No Fighting Allowed in the Inn-Chapter 76

◎Mysteries in the Notes, Parasitic Internal Energy, Eighth-Level Martial King◎

Rumors spread across the martial world that "Qun Fang Du" (Envy of Beauties) was concocted by Lin Congyue herself to punish her husband and his lover.

After the poison was neutralized by the Divine Physician Valley, she descended further into madness, poisoning unfaithful men across the land.

Everyone believed this without question.

To the martial world, she was nothing but a ruthless, deranged woman.

No one ever questioned why she became this way—not even her closest friend, Hu Jiuniang, who simply assumed she had succumbed to darkness.

But if that were truly the case, why would Dou Ting’s personal notes contain the detailed steps for creating "Qun Fang Du"?

Even more puzzling, the antidote formula followed immediately after.

Could he have copied it from Lin Congyue’s own notes?

Impossible.

Lin Congyue’s notes were divided into two parts—one taken by Hu Jiuniang, the other presented to the Divine Physician Valley by Du Hanqiu.

Hu Jiuniang’s portion already mentioned "Qun Fang Du," so Du Hanqiu’s submission shouldn’t have repeated it.

The meticulous detail in Dou Ting’s notes suggested only one possibility:

He was involved in the creation of "Qun Fang Du."

Yet another question lingered.

Hu Jiuniang and Lin Congyue were close friends, often studying medicine together. It made sense that Hu Jiuniang possessed Lin Congyue’s early research notes—but how did she also obtain the new poison "Qun Fang Du Mixed with March Departure" and a half-finished antidote?

Did they remain in contact after Lin Congyue "descended into darkness"?

With all involved long deceased, the truth was lost to time.

Lu Jianwei suppressed her thoughts and refocused on Dou Ting’s notes.

The handwriting suggested these weren’t copied—nor did they match Lin Congyue’s medicinal style.

Tiao’s knowledge came entirely from Lin Congyue, so her own attempt at an antidote would naturally align with Lin Congyue’s methods.

Yet both the poison’s creation and the antidote in Dou Ting’s notes diverged drastically from Lin Congyue’s known techniques.

This record seemed to be written by Dou Ting himself.

Lin Congyue’s infamous poisoning spree, the Divine Physician Valley’s timely antidote, saving countless lives and elevating their status—was it all too convenient?

Lu Jianwei never shied from assuming the worst in people.

After all, Dou Ting had already tried to use Du Hanqiu to harm her. It was only reasonable to consider him a villain.

Could she then infer that "Qun Fang Du" might not have been Lin Congyue’s doing at all?

"Miss Shen, time for dinner!" Bai Guo called from outside.

Lu Jianwei tucked away the notes and opened the door.

"What do you do in your room all day?" Bai Guo asked, brimming with curiosity. "Sister Shangguan never comes out, and neither do you. Only Sister Little Tao plays with me."

"Have you finished your studies, or are you just thinking about fun?" Lu Jianwei teased.

Bai Guo puffed up proudly. "I finish fast and do well! Master lets me play extra."

"And what do you play?"

"Catching fish by the stream, flying kites in the meadow, chasing butterflies, swinging—so many things!"

"How old are you?"

"Eleven. Why?"

"So young. Then you wouldn’t know much about the Divine Physician Valley’s past."

"Impossible! I grew up hearing all about it. There’s nothing I don’t know!"

Lu Jianwei feigned disbelief. "Then tell me, how old is your Valley Master this year?"

"Even a three-year-old knows that! Seventy-eight." Bai Guo clasped her hands behind her back, smug.

Lu Jianwei pressed further. "Who in the Valley is the best at reconnecting tendons and mending bones?"

"Isn’t it obvious?" Bai Guo beamed. "My master, of course!"

"Fine, one last question—a hard one."

"Go ahead."

Lu Jianwei pretended to think, then smirked. "You wouldn’t know this. It happened ten years ago, before you could remember."

"Just ask!"

Lu Jianwei leaned in, whispering:

"Do you know about 'Qun Fang Du'?"

Bai Guo blinked, then stared at her in disbelief.

That’s it?

This was supposed to be difficult?

"I’ve heard this story eight hundred times! It’s even recorded in the Hall of Honor. Physician Dou was promoted from fifth-rank to sixth-rank for solving the poison and moved to this very estate."

Lu Jianwei smiled warmly. "Truly a little encyclopedia. You know everything."

"Of course!"

After the meal, Yuan Qiong stopped Lu Jianwei.

"Today, I’ll take you to see Dou Ting and ask if he’s willing to treat your friend."

