"Brother, could you please clarify the situation before speaking next time?" Hong Liefeng asked.
Hong Qiangya scratched his head, "Uh-huh."
"Ahem."
Hong Wangtie, projecting an imposing aura, approached, "Chatting so warmly? You left me out in the cold."
"It's the Marshal! The Marshal has arrived," the soldiers instantly felt a surge of pride.
Hong Liefeng went forward and called out, "Dad."
Hong Wangtie nodded. Tian Nanjie said, "Marshal, this is Ming Zhitian, Young Master Ming, whom I spoke of. He's a promising talent."
Hong Wangtie was slightly pleased, "Hmm, good. It's not easy to reach the God-Sealing Realm as a martial cultivator."
Hong Liefeng eagerly asked, "How do you know the Star Dragon Jade Flower Halberd Art of the God and Demon Emperor?"
Ming Zhitian looked at her, then raised a finger, "I have a friend... he taught me."
He couldn't very well say it was his father-in-law, could he? The son-in-law of the God and Demon Emperor, no one would believe it.
Hong Liefeng continued to press, "Where is your friend now?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head, "He is no longer alive."
Hong Liefeng sounded a bit dejected, "Then... can you teach me the Star Dragon...?"
"No," Ming Zhitian directly refused. Wasn't that obvious? Not to mention without the God and Demon Emperor's permission, they had only just met today. Giving away a divine-level technique on the first meeting, wasn't appropriate.
Olicha quickly approached Hong Liefeng, fawning, "Liefeng, what's so special about his mediocre technique? I have many high-grade techniques here, you can pick any you like, but you'll have to return with me to the family to report, you..."
Olicha's ignorance in calling a divine-level technique mediocre enraged Hong Liefeng. She shot him a cold glance, "Scram!"
Olicha said, "We traveled thousands of miles just to catch a glimpse of your beautiful face, Liefeng. You're already showing us the door, which isn't very polite. Please, stay for a simple meal."
Hong Liefeng completely ignored him. Although she couldn't learn Ming Zhitian's Star Dragon Jade Flower Halberd Art, she wouldn't give up. Her attitude towards Ming Zhitian underwent a 360-degree shift.
She moved to Ming Zhitian's side, swept her long hair back, revealing her rare, ethereal charm, which astonished the four Borqiang Young Masters.
Hong Liefeng invited Ming Zhitian, "Please come to my father's Marshal's Residence for a chat. I apologize for my rudeness earlier. Please."
Ming Zhitian glanced at her, then at Tian Nanjie, who offered a faint smile. Hong Wangtie also invited, "Fellow Daoist Ming, please."
Hong Liefeng's expression turned cold again as she commanded, "Continue training! Anyone caught slacking will be demoted three ranks!"
After they left, the four awkward Borqiang Young Masters exchanged glances. The soldiers, not daring to delay, quickly resumed their drills under the command of the deputy general.
Upon entering the Marshal's Residence, Tian Nanjie had already prepared tea. Hong Liefeng became gentle as water again, but only towards Ming Zhitian.
Hong Qiangya also noticed the anomaly and couldn't help but glance at Hong Liefeng, "Sister, what's wrong?"
Hong Liefeng rarely showed shyness. Hong Wangtie saw it, but he felt that Ming Zhitian's status was not yet worthy of his daughter.
"Fellow Daoist Ming, please try our Demonic Sect's Flaming Bottom Red Tea."
Ming Zhitian took a sip and felt as if a fire was burning within him. He resisted the urge to spit it out and swallowed it instead. A wave of cool comfort followed, and he praised, "Excellent tea."
As the saying goes, a thousand cups of wine are not enough for kindred spirits, and tea brings like-minded souls together. Hong Wangtie got straight to the point, "Kupara, take Fellow Daoist Ming to the Ten Thousand Treasures Vault."
"!" Tian Nanjie was taken aback.
Hong Qiangya couldn't sit still and quickly stood up, "Father! No! The Ten Thousand Treasures Vault is the foundation of our Demonic Sect. You..."
Ming Zhitian scoffed, "Your family is truly petty."
Hong Qiangya's brows shot up! "Say that again?"
Ming Zhitian said proudly, "I said you're petty."
"You!"
Hong Wangtie waved his hand, tossing out a string of golden keys, "Alright, go."
Tian Nanjie received the order and took the golden keys, "Yes! Marshal."
He led Ming Zhitian to the entrance of the Ten Thousand Treasures Vault, pushed open the heavy Wan Chong Gate, and entered the vault.