Though it was an internal assessment of Shrek Academy—and only the Outer Court—her stunning looks and unique temperament were indeed well-deserved, making it hard not to take a few more glances.
Even so, Jiang Nannan's beauty wasn't enough to make Lu Jingming lose his composure; he merely looked for a moment longer, then politely averted his gaze.
"Sister Ningguang, thank you for your hard work these days. And this is Jiang Nannan, right? You must know us already," Lu Jingming said with a smile.
Ningguang had indeed been busy helping Haiyuan City's economy to cope with the influx of people—the city's order was due in large part to her efforts.
As for Jiang Nannan, Lu Jingming had long known she'd been recruited by Ningguang.
After all, Ning Guang's trip to Shrek City was both to establish the Jade Chamber and to recruit talent.
Anyone who could enter Shrek's Outer Court was either from a wealthy background or possessed extraordinary talent and strength.
Jiang Nannan was among the latter. She was a commoner and, if not for being born in Shrek City, probably would never have even had the chance to apply.
Even so, when her mother fell ill, Shrek Academy did not help; she had to find her own way.
If not for Ningguang's timely support, she might have had to sell herself to the Xuanming Sect to save her mother.
Besides Jiang Nannan, a few other familiar faces from Shrek's Outer Court had also been recruited by Ningguang, switching allegiance to the Jade Chamber.
For example, Nanmen Yuner and Xie Huanyue—who would have been recruited by Ning Tian of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in the original—were now on Ningguang's side.
Their backgrounds were not strong, making them easy to recruit; otherwise, they would not have followed Ning Tian so easily in the original.
Today's Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was a shadow of its former self. While its reputation remained, it was in name only.
Ten thousand years ago, the only possessor of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, Ning Rongrong, left no descendants, so now the sect only had the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.
Though powerful, the Seven Treasures Pagoda's users could only reach the Soul Sage level, whose lifespan was far shorter than a Titled Douluo's.
Thus, the sect's decline was inevitable.
Still, as the saying goes, a dead camel is bigger than a horse; the sect still had Titled Douluos, more than one.
Ten thousand years ago, the sect could compete for a place among the three upper sects; now, not so much.
"You're… the captain of St. Freya Academy's team!" Jiang Nannan stammered in shock. She hadn't expected St. Freya's people here, let alone so close with her own Sister Ningguang.
"Nannan, let me introduce you. This is the City Lord of Haiyuan, and also the real boss behind the Jade Chamber," Ningguang said gently.
Jiang Nannan was stunned, unable to believe it.
She'd personally witnessed Haiyuan City's prosperity and strength, but never imagined its master would be someone her own age—the captain of St. Freya's team.
"There's no big boss. Isn't Sister Ningguang the only boss of the Jade Chamber?" Lu Jingming replied wryly, sitting beside Ningguang with March 7th and the others.
"Hehe, what's mine is yours. So calling you the boss isn't wrong!" Ningguang tapped Lu Jingming's brow affectionately.
Seeing this, Jiang Nannan was startled, her heart in turmoil.
Was this really the strong, decisive Sister Ningguang she knew? She'd never seen Ningguang act so gently toward a man, let alone this intimately.
Recalling her own joke about being Ningguang's dowry maid, Jiang Nannan blushed and lowered her head, mortified that Ningguang might tell Lu Jingming.
She finally understood why Ningguang had reacted so oddly to that joke back then.
She'd really sold herself!
But, sneaking a look at Lu Jingming, she thought to herself, with a face like his, maybe it wouldn't be a bad deal after all.
A fragrant incense rose from a glazed lamp, lending the VIP room a dreamy atmosphere.
"Sister Ningguang, never mind Xiao Ming. What treasures did you prepare for this auction?" March 7th asked, clinging to Ningguang's arm.
Ningguang tapped the gilded armrest, her jade bracelet chiming, "So even Little March is eyeing the auction? If you see anything you like, I'll get it for you."
"Ehh, forget it. Instead of expensive auction items, I'd rather buy new clothes!" March 7th stuck out her tongue, skipping away to the snack table where she and Firefly exchanged a knowing glance and began sharing treats.
Lu Jingming and the considerate Robin kept Jiang Nannan company so she wouldn't feel awkward.
