Lin Qi's Goal

The smoke-choked, foul-aired Warm Jade Pavilion finally quieted down somewhat. Near the small lake at its center, tens of thousands of chairs and little square tables had already been set out. In all of Twin Sun Red Dragon City, aside from the imperial city, Warm Jade Pavilion was likely the only place capable of such lavishness—arranging such an enormous venue in so short a time.

The young dandies who had only moments ago been cursing and brawling with one another called over friends and settled into separate sections. The imperial descendants had their own circle; the children of great nobles—dukes, marquises, earls, and the like—chose their seats according to the ranks of their ancestors' titles. The children of provincial governors and high-ranking officials had their own territory as well. Last came the offspring of wealthy merchants and magnates. Their family fortunes were the most abundant, so naturally, they too had a good spot.

Thousands upon thousands of silk sky lanterns drifted leisurely into the air. Their scattered lights shone like stars filling the heavens, illuminating the entire Warm Jade Pavilion as brightly as day. These lanterns were enormous, and the oil burning within them was mermaid oil worth a fortune. When this oil burned, it gave off not the slightest trace of smoke or flame, but instead released a faint fragrance. The whole Warm Jade Pavilion was steeped in warm, fragrant scents, truly like an immortal realm.

Several clear notes from a vertical flute drifted over from the heights of a pavilion far away. The pure, secluded sound was like a basin of ice water poured over their heads in the depths of winter. Every dandy shuddered all over, as though they had been washed from head to toe, a refreshing comfort rising from the depths of their hearts and