An Zhen looked in the direction of the voice and saw a beautiful purple-haired girl slowly walking from the courtyard towards the door, still wearing the Star Luo National Academy uniform from before.
Xu Jiujiu, who had just received treatment from a support system Spirit Master and was preparing to go home to rest, had just arrived home when a maid reported that His Majesty was coming.
He had indeed come, and there were others.
Xu Jiujiu's Star eyes fell on An Zhen, then she looked at her smiling elder brother, and the intelligent girl immediately guessed what was happening.
"Oh dear!" Xu Jiawei's somewhat exaggerated acting appeared, and he looked at An Zhen with an apologetic expression, "I suddenly remembered that senior has an urgent matter to deal with, junior, you talk with Jiu Jiu first, senior will be right back."
With that, Xu Jiawei quickly left, and soon disappeared from sight.
An Zhen: …
"Come in and sit." A smile appeared on Xu Jiujiu's face, unsure if she was amused by the exaggerated acting or by the speechless expression on An Zhen's face.
"Mm."
It was just a honey trap.
The Princess's residence was very large, with pavilions, gardens, a lake, rockeries, and a huge stargazing platform, which Xu Jiujiu introduced as a Mimicry cultivation environment for the Star Crown Spirit, built with special spirit tools.
"An Zhen."
Xu Jiujiu suddenly stopped, turned her head to look at the young man behind her, a brilliant smile appeared on her pretty face, and her voice, with a hint of playfulness, sounded, "You follow me so confidently, aren't you afraid this princess will eat you?"
"Then Princess, remember to prepare the seasonings," An Zhen said with a smile, looking unconcerned.
"Of course." Xu Jiujiu's expression froze for a moment, then she nodded seriously, her purple long hair gently swaying, and the girl continued to walk forward with her slender beautiful legs, An Zhen following behind her.
Deeper into the Princess's residence.
A moment later, An Zhen was led by Xu Jiujiu to a quiet and elegant small courtyard.
"This is where I usually rest," Xu Jiujiu introduced, the dignified and elegant Star Crown Princess turning her back to An Zhen, a barely noticeable blush creeping up her fair neck.
Since she came of age and moved out of the Imperial Palace, no one, not even her personal maids, was allowed into the girl's boudoir except for her mother; let alone a member of the opposite sex.
"Oh, a boudoir," An Zhen's teasing voice sounded, "It seems Your Highness is preparing to devour me completely."
"Heh, of course," Xu Jiujiu walked into the small courtyard.
An Zhen and Xu Jiujiu understood perfectly; from the moment Xu Jiawei brought An Zhen to Xu Jiujiu's residence, specifically bringing a boy to his sister's place, finding an excuse to leave, and creating an opportunity for them to be alone, everything was already very clear—a marriage alliance. Even both sets of parents, Elder Xuan and Xu Jiawei, had already tacitly approved of this matter, except that An Zhen's side had no restrictions whatsoever; whether it succeeded or not depended entirely on his opinion.
However, An Zhen was curious about how far things would progress today.
He did not object to a marriage alliance.
As the Young Pavilion Master recognized by many elders of the Shrek Sea God Pavilion, for the benefit of Shrek Academy and the stability of the Original Douluo Continent, An Zhen was willing to sacrifice himself a little and become the link between Shrek Academy and the Star Luo Empire with Xu Jiujiu.
Of course, he was not a lecher.
This was for the greater good!
"Wait a moment." The two walked into the living room, Xu Jiujiu took out a bottle of wine from her spirit tool, poured a full glass, and the girl looked at An Zhen as if challenging him, "I'll go prepare the seasonings."
Having just returned from the arena, she had only treated her injuries and hadn't even bathed or rested yet.
"Mm."
An Zhen nodded.
Should he secretly take a peek?
Forget it, occasionally enjoying the mysterious anticipation isn't bad either.
…
A slender, jade-like hand with water droplets pushed open the door. An Zhen turned his head to look. Her mysterious purple long hair, like the night sky, was tied into a single ponytail. Her clean and beautiful small face was unadorned, and she wore a long white gauze dress that trailed to the ground. The noble and elegant princess now exuded innocence and sanctity.
"Where are the seasonings?"
An Zhen was a little disappointed.
Xu Jiujiu rolled her beautiful eyes.
As she expected, he was a lecher.
Xu Jiujiu did not answer An Zhen's question. She pulled up a chair and sat opposite An Zhen on the same side of the table. A slender, jade-like hand took out a glazed cup, and her gaze fell on the untouched wine beside An Zhen's hand, "Not drinking? Afraid I'll poison it?"
