Chapter 6: The Trap
Three days later, Extreme Sword Mountain, Peach Blossom Grove.
The weather was overcast, with steady drizzle.
The fine rain soaked the grass, so fewer people visited the grove today. But Bai Sheng always came at this hour, relishing the solitude. With no one around, she could sit quietly under a tree, lost in thought for hours.
Today, she arrived with Big White in her arms. When she reached the grove, Jiang Li was already there, seated under the peach tree. A table and two chairs had been added beneath it.
Her guard went up instantly.
What was Senior Brother Jiang Li up to?
"You're here." Jiang Li turned, smiling warmly.
Bai Sheng approached, still holding Big White, who clung to her neck, refusing to let go.
What the—doesn't your dad feed you enough dried fish?!
"Big White, come down," she coaxed softly, but the cat held tight. Jiang Li's gaze shifted to her arm, where her white gown was slightly torn.
"Did Big White cause trouble?" he asked, chuckling.
Bai Sheng blinked, curious. "Huh?"
"Whenever it misbehaves, it avoids me, scared I'll scold it," Jiang Li sighed. "Did it ruin your dress?"
She shook her head quickly. "It's fine—just needs a little mending. You don't need to punish it."
"Cats are like that. If you don't correct them, they'll do it again," he said, looking up. "Pure kindness only makes them worse."
Not just cats—people, too.
Bai Sheng bit her lip, trying to protest. "It's really okay…"
"Did it ruin any other dresses?" Jiang Li pressed.
She shook her head nervously. "No."
"You're a terrible liar—eyes darting, hands fidgeting. How many dresses did it ruin? Tell me, and I won't punish it." His tone was earnest, persuasive.
Hesitating, she lowered her head, voice soft. "Last night, it snuck out, got into my wardrobe somehow, and tore up my dresses."
Jiang Li sighed. "Knew it."
"How many?" he asked.
"Three."
"That's all you own?"
She nodded faintly, avoiding his intense gaze.
"I figured. When Big White stayed with other sisters, it ruined their dresses, too. I forgot to warn you—my mistake."
"It's fine. They weren't worth much."
"It's my fault for asking you to watch Big White. But luckily…" Jiang Li perked up, pulling out a measuring tape, his smile bright. "I'm decent at tailoring."
"Junior Sister Bai Sheng, measure your waist, hips, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs, and tell me the numbers. I'll make you a new dress to make up for it."
She waved her hands frantically. "No, no need!"
"Trying to make me owe you a favor?" His voice rose slightly. "I hate being indebted—it unsettles me."
His words left her wavering. He sighed again. "I'm too poor to compensate with spirit stones, or I would. Hope you don't hold it against me."
Come on, agree already, he muttered inwardly.
Bai Sheng stammered, unable to respond. He handed her the tape. Blushing, she glanced at him. "Senior Brother Jiang Li…"
"Hm?"
"Don't look."
"Oh, my bad." He turned away. Behind him, she began measuring—waist, height, hips. When she reached her chest, she hesitated, embarrassed by the number.
She recalled female disciples whispering she was a vixen, flaunting her figure to seduce men. She hadn't meant to—only after meeting Mu Bingning did she start carrying herself confidently.
Finishing, she wrote down her measurements, face flushed, and called softly, "I'm done, Senior Brother Jiang Li."
He turned, taking the paper and checking for errors. Glancing at the numbers, he marveled inwardly.
Not just her chest—her hips were fuller than a teenager's, hidden by her skirt.
He pulled out a sketchbook and gestured for her to sit, handing it over. "Pick a style you like. I'll have it sent to your place when it's done."
Bai Sheng flipped through it as he brewed peach blossom tea.
Not plain peach blossom tea, but a fragrant blend of various petals. The sketchbook offered only three dress styles.
Women here typically wore tops with skirts, not overly modest, showing some skin. Styles varied widely.
The first page featured traditional designs—high-waisted ruqun, moonlight skirts, sheer gowns, pleated skirts—all exquisitely crafted.
The second showcased qipaos, which she recognized from Praying Moon Pavilion.
The third page was bolder: white or black lace-trimmed camisole dresses, off-shoulder gowns. Overwhelmed, she chose a refined, moon-white sheer skirt.
Everyone loves beauty. For training, female cultivators wore daoist robes, but in leisure, they dressed up.
Jiang Li slid a cup of tea toward her. "Try it?"
Her pleased expression confirmed his three days of tea-blending paid off. He noted her chosen dress, asked for details, and closed the sketchbook. "I'll have it sent within three days. Which cave mansion is yours?"
"Flowing Cloud," she answered softly.
He memorized it, then reached for Big White, still clinging to her neck. Prying it loose, he set it on the table, where it promptly flopped, sulking.
Used to it, Jiang Li watched Bai Sheng sip her tea delicately. He offered tea packets. "If you like it, take these. They're cheap—you can brew them anytime."
She tried to refuse, but he pushed them forward, and she couldn't say no.
She wasn't good at refusing.
"I heard about you from other sisters," Jiang Li said suddenly. Startled, she looked up, snapping out of her daze but unsure how to respond, murmuring, "Huh?"
"They mentioned your Calamity Dao Body. Curious, I scoured the sect's ancient texts, but none definitively say it brings misfortune to those around you."
His tone reminded her of Mu Bingning, defending her.
"That's what they say…"
"Women are jealous creatures. They envy your beauty and swordsmanship, so they gang up and gossip."
She bit her lip, meeting his eyes. "Do you think so, Senior Brother Jiang Li?"
"I don't believe in fate. Destiny's something you seize. Luck's too vague—strength overcomes all obstacles."
He spoke of her swordsmanship, the reason she'd trained tirelessly.
Her heart stirred. Her hands clutched her skirt nervously under the table. She'd never felt such a racing pulse. His gaze rested on her, but she couldn't look up.
"I've noticed something funny—you never look me in the eye."
"I…" Her voice faltered.
"Only someone guilty avoids eye contact. What, smitten by my charm?" He shook his head. "That won't do. I'm no saint—not into soft bunnies like you."
She snapped her head up, blurting, "No way!"
Propping his chin, he leaned closer. "Stare into my eyes for fifteen seconds, and I'll believe you're not hiding anything."
She straightened, meeting his gaze. His eyes held a smile; hers betrayed nerves. Her heart pounded faster, her breathing quickened under his scrutiny.
Jiang Li noted every shift but only smiled.
"Alright, alright," he said, breaking away with a laugh. "Just teasing. I know you've got no feelings for me."
Her cheeks puffed out, eyes flashing with cute indignation.
He murmured playfully, "After all… I'm a scumbag."
Saying "don't like me" plants a seed. Over time, it becomes "I'm not falling for him, am I?" if handled right.
My dear Junior Sister Bai Sheng, your scumbag senior brother's already set the trap.