Chapter 15: Taking Turns Helping with Outfit Changes
The burn on Yan Zhen’s hand was both minor and serious.
Burns caused by Extreme Flames were difficult to heal, even with medicine. However, the residual Yang energy had been neutralized by Yi Xian’er’s Yin energy, essentially eliminating the main obstacle.
Ji Ya, however, was distressed. She ordered the best burn ointment available in the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, a Tier 3, High Grade ointment.
After applying the ointment, he felt much better. He took the opportunity to claim the reward for completing the key plot point.
[Special Trump Card – King’s Power: Upon activation, forcibly extracts a certain amount of Spiritual Power from nearby living beings, condensing it into a Spiritual Weapon.]
“A Spiritual Weapon?”
His eyes lit up. This was a valuable item!
Apart from Mystic Refiners, cultivators rarely trained their spirits. At the Mystic King realm, their spirit would begin to resonate with the outside world. Only at the Mystic Sovereign realm would their spirit, tempered by Mystic Power, transform into a nascent soul, capable of leaving the body and even possessing others.
Below the Mystic Sovereign realm, Spiritual Power was relatively weak. Possessing Spiritual Mystic Skills or Spiritual Weapons provided a significant advantage in combat.
He stored the card, examining his collection of Special Trump Cards. He felt it was time to start building a deck.
He hadn’t used a single Special Trump Card yet, mainly because he hadn’t encountered opponents worthy of such measures. As for someone like the Silver Moon City Lord, she was too powerful. He would need an all-purpose Trump Card to deal with her.
He reviewed the script’s future developments. There would indeed be an unexpected situation during this trip to the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters, requiring him to borrow his Beautiful Sect Master’s power.
He could use her power to advance the plot, then try to defeat his opponent with his own deck.
“What are you thinking about, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”
“Nothing. My hand seems to have recovered.”
“Let me see… Mmm, good.” She released his hand, smiling seductively. “You had a fight early this morning. Are you tired?”
“Not really.”
“Then let’s go shopping! Your clothes were burned in the fight, Little Brother. I want to buy you some new ones.”
He nodded. He had only brought two sets of spare clothes. Replenishing his wardrobe wouldn’t hurt.
She turned to Yi Xian’er. “Your clothes are a bit old too, Little Sister Xian’er. Let’s get you some new ones as well. We have some lovely new dresses in stock. I’m sure you’ll find something you like.”
Yi Xian’er glanced at Yan Zhen.
Her current outfit wasn’t bad, but his preferences seemed to lean towards a more mature style. In her previous life, he had even complimented her cold, queenly appearance. Since then, she had cultivated a mature, elegant image.
Having reverted to her original personality after rebirth, she had neglected this detail. Perhaps she should change her style earlier this time.
…
They left the office, heading for the clothing section, the twin bodyguards trailing behind them like accessories.
As the Head Shopkeeper of the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce and the renowned “Beautiful Fox of Gold and Jade,” Ji Ya was a captivating presence wherever she went, especially with the addition of the pure and beautiful Yi Xian’er. Yan Zhen, with his handsome features, further enhanced their allure. They drew stares and whispers wherever they went.
People speculated about their relationship, some having witnessed the earlier duel, spreading gossip as if they knew the inside story.
They ignored the attention, arriving at the clothing section, greeted by the respectful bows of the staff.
The mature, experienced steward in charge of the section bowed deeply.
“Welcome, Head Shopkeeper. I apologize for not greeting you sooner.”
The attendants and servants behind her echoed her greeting in unison.
“Greetings, Head Shopkeeper!”
The formality was overwhelming.
Ji Ya waved her hand dismissively. “We’re just here to browse. There’s no need for such formality. Carry on with your duties.”
The steward nodded eagerly, dismissing the staff, then said cautiously, “May I show you around?”
Ji Ya nodded. “Let’s start with the men’s clothing store.”
…
The steward, pleased, led them to the men’s clothing store, its shelves filled with various styles of men’s attire.
Ji Ya and Yi Xian’er scanned the racks, carefully selecting clothes for Yan Zhen.
He also browsed, but he wasn’t picky. As long as the clothes fit and were comfortable, he was happy.
