could already feel his meridians smoothing out.
"Thank you."
As Lu Jianwei put away her needles, Yin Sui suddenly opened his eyes.
"Manager Lu, all my wealth is yours as well."
Before she could respond, Lang Ye, Luo Xianshan, and Lou Qingyi also awoke, making the same offer.
Lu Jianwei held up a hand. "Let’s not rush into discussing wealth."
She examined each of them carefully before stating gravely, "Xie Tongshu’s meridians can fully recover. Yours cannot."
The four of them had suffered severe meridian damage—some were even severed. Even if reconnected, their meridians would remain fragile, unable to store internal energy, much like Shangguan Yao.
They would fall from their lofty positions as eighth-level elders to ordinary, weakened individuals.
Those with fragile meridians did not live long. Their fate would be a slow, painful decline—unless they could obtain the Life-Restoring Earth Lotus formula.
But Earth Lotuses were exceedingly rare.
The four elders had expected this. Their expressions remained calm.
"Manager Lu, you misunderstand," Yin Sui said. "This isn’t a transaction. I owe the Huan family far too much. You and Young Master Huan saved the entire Carefree Sect—thousands of lives. Handing over my wealth is only right."
He was grateful he hadn’t died in Helian Zheng’s explosion. Had he perished, half his assets would have gone to the sect’s treasury, the other half to his clan.
Lu Jianwei had no reason to refuse.
The Five Heroes each occupied a peak, with their stewards and disciples skilled in business operations. Over the years, they had amassed considerable wealth. Beyond the shared accounts of their peaks, their personal fortunes amounted to seven or eight million taels each.
Combined, the five of them held nearly forty million taels.
Transferring such vast assets under her name would take time.
The Huan family’s wealth was no less substantial. After all, Huan Meng’s father had once been a ninth-level Martial King, unrivaled in the world. Even without deliberate efforts to accumulate riches, wealth had continuously flowed into their household.
All their assets combined totaled roughly ten million taels, now fully transferred to Pei Zhi’s name.
Given Pei Zhi’s capabilities, ten million taels could likely double in no time.
The process of handling these assets was tedious, requiring Lu Jianwei to stay a few more days. The Carefree Sect provided them with accommodations.
Once Ling Zong and the others had regained their strength, they brought Zou Hui of the Carefree Sect to visit Lu Jianwei at her residence.
Zou Hui bowed respectfully and said, “Manager Lu, we seek your decision on how to handle Helian Zheng’s remaining wealth.”
“Manager Lu, the heroes who came to assist in this endeavor all contributed. It wouldn’t be right to send them away empty-handed, would it?” Zhao Xian’s words were blunt, but he wasn’t wrong.
No one had come merely to spectate.
If they could rightfully claim a share of the spoils, none would refuse.
Lu Jianwei had previously stated that the distribution of Helian Zheng’s wealth would be her decision. Since she had contributed the most to subduing him, it was only natural they sought her opinion.
“Elder Zou, has Helian Zheng’s wealth been fully accounted for?”
Zou Hui presented a ledger. “The inventory is complete. Excluding his lands and shops, his private treasury holds approximately twenty-five million taels. Here is the ledger for your review.”
Lu Jianwei: “…”
Was the leader of the Carefree Sect really this wealthy?
Xie Tongshu and the others had built their fortunes over generations of family accumulation. Helian Zheng, however, had no family backing and had only been sect leader for less than thirty years. Yet his personal wealth was staggering.
No wonder these major sects could commission weapons costing a million taels without batting an eye.
“Feel free to share your thoughts,” Lu Jianwei said with a gentle smile.
Shangguan Huai cupped his hands. “Manager Lu, since Helian Zheng massacred the Huan family over twenty years ago, it’s only right to compensate their descendants. The remainder could be distributed among the warriors who participated in suppressing him. What do you think?”
“How much compensation do you propose?”
“Half, perhaps?”
Lu Jianwei turned to Pei Zhi. “What do you think?”
“I defer to your judgment.”
“Alliance Leader Ling and Elder Zhao?”
Both agreed with Shangguan Huai’s suggestion.
Lu Jianwei had no objections to the compensation amount, but—
“Everyone who helped suppress Helian Zheng’s self-destruction played a crucial role, but rewards should reflect individual contributions. Those who contributed more shouldn’t receive the same as those who contributed less.”
Ling Zong asked, “Do you have a proposal, Manager Lu?”
“Nothing grand. I simply believe that the three of you and the other experts who risked their lives to shield the innocent deserve greater rewards.” Noting their pleased expressions, she added, “However, even generous rewards wouldn’t exhaust the funds. I have another suggestion.”
Shangguan Huai: “We’re all ears.”
“Helian Zheng wreaked havoc in the martial world during his lifetime. Now that he’s gone, his wealth should be used to give back. I propose allocating a portion to establish a Martial Aid Alliance—to reward righteous warriors and assist those afflicted by disasters or left with no recourse, whether they’re martial artists or not.”
Ling Zong was taken aback. What was this about?
The Martial Alliance had once operated a similar mechanism, but it had long fallen into disuse.
Shangguan Huai clarified, “You mean the alliance would reward benevolent warriors who aid the needy and provide relief to victims—like the Ping Wu massacre survivors or Young Hero Yue, who was stranded in Fengzhou—regardless of whether they practice martial arts?”
“Precisely,” Lu Jianwei said. “If any of you wish to participate, once matters here are settled, we can convene at the Fengzhou inn to discuss further.”
She wasn’t asking for their approval—just informing them.
Ling Zong and the others wouldn’t refuse her out of courtesy, especially since the alliance’s funds wouldn’t come from their pockets.
But who would oversee it?
