The first day of the Dharma Assembly had come to an end, and the clamor gradually faded.
Seeing that it was getting late, Lu Li prepared to lead his two disciples back to the Inn.
He was still thinking about reporting his findings at the Sweet Water Shop to the Jin Emperor, Zhou Ruolin, so he quickened his pace.
“Qingkong, Baiyu, it’s late. We should head back,” Lu Li called out, turning to leave.
However, just as he took one step, he felt the hem of his Revised Daoist Robe being gently pulled.
Turning around, he saw Gu Qingying.
She looked up at him, her violet eyes Narrowing slightly as she pouted with obvious dissatisfaction and grievance.
“Master! Have you forgotten something?”
“Hmm?”
Lu Li was stunned for a moment, not immediately reacting.
“Forgotten what?”
Seeing his truly blank expression, Gu Qingying became even more frustrated.
She stomped her foot to remind him.
“Master! You personally promised me! As long as I achieved a ranking in this Dharma Assembly, you would grant me a ‘not excessive’ small request! Are you going to go back on your word?”
Reminded by her, Lu Li suddenly remembered.
Previously, in order to trick his disciple into competing seriously so he could investigate the Sweet Water Shop, he had indeed made such a casual promise.
He awkwardly tapped his forehead and smiled.
“Look at my memory; I actually forgot about this. It is my fault. Tell me, what request do you want me to grant? As long as it is not too much, I will agree to it.”
Seeing her Master admit his lapse, Gu Qingying’s face immediately brightened, and a brilliant smile bloomed.
With a bit of excitement and anticipation, she said, “I heard that Yicheng has a Lantern Festival tonight, and it is very lively! There are all kinds of beautiful lanterns, acrobatics, and snacks! I… I want to ask Master to take us for a stroll!”
She added cautiously, “This request… isn’t too much, is it?”
Lu Li was slightly taken aback.
A stroll through the Lantern Festival? His original plan was to go back, organize the clues, report to the Jin Emperor, and then launch an in-depth investigation into the Sweet Water Shop.
But looking at Gu Qingying’s sparkling, hopeful purple eyes, and thinking that this was indeed just a “not excessive” request—merely spending some time playing with his disciples—as their Master, he could not be untrustworthy.
He pondered for a moment and then nodded, smiling warmly.
“So you want to visit the Lantern Festival. That is not difficult. Fine, since I promised you, I will accompany you tonight. I am not familiar with Yicheng, so I will leave the itinerary to your arrangements.”
“That’s great! Thank you, Master!”
Gu Qingying was so happy she almost jumped, her purple eyes curving into crescents.
However, before the smile on her face could last even three seconds, she heard an extremely deliberate, heavy cough from beside her, carrying a thick tone of warning.
“Cough! Hmph!”
Gu Qingying froze.
She did not need to turn her head to know it was Gong Shangyu.
Peeking out of the corner of her eye, she indeed saw Gong Shangyu with her arms crossed.
Her pink eyes were narrowed slightly, flashing with a cold light, and a fake, “kind” smile played on her lips as she watched Gu Qingying.
Her gaze clearly said, ‘Small fry, you think you can hog Master all to yourself? Not a chance! Just try to leave me behind and see what happens!’
Gu Qingying instantly recalled the fear of being “educated” both physically and mentally by her Second Senior Sister, as well as those “old debts” that had yet to be settled.
Her neck shrank, and the “exclusive plan” for the festival route she was about to mention was immediately swallowed back down.
Under Gong Shangyu’s “affectionate” gaze, the excitement on Gu Qingying’s face faded at a visible speed.
It was replaced by a slightly stiff, flattering smile as she abruptly changed her tune.
“Uh… Master! I suddenly feel that when it comes to being familiar with Yicheng, Junior Brother Baiyu is even better! He is the Young Master of Danding Pavilion, after all, and has seen much! So… so tonight’s itinerary should be arranged by Junior Brother Baiyu! He also helped me a lot during the match just now. I feel… I feel like I shouldn’t hog all of Master’s affection!”
Gu Qingying spoke quickly and urgently, her words thick with a strong desire for survival.
Hearing this, Gong Shangyu let out a satisfied hum and retracted the killing intent in her eyes.
She once again wore that impeccable, gentle, and polite “Shang Baiyu” smile.
She stepped forward and cupped her hands toward Lu Li.
“Master, Senior Brother Gu overpraises me. Although I know a bit about Yicheng, the final decision for the itinerary still rests with Master. However, since Senior Brother Gu is in high spirits, I will certainly do my best to arrange tonight’s schedule so that both Master and Senior Brother can enjoy themselves to the fullest.”
Lu Li looked at this scene of “brotherly love” and mutual modesty.
Although it felt a bit sudden, he did not think deeply about it, assuming his disciples were simply on good terms and knew how to yield to one another.
He nodded with relief.
“In that case, Baiyu, you arrange it. I have no special requirements; as long as you think it’s interesting, it’s fine.”
“Yes, Master,” Gong Shangyu replied respectfully, her eyes sweeping triumphantly over Gu Qingying, who was silently curling her lip.
‘Hmph, at least you’re sensible!’
Thus, Lu Li, who had originally intended to return to the Inn to handle business, was surrounded by his two disciples.
He temporarily set aside his investigation and headed toward the night market as the lanterns of Yicheng began to glow, preparing to experience the bustle and atmosphere of the mortal world.
What he did not know was that this seemingly simple trip to the Lantern Festival, under the “meticulous” arrangement of his two disciples who were secretly fighting and maneuvering against each other, was destined to be anything but peaceful.
As the lamps were lit, Yicheng’s night was decorated with various lanterns until it seemed as bright as day.
Both sides of the long street were hung with lanterns of different shapes.
There were lifelike Auspicious Beasts, lotus flowers in bud, and revolving lanterns telling mythological stories.
The light and shadows flowed, creating a beautiful sight.
The streets were packed with people, shoulder to shoulder.
The shouts of vendors, the laughter of children, and the cheers for street performers intertwined, filled with vivid vitality.
Looking at the streets and alleys that could not be finished in a short time, Lu Li felt a hint of regret.
But regret was regret; since the deed was done and he was already there, Lu Li could only follow Gu Qingying and Gong Shangyu’s lead, silently accompanying them on their shopping spree to keep them happy.
However, rather than saying Lu Li was accompanying them as a bag-carrier for his disciples, it was more accurate to say that Lu Li was being supported by the wealthy Gong Shangyu!
This was because all the money spent on buying things while out with Lu Li came from Gong Shangyu’s own private treasury.
Fortunately, it was because of Gong Shangyu’s extravagant behavior that Lu Li’s pride was saved.
After all, Lu Li had left in such a hurry this time that he really hadn’t brought much money or many worldly possessions.
As for Gong Shangyu, she didn’t care at all.
As the saying goes, 1,000 pieces of gold cannot buy a lady’s happiness.
As long as her Master could accompany her on a stroll, money was not an issue at all.
What was mine, yours, or theirs… she already considered herself Lu Li’s anyway.
Why bother distinguishing so clearly?
As long as she and her Master could be happy, she didn’t care how much money she spent.
Of course, it would be even better if she could ignore the certain eyesore of a purple lightbulb behind her!