I stared at the tampered materials, my fingers running over the rougher silk.
Luo Wen moved fast.
That meant one of two things..... he was either desperate or arrogant.
Either way, I wasn't about to let some cheap sabotage slow me down.
Think, Lu Tian.
If I were a fool, I'd go confront him, cause a scene, demand justice.
But that would only make me look weak.
Instead, I smirked. Let's turn this around.
...
The Art of Adaptation
I examined the flaws in the materials more closely. The silk was slightly coarse, but the structure was still intact. The thread had slight discoloration, but under certain lighting conditions, it actually gave off an interesting shade variation.
A flaw? No.
An opportunity.
I adjusted my design slightly, incorporating the subtle texture into a layered pattern, making the robe look more dynamic under movement.
The discoloration? Instead of fighting it, I adjusted the embroidery to blend in, creating a phoenix wing effect that shifted subtly under light.
It wouldn't just look good... it would look intentional.
Luo Wen wanted to ruin my work? He just made it more unique.
....
Word Spreads
A few inner disciples had already heard rumors about the sabotage attempt.
"Did you hear? Someone messed with Lu Tian's materials."
"What's he going to do?"
I let them wonder.
Then, the next day, I deliberately let a few disciples catch a glimpse of the modified robe as I worked.
Their reactions? Surprise. Curiosity. A bit of admiration.
"Wait… that wasn't the original design, was it?"
"No, but… it actually looks even better."
"I thought someone sabotaged him?"
That was the reaction I wanted.
By the time the whispers reached Luo Wen, it was too late.
.....
Luo Wen's Reaction
The day before Ji Ruofan came to pick up his robe, I spotted Luo Wen across the courtyard.
His face was a mask of calm, but I could see the way his fingers twitched slightly.
He knew.
He had tried to ruin me, and instead, I had turned his attack into an advantage.
He hated that.
I met his gaze and smiled. No words needed.
This was my message:
"Try harder."
....
Delivery Day
Ji Ruofan arrived at my workshop just before noon.
When he saw the robe, his brows raised slightly.
"This…" He ran a hand over the embroidery. "This wasn't what you originally sketched."
I nodded. "Had to adapt."
Ji Ruofan gave me a long look before smirking. "I like it."
He put the robe on, testing the movement. The fabric flowed perfectly, the light playing off the embroidery just as I intended.
When he turned, the phoenix wings on his back shifted slightly, making it seem as if the robe itself was alive.
Inner disciples watching from a distance murmured in approval.
"Damn. That actually looks incredible."
"Where did he learn to design like that?"
Ji Ruofan chuckled. "Looks like you just became the most interesting tailor in the Inner Court."
I grinned. "That was the plan."
But I knew one thing for certain.
Luo Wen wasn't done yet.
Not even close.