“Not quite. In fact, he seems to be putting on a show for others. A true dandy wouldn’t act like this. Does he really think that just by changing his clothes and taking a few steps, he can pass for one? Back in my day, I... cough, cough!”

“Master, what happened back in your day?”

“Nothing important,” Dan Lao quickly changed the subject. “And he doesn’t seem to be as self-destructive as the rumors suggest. Although his talent is mediocre, his cultivation is quite solid.”

Lin Yan nodded. “Master, do you think he might try to dig out his sister’s Xian Gu (仙骨, literally 'immortal bone')?”

“I don’t know. We haven’t interacted long enough to tell. After all, the temptation of Xian Gu is immense. But it’s clear he’s not someone who bullies the weak. His attitude towards you hasn’t been overly enthusiastic just because you’re a disciple of the inner sect of the Sword Sect, nor has he looked down on you because of his family background.”

“Yeah, I don’t think Bai Xiong would dig out his sister’s Xian Gu. In fact, it’s possible, as another rumor suggests, that he saved his sister.”

Dan Lao, intrigued by Lin Yan’s confidence, asked, “Why do you say that?”

“Just a hunch.”

“…”

Dan Lao didn’t want to engage further and retreated back into his ring.

Lin Yan chuckled. He might have been stretching things a bit, but he felt his intuition was pretty accurate.

Then he wiped the smile off his face, recalling some rumors from the Sword Sect. He decided to follow Bai Feng discreetly.

He wasn’t the only one leaving the sect; he had just arrived early in Qinghong City to buy books. By now, that group should have arrived.

As Bai Feng walked, he casually glanced at Lin Yan’s location. Although he couldn’t see where Lin Yan was hiding, the system had clearly marked his position.

What’s this luck-bringer following me for?

---

**Chapter 4: Are You the Villain or Am I?**

After pondering for a few seconds, Bai Feng decided to ignore it. What was the point? Listening to music was more important.

He didn’t believe Lin Yan would follow him into Qiufeng Tower to listen to music.

“Hey~ isn’t that Young Master Bai? I heard the magpies singing on the branches today, so I knew a noble guest would arrive. Quick, ladies…”

Before he even stepped into Qiufeng Tower, he heard a voice from afar. He didn’t need to look to know it was Wang Ma, one of the managers of Qiufeng Tower.

“Come on, cut that out,” Bai Feng interrupted, raising his hand. “I don’t like being disturbed when I’m listening to music. Who’s singing today?”

Wang Ma quickly dispersed the gathered ladies and hurried to Bai Feng’s side, a smile on her face. “It’s Miss Qiu’er. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied, Young Master Bai.”

“Looks like my luck is good today. I’m fortunate to hear Miss Qiu’er sing.”

Bai Feng’s face lit up with interest. This girl, Qiu’er, had joined Qiufeng Tower in the past year and quickly rose to the top with her unique singing style, becoming the object of admiration for many young masters.

However, she had a cold personality and rarely performed, even Wang Ma couldn’t command her. This would be his first time hearing her sing.

Well, finally some good luck.

Following Wang Ma to a private room on the second floor, he found the space wasn’t very large, but there was a big chair that could comfortably seat three or four people. Clearly, it wasn’t just for listening to music.

But for Bai Feng, it was just a chair for listening.

He casually popped a grape from the table into his mouth and took out paper and pen to prepare for inspiration.

Hopefully, this famous Miss Qiu’er would bring him some surprises and inspiration.

Outside, Lin Yan watched as Bai Feng entered Qiufeng Tower, and even he noticed the flaw.

“Master, you were right. Bai Feng is indeed putting on an act. But why is he pretending to be a dandy?”

“I don’t know, but I suspect it might be related to those rumors.” Dan Lao stroked his beard, now even he was intrigued by Bai Feng.

“Hmm, it’s as if he wants to solidify the rumors.” Lin Yan pondered. “I remember Bai Feng’s talent is average, which is why the rumors say he wants to dig out his sister’s Xian Gu to change his fate. Even if it’s false, Bai Feng wouldn’t be able to explain it away, and over time, it could even affect his sister.”

“And now he’s pretending to be a dandy. Is he trying to show that he has given up on cultivation and no longer covets the Xian Gu, so his sister can focus on her training without being troubled by rumors? If that’s true, then I can’t match Bai Xiong’s magnanimity.”

