"Young Master Lu!"
Outside the door, Lin Chuchu, dressed in white, looked as if she had descended from the heavens. Coupled with her pure and moving beauty, even Lu Fan was almost captivated.
"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 rival and can even become the Emperor's son-in-law."
"To become the Emperor's son-in-law, you're truly resorting to any means!" Lu Fan rolled his eyes. Lin Chuchu's face also flushed slightly, clearly moved by Lin Jianyi's words.
Not long after, they arrived at the lantern street. People were guessing lantern riddles and playing acrobatics, creating a lively scene.
However, at that moment, Lu Fan suddenly turned his head and looked towards a figure that seemed familiar, but then vanished in an instant.
"Brother Lu, what's wrong?" Lin Jianyi asked.
"Nothing, perhaps I saw wrong."
Lu Fan shook his head and then smiled, "This lantern festival is indeed a wonderful place, especially within the imperial city, it appears even more prosperous."
"That's natural. No matter what, this is the imperial city. Whatever is done within the capital is always done to the best of one's ability," Lin Chuchu chimed in. "This is also a place I've always yearned for."
"Step right up, don't miss out! The Lantern Festival is about to begin. Whoever wins the sky lantern this time will receive a supreme treasure from my shop!"
A shout rang out, instantly drawing the attention of many onlookers. Throughout the lantern street, most were of the younger generation, and they all turned their gazes.
A pavilion owner was seen holding a special sky lantern, with many people gathered around.
"This sky lantern was meticulously crafted by me. Whoever can snatch it will receive my shop's supreme treasure, the Jade Linglong!"
The shop owner smiled. "This Jade Linglong is no ordinary item; it carries extremely extraordinary significance. If anyone can snatch it and present it to Princess Linglong, they will surely win Princess Linglong's favor!"
The pavilion owner spoke with sincerity, looking at the crowd.
Initially, there weren't so many people, but upon hearing the owner's words, many were immediately drawn in. To attract Princess Linglong's attention was more important than anything else to them.
The princess's marriage selection ceremony was just a few days away, and the attendees here were all outstanding talents among the younger generation. How could they miss this opportunity?
"Brother Lu, this Jade Linglong is no simple item!"
Lin Jianyi chuckled. "If one can obtain it and present it to the princess, they will surely gain her favor in the future!"
"I don't think it's necessary," Lu Fan waved his hand, not showing much concern.
Seeing this, Lin Jianyi felt helpless. With Lu Fan being so indifferent, he couldn't say much more.
"Brother, Young Master Lu is different from you!"
Lin Chuchu smiled. "To win the princess, one must rely on their own strength. As for such opportunistic tactics, she won't be impressed!"
"Are you my sister or his sister!"
Lin Jianyi shot her a glance, feeling even more jealous.
Meanwhile, not far from the pavilion, two figures were also gazing at the Jade Linglong in the owner's hands.
"Princess, leaving the palace without permission at night, if the Emperor finds out, you might be blamed!"
Xiao Qing spoke up. 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 you!"
Princess Linglong shot her a glance. "Don't think I don't know you've been having a great time tonight, and now you're saying such sour words!"
Xiao Qing smiled awkwardly. "Who made you the master? If the princess doesn't bear the blame, then my life might 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 presence today, she certainly wouldn't allow others to obtain this Jade Linglong.
If her father hadn't insisted on holding a marriage selection for her, she wouldn't be this anxious. Now, with people trying to obtain the Jade Linglong to curry favor with her, how could she stand by idly?
Inside the pavilion, the owner's sky lantern had already been lit and was soaring into the air.
In the blink of an eye, many figures sprang forth, attempting to snatch the sky lantern.
These individuals were no ordinary people; some were even quite influential. If they could win first place 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 a powerful momentum.
Lin Jianyi also stepped forward, eager to be the first to obtain the sky lantern.
"Brother Lu, you're really not going to try and snatch it?"
Lin Chuchu asked, "This is an opportunity!"
"If I were to snatch it, wouldn't Brother Lin lose his chance!"
Lu Fan chuckled. "I think it's most appropriate to leave this opportunity for him!"
High in the sky, many figures darted back and forth, the sky lantern being snatched and passed around.
Surprisingly, as the sky lantern was passed around, it showed no signs of damage, as if it were 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 towards the others.
Those vying for the sky lantern were shocked. Feeling such a terrifying aura, they quickly retreated.
As one of the top ten young prodigies of the White Dragon Dynasty, Lin Jianyi's strength was undeniable.
Once he obtained 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 crisis, Lin Jianyi quickly dodged. The attacker's strength was formidable, and they instantly snatched the sky lantern.
Everyone was even more astonished. The black-clad figure before them possessed an aura no weaker than Lin Jianyi, perhaps even stronger.
"I never expected this, truly never expected it! The White Dragon Dynasty is indeed full of hidden talents!"
Lin Jianyi sneered. "Who are you, sir? Why are you snatching this from me?"
"A joke. The sky lantern is for everyone to take. If you have the ability, feel free to come and try!"
Linglong, wearing a mask, spoke with a detached tone.
"I like that!"
Lin Jianyi grinned and lunged towards Linglong, his fists striking with great force, yet he still couldn't get the sky lantern.
"This person is so strong, able to contend with my brother!" Lin Chuchu exclaimed in surprise.
But at this moment, Princess Linglong secretly launched three life-taking needles, aimed directly at Lin Jianyi's throat.
The crowd quickly scattered, some in fear. These life-taking needles carried powerful 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, and she looked sharply at Lu Fan. She knew very well that these three life-taking needles were not ordinary; they contained the profound principles of heaven and earth.