Chapter 11: Tongfu Inn: A Gathering of Elite Masters

Pulling off a quick escape after showing off - truly exhilarating.

The door installed at Southwest Station proved quite useful; with just one step through, Duan Wenxuan could instantly arrive home, significantly reducing the risk of exposure. Of course, if he had more doors strategically placed worldwide, it would be even safer.

Emerging from the wardrobe, Duan Wenxuan couldn’t resist pacing around excitedly for a moment.

Ever since learning that people on Xuanlan Star were equally clueless about the world’s changes, Duan Wenxuan had been harboring these vague ideas. Today’s test exceeded his expectations, proving surprisingly successful.

After swindling Liao Yangsu, he planned to leverage his status as the young man’s master and ask him to help gather information about any peculiar occurrences. Who knows, maybe like the paper figurine incident, they could strike it rich again.

Duan Wenxuan basked in excitement briefly before regaining his composure. He controlled Tang Tianlu’s body to eat something first, then allowed his own consciousness to return to his body.

He took a day to rest and recuperate.

On the sixteenth day, Duan Wenxuan watched the clock hands slowly pass midnight. As the stroke of twelve arrived, he felt a sudden pain on the back of his hand.

Inexplicably, Duan Wenxuan knew that the second world had opened.

He had to enter the new world within the next twenty-four hours and remain there for another full day. As for not following through, Duan Wenxuan felt a vague sense of unease about the consequences.

Being a resilient and adaptable modern individual, currently, Duan Wenxuan didn’t harbor any “give me liberty or give me death” mentality. Perhaps once he gained significant power, he might test his limits, but definitely not now.

Although he had twenty-four hours to prepare, Duan Wenxuan had already made most of his arrangements the previous day, feeling both anxious and apprehensive. Despite the time available, sleep eluded him.

1 A.M.

Duan Wenxuan shook his head disappointingly. Just moments ago, he tried transferring his consciousness into Tang Tianlu to enter the second world, but the wardrobe remained unchanged, showing no response.

As expected, it wouldn’t work the first time.

“Alright, seems I really have to do this myself.” Duan Wenxuan dressed warmly in thick clothing, carrying a small backpack with basic food supplies and some gold and silver ingots.

Naturally, close at hand, he also carried thinly hammered sheets of gold and silver, along with a pistol tucked securely in his coat pocket. Firearms were hard to obtain in Hanming Country, but not so much in Liyang City. With ongoing conflicts in that world, money could buy almost anything, including guns.

With one step forward,

Duan Wenxuan was taken aback; unexpectedly, he found himself amidst a bustling city street. The nearby vegetable vendor stumbled in fright. Had it not been broad daylight, they might have exclaimed in disbelief, thinking it was a ghostly apparition.

Feeling something stir within his chest, Duan Wenxuan hastily patted it down, causing the paper figurine inside to cease its movement. He then turned to glance at Tang Tianlu, whom he had deliberately brought along. Just like in Hanming Country, Tang Tianlu remained in a state of Silence.

Duan Wenxuan was overjoyed.

He hadn’t anticipated that by simply stepping through the door, people from other worlds or items originating from Hanming Country could also be brought with him. This door truly demonstrated remarkable flexibility. With this capability, his safety in future new worlds would significantly improve.

As Duan Wenxuan walked around, his short hair and distinctive attire drew attention wherever he went. However, after making inquiries, he learned that they were currently in the era known as Jinbei, and this small town was called Qi Xia Town. It was modest in size, with a simple and unpretentious local culture, starkly contrasting Liyang City’s sophistication.

Duan Wenxuan quickly realized there seemed to be no immediate danger in this world. Upon discovering that the currency here was based on gold and silver, he sought out a money exchange shop named Qianji Bank, where he converted some funds into scattered silver pieces. Then, he purchased two sets of clothes for himself and Tang Tianlu to change into.

At first glance, Duan Wenxuan felt this world might not hold much value, but he still needed to stay for twenty-four hours. After asking around, enthusiastic locals guided him to a nearby inn.

The sign above read “Tongfu Inn.”

Duan Wenxuan found the name quite fitting, though he initially thought it might be the Yuelai Inn.

Money wasn’t an issue for Duan Wenxuan. The innkeeper, surnamed Tong, appeared dressed as a woman with a soft-spoken demeanor. Noticing Duan Wenxuan’s generosity, she promptly instructed a waiter named Bai Zhan Tang to escort him to the best room in the inn.

“This place is nice; we could use it for vacations in the future.” Lying inside his room at the inn, Duan Wenxuan watched as the little paper talisman on his chest sprang out, buzzing playfully.

However, the little paper talisman seemed restless, drawn by some unknown allure here. After playing briefly, it clung to Duan Wenxuan’s finger, indicating its desire to venture outside.

Duan Wenxuan flicked the paper talisman gently, chiding, “We’re new and unfamiliar with this place. We’ve just arrived today, already attracting attention in the small town. Let’s wait safely until the full twenty-four hours have passed before exploring further. If you want to go out, do so discreetly without being noticed.”

The paper talisman was tiny and could actually hide within a person’s shadow, making it nearly undetectable to most people. Even if discovered, they likely wouldn’t know how to handle it.

“Mm-hmm,” the little paper talisman nodded repeatedly, then floated towards the door and slipped through the narrow gap, disappearing outside.

After Duan Wenxuan finished his dinner at the inn, the little paper talisman returned, eagerly gesturing and scribbling to reveal the secrets it had discovered.

The talisman had been captivated by various hidden mysteries within the inn; its passion was uncovering secrets, which is why it couldn’t stay idle.

”…If that’s true, this inn must be incredibly remarkable.”

Duan Wenxuan initially thought he was in an ordinary ancient town, never expecting it to be part of a wuxia world filled with martial experts, including those at the inn itself.

