Chapter 85

Yue Lai Inn, the first global chain inn in the history of Chinese martial arts, spans from movies and TV to planetary dimensions! Wherever there is a trace of martial arts, it surely exists. The year it opened and the identity of its owner are unknown, and mystery is the best description of it! It can be luxurious, spacious enough to accommodate a football match! It can also be dilapidated, so much so that there's no place to stand!

The name "Yue Lai Inn" comes from Confucius' saying: "Isn't it a joy when friends come from afar?" This phrase encapsulates the spirit of brotherhood and magnanimity! Therefore, heroes, warriors, and commoners all flock to it, squeezing in no matter what! Whether for drinking, gambling, meeting, courting, gossiping, or causing trouble, the inn truly embodies the saying, "There's nothing it can't do, only what you can't imagine!"

Happily, there is such a Yue Lai Inn in the capital city, and fortunately, it is of the luxurious kind!

If the Drunken Moon Tower is the hub of martial arts information, then this place provides a venue for martial artists to display their skills!

Upon entering Yue Lai Inn, one is immediately greeted by a cacophony of noise: cheers, curses, and random shouts!

Ling Xiao detested this place, despite its luxurious decor and the presence of many high-ranking officials. It couldn't change its essence. It was a grotesque melting pot, where all the grudges and feuds of the martial world were forged. One either became a golden elixir in Laojun's furnace or a pile of useless and toxic waste!

Ling Xiao walked along the edge, subtly avoiding the central arena. It was a free-for-all arena where one could challenge anyone with a grudge. Once the challenger stepped onto the stage, it was as if both parties had signed a death pact! The onlookers could also place bets.

Ling Xiao detested this rule, but he had to admit that it improved the capital's security!

"Such a rare guest! How do you have time to visit me with your busy schedule?"

At the top of the stairs leading to the second floor stood a sunny and handsome young man in white, who looked at Ling Xiao with surprise.

Ling Xiao dramatically shielded his eyes, "Wow! So blinding! Even the clouds in the sky can't block your radiance! Buddy, I know you're a warm guy, but please don't send me electric shocks!"

The young man laughed, seemingly used to Ling Xiao's off-the-wall remarks, and said, "Let's go upstairs and chat; it's too noisy here!" He turned and led the way. Ling Xiao, glancing at a pair of women slapping each other on the stage, hurriedly followed, not wanting to see such an ugly scene again!

The stairs to the second floor were like a spiral road, and as they ascended, the noise from below gradually faded. Once they reached the second floor, it felt like a different world, completely silent.

Here, the entertainment was different. No more crude fighting or shouting, but music, dance, and the arts! The visitors were no longer butchers pretending to be heroes, but true scholars and literati! There were young masters, daughters of high officials, and countless young heroes and heroines!

Where there are people, there is a martial world, and where there is a martial world, there is conflict. But the methods of conflict here were different! Poetry duels, painting contests, and more! Mentioning a fight on the stage would definitely invite ridicule, unless there was a life-and-death feud!

Ling Xiao had many reasons to dislike this place. For example, the layout of the two worlds reminded him of certain second-generation elites who divided people into classes based on their background. Perhaps it was influenced by his previous life as a loser! Also, the refined and reserved demeanor of these young masters and misses was something Ling Xiao, who had been a gangster in his past life and now worked for the government, couldn't relate to!

As soon as they went upstairs, they attracted the attention of many young ladies and heroines, and also drew the envious gazes of many male visitors.

"Ah! I shouldn't have come up with you! By the way, did you choose to live here to flirt with girls?" Ling Xiao sighed, jokingly. Indeed, these women were not looking at him, the heroic and profound Ling Xiao!

"Hehe! You're jealous!" The young man laughed in response.

Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes, neither confirming nor denying, and suddenly asked, "By the way, last time you said your surname was Ji... right?"

"..." Ji Xiaoming's mouth twitched, and he said with a black face, "How should I answer you? Just call me Xiaoming!"

The surrounding heroines, seeing Xiaoming's changed expression, thought he was being bullied by Ling Xiao and sent him murderous glares! They were ready to attack at the signal of Xiaoming throwing a cup!

A bead of sweat rolled down Ling Xiao's forehead, and he forced a smile, "I came here for two reasons: to catch up and to check on my brother's personal life, as we haven't seen each other in years!"

Xiaoming, seemingly oblivious to Ling Xiao's awkwardness, blinked and asked, "What do you want to know?"

Ling Xiao slammed the table and roared, "Straightforward enough!" The roar seemed to be followed by the sound of many swords being sheathed.

"I want to know how thick your leg is!"

Ling Xiao stared intently at Xiaoming. This handsome guy, despite his unfortunate name, had a prestigious surname. However, his forced smile suggested that his life wasn't as rosy as it seemed!

After meeting twice, Ling Xiao knew that Xiaoming's smile was his trademark, but the topic of family feuds always made his smile bitter.

"About this..."

"Hey! Uncle, what are you doing here?" Xiaoming's words were interrupted by a lively voice.

