◎Gu Arts, Reunion in Shuangxi City (Part 1)◎
Lu Jianwei held a bowl of warm wild vegetable soup, its fragrant aroma soothing her weary body after a long day.
With the crisis resolved, the group finally had time to ask questions in detail.
Lu Jianwei had given Luo Sheng medicine to treat his internal injuries, temporarily preserving his life. However, the remote wilderness was no place for proper treatment—they would have to wait until they reached the city to tend to him properly.
"Miss Luo, what exactly happened at the birthday banquet?" Xue Guanhe added another branch to the fire.
Seeing that Luo Sheng’s condition hadn’t worsened, Luo Lianhuan felt a weight lift from her heart. Her eyes reddened as she replied, "I don’t know the specifics."
"Huh?"
"After the banquet started, everyone was drinking and boasting loudly. I didn’t like the atmosphere, so I made an excuse and returned to my room. The room was in the backyard, so I couldn’t see what was happening in the front courtyard. I took a short nap, but Senior Brother Luo, worried I might sneak out to find Brother Yan, didn’t drink much and came to check on me."
"And then?"
"Then… then we heard fighting from the front courtyard. The smell of blood was overwhelming. Senior Brother was startled and tried to sneak me out of the Zhou residence. We climbed over the backyard wall, but those gray-clad men spotted us. Senior Brother fought to protect me, killing a few of them, but he was badly injured."
"How did you manage to escape?" Xue Guanhe couldn’t help his curiosity.
Luo Lianhuan wiped her tears. "Uncle Zhou and a few other seniors were still holding off the attackers, so the gray-clad men didn’t focus on me—only one chased after me. Though my martial skills aren’t high, I’m good at lightness techniques. I thought Brother Yan couldn’t have gone far, so I ran in this direction, hoping to find him."
"But why did you say ‘they’re all dead’?" Xue Guanhe frowned. "Didn’t you say the seniors were still fighting when you escaped?"
Luo Lianhuan choked back a sob. "Senior Brother woke up briefly on the road and told me he’d been drugged. The poison was in the wine—colorless, odorless, and undetectable at first. But once you circulated your inner energy, the effects worsened over time."
"So you think the others… couldn’t have survived?"
"With so many assassins, they must have been outnumbered." Luo Lianhuan’s grief overwhelmed her. "Three of my senior brothers were in the front courtyard… they must be…" She broke down. "I miss my parents."
She hadn’t cried while fleeing for her life, but now that the danger had passed, the fear and sorrow crashed over her.
"Can you identify the assassins’ techniques?" Lu Jianwei asked Yan Feicang.
Yan Feicang shook his head. "Too many swordsmen use similar moves. Their techniques were ordinary—nothing distinctive."
"Then we’ll just ask." Lu Jianwei stood. "He should be awake by now."
The group followed her to the carriage. She lifted the curtain and dragged the assassin out. The man was indeed awake, his face twisted in horror as he stared at her.
His dantian was empty—his inner energy was completely gone!
What had this terrifying woman done to him?!
"Speak. Who are you? Who sent you? What was your goal?" Lu Jianwei asked casually.
The assassin: "…"
"Never mind, it’s not important. I was just asking out of curiosity." Lu Jianwei tapped the carriage lightly. "After all, I’m just an innocent bystander caught up in this mess. I don’t care about the truth."
The assassin clenched his jaw. He wouldn’t say a word.
"I’ve been experimenting with new poisons lately, and I need a test subject. You’re strong—perfect for the job."
With a smile, she took out a small bottle and poured out a pitch-black pill, instructing Xue Guanhe to force it into the assassin’s mouth.
The pill dissolved into a bitter liquid, seeping from his mouth down his throat and into his stomach. Everywhere it touched felt as if thousands of ants were gnawing at his flesh—an unbearable, maddening itch.
He howled, writhing on the ground, but it was no use.
Luo Lianhuan shuddered involuntarily.
Had she ever offended this woman?
"Kill me… just kill me…"
Lu Jianwei watched coldly, unmoved.
Her graduate advisor had once remarked that her temperament was well-suited for research—she could remain calm and undisturbed by external factors.
Now, it seemed he was right.
In a peaceful era, she might have pretended to be gentle and composed. But in this chaotic world, why should she be polite to someone who wanted her dead?
She ignored the assassin’s agony, waiting until he had suffered for the time it took an incense stick to burn before feeding him a second poison pill.
Already on the verge of madness from the itching, the assassin now felt as though countless needles were piercing his organs. Excruciating pain flooded his entire body in an instant.
