Few among the younger generation of the White Dragon Dynasty could likely resolve this.
"It's him!"
As Princess Linglong watched Lu Fan's figure, she recalled an encounter from days prior. She had initially dismissed Lu Fan as a mere brute, but now, it seemed she had underestimated him.
Lu Fan found Princess Linglong's appearance somewhat familiar. Just as he was about to recall, a figure in black fled, leaving the sky lantern ownerless.
"Brother Lu, thank you for your help just now!"
Lin Jianyi chuckled, "That was too close, I almost didn't make it!"
"No need to thank me!"
Lu Fan smiled lightly, "Even if I hadn't intervened, I'm sure you would have managed to resolve it!"
"That's for sure!"
Lin Jianyi said without pretense, feeling a bit awkward, but also grateful to Lu Fan.
"Brother, can you be a little more discreet!"
Lin Chuchu shot him a look, "If it weren't for Young Master Lu just now, you would have been in danger!"
Lin Jianyi looked a bit embarrassed. He had intended to show off in front of everyone, but he ended up stumbling.
"Young sir, though your intervention was brief, your strength is extraordinary!"
The owner of the pavilion smiled, "This Jade Linglong is yours!"
Meanwhile, amidst the crowd, Linglong shed her outer garments and silently watched the scene unfold, her teeth gritted. She had already obtained the sky lantern, but Lu Fan had ruined it.
However, Lu Fan's strength was indeed remarkable; otherwise, she wouldn't have been endangered.
"Princess, isn't that the same person from the street last time?"
Xiao Qing exclaimed in surprise, "He could actually make the Princess flee! Could his strength be above yours?"
"His strength is indeed peculiar!"
Princess Linglong, though reluctant to admit it, could not deny Lu Fan's display of skill.
"To be recognized so highly by the Princess is rare among the younger generation!"
Xiao Qing praised, "He looks so distinguished and well-mannered. Is he to the Princess's liking?"
"Hmph, it's not that easy to become this Princess's consort!"
Princess Linglong said haughtily, "However, he is indeed somewhat special. If he truly becomes the victor of the marriage selection, I am quite looking forward to it!"
"It seems my Princess has a secret admiration!"
Xiao Qing teased, "I've never seen the Princess like this before!"
Princess Linglong shot her a look and said nothing more.
Lu Fan looked at the Jade Linglong and shook his head, "I'm not interested in this item!"
The pavilion owner was surprised. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to speak like this and was utterly bewildered.
Many young individuals were scrambling to curry favor with Princess Linglong, but Lu Fan's words suggested otherwise.
Others present also looked at Lu Fan. Countless people desired the Jade Linglong, yet Lu Fan, given the opportunity, had declined.
Princess Linglong stood aside and, witnessing this, her face turned ashen with anger. She, the dignified Princess Linglong, how could Lu Fan treat her with such contempt!
"Princess, please don't be angry!" Xiao Qing quickly advised, "His lack of interest in you is his ignorance!"
"Hmph, he's infuriating me!"
Princess Linglong snorted coldly, "Go and investigate who he is!"
"This..."
Xiao Qing was taken aback, "Princess, could it be that you're interested in him?"
"What nonsense are you spouting!"
Princess Linglong gave her a look, "I just want to know what this fellow's background is!"
"That's good, that's good!" Xiao Qing nodded quickly.
As time went by, the lantern festival gradually drew to a close.
Lin Jianyi remained troubled by Lu Fan's rejection of the Jade Linglong, "Brother Lu, I am truly perplexed by what happened today!"
"What treasures are there not in the imperial palace!"
Lu Fan chuckled, "How could a mere civilian treasure catch the Princess's eye! The Jade Linglong is not worth it!"
"Brother Lu is indeed magnanimous!"
Lin Jianyi gave an awkward smile. If it were him, he wouldn't have such a spirit.
"It's almost time, should we head back?"
Lin Chuchu asked, glancing at Lin Jianyi.
"Brother Lu, did you enjoy yourself tonight?" Lin Jianyi smiled.
"If I didn't, do you have anything more fun in mind?" Lu Fan chuckled.
"Of course, I do!" Lin Jianyi revealed a smile, "Have you heard of the Hundred Fragrance Tower in the imperial city?"
"Hundred Fragrance Tower?"
Lu Fan was a little surprised. He hadn't heard of such a name, but seeing Lin Jianyi's expression, Lu Fan felt something was amiss.
"Brother, how could you do this!"
Lin Chuchu blushed. The Hundred Fragrance Tower was a place of ill repute, and Lin Jianyi's bluntness made her rather embarrassed.
"Chuchu, you go back first!"
Lin Jianyi said righteously, "Brother Lu and I have matters to discuss!"
Lin Chuchu looked embarrassed and left immediately. She found Lin Jianyi's actions hard to bear.
"Brother Lu, how about it, want to give it a try?" Lin Jianyi asked.
"I think we'd better not!"
Lu Fan shook his head, "It's late, let's go back. As for the Hundred Fragrance Tower, I'm not interested."
Lin Jianyi was instantly a little helpless. Lin Chuchu had already been sent away, yet Lu Fan refused.
Just as they were preparing to leave, a figure flitted past in the distance.
Lu Fan's figure paused slightly upon seeing the figure, a hint of cold light flashing in his eyes.
"Brother Lu, what's wrong?"
Lin Jianyi asked, following Lu Fan's gaze, but saw nothing unusual.
"It's nothing!"
Lu Fan shook his head, "I have something to attend to. Perhaps you should head back first!"
"This..." Lin Jianyi was puzzled, but seeing Lu Fan's firm resolve, he didn't press the matter.
After Lin Jianyi left, Lu Fan pursued the figure, a faint killing intent emerging.
Shortly thereafter, Lu Fan saw the figure enter a pavilion bearing the inscription "Hundred Fragrance Tower."
Lu Fan infiltrated the building and saw Shangguan Qingtian proceed with practiced ease towards a room, appearing impatient.
Inside the room, Shangguan Qingtian embraced a woman. "Xiao Jiao, I've missed you terribly!"
"I don't think so. If you truly missed me, why haven't you come to see me?" the woman cooed.
"Look at what you're saying. If not for the myriad of matters in the pavilion, I'd wish to stay with you every day!" Shangguan Qingtian was overcome with lust, his demeanor completely changing, showing none of the bearing of a Venerable.
"To think a Venerable would enjoy frequenting places like this!" A booming laugh echoed.
"Who?"
Shangguan Qingtian trembled and quickly looked around, only to see Lu Fan bursting through the door, "What a coincidence, to run into you in the imperial city!"
"How can it be you!"
Shangguan Qingtian exclaimed in shock, "Weren't you trapped in the Fire Domain?"
"Who told you that?"
Lu Fan sneered, "The one trapped in the Fire Domain was not me!"
"Who is he? Bursting in so carelessly!"