From Jiang Nannan, they learned that Shrek Academy was in VIP Room 3; aside from her visit, only Wang Dong (who hated soul tools) hadn't come—the rest were waiting for the auction.
Lu Jingming nodded thoughtfully. It seemed Sea God Tang San had left subconscious hints for Wang Dong.
He couldn't help but find it ridiculous: instead of accepting soul tools, improving hidden weapons, or innovating, Tang San wanted to suppress soul tools and even planted suggestions in his own daughter.
Just then, the ceiling sparkled like stars, as a holographic projection formed a dazzling screen. On it, a golden stage slowly rose, with twelve crystal display cases shining.
"Welcome, honored guests, to the Tianquan Auction!" A clear voice announced, as a girl in a gilded gown walked onstage.
Her gold-embroidered Star Luo patterns shimmered, her golden hair tied up with a miniature starmap shining above.
Lu Jingming was surprised as he recognized the girl—Xu Jiujiu!
He turned to Ningguang in confusion.
"All thanks to someone's reputation," Ningguang laughed, her eyes glinting.
Xu Jiujiu, as the chief auctioneer of the Starlight Auction House, was not someone easily invited; only an invitation in Lu Jingming's name would persuade her.
Lu Jingming was speechless—Ningguang really knew how to use her connections!
But the Tianquan Auction wasn't Xu Jiujiu's own Starlight Auction, and in some ways they were rivals. Wasn't this Xu Jiujiu helping outsiders?
Not only Lu Jingming, but other contestants also recognized Xu Jiujiu, as she had always been at Xu Jiawei's side since the tournament began.
Contestants whispered among themselves—who would have thought the Star Luo Empire's princess would personally preside over an auction?
But her presence made everyone look forward to what was to come.
Xu Jiujiu didn't need to say much—her mere status and presence raised the atmosphere to a fever pitch.
"I am Auctioneer Jiujiu. It's my honor to host this event. Time is precious, so let the Tianquan Auction begin! Please welcome the first lot."
Xu Jiujiu beamed, dazzling the room.
As she finished, the screen switched to show the first item—a cold, blue-patterned longsword rotating in a holographic display.
Xu Jiujiu's finger traced the blade, and words appeared: "Level 8 melee soul tool, 'Tiger Soul Refining Sabre,' made by Mingde Hall, fixed soul skill 'Dominating Slash,' boosts similar skills by 50%. What's more—"
She paused, her eyes glinting, "It's forged from a soul bone, with built-in soul power storage—activating its skill only costs a third the normal energy!"
"Though it's a level 8 soul tool, even Soul Sages can use it—cross-level fighting is possible. Starting bid: 600,000 gold soul coins, five minutes viewing!"
"This isn't a Jade Chamber soul tool, is it?" Lu Jingming asked Ningguang.
"No, your Princess Jiujiu brought this one to boost the auction," Ningguang teased.
"Xiao Ming, you're amazing!" March 7th laughed, giving Lu Jingming a thumbs-up.
Jiang Nannan glanced at Lu Jingming, increasingly convinced there was something unusual between him and Princess Jiujiu.
She then looked at Ningguang and the other girls in the room, her expression growing stranger.
Goodness—only one guy in the midst of all these girls!
Five minutes passed quickly, and the bidding began, the price rapidly rising to 1.6 million gold soul coins.
For a level 8 melee soul tool, this was high, but for rare items at auction, not unreasonable.
The buyer was from VIP Room 3—clearly Shrek Academy.
Most likely, Dai Yueheng bought it, as it suited his martial soul perfectly. For the Duke of White Tiger's house, this expense was nothing.
"Thank you to the guest who just purchased the Tiger Soul Refining Sabre. Now, the second lot!"
Xu Jiujiu's pleasant voice sounded, and the screen showed a dark red gem.
Seeing this, Lu Jingming's expression changed oddly.
"Esteemed guests, this is a spiritual-attribute soul tool gem. It helps soul masters train their spiritual power, boosts spirit skills, and can replenish spiritual energy when exhausted. Starting bid: 600,000, auction begins in five minutes."
Xu Jiujiu finished her introduction, the screen spinning to show every detail.