◎Healing the Sick, Redeeming the Thief◎
Lu Jianwei changed into a fresh dress and lay on the bed, utterly bored.
"No phone, no computer, no chips or spicy snacks—this is too much."
"Once you gain the friendship of a fifth-rank or higher martial artist, you can unlock special items," Xiao Ke consoled her.
Lu Jianwei sighed softly. "Making friends is too hard."
Yan Feicang was a sixth-rank martial artist, fully meeting the criteria, but he didn’t want to be her friend—he only saw her as a figure to respect.
Then there was Uncle Zhang, who had recently broken through to the fifth rank, but he still treated her merely as his employer.
Jin Poxiao was also fifth-rank, but he probably only wanted to do business with her.
Not a single one of them wanted to be her friend.
"Xiao Ke, do you think I’ve acted too successfully, to the point where they all just revere me?"
"You’re the innkeeper, and they’re the staff. Respecting you is only natural."
"That’s true, but I want to play with my phone."
"Jianwei, let me remind you—even if you unlock special items, you can’t use them indefinitely."
"What do you mean?"
"Those items shouldn’t exist in this world to begin with. Your usage is time-limited, and you can’t let anyone else notice them."
Lu Jianwei: "...What about the transmigration tool?"
"The above applies to non-consumable items. If you want to eat chips or spicy snacks, just hide while eating them. The system can dispose of the trash, but it’ll charge a handling fee."
"..."
Lu Jianwei pulled the blanket over her head.
This pay-to-win system truly lived up to its name!
In the kitchen, Xue Guanhe, after hearing A'Nai’s words, asked in surprise, "Is this for that patient?"
"What patient?" A'Nai looked confused.
"The one brought in by the thief."
"Oh, that one? He’s hardly a patient—just some minor bruises."
"No wonder the innkeeper isn’t concerned." Xue Guanhe found it odd. "But why is he still unconscious?"
A'Nai shook his head. "No idea. Maybe the thief has some secret technique."
"You’d think someone with such skills would do something better than stealing," Xue Guanhe sighed. "With that kind of agility, he could’ve been a hero."
A'Nai hummed. "Don’t judge by appearances."
"What do you mean?"
"Enough chatter. Hurry up and make some blood-nourishing soup."
"Right."
In the servants’ quarters, Tiao sat by the bed, intently studying the "Ordinary Guest" pill.
Since the days of Cloud Inn, she had followed Lu Jianwei all the way here and had long heard from Xue Guanhe about the Eight Directions Inn’s past "achievements."
Powerful factions like the Thousand Miles Tower and Black Wind Fort had sought out renowned physicians, yet none could decipher the pill’s properties—proof of its uniqueness.
She wanted to try.
Yun Hui slowly opened her eyes.
The young woman sat sideways to the bed, her thin braids cascading over her shoulders, half-covering her face, leaving only a delicate chin and a pert nose visible.
Holding the pill in her palm, she carefully probed it with a fine needle, then brought the tip to her nose to sniff.
"Dissolving Lotus, Golden Dome Leaf..." she murmured under her breath, eyes closed.
Her voice wasn’t the clear, melodious tone of a typical young girl but carried a slight rasp, spilling from pale purple lips.
Pale purple?
Yun Hui’s eyes widened.
She hadn’t paid much attention before, but now she realized—Tiao’s lips were an unusual shade, and her gaze and aura were anything but ordinary.
"Tiao."
"What’s wrong?" Tiao turned her head, her expression calm and detached. "Are you feeling unwell?"
Yun Hui nearly burst into tears.
What had her daughter endured to remain so composed upon reuniting with her parents? Other girls her age were carefree and innocent, yet Tiao seemed like a woman weathered by hardship.
Tiao asked again, "Are you in pain somewhere?"
"I’m fine." Yun Hui wiped her tears and forced a smile. "Tiao, could you tell me how you’ve lived all these years?"
