NOVPUB◎Encountering a Black Inn, Little Liang Departs◎
The citizens of Jinzhou City were stunned by one shocking piece of news after another.
The cloth merchant’s daughter had returned!
The leader of the Fuhu Bandits was dead!
The entire gang of Fuhu Bandits had been thrown into prison!
In short, the young heroic couple who upheld justice had become famous in Jinzhou City. Unfortunately, they left no names behind. After rescuing the cloth merchant’s daughter and dismantling the Fuhu Bandits’ den, the two bought some "Hundred-Flower Shaomei" pastries from Zuixian Tower and quietly departed Jinzhou City before the prefect could commend them.
Lu Jianwei had originally planned to rest in Jinzhou City for a night, but the city’s prefect and the cloth merchant were overly enthusiastic, insisting on hosting a banquet to thank them.
Neither she nor Pei Zhi enjoyed such formalities, so they politely declined and left.
Using the excuse of urgent matters to avoid the banquet, they also couldn’t linger in Jinzhou City any longer.
At least Lu Jianwei had managed to taste the city’s renowned delicacies—truly exceptional.
The two continued eastward, arriving eight days later at the border between Jizhou and Liaozhou.
"It’s getting late. Let’s rest for the night in the town ahead."
"Agreed."
This small town seemed different from others. As soon as they entered, a man greeted them with a beaming smile.
"Young heroes, are you looking for a place to stay?"
He had narrow, squinting eyes that turned into mere slits when he smiled, revealing a row of white teeth—an expression full of warmth and friendliness.
Lu Jianwei, still mounted on her horse, looked down at him and asked, "What if we are?"
"Haha, it’s wise to be cautious when traveling. But please don’t misunderstand me, honored heroes. You two are righteous warriors roaming the land, practically celestial beings in our eyes. I’m just a humble countryman—how would I dare scheme against you? My family runs a small inn, and I wait by the roadside hoping to guide passing travelers and earn a few coins for soy sauce."
Had Lu Jianwei and Pei Zhi truly been naive young martial artists, they might have already been swayed by his flattery and let their guard down.
Lu Jianwei raised an eyebrow. "Then lead the way."
"Right away! Let me hold your horse, honored guests."
The evening clouds had dispersed, leaving a clear sky stretching for miles.
A glass-like glow from the horizon bathed the quiet town, where every household had lit their lamps, creating a peaceful and harmonious scene.
The man led them to a small courtyard while holding the reins. Given the town’s remote location, multi-story buildings were rare, so a modest but tidy courtyard was considered decent.
He knocked on the gate. "Little sister, I’m back. Open the door."
Footsteps approached from inside the courtyard, stopping just behind the gate. The wooden latch was lifted, and the doors swung open, revealing the delicate face of a young woman.
"Brother, we have guests?"
Her limpid eyes swept past Lu Jianwei and landed on Pei Zhi’s face. After a brief glance, she quickly averted her gaze, as if startled—like a bashful rose, her demeanor inviting all sorts of romantic imaginings.
Lu Jianwei: "..."
No need to discriminate by gender—she appreciated beauty too.
Flirting with Pei Zhi was pointless; she’d rather be the one charmed.
She strode forward, boldly grasping the young woman’s slender wrist, her gaze intense. "What a lovely sister you are."
Miss Sun: "???"
The man: "..."
Pei Zhi, eyes brimming with amusement, pretended not to notice and busied himself with tying the horses.
"Hero, let me handle such menial tasks." The man hurried over, taking the reins from him and securing them to a post. He introduced himself warmly, "My surname is Sun—just call me Sun Da. This is my younger sister. It’s just the two of us in the family. She’s quite skilled in the kitchen—just name your dish, and she’ll prepare it."
Pei Zhi nodded, discreetly surveying the courtyard’s layout.
The Sun family’s courtyard was located at the town’s center, slightly more imposing than the surrounding homes. Though not large, it accommodated a main house and two side wings.
There was also a modest stable, likely built to accommodate travelers’ horses.
He asked, "How much for one night?"
"I’m not looking to make a fortune—just saving up for my sister’s dowry. Fifty coppers per night, meals included. Rest assured, the rooms are kept spotless."
Pei Zhi had no objections.
For wandering martial artists, fifty coppers was a trivial sum.
Meanwhile, Lu Jianwei had taken the initiative, leading Miss Sun into the main hall without releasing her hand.
"Little sister, are you betrothed?"
Miss Sun lowered her head demurely. "...No."
"Perfect. I have several senior brothers who remain unmarried. A beauty like you would suit them well."
Miss Sun blushed. "Is the one with you also your senior brother?"
"No," Lu Jianwei grinned. "He’s my fiancé."
Miss Sun’s lashes fluttered as she studied Lu Jianwei’s face, then chuckled softly.
"You two make a fine pair."
"Of course. I’m gorgeous, he’s handsome—everyone says we’re a match made in heaven."
