A Shift in the Winds
Luo Wen's punishment sent ripples through the sect.
Disciples whispered. Some laughed behind his back. Others grew wary of me.... not because I was strong, but because I had survived and even turned the tables on him.
I wasn't just a designer anymore.
I was a player in the game.
And that made people pay attention.
....
An Unexpected Invitation
Three days after Luo Wen's fall, I received a summons from an Inner Court disciple.
Not just any disciple.
Jiang Chen.
A name everyone knew.
At twenty-four, he was one of the strongest Inner Court geniuses.... a swordsman with sharp eyes and an even sharper mind.
He was also known for only associating with the powerful.
So why was he calling me?
I didn't hesitate.
Ignoring him would be a mistake.
.....
Meeting Jiang Chen
I arrived at the Golden Lotus Pavilion, an exclusive Inner Court gathering spot.
Jiang Chen was waiting inside, sipping tea.
His expression was calm, but his eyes measured me carefully.
"Lu Tian," he said, setting his cup down. "You're causing quite a stir."
I gave a slight bow. "Senior Jiang is too kind."
He smiled faintly. "No, I'm just observant. You turned a challenge into an opportunity. You survived an assassination attempt. And now, you're gaining influence in the Outer Court."
He paused.
"Tell me, what is it that you truly want?"
.....
A Test of Ambition
That question wasn't simple.
It wasn't small talk.
He was testing me.
If I answered wrong, he'd lose interest.
If I answered too boldly, I'd make myself a target.
So I chose the truth.... but in a way that suited me.
"I want to build something lasting," I said. "Not just in design, but in reputation, in strength. I want to be undeniable."
Jiang Chen's lips curled into a smile.
"A good answer," he said. "Then let's talk business."
....
An Offer I Couldn't Refuse
Jiang Chen leaned forward.
"I have connections in the Inner Court. Access to rare materials. And clients who will pay ten times what Outer Disciples can afford."
He met my gaze.
"I can help you.... if you work for me."
I kept my expression neutral, but inside, my mind raced.
Jiang Chen wasn't just offering money.
He was offering status. Protection. Power.
But it came with a price.
I wouldn't just be working with him.
I'd be working for him.
And that meant I'd be tied to his ambitions, his battles, his enemies.
.....
My Decision
I took a slow sip of my tea, letting the moment stretch.
Then, I set my cup down and met his gaze.
"I'll accept—on one condition."
Jiang Chen raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"I won't be just another follower. I work with you, not beneath you."
Silence.
Then, a chuckle.
"Interesting," Jiang Chen said. "Very well, Lu Tian. Let's see how far you can go."
We shook hands.
And just like that...
I had taken my first step into the Inner Court's power games.