Tiao answered succinctly, "Someone found me in a mass grave in the southern region and took me many, many places."
"You never forgot home," Yun Hui said keenly. "If you were free, why didn’t you return to Jiangzhou? Did that person force you? Were they... were they..."
Cruel.
She couldn’t bring herself to say it. Just the thought made her chest ache unbearably.
Tiao didn’t hide the truth. "She poisoned me. There’s no permanent antidote. I had to obey her."
"Poisoned?" Yun Hui felt as if struck by lightning. The joy of finding her daughter vanished, replaced by panic. "Then you—you—"
"Monthly doses keep it suppressed." Tiao’s eyes held a steadiness beyond her years. "I’ll find the antidote."
Yun Hui: "..."
"Stay at the inn for a few days. I’ll help restore your health." After this instruction, Tiao turned back to studying the pill.
Yun Hui hesitated but couldn’t hold back.
"What happened to the person who poisoned you?"
"Dead."
"And Innkeeper Lu—"
"She saved my life."
Yun Hui’s eyes brightened with hope. "They say she’s extraordinary, and heroes like Uncle Zhang are formidable. Do they know any skilled physicians who could cure your poison?"
"The poison was made by the most skilled physician." Tiao paused, then reassured her, "I told you—I’ll find the antidote."
"Then... then that’s good."
Ten years apart, everything had changed.
Yun Hui had missed Tiao’s growth entirely and had no idea how her daughter had survived all these years. No matter how much she longed to rebuild their closeness, she didn’t know where to start.
At lunchtime, Lu Jianwei came downstairs.
Everyone was familiar with each other, sitting around a single table—only Yun Hui seemed out of place.
"Madam Yun, no need to be nervous." Lu Jianwei glanced at the dishes and smiled. "The angelica and red date chicken soup replenishes blood—have more."
Xue Guanhe scratched his head. So the blood-nourishing soup was for Madam Yun?
Strange—why had A'Nai been the one to tell him to make it?
"Thank you, Innkeeper Lu." As a household manager, Yun Hui quickly adapted and relaxed.
Wen Zhuzhi paused briefly before quietly continuing his medicinal meal.
"Innkeeper, what should we do with the patient in the clinic?" Xue Guanhe asked.
Lu Jianwei: "Send him to the pharmacy across the street."
The thief had already paid for his treatment there.
"Innkeeper," Wen Zhuzhi set down his bowl, "perhaps we should first verify his identity before deciding."
Lu Jianwei raised a brow. "You’re suggesting this ‘patient’ might be a criminal the thief used?"
"Mm."
"Then send him to the authorities."
Uncle Zhang immediately responded, "I’ll take him to the magistrate’s office later."
"I’d like to go too," Yun Hui said, twisting her handkerchief. "I want to see what becomes of those two beasts."
Jiang Yunchang had reported them—the magistrate would surely hold a trial.
"Fine." Lu Jianwei turned to Tiao. "Do you want to go?"
Tiao was indifferent, but under Yun Hui’s tearful gaze, she nodded.
"Innkeeper, I’d like to go too!" Xue Guanhe raised his hand.
Lu Jianwei chuckled. "Anyone else?"
"Me!" Yue Shu chimed in eagerly.
"Alright, all who want to go, go together."
A'Nai spoke up, "Young Master, may I go?"
Wen Zhuzhi smiled. "As you wish."
After the meal, Uncle Zhang carried the patient, leading Yun Hui, Tiao, Xue Guanhe, Yue Shu, and A'Nai to the magistrate’s office.
Only Lu Jianwei, Wen Zhuzhi, and Yan Feicang remained in the inn.
Yan Feicang diligently chopped firewood in the backyard, while Wen Zhuzhi sat in his room reading a book.
As for Lu Jianwei, she spent her time in her room, repeatedly practicing needle techniques on a human model.
Her skill with the needles was already proficient—what she focused on now was steadiness and speed.