“Little Brother Yan Zhen, how about this one?”
Ji Ya held up a dark blue robe, its design eye-catching.
“Blue, with a cinched waist and narrow sleeves. It would match my red qipao perfectly~ Try it on!”
He disliked trying on clothes. The semi-ancient, semi-modern attire of the Mystic World might be aesthetically pleasing, but changing into them was a hassle. He preferred to simply feel the fabric and check the size.
However, this was Ji Ya’s show. She wouldn’t allow him to be so dismissive.
He reluctantly took the robe, entering the changing room. He had just unfastened his belt when Ji Ya followed him inside, startling him.
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s too slow if you change by yourself, Little Brother. Let Older Sister help you.”
“T-that’s not appropriate…”
“What’s inappropriate about it? Didn’t we agree to get used to physical contact? This is also a form of training.”
He had almost forgotten about their agreement. Because of it, she had even personally undressed him during their bath last night~
Recalling his “dragon” being examined from all angles by her, he felt a surge of embarrassment. No wonder Instructor Yu Xuan had made him cover his eyes during their “treatment sessions.”
“Then… I’ll trouble you, Sister Ji Ya.”
Under her amused gaze, her hands roaming his body, he managed to change into the new robe, his “dragon” nearly rearing its head in the process.
She circled him, her eyes lingering on his form, her gaze filled with admiration. However, she found fault with the outfit.
“It’s handsome, but… it doesn’t seem like the clothes are making you look good. You’d look handsome in anything, Little Brother Yan Zhen.”
He examined himself in the mirror.
“Isn’t that a good thing? Let’s just buy this one.”
“Come on, don’t decide so quickly. Let’s try on a few more and compare.”
“That’s so much trouble.”
“That’s the fun of shopping~” She giggled, patting his shoulder. “Wait here. I’ll find some other styles for you~”
She left the changing room, her hips swaying enticingly. Moments later, she returned… No, it wasn’t Ji Ya. It was Yi Xian’er, holding a black robe that appealed to his chuunibyou tastes.
“How about this one, Yan Zhen? Try it on. I’ll help you~”
He halfheartedly resisted as she unfastened his belt, stripping him down to his elephant-printed boxers, then slowly helped him into the new robe.
He examined himself in the mirror, satisfied.
“Not bad.”
— Not bad? It’s amazing! I look so cool!
Yi Xian’er gazed at him, her cheeks flushed, but she remembered the line that would trigger the cycle.
“It looks good, but… it’s missing something. Wait here, I’ll see if there’s anything better.”
She left.
“…”
He was speechless. Women were so troublesome when it came to clothes, whether buying for themselves or for others. They always had to try on everything.
Moments later, Ji Ya returned, holding a different style of robe.
“Try this one, Little Brother Yan Zhen.”
“Okay.”
He obediently submitted to her ministrations, changing into the new outfit.
“It’s a bit better than the previous one, but still not quite right. I’ll find something else.”
She left.
Soon after, Yi Xian’er returned, also holding a different robe.
“Try this one.”
He was undressed, redressed, and critiqued.
“Although [insert compliment], it still feels like [insert criticism]. Let’s try [insert suggestion].” X xtimes
Then she would leave, and Ji Ya would return!
The cycle repeated endlessly!
He felt like he was trapped in an Infinite Tsukuyomi, transformed into a dress-up doll, forced to obey their whims, endlessly changing clothes.
They, however, seemed to enjoy it, making him try on outfit after outfit.
Finally, after the twentieth outfit, he snapped.
“Enough! I’m not changing anymore!!!”
They exchanged amused glances.
Ji Ya ordered someone to pack up the nineteen outfits and deliver them to Elegant Courtyard. He could keep the one he was currently wearing.
He sighed with relief. If they had continued, he felt like he would have lost his mind. Then, Ji Ya spoke.
“Alright, Little Brother Yan Zhen’s clothes are sorted. Now let’s go look at dresses.”
What?! His eyes widened. “I-I’ll just wait here. I can’t really help with that.”
He tried to escape, but they each grabbed one of his arms.
“Of course not! I need your opinion, Little Brother.”
“You’re not getting away.”
They practically dragged him towards the women’s clothing section.
