BaiShe set his cup down slowly, his silver eyes fixed on those of his interlocutor.
"The position itself does not interest me at all," he affirmed in a monotone voice that underlined his conviction.
"Political power is a chain that hinders the search for truth. Why burden oneself with worldly responsibilities when one can explore the mysteries of the Realms in complete freedom? I gladly leave these quarrels to those who need titles to feel they exist."
Xia Fei sketched a smile, her wisdom allowing her to perceive a part of BaiShe's game without guessing its real darkness.
"If that is the case, why not give your support to your little sister, Ling'er?" she asked, observing his reaction carefully.
"She has awakened a prestigious lineage and her progress is meteoric. With your support, she could easily consolidate her position."
BaiShe let out a light sigh and shook his head.
"Ling'er... She is still a little girl who is far too naive," he replied, a hint of simulated weariness in his voice.
"She sees cultivation as a fairy tale whereas it is a lion's den. I would prefer that she stay away from the cruel politics of this world. I do not wish to see her innocence crushed by the gears of the sect. Interfering in these affairs would only bring her torments that I prefer to spare her."
Xia Fei looked at him for a long time, her smile tinged with a certain tenderness at what she took for brotherly protection.
"I see that you are very attached to Ling'er, BaiShe," she noted softly.
"It is a rare quality in our milieu. But you should know that you will not be able to be present for her all the time. One day, she will have to walk alone on her own path."
He took another sip of tea, letting the silence settle to give more weight to the rest of the conversation. "That is why it is sometimes wiser to place the right people in the right places..."
He paused, fixing his gaze on Xia Fei with intensity.
"I could nevertheless support your disciple, Lin Feng," he proposed abruptly.
"He is an undeniably talented young man, and his lineage awakening is impressive. However, he sorely lacks political weight because of his modest origins. Without support from the immortal nobility, he will always remain a pariah in the eyes of the elders."
Xia Fei nodded, recognizing the accuracy of the analysis. "That is correct. Lin Feng has the potential, but he struggles against ancestral prejudices. Your validation would change everything for him."
Obviously Xia Fei was interested in his words; if her disciple became the heir, her influence would only be inferior to Pangu. She could thus prove her worth to her big brother who despised her.
BaiShe let a carnivorous smile appear.
"But for that... I must be rewarded at my true value," he murmured, his voice sliding toward a lower tone.
Xia Fei let out a light laugh, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous gleam. "Are you not being a little too bold, young master?" she asked, leaning slightly toward him, which only accentuated the curve of her cleavage.
BaiShe did not retreat. On the contrary, he held her gaze.
"Well, it is not my fault," he retorted.
"Even this young scholar, usually so immersed in his books, can be dazzled by a jade beauty as exceptional as you. Your eyes, as deep as the ocean, make me lose my head and forget all caution."
He then examined her with an admiration that seemed sincere, his gaze lingering on the delicacy of her features and the elegance of her posture.
Being the immortal sage, spouting a bunch of nonsense in a fraction of a second was his specialty.
"Every moment spent in your company reminds me that the beauty of the world is not found only in texts but also in the reality of your presence."
Xia Fei smiled again, a discreet blush coloring her cheekbones.
"Are you not simply a smooth talker, BaiShe?" she asked, amused by this game of seduction that she did not seem to want to interrupt.
"Truth does not need embellishments, Master Xia," he replied while delicately placing his hand on hers, feeling the warmth of her skin. "And the truth is that your charm is a force of nature against which no cultivator can truly fight."
The conversation then drifted toward lighter subjects, talking about the blooming of cherry trees on the surrounding peaks, the zither, and the philosophy of life.
BaiShe continued to compliment her subtly, turning each exchange into a romantic dance where he took care never to rush things.
And obviously Xia Fei seemed to savor this attention, finding in BaiShe an interlocutor whose intelligence and charisma matched his reputation. "You have a gift for words, young master. But do not forget that Lin Feng counts on me. I cannot let myself be convinced by a smooth talker."
"And you can count on me, as long as our agreement holds," concluded BaiShe while rising with perfect elegance, smoothing his clothes. He bowed slightly, his silver gaze capturing Xia Fei's one last time. "I thank you for this delicious tea... and for the company, which was far more intoxicating." he murmured in a very low voice, very close.
Xia Fei raised her head, surprised by his proximity. Her plump lips trembled slightly " ... BaiShe... I... It is mutual..."
He approached slowly, reducing the space even more. He extended a hand and gently brushed Xia Fei's cheek. Her skin was incredibly soft, warmed by emotion.
" Elder Xia... Have you put an Aphrodisiac in my tea? "
He sat down beside her on the bed. The pressure of his body against hers made Xia Fei start, but she did not pull back. On the contrary, she seemed to seek that warmth.
" BaiShe... I do not think this is appropriate..."
BaiShe slipped his arm around her slender waist, his palm resting on the curve of her hip.
"... Ahhh... BaiShe..." she murmured, her breath becoming ragged.
He turned her face toward his. Their gazes met. Without haste, he tilted his head and placed his lips on hers.
The kiss began with a timid pressure before deepening. Their tongues met, exploring each other with growing avidity. A small wet sucking sound echoed in the silence of the chamber.
"... Mmmh... Mmmph..."
BaiShe's tongue was hot, dominant, sweeping across Xia Fei's palate. She responded with a muffled moan, her hands coming to grip the young man's robust shoulders. Their saliva mingled, sliding from the corner of their lips in a shiny thread.