Her comprehension was not an issue; she simply needed to refine her precision.
After an afternoon of practice, Uncle Zhang and the others returned.
"Boss, as soon as we delivered that man to the magistrate’s office, the constables recognized him. He’s a known ruffian who often harasses young and beautiful women."
Lu Jianwei nodded and glanced at Tiao.
"Aside from abandoning me and poisoning me, they’ve committed other crimes—enough to warrant execution," Tiao summarized succinctly.
Jiangzhou was a prefectural city, and the magistrate had the authority to pass death sentences, though they still needed to be reviewed by higher authorities. The process would take time, ensuring the execution would take place after autumn.
The poisonous influence of the Jiang family had been eradicated, but the scars remained.
Though Jiang Yunchang was also a victim, Yun Hui still harbored resentment toward him. More than once, she had thought that if he had simply listened to her and refused the clan’s forceful demands, Tiao would never have suffered such a tragedy.
In the end, he too had believed that a daughter was unworthy of inheriting the family legacy—not even comparable to a nephew from a distant branch.
Yun Hui wasn’t ready to face him yet. She feared that seeing him would unleash the suppressed fury within her.
Moreover, she wanted to stay with Tiao, making up for the ten years they had lost.
"Boss Lu," Yun Hui asked hesitantly, "I’ve heard your inn offers medical services. May I book a room to recuperate here?"
Lu Jianwei was straightforward. "A standard room costs a hundred coins per day, a superior room five hundred. Medicine is extra. But since Tiao is your daughter, if she’s willing to tend to you herself, there’ll be no charge."
"I’ll take a standard room for a month." Yun Hui handed over three taels of silver.
Lu Jianwei accepted it with a smile. "You may choose any room on the second floor."
Yun Hui settled into a room on the east side of the second floor.
She was a diligent woman, having managed household affairs for years. As soon as her health improved slightly, she began helping around the inn.
The staff were all men, capable of heavy labor but lacking in finer details.
Tiao was only interested in pharmacology and had no mind for chores, leaving many tasks unattended.
Yun Hui’s arrival brought much-needed assistance.
She handled everything swiftly and skillfully.
When Yue Shu’s shoes wore out, she promptly made him a new pair. When Xue Guanhe’s sleeve tore, she carefully mended it. She sewed clothes and socks for Tiao, even making several undergarments for her.
After Tiao turned six, she had wandered the martial world with Hu Jiuniang, learning some things but not others. Unable to buy proper undergarments outside, she had made them herself—poorly stitched and from rough fabric. The sight brought tears to Yun Hui’s eyes.
In any case, after Yun Hui moved in, the comfort of life at the inn improved dramatically.
Lu Jianwei benefited greatly as well.
She didn’t adhere to strict gender divisions, but in daily life, there were still inconveniences between men and women.
Before, as the only woman among male staff, her life hadn’t been entirely comfortable.
Now, Yun Hui took special care of both her and Tiao.
Gentle in nature, Yun Hui spoke with the soft cadence of the Jiangnan region. Her meticulous and considerate manner quickly endeared her to everyone.
Lu Jianwei felt a long-lost sense of warmth and protection from an elder.
As for Jiang Yunchang, burdened by guilt, he didn’t dare force his wife and daughter to return home. Instead, he visited with lavish gifts to express his gratitude to Lu Jianwei, hoping to see his family.
But Yun Hui refused to meet him, and Tiao felt little filial affection.
Five days passed.
Then came the day Hong He and his son were to retrieve their spear.
Early in the morning, they arrived with a money chest, requesting an audience with Lu Jianwei.
She sat in the main hall sipping tea, a long wooden case resting on the table—seven feet and three inches in length, its plain exterior belying its significance.
Hong Yingjie’s eyes were glued to it.
Hong He bowed respectfully. "Boss Lu, here are the hundred fifty thousand taels as agreed. Please verify the amount."