The seemingly money-hungry shopkeeper turned out to not only be the daughter of a renowned escort bureau chief, respected even by the martial community, but also the palace mistress of Seven Absolutes Palace on Mount Cang. She possessed exceptional mastery over illusion techniques. However, her extraordinary talent led her to delve too deeply into illusions, causing unintentional moments where she hypnotized people around her, creating chaos.

Despite her powerful abilities, her nature was gentle, aspiring to become a virtuous wife and mother. After causing such disruptions, she ingeniously used her illusions to make herself forget about her proficiency in these techniques.

The waiter, originally known as the Saint Thief, had average martial skills but excelled in acrobatic lightness, ranking among the best in the world. The handyman was proficient in the Storm Palm technique, being the junior sister of the Four Great Constables, and his father was revered in the martial realm as a colossal hero. As for the cook, while his culinary skills were ordinary, his mother was none other than the legendary Gambler God, Broken Finger Xuan Yuan.

Duan Wenxuan was momentarily stunned. These extraordinary individuals were all living together in a tiny Qi Xia Town, content with simple daily routines and earning just twenty silver coins per month?

Well, everyone has their aspirations.

The shopkeeper’s life goal was to make money, find someone who truly cared for her, and become a virtuous wife. The waiter aimed to start anew honestly, dreaming of a warm home with a loving family. The chef simply wanted to be a cook, while the accountant enjoyed playful banter and a budding romance with the handyman.

Not bad at all.

The next day, nearing the end of the twenty-four-hour mark, Duan Wenxuan decided not to have breakfast in his room. Instead, he leisurely made his way downstairs. Enjoying a small bowl of congee, eggs, and pickles, his appetite felt invigorated.

After finishing his meal, Duan Wenxuan waved his hand.

“Can I help you, sir?” The waiter promptly approached, eager to assist.

Duan Wenxuan studied him briefly. This Robber Sage, Bai Zhan Tang, still carried a hint of jianghu spirit, but his handsome appearance exuded no deceitful aura. Despite being known as the Robber Sage, his thieving skills were exceptional; however, he typically returned everything he stole. His reasoning? Losing something would naturally cause distress for its owner.

No wonder this Robber Sage eventually settled down with the shopkeeper and completely left the jianghu behind once he found someone to cherish.

“You’re Bai Zhan Tang.”

Bai Zhan Tang grinned widely, “Sir has a great memory, remembering it so quickly.”

Duan Wenxuan took out some small silver coins and handed them to him.

Bai Zhan Tang’s eyes lit up as he swiftly grabbed the coins, his expression becoming even more eager. “What would you like to order, sir? Or perhaps is there something I can help fetch for you?”

Duan Wenxuan produced a silver bill from yesterday’s exchange, “This is fifty taels. Should be enough to book a room here for three months, right? The loose change is for you, consider it a gesture of friendship.”

“Of course, absolutely no problem,” Bai Zhan Tang promptly stuffed the silver coins into his pocket.

Luckily, he was quick because the sharp-eyed shopkeeper, who had just descended the stairs, rushed over and snatched the silver bill from Bai Zhan Tang’s hand, unable to suppress his delighted smile.

After twenty-four hours, Duan Wenxuan returned to his room, instructing that he not be disturbed unless necessary.

Pleased with the benefits received, Bai Zhan Tang eagerly agreed.

Upon their return to Hanming Country, Duan Wenxuan immediately headed to Liyang City with Tang Tianlu.

Naturally, Tang Tianlu remained oblivious to what had transpired earlier and went off to check on tea house matters as instructed by Duan Wenxuan.

After giving Mei Xiu some money for future household groceries, Duan Wenxuan dismissed her. Lastly, he summoned Xia Wenwu.

With some time to recuperate, Xia Wenwu’s sunken cheeks had slightly regained their fullness, further accentuating his menacing and aggressive demeanor.

“Young Master Duan.”

Compared to Xia Wenjie and Xia Wenxue, Xia Wenwu possessed a more ruthless nature and was willing to take greater risks. Upon entering Liyang City, having experienced hunger firsthand, Xia Wenwu feared poverty again and refused to endure it any longer. During this period, whenever possible, he subtly expressed his loyalty to Duan Wenxuan around Tang Tianlu.

He wasn’t foolish; he could tell that Duan Wenxuan trusted Tang Tianlu’s family more than his own.

Only those who have truly starved and witnessed hellish conditions understand that even living like a subservient dog, just to have food, is considered fortunate. The most terrifying part is when others vie for the same position of servitude, yet you’re not chosen.

Xia Wenwu came dangerously close - so close that he felt his stomach might start digesting his own organs, ultimately leading to a hopeless and agonizing death.

Duan Wenxuan understood the current stance of the Xia family; this Xia Wenwu was someone who would follow whoever provided for him. He could fiercely defend his master’s enemies like a wolf baring its teeth one moment, and betray his own master the next.

However, it didn’t matter. In the state of Silence, not even gods could trouble Duan Wenxuan.

“Xia Wenwu, I want you to help me with something.”

Xia Wenwu’s eyes flashed menacingly as he grinned, “Young Master, please give your instructions. My life was saved by you… how does that saying go? Even if it means jumping into fire, no problem.”

“To face peril without hesitation.”

“Yes, exactly! You’re always so knowledgeable, Young Master.”

“Don’t worry, it’s not that extreme.” Without warning, Duan Wenxuan opened the door and swiftly pulled Xia Wenwu through it before he could react.

In Hanming Country, Xia Wenwu stood dumbfounded at their new location.

Satisfied, Duan Wenxuan nodded. Tomorrow, using Xia Wenwu’s identity, he would meet Liao Yangsu!