Beauty Massage

Hearing Shi Xuanfei's words, Yang Ning knew perfectly well that even if both sides tacitly understood certain things, he absolutely could not admit to them.

He didn't reply, merely remaining silent, continuing to press his thumb lightly against Shi Xuanfei's brow bone, his movements still as precise as if he were completing a task.

"Peak Master Shi," his voice was steady, betraying no emotion, "I still don't understand what you're talking about."

As Shi Xuanfei tilted her head slightly, strands of her waterfall-like hair brushed against Yang Ning's chest, tickling him.

"Alright, it doesn't matter if Boss Yang doesn't admit it." Shi Xuanfei wasn't fixated on his answer and casually changed the subject, "Honestly, if it weren't for the tradition passed down through generations at Jade Maiden Peak to keep some male disciples in the outer sect, I would have dismissed them all long ago. Jade Maiden Peak should really be all women." She paused, drawing out the end of her sentence, "Of course, Boss Yang... you're an exception."

While massaging her, Yang Ning's gaze inadvertently drifted to the display cabinet beside them. It was a fine nanmu wood cabinet, upon which were artfully arranged various small objects—a scarf with exquisite weaving, unique decorative pieces, tea sets with warm glazes... the variety was vast. However, a plush puppy doll in the corner of the cabinet seemed out of place among the other items from the cultivation world.

Yang Ning remembered clearly that Dong Xiaojie had bought it at his shop at the beginning of the year, saying it was a birthday gift for someone. He hadn't expected it to end up in Shi Xuanfei's chambers.

At this moment, Shi Xuanfei's eyes remained closed in contentment, and she spoke again as if in casual conversation, "Boss Yang, shall we return to our previous topic? How about becoming an advisor at our Jade Maiden Peak?"

"Not interested." Yang Ning's reply was still cold and curt.

Shi Xuanfei's face showed complete relaxation and enjoyment of the service, but she began to analyze the situation for Yang Ning, "You're a smart person, you should see it clearly. My Senior Sister, that person, is completely unsuitable to be Sect Master. Her personality is too cold, she's inflexible, and she lacks grace in dealing with others."

"When the Sect Master put her in charge of the Law Enforcement Hall back then, it was precisely her impartiality and adherence to principles that were valued. But such qualities are a fatal flaw when placed in the position of Sect Master, which requires balancing all parties.

Her personality is destined to make it difficult to balance the complex vested interests between the various peaks. If this continues, conflicts will inevitably escalate. At that time, it could very well lead to estrangement within the Sword Sect, or even... a bleak situation of disintegration."

Yang Ning remained silent, offering no rebuttal. He too had seen the flaws in Yun Zishan's personality; if she didn't change, it would indeed be difficult for her to assume the position of Sect Master. But at the time, he had no choice; he had to enter the Law Enforcement Hall as an advisor to complete the assassination mission.

Shi Xuanfei, however, seemed to see through his silence and continued, "You must also be aware of the past between Master and Sect Master. My Senior Sister, that person, is too fixated, as if she's trapped herself in a cage, and likely won't get out in this lifetime. Why bother expending your energy to help someone who has imprisoned themselves?"

Seeing Yang Ning still silent, Shi Xuanfei felt her words had taken effect and seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire.

"Actually, I myself am not very interested in vying for the position of Sect Master." Her tone became calm, "I am perfectly content with everything at my Jade Maiden Peak—whether it's my disciples, every blade of grass on the peak, the layout of the pavilions and towers, or even the spirit beasts I raise, I genuinely love them all."

"Why would I abandon all this to live in that cold, empty Cloud Peak, surrounded by complicated sect affairs all day?"

"It's only because last year the Sect Master personally approached me, hoping I would participate in the election. Peak Master Sun of Dan Peak is the Sect Master's junior brother, so he's essentially just running to attract attention and disperse public pressure. The real competition is actually just between my Senior Sister and me."

"As I said earlier, my Senior Sister's personality is not suited for overall leadership. Don't let Sect Master Lei's usual drunken demeanor fool you; he's clearer-headed than anyone. He's looking for a successor who is capable, gentle, understands the times, and acts with consideration and thoroughness. Therefore, he approached me, hoping I would take over."

Shi Xuanfei stated this with a calm and gentle tone, devoid of any hint of boasting or self-satisfaction, only an air of confidence.

Upon hearing this, Yang Ning retorted, "According to Peak Master Shi's explanation, since you've already been designated by Sect Master Lei as the next Sect Master, why would you still need a trivial person like me to help?"

"Because to firmly secure the position of Sect Master, one needs not only the Sect Master's approval but also the support of the entire sect." Shi Xuanfei sighed softly, a hint of worry appearing in her tone for the first time, "I have to admit, my Senior Sister's recent action of capturing the Demonic Cult mole was indeed impressive. Coupled with your... well, unique publicity methods afterward, even many disciples within Jade Maiden Peak are now praising the Law Enforcement Hall for its decisive actions and meritorious service in protecting the sect."