Lu Jingming truly hadn't expected that this seemingly unfamiliar young woman would actually know Jingliu. As doubt rose in his mind, the blonde girl keenly sensed his gaze.
She turned her head slightly to look at Lu Jingming, a warm and friendly smile spreading across her face as she spoke softly, "You must be the City Lord of Haiyuan City, the future Lord of Haiyuan—Lu Jingming, correct? As it happens, you and I can be considered on the same side."
"And you are?" Lu Jingming frowned slightly, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face.
He had always conducted himself with discretion and rarely appeared in public. For this woman to know both Jingliu and his identity, it was highly likely she hailed from the Xingluo Empire—and held a position of considerable status within it.
"My name is Xu Jiujiu. I imagine you've heard of me, at least in passing." The blonde girl's lips curled upward in a faint smile, radiant and warm like the sun in spring.
"My apologies—so it's Your Highness the Princess," Lu Jingming immediately responded, bowing respectfully.
After all, on the surface, he was a subject of the Xingluo Empire, and the imperial family were, quite literally, his superiors.
Even if he didn't fully revere the royal family in his heart, he still understood the importance of proper etiquette and showing due respect.
Xu Jiujiu couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh lightly as she watched Lu Jingming—so young, yet so serious and proper in his greeting.
She suddenly found this little boy, who had secured the position of City Lord at such a young age, rather interesting.
Watching from the side, Ma Xiaotao gave Lu Jingming a look of contempt.
She muttered inwardly, Where did that arrogant, overbearing attitude from earlier go? Just a princess, and he's suddenly all respectful?
Thinking about how rude Lu Jingming had been to her earlier, and then seeing how deferential he was now to Xu Jiujiu, Ma Xiaotao felt a tightness in her chest, as if a heavy stone were lodged there. It made her grit her teeth in frustration.
"So it's Senior Xingyun and Her Highness the Princess," Yan Shaozhe said with a polite smile.
To be honest, had Xu Jiujiu not intervened at just the right moment, he really would've had to swallow his pride and concede to Jingliu.
And for the Dean of the Martial Soul Department of Shrek Academy, that would've been a rather embarrassing affair.
"No, no, I may be older, but I'm nowhere near as strong as Dean Yan," the elderly woman accompanying Xu Jiujiu quickly waved her hands, her tone exceedingly humble.
In the world of Douluo Continent, where strength reigns supreme, a soul master's title and standing are often determined by their power.
Though she was older in age, her soul power was only at Rank 93—just barely a Titled Douluo—whereas Yan Shaozhe had reached Rank 95, a full two levels higher. She truly didn't dare accept being addressed as "senior."
Yan Shaozhe offered a small smile and didn't push the matter. His earlier form of address was mainly meant to show goodwill toward Xu Jiujiu.
Xu Jiujiu, born of the imperial family, was intelligent and astute from a young age—she naturally saw through Yan Shaozhe's intentions.
She turned her gaze thoughtfully to Jingliu, revising her estimation of the woman's strength.
Her familiarity with Jingliu and Lu Jingming stemmed from her elder brother regularly assigning her various empire-related affairs, to train her political skill and judgment.
During one such period of research, she had come across information on both Jingliu and Lu Jingming.
One must understand—the Xingluo Empire was vast and filled with powerful individuals, but the number of Titled Douluo was still only in the low double digits.
Haiyuan City was one of the empire's key strongholds, so a change in its leadership was naturally a matter of great importance, and the royal family had paid close attention to the matter.
During their investigation, the royal family had keenly suspected that Jingliu was likely a powerful Titled Douluo.
This discovery had instantly drawn imperial attention to Jingliu.
And precisely because of this, Lu Jingming had been able to assume the position of City Lord at such a young age.
After all, in the eyes of the royal family, no matter what reclusive sect Jingliu hailed from, as long as she wasn't from the enemy Sun-Moon Empire, she was a person the Xingluo Empire would strive to win over.
Even in the worst-case scenario—if she were from the Sun-Moon Empire—so long as the opportunity arose, the Xingluo Empire wouldn't hesitate to try recruiting her.
In a world where the strong devour the weak, no nation would ever consider having too many Titled Douluo. Every powerful individual added a layer of security and influence.
From Yan Shaozhe's current attitude, it was easy to see that during the earlier clash of auras, he had clearly been on the losing end.
Given Shrek Academy's usual assertive style, if not for the situation at hand, Xu Jiujiu's sudden intervention would likely have been met with resistance. Even if Yan Shaozhe didn't speak harshly, his tone certainly wouldn't have been this courteous.
Xu Jiujiu had recognized Jingliu immediately. Her appearance was striking and distinctive, making her easy to identify. Moreover, to avoid unnecessary trouble, the royal family had used soul tool recording crystals to catalog the appearances of many powerful figures, ensuring they didn't unknowingly offend any formidable individuals.
Now, having encountered a potential ally of the empire in conflict with a Titled Douluo from Shrek Academy, Xu Jiujiu naturally had to step in as the peacemaker.
After all, if either side suffered a loss, it would do the Xingluo Empire no good. On the contrary, if she could mediate the conflict effectively, she could reap significant benefits—at the very least, earning the goodwill of one side and building useful connections for herself and the royal family.
Just like now—Yan Shaozhe's shift in attitude was the clearest proof.
"So you're from the Xingluo Empire. This is nothing but a misunderstanding—just a thousand-year soul beast. I'll find another one. It was indeed my fault for earlier rudeness."
With Xu Jiujiu's well-timed intervention, Yan Shaozhe now had a graceful way out.
He lowered himself effortlessly, his face sincerely apologetic.
His change in tone wasn't just due to Jingliu's overwhelming strength. More importantly, he and Ma Xiaotao needed something from her.
To Shrek Academy, strength alone wasn't something to fear.
Yan Shaozhe's series of actions made those on Xu Jiujiu's side look at Jingliu with a new sense of awe and reverence.
Unaware of the true reason—Yan Shaozhe's hidden need for Jingliu—they assumed her sheer power had subdued him, compelling this famed Mingfeng Douluo to treat her with such respect.
And so, their own attitudes toward Jingliu became all the more reverent.