Bibi Dong's Suitors

The more Bibi Dong looked at it, the more she liked it. Just as she was about to pay, Ling Yuan picked up a red lantern shaped like a carp from beside it. The carp had round, bulging eyes and an upturned tail.

"I want this one. It's so festive!"

The two carried their respective lanterns as they slowly followed the crowd, admiring the lantern displays and street performances along the way. Their spirits gradually lifted as well.

From time to time, Bibi Dong glanced back, the anticipation in her heart as warm and bright as the lantern flame in her hand.

Before they knew it, they had reached the banks of the Yelin River, which ran through the city.

There were even more people here. Many couples were setting flower lanterns afloat on the riverbank and making wishes.

Just then, a young Soul Master in brocade robes, looking to be a little over twenty, stepped in front of Bibi Dong with blazing eyes.

He had been drawn to Bibi Dong's beauty and bearing when she bought the lantern.

After hesitating, he quickly approached, then clasped his hands with an affected air of elegance. "Greetings, miss."

"Your bearing is extraordinary. I presume you are also a fellow Soul Master?"

"Tonight's lanterns are splendid, and the scenery is beautiful. Might I be fortunate enough to admire the lanterns and stroll by the river with you?"

Bibi Dong frowned slightly. "Sorry, but I already have plans with my companion. It would not be convenient."

The young man was not discouraged. Instead, he stepped forward and flashed what he believed was a charming smile. "Why must you keep me at such a distance, miss?"

"I may not be much, but at twenty-two, I am already a level twenty-one Soul Grandmaster. My father is the deputy commander of Yelin City's garrison."

"If you are willing..."

He began endlessly listing his own merits, his gaze growing increasingly fervent.

Bibi Dong was displeased. She took Ling Yuan's hand, turned, and hurried away.

"Ling Yuan, let's go."

Seeing this, the young man shamelessly followed after them, calling from behind, "Miss, please wait! I sincerely wish to make your acquaintance. It's only a stroll through the lantern festival!"

Bibi Dong and Ling Yuan tried to weave through the crowd to shake him off, but there were simply too many people tonight, and the young man followed closely.

Just as Bibi Dong irritably pushed aside the people in front of her and tried to turn into a quieter alley, she unexpectedly crashed headfirst into a broad, solid chest.

"Ah, I'm sorry!"

Bibi Dong covered her slightly sore nose and hurriedly apologized as she looked up.

The first thing she saw was a mask.

It was an exquisite white mask, its edges inlaid with delicate golden scrolling floral patterns.

Though she could not see his full face, those familiar clothes, and the eyes revealed through the mask's openings...

Bibi Dong froze on the spot. It felt as though something had gently struck her heart, making it pound wildly.

It was him.

She was almost certain.

Just then, the brocade-clad youth who had been haunting them caught up, panting. Seeing Bibi Dong crash into the arms of a tall masked man, he froze for a moment.

But the other man seemed to be merely standing there quietly, so his courage returned. "Hey, who are you? Can't you see this miss is going to the lantern festival with me?"

Only then did the masked man notice the fly beside them.

He did not even glance at the young man. He merely lowered his eyes, his gaze falling on Bibi Dong's still-dazed face.

Then he reached out, naturally took hold of Bibi Dong's slender wrist, and drew her closer to his side.

"Who does she want to visit the lantern festival with, hmm?"

The young Soul Master carefully sized up the masked man before him.

The man was extremely tall, forcing him to tilt his head up slightly. Though he wore a mask, the overwhelming nobility in his bearing, along with the casual indifference and authority of someone long accustomed to power in his eyes, made him instinctively fearful.

This was absolutely not an aura an ordinary Soul Master or noble young master could possess.

The young man's Adam's apple bobbed, and his arrogant swagger instantly deflated.

"No, nothing... I-I was just... asking for directions."

"Yes, asking for directions. Sorry for disturbing you. Sorry."

With that, he did not dare look at Bibi Dong again and slunk into the crowd.

Only after the young Soul Master left did he release Bibi Dong's wrist.

Yet Bibi Dong continued staring fixedly at the eyes beneath his mask without blinking.

The masked man found her gaze somewhat amusing and deliberately asked, "What is it?"

"Did that collision knock you silly?"

Bibi Dong pressed her lips together, her cheeks faintly red as she asked softly, "You... you're Teacher, right?"

At that, he suddenly bent down and leaned close to Bibi Dong.

"Wouldn't you know... if you took it off?"

"!!!"

Bibi Dong felt a wave of heat sweep across her cheeks and down her neck.

This, this was simply a critical hit!

Ling Yuan had already been holding back laughter so hard that her shoulders were shaking. Now she could no longer endure it. Covering her face, she turned away, laughing until her whole body trembled.

His Holiness the Pope was too much!

Who could withstand that? The Saintess was probably thoroughly cooked by now.

Several seconds passed before Bibi Dong recovered a bit of her senses from that dizzy spell.

She took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, avoided Qian Xunji's gaze so close to hers, and retorted with feigned composure.

"N-No, I know even without taking it off. It's Teacher!"

Only then did Qian Xunji straighten up. Seeing how she was so shy she was nearly smoking, yet still trying to put on a calm front, the amusement in his eyes deepened.

He raised his hand and, as usual, ruffled her hair.

"Mm, clever."

Behind them, Ling Yuan sighed and thought, Ah, my Saintess. The atmosphere had already reached this point.

You should have taken off his mask while you had the chance. What a perfect opportunity.

You have no sense of romance at all! All you know is how to act tough!

Ling Yuan hurriedly stepped forward, pointed at Qian Xunji's mask, and changed the subject. "Your Holiness the Pope, your mask is beautiful."

"The golden patterns are especially exquisite. Where did you buy it? I want to take a look too."

Qian Xunji withdrew his hand and pointed toward an area across the river. "Over there. There's a stall that specializes in masks."

"They have many styles. If you like them, shall I take you over to pick some out?"

"Sure, sure!" Ling Yuan immediately responded enthusiastically, conveniently tugging along Bibi Dong, who was still overheating where she stood.

"Let's go."

Qian Xunji turned and took the lead toward the arched bridge linking the two sides of the river.

His steps were unhurried, his back straight and tall. Against the brilliant lantern lights, even with a mask on, he drew the attention of quite a few passersby.

Pulled along by Ling Yuan, Bibi Dong followed in a daze.

After taking a few steps, she finally came back to herself and could not help shooting Ling Yuan an annoyed glare.

"What were you... giggling about just now?"

Ling Yuan blinked innocently. "I wasn't giggling about anything. I was simply sincerely delighted by His Holiness and the Saintess's reunion."

"You... that little mouth of yours."

Unable to outargue her, Bibi Dong could only turn her head away with a flushed face, though her gaze drifted toward that familiar figure ahead.