Chapter 95 An Encounter at the Yellin Lantern Festival (Part 1)
Chapter 95 An Encounter at the Yellin Lantern Festival (Part 1)
As night quietly fell, the entire city of Yelin seemed to be shrouded in a mysterious black veil. However, the city streets presented a completely different scene of bustling activity, with crowds of people jostling shoulder to shoulder, and the flow of people surging in one direction like a tide—that was the renowned Yelin Lantern Festival.
Qian Yuhan and his group naturally didn't want to miss this grand event. They happily joined the crowded throng, heading together towards their brightly lit destination. Zhao Ke, however, did not accompany them. He stayed alone in the hotel, focusing intently on his cultivation, attempting to absorb the powerful primal energy of heaven and earth contained within the Seven Absolute Lotus.
When Qian Yuhan and his companions finally arrived at the lantern festival, the sight before them left everyone speechless. A dazzling array of colorful lanterns filled the air, a feast for the eyes. Some hung high beside the windows of buildings lining the streets, like twinkling stars in the night sky; others seemed to dance gracefully in the air like ethereal fairies, earning them the title of "Flying Flame Lanterns."
Qian Yuhan gazed up at the flying lanterns in the sky, a feeling of awe welling up inside him. He murmured to himself, "Isn't this the Kongming lantern from the original world? It's so—beautiful—!"
The flying flame lanterns, some red, some green, some yellow, some purple, were dazzlingly colorful, adorning the night sky like a dream. Each lantern carried people's best wishes and blessings, slowly rising into the sky and gradually disappearing into the distant horizon.
"Hey, Fourth Brother, I've told you this at least three times already. This isn't called a Kongming Lantern, it's called a Flying Flame Lantern!" Mu Chen stood right next to Qian Yuhan. Despite the bustling crowd and noise around them, he could still clearly hear what Qian Yuhan had just said.
Upon hearing this, Qian Yuhan couldn't help but chuckle, gently shaking her head and nodding repeatedly, "Alright, alright, I must have misremembered. This is the Flying Flame Lamp, the Flying Flame Lamp..."
Just then, Fang Ya, who had been walking ahead, suddenly stretched out her right hand, pointed to a plaque hanging high in front of her, and excitedly shouted, "We've arrived! This is the Yelin Lantern Festival!"
Everyone was initially captivated by the enchanting night views on both sides of the road, looking around and enjoying the scenery. It wasn't until they heard Fang Ya's shout that they snapped out of their reverie and turned their gazes forward. Not far away stood a uniquely designed arched gate, with four large characters written on it in a flamboyant style—"Yelin Lantern Festival."
The Yelin Lantern Festival resembles a bustling pedestrian street, where horse-drawn carriages are strictly prohibited, allowing people to stroll leisurely on foot. This straight street is incredibly wide, easily fifty meters across, and its end seems impossibly far away. On both sides of the street, numerous vendors loudly hawk their exquisite lanterns, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
At this moment, Fang Ya found herself amidst this lively scene, her excitement overflowing. Like a lively and adorable little rabbit, she hopped and skipped ahead of the crowd, her face beaming with a bright smile. Since absorbing the Phoenix Sunflower, Fang Ya had not only successfully evolved her martial soul, but her personality had also undergone a dramatic transformation. The quiet, cautious little girl of the past was gone, replaced by a cheerful, outgoing, and energetic young woman.
In Fang Ya's heart, making these friends was undoubtedly the luckiest thing in her life. Recalling their first meeting, she was timid and cowardly, afraid to even speak a word to anyone. She dared not fight back when bullied, nor tell her family, fearing being accused of weakness and cowardice. However, these friends never looked down on her, always treating her as an equal partner, and giving her endless care and support. It was this sincere friendship that was one of the key factors that gradually helped Fang Ya shake off the shadows in her heart, allowing her to regain her confidence and happiness.
Especially towards the end of the semester, everyone would often engage in unique competitions or tease each other, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that was simply intoxicating. Whenever Fang Ya recalls those wonderful moments, she can't help but smile knowingly, deeply feeling the warmth and power that friendship brings.
Fang Ya slowly turned around, and as her beautiful eyes darted around, they unexpectedly met the gaze of Mu Chen behind her. It turned out that Mu Chen had been silently following Fang Ya like a shadow, his gaze fixed on her beautiful and charming figure. The corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up, and he thought to himself: This wonderful Fang Ya is getting better and better, no longer so dull. That's good.