Miss Sun: "..."
By any measure, neither of them could be called gorgeous or handsome.
Lu Jianwei and Pei Zhi were wearing disguises, their current appearances plain at best—merely young and presentable. Still, their tall, elegant figures, fine clothing, and dignified bearing made them seem well-matched.
"Truly a divine pairing," Miss Sun agreed, subtly withdrawing her hand. "Sister, what dishes would you like? I can prepare anything."
Lu Jianwei’s eyes sparkled. "Really? Anything at all?"
"I wouldn’t call myself a master, but my cooking is passable." Miss Sun smiled modestly, her delicate features softened by the warm candlelight.
Lu Jianwei: "Then I won’t hold back."
"Please, go ahead."
"Hundred-Flower Shaomei from Jinzhou, donkey meat burgers from Jizhou, Drunken Immortal’s Jade Platter from Fengzhou, hand-torn mutton from Suzhou, and sweet-and-sour mandarin fish from Jiangzhou. Oh, and a jug of Taqingtai wine would be the perfect finish."
Miss Sun: "..."
Sun Da, who had just stepped inside: "..."
Pei Zhi entered the hall and took Lu Jianwei’s hand, feigning solemnity. "My fiancée has a fondness for regional delicacies. Can your establishment provide these?"
"You jest, hero. This is just a humble countryside inn. Each dish the lady mentioned costs no less than ten taels of silver. For just a hundred coppers per night, where would I procure such extravagant fare? Not to mention Taqingtai wine—even high-ranking officials can scarcely afford it."
"Then why boast earlier?" Pei Zhi’s expression darkened.
Miss Sun’s eyes welled with tears. "I do know how to cook many regional dishes, but the ingredients for those are impossible to find here. Sister, I truly apologize."
Lu Jianwei scoffed.
The Sun siblings exchanged a glance. These martial artists were indeed fickle—warm and friendly one moment, then turning hostile over the slightest dissatisfaction.
Definitely not good people.
"Sir, your room is in the east wing, all cleaned up. Why don’t you both rest there for now?" Miss Sun said softly, her eyes still glistening.
Taking Lu Jianwei’s cue, Pei Zhi coughed lightly and coaxed her, "Weiwei, I know you’re disappointed, but a rural inn like this can’t offer much. Once we reach Liaozhou, we’ll dine at the finest restaurant—how does that sound?"
"Hmph." Lu Jianwei shot Sun Da a glance. "Lead the way."
Sun Da complied, instructing Miss Sun before leaving, "Hurry and prepare some simple dishes. We can’t let our honored guests go hungry."
He led the two of them to the door of the room when suddenly he smacked his forehead and exclaimed, "Ah, look at my memory! The east wing only has this one room left. Which of you two would like to stay here?"
Though they were engaged, it was understood that they wouldn’t share a room at night.
Lu Jianwei frowned. "Why didn’t you say so earlier? We could have just stayed in the west wing."
"My deepest apologies, but the west wing also only has one room left."
Lu Jianwei then said something shocking: "Then we’ll share a room."
Sun Da: "..."
"Hurry up and open the door," Pei Zhi said sternly.
"Right away, right away." Sun Da had dealt with difficult guests before, but rarely had he encountered ones as unpredictable as these two.
He opened the door and fumbled to light the lamp.
"Who’s staying next door? They won’t snore and disturb us at night, will they?" Lu Jianwei asked with a look of disdain. "I hate being disturbed when I’m staying at an inn."
Sun Da quickly reassured her, "No, no, he’s drunk and went to bed early. Listen—do you hear anything?"
Lu Jianwei tilted her head as if listening carefully, then shrugged. "I suppose that’s acceptable."
Next door, there was indeed someone—a sixth-level martial artist, breathing steadily as if in deep slumber.
"It’s hot, and the mosquitoes can be bothersome at night. Shall I light some incense to keep them away?" Sun Da asked cautiously.
Pei Zhi nodded. "That’s quite thoughtful of you."
"Honesty is key in business. The incense doesn’t cost much, but keeping guests comfortable is what matters." Sun Da grinned, his eyes narrowing into slits. "In a little while, I’ll bring your meals so you can enjoy them in peace."
The mosquito-repellent incense burned by the bed, its thin wisps of smoke curling upward. The scent wasn’t overpowering, carrying instead a faint herbal fragrance.
A thoughtful glint flashed in Lu Jianwei’s eyes, though she feigned impatience. "Fine, you can leave now."
"I won’t disturb you further. Your meals will be brought shortly." Sun Da tactfully withdrew, closing the door behind him.
Inside the room, Lu Jianwei poured two cups of cold water from the teapot—it hadn’t been refreshed yet.
She dropped two pills into the cups, which dissolved instantly.
Picking up one cup, she gestured to Pei Zhi, who understood and drank without hesitation.
"This town is suspicious," Pei Zhi transmitted via internal energy.
