"Young Master Lu!"
Outside the chamber door, Lin Chuchu, clad in a white gown, appeared ethereal. Her pure and captivating beauty almost made Lu Fan lose his heart.
"Let's go!" Lin Jianyi smiled. "Actually, my little sister is quite good-looking. If Brother Lu doesn't mind, I can introduce my sister to you. Then I'll have one less opponent and can even become the驸马 of the White Dragon Dynasty."
"To become the驸马, you'll go to any lengths!" Lu Fan rolled his eyes. Lin Chuchu's face also flushed slightly, quite touched by Lin Jianyi's words.
Not long after, they arrived at the lantern street. People were guessing lantern riddles and watching acrobats, making it a lively scene.
Just then, Lu Fan suddenly turned his head, looking towards a figure that seemed familiar but vanished in an instant.
"Brother Lu, what's wrong?" Lin Jianyi asked.
"Nothing, I might have seen wrong."
Lu Fan shook his head and then smiled, "This lantern festival is indeed a wonderful place, especially within the imperial city, making it all the more prosperous."
"Naturally. No matter what, this is the imperial city. Whatever is done within its vicinity is done to the best," Lin Chuchu chimed in. "This is also a place I've always longed for."
"Don't miss out, don't miss out! The lantern festival is about to begin. Whoever can win the sky lantern this time will receive my shop's ultimate treasure!"
A shout rang out, instantly drawing the attention of many onlookers. Along the entire lantern street, most of the crowd were young people, and they all turned their gazes.
A pavilion owner was holding a special sky lantern, with many people gathered around.
"This sky lantern is my masterpiece. Whoever can snatch it will receive my shop's ultimate treasure, the Jade Linglong!"
The shop owner smiled. "This Jade Linglong is no ordinary item. It carries an extremely extraordinary meaning. If anyone can snatch it and present it to Princess Linglong, they will surely gain her favor!"
The pavilion owner spoke earnestly, looking at everyone present.
Initially, there weren't so many people, but upon hearing the owner's words, many were instantly drawn in. Gaining the attention of Princess Linglong was more important to them than anything else.
The princess's marriage selection ceremony was just a few days away. Those present were all outstanding figures among the younger generation, and they wouldn't let this opportunity pass.
"Brother Lu, this Jade Linglong is not simple!"
Lin Jianyi chuckled. "If you can get it and present it to the princess, you will surely gain her favor in the future!"
"I don't think it's necessary," Lu Fan waved his hand, not paying much attention.
Seeing this, Lin Jianyi felt helpless. Lu Fan was so nonchalant that he couldn't say much more.
"Brother, Young Master Lu is different from you!"
Lin Chuchu smiled. "To win the princess's favor, one must rely on their own strength. As for such opportunistic tricks, she won't be impressed!"
"Are you my sister or his sister!"
Lin Jianyi rolled his eyes, feeling a bit jealous.
Not far from the pavilion, two figures were also looking at the Jade Linglong in the owner's hand.
"Princess, if you leave the palace without permission at night, and the Emperor finds out, you might be reprimanded!"
Xiao Qing spoke. She was Princess Linglong's personal maid. If Princess Linglong hadn't been so playful, she wouldn't have appeared at this lantern festival.
"Look at what you're saying!"
Linglong rolled her eyes. "Don't think I don't know you've been having a great time tonight. Now you're saying such sarcastic things!"
Xiao Qing smiled awkwardly. "Who told you you're the master? If the princess doesn't take the blame, my life would be forfeit!"
"Forget it, this princess won't argue with you!"
Princess Linglong waved her hand, her gaze fixed on the Jade Linglong. With her present today, she would naturally not allow anyone else to obtain it.
If her father hadn't insisted on holding a marriage selection for her, she wouldn't be in such a hurry. Now that people were trying to win the Jade Linglong to curry favor with her, how could she sit idly by?
Meanwhile, inside the pavilion, the owner had released the sky lantern, and it flew directly into the air.
In the blink of an eye, many figures emerged, attempting to snatch the sky lantern.
These people were not ordinary. Some were quite influential. If they could win the top spot in the marriage selection ceremony and then present the Jade Linglong, they would surely win Princess Linglong's heart.
Princess Linglong put on a veil and leaped up, chasing after the sky lantern with unstoppable momentum.
Lin Jianyi also stepped forward, eager to get his hands on the sky lantern first.
"Young Master Lu, are you really not going to try and snatch it?"
Lin Chuchu asked, "This is an opportunity!"
"If I snatch it, won't Brother Lin lose his chance!"
Lu Fan smiled. "I think it's most appropriate to leave this opportunity to him!"
High in the sky, many figures darted back and forth, the sky lantern being snatched and passed around.
Surprisingly, the sky lantern was passed around and snatched repeatedly but sustained no damage, as if made of an unusual material.
Seeing that the time was right, Lin Jianyi no longer held back. In an instant, he unleashed his Spiritual Emperor aura, crushing down on the crowd.
Those vying for the sky lantern were shocked. Feeling the terrifying aura, they quickly retreated.
As one of the top ten young talents of the White Dragon Dynasty, Lin Jianyi's strength was undeniable.
As soon as he got his hands on the sky lantern, he was overjoyed. Just as he was about to show off to Lu Fan, he felt a cold gust of wind from behind.
In a moment of urgency, Lin Jianyi dodged. The attacker was powerful and instantly snatched the sky lantern away.
Everyone was even more astonished. The aura of the person in black was no weaker than Lin Jianyi's, perhaps even stronger.
"I never expected, truly never expected, that the White Dragon Dynasty is so full of hidden talents!"
Lin Jianyi sneered. "Who are you, sir? Why do you want to snatch it from me?"
"Ridiculous. The sky lantern is for everyone to get. If you have the ability, you can come and try!"
Linglong, wearing a mask, spoke with indifference.
"I like that!"
Lin Jianyi smiled and lunged towards Linglong. His fists were powerful, but he still couldn't get the sky lantern.
"This person is so strong, to be able to contend with my brother!" Lin Chuchu was surprised.
But just then, Princess Linglong secretly launched three 'Life-Taking Needles', aiming directly for Lin Jianyi's throat.
The crowd scattered, some in fear. The 'Life-Taking Needles' carried potent spiritual energy. If an ordinary person couldn't dodge them in time, they could be killed with a single needle.
"Brother Lin, be careful!"
Lu Fan reminded him and unleashed a stream of spiritual energy from his palm, instantly neutralizing the three 'Life-Taking Needles'.
Princess Linglong's expression changed. She looked sharply at Lu Fan. She knew very well that the 'Life-Taking Needles' were no ordinary technique; they contained the Great Dao of heaven and earth.