"I don't like being in an unclear state."
A boy must protect himself when he's out.
Of course, An Zhen was not afraid of any poison. Not to mention the Reflection for refreshing status, with the Youxiang Qiluo Immortal Product, no poison below a divine product could harm him.
"Is that so?" Xu Jiujiu didn't force him. The girl's gaze fell on An Zhen's still somewhat childish face. She suddenly remembered that An Zhen was younger than her.
A blush appeared on the girl's fair and tender skin, so the things she had just prepared…
But it had already progressed this far, how could she take it back?
"Putting aside those twists and turns, An Zhen," Xu Jiujiu's purple Star eyes looked at the young man in front of her, and she said seriously, "You should be very clear about what we are doing now."
"A marriage alliance, perhaps?"
"Mm," Xu Jiujiu nodded gently, ripples appearing in her eyes which were feigning calmness. "According to my imperial brother's calculations, the Sun Moon Empire is very likely to launch the next war within the next ten to twenty years."
In the last continental war, under the leadership of Shrek Academy, the Three Great Empires managed to defeat the invading Sun Moon Empire. But rather than saying they defeated them, it was more like both sides suffered heavy losses; the Sun Moon Empire was too powerful. Over the years, the Star Luo Empire had continuously imported spirit tools from the Sun Moon Empire, and Xu Jiujiu was repeatedly shocked. She had thought that after so many years, the gap in spirit tools between them would narrow, but she didn't expect the gap to widen even further.
If the Sun Moon Empire were to invade, Tianhun and Star Luo, which bordered it, would bear the brunt.
"If the Sun Moon Empire invades, Shrek Academy will certainly take on a great responsibility," An Zhen said politely.
"Actually, besides Shrek Academy, our target is more often you," Xu Jiujiu stated openly, her purple Star eyes fixed on An Zhen.
"Me?"
"Mm," Xu Jiujiu nodded gently.
The Star Crown Spirit is a support system Spirit.
Although it is a powerful Spirit in terms of support, comparable to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, support is ultimately support. support system Spirit Masters, especially healing system Spirit Masters, hold a transcendent status on the continent, but everything ultimately depends on whose fist is bigger.
The Xingluo Royal Family, or rather the Star Crown Sect, was actually doing the same thing as the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile School—recruiting talents and powerful individuals. For example, Heavenly Fiend Douluo, who had conflicts with several major Sects and was hunted down, eventually had the Star Luo Empire resolve the matter for him, and he subsequently joined the Star Luo Empire, becoming a Protector Douluo.
Top-tier support system Spirits need Spirit Masters with powerful combat capabilities as teammates.
Aside from being a philanderer, An Zhen, in Xu Jiujiu's view, was almost perfect.
In terms of connections and background, he was the disciple of the Sea God Pavilion Master, and in Xu Jiujiu's opinion, An Zhen was very likely to be the future Sea God Pavilion Master. Pole Ice, Extreme Fire, that Huo Yutong, twin spirits Xiao Xiao… these heavenly proud daughters were all his people, and these people would be the top combat power of Shrek Academy in the future.
In terms of strength, his performance like a Flame Monarch in the first round of the Round Robin, and when drawing lots in the semi-finals, even his elder brother couldn't see how that golden ball got into his hand—it was bizarre, yet powerful. It simply overturned the Spirit Master's perception.
He was very likely to be the future strongest person to lead Shrek Academy.
"An Zhen, what do you think of me?" Xu Jiujiu asked, downing the wine in her cup.
After a moment of thought, An Zhen said, "A very capable and charming princess."
"Then what are your thoughts on this marriage alliance?" Xu Jiujiu said softly, her slightly trembling fingers indicating that the princess was not as calm as the expression on her face suggested.
As a princess of the Xingluo Royal Family and the Star Crown Sect, Xu Jiujiu understood very well what she should do. She was only a princess, not the Crown Prince or heir.
Winning An Zhen meant the firm friendship of two Limit Douluo and Shrek Academy, a monstrous husband with unprecedented talent, and descendants with powerful bloodlines.
A marriage alliance, how could it be swayed by personal feelings? And at least she felt that An Zhen, apart from being a philanderer, was perfect in her eyes in other aspects. An Zhen's girls were very strong, and Xu Jiujiu accepted that.
An Zhen nodded, and said with a sincere and serious tone, "It is An Zhen's honor to receive Your Highness's favor."
