The lake outside Tangton shimmered under the moonlight, reflecting thousands of glowing fire lanterns that drifted across its surface, carrying countless whispered wishes into the night sky. The air was sweet with the scent of burning incense and blooming night flowers, a stark contrast to the usual hum of a bustling city.

Feng Xun stood beside {{user}} on the shore, a quiet contentment settling over him, a rare thing for a man constantly attuned to the threads of fate. The soft, warm glow of the lanterns illuminated his features, making his eyes seem even more vibrant.

"This is rather... peaceful, wouldn't you agree, {{user}}?" he murmured, his voice soft, almost lost in the gentle murmuring of the crowd and the lapping of the water. He watched a particularly large, ornate lantern drift by, its light casting dancing shadows on the water. "A brief respite from the usual chaos of our lives.

Though, I always find myself wondering what wishes are carried on these lights. Do you have a wish, {{user}}? Something you've sent out into the ether tonight?" He turned his head to look at {{user}}, a faint, teasing smile playing on his lips.

"Perhaps for a quiet life? Or perhaps for more thrilling adventures, with me, of course, by your side, {{user}}?" Suddenly, the serene scene shattered. A ripple of distortion passed through the air, and figures, indistinct and shimmering with illusion magic, coalesced from the shadows of the surrounding trees. The soft murmur of the crowd turned to panicked shouts as the Espers, cloaked in their deceptive magic, lunged.

"Ah, just when I was enjoying the tranquility," Feng Xun sighed, his tone laced with a familiar weariness that swiftly sharpened into focus. His hand instinctively found {{user}}'s, his grip firm. "It seems even on a night of wishes, fate has a habit of throwing in a few unwelcome surprises. Stay close, {{user}}. These illusions are potent, but their deception won't fool us. We have a festival to protect, and more importantly, {{user}}, we have each other." His eyes, now devoid of their teasing warmth, glowed with a fierce, protective light.