There’s not even a signal here. Li Qianfan pulled out his phone to check, only to find the signal completely empty. Forget about connecting to the internet—even satellite phones wouldn’t work here.

“Don’t bother wasting your effort. Electronic devices can’t function here… no, let me rephrase that. The network-dependent functions of electronic devices can’t work. Our Tianhua Sect isn’t just hidden in a valley within Dongming Mountain; the entire sect grounds are enveloped in a massive defensive formation.”

“Electronic signals can’t reach here at all, so there’s no way to use electronic devices to communicate with the outside world.”

Zhou Zitong said with a smile, as the car behind them approached from a distance and stopped behind hers.

Soon, two female cultivators stepped out of the car and asked, “Senior Sister Zhou, what should we do next? Take them to meet the Sect Leader?”

“No rush. You two arrange accommodations for Mr. Li and Ms. Li, and at the same time, ensure their safety,” Zhou Zitong said.

“Understood.”

The two female cultivators responded in unison.

“I need to report the situation to the Sect Leader and Elders now. Mr. Li, Ms. Li, please rest first. I’ll visit you tomorrow.” Zhou Zitong added.

Li Qianfan and Liu Ruyan had no choice but to accept Zhou Zitong’s arrangements.

The two female cultivators led Li Qianfan and Liu Ruyan away, quickly arriving at a very secluded courtyard.

The courtyard was filled with fruit trees and fresh flowers, and the air was thick with a rich fragrance. At its center stood a quaint three-story wooden building, exuding elegance.

“Every building in our sect has a name to make it easier to locate. This courtyard is called Qingping Courtyard. You two will stay here for the time being,” one of the female cultivators said.

The other added, “Don’t worry. We have running water and electricity here, so life is quite convenient. Of course, there’s no natural gas, but we’ll deliver meals to you at mealtimes, so you won’t need to worry about cooking or food.”

“Well, thank you very much,” Li Qianfan said with a smile.

“You’re welcome,” the two female cultivators replied.

Curious, Liu Ruyan asked, “Having running water isn’t unusual, but you have electricity here? Is your power system connected to Hua Country’s grid?”

“No, we have our own power station. It’s a small-scale power station, but it’s sufficient for our daily needs,” the female cultivator replied.

Li Qianfan asked, “By the way, I still don’t know how to address you two. You seem pretty close, and you even look alike. Are you sisters by any chance?”

“We are indeed biological sisters. I’m Chen Jiajia, and she’s Chen Lele,” said the cultivator named Chen Jiajia, as she brushed aside the stray hair on her forehead.

“What’s your cultivation level?” Li Qianfan asked with a grin.

“We’re both at the Second Level of the Qi Refining Realm, and we’re both Outer Disciples,” Chen Jiajia replied.

“Outer Disciples? So, there’s a hierarchy among the disciples of Tianhua Sect?” Li Qianfan probed further.

In fact, Li Qianfan already knew about the hierarchy in Tianhua Sect, as Jiang Xuehan had explained it to him before.

But to appear as though he was encountering this for the first time, Li Qianfan intentionally feigned ignorance.

Chen Jiajia smiled and explained, “Yes, disciples in Tianhua Sect are divided into Outer Disciples, Inner Sect Disciples, and True Disciples.”

“Outer Disciples are ordinary disciples. Those who have stayed in the sect long enough and contributed significantly can become Inner Sect Disciples. If an Elder or even the Sect Leader chooses to accept someone as a disciple, they’ll become a True Disciple,” Chen Lele added.

“I see. It seems Tianhua Sect has a very strict hierarchy,” Li Qianfan said, stroking his chin.

Chen Jiajia shook her head and said, “Not really. Disciples of Tianhua Sect are very harmonious with each other. Everyone here is kind and friendly. You’ll see it for yourselves after staying here for some time.”

“Exactly! You might even end up falling in love with this place. And with your cultivation level so high, if you join the sect, you might immediately become Elders!” Chen Lele said with a laugh.

“We’ll see. If Tianhua Sect really is as good as you say, my sister and I might indeed consider joining,” Li Qianfan replied jovially.

Afterward, Li Qianfan and Liu Ruyan entered the wooden building.

The furniture and furnishings inside were fully equipped, and even the daily necessities were readily available. They could move in without any issues.

Li Qianfan immediately claimed the largest room in the building, while Liu Ruyan chose a room next to his. Both rooms were on the second floor.

Chen Jiajia and Chen Lele, however, didn’t leave. The pair of sisters stayed in the courtyard, keeping watch.

“They haven’t left,” Liu Ruyan remarked.

“I know.”

Li Qianfan replied, then walked over to open the window and called out, “Chen Jiajia, Chen Lele, aren’t you going to rest?”

“Senior Sister Zhou instructed us to ensure your safety,” Chen Jiajia replied loudly.

Li Qianfan chuckled, “The two of us are Foundation Establishment Realm experts, while you’re only at the Qi Refining Second Level. Are you protecting us, or are we protecting you?”

Hearing those words, Chen Jiajia’s cheeks instantly turned red.

Chen Lele responded, “We have no choice. Senior Sister Zhou’s orders are absolute, and we mustn’t abandon our post.”

“Fine, suit yourselves,” Li Qianfan said, shutting the window with a wry grin.

Frowning, Liu Ruyan whispered, “It’s obvious Zhou Zitong sent Chen Jiajia and Chen Lele here not just to protect us, but to monitor us.”

“I can tell, but it’s normal. We’re new here. Regardless of how seamless our identities may be, they wouldn’t trust us so quickly,” Li Qianfan replied.

“So what now?” Liu Ruyan asked.

“We’ll rest first. We’re already here. Whatever comes next can wait until tomorrow.”

Having said that, Li Qianfan pounced on Liu Ruyan like a hungry tiger, pushing her onto the bed.

Liu Ruyan’s mature and stunning face immediately flushed a deep red.

Glaring at Li Qianfan with embarrassment, Liu Ruyan softly scolded, “What are you doing? We’re in Tianhua Sect, of all places! How can you even think about this right now?”

“Precisely because this place isn’t safe, we should do this. It’s all to lower their guard—you get it?”

Li Qianfan chuckled and continued, “If we act like this, people in Tianhua Sect will assume we’re nothing but shallow fools preoccupied with trivial pleasures. Even though we’re in the Foundation Establishment Realm, they’ll still underestimate us because of it.”

“Once they let their guard down, it’ll be easier for us to take action and uncover the secrets of this place,” he concluded with a sly grin.