Morning sunlight crept over Azure Sky Sect, painting the peaks gold. Birds chirped, disciples stretched, and a brand-new day promised peace—
until a scream shattered it.
"WHY IS THIS DRESS SO TIGHT?!"
Inside a small side hall, Li Ming wrestled with a frilly pink outfit that seemed forged by demons. He hopped, tugged, and spun in circles, hairpins clattering to the floor.
Bai Guo lounged nearby in human form, sipping tea. "Careful, descendant. That fabric costs more than your dignity."
"I'm losing both!" Li Ming groaned, finally yanking the sash into place. "How do girls breathe in these?"
Bai Guo tapped his chin. "Maybe they don't. It's all spiritual endurance."
Li Ming glared. "I should've failed that trial on purpose…"
---
Lan Yue entered, arms folded, calm as the dawn. Her eyes scanned him once—then twice.
She nodded, serious. "Perfect."
Li Ming blinked. "Perfect? I look like a dumpling in ribbons!"