Lu Jianwei bowed. "Thank you, Physician Yuan."

"I’ll go too," Shangguan Yao said. "I’ll accompany Twelve."

Lu Jianwei understood her intent.

The Luzhou Academy carried weight in the martial world. Its name might earn them some courtesy—Shangguan Yao was offering her support.

Lu Jianwei silently noted the kindness.

Though she had saved Shangguan Yao and Little Tao, she had also deceived them with a false identity. The scales balanced, but Shangguan Yao’s goodwill deserved repayment someday.

Dou Residence.

After days of searching, the guards found no trace of the arsonist—not a single clue.

But compared to the burned apothecary, Dou Ting was far more troubled by the intruder who had slipped into his study.

Yet none of the guards had seen anyone enter or leave.

The green-robed woman in his study—only he had witnessed her.

Was it really Lu Jianwei?

Dou Ting frowned in contemplation.

If it was her, why would she disguise herself to sneak in? Surely to steal Lin Congyue’s medical texts.

But he had checked the shelves—nothing was disturbed.

He had even waited in the study for days, yet no one returned.

If not Lu Jianwei, then who?

That person’s lightness skill was peerless, their movement flawless. He had seen her head toward the Wheel of Rebirth Hall—how had she vanished in mere moments?

If she had shed her disguise there, blending into the crowd, the discarded clothes should still be hidden inside. But even after turning the place upside down—even after disturbing the…—not a single scrap of fabric was found.

Utterly baffling.

"Physician, Yuan Qiong has sent a visiting card," a guard announced.

Dou Ting straightened. "Let her in."

The gates opened. Yuan Qiong led Lu Jianwei and Shangguan Yao through the courtyard to the main hall.

Servants promptly served tea.

Dou Ting smiled, every inch the refined gentleman.

"What brings you here, Physician Yuan?"

Yuan Qiong cut to the chase. "Miss Shen’s friend has been poisoned—likely by 'March Departure.' Since you’re the expert, I brought her to you."

"'March Departure'?" Dou Ting feigned surprise, turning to Lu Jianwei. "When was the poisoning?"

"I’m not sure," Lu Jianwei admitted, "but symptoms appeared over a month ago."

"A month? Then there’s still time." Dou Ting relaxed. "May I ask where you’re from, Miss Shen?"

"Yongzhou."

"Yongzhou? Quite far from Jingzhou. I heard there was an earthquake last year—was your family unharmed?"

"My roots are in Yongzhou, but I was traveling when it happened. No harm done." Lu Jianwei pretended urgency. "Physician Dou, when can you treat my friend?"

Dou Ting stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Where is your friend now?"

"When I entered the valley, I hadn’t yet reached Wenxian Town. A few days have passed, so she should be there by now," Lu Jianwei said. "If you agree to cure her, I’ll leave the valley immediately to inform her. She’ll prepare the payment, and then I’ll bring her here."

Dou Ting: "No need to rush. Payment isn’t an issue. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a case of ‘Three-Month Withering,’ so I’m quite intrigued. However..."

"Please speak freely, Physician Dou."

Dou Ting replied leisurely, "I currently have a patient who’s been under my care for several years. Every month, I leave the valley to examine and treat him. Tomorrow marks the scheduled visit. Coincidentally, I also promised a couple outside the valley a consultation yesterday, so I must make the trip."

"You mean..." Lu Jianwei’s face lit up with hope.

Dou Ting chuckled. "Exactly. Tomorrow, I’ll leave the valley, and you can accompany me. We’ll save your friend along the way."

"Thank you, Physician Dou!"

Back ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‍at the Peony Residence, Shangguan Yao said, "Your friend is my friend too. I’ll go with you tomorrow."

"No need," Lu Jianwei smiled. "Her illness has left her disfigured, and she doesn’t wish to be seen by others now."

"I see. Then I won’t intrude. I’ll wait here for your good news."

Lu Jianwei returned to her room and took out Dou Ting’s notes once more.

"Aren’t you afraid of being exposed when you can’t produce this so-called patient?" Xiao Ke asked.

Lu Jianwei shook her head. "No. Before dinner, I noticed something very interesting."

She pointed to the current page.

When Bai Guo came to fetch her earlier, she’d only skimmed it briefly. But as Dou Ting spoke, certain key phrases kept resurfacing in her mind.

After the section on "Three-Month Withering," Dou Ting had recorded new insights.

—The Syndrome of Internal Energy Parasitism.

This was another novel concept, though its essence wasn’t unfamiliar. Internal energy parasitism referred to the phenomenon where another person’s internal energy took root in one’s own meridians or even dantian, causing damage.

