I left Ji Ruofan's private training hall feeling satisfied.
Securing my first inner disciple client meant one thing.... I was officially in the game.
But success always came with problems.
As I walked through the Inner Court courtyard, I could feel the weight of a stare pressing down on me.
I turned my head slightly.
There he was.
Luo Wen.
Dressed in an emerald green robe with silver embroidery, he stood with a small entourage of inner disciples, his arms crossed over his chest.
His expression? Pure contempt.
Oh, I see. He's the type that hates competition.
Luo Wen's family ran one of the sect's main tailoring businesses, meaning he had status and reputation in this field.
And I had just stepped into his domain.
Good. Let's see how he handles pressure.
....
A Not So Friendly Encounter
I had no reason to start trouble, so I kept walking.
But Luo Wen had other ideas.
"Hey," he called out, his voice smooth but sharp. "You're the new outer disciple who's been playing tailor, aren't you?"
I stopped and turned slowly. "That's an interesting way to put it."
Luo Wen smirked. "I suppose every sect needs its clowns. But I didn't think an outer disciple would dare step into the Inner Court and take my business."
Ah, there it was. That wounded pride.
"I wasn't aware you owned the market," I said, keeping my voice casual.
Luo Wen's eyes narrowed slightly. "You don't belong here."
I tilted my head. "Tell that to Ji Ruofan. He seems to think otherwise."
That struck a nerve. His smirk twitched..... just for a second... but I caught it.
The inner disciples around him exchanged glances, enjoying the tension.
Luo Wen exhaled through his nose and smiled again, but this time, there was a new edge to it.
"Then I hope your skills match your arrogance," he said mockingly. "Because in the Inner Court, quality speaks louder than words."
I smirked. "Then you have nothing to worry about, right?"
Luo Wen's smile didn't fade, but his eyes darkened slightly.
I had just made an enemy.
Perfect.
...
The Art of Preparation
Returning to my small workshop, I immediately got to work.
Ji Ruofan's robe wasn't just about impressing him..... it was my statement piece.
The foundation of my reputation.
I gathered the materials I needed:
Cloud weave silk for lightweight movement
Crimson thread for the embroidery
Black phoenix lining for durability and visual contrast
But while I worked, I kept my ears open.
Word was already spreading through the Outer and Inner Courts.
An outer disciple challenging an established tailor?
An upstart designer taking commissions from inner disciples?
Who the hell does Lu Tian think he is?
That was exactly the reaction I wanted.
But I wasn't naive. Luo Wen wouldn't just sit back and watch.
He would make a move.
And I had to be ready.
.....
Sabotage in the Shadows
Three days into my work, I noticed something was off.
A subtle but crucial change in my materials.
The silk felt slightly rougher.
The crimson thread had a minor discoloration.
To the untrained eye, it would seem fine.
But to me? Someone had tampered with my supplies.
I smirked. That was fast.
Luo Wen wasn't wasting time.
I placed the silk down and let out a small chuckle.
"You really are underestimating me."