That evening, the Shrek group changed out of their school uniforms and, under Wang Yan's guidance, headed toward the Starlight Auction House.
After all, as Wang Yan put it, wearing their uniforms would make them too conspicuous—such a sight might even draw a crowd and block their way halfway.
By the time they arrived, Qing Ya was already waiting at the entrance of the Starlight Auction House. Her refined and gentle demeanor stood in stark contrast to the gilded opulence of the auction house.
As the group approached, Qing Ya smiled faintly and bowed slightly in greeting.
"Welcome, esteemed guests. Please come in."
Seeing Qing Ya step forward to lead them, Wang Yan chuckled.
"So you've been waiting for us."
Qing Ya nodded with a smile. "Yes. It is my duty to await the arrival of the Shrek party and to guide you."
Wang Yan said, "You've gone to too much trouble."
"No trouble at all," Qing Ya replied with a gracious smile. "On the contrary, your presence brings great honor to our Starlight Auction House. Now, if you would follow me, I shall take you to the auction hall."
They passed through the lavish main hall, and Qing Ya led them to a wall, where she exchanged a few quiet words with two young women dressed in golden gowns. Moments later, a hidden door opened in the wall, revealing a narrow corridor.
The floor of this passage was paved entirely with translucent white jade, emitting a soft, pure white glow from above, below, and on all sides—a stark contrast to the garishness outside. It felt as though the entire space had been designed by a single, impeccable hand.
"This is Auction Hall No. 1," Qing Ya explained softly. "Only the most honored guests are invited to enter here for bidding. Had I not been the one assigned to deliver your invitations, I would never have had the privilege to step inside myself."
As she spoke, she continued leading them forward.
As two more young women in golden gowns approached, and as they moved further inward, small doors began to appear along either side of the corridor.
At Door No. 7, when the door was pushed open, an indescribable aura of luxury instantly enveloped them all.
Yet, having already experienced the Nine Treasure Pavilion, this level of decoration now felt strangely off.
"I don't know why, but this place feels… vulgar," Wang Dong whispered to Huo Yuhao beside him.
"It's like a nouveau riche's showhouse."
"Cough—" Huo Yuhao cleared his throat lightly, signaling Wang Dong to be more discreet.
Though he himself felt the same way, he found himself unable to voice such an opinion for reasons he could not explain.
Unbeknownst to him, others shared the same thought.
The room before them was rectangular, with one long wall entirely translucent and pure white—completely bare.
The sofas, upholstered in the pelts of soul beasts, were not only soft and comfortable but large enough to seat at least twenty people. On a nearby jade table rested an array of drinks, wines, and delicacies.
Every single item was precious—though not quite legendary treasures, they were rich in nourishment and value.
Chen Junting, accustomed to such displays, showed no restraint. He picked up a fruit resembling a grape and popped it into his mouth.
Seeing Chen Junting act, the others no longer held back. Curious, they each selected their own treats.
Once everyone had chosen their fruits and settled onto the sofas, Qing Ya, standing beside them, smiled and began to explain the rules of the Starlight Auction House.
Midway through her explanation, she gestured to one of the golden-gowned attendants, who activated a light-guided screen, projecting an image of the auction podium.
Yet, having already seen light-guided screens at the Nine Treasure Pavilion, the Shrek group showed little further interest. They continued listening attentively as Qing Ya detailed the auction's procedures.
When her explanation concluded, Wang Yan said, "Qing Ya Auctioneer, please have a seat as well."
"Thank you, esteemed guest."
Qing Ya did not pretend to refuse. She smiled gently at Wang Yan and sat down—right beside him.
Startled, Wang Yan hastily shifted his position, his cheeks flushing slightly as he grew visibly awkward.
Xu Sanshi was the first to notice. But the next moment—
"Pfft—"
He couldn't suppress a laugh.
Unintentionally and without restraint, the sound echoed clearly in the quiet room.
Instantly, Wang Yan's awkwardness turned to embarrassment.
Bei Bei and the others cast Xu Sanshi a look that could have killed him—silent, yet saying everything.
A look of utter despair settled over his face.
Fortunately, at that moment, a golden glow suddenly burst forth from the light-guided screen, enveloping them all. Fortunately, the glow was not harsh; rather, it was gentle, lending an air of noble elegance.
All eyes turned to the screen.
Qing Ya immediately composed herself and said, "Esteemed guests, the auction is about to begin. Please prepare yourselves."
As for what "preparation" meant…
Well, of course—it meant preparing to spend money.
The golden glow on the screen gradually faded, and a melodious, elegant voice rang out: "Welcome, esteemed guests, to the Starlight Auction House's Premier Auction. Today, we shall present nine precious items for your consideration. Their value will be revealed in ascending order. We hope you find them to your liking."
As her words ended, the screen cleared once more. The auction platform below was now shrouded in a faint layer of white mist. At its center stood a young woman dressed in a long red gown.
Seventeen or eighteen years old, her figure and features were exceptional. The flowing red silk of her dress accentuated her icy, snow-like skin, creating an impression of perfect grace.
"Good evening, esteemed guests. I am Jiujiu, today's auctioneer. It is my honor to conduct this auction with you. Now, please take a moment to admire our first item of the evening."
Jiujiu executed a complex yet exquisitely graceful bow, extending her right hand in a gesture of invitation.
Instantly, the image on the wall-screen shifted, revealing the first item.
But the Shrek group's attention was not on the item.
They were stunned by Dai Yueheng's revelation.
"You're saying she's a princess?"
"Yes!"
Dai Yueheng spoke with absolute certainty. Though many years had passed and her appearance had changed considerably, her name remained unmistakable. "She is Princess Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire."
"Gah—"
Wang Dong drew in a sharp breath, incredulous. "They're sending an imperial princess to auction? Is the Star Luo Empire really doing this?"
Chen Junting chuckled lightly. "Look at it from another angle. If a princess is appearing, doesn't that mean today's items are truly exceptional? After all, if the auction items weren't worthy, wouldn't sending the princess herself be an embarrassment to the imperial family?"
The group paused, considering his words.
They realized—he was right.
Who wouldn't want something truly extraordinary?
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