Lu Jianwei had treated many such cases before.

Had Dou Ting been researching this syndrome years ago?

No wonder he lured her into the valley—to force her to hand over her treatment methods.

Judging from his notes, he hadn’t succeeded. The final entries were hastily scribbled, as if he’d given up.

The rest of the notes contained research on other medicinal formulas and poisons.

His knowledge of medicine and toxins was indeed profound, proving his natural talent.

After reading through it, Lu Jianwei felt a deeper sense of understanding.

Truly, hoarding knowledge was futile. Progress required open exchange with the outside world.

She turned the page, and her gaze suddenly sharpened.

Another entry on "Internal Energy Parasitism"!

The phrasing and style differed markedly from Dou Ting’s, carrying a faintly familiar tone.

It was Lin Congyue’s handwriting!

She, too, had studied a cure for parasitism—and had made significant progress.

It was as if a hand had swept aside the fog, revealing the connections between everything: Lin Congyue’s tarnished reputation, the lost medical texts, "Three-Month Withering," and the syndrome of internal energy parasitism.

The thread tying them all together was this very notebook in her hands.

Lu Jianwei seemed to glimpse fragments of the truth from a decade ago. A surge of warmth rose in her chest—a mix of grief and reverence for that brilliant healer.

Of those involved, only Du Hanqiu and Dou Ting remained.

How could she extract the truth from them?

Lu Jianwei meticulously recalled every detail, from Du Hanqiu’s appearance at the inn to every word and action from Dou Ting today.

She’d gained fame for treating "Internal Energy Parasitism." Du Hanqiu had infiltrated the inn under the pretense of the Wang Chijie case, attempting to drug and kidnap her.

After his plan failed, Physician Dou Ting of the Divine Doctor Valley intervened to negotiate his release, then invited her to the valley to transcribe Lin Congyue’s medical texts.

—Anyone familiar with the Eight Directions Inn would know such recklessness was unthinkable.

Which made the motive behind it all the more suspicious.

The relationship between Tiao and Hu Jiuniang wasn’t a secret, nor was Tiao’s poisoning deliberately concealed. Anyone determined enough could uncover it, let alone the well-connected Divine Doctor Valley.

Aside from her own origins, the backgrounds of everyone at the inn had likely been thoroughly investigated.

Her need for the remaining half of Lin Congyue’s medical texts was undeniable.

Using it as bait to lure her into the valley, then seizing her treatment methods—the logic was sound.

But one question remained: The Eight Directions Inn was known to be backed by a ninth-level Martial King. Why would Dou Ting dare to provoke them?

What was his real leverage?

Lu Jianwei pondered all night but couldn’t find a plausible answer. She could only assume Dou Ting was a madman who believed "fortune favors the bold."

The next morning, rain fell over the valley, droplets cascading from the eaves like broken strings of pearls, splashing into puddles with a rhythmic patter.

Lu Jianwei changed into waterproof boots and a fitted blue outfit. Under the reluctant gazes of Shangguan Yao and Little Tao, she left the Peony Residence.

Yesterday, she’d arranged to meet Dou Ting outside the valley to "save her friend."

She didn’t believe Dou Ting was the selfless, approachable healer others claimed.

Where there was anomaly, there was deceit.

Inside the valley, he had to maintain his gentle facade. But outside? His fangs might finally show.

So whether her "poisoned friend" existed or not didn’t matter.

Lu Jianwei arrived early, waiting beyond the valley with a bamboo umbrella in hand.

"Where might the young lady be headed? My carriage is available for just ten coppers," a wiry, thin-faced coachman sidled up, his beady eyes squinting into slits.

Lu Jianwei smiled. This thief’s audacity knew no bounds—lingering right at the Divine Doctor Valley’s doorstep.

"I’m waiting for someone," she declined.

"Heavens, who leaves a delicate lady standing in wind and rain like this?"

The coachman edged closer, his gaze flickering over her face as if trying to pierce her disguise.

Lu Jianwei: "Not as hard as your toil for a living."

"Ah, but I’m just a crude man. A lady like you—such harmony between bone structure and features, such noble bearing—shouldn’t suffer like this."

Lu Jianwei: "..."

Since when did normal people give compliments like that?

The mask from the system store fit flawlessly, undetectable to most. But Liang Shangjun was a master of disguise. Even if he couldn’t discern how it was made, he’d spot something amiss.

Since he insisted on steering the conversation toward disguises, Lu Jianwei saw no reason to humor him.

"Thief Liang, was burning the herb pavilion fun?"

Liang Shangjun: "..."