His mind was consumed by nothing but pain—pain—PAIN!
Bound by ropes, he couldn’t even kill himself. He could only endure, his screams turning the forest into a scene of horror.
Even Luo Lianhuan, a victim herself, couldn’t bear to watch.
Xue Guanhe, though he knew the assassin deserved it, was still young and unaccustomed to such brutality. He turned away to clean up the leftover food.
"These two poisons are quite interesting," Tiao remarked clinically. "I’ve never seen them before. Did you make them yourself?"
Lu Jianwei nodded. "Just something I whipped up in my spare time."
Luo Lianhuan: "…"
She tried to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.
"Men like him won’t talk easily," Yan Feicang said, clearly skeptical.
Lu Jianwei smirked and took out a third pill, holding it up for Tiao to see.
"Guess what this is."
Tiao took the pill and sniffed it. After a moment, she said, "I detect blue butterfly flower. It can cloud one’s mind, but martial artists with strong inner energy can resist it. You used the first two poisons to break his will, then this to manipulate him, right?"
Her eyes reflected the flickering firelight.
Lu Jianwei smiled. "Let’s test it on him."
Tiao, far from being offended at being ordered around, admired Lu Jianwei’s medical and poison skills deeply.
The moment the pill entered the assassin’s mouth, his eyes glazed over, his mind now blank and obedient.
"Yan Feicang, ask him," Lu Jianwei said, unwilling to waste her breath.
Yan Feicang stepped forward. "Who are you? Who sent you? Why did you massacre the Zhou family’s banquet?"
"I—I am—"
Blood gushed from his mouth. The assassin’s eyes widened, lifeless before he could finish.
"What?!" Lu Jianwei frowned.
That shouldn’t have happened. Her poison wasn’t lethal—it was only meant to inflict pain.
Where had she gone wrong?
Tiao examined the corpse and suddenly said, "It’s a gu."
Lu Jianwei: "…"
How could she have forgotten?!
What was a wuxia world without gu poison?
She hadn’t studied gu arts yet, so it hadn’t crossed her mind.
"Can you tell what kind it is?"
Tiao shook her head. "I don’t know much about gu either. This is just a guess."
She had learned from Hu Jiumiang—or rather, from Lin Congyue’s medical texts and notes.
Central Plains physicians traditionally despised gu poison, so she’d never studied it. The only reason she recognized it was because she’d traveled to the southwest with Hu Jiumiang and heard of mind-controlling gu worms.
Lu Jianwei’s interest was piqued. "Tomorrow, we’ll head to the city and find a place for Miss Luo’s senior brother to recover."
And while they were at it, she could study the gu worm in the assassin’s body.
Luo Lianhuan blinked in surprise before murmuring, "Thank you."
After such a harrowing ordeal, fear had suppressed her usual arrogance. Now, witnessing Lu Jianwei’s ruthless methods, she was terrified of being disliked.
The night passed quietly.
The assassin organization indeed did not pursue them further—likely unable to provide an endless supply of "troops."
Lu Jianwei and her group passed through the towns along the Yongzhou border and arrived at Shuangxi City in Anzhou before sunset.
Shuangxi City was picturesque, blessed with outstanding people and prosperous trade. The streets bustled with travelers, lively and vibrant.
"Innkeeper, shall we find an inn to rest for the night?" Xue Guanhe asked.
Lu Jianwei nodded.
They had entered through the West Gate, which was close to the West Market—a hub of shops and likely a place to find lodging.
Shuangxi City was prosperous, its streets wide enough for two carriages to pass side by side without collision.
Xue Guanhe drove the carriage, keeping to the side as was customary.
Yet, as they turned a corner, they nearly collided with another caravan, almost overturning.
"What's the—" The other party abruptly stopped, then exclaimed in delight, "Innkeeper Lu!"
Lu Jianwei, leisurely seated on her horse, studied the man before smiling warmly. "Ah, Manager Zhao."
"It's been months since we last met, Innkeeper Lu. You look even more radiant than before." Zhao Jiang clasped his hands respectfully. "Are you heading to Jiangzhou?"
Lu Jianwei replied, "Indeed. And you, Manager Zhao—off to another grand venture?"
"Oh, nothing so grand," Zhao Jiang said modestly. "This time, I'm just transporting goods to Dongliu City."
Lu Jianwei chuckled. "Guanhe, make way for Manager Zhao."
"No need, no need! I'll yield to you." Zhao Jiang dared not offend her and hastily directed his caravan to squeeze to the roadside, clearing a wide path for her carriage.
