"Could it be the proprietress of the Dragon Gate Inn? From what I know, there are several female managers at the Dragon Gate Inn, but to achieve such captivating allure — where even just a glimpse of her back can stir the soul — only one comes to mind: Jin Xiangyu. Could it really be her? Or someone else?"
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath, various thoughts flashing through his mind.
Just then, the owner of that enchanting silhouette slowly turned her head, seemingly glancing back.For some reason, a trace of anticipation rose in Yi Tianxing's heart.
"Uh..."
Yet when he fully saw her face, it felt as if he had been struck by lightning; his mind went completely blank for a moment, overwhelmed by a strong sense of shock and disbelief.The stark contrast between his expectations and what he saw hit his soul with brutal force.
How should it be described?
It was a face utterly at odds with the graceful back.
Her entire face was covered with blood-red blotches, as if she had been soaked in fresh blood. It resembled flesh stripped of skin, exposing raw, crimson muscle. The red patches looked ready to drip blood.At first glance, it was no different from the visage of a blood-soaked ghost.Anyone with a weaker psyche would probably vomit on the spot.One look was enough to make anyone never want to look again.
Hahaha!!
Laughter burst out from the patrons in the inn as they saw Yi Tianxing's expectant yet stunned expression. Clearly, this was the moment they had all been waiting for.It wasn't just Yi Tianxing — almost every newcomer to the inn fell victim to this prank.It had become something of a twisted tradition here, a source of amusement for the regulars.
"A devil's body, a demon's face — such a woman really exists."
However, Yi Tianxing did not remain stunned for long. Within a few breaths, he regained his composure. His face turned calm, without a trace of disgust in his eyes.Such an appearance was not her choice; it was fate's doing.Pitying her would only add another wound to her heart — unnecessary cruelty.
Calmly, he nodded to the woman upstairs before withdrawing his gaze.
"That gaze... it held no disgust, no pity, as if he were looking at an ordinary person..."The woman upstairs was extremely sensitive to such things.
Almost every person who entered the inn, she would turn around and subject them to this "test." Partly to scare those lecherous men, and partly to gauge their reactions.
Without fail, all would react with either revulsion or pity.She had seen it too many times.She had grown numb to it.Yet today, she encountered something different.
A flicker of curiosity stirred in her heart.
"That's our Dragon Gate Inn's proprietress, Miss Jin Xiangyu!How about that? Isn't our boss stunning?"The inn's attendant said with a big grin.
"She's truly stunning," Yi Tianxing replied with a slight nod.
Following the attendant, Yi Tianxing was led to an empty table and sat down.
"Guest, this is our signature menu. Please feel free to order!"
The attendant produced a large jade book. Upon opening it, vivid images of mouthwatering dishes appeared on its pages — colors, aromas, and even a sense of flavor seemed to waft out.
"This dish is called Green Lotus Frog Soup — carefully simmered from top-grade spirit frogs by master chefs. It's fresh, tender, and fragrant — one of our best."
"This one, Golden Fried Rice, uses eggs from first-rank wild mountain chickens and premium rice, stir-fried with exquisite techniques. The aroma and flavor are truly unmatched."
"And this, A House Full of Gold and Jade, is a stir-fried dish of premium corn and peanuts — a perfect companion to wine and another one of our specialties."The attendant rattled off the descriptions expertly, each dish more enticing than the last.
Even though Yi Tianxing had gourmet food specially prepared by Lai He, he couldn't resist wanting to sample the Dragon Gate Inn's unique flavors."Very well. I'll take all three signature dishes. And serve them as fast as possible."
Yi Tianxing decided promptly.
"Coming right up, honored guest!"
The attendant beamed, wiped the table clean, and hurried to place the order.
In the meantime, murmurs of conversation drifted through the inn:
"Tsk tsk, this newcomer is doomed. He actually dared to order the signature dishes — those are ridiculously expensive. If he can't pay, he'll be stripped of his clothes!"
