Chapter 267: The Revival of the Spirit Empire?

"Jiujie greets the honored guests from Shrek Academy," Xu Jiujie said sweetly, offering a graceful bow from about three meters away.

She had a good guess that the people before her were likely very close to Qian Ran.

In their presence, she made sure not to let herself appear the least bit improper.

Dressed in an elegant golden gauze gown, her snow-white skin was accentuated to perfection. Every part of Xu Jiujie exuded an air of sophistication and flawlessness.

Her naturally regal poise and noble demeanor carried a subtle sense of danger for the other women.

Though their talents under Qian Ran's guidance were among the best in Shrek Academy, they couldn't deny that when it came to elegance and grace, they lacked the same edge.

Xu Jiujie, with her refined and noble beauty, made them feel a twinge of competition.

"Princess Jiujie, you're too kind. We were worried Qian Ran had gotten into trouble, but it turns out he was with Your Highness all along. Had we known, we wouldn't have intruded," Cai Mei'er said with a playful smile. Xu Jiujie's polished demeanor left even her impressed. Glancing at the group of stunning women surrounding her, Cai Mei'er couldn't help but note Qian Ran's extraordinary luck.

"I was just chatting with Qian Ran a bit longer than expected, so we got delayed," Xu Jiujie replied, her tone softening under Cai Mei'er's teasing. She couldn't help but recall the real reason for the delay—having to change her gown after Qian Ran's antics had ruined it.

Though she and Qian Ran hadn't yet taken the final step, their relationship had deepened to a level closer than most couples.

After all, most couples didn't yet understand the subtleties Qian Ran had introduced her to.

(For the record, Qian Ran thought it a shame that her silver stockings weren't sheer enough—they would've made her exquisite feet even more mesmerizing.)

"So, are you coming back with us, or…?"

"If you want to take some time off, we'd understand," Cai Mei'er continued, her gaze flicking between Qian Ran and Xu Jiujie with a knowing smile.

Qian Ran rolled his eyes at her teasing.

"Of course I'm going back to the hotel. Jiujie and I are perfectly innocent—don't make it sound otherwise!"

"Everyone, please wait a moment," Xu Jiujie interjected. "The Starlight Auction House will be hosting a top-tier auction in a few days. Such auctions are rare, happening only once or twice a year, and only the most distinguished guests are invited. If you have the time, we would be delighted to have you attend. I'm sure you'll find items of interest. And as a gesture of goodwill, everything you purchase will be discounted by 30%."

As she spoke, she handed a stack of invitations to Cai Mei'er.

Knowing that most of these people were close to Qian Ran, Xu Jiujie had every reason to build a good rapport with them. Even if they weren't, their status as Shrek Academy talents made them worth befriending.

"Thirty percent off?"

Cai Mei'er was stunned.

Such a discount meant that the Starlight Auction House would likely operate at a loss for those transactions. The top-tier items in the auction were typically consigned by major powers or individuals, leaving little room for profit margins. Offering such a steep discount would require the auction house to absorb the losses.

Clearly, Xu Jiujie was sparing no effort to establish goodwill with Qian Ran's circle.

Money wasn't a concern for her. Even if she incurred a loss, it wouldn't bother her.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Cai Mei'er said, accepting the invitations and putting them away for now.

Once they left the auction house, she pulled them out again.

"Qian Ran, your princess is quite generous," she remarked with a sly grin. "To treat us outsiders so well—no wonder she's been entrusted with running such a prestigious venue at such a young age."

Cai Mei'er wasn't focused on the monetary aspect but rather Xu Jiujie's poise and capability. A woman like that would not only ensure Qian Ran never lacked funds but also serve as an excellent partner, managing his affairs both inside and outside the home.

If she were a man, Cai Mei'er admitted she'd envy Qian Ran to death.

That scoundrel always seemed to be surrounded by outstanding women, and what's more, they all got along harmoniously.

So many powerful figures in the world had been undone by love, yet Qian Ran had managed to navigate his relationships with seemingly little effort. If others had even half his skill, they wouldn't have suffered so much for the sake of one person.

"Jiujie seems pretty great. I suppose we can grudgingly accept her," Tang Ya said with a grin as she took one of the invitations.

Even if they didn't need anything, they could always buy items to resell for a profit.

"But how did you end up with Princess Jiujie? You didn't know her before, did you?" Tang Ya asked curiously. It was surprising how quickly Qian Ran had won the heart of a princess.

"I'll explain everything back at the hotel," Qian Ran replied with a sly smile. "It's mainly because of a deal I made with the Star Luo Empire."

Cai Mei'er's curiosity was immediately piqued.

"Your backing has decided to cooperate with the Star Luo Empire?" she asked, her mood lifting.

Regardless of Qian Ran's mysterious affiliation, such cooperation was a positive development. Anything that countered the Sun-Moon Empire's ambitions was a win for the Douluo Continent's nations.

"Dean Cai, why so curious? If you really want to know, you're welcome to discuss it privately in my room," Qian Ran replied, his tone carrying a teasing edge.

He couldn't help but recall Cai Mei'er's stunning figure. The thought of her in a tight black bodysuit, swaying her hips, was enough to spark his imagination.

Even Yan Shaozhe hadn't been fortunate enough to see such a sight, but Qian Ran certainly wanted to.

"Get lost!"

Cai Mei'er's face stiffened as she shot Qian Ran a fierce glare.

Since their last encounter, Qian Ran's boldness had grown, and now he dared to openly flirt with her. But there wasn't much she could do about him.

Back at the hotel, Qian Ran recounted everything about his encounter with Xu Jiujie. It wasn't particularly secretive information, so he didn't mind sharing it.

After all, the so-called "mystery force" behind him was no secret to these close allies. If others caught wind of it, it wouldn't matter much.

The Sea God Pavilion had long suspected he was backed by a powerful force, so this was an opportunity to let them catch a glimpse of the truth.

Once the Martial Spirit Sect secured a significant foothold in the Star Luo Empire, Qian Ran could act with greater freedom.

However, he was uncertain about Qian Renxue's intentions. Did she plan to resurrect the Spirit Empire?

If she did, the Star Luo Empire might serve as a stepping stone.

But with Xu Jiujie now his woman, targeting the Star Luo royal family would put Qian Ran in a difficult position.

(Chapter End)