"Hoo~," letting out a sigh of relief, Xu Jiujiu crossed her beautiful legs, and a seductive mysterious blackness broke through the concealment of her long dress, quietly appearing in An Zhen's line of sight.
Pure white dress, seductive black stockings, the Star Luo Princess.
An Zhen was suddenly a little excited; it turned out the "seasoning" was waiting for him here.
"Hmph~" Xu Jiujiu let out a soft, proud hum, taking in An Zhen's state. For this princess to make a move, isn't this an easy task?
Even such a monstrous genius must bow down before this princess's skirt.
"Since you and I have both agreed, then let's confirm our relationship." Xu Jiujiu said with a trembling voice, unsure if it was from happiness at achieving her goal, or anticipation or unease about the future.
"Okay." An Zhen nodded and stood up.
He was going to find Elder Xuan and his big brother-in-law.
It felt strange; more like a negotiation or an interview than dating.
But it seemed that was indeed the case. He coveted Xu Jiujiu's body, and Xu Jiujiu valued his potential and background. There was no affection, at least not yet.
A slender, fair hand pulled An Zhen, and the next moment, a soft body pressed against An Zhen's back. A pair of fair, jade-like arms wrapped around An Zhen's neck, and looking down, he saw two slender, straight legs in black stockings crossed around An Zhen's waist. Two exquisite, jade-like feet, encased in black stockings, formed beautiful curves, and under the black stockings, the round, full toes exuded a mysterious, alluring charm.
"It's my first time, remember to be gentle," the girl's shy voice whispered in An Zhen's ear.
"Eh?" An Zhen was a little confused. "Aren't we going to find our parents to confirm the relationship?"
"And, at least we should get to know each other first."
"You're a second-year. After this competition, will you have time to stay in the Star Luo Empire?" Xu Jiujiu, with a hint of intoxication on her cheeks, retorted. Based on her understanding of Shrek, before graduation, they only had one month of vacation each year.
"Apparently not." An Zhen nodded. "But it's not that urgent, is it?"
"An Zhen, this isn't a romance, it's a political marriage." Xu Jiujiu smiled slightly, getting off An Zhen. Her black-stockinged, jade-like feet stepped into white high heels.
Compared to a marriage contract that could be dissolved at any time due to certain circumstances, once a relationship was established, for major powers like the Xingluo Royal Family and Shrek Academy, it would be an undeniable matter.
"Whether there's affection or not, we're going to do this sooner or later." Xu Jiujiu was very open-minded about such matters; after all, she was already an adult and had long been prepared to face the day she would bear the responsibility of a princess.
And...
Xu Jiujiu's fair fingertips gently lifted An Zhen's chin. Looking at the super genius little brother in front of her, it didn't seem like a loss. A smile curved at the corner of the girl's mouth, "Or are you saying that An Zhen, the captain of the Shrek Academy team, who embraces girls left and right every day, is actually a naive little virgin~"
An Zhen gently raised his right hand and placed it on the girl's buttocks.
"Slap!"
Xu Jiujiu's delicate body trembled slightly.
"Your Highness, remember to beg for mercy later." An Zhen scooped Xu Jiujiu up in a princess carry. Her white gauze skirt trailed on the ground, and a pair of long, slender legs in black stockings were revealed in An Zhen's vision, creating an extreme temptation and a huge contrast with Xu Jiujiu's pure white gauze skirt on her upper body.
There was no reason not to eat the meat delivered to his mouth.
"It's not certain who will beg whom," Xu Jiujiu said, her aura not weakening in the slightest.
Guided by Xu Jiujiu, An Zhen carried the princess in his arms to the girl's boudoir, which was very simple: a wardrobe, a princess bed, and a bookshelf.
An Zhen gently placed Xu Jiujiu on the bed. The girl's purple long hair was spread out, and Xu Jiujiu stretched her limbs, looking as if she was letting An Zhen have his way.
"Actually, Jiu Jiu could come to Shrek Academy to study." Getting into bed, An Zhen's hands rested on Xu Jiujiu's lower abdomen, moving upwards.
Xu Jiujiu opened her eyes, enduring the strange sensation coming from her body, and spoke with difficulty, trying to sound normal, "An Zhen, although we have this relationship now, I am not your subordinate. I have my own career and path."
She was the princess of the Xingluo Royal Family, but she was also Xu Jiujiu.
Political marriage was a princess's responsibility, but Xu Jiujiu also had things she wanted to do.
After speaking, as if feeling something was amiss, Xu Jiujiu added, "Of course, if you need me, you can come to me anytime."