Lu Jianwei nodded. "Thank you."
"Innkeeper Lu," Zhao Jiang suddenly called out, "are you looking for lodging?"
Lu Jianwei turned back. "Why do you ask?"
Zhao Jiang hesitated before explaining, "Our trading company has a residence in Shuangxi City—a courtyard. If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to stay with us. It would be my honor to host you."
"There are injured men in the carriage. I originally planned to stay in Shuangxi City for a few days," Lu Jianwei said.
"Then all the more reason to rest in the courtyard," Zhao Jiang insisted. "Innkeeper Lu, how can an inn compare to the comfort of home? A patient needs peace to recover, and inns are noisy with constant comings and goings. There’s no dedicated kitchen for preparing medicine either. Please, do join us."
"Well..."
"If the young master finds out I didn’t invite you to stay, he’d surely scold me for incompetence." He put on an exaggerated pleading expression.
Lu Jianwei smiled. "Then I’ll trouble you."
"No trouble at all!" Zhao Jiang beamed. "Innkeeper Lu, this way."
Shuangxi City served as a waypoint for the Golden Blade Trading Company. They maintained a base here both for gathering intelligence and providing convenience for their caravans.
The courtyard was located in the western residential district, spacious enough to accommodate dozens.
As Zhao Jiang led Lu Jianwei inside, he casually mentioned, "Young Master Wen is also traveling with us to Dongliu City this time. The caravan was delayed, so he went ahead to the residence."
"What a coincidence," Lu Jianwei remarked offhandedly. "What brings him to Dongliu City?"
Zhao Jiang shook his head. "I’m afraid I don’t know."
The carriage turned onto a path leading to an open front courtyard. The plaque above the gate read "Jin Residence," its gilded characters gleaming under the sunset.
"Innkeeper Lu, Hero Yan, please come in." Zhao Jiang glanced at the carriage. "I’ll have someone prepare a stretcher."
Lu Jianwei said, "Make it two."
"Two patients?" Zhao Jiang didn’t question it and ordered his men to fetch two stretchers while arranging the finest rooms for his guests.
After giving instructions, he invited Lu Jianwei and the others into the main hall.
"Innkeeper Lu, Hero Yan, I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare a meal. Please enjoy some tea and refreshments in the meantime."
Lu Jianwei nodded. "Thank you."
Outside, the company’s workers lifted the carriage curtain and saw two men lying inside. They boarded to carry them out.
The first was Luo Sheng—pale-faced but warm to the touch, his chest faintly rising and falling, still clad in bloodstained clothes. Undeniably injured.
The other, however—
"It’s a dead man!" a worker gasped. "This one’s dead!"
Another worker recoiled in shock. "Why is there a corpse? Can we bring a dead man inside?"
"Quick, ask Manager Zhao!"
Zhao Jiang, still entertaining his guests, noticed the workers lurking outside and frowned. He clasped his hands apologetically. "Excuse me, my men need me. I’ll return shortly."
"It’s about the corpse," Lu Jianwei said casually. "There’s a body in my carriage. If it’s inconvenient to bring inside, just leave it in the stables."
Zhao Jiang: ???
"May I ask… why?"
Lu Jianwei glanced at Xue Guanhe.
Understanding her cue, Xue Guanhe explained the massacre at the Zhou family in Dongliu City. Under Zhao Jiang’s stunned gaze, he concluded, "The innkeeper wanted to study the poison insects in the assassin’s body, so she brought the corpse along."
"Such a tragedy in Dongliu City!" Zhao Jiang’s expression darkened. "If Innkeeper Lu seeks the truth, what does a dead man matter?"
He stepped out and ordered his men, "Prepare a secluded courtyard for the body. Guard it well."
The workers obeyed and left.
The two stretchers crossing the courtyard were impossible to miss.
A'Nai, carrying medicinal soup from the kitchen, spotted the scene and stopped the workers out of curiosity.
"What’s going on here?"
The worker answered truthfully, "Guests have arrived. One’s injured, the other’s dead."
"Explain properly. Who are these guests? Why is there a corpse?"
The worker shrugged. "All I know is it’s Innkeeper Lu. She brought them both. I’m just following orders."
"Innkeeper Lu?" A'Nai’s brow twitched. "Which Innkeeper Lu?"
"The one from outside Wangyue City in Fengzhou." The worker hurried off. "We’ve got work to do."
A'Nai stood frozen for a moment before rushing back to the courtyard with the soup.
"Young Master! Young Master!"
Wen Zhuzhi was reading by candlelight and chuckled. "What’s the matter?"
