The Scenery of Jade Maiden Peak

"This is indeed Master's order," Dong Xiaojie explained.

The female disciple clearly didn't believe her. She glanced at Yang Ning, who was standing on a flying sword in the distance, and lowered her voice, "Senior Sister, we're all fellow disciples. Is there anything you can't tell me? Master never forbade disciples from seeking a Dao companion. That cultivator... well, he certainly is handsome, but why must you use such an excuse to bring him up the mountain!"

Dong Xiaojie harbored no romantic feelings for Yang Ning. Her heart belonged only to "Lanzhou" in this life, and she had long decided to pursue the path of immortality alone. Seeing her junior sister, who was being completely unreasonable, Dong Xiaojie knew that words alone wouldn't suffice. She reached into her sleeve and produced something – a red token, with a "Master" character written in a flamboyant script at its center.

The female disciple took the token and examined it carefully, her eyes widening. But immediately after, her expression turned extremely serious:

"Senior Sister! You're bringing a man up the mountain. Out of consideration for our sisterhood, I might be able to help cover for you. But if you're bold enough to steal Master's Peak Master token, then I absolutely cannot protect you!"

Dong Xiaojie was speechless, placing one hand on her forehead and weakly waving the other. "Alright, alright, my dear Junior Sister! I haven't lived long enough yet, how could I dare steal Master's token? If you don't believe me, go up the mountain right now and announce yourself outside Master's chambers! Remember, don't make a fuss on the way, just go quietly."

Seeing Dong Xiaojie speak so confidently, the female disciple became somewhat convinced. She turned and instructed the other two outer disciples on duty, "You two, guard here well. No one is allowed to trespass!" She specifically glanced at Yang Ning in the distance and added, "Especially keep an eye on that 'unknown' man."

"Yes!" The two outer disciples immediately bowed and accepted the order.

Afterward, the direct disciple ranked thirtieth tightly gripped the token and quickly ran up the stone steps, her figure soon disappearing into the swirling clouds.

Only then did Dong Xiaojie slowly walk back to Yang Ning's side, a look of apology on her face. "Boss Yang, I'm truly sorry, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to wait a little longer."

By this time, Yang Ning had calmed down from his initial panic, his mind racing as he pondered the cause and effect of everything. Why was Dong Xiaojie forcing him up the mountain? Their relationship was merely that of boss and regular customer; there was no reason, nor would she have the courage, to privately break Jade Maiden Peak's centuries-old rules.

Therefore, the only person with the authority and motive to do so was… the Peak Master of Jade Maiden Peak!

Yang Ning mused inwardly, 'Could that "Senior Sister Shi" from yesterday really be Shi Xuanfei herself? But why go to such lengths? I was just delivering goods. Normally, Dong Xiaojie would have taken the gift box at the foot of the mountain, and the delivery would have been concluded. Now she insists on bringing me up the mountain… This is probably far more than just a delivery; there must be some other scheme…'

Just as Yang Ning was inwardly analyzing the pros and cons and speculating on Shi Xuanfei's intentions, the female disciple who had gone to report hurried back from the distant stone steps, her brows furrowed and her expression extremely complicated.

She handed the token back to Dong Xiaojie, hesitating to speak. Finally, she managed to say with difficulty, "Senior Sister… Master… What exactly is going on?"

Dong Xiaojie shook her head silently, took the token, and put it away. She said softly, "Enough, how can we disciples presume to guess Master's thoughts? We simply follow orders. Remember, do not spread word of what happened today."

The female disciple could only nod, sigh heavily, and step aside. "I've already spoken to the checkpoint above. Senior Sister, you can take him up directly."

"Thank you, Junior Sister," Dong Xiaojie nodded gratefully, then turned back to Yang Ning. "Boss Yang, let's continue up the mountain."

With that, she didn't wait for Yang Ning's response. She stepped onto the flying sword again, grabbed Yang Ning's arm, and activated the sword art. The flying sword immediately carried the two of them, continuing their ascent along the stone steps.

The direct disciple ranked thirtieth remained standing where she was, watching the receding sword light with a face full of confusion and bewilderment. After the flying sword disappeared into the mountain mist, the disciple abruptly turned, her gaze sharp as she swept over the two outer female disciples behind her, warning them sternly:

"If any of you dare to leak even half a word of what happened today, I'll cut out your tongues!"

The two were so startled they trembled, quickly bowing in response. "Yes! Senior Sister! We absolutely dare not speak a word!"

After the initial heart-pounding experience of flying on the sword, Yang Ning had adapted considerably. He tried to slowly open his eyes, narrowing them into slits, and surveyed this mysterious place that all the male cultivators in the sect yearned for but could never enter.

He saw that on both sides of the flying sword, various distinctive buildings flashed past at high speed.

Some buildings were simple and grand, with fluid lines;

Some were covered and entwined with lush green vines, full of vitality;

Some had outer walls adorned with colorful, vibrant flower petals, their fragrance faintly discernible;

There were even small buildings constructed directly from various brightly colored, exotic stones… They were truly a thousand different styles, no two alike.