Chapter 665

Chapter 665: Encounter at the Night Market

Lolan Hill walked out of the courtyard with curiosity, arriving outside the inn. The streets were already bustling with people.

Fish-shaped lanterns lined the streets like a long dragon. They were made of fireproof gauze, colored like goldfish tails. Below them, poles held them aloft, with torches burning at their tips.

The giant fish lanterns were lifelike, mouths agape. As people below danced forward, air rushed in, illuminating the internal torches. Sparks and flames flowed inside, making the entire body glow brightly and elegantly, creating a flowing beauty.

With the sounds of cymbals, small drums, and trumpets, people cheered as they danced with these flame fish through the streets. Around them, many adults and children followed, their faces lit by the flames, occasionally shouting in response to the parade.

Even at night, the city was bustling. Food vendors and small goods sellers could be seen everywhere on the streets and alleys.

Hungry, Lolan Hill stepped onto the street, planning to buy something to eat.

“Perfumed Lip Gold Bell Crispy ~ Centuries-old flavor.”

“Bright Lantern Shrimp ~ Two silver rings per plate.”

Regardless of the era, the style of street vendors remained similar. Lolan Hill walked along the street, curiously looking at the local delicacies.

So-called Bright Lantern Shrimp involved frying shrimp until they turned red in oil heated to seven-tenths, then adding scallions, ginger, cooking wine, salt, sugar, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and mushrooms. It was cooked over low heat, thickened with wet starch, flipped, and served in a lantern shape, with egg skin forming the lantern tassel and mushroom covering the head.

A palm-sized plate looked particularly tempting under the orange lanterns.

Though lacking extraordinary powers, its aroma and beautiful presentation still attracted many tourists, some even buying it on impulse.

“Give me one plate.” A burly man stretched out his hand, placing two silver rings.

“Mom, I want to eat too.” A child reached out, pleading to his mother.

“Alright, alright, let’s go buy it.” The mother slowly approached.

Seeing the crowd at the stall, Lolan Hill decided not to join and instead moved to another less crowded stall.

“Would you like some Gold Bell Crispy, miss?” The vendor seemed to be a couple; the man quickly prepared the food while the woman served the customers.

“Yes, please give me one plate.” Lolan Hill handed over a silver ring.

It was a bit expensive, but most tourist spots were like this, she thought, recalling her past travels.

“Sure,” said the thirty-something-year-old woman, taking the money and telling her husband. Soon, a copper bell was taken from a large stove, placed on a wooden board, and opened to reveal a golden, crispy pancake like a bronze bell.

She touched it slightly; it was still hot, but the outer layer was very crisp, emitting a fragrant aroma.

“This is best when eaten warm.” The vendor wrapped part of it in thick paper and gave it to the young lady.

“Thank you.”

Lolan Hill held the crispy night snack as she walked down the street. Once it cooled down a bit, she removed her veil and stood under a street archway, watching the fireworks ignite in the open space ahead.

Custom fireworks sprayed sparks, rotating on the ground, rising slightly, then falling again. Adults and children enjoyed the spectacle in the marketplace.

As Lolan Hill quietly ate, a familiar voice gradually approached, the same two master-disciple pair she had seen earlier.

“Brother Jiao, is every ceremony this grand?”

“No, not always. The last one wasn’t held as scheduled, so this one is more significant since it’s been ten years. Locals are quite nostalgic.”

“Oh, why was it not held?”

“Because of the celestial changes. At that time, the highest cultivator was only at the Second Stage, and no one could preside over the ceremony.”

“Plus, many senior cultivators have passed away recently, and many things are at risk of being lost. Local sects haven’t had time to make up for it until now.”

“But the witch of the Bathing Flame Red Ray Gate is said to be very beautiful. Why don’t you pursue her? Haha.”

“Brother, stop joking. I’m only at the Fifth Stage, and the Bathing Flame Red Ray Gate is the sole top sect in the Yan Yao Continent. Ordinary people can’t aspire to it.”

“Haha, you need ambition. Aim high and get the middle. I still believe in you. Many junior sisters in the sect admire you. Besides, your family background isn’t bad either.”

“Of course, I know my limits…”

Suddenly, the disciple’s voice lowered. His brother turned and followed his gaze, seeing the young lady sitting under the market archway.

Her smooth black hair framed her stunning face, illuminated by the rising fireworks. Her eyelashes flickered slightly as the fireworks rose and fell, leaving her face in the hazy night. Only her graceful figure was illuminated by the lanterns, casting a soft shadow on the ground.

“Wow…” Even the experienced brother was momentarily stunned before reacting.

“She’s the girl who came out of our inn. I didn’t expect her face behind the veil to be so beautiful.”

“Should we go ask her a few questions?” He encouraged his younger brother.

“But…”

The younger brother hesitated, never having initiated conversation with girls before.

“Don’t worry. You’re from the Zhou family of Luo Capital. Be bolder.”

Encouraged by his brother, they approached slowly. Meanwhile, Lolan Hill shifted her gaze from the fireworks to them.

“Miss, I am Zhou Jianyi from the Yellow Elm Sect of the Xuanyuan Continent.”