A'Nai handed him the soup. "Eat first. I’ll tell you after."
Wen Zhuzhi took a few sips before saying, "You’re just trying to tell me that a distinguished guest has arrived—Innkeeper Lu of the Eight Directions Inn."
"How did you know?" A'Nai blurted before realization struck. He sighed. "My skills are still too weak. I couldn’t hear anything from the front courtyard."
"Fourth rank isn’t low," Wen Zhuzhi reassured him before shifting the topic. "The Zhou family in Dongliu City has met with disaster. Our trip is postponed."
A'Nai’s eyes widened in dismay. "What happened? We’re really not going? Wasn’t the White Jade Life Pill meant as a birthday gift for that Zhou fellow?"
Wen Zhuzhi set down his bowl. "We’ll know more after meeting Innkeeper Lu."
In the main hall, a lavish feast was served. Under Zhao Jiang’s hospitality, the meal was enjoyed to the fullest, easing much of the fatigue from their journey.
"Miss Luo," Zhao Jiang said solemnly, "the Golden Blade Trading Company has ties with Red Cloud Peak. You and Young Master Luo are welcome to stay as long as needed. If you wish, I can send word to Red Cloud Peak and inform your father about the incident in Dongliu City."
Luo Lianhuan, moved by his kindness, stood and raised her cup. "Thank you, Manager Zhao."
Once the meal ended, Zhao Jiang excused himself to attend to other matters.
The accommodations for Lu Jianwei and the others had been prepared, with their luggage and personal belongings neatly arranged.
She had a small courtyard to herself; Xue Guanhe, Yan Feicang, and Luo Sheng shared one; while Tiao and Luo Lianhuan stayed together in another.
The courtyards were close to each other, with Lu Jianwei’s being the largest and most luxurious.
Xue Guanhe accompanied Lu Jianwei to the gate of her courtyard and said, "Manager, I just asked Steward Zhao about Young Master Wen’s whereabouts. Can I go see A'Nai?"
"At least you have a conscience, remembering to look for me." A'Nai’s voice came from nearby, as prickly as ever.
Xue Guanhe turned in pleasant surprise. "A'Nai, long time no see."
"Not that long," A'Nai said smugly. "Didn’t expect you to miss me so much."
Xue Guanhe chuckled but didn’t argue.
Though the two often bickered, their bond only grew stronger. After months without their usual quarrels, it felt oddly unfamiliar.
Night deepened, and lanterns were lit in the courtyard, their glow spilling through the gate and illuminating the small clearing in front.
A'Nai pushed a wheelchair forward.
The wheelchair, as always, was adorned with gold and jade, exuding extravagance.
Wen Zhuzhi’s pale face caught the dim light, his features refined. In the interplay of light and shadow, his gentle brows seemed half-hidden in the darkness, carrying a hint of sharpness.
But as he moved closer, the shadows receded from his profile, restoring his usual elegance—as if the earlier impression had been an illusion.
"Manager Lu, it’s been a while. How have you been?"
Lu Jianwei gave a slight nod. "I’m doing well."
A pity they hadn’t met at the inn—she could have made some extra silver off the richest man in the land.
"I heard something happened in Dongliu City," Wen Zhuzhi cut straight to the point. "I was planning to head there to seek medicine. Manager Lu, could you spare some time to clarify the situation for me?"
Lu Jianwei was busy refining the assassin’s internal energy and initially wanted to refuse.
"A single piece of news from the Thousand Miles Pavilion can sell for a thousand taels. Naturally, I wouldn’t take advantage of you, Manager Lu."
Lu Jianwei swallowed her refusal, her eyes gleaming.
"A thousand taels for information on the Zhou family of Dongliu City. How about it?" Wen Zhuzhi held a jade flute, smiling at her.
Her weakness was seized directly.
She truly couldn’t bring herself to turn down a wealthy patron offering money so readily.
A'Nai muttered, "Couldn’t you just ask Brother Yan?"
Yan Feicang definitely wouldn’t charge.
"Come in." Lu Jianwei immediately opened the courtyard gate, lest the richest man change his mind.
Wen Zhuzhi clearly didn’t mind the trivial sum. He instructed A'Nai, "You and Young Xue can go catch up."
"Fine." A'Nai released the wheelchair and dragged Xue Guanhe away. "Listen, I’ve come up with a new dish—it’ll definitely beat your family’s so-called ‘Drunken Immortal’s Jade.’"
"No way!" Xue Guanhe, provoked, immediately rose to the challenge. "Our signature dish is famous throughout Fengzhou. You can’t top it."
