The Divine Thief Sect stood atop the mountain peak, its entrance a narrow crevice between two mountain summits.
This served as a natural barrier, protecting the Divine Thief Sect from external invasions.
The surrounding area was also protected by formations personally set up by the sect's ancestor, Luo Manjing's grandfather.
After all, the Divine Thief Sect had offended quite a few people, so their lair had to be absolutely secure.
Arriving at the entrance, Luo Manjing pointed to the sect's entrance and said, "To shut you up, I'll bring you into the mountain. If you can get my grandfather to meet you, then I lose."
A smile played on Luo Manjing's lips after she spoke. Her grandfather was in seclusion. Forget Xia Feng meeting him; even she herself had no chance of seeing him.
Therefore, she was certain she would win this bet.
"Alright, whatever you say," Xia Feng nodded.
Seeing Xia Feng still looking as unbothered as a dead pig not fearing boiling water, Luo Manjing gritted her teeth, eager to prove him wrong and show him how terrifying ignorance could be.
"Then follow me into the mountain," Luo Manjing declared, tossing her head and heading towards the Divine Thief Sect.
"Miss."
The guards at the mountain gate bowed as they saw Luo Manjing return.
"These five are friends I've brought back. No need to check," Luo Manjing turned and pointed to Xia Feng and the other four.
"Yes, Miss." The guards nodded and obeyed.
Xia Feng followed Luo Manjing into the Divine Thief Sect. The interior was spacious, with palaces lining the grounds, making it feel like entering a paradise.
Within the sect was a wide plaza.
Many figures, clad in long robes or white attire, were gathered on the plaza.
Around the plaza, over a dozen burly, muscular men were patrolling.
At the far end of the plaza stood a three-story pavilion.
The pavilion's architectural style was quite exotic.
Its exterior was dark red, inlaid with numerous golden patterns.
The pavilion was surrounded by railings, and on these railings were scattered bluestone slabs.
On the stone walls around the pavilion were many strangely shaped patterns.
These patterns appeared to be some kind of symbols or writing.
The people on the plaza, seeing Luo Manjing return, all rushed forward to pay their respects.
"Miss."
"Senior Sister."
"Junior Sister."
Each face was filled with pleasant surprise, wearing innocent smiles.
Luo Manjing nodded and greeted them one by one. Regardless of anything else, everyone seemed to be on good terms, their faces radiant with happy smiles.
"You all continue practicing; I'll take my friends to the Guest Reception Hall." Luo Manjing waved for them to disperse.
After everyone had gone, Luo Manjing looked at Xia Feng and smiled triumphantly, "How do you like our Divine Thief Sect? Isn't it amazing?"
For the first time, Xia Feng nodded. "Yes, it's very good."
Whether it was the harmonious relationships among the disciples or the environment within, it was indeed impressive.
This was a fact before his eyes, and Xia Feng naturally wouldn't pretend not to see it.
So, when Luo Manjing asked, Xia Feng didn't hold back his praise.
Luo Manjing's lips curved upwards in a proud smile. She felt a surge of confidence.
It was Xia Feng's first affirmation of her words, and she felt a sense of accomplishment.
Perhaps it was Xia Feng's attitude that ignited a competitive spirit in her. After receiving his acknowledgment, she felt as if she had already won.
Luo Manjing, beaming with pride, led Xia Feng and the others into the Guest Reception Hall.
As soon as they entered, Luo Manjing instructed someone to arrange tea and snacks. Then, she sat down in the main seat in the center and looked at Xia Feng, saying,
"The rest is up to you. I won't be the one to announce you."
As she finished speaking, she leisurely sipped her tea, looking like she was waiting to enjoy a good show.
Xia Feng smiled, "Your grandfather is in seclusion. I'll ask him to come out early."
"Heh... Your boasts are getting bigger and bigger. Forget you asking for an audience; even I can't get him out," Luo Manjing retorted, seeing Xia Feng still being stubborn.
He was truly acting like he belonged here.
During a critical juncture of his seclusion, you expected him to come out just because you asked?
This was simply ridiculous.
Xia Feng smiled faintly and asked, "What's your grandfather's name?"
"Luo Haodian. What are you trying to do?" Luo Manjing replied, then asked with suspicion.
Xia Feng ignored her, glanced in the direction of Luo Haodian's seclusion, and shouted,
"Luo Haodian, come out and see me."
.........