Li Luo looked over to the raised sign and saw a blue-haired youth looking in his direction. He threw a friendly smile Li Luo's way.

Li Luo saw nothing but sharp teeth in that smile.

"Who's that?" he asked.

Lu Qing'er's well-trimmed brow creased a little. She hesitated. "The young lord of House Duze, Duze Beixuan.

"Li Luo, he's targeting you. He's trying to inflate your bid."

"So that's Duze Beixuan, eh."

Li Luo was taken aback. Sizing up the blue-haired youth, he breathed out. "Well, in terms of looks, the young lord of House Luolan has House Duze beat, in spades. That's one battle won."

The little kid beside him rolled his eyes. Was a war between two houses all about looks?

Lu Qing'er did not smile. She knew that Li Luo's wisecrack meant that he had marked Duze Beixuan well.

Li Luo looked at him for a moment more, then raised his own plaque....