The steward, watching them, was astonished. She had never seen Ji Ya act so… girly. She didn’t dare stare, but she couldn’t help but wonder about Yan Zhen’s identity. She had never heard of the Head Shopkeeper having such a close younger brother. He seemed more like a… lover.
…
They arrived at the women’s clothing section, its racks overflowing with colorful dresses and robes, the air filled with a sweet fragrance absent from the men’s clothing store.
The men’s store had been relatively quiet, with few customers. The women’s store, however, was bustling, several ladies browsing the selection.
Their arrival, or rather, the presence of Yan Zhen, a man, caused a stir. The ladies, as well as the attendants and servants, paused, their voices lowering, their cheeks flushing with a mixture of shyness and displeasure.
Although there were no rules prohibiting men from entering the women’s clothing store, it was generally considered a female-only space.
He felt incredibly awkward under their scrutiny, wanting to flee, but his arms were trapped by Ji Ya and Yi Xian’er. He could only lower his head like an ostrich.
— How cute~
The thought crossed the minds of all the women present, their shyness and displeasure fading, replaced by amusement.
…
By the time they left the women’s clothing store, he was mentally exhausted. Only the mention of lunch at a restaurant revived his spirits.
The restaurant was located near the Gold and Jade Chamber of Commerce, a ten-minute walk away.
As soon as they entered, he felt a sense of unease, his gaze scanning their surroundings, but he found nothing unusual.
— What’s going on?
“What’s wrong, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”
“Nothing. I probably have auditory hallucinations from changing too many outfits.”
Ji Ya rolled her eyes playfully. “That’s how you shop for clothes! You have to try on everything! Isn’t there a saying, ‘Women are like clothes’? Are you just as indiscriminate with women, Little Brother Yan Zhen?”
Her words took a suggestive turn.
Yi Xian’er chuckled. “Hmm hmm.”
He rolled his eyes at her. “That’s not what the saying means! And it’s not even a compliment!”
…
The restaurant manager approached, greeting Ji Ya respectfully, then leading them to a private room, accompanied by the twin bodyguards.
Knowing his appetite, Ji Ya ordered a table full of dishes, even adding a pot of wine.
He frowned. “You two are drinking in the middle of the day?”
They both shook their heads. He relaxed.
“Then don’t order it. I don’t drink either.”
“Heehee.” She chuckled softly. “It’s just a precaution. Wine is easier to poison than food. We’ll use it to trick those lurking in the shadows.”
He was startled, suddenly reminded of her current situation.
Suffering from a chronic illness, constantly at risk of relapse, her cultivation relatively weak, yet holding a position comparable to a sect leader, controlling vast wealth and influence, countless eyes hidden in the darkness, coveting everything she possessed, including her life!
Yet she spoke of it so casually, as if she were used to it, unafraid.
“No one can poison me.” Yi Xian’er’s voice was calm, her tone filled with a queenly arrogance. “Don’t worry.”
Ji Ya giggled, her voice cheerful. “You’re so reliable, Little Sister Xian’er. Thank you.”
…
The dishes arrived, one after another, followed by the pot of wine, intended as a “decoy.”
A petite servant girl, barely fifteen or sixteen years old, carried the pot. As soon as she entered the room, the twin bodyguards, stationed at the door, blocked her path, their Tier 3 swords unsheathing, crossing at her neck.
“Your… aura is wrong.”
“You’re… not a servant.”
This was the first time he had heard the Mystic Master realm twins speak. Their voices were cold and robotic, devoid of emotion.
He was impressed by Ji Ya’s foresight. She had predicted this! Those lurking in the shadows had actually tried to poison the wine!
The sharp blades pressed against her delicate throat, drawing a thin line of blood.
The girl’s face paled, her hands trembling. The pot slipped from her grasp, shattering on the floor, its contents spilling, corroding the carpet, as if it were filled with concentrated sulfuric acid!
Isn’t that a bit too much poison?
However, at that moment, his eyebrows twitched, his Spirit Fire igniting involuntarily, his Spiritual Perception spreading outwards.
He “saw” it. Someone, positioned about 500 meters from the restaurant, was aiming a bow and arrow at them.
Or rather, at Ji Ya!
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