But she would not retract what she had just said, even if it might lead to some stiffness in their relationship.
"Is that so?" An Zhen nodded slightly, expressing his support, "Then Jiu Jiu, go do it. If you need any help, tell me."
"You don't object?" Xu Jiujiu was slightly stunned.
Although transcendent power made the status of male and female Spirit Masters equal, the Original Douluo Three Kingdoms, with its more traditional views, still held many notions of men being stronger than women.
"Why would I object?" An Zhen retorted, his gentle voice sounding as one hand gently caressed Xu Jiujiu's cheek, "I support my girls in doing what they want. My possessiveness towards you is your loyalty to me, but I cannot be exclusive to you, so I want to try my best to compensate you."
An Zhen never thought that women should stay at home to be good wives and mothers. Although they were in a romantic relationship, the girls were not his puppets or subordinates.
"There was a bit of selfishness in wanting you to come to Shrek Academy. I wanted us to be together. Shrek is not as good as the Star Crown Sect in researching the Star Crown Spirit, but it is stronger than the Star Luo National Academy in other aspects, and I also wanted you to become stronger." An Zhen's gaze fell on Xu Jiujiu's tempting cherry lips. "But since you're unwilling, then forget it."
He nodded.
"Mmm."
They kissed.
An Zhen guided the inexperienced Xu Jiujiu.
A while later.
"Hoo~"
Xu Jiujiu, with her clothes disheveled, lay in An Zhen's arms, her cheeks flushed as she panted.
"So skilled, you pervert." Though she complained, a smile appeared on Xu Jiujiu's beautiful face. "An Zhen, thank you for your understanding."
Although this guy was a playboy, he was still a good person.
An Zhen grabbed the girl's black-stockinged ankle, lifted it, and with his other hand pulled at the white gauze skirt.
"Jiu Jiu~"
"Mmm."
The two figures intertwined.
...
"I surrender, this princess surrenders~"
A cry of surrender, filled with joy, sounded. A jade-like hand tightly gripped the bedsheet until the slapping sounds ceased, and five slender fingers weakly released their hold.
Her purple long hair was disheveled, and her fair skin was flushed with lingering redness. The Star Crown Princess had just experienced an unforgettable moment she had never had before. Her tattered black stockings hung halfway down her fair, beautiful legs, and Xu Jiujiu lay weakly sprawled on the bed.
First Soul Skill, Reflection—Emerald Swan Bi Ji.
spirit power at An Zhen's fingertips was transformed into vibrant Life force, injected into Xu Jiujiu's body, dispelling her fatigue, and the redness on her skin also faded away at an extremely fast rate.
After a long while.
Xu Jiujiu opened her eyes, her purple star-like eyes a little dazed, as if wondering about her current situation. The next second, a wild memory surfaced in her mind. Xu Jiujiu could hardly believe that the woman vigorously shaking her purple long hair in the memory was her, usually so dignified and elegant.
A strange sensation came from her feet. Xu Jiujiu looked down and saw An Zhen playing with her jade-like feet, which were now covered in white socks, though she didn't know when they had been put on.
"You bad guy~" Xu Jiujiu complained playfully, her white-socked little feet pressing against An Zhen's chest.
It was her first time, and she had already begged for mercy, yet he still bullied her so much.
"I can't help it." An Zhen, understanding Xu Jiujiu's meaning, spread his hands helplessly and said with a smile, "It was Jiu Jiu's black-stockinged beautiful legs that kept wrapping around me and wouldn't let go."
"Don't say it!"
A delicate body pounced into An Zhen's arms. The man and woman, their feelings suddenly deepened by a large margin, played on the bed.
"Oh, right." An Zhen, holding the princess, suddenly spoke, "Jiu Jiu, do you know about Immortal Herb?"
"Immortal Herb? The heavenly treasures that the First Generation Shrek Seven Monsters consumed?" Xu Jiujiu knew about Immortal Herb; basically, all top powers on the continent knew about this treasure. Over tens of thousands of years of history, a few stalks had occasionally appeared. They were heavenly treasures that could transform a person, allowing even a good-for-nothing to instantly become a genius.
"Mmm." An Zhen nodded gently, lowered his head, and kissed Xu Jiujiu's cheek. "Call me 'husband' or 'hubby' and let me hear it."
"Husband~" The girl's coquettish voice sounded.
Although she was curious why An Zhen suddenly asked about Immortal Herb and then asked her to use intimate terms, Xu Jiujiu was still willing to fulfill this small request from her fiancé.