Chapter 21: You Look Like a Pole

Seeing him glance over, Liu Yingfeng gave a slight nod as a greeting.

“Your zither piece earlier was quite pleasing. I’ve heard many melodies before, but never one so moving and immersive as yours, Young Master.”

“You’re far too kind, Miss.”

Lin Wuming replied with a modest smile, feeling a little embarrassed.

He had only played casually without much effort.

“But… why is Young Master here, of all places?”

Liu Yingfeng asked, puzzled.

After all, this was clearly a ladies’ clothing shop.

“I’m attending the Wanyin Music Festival tomorrow and came to help my junior sister pick some clothes.”

Lin Wuming explained.

“I see…”

Liu Yingfeng nodded, not planning to continue the conversation.

After all, even if not yet married, she was technically engaged.

It wouldn’t be appropriate to speak too much with another man.

But Ling’er didn’t have such concerns and eagerly said,

“Then Young Master, could you help our lady choose some clothes too?”

“This…”

Lin Wuming glanced at Liu Yingfeng.

Though her expression was a bit frosty, she was undeniably a stunning beauty.

Not much different from his junior sister, but her noble temperament added a unique charm—still somewhat immature, but that hint of youthfulness gave her a different kind of appeal.

“Ling’er, how can you trouble the Young Master like that?”

Liu Yingfeng scolded with a frown.

“It’s no trouble at all.”

Lin Wuming waved his hand.

“My junior sister is still changing. I’m free for now—if the lady doesn’t mind, of course.”

“Then… I’ll trouble you, Young Master.”

Liu Yingfeng considered it—perhaps a man’s opinion would help her pick something men liked?

Lin Wuming nodded, looked around the shop, and finally picked out a light-blue silk dress.

“How about this one?”

“Miss, try this one!”

Ling’er’s eyes lit up.

Liu Yingfeng looked at the dress and was quite taken with it.

She nodded and followed the clerk to the fitting room.

“Miss, wait for me~”

Ling’er followed close behind.

Just then, another fitting room opened, and a girl in a light yellow dress stepped out, still walking a bit unsteadily.

“Senior Brother… are you there?”

He Yingying, her eyes still not healed, groped along the door frame and called softly.

“I’m here.”

Lin Wuming replied.

He looked at the girl now in full dress—her noble elegance made her seem like an untouchable princess, radiating an aura that made even him feel inferior.

But the girl looked uneasy and shyly asked…

“Senior Brother, do I… look good in this?”

“The dress is nice…”

Lin Wuming started to compliment her, but then held himself back.

“Unfortunately, you wearing it makes you look like a wooden pole—completely lacking charm.”

He Yingying’s expression froze.

She almost burst into tears.

“Then… should I try another one?”

“No need.”

Lin Wuming snorted.

“Stick with this one. Don’t go ruining more clothes.”

He Yingying opened her mouth, then suddenly understood.

—Her Senior Brother clearly liked the dress and thought it suited her, but he just couldn’t say it out loud for “certain reasons.”

Her earlier grievance faded, replaced by a shy smile.

She bowed her head and whispered,

“Alright then…”

After paying and wrapping up the clothes, Lin Wuming took his junior sister and left.

When Liu Yingfeng came out, she found he was already gone.

But as it was just a casual encounter, she didn’t mind.

After buying the clothes, she personally visited the City Lord’s Mansion, had a brief meeting to arrange some matters, and then prepared to return to rest.

“Miss, that Wanyin Festival sounds really fun…”

Ling’er chatted as they walked back to the inn.

“So what?”

Liu Yingfeng replied, not particularly interested.

“That young man from earlier—he’s going to the festival too!”

“And what does that have to do with us?”

“Geez…”

Ling’er sighed.

“Miss, you’re not planning to train all day again tomorrow, are you? We finally left the mountains, and you want to spend it cultivating?”

“The music festival will be lively. Maybe… just maybe, Young Master Husband-to-Be might show up too?”

“You…”

Liu Yingfeng tapped her on the forehead.

“You just want to go play and are making excuses, huh?”

Still… what if by some miracle, he really did show up at the festival?

Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to relax a little tomorrow.

***

Meanwhile, behind the scenes at the Wanyin Festival, the organizers—disciples and elders of Wanle Palace—were busy with last-minute preparations.

“Everything ready?”

A calm-faced middle-aged man was giving strict instructions.

“Tomorrow’s festival must go off without a hitch. Understand?”

“But, Elder… is this really okay? The winner’s already decided before it’s even begun… Isn’t that—”

“Don’t want to die? Then don’t ask too many questions!”

The elder snapped.

Even now, the memory of the White-Clothed Demon Emperor instructing him sent shivers down his spine.

If this event failed… even suicide might not be enough to atone.

That human boy, what was his background?

The Demon Emperor had gone to great lengths—such manipulation and subtle scheming… All for him?

The elder shook his head in envy.

Even as a Nascent Soul cultivator, he ranked below that human.

But then again, humans and demons had always played by different rules.

Still, if things went as the Demon Emperor planned, he didn’t need to worry much.

No one could match the zither skills the Emperor had taught the boy.

The carefully chosen “elite” competitors were there to lose gracefully, so the favored one could walk away with the prize.

All would end smoothly and happily.

But if anyone dared interfere—

His eyes narrowed, a flash of killing intent flickering in their depths.

That would be no different from trying to wipe out his entire clan.

Now that everything was in place, all that remained… was for the Wanyin Festival to officially begin the next day.