"Then let’s test it tomorrow."
"Bring it on!"
Their voices faded, swallowed by the estate’s pavilions and corridors.
Wen Zhuzhi wheeled himself into the courtyard.
Steps connected the courtyard to the main house, flanked by ramps for wheelchair access.
His wheelchair, equipped with some ingenious mechanism, easily ascended the ramp and stopped before the threshold.
The threshold was removable. He bent down, lifted it aside, and rolled into the room.
Inside, a table and four wooden chairs were arranged, with a tea set on the table. Steam curled from the teapot’s spout.
Wen Zhuzhi approached the table, poured two cups of tea, and handed one to Lu Jianwei.
She raised a brow.
"The silver notes aren’t on me. I’ll have A'Nai bring them later," he said.
Only then did Lu Jianwei speak. "I trust your integrity, Young Master Wen. What do you want to know?"
"The White Jade Lingzhi Elixir," Wen Zhuzhi said slowly. "I heard the Dongliu Twin Heroes intended to present it as a birthday gift to Zhou Renjing."
Lu Jianwei frowned. "The elixir can prolong life—it’s effective for those in good health. But for you… no offense, it’s practically useless."
"Truly useless?" Wen Zhuzhi sighed softly. "I thought it might buy me a few more years. Seems I was mistaken."
"Still want the information?"
He nodded. "Even if it’s useless to me, I could gift it to Elder Jin."
"Jin Poxiao’s father?" Lu Jianwei understood. "Fair enough. But the Dongliu Twin Heroes are dead. I don’t know where the elixir is now."
Wen Zhuzhi looked intrigued. "You don’t seem surprised. Did you already know they had the elixir?"
The candle wick crackled, its flame flickering gently.
Lu Jianwei met his gaze.
The candlelight danced in his irises, warming the amber hue. His long, straight lashes cast delicate shadows, deepening the mystery in his eyes.
"We crossed paths at an inn outside the city. There was… an incident."
Wen Zhuzhi’s eyes curved slightly. "I hope you didn’t suffer any losses, Manager Lu."
"None. In fact, I made a tidy profit."
"My admiration."
Out of respect for the thousand taels, Lu Jianwei recounted Luo Lianhuan’s involvement, concluding, "I wanted to uncover the mastermind, but the assassin died from a poison gu."
"What kind of gu?"
"Not sure."
"You kept the assassin’s body to study the gu?" Wen Zhuzhi lifted his gaze. "If you identify it, would you share your findings?"
"Young Master Wen is interested in assassins too?" Lu Jianwei studied him with amusement. "I’m no expert on gu techniques. You might be disappointed."
The candlelight brushed her profile, casting a soft glow. Her eyes shone too brightly, like gemstones catching the light.
Wen Zhuzhi lowered his gaze to his teacup.
"With the Zhou family massacred, the gifts must have been looted. I want to trace the elixir’s whereabouts."
"Ah." Lu Jianwei sipped her tea.
Wen Zhuzhi caught her meaning. "If you do uncover the gu’s origins, I assure you, the compensation will be worth your while."
"Deal." She set down her cup.
The soft clink against the table sounded like a dismissal.
Wen Zhuzhi took the hint. "Rest well, Manager Lu. I’ll take my leave."
He turned, exiting the room and carefully replacing the threshold before wheeling out of the courtyard.
Moonlight bathed the silk ribbon tied at his back, its delicate embroidery shimmering faintly.
Lu Jianwei couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. So rich.
She closed the gate and door, then opened the system shop to search for books on gu techniques.
Encyclopedia of Gu Insects—100 taels. Buy.
Theory and Practice of Gu Arts—200 taels. Buy.
Annotations from a Gu Master—500 taels. Buy.
Lu Jianwei had no interest in the conflicts of the martial world. Whoever was behind the Zhou family massacre, it wasn’t her concern.
But gu arts were insidious and unpredictable. She might never use them, but she couldn’t afford ignorance.
She spent the entire night enduring disgust as she memorized every vile, grotesque gu insect.
By morning, even the dark, hard peppercorns in her side dishes looked suspiciously like gu, killing her appetite.
Xue Guanhe had prepared breakfast. Noticing her lack of interest, he asked worriedly, "Manager, is the food not to your liking?"
Lu Jianwei shook her head. "It’s not you."
After a few bites, she pushed the bowl aside. "I’m going to examine the body."
Tiao abruptly stood. "I’ll come too."
The others: "…"
Well, now none of them could eat.