Fang Ya instantly realized they were staring at each other, and her delicate face flushed a vibrant red, as alluring as a ripe apple. She hurriedly turned her head away, her heart pounding like a drum, as if countless deer were fluttering inside. Meanwhile, Mu Chen, having been discovered spying by Fang Ya, also seemed somewhat flustered. He quickly averted his gaze, looking guilty, and simultaneously reached out to grab Qian Yuhan beside him, feigning composure as he loudly proclaimed, "Fourth brother, how many times have I told you? This is called a Flying Flame Lantern! It's not some kind of Kongming Lantern!"
Qian Yuhan stared blankly at Mu Chen, only able to manage a few dry laughs: "Hehe, hehe..."
Clearly, he knew Mu Chen was just trying to deflect the awkwardness. Qian Yuhan leaned close to Mu Chen's ear and whispered:
"I'm telling you, when exactly are you planning to confess your feelings to her—"
Upon hearing this, Mu Chen's expression darkened, and he interrupted Qian Yuhan without hesitation. He placed his index finger lightly to his lips, gesturing for silence, indicating that Qian Yuhan should stop asking questions. Then, he looked up, pretending to be nonchalant as he watched Fang Ya walking steadily ahead, secretly relieved. Immediately afterward, Mu Chen turned and glared fiercely at Qian Yuhan, retorting irritably:
"Who told you I was going to confess? I...I admit it, I do like Fang Ya, but the timing isn't right yet. I don't want to rush in like this and make Fang Ya think I'm a casual guy!"
After saying that, he couldn't help but steal a glance at Fang Ya in the distance, his eyes full of tenderness and longing.
After whispering in Qian Yuhan's ear, Mu Chen quickened his pace as if the wind were blowing, as if afraid that Qian Yuhan would catch up and continue teasing him.
Watching Mu Chen's departing figure, Qian Yuhan could only shake his head with a helpless bitter smile. Just then, Tang Xuan stepped forward, gently patted Qian Yuhan's shoulder, and then said thoughtfully, "These two seem to have a pretty good relationship right now. However, if they want to take it further, I think it won't be so easy; it's too hasty... Ultimately, it depends on what you, my third brother, are planning. As for when to break through that thin veil, only he can figure out the right balance and handle it carefully. Fourth brother, how did you get over that relationship after you broke up with Hu Lin'er? I need you to give me some advice now."
Upon hearing Tang Xuan's words, Qian Yuhan was immediately astonished, his mouth agape, almost wide enough to fit an egg. After a long while, he finally recovered and stammered, "B-Big Brother, you...you broke up with Xiaoyue?"
Tang Xuan nodded slightly, a bitter smile on his face, followed by a long sigh: "Yes, we've broken up. Sigh, in the next few years I won't be at the Spirit Hall Academy, so the opportunities to spend time with her will naturally become fewer and fewer. I was worried that continuing like this would hold her back, so after careful consideration, I finally decided to harden my heart and end this relationship... Sigh, tell me, was I too heartless?" As he spoke, Tang Xuan sighed repeatedly, each sigh seemingly filled with endless melancholy and regret.
Tang Chen stood on the other side of Tang Xuan, his gaze fixed on Qian Yuhan, and slowly said, "Ever since he learned that he would be studying at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for more than three years, he has been like this. In the days before leaving home, he finally hardened his heart, picked up a pen and wrote a letter, and asked someone to send it to Xiaoyue."
Upon hearing this, Qian Yuhan's eyes widened in surprise, and she asked, "Huh? Didn't you talk about it in person?"
He simply couldn't understand why the two of them wouldn't choose to discuss such an important matter face-to-face again.
However, Tang Xuan remained silent in the face of Qian Yuhan's question, gently shaking his head in denial. Seeing Tang Xuan's reaction, Qian Yuhan was filled with even more doubt and confusion, but before she could say anything, Mu Chen suddenly walked over.
Mu Chen pointed excitedly ahead and shouted, "It looks like there's going to be an event up ahead soon, let's hurry over and check it out!"
Upon hearing this, Tang Xuan gently patted Qian Yuhan's shoulder and said with a smile, "Fourth brother, let's go have some fun first. As for this matter, we can talk about it later when we have time. What a spoilsport!" After saying that, he took the lead and walked in the direction Mu Chen pointed.
"Hey, what's wrong with this guy, hey—" Qian Yuhan shook his head.
……
……
It has been decided to bring the female lead into the story directly. Ouyang Luoxue will meet Qian Yuhan again at the Yelin Lantern Festival.
The Heaven Dou Royal Academy arc will have to wait a bit longer. Now that the female lead has appeared, I feel like postponing the Heaven Dou arc a little won't be a big deal, right? Hehe.
I won't spoil too much of the later plot; I'll just write it however it's fun.
The exam is in two weeks, please give me some good luck!!
svetikya