“There’s definitely that possibility.” Dan Lao glanced at Lin Yan and teased, “Do you want to go in and take a look? This Miss Qiu’er seems quite famous!”

Lin Yan shook his head, showing no interest. “No, these people aren’t worth my time compared to a single hair from Teacher Chunqiu’s paintings.”

“…”

Oh no, it seems my disciple has some serious issues with his mindset!

---

“Achoo!”

Bai Feng sneezed and glanced at the luck-bringer standing still at the door, puzzled about what he was thinking.

If he knew what Lin Yan was chatting about, he would definitely shout in protest:

There’s no deep reason; he really just came to listen to music and gather material! After all, drawing isn’t something you can just do on a whim; you need inspiration!

He didn’t like being watched while creating and didn’t want to expose his true identity. Plus, with his current standards, he wasn’t impressed by the ordinary women here, and the top courtesans were too expensive. It was better to hide in his room and draw in peace.

“Here she comes! Miss Qiu’er is coming out!”

“Miss Qiu’er, look at me!”

“Quick, quick, quick! I can’t let those guys outdo me!”

“Miss Qiu’er, I’m your dog!”

In an instant, the crowd below went wild, and Bai Feng paused mid-sip of his tea.

Although he had been here many times, he had never seen such a scene.

Curiosity piqued, he slowly walked to the window and looked at the woman playing the guqin. She wore a semi-transparent veil over her face and a long black dress. Though it was a long dress, it was unlike any ordinary one.

The black fabric wrapped around most of her chest, revealing a patch of snow-white skin above. Two straps tied around her neck, exposing her delicate collarbone and smooth, fair back. The lower half was completely covered by the skirt, but the fabric was slightly transparent, allowing a glimpse of her slender legs, just enough to tease the imagination.

Though the dress had no embellishments, it exuded an air of elegance that made it hard to look away.

The moment she stepped out, the previously noisy hall fell silent.

But unlike the mesmerized crowd, Bai Feng’s expression was somewhat complicated—wasn’t that the outfit from my drawings? If you’re going to copy, at least make some changes; don’t just lift it directly!

Fortunately, he usually only drew clothes from this world, and only occasionally would he draw something new when inspiration struck, like the outfit Qiu’er was wearing.

The reason he didn’t draw clothes from Blue Star was simple: those outfits would be too shocking for the people of this world.

He had initially planned to take his time, but now he was glad he hadn’t drawn everything out. Otherwise, he, the one who was “shearing the sheep” from Blue Star, would have been “sheared” by this crowd.

He hated two types of people in his life: those who took advantage of him and those who prevented him from taking advantage.

If you’re going to take advantage, at least give me some money as a token of appreciation! Buying a few more books would be fine!

And it wasn’t just Bai Feng who noticed this; once the others came back to their senses, they also realized:

“Isn’t that the outfit that appeared in Teacher Chunqiu’s illustrations? Truly, Teacher Chunqiu has great taste!”

“Exactly! I remember it was in Issue 11, on page 4.”

“Teacher Chunqiu, you’re my idol!”

“No, no, no, the focus is on the outfit. Could it be that Miss Qiu’er also reads Chunqiu?”

“Shut up! Miss Qiu’er is so pure; how could she read that kind of stuff!”

For a moment, the people nearby were stunned. They first glanced at the sign of Qiufeng Tower to confirm they hadn’t gone to the wrong place, then looked at the fervent fans, instinctively distancing themselves.

“Damn, what a lunatic! How did this idiot get into Qiufeng Tower?”

“Stay away! Just being near him makes my IQ drop.”

The commotion below didn’t affect Miss Qiu’er. With one hand on the strings of the guqin, she gently plucked a note, and instantly, the arguing and chatter faded away.

As the music began, Bai Feng returned to his chair.

It was indeed quite good, and the sound seemed to have a magical quality that made one subconsciously lose themselves in it.

But they were taking advantage of him, and using that advantage to profit off him!

Ugh, it’s so frustrating!

Bored now, I’m done listening. I’m outta here!

Bai Feng quietly pushed open the door. At that moment, even the maid was lost in the music and didn’t notice someone sneaking away.