He stared at her for a long moment, then—without another word—turned and bolted.

Lu Jianwei couldn’t help but laugh.

"What amuses you so, Miss Shen?"

Dou Ting approached in pristine white robes, exuding scholarly grace. Two attendants followed—one holding an umbrella, the other a medicine chest.

Lu Jianwei: "The thought of my friend’s imminent recovery brings me joy."

"Oh?" Dou Ting stroked his beard. "You trust me so readily?"

"Your skill is praised by all. On my journey here, I heard countless stories of how you’ve saved lives at the Divine Doctor Valley."

Dou Ting sighed modestly. "Flattery. If I were truly so skilled, I wouldn’t have a patient lingering for years untreated."

"Physician, Hermit Guihe’s illness is rare. Without you, he wouldn’t have survived this long," an attendant interjected.

"Enough, let's not talk about this," Dou Ting asked, "Where are the couple seeking medicine?"

The medicine servant replied, "After you agreed to see them, I arranged for them to stay at Guihe Residence. Every time you treat Hermit Guihe, it takes several days. Going elsewhere would likely delay things."

"Hmm." Dou Ting nodded, then smiled at Lu Jianwei. "I've known Hermit Guihe for years. When I treat him, I often borrow his residence to see other patients, saving myself the trouble of running around. Where is your friend, Miss Shen? Why not bring them along so I can treat the poison promptly?"

Lu Jianwei felt a slight unease.

Borrowing someone else's residence to save time was understandable, but this level of consideration was rare.

"I made arrangements with my friend—if she arrives at Divine Physician Valley, she’d send word to me outside the valley. But there’s been no message, so she must have been delayed on the road."

Dou Ting frowned briefly before relaxing.

"No matter. I’ll have someone keep watch. If anyone comes looking for you, Miss Shen, they’ll be directed to Guihe Residence. I’ll be staying there for a few days. Why don’t you come with me first?"

Lu Jianwei deliberately feigned ignorance. "Perhaps I should wait here for her."

"Guihe Residence doesn’t allow just anyone inside. If you arrive while I’m focused on treating the hermit, the gatekeeper might not let you in without my permission."

"Then my friend and I will wait outside the valley until you return," Lu Jianwei continued, pretending to be socially oblivious.

Dou Ting’s expression stiffened.

"Miss Shen, no offense, but the physician is only agreeing to help your friend out of respect for Physician Yuan and Miss Shangguan. Your refusal is nothing but trouble," one medicine servant grumbled.

Another chimed in, "Exactly! The physician exhausts himself treating Hermit Guihe, and now he has to run back and forth for your friend. Have you no conscience?"

A crowd of patients and their families outside the valley overheard the argument and gathered around.

"That’s right, young lady. Physician Dou often holds consultations at Guihe Residence to save time. It’s always been this way."

"I heard Hermit Guihe is gravely ill. Physician Dou spends all his energy on him. If you stay in the residence, at least he can rest in between."

"If you’re at Guihe Residence, he can treat your friend in the first two days while he’s still fresh. You’re wasting your chance."

Lu Jianwei: ???

It seemed she had no choice but to agree.

"Fine. If Miss Shen refuses, I’ll treat her friend after I finish my consultation with Hermit Guihe," Dou Ting conceded first.

The crowd grew even more indignant.

Lu Jianwei was now certain something was off—but that was better than nothing.

She pretended to feel guilty. "My apologies, I wasn’t thinking clearly. Let’s do as Physician Dou suggested."

The group set off for Guihe Residence.

Guihe Residence was located east of Wenxian Town, secluded from the noisy streets, surrounded by tranquility and serenity.

As Lu Jianwei followed Dou Ting into the courtyard, she immediately sensed an overwhelmingly powerful surge of inner force sweep over her head.

It was subtle—most sixth-level martial artists wouldn’t notice, but her Nameless Technique could detect it.

If she wasn’t mistaken, this energy was close to eighth-level.

Was the master of Guihe Residence an eighth-level Martial King?

Aside from that, the estate also housed several fourth and fifth-level martial artists.

After crossing the front courtyard, Lu Jianwei was led away from Dou Ting by a servant.

"Young lady, Physician Dou must first attend to our master. Please follow me to the guest quarters in the rear courtyard. There are other guests there, so you won’t be lonely."

The speaker was a fifth-level servant, plain-faced but with sharp eyes. Though he avoided direct eye contact, his gaze lingered on her face.

Lu Jianwei nodded. "Thank you."

She mused silently to Xiao Ke, "An eighth-level Martial King really lives lavishly—even the servants are fifth-level warriors."

