Long Xiyue was watching the most exciting part and could hardly bear to leave now. "Let's go after she tosses the embroidered ball," she said softly.
On the stage, Xi Yan's gaze settled on Hu Xiaotian. She had clearly recognized him in the crowd as well. Giving him a sweet smile, she reached out and took the embroidered ball from the maid beside her. As she raised her arms, her sleeves slid down, revealing upper arms whose fairness put frost and snow to shame. The sight left the spectators even more dazzled and entranced.
Wen Boyuan frowned. He, too, sensed something strange about the bewitching girl onstage. "Protect the young lady," he said under his breath.
With a flick of both hands, Xi Yan sent the embroidered ball hurtling toward Hu Xiaotian. At the same time, Wen Boyuan and the others began escorting Princess Anping backward. The crowd surged toward Hu Xiaotian's position. This alluring, peerless beauty had already bewitched them all, turning their souls upside down. Every last one of them had the same thought: they had to get that embroidered ball.
Rather than advancing, Hu Xiaotian retreated. Once he recognized Xi Yan, he had no intention of joining the excitement. He could not get away from this enchantress fast enough. Tossing an embroidered ball? This was nothing but another of her tricks.
When Xi Yan saw that Hu Xiaotian had not come forward to fight for the ball but was instead backing away to make his escape, an alluring, seductive smile curved her lips.
The crowd swarmed forward, scrambling to seize the embroidered ball. But before they could catch it in midair, it suddenly burst into flames. At the same time, dozens of dazzling fireworks shot out from it, tumbling downward. Everyone cried out in alarm. Though they