Lu Jingming hadn't expected this seemingly unfamiliar woman to know Jing Liu. As he pondered this, the golden-haired girl keenly noticed Lu Jingming's gaze. She turned slightly, looking at Lu Jingming, a kind smile gracing her lips. She softly said, "This little brother must be the Haiyuan City Lord, the future Earl of Haiyuan, Lu Jingming, correct? Speaking of which, we could be considered one of our own."
"You are?" Lu Jingming frowned slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face. He usually kept a low profile and rarely showed his face. The fact that this woman knew both Jing Liu and his identity suggested she was very likely from the Star Luo Empire, and her status within the empire must be quite high.
"My name is Xu Jiujiu. You've probably heard of me more or less," the golden-haired girl's lips curved slightly, her smile like a warm and enchanting spring sun.
"My apologies, Your Royal Highness," Lu Jingming immediately reacted, quickly bowing respectfully. After all, outwardly, as a citizen of the Star Luo Empire, the Star Luo Imperial Family was his genuine superior. Even if he didn't truly hold the Star Luo Imperial Family in high regard deep down, he still understood the proper etiquette and respect to show.
Xu Jiujiu looked at Lu Jingming, who, despite his young age, was respectfully bowing in a serious manner, and couldn't help but chuckle softly. She suddenly found this little brother, who had secured the position of City Lord at such a young age, quite interesting.
Ma Xiaotao, standing nearby, couldn't help but cast a scornful glance at Lu Jingming. She muttered to herself, Where did that arrogant and domineering attitude go? It's just a princess, is there a need to be so respectful? Thinking of Lu Jingming's previous impolite attitude towards her, and then seeing his current deferential behavior towards Xu Jiujiu, Ma Xiaotao felt as if a heavy stone was lodged in her heart, a feeling of gritting her teeth.
"So it's Senior Xingyun and Her Royal Highness," Yan Shaozhe smiled faintly. To be honest, if Xu Jiujiu hadn't intervened at just the right moment, he truly would have had to swallow his pride and yield to Jing Liu. For the Dean of Shrek Academy's Martial Soul Department, this would have been quite embarrassing.
"Oh no, no, although this old woman is older, my strength cannot compare to Dean Yan's," the elder accompanying Xu Jiujiu quickly waved her hand, her demeanor very humble. In the Douluo Continent, a world where strength commanded respect, the level of strength often determined the titles and status Soul Masters accorded each other. Although she was advanced in age, her soul power level only reached rank ninety-three Title Douluo, two full ranks lower than Yan Shaozhe's rank ninety-five. She truly dared not accept Yan Shaozhe's address of "senior."
Yan Shaozhe smiled faintly, saying nothing more. His earlier address was more to convey his goodwill to Xu Jiujiu. And Xu Jiujiu, being of imperial birth and intelligent and perceptive since childhood, how could she not see the deeper meaning behind Yan Shaozhe's gesture? She thoughtfully cast her gaze towards Jing Liu, gaining a deeper estimation and understanding of Jing Liu's strength in her heart.
The reason she knew about Jing Liu and Lu Jingming was because her imperial brother often arranged for her to handle imperial affairs to train her handling skills and political acumen. In the process of reviewing various documents, she incidentally discovered information regarding Jing Liu and Lu Jingming.
It's important to know that the Star Luo Empire is vast and full of experts, yet there are only a dozen or so Title Douluo. As one of the empire's important major cities, the change of its City Lord was naturally a significant event that would attract high attention from the imperial family. During the investigation of this matter, the imperial family keenly perceived that Jing Liu was very likely an exceptionally powerful Title Douluo. This discovery instantly made Jing Liu the focus of the imperial family's attention.
It was precisely for this reason that Lu Jingming was able to smoothly assume the position of Haiyuan City Lord at such a young age. After all, in the eyes of the imperial family, no matter which reclusive sect Jing Liu came from, as long as she wasn't from the hostile Sun Moon Empire, she was an individual the Star Luo Empire would strongly try to win over. Even taking a step back, even if Jing Liu was from the Sun Moon Empire, as long as there was a suitable opportunity, the Star Luo Empire would not hesitate to try to recruit her. After all, in this world where the strong prey on the weak, no country would complain about having too many Title Douluo; one more expert meant one more guarantee and confidence.
From Yan Shaozhe's current attitude, it was clear that in the recent clash of auras, he was undoubtedly at a disadvantage and had suffered a loss. After all, Shrek Academy's conduct had always been strong. If not for the compelling circumstances, and Xu Jiujiu's abrupt intervention, with Shrek Academy's usual style, Yan Shaozhe wouldn't have been so polite, even if he hadn't resorted to harsh words.
Xu Jiujiu had already recognized Jing Liu. Jing Liu's unique appearance and distinct features were very easy to recognize. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary trouble, the imperial family had specifically used soul guidance crystals to record images of numerous powerful individuals, to prevent inadvertently offending these exceptionally strong figures.
It just so happened that Xu Jiujiu encountered a Title Douluo who might be connected to her empire, and this individual had a conflict with Shrek Academy's Title Douluo. Naturally, Xu Jiujiu had to step in as a mediator.
After all, no matter which side suffered losses, it would not benefit the Star Luo Empire. On the contrary, if she could mediate this dispute and skillfully manage the situation, she would undoubtedly gain many advantages, at least winning the favor of one side and accumulating connections for herself and the imperial family.
Just then, Yan Shaozhe's change in attitude was the best proof.
"So, you are from the Star Luo Empire. This was merely a misunderstanding. It was just a thousand-year soul beast; I can simply find another one. I was indeed rude earlier."
With Xu Jiujiu's timely intervention, Yan Shaozhe naturally had a way to back down gracefully. He very naturally lowered his stance, his face filled with sincere apology. He did so not only because of Jing Liu's displayed strength, but more crucially, because he and Ma Xiaotao had a favor to ask of Jing Liu. After all, in the eyes of Shrek Academy, mere strength was not something they feared.
Yan Shaozhe's series of actions caused everyone on Xu Jiujiu's side to unconsciously look at Jing Liu with reverence. They were unaware of the hidden reason for Yan Shaozhe's request from Jing Liu, mistakenly believing that Jing Liu's overwhelming strength had completely subdued Yan Shaozhe, leading this renowned Bright Phoenix Douluo to treat her with such respect. As a result, their attitude toward Jing Liu became even more respectful.