Xiao Ke: "Remember, Clerk Yan at your inn is sixth-level."

"..."

The servant led her to a small courtyard where a couple—both fourth-level martial artists—were staying with their infant, the same pair she had met on the road earlier.

They brightened upon seeing her.

"Young lady, what a coincidence!"

Lu Jianwei smiled. "Indeed, what a small world."

She chose an empty room and entered. The furnishings were complete and spotless, as if regularly maintained.

"Rest here, miss. Call if you need anything," the servant said politely before turning to leave.

Lu Jianwei didn’t hold back. "I’m a bit thirsty. Could you bring some tea?"

The servant: "..."

Most visitors here were pleading for their lives, too cautious to make demands. Someone as bold as her was unheard of.

"Is it inconvenient?" Lu Jianwei feigned understanding. "Never mind if it’s too much trouble."

The servant: "...One moment, miss."

He bowed and left.

Xiao Ke asked, "Something wrong?"

"He acted polite, but his eyes were anything but respectful. He kept staring at my face, as if memorizing it. I tested him just now—definitely not a real servant."

An eighth-level Martial King’s fifth-level servant had no reason to be courteous to a mere guest, but that very fact made it suspicious.

Were there no ordinary servants in this estate? Did they really need a fifth-level warrior to greet guests?

Soon, another servant brought tea—not the fifth-level one from before.

Lu Jianwei stopped him. "Since I’m staying here, may I ask your master’s name?"

"This lowly one dares not speak of the master. Excuse me." The servant hurried out.

Two days passed without a glimpse of Dou Ting.

During that time, servants only brought food and water, and the couple occasionally chatted with her.

If Hermit Guihe was truly severely injured—who could have harmed an eighth-level Martial King so easily?

If he wasn’t injured, what had Dou Ting been doing all this time?

Outside Guihe Residence, a lean figure concealed himself in the treetops, suppressing his aura.

Hidden in the dense foliage, he was nearly invisible.

Two days.

He had waited here as long as the master of disguise had been inside.

Was that old man Dou Ting really taking this long to treat someone?

Bored, he lounged on a branch, sunlight filtering through the leaves in scattered golden flecks. He reached out, catching a flicker of light in his palm.

Then, movement at the gate.

He opened his eyes.

A couple emerged, beaming, carrying a swaddled infant whose face was hidden.

They must be the pair Dou Ting had agreed to treat.

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Were they cured already?

As they descended the steps, their full faces came into view.

His brow lifted.

No.

Both wore finely crafted masks.

Disguises weren’t unusual in the martial world, but these were unusually skilled—not quite his level, nor the masked heroine’s, but undeniably impressive.

Were there any couples in the martial world known for their disguises?

He couldn’t recall any.

But considering the masked heroine, maybe his information was lacking.

Liang Shangjun pondered in confusion.

A trip to Divine Physician Valley, and he’d encountered multiple disguise experts.

Since when was the art of disguise so common?

Another day passed, and the mansion gate opened once more.

A girl with a familiar appearance stepped over the threshold—her figure, clothing, and gait were strikingly similar.

Finally, she’s out!

Liang Shangjun was about to jump down and approach her when the girl turned her face fully toward him, and he froze abruptly.

No, this wasn’t her!

Someone had donned an imitation of her disguise mask.

Why would they do this?

What exactly was going on?

Lu Jianwei had stayed at Guihe Residence for five days. Dou Ting had been occupied with treating the Eighth-Level Martial King the entire time, only appearing on the third day to inquire about her friend. Upon learning there was still no news, he proceeded to detoxify the couple’s child.

The detoxification process required several days, forcing the couple to remain in the mansion.

With time to spare, Lu Jianwei read through every book in the scanned collection, gaining deeper insights into pharmacology and poison techniques—along with a clearer understanding of Dou Ting’s medical expertise and habits.

Given Dou Ting’s skill, detoxifying an infant shouldn’t have taken this long.

He was deliberately stalling.

Things were getting more and more intriguing.

Lu Jianwei disliked passivity. When circumstances allowed, she preferred to take the initiative.

Rather than waiting for others to dig pitfalls, she’d rather disrupt their plans before they even started digging.

She stepped out of the courtyard and addressed the attendant stationed outside: "My friend hasn’t arrived, and I’m growing worried. I’ll go look for her."

The attendant blocked her path.

"Please wait, Miss. Allow this humble servant to inform the master."

Lu Jianwei stood still, waiting.

Moments later, Dou Ting appeared outside the courtyard, his smile refined and amiable.

"Patience, Miss Shen. The Hermit requests your presence."