“We’ll discuss specifics upon returning to Fengzhou,” Lu Jianwei said. “For now, distributing rewards takes priority.”
Ling Zong bowed. “Then we shall take our leave, Manager Lu.”
“Elder Zou, a moment.” Lu Jianwei stopped Zou Hui. “I have a request.”
Zou Hui, flattered, replied, “Manager Lu, you need only ask.”
“Eleven years ago, which disciples were sent to the southwest to seize the White Bone Herb?”
“This…” Zou Hui was puzzled but answered, “I can’t recall events from so long ago, but the sect should have records. I’ll retrieve the list and deliver it to you.”
Lu Jianwei nodded. “Much obliged.”
After Zou Hui left, Pei Zhi asked, “You’re trying to identify Lin Congyue’s killers?”
“Yes. Tiao shares a connection with her, and Aleshu gifted me the White Bone Herb. I owe him a favor—letting him settle this score seems fitting.”
Lu Jianwei reclined on the daybed by the window, eyes half-closed in relaxation. Outside, emerald peaks stretched into the distance, veiled in mist. Sunlight poured from the vast sky, piercing the clouds in radiant beams.
The Carefree Sect truly was an ideal place for cultivation.
Once the inn and the Martial Aid Alliance were established, she would find a secluded, picturesque spot to enjoy undisturbed tranquility.
Xiao Ke had once told her that even if she earned a hundred million taels, returning to the modern world would only grant her a salary equivalent to that sum.
To claim the lion’s share, she had to complete her mission flawlessly.
Establishing and enforcing new rules in the martial world wouldn’t happen overnight. She couldn’t devote her entire life to work, could she?
The inn needed trained personnel, as did the Martial Aid Alliance.
Cultivating competent individuals would take at least a decade.
As a ninth-level Martial King, she had time.
“What’s on your mind?” Pei Zhi handed her a cup of warm tea.
Lu Jianwei took a sip and asked, “Any progress on Minister Wen’s case?”
Before leaving Fengzhou, the Mystic Mirror Bureau had uncovered the guest registry of Leisurely Cloud Manor and used it to secretly gather evidence of officials’ crimes.
Yu Nian, a protégé of Minister Wen, had frequented the manor, and the minister himself kept a house full of concubines. His ties to the manor—a den of vice—were undeniable.
Even if he wasn’t linked to the treasure map case, removing such a parasite from the court was worthwhile.
Pei Zhi replied, “The court’s factions are deeply entangled. A swift resolution is unlikely.”
“No matter.” Lu Jianwei set down her cup and sat up, propping her chin on her hand with a smile. “We’ll first make a trip to Liaozhou.”
“You want to search for the ‘Earth Lotus’?” Pei Zhi understood. “Back in Fengzhou, you asked me about it. I only know what the Old Imperial Physician mentioned—he once glimpsed what he believed was the legendary herb in the Seven-Step Marsh during his travels. But it might’ve been a misidentification.”
Lu Jianwei: “Whether it’s real or not, we’re going.”
The herbal texts only mentioned that the ground lotus was commonly found in cliffs and marshes, but they never specified which regions or exact swamps it grew in.
Having finally stumbled upon a clue, she didn’t want to give up.
She might as well treat it as a work trip combined with sightseeing—after all, she had never been to Liaozhou before.
"Take me with you," Pei Zhi said, lifting her hand and nuzzling her palm, his handsome eyes brimming with anticipation.
Lu Jianwei couldn’t help but laugh. "The journey would be dull without someone delightful to keep me company."
She tightened her grip slightly, and Pei Zhi obediently leaned in.
"Knock, knock." Helian Xue’s voice came from outside. "Manager, I need to speak with you."
Lu Jianwei released Pei Zhi, straightened her robes, and sat up properly.
"Come in."
Helian Xue pushed the door open and, seeing Pei Zhi there, didn’t react with surprise—she was used to it by now.
"Manager, I went to a funeral supplies shop in town, and on my way back, a servant from the Whispering Wind Inn stopped me." She pulled a letter from her sleeve. "He said they found this under a pillow while cleaning a room and had been looking for a chance to hand it to me."
The Whispering Wind Inn knew their guests were no ordinary people, and this gesture was likely an attempt to foster goodwill.
"When you were brewing medicine in the inn’s kitchen, Amuyan borrowed paper and ink from me. This letter must have been left specifically for you," Lu Jianwei said. "You can read it yourself—no need to inform me."
Helian Xue opened the envelope and unfolded the single sheet inside.
Only two short lines were written on it:
My dear daughter, Xue, I am deeply sorry.
After I die, please cremate me and scatter my ashes into the Qingli River outside Cangzhou.
The Qingli River flowed through Cangzhou, then wound its way south until it reached Dianzhou.
Perhaps the current would carry her ashes back to Dianzhou.
She wanted to go home.
Helian Xue’s eyes reddened instantly, her voice hoarse. "Manager, I want to take her back to the Buwa tribe."
Such a small, fragile wish—she wanted to fulfill it for her.
Lu Jianwei spoke gently. "Dianzhou is remote. Will you go alone?"
"I can manage," Helian Xue said firmly. "I must bring her home."
"In that case, there’s something I’d like to ask of you."
"Please go ahead, Manager."
Lu Jianwei said, "Deliver a letter for me to Aleshu—and take a few people with you."
"Aleshu?" Helian Xue was puzzled.
Lu Jianwei then remembered that Aleshu had always used the alias "Lin Wang" in front of Helian Xue.
"That would be Young Master Lin, who once stayed at the inn. He’s the head of the Sacred Medicine Hall in Dada City."
Helian Xue: "...I’ll remember that."