"Yeah, good show coming up! Old Li made the same mistake last time, couldn't pay, got stripped down to his underpants, and was thrown out half-dead!"
"Hmph, don't laugh too hard. You got swindled too! Honestly, watching newbies get fleeced is our only entertainment these days. Especially with all the newcomers drawn here by the treasures stirring outside."
Although they spoke quietly, trying not to let Yi Tianxing overhear, their occasional glances gave them away.
Unfortunately for them, Yi Tianxing's refined physical body — already at the peak of the Black Cauldron Seventh Ring and on the verge of reaching the Eighth — granted him extraordinarily sharp senses.Their whispered conversations entered his ears clearly.
His heart grew more guarded.There was no doubt about it now: this was a black inn.
Of course, how exactly they fleeced customers remained to be seen.But since he was here, he would simply deal with whatever tricks came his way.
While waiting for his food, a sudden commotion arose:
"Proprietress!"
"Greetings, Proprietress!"
"Greetings to the Lady Boss!"
Turning his head, Yi Tianxing saw Jin Xiangyu descending from the second floor.
Her alluring figure still captivated, but now a veil covered her face, concealing the horrifying visage underneath.With the veil in place, she appeared mysteriously enchanting rather than terrifying.
All the customers greeted her respectfully — from the heart, not merely out of courtesy.The genuine reverence in their voices revealed something else: Jin Xiangyu clearly possessed authority far beyond mere innkeeping.
Yi Tianxing took careful note.Clearly, the Dragon Gate Inn held secrets.It had managed to tame even these ruthless wanderers, earning their heartfelt respect.What exactly was its hidden strength?
Jin Xiangyu came to sit across from Yi Tianxing.Her voice was laced with lazy charm, capable of stirring the heartstrings:
"Honored guest, may I ask where you come from, where you're heading, and how long you intend to stay?"
Yi Tianxing smiled faintly and answered,"I come from where I come from, and I'll go where I must go.As for how long I'll stay — that depends on how long your inn can accommodate me."
He knew full well that the Dragon Gate Inn was close to the mysterious treasure site.It was likely to become a staging ground for the coming scramble over the relics.
Jin Xiangyu smiled, her voice lilting:"Your answer is quite intriguing.My surname is Jin, and I am Jin Xiangyu, the proprietress of this Dragon Gate Inn."
"I am Yi Tianxing," Yi Tianxing replied calmly."Since there's a proprietress, is there also a manager?Surely, to maintain such a grand inn, a capable hand must be needed.Would I have the honor of meeting them?"
Jin Xiangyu chuckled softly:"This inn belongs solely to me.There is no manager.But if anyone wishes to marry me, they can become the manager."
Her enchanting eyes sparkled playfully at Yi Tianxing.
Yi Tianxing's heart tightened slightly but he responded with a smile:"With the proprietress's conditions and wealth, suitors should be flocking to you.Why would it ever come down to me?"
After all, with Jin Xiangyu's resources — even if her appearance was monstrous — ambitious men would readily marry her to gain access to her power.Yet no one had done so.Clearly, something unusual was going on behind the scenes.
Jin Xiangyu snorted lightly:"I don't marry just anyone.You are among the rare few who have seen my face without showing disgust or fear.That's why I came down to meet you personally."
Countless people had already been ruled out. Only those who remained unmoved by her appearance even slightly were qualified for her attention.
Moreover, Yi Tianxing, despite not being extremely handsome, had a unique aura — an extraordinary bearing that made him stand out like a crane among chickens.Ordinary folks might miss it, but Jin Xiangyu spotted it instantly.
Yi Tianxing mused for a moment before replying,"Proprietress, isn't this decision too hasty?True love cares little for appearance.You shouldn't treat your lifelong happiness so lightly.You deserve to choose carefully."
Jin Xiangyu smiled but didn't press the topic further.Instead, she smoothly changed the subject:
"Since you're new here, you probably don't know the rules of the Dragon Gate Inn.Allow me to explain them to you."
Yi Tianxing's expression turned serious:"I am all ears."