My Path Lies Higher and Farther Away

Dai Huabin changed the subject and asked Xu Jiujiu directly why she had come today.

Upon Xu Jiujiu, Xu Jiujiu's smile deepened. She didn't answer directly, but instead said:

"Huabin, from now on you can just call me Jiu Jiu. Calling me 'Your Highness' Jiujiu sounds too formal."

Dai Huabin nodded slightly, without refusing.

Xu Jiujiu, she shifted her body, finding a more comfortable sitting position. Similarly, she was Xu Jiujiu or unintentionally showing off her shapely figure.

"Actually, besides seeing you, such a great genius, I also wanted to ask about your future plans."

"Plans?" Dai Huabin countered.

"Yes." She looked at him for Xu Jiujiu.

"You're only a teenager, yet you're already a level 55 Soul King."

With your talent, graduating from the Shrek Academy is only a matter of time.

After graduation? Do you plan to stay at Shrek Inner Court or return to the Star Luo Empire to train in the military?

This statement, seemingly out of concern, is actually a probe to find out what's going on.

White Tiger Duke commands 500,000 troops of the Western Group Army of the Star Luo Empire, while Dai Hao is in his prime.

Dai Huabin, the second son, is far more talented than his eldest son Dai Yueheng.

If Dai Huabin intends to gain military power, the future change of power in the White Tiger Palace will inevitably affect the structure of the entire Star Luo Empire.

The royal family couldn't possibly be unprepared, nor could they possibly fail to place their bets in advance.

Dai Huabin naturally understood what Xu Jiujiu meant. He picked up the teacup in front of him and took a sip of the so-called royal special Snow Peak Emerald Tea. The tea was slightly cool and had a bitter taste.

"I have no interest in military power," Dai Huabin said calmly, setting down his teacup. "nor in the changing of dynasties."

Xu Jiu was stunned for Xu Jiujiu, clearly not expecting him to answer so decisively.

"That's why I brought out that Immortal Herb to trade with you in the first place," Dai Huabin said after looking at them for Xu Jiujiu.

A year ago, he exchanged the Star Luo Spirit Pearl for the Snow Empress Embryo.

Immortal Herb were hailed as the Foundation of Godhood in this era. They always thought that Dai Huabin wanted to use this to establish Xu Jiujiu friendship and, incidentally, to curry favor with the royal family, paving the way for future control of the White Tiger Legion.

"You brought out something so precious, didn't you ever think about getting any political support from the royal family?"

Xu Jiujiu, he couldn't help but ask.

Dai Huabin smiled:

"Political support? What use is that to me? I have no interest in the burdens of the White Tiger Duke Mansion."

Dai Huabin paused, then slightly raised his head, as if looking through the roof at the distant starry sky, and slowly began to speak:

"My path lies in higher and farther places."

He stared at Dai Huabin's calm face for Xu Jiujiu.

She suddenly understood. The person in front of her didn't see her as a pawn in the game of worldly power. His goal was that legendary realm.

"It seems our royal family has a narrow vision," Xu Jiujiu sighed.

"However, for Jiujiu."

Dai Huabin slowly opened his mouth,

"If the Star Luo Empire truly faces a crisis of annihilation, I will not stand idly by, out of consideration for our shared Star Luo Empire heritage."

Hearing this promise Xu Jiujiu, I felt a weight lifted from my heart.

"Just hearing that is enough."

Xu Jiujiu stood up and personally poured tea for Dai Huabin.

"Since you don't like all that fluff, let's get practical. The Starlight Auction House will be fully open to you from now on, with the highest level of authorization. Just name your needs for any resources you require. Everything will be yours at cost price."

The terms are very generous. Top-tier Soul Master are too expensive, but with the Starlight Auction House as a safety net, it saves a lot of trouble.

"That's a good option."

Dai Huabin did not refuse, but in the current Star Luo Empire, there probably weren't any treasures that would interest him.

Xu Jiujiu breathed a sigh of relief. Although he hadn't managed to get Dai Huabin on the royal family's side, forging this good relationship made today's trip worthwhile.

"Oh, right."

She straightened her skirt Xu Jiujiu.

"Tomorrow is the first match of the Round-Robin Tournament. Shrek stole the show today, and the Sun Moon Empire probably already considers you their number one enemy."

"Let them be." Dai Huabin stood up as well.

"What do you think of that Meng Hongchen?" Xu Jiujiu suddenly asked.

Dai Huabin paused for a moment. "What do you mean, how?"

"I heard from someone that she approached you in the players' tunnel."

Xu Jiujiu's tone was teasing.

"The genius girl of the Sun Moon Empire, the granddaughter of the Mingde Hall. If you could win her over, the Sun Moon Empire would probably be furious."

Dai Huabin was speechless; why was this princess getting into gossip too?

"Let's see who's the best on the field," Dai Huabin, not bothering to continue the conversation.

Xu Jiujiu chuckled softly, then turned and walked out.

"Alright, then I'll stay in the VIP section and watch how Shrek defeats the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy."

At the same time, in the Shrek team's luxury suite.

Di Lingxi lay on the sofa, swinging her two fair legs, chewing on the roasted meat that Zhu Lu fed her.

"Why hasn't that princess left yet?" Di Lingxi muttered. "I'm already full, Huabin still isn't back."

Wang Dong'er rolled her eyes. "All you do is eat and look for him. The princess must have something important to discuss with him."

"What important matter could be taking so long to discuss?" Xiao Xiao leaned closer. "Dong'er, do you think they might be up there...?"

"Shut up!" Wang Dong'er blushed and threw a pillow at Xiao Xiao.

Ning Tian, holding a water glass, watched the two playfully fighting, then turned to Zhu Lu and asked:

"Lulu, are you really not worried at all? The Star Luo Imperial Family is notoriously fond of arranged marriages."

Zhu Lu was smoothing Di Lingxi's long golden hair when she heard this, she looked up and said in a very indifferent tone:

"What's there to worry about? If Huabin really wanted a marriage alliance, he would have done it a year ago, not waited until now. Besides..."

She glanced at Ning Tian:

Even if there are several other people around him, as long as he has me in his heart, I don't care.

Ning Tian was momentarily speechless after hearing that.

She looked at Zhu Lu's composure, a composure unique to an empress, and sighed inwardly.

No wonder Dai Huabin values Zhu Lu so much. Her demeanor is something most girls can't match.

Bing Hanyue and Xue Qingyao sat in the corner.

Bing Hanyue transmitted her voice to Xue Qingyao: "Lulu is quite insightful."

Xue Qingyao replied, "She has everything tied to Dai Huabin; it's natural that she understands this perfectly. And Huabin treats her extremely well too."

Just then, the door opened.

Dai Huabin walked in.

The living room fell silent instantly. All the eyes of the dozen or so girls were fixed on him.

"Finished talking?" Zhang Lexuan put down the documents in her hand.

"We're done talking." Dai Huabin walked to the sofa, sat down, and casually picked up an apple and took a bite.

Wang Dong'er leaned closer and asked casually, "What does Her Highness want with you? Did she slip you any gold or jewels?"

Dai Huabin glanced at her. "Yes, I've been granted the highest level of authorization for the Starlight Auction House."

"That's it?" Wang Dong'er pouted. "I thought she wanted to recruit you as her husband."