Whispers in the Inner Court
Word spread faster than I expected.
By the next morning, disciples were murmuring about the robe I designed for Elder Lin Bao.
"Did you hear? The Elder's wife personally hired an Outer Court disciple for a commission!"
"Lu Tian? Wasn't he just some struggling designer?"
"Struggling? That was before. Now he's got the favor of an Elder's household."
It wasn't just talk.
For the first time, Inner Court disciples approached me directly.
Some came with curiosity. Others with thinly veiled jealousy.
And some… with hostility.
...
A Jealous Rival
I was returning to my workshop when a voice called out behind me.
"Lu Tian."
I turned.
A young man in silver robes stood with his arms crossed, his sharp features twisted into a sneer.
Wei Jun.
A well known Inner Court designer, specializing in formal robes for elite disciples.
And judging by his expression, he wasn't happy.
"I heard you've been taking commissions in the Inner Court," he said, his tone clipped.
"I take requests from anyone willing to pay for quality," I replied evenly.
Wei Jun's eyes narrowed.
"That's funny," he said. "Because I don't recall anyone giving an Outer Court disciple permission to compete with me."
Ah.
So that's what this was.
To him, I was an intruder in his territory.
...
A Not So Subtle Warning
Wei Jun stepped closer.
"You got lucky with Madam Lin," he said. "But luck runs out. If you want to stay in business, you should remember your place."
He smiled but there was no warmth in it.
Just a warning.
Then he turned and walked away.
I watched him go, exhaling slowly.
I knew his type.
Wei Jun wasn't just talking.
He would make a move.
The question was..... when?
....
More Commissions, More Problems
Despite the warning, commissions kept coming.
A pair of Inner Court disciples requested battle robes reinforced with lightweight qi-infused fabric.
A sect steward wanted ceremonial attire for an upcoming sect banquet.
Each order pushed my skills further.
Each finished piece cemented my reputation.
But with success… came escalating problems.
First, supplies started arriving damaged.
Then, two of my commissions were mysteriously delayed, with clients claiming they were "redirected" to someone else.
I didn't need to guess who was behind it.
Wei Jun had started his attack.
But I wasn't just going to sit back and take it.
I had my own plans.