Ling Xiao, feeling extremely annoyed, turned back to see a pseudo-loli who couldn't be tamed no matter how much he tried to please her! Why pseudo-loli? Because she knew everything she shouldn't know! For example, now, "It seems Uncle's taste has changed. Disabled people and royal princesses can no longer satisfy your wild desires! You're even reaching out to the pure land of the martial world! Oh, the martial world will be in turmoil!"

"Stop it! When did the martial world become a pure land? And didn't you see where those heroines were looking? Your words have so many points to criticize, where should I start?" Ling Xiao's mouth twitched, unable to bear it any longer.

One thing Ling Xiao got wrong was that the heroines were indeed looking at him. But why did the murderous aura around him grow stronger?

Ling Xiao thought: Xiaoming's face is bad, so you glare at me, which is understandable. After all, he's a handsome guy, and his combat power is off the charts, so he doesn't need protection. But you send me murderous glares for scolding a little girl? That's not scientific at all!

The heroines thought: Did you hear that? He can even bear to harm such a cute little sister! And he talks about disabled people and royal princesses! He's a blatant womanizer! He even wants to reach out to martial heroines! A lecherous scoundrel must be punished by everyone!

This is the capital, after all, and committing murder on the street is a serious crime. Ling Xiao should be grateful that there are no cell phones in this world; otherwise, the Six-Fan Gate's emergency number would be flooded!

"What are you doing here?" Ling Xiao tried to make his voice sound calm.

"Nothing much, just that my old man has a meeting on the third floor with some people. I don't know what shady business he's up to!" Li Yingqiong's tone was full of resentment, clearly unhappy that Li Gui Shou had left her on the second floor.

"Li Doctor isn't easy! Being a single father is tough, especially with a daughter like this! He must have lost a lot of years!" Ling Xiao sighed.

Li Yingqiong was used to Ling Xiao's way of speaking and didn't get angry. She just turned to Xiaoming, "Oh! There's another handsome guy here! What's your surname?"

Ling Xiao was instantly satisfied. The little girl, who had been annoying him, now seemed more tolerable! Look, his charm came from his depth! No matter how handsome you are, you're still ignored by a little girl!

Xiaoming was at a loss. This was the first time he had been openly ignored! It felt strange, realizing that there were others who ignored outward appearances! "You can call me Brother Xiaoming!" he said gently.

Li Yingqiong rolled her eyes, "Pfft! I never call anyone brother! I thought you'd be better than this guy, but you're just as bad!"

Xiaoming, feeling awkward, picked up his teacup and said nothing. Ling Xiao was puzzled! Why was this little girl always so angry? Was she that sensitive?

"Yingqiong! Let's go!" A dry voice called out. Li Gui Shou stood at the stairs leading to the third floor, frowning.

Ling Xiao noticed the medicine box on Li Gui Shou's shoulder. Since mastering the fifth move of the Horned God Technique, his eyesight had greatly improved. He could even distinguish the gender of flies if he wanted to! Just now, he noticed that the medicine box moved slightly without any external disturbance!

Was that what Li Gui Shou was trading? It was a living thing! But Ling Xiao wasn't one to indulge in curiosity; after all, curiosity killed more than just cats!

For a moment, they faced each other, and both pretended not to see each other!

"I'll come over for a meal another day!" Li Yingqiong said, bouncing over to Li Gui Shou.

Ling Xiao objected, "Why always come for a meal? Is rice free?"

Li Yingqiong paused, turned back, and sneered, "Who made that stingy Huang Sheng not give me a skewer!" She then turned and led Li Gui Shou downstairs.

Xiaoming looked at Ling Xiao, puzzled. Ling Xiao, feeling helpless, was sure the emperor had forgotten! But this debt would likely fall on the shoulders of Ling Lingfa and his apprentice!

Thud, thud, thud!

Another set of footsteps echoed, and three men in Miao clothing descended the stairs and left.

Ling Xiao thought for a moment. Did they just leave after a transaction?

Shaking his head, he continued, "Where were we? You continue."

Xiaoming put down his teacup, "About this..."

"Hey! Uncle, your successor is here too!"

Another voice interrupted, this time more lively and cheerful.

Ling Xiao's mouth twitched, and he sighed, slowly turning his head. His face instantly changed from helpless to joyful. "Oh! Princess Feifeng! What a coincidence! Oh! Even City Lord Baiyun is here! What a pleasure! Hehe!" Ye Gucheng looked at Ling Xiao calmly, dressed in a simple white robe, his handsome appearance giving Ling Xiao considerable pressure despite his neutral expression.

"Hey! Your silly smile is so ugly!" Princess Feifeng said with disdain.

Ling Xiao was more than just frustrated; it was already a struggle to smile! After all, he was sitting next to someone surnamed Ji!

(Next, the focus will be on the final battle at the Forbidden City's peak. I'll try to use my imagination to the fullest, which is crucial for the future plot! Finally, please recommend!)

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