Uncle Zhang took the chest, counted the silver, and nodded to Lu Jianwei.
"You’ve been most honorable, Chief Hong. The spear is yours."
The moment the words left her mouth, Hong Yingjie eagerly flipped open the case and gasped, his eyes blazing with excitement.
This spear—this spear!
It was magnificent!
He fell in love with it at first sight.
Hong He, with his discerning eye, recognized the weapon’s extraordinary quality. Without this opportunity, even two hundred thousand taels might not have secured such a treasure.
"Boss Lu, your generosity in bestowing this spear is deeply appreciated."
Though it was a transaction, he framed it as a gift.
Lu Jianwei smiled. "You flatter me, Chief Hong."
"Boss Lu, Father, I’m going outside to try it out!" Hong Yingjie couldn’t wait another second. He grabbed the spear and dashed into the courtyard, swinging it with fierce momentum.
Hong He: "…"
Even he, the father, felt a pang of envy.
His son had acquired an exceptional spear—now he wanted a fine blade for himself.
The more he thought about it, the more restless he became. Finally, he mustered the courage to ask:
"Boss Lu, might I inquire… do you have any treasured blades for sale?"
Beside him, Yan Feicang perked up instantly.
Lu Jianwei shook her head. "The master smith pours his heart and soul into crafting divine weapons. He won’t take on another project so soon."
Yan Feicang’s shoulders slumped.
Hong He sighed inwardly.
"My apologies for the presumption. Boss Lu, if you ever require assistance, I am at your service."
"Noted."
The Hong father and son left satisfied.
"Boss." Uncle Zhang handed the money chest to Lu Jianwei.
She accepted it.
Her personal accounts, excluding the congratulatory gifts from Jin Poxiao, Wei Liu, and Hong He on opening day, now held four hundred thousand taels in silver.
Including the gifts, her wealth approached a million taels.
One percent of her goal of a hundred million.
The target seemed impossibly distant.
If she charged the same exorbitant fees as the Divine Physician Valley—a thousand taels per pill—she’d need to sell just ten to earn a million.
Nine hundred and ninety such sales would complete her goal.
It sounded simple, but where would she find nine hundred and ninety buyers willing to pay such a price?
"Jianwei, someone’s coming," Xiao Ke alerted.
Lu Jianwei focused and raised an eyebrow.
"It’s Han Xiaofeng."
Han Xiaofeng rode in on a swift horse, a carriage trailing behind him. He halted abruptly before the gates of Eight Directions Inn.
Though the courtyard gate stood open, he didn’t enter directly. Instead, he clasped his fists and called out, "Han Xiaofeng seeks medical aid. Boss Lu, pardon the intrusion."
Uncle Zhang stepped into the courtyard and stood beneath the corridor.
"Envoy Han, please enter."
Han Xiaofeng led his horse inside, followed by a Gray Robe Envoy guiding the carriage into the courtyard and toward the stables.
The sight of the disheveled "Seven of the Stable" greeted them, startling the Gray Robe Envoy.
"The Mystic Mirror Bureau?" Yu Jiansheng, straw tangled in his hair, scrutinized Zheng Dalu.
His voice had returned two days prior after the effects of the mute toxin wore off, and he’d since become quite talkative.
Zheng Dalu gave them a curious glance before lifting a man from the carriage—an Azure-clothed Envoy.
"How pitiful," Yu Jiansheng sneered. "Internal injuries, is it? I doubt he’ll recover. He’ll be a cripple for the rest of his life."
Zheng Dalu suddenly flushed red, his voice rough and brusque: "You're the one who'll never get better! You'll be stuck living in a stable for the rest of your life!"
"..."
Xue Guanhe rushed over to help tie up the horses. When he saw the unconscious Azure-clothed Envoy, he gasped, "Isn't that Envoy Feng? How did he get so badly injured?"
