Chapter 322: Hiring Help or Seeking Death?

“Of course, I read it clearly.”

The wandering swordsman cupped his hands and grinned. “I am a refugee from within Great Wu, forced to flee. Along the way, I couldn’t stand watching corrupt officials abuse their power and bully the common folk, so I risked my life and cut down a dog of a county magistrate.”

“And now, as a wanted criminal of the Great Wu court, with no place to settle, I’ve come to Eternal Slumber City.”

“Innkeeper, what do you think? Am I qualified to work as a waiter? I have no other skills, but I have strong legs and plenty of strength.”

“I can serve dishes, chop firewood, and carry water—whatever needs to be done. I don’t even need wages—I just want a peaceful life.”

At this moment, the inn’s main hall was filled with diners, and upon hearing the commotion at the front desk, many of them exchanged knowing smiles.

“You speak well. It seems you’ve indeed read the hiring rules.”

The mature woman exhaled softly, her tone neither fast nor slow, sending a shiver down the wandering swordsman’s spine.

“But…”

Hearing her change in tone, the swordsman hesitated and asked, “What doubts do you have, innkeeper? Feel free to speak.”

The innkeeper chuckled softly, pressing her delicate hand against the swordsman’s back as she leaned in close. “The problem is, you are no righteous refugee, and the one you killed was not some corrupt county magistrate preying on the people.”

Feeling the warmth behind him, the swordsman’s blood surged, and he swallowed hard. “I swear every word is true! To kill that wretched official, I even left a scar on my own face that will never fade!”

Hearing this, the innkeeper took a deep breath near the back of his neck, then smiled and said, “You smell of a virgin’s blood.”

At these words, the swordsman’s expression changed drastically. The lust rising in his gut vanished instantly, doused like a bucket of cold water. Stepping away, his face darkened. “Forget it. Since you don’t believe me, I’ll just leave.”

The innkeeper stepped aside, making a gesture of invitation.

Seeing this, the swordsman didn’t argue. Looking tense, he turned and hurried toward the exit.

Yet just as he stepped outside, an emptiness spread in his chest.

Looking down, he saw a gaping hole in his torso—wide as a bowl. Through it, he could see the innkeeper standing behind him, smiling sweetly.

Thud!

The swordsman collapsed to the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

The next moment, the entire inn erupted in laughter!

A monkey-headed demon sneered, “Innkeeper Hua, your heart-digging technique is truly impeccable. Aren’t you worried about scaring off your customers by killing people right in front of them?”

“Who isn’t?” A gaunt wolf demon chimed in. “Innkeeper Hua, why do you shelter so many refugees? It only attracts fools who think they can find work here… But honestly, they deserve it. A mere mortal thinking he can deceive demons? Every time, they end up dead.”

“Alright, alright, enough teasing me.”

Raising a hand to calm the room, Innkeeper Hua picked up a wine jug and made her way to Gu Ning’an’s table.

Approaching, she sat down without invitation, placed the wine jug on the table, and smiled. “I am Hua Erniang, the owner of Taste of Freshness. You seem unfamiliar, so I figured this must be your first time dining here. As a gesture of hospitality, I brought you some wine.”

Gu Ning’an put down his chopsticks and gestured with his hand. “Thank you, Innkeeper Hua, but I don’t feel like drinking today.”

“Then so be it.”

Hua Erniang pushed the wine jug aside and smiled. “How do you find the vegetarian dishes?”

Gu Ning’an nodded. “They’re quite good. I’ve never had these two dishes anywhere else.”

“That’s normal,” Hua Erniang chuckled. “In the Great Desert, these are the only two vegetarian dishes. There’s not even enough for the desert folk to eat, let alone to export beyond the desert.”

She looked Gu Ning’an up and down and then continued, “You’re human, aren’t you?”

Gu Ning’an replied with a question of his own. “Do I not look human?”

“You do.”

Hua Erniang nodded. “Your every movement exudes scholarly grace—something no demon, no matter how hard they try, could ever imitate.”

“But for a human, you’re neither a vicious outlaw nor a destitute refugee…”

“And yet, you have no cultivation, yet dared to come alone to Eternal Slumber City—that is truly rare.”

“Could it be that you hold an official position?”

Gu Ning’an shook his head. “I do not.”

“Now that is truly strange.”

Hua Erniang leaned forward slightly, her expression serious. “Forgive my boldness, but let me offer you some advice—Eternal Slumber City is no place for good people. If you have no means to protect yourself, it would be best to leave as soon as possible.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Innkeeper Hua.” Gu Ning’an smiled and continued, “I have come here to seek an audience with the Void Emperor. Do you happen to know where he resides?”

Innkeeper Hua widened her eyes. “An audience with the Void Emperor?”

Gu Ning’an nodded. “Precisely.”

“Do you understand that the Void Emperor is a great demon, equivalent to an emperor in the mortal world?”

“I do.”

“And yet you still wish to see him? But you’re human!”

“There are certain matters I need to confirm with him.”

So, this refined-looking gentleman enjoys boasting as well?

It seems humans and demons aren’t all that different.

Though she ridiculed him internally, Hua Erniang kept a smile on her face. “The Void Emperor himself is elusive, rarely appearing in one place for long. However, his Void Emperor Temple opens once a month to receive offerings and incense from worshippers.”

“If you go there to offer incense and kneel in sincere prayer, you might be fortunate enough to receive an audience with the Void Emperor’s divine manifestation.”

“Of course, outside of those times, you must not approach the Void Emperor Temple. It is heavily guarded, and any trespassers will be executed on the spot by the demon soldiers.”

Gu Ning’an cupped his hands. “Thank you for the warning. Do you know how long until the next opening of the Void Emperor Temple?”

Hua Erniang calculated the days and replied, “Five days.”

“Five days isn’t long. I’ll wait.”

Changing the subject, Gu Ning’an then asked, “I’d like to stay here in the meantime. If I book a room for five days, could you offer me a discount?”

Hua Erniang hesitated briefly before replying, “I can. Five nights—I’ll charge you one tael of silver. How about that?”

Hearing this, Gu Ning’an immediately produced one tael and eight qian of silver and handed it over.

After accepting the silver, Hua Erniang saw that Gu Ning’an had nearly finished his meal. She then arranged for the young inn servant from earlier to lead him to a guest room.

The room was simply furnished—a round table in the center, a bed placed behind it, and near the window, a writing desk equipped with ink, brushes, and paper.

“Sir, do you find this room satisfactory?” the young servant asked with a smile.

Gu Ning’an nodded. “It’s satisfactory. Not much different from inns outside.”

“That’s right! The innkeeper designed everything here to resemble the inns outside.”

The young servant nodded and added, “Then I won’t disturb your rest. The winds and sandstorms in Northern Huangtian are strong, so remember to close the window at night—otherwise, you’ll wake up with a mouth full of sand…”