The two beautiful women approached Sheng Tian warily, as one should if they discovered a mile long ditch that looked as if a dragon had descended and scraped its underbelly against the ground.
"It's you!" said the red robed seductress.
The wind caused their hair to sway and their robes highlighted their flawless figures. Sheng Tian could not help but be captivated by them and stared for a while before composing himself. Similarly, the two women also stared at Sheng Tian. His already great looks coupled with the perfected physique forced him to cast a minor illusion technique over him that would fool mortals. If the two women possessed looks that can topple a kingdom, then Sheng Tian alone can topple entire empires.
The women saw a symbol of a sword on Sheng Tian's robe and immediately recognized it to be the Sky Sword Sect's inner disciple robe.
The red robed figure smiled and stepped forward, hands cupped in greeting, "so you were a senior of the famous Sky Sword Sect. Me and my friend here were passing by when we felt massive energy fluctuations here"
Sheng Tian nodded and introduced himself before asking which sect the women were from. He could see a lotus pattern on their robes though it was different from Fiery Lotus Sect's lotus and thus did not recognize it. It had a more graceful design, and was simple compared to the business hegemon's luxurious robes that showed wealth and status.
The blue robed woman introduced herself as Bing Xue. Her voice was aloof and cold, the opposite of Xiao Hua, who's every movement sought to captivate the minds of anyone who saw her. They are both disciples of the Lotus Fairy Valley and had asked the sect for a leave to explore the outside world.
Sheng Tian recalled that the Lotus Fairy Valley was an all women sect and should rank in the top 10 in the Mortal Realm. They are even feared by the top 5 as it has been confirmed that they have support from a larger sect in the upper realms. Apparently a particularly horny individual from the fourth ranked sect a hundred years ago had sought to assault a few disciples from the Lotus Fairy Valley. He failed, but even so, the very next day his entire sect was razed to the ground overnight.
Sheng Tian explained the mile long gouge in front of them "I just squashed a bug, that was all"
A mighty heaven's favorite, described as a worthless insect.
It was not without reason though, as Mo Nian would only count as a low grade heaven's genius. To his surprise, the two women in front of him emitted more pressure than Mo Nian.
"Are heaven's favorites supposed to pop up like cabbages?" he asked Wu Di.
"It seems that the heavens have detected a slight trace. Whenever they sense a threat, they would make sure that more geniuses are born to counter the threat. Of course not every heaven's favorite would be an enemy but you should be more careful"
Xiao Hua pondered for a moment before speaking "would you like to join us? We heard of the rumor that a tomb of an expert is located here and wanted to try our luck"
Bing Xue immediately became alarmed and pinched Xiao Hua "Ow! What was that for?"
"We just met and he would most likely have his own assignments" Bing Xue turned to Sheng Tian "I apologize for my sister's request, someone as powerful as you should have your own difficulties"
Sheng Tian smiled charmingly "no worries. I merely took a sect mission as an excuse to leave the sect temporarily. I have heard about the expert's tomb that supposedly lies within this valley and also wanted to see for myself if it exists. If it does then won't it be safer with more people?"
Before Bing Xue could object, Xiao Hua spoke eagerly "Yes! As for how we split the treasures..."
Sheng Tian laughed at her eagerness. She was much more outgoing compared to her colder elder sister, though both possessed great charm in their own right.
"We don't even know if there is really a tomb yet. Though if there is then we can split it into thirds. I'll take one third and you girls split the rest"
The women were surprised by the favorable conditions though they were not suspicious of Sheng Tian. They were not naïve to think he is trustworthy simply because of his great looks and charm nor the fact that he is from a reputable sect. The Lotus Fairy Valley's cultivation method is known to be able to see through a person's inner thoughts and neither Bing Xue nor Xiao Hua sensed any threats from him.
They made their way deeper into the danger zone. If there is treasure then it would be at the deepest and most dangerous parts of the area, it was common sense. While they sped their way towards the center, they talked and asked various questions. Most of the talking was done by Xiao Hua, whose skintight robes became even tighter against the wind. Bing Xue on the other hand, was ever distant and cold, only speaking a few words here and there. Her robes were more loose and it fluttered in the wind.
Sheng Tian was constantly annoyed by the sound of Wu Di eating imaginary melons in his head and occasionally shouting "just do them!"
"Would you be participating in the Gathering of Geniuses?" Xiao Hua asked.
Sheng Tian's attention was pulled from his sea of consciousness and he looked at Xiao Hua "Gathering of Geniuses? What's that?"
He explained that he is usually in seclusion and rarely paid attention to what goes on outside with residence walls.
"Every five years, sects from all over the five continents would bring their geniuses and go to the central continent for a competition. The winners would be rewarded heavily and the sects would be allocated seats for a secret realm that will open in six months after the competition"
"And when's the next Gathering of Geniuses?"
"In 3 months" Xiao Hua replied.
"Gathering of Geniuses huh?" Sheng Tian thought. This might be what the sect leader was talking about. He would be the sect's trump card in the competition and restore their fallen glory.
"At least there would most likely be lots of heaven's favorites there. It won't be completely boring"
Sheng Tian thanked the heavens for providing him with adequate entertainment.