Lu Jianwei smirked. "A small town with so many households, yet not a single person is out at night? Definitely suspicious."
While it was normal for people to stay indoors after dark, the eerie silence—no loud voices, no movement—was anything but ordinary.
In this small courtyard, aside from the sixth-level martial artist next door, another one was staying in the west wing.
The rest of the townsfolk, including the Sun siblings, were ordinary civilians.
"What kind of incense was that earlier?" Pei Zhi asked.
Lu Jianwei replied, "A rare type of knockout incense. Most martial artists wouldn’t notice it."
Even seasoned veterans could fall prey to it.
"It doesn’t take effect immediately. Only after accumulating in the body and being triggered by another substance does it work."
Pei Zhi understood. "The food."
"Even if it weren’t mosquito season, he’d have found another excuse to light it," Lu Jianwei mused, resting her chin on her hand. "We’ve stumbled upon a shady inn."
Xiao Ke suddenly spoke up, his tone serious.
"Jianwei, there’s something you should know."
"I’ll rest on the bed for a bit," Lu Jianwei said to Pei Zhi, setting down her cup.
"Alright."
She lay down and closed her eyes.
"Xiao Ke, what is it?"
"Little Liang left a letter and just walked out of the inn."
"What did the letter say?"
"Just a note to the other staff, no mention of where he was going or when he’d be back." Xiao Ke sighed. "Who’s going to clean the stables now?"
Lu Jianwei: "..."
That’s what this is about?
"There are plenty of other workers at the inn."
"None as good as Little Liang."
"He’s still itching to learn the second half of the disguise technique. He’ll be back."
"I hope it’s soon." Xiao Ke added, "More and more martial artists are coming to the inn, but many are turned away. Still, with your reputation, they can’t do anything but swallow their frustration."
"No criminal record, no entry. That rule isn’t changing," Lu Jianwei said firmly.
She’d rather lose business than compromise on this principle, using it to instill discipline among martial artists.
It might take time, but she was patient.
Knock, knock. The door sounded.
Lu Jianwei opened her eyes and returned to the table.
The door creaked open, revealing a slender, jade-like hand holding a candle. A beautiful young woman entered, carrying fragrant dishes. Despite her simple attire, her charm was undeniable.
She glanced at Pei Zhi first before smiling at Lu Jianwei.
"Miss, this is all I could prepare. I hope it’s to your liking."
Lu Jianwei praised sincerely, "You’re quite skilled, sister. This looks and smells wonderful. I spoke out of turn earlier—please don’t take it to heart."
Her sudden shift in tone left Miss Sun momentarily stunned.
"You’re too kind, miss. I should be the one apologizing." She curtsied. "Please enjoy your meal. I’ll take my leave now."
As she exited, the door slowly closed behind her.
Through the narrowing gap, she saw the two eating heartily.
Once the door shut, Miss Sun’s lips curled into a cold smile before she gazed up at the starry sky, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.
She returned to the main hall, where Sun Da sat, sipping from a small teapot with his legs crossed.
"They ate?"
"They ate."
"Shameless, sharing a room like that. Now we’ll have to move them—what a hassle." Sun Da grumbled before asking, "Did that man… you know…?"
Miss Sun shook her head with a frown. "No."
"Could he actually be a decent man?" Sun Da scratched his head. "That complicates things."
Miss Sun scoffed. "All men are the same. Some just pretend to be noble."
"But not all of them are into someone like you."
"What’s that supposed to mean?"
"Just joking."
"I know what you’re thinking," Miss Sun rolled her eyes. "Relax, I know the rules. Since these two aren’t trouble, we’ll just scare them, take their money, and send them on their way."
Sun Da smirked. "Money’s the least of it. That young couple probably has plenty. But after tonight, who knows if they’ll still be lovey-dovey?"
"..."
Back in the room, Lu Jianwei set down her chopsticks and sighed appreciatively. "The food really is good."
Ignoring the drugs mixed in, the girl’s cooking was excellent. If she opened a restaurant, she’d make a fortune.
What a waste.
Footsteps approached from outside.
Lu Jianwei and Pei Zhi exchanged a glance before pretending to collapse onto the table.
The door opened again.
"Move this one to the west wing," Sun Da gestured at Pei Zhi, then at Lu Jianwei. "Leave her here."
He reached to haul Pei Zhi up.
Huh?!
This guy was heavy!
"Little sister, I can’t lift him alone. Give me a hand."
Miss Sun: "..."
Just as her fingers brushed Pei Zhi’s shoulder, a lazy voice spoke up from behind.
"Now that the meal is finished, it's time to get to work."
The two of them froze in shock, but before they could react, Pei Zhi—now "awake"—sealed their pressure points with a swift strike.
Lu Jianwei leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp and alert, with not a trace of the dazed stupor from earlier.
"The one in the west wing—come out and introduce yourself."