"Thank you, young Xue." Zheng Dalu expressed his gratitude before scooping up Feng Yan and striding swiftly toward the main hall.
Yue Shu guided them to the examination room.
"Manager Lu, back in Moonview City during the investigation of Hu Jiuniang's case, I heard you treated Niu Xiaoxi, who was injured by internal force. That's why I've come shamelessly seeking your help." Han Xiaofeng bowed deeply.
Few were willing to take the risk to treat such injuries.
The Mystic Mirror Bureau put great effort into training each Azure-clothed Envoy. As long as there was even a sliver of hope, he had to try.
Lu Jianwei checked Feng Yan's pulse and said, "He was wounded by a sixth-level martial artist."
A fourth-level warrior couldn't withstand the internal force of a sixth-level one. Feng Yan's meridians and dantian were in dire condition. If not for Han Xiaofeng risking his own energy to sustain him, he would have long been crippled, unable to make it to the Eight Directions Inn in time.
Han Xiaofeng: "Manager Lu, cost is not an issue."
"Ten thousand taels," Lu Jianwei stated bluntly. "Deposit first."
"How much for the deposit?"
"Two thousand taels."
Han Xiaofeng removed the token from his waist and handed it to Zheng Dalu.
"Withdraw two thousand taels from the bank."
The Mystic Mirror Bureau had funds allocated, and as a Purple Robe Envoy, Han Xiaofeng had the authority to withdraw money without prior approval—though no more than three thousand taels at once.
Two thousand was within his limit.
Time was of the essence. Lu Jianwei had Uncle Zhang draft a contract and shooed everyone out of the hall before the deposit even arrived.
"No disturbances until I'm done."
The group retreated to the front courtyard, waiting in silence.
A'Nai peeked out the window and turned to Wen Zhuzhi. "Manager Lu has decided to treat Feng Yan."
"Hmm." Wen Zhuzhi flipped a page of his book.
"Isn't she afraid of the danger?" A'Nai frowned with a sigh. "Her sect's rules are so strange too—she can't return until she earns enough money."
"If you're bored, go meditate."
"Young Master, aren't you worried about Manager Lu?" A'Nai shut the window and leaned closer. "One misstep, and she could suffer backlash from the internal force."
Wen Zhuzhi closed his book, expression indifferent. "Why should I worry about her?"
"If she gets hurt, we'll have to face the Martial Alliance's wrath. Isn't it natural to be concerned? Young Master, where did your mind wander off to?" A'Nai covered his mouth, snickering.
Wen Zhuzhi: "..."
"Don't look at me like that. What did I say wrong?"
"Wen Nai."
"I'll go train!"
Across the street at the clinic:
The master and servant had just watched the spectacle of the Hong family retrieving their spear before their attention was drawn to the Mystic Mirror Bureau's arrival.
"A Purple Robe..." The clinic owner gasped. "A sixth-level warrior, a Purple Robe Envoy of the Mystic Mirror Bureau—representing the imperial court—showing such deference?"
The apprentice gaped. "Just who is Manager Lu?"
"After Sect Leader Hong entered, he dragged over congratulatory gifts; the Martial Alliance disciples went in and never came out; Jiang Yaozu and Jiang Yunsheng went in and were sentenced to execution; Madam Jiang never left, and the Jiang family head sends money daily; now the Mystic Mirror Bureau arrives and sends someone to withdraw funds."
"Sounds... terrifying."
The clinic owner took a deep breath.
"More than terrifying—downright horrifying!"
"Boss, maybe we should stop gossiping about our neighbors." The apprentice shuddered.
The owner huffed. "When have I ever gossiped? It was all reasonable speculation and objective assessment."
"Right." The apprentice said. "If only your hands weren't shaking."
"Scram!" The owner kicked at him.
Back in the inn's examination room:
Lu Jianwei channeled wisps of internal force into Feng Yan's meridians, assessing the state of his dantian.
There was still hope.