“I am Jiao Fenghan, also from the Yellow Elm Sect. It’s a pleasure to meet you here. Are you here to watch the ceremony from afar?”

“Just passing by, heading to the Huilu Continent,” Lolan Hill replied.

“I see. But the journey to the Huilu Continent is quite far.”

“Why do you say that? Isn’t it just two continents away from the Yan Yao Continent?”

“Not exactly. Miss might not know, but to the west of the Yan Yao Continent lies the Suiyan Mountain Range, home to many volcanoes. Most people travel around from the north via Hedexing Continent and Musan Continent.”

“It takes about half a year to reach the Huilu Continent.”

“Is there any faster way?”

“The only faster ways are crossing the volcanoes or flying over.”

“But both methods are dangerous.”

“An elder in my family once recorded that the Suiyan Mountain Range is filled with fire birds and savage tribes. With recent changes in the world, remote areas are unsafe. And you’re alone…”

Just as he was about to continue, a hand landed on his shoulder, interrupting him.

“So, in my opinion, Miss should stay in the Yan Yao Continent for a few more months. When the Hanshan Yanxing Sect’s massive ship arrives, you can ride it across the Suiyan Mountain Range. That would be safer.”

“In that case…”

The young lady calculated the time and asked further.

“When will the Hanshan Yanxing Sect’s ship arrive?”

“Probably in October. By then, we’ll also return to the Xuanyuan Continent by ship.”

“And you don’t need to rush. The mountain has been sealed off for the ceremony, which ends in three days. Then you can set off.”

“Ah, I see…”

Lolan Hill inquired about the ship’s speed and schedule.

If she waited for the ship, she’d arrive in the Huilu Continent in late December, and the winter solstice was just a few days away. Any delay could cause her to miss the entry deadline.

After analyzing, Lolan Hill looked up.

“Thank you for informing me, but I won’t wait for the ship.”

“But…”

Zhou Jianyi wanted to persuade her, but Jiao Fenghan interrupted again.

“Then wait until after the ceremony.”

Nodding, Lolan Hill agreed. Three days weren’t urgent.

They chatted a bit longer. Seeing fewer pedestrians, Lolan Hill bid farewell and returned to the inn.

After she left, Zhou Jianyi asked his brother.

“Why didn’t you dissuade her? Traveling the Suiyan Mountain Range alone is incredibly dangerous.”

“Brother, you don’t understand. She seems to like you. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so friendly. But women are naturally reserved. If she agreed easily, it wouldn’t be valued.”

“Also, we introduced ourselves. Anyone who knows us understands that many in the Yellow Elm Sect are royal relatives. She must know.”

“Therefore, anyone with common sense knows the dangers of entering the Suiyan Mountain Range now. She’s giving you a chance to show yourself. Asking to stay during the ceremony shows her interest.”

“That’s a hint. Women are complicated.”

“Brother, as always, I admire you.”

“Haha, where? Did you fall in love with her at first sight?”

They walked and discussed how to pursue women, then sat down at a noodle stand, ordering the famous red oil dragon beard noodles.

“Actually…”

Seeing his brother hesitate, he encouraged him again.

“Don’t be shy. A virtuous lady deserves pursuit. This girl probably rarely goes out but has good upbringing. Show her your knowledge and family background, and she’ll be captivated.”

“Indeed, Brother, I admire you.”

“Ha, back then, I picked nine hundred red flowers on the back mountain and presented them in a basket to the Li Xianzi of the Youlan Sect. It moved her deeply…”

“Amazing. So why aren’t you together now?”

“Blame the sect leader of the Youlan Sect, Li Xianzi’s master, who interfered. In the end, she had to say goodbye, calling it fate.”

“I confronted my master, but he not only refused to help but also confined me for months, saying it was disgraceful. That old man…”

They sat by the street eating noodles, discussing how to pursue women. The vendor, overhearing, shook his head, thinking they were less savvy than Old Wang in his village.

“Father, we’re back.” A child’s voice called out. The vendor turned to see his two children running towards him, with a woman smiling nearby.

“Did you have fun today?” He knelt to hug his children.

“Fun!”

Seeing the candy figures in their hands, he affectionately rubbed their heads before standing up.

“Take care.” Having finished their noodles, they stood up and headed home.

The lanterns hanging on both sides of the street still glowed.

Three days later, the Yan Yao ceremony arrived as scheduled.

The city was decorated with lanterns and banners. Lolan Hill joined the crowd walking toward the grand ceremony. Behind her, the two brothers followed her to the center of the venue.

The city was crowded with tens of thousands of people, half locals and the rest coming from nearby regions or prefectures.

They stood at the edge of the ceremony, chatting and eagerly awaiting the event.

This time, Lolan Hill watched the virtual screen with curiosity.

Task: Attend the Yan Yao ceremony and experience the full process. (Simple)

Reward: Insight into the flow of dragon veins and a secret manual of the Bathing Flame Red Ray Gate.

After all these years, the system seemed to resume its guiding role, helping Lolan Hill recognize and experience this colorful world.

(The chapter ends)