The supplementary abilities of her nameless technique were now second nature to her. Extracting the remnants of sixth-level energy from Feng Yan's body was effortless.
With everyone gathered in the front courtyard at a distance, she could now precisely control her energy without leakage.
At ten paces away, unless she used a major technique, no one could discern her true martial level.
Sixth-level energy was nothing short of a feast for her.
The nameless technique whirred into motion, dividing her internal force into countless fine tendrils that wound through Feng Yan's meridians and dantian, encircling the rampaging energy.
Suppress, devour, assimilate.
The sixth-level force was gradually absorbed by her technique, refined into purer, gentler energy that flowed back into her dantian.
Her progress bar surged.
From fifth to sixth level, she still needed over a million points, but with the sixth-level energy fueling her, she leaped forward, nearly reaching the breakthrough.
Sixth level was considered a first-rate expert in the martial world.
At least her safety was now somewhat assured.
Once the foreign energy was cleared, Feng Yan's complexion improved, though his external and internal injuries still required treatment.
She fed him a pill and sat meditating to consolidate her gains.
A day passed in a blink, dusk settling in.
Just as the group grew restless, the hall doors finally opened.
Lu Jianwei emerged without a trace of exhaustion, her face glowing, eyes bright with amusement.
The crowd in the courtyard stared at her eagerly.
"I'm hungry," she said.
Xue Guanhe snapped out of it first. "I'll start cooking right away!"
"Brother Xue, I'll help." Yue Shu hurried after him to the kitchen.
Uncle Zhang stepped forward. "Manager, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, no need to worry." Lu Jianwei took a seat. "Tiao, handle the rest of Envoy Feng's injuries."
She had treated similar wounds countless times on practice dummies and left this opportunity for Tiao to gain experience.
Tiao grabbed her medical kit and dashed into the examination room, excited.
"Manager Lu, have some tea and snacks first." Yun Hui brought over hot tea and pastries.
Lu Jianwei accepted them with a smile. "Thank you, Madam Yun."
"Manager Lu," Han Xiaofeng finally spoke up, "how is Feng Yan?"
"He'll recover fully," Lu Jianwei said. "Once healed, he can resume his duties as an Azure-clothed Envoy."
Han Xiaofeng exhaled in relief. "Manager Lu, your kindness is beyond repayment. Regarding the remaining payment—could you grant me five days? I'll deliver it without fail."
"Fine." Lu Jianwei shifted topics. "However, I have a favor to ask."
"Name it."
"I've heard the Mystic Mirror Bureau maintains records of notorious criminals. Might I borrow a copy?"
"A trivial matter." Han Xiaofeng agreed without hesitation. "In five days, I'll deliver both the records and the payment."
Lu Jianwei smiled. "Envoy Feng still needs rest. Will you and Envoy Zheng stay the night or depart elsewhere?"
"Manager Lu, two standard rooms." Han Xiaofeng produced some silver.
Uncle Zhang took care of the payment and records.
Keys in hand, Han Xiaofeng turned toward the stairs when his peripheral vision caught Wen Zhuzhi approaching in his wheelchair.
A strange sense of déjà vu flickered through him.
For a fleeting moment, the angle seemed familiar—but the sensation vanished as soon as Wen Zhuzhi met his gaze.
Wen Zhuzhi greeted politely, "Envoy Han, an honor."
"Master Wen, the honor is mine." Han Xiaofeng returned the courtesy.
Wen Zhuzhi gave a slight nod and walked past him, facing Lu Jianwei.
"Innkeeper Lu, the 'Thousand-Faced Thief' has surely learned his lesson by now. Might you consider releasing him from the stables?"
Lu Jianwei replied, "Looking to ransom him?"
Wen Zhuzhi smiled. "Name your price."
"Wait," Han Xiaofeng interjected, incredulous. "Are you talking about the 'Thousand-Faced Thief' Liang Shangjun? He’s here at the inn?"
