After much painful reflection, Jiang Beiran analyzed the mission once more and realized the most opportune moment to complete it would have been when Wang Yuan first came seeking him.
If only he hadn't been so naive back then, thinking that teaching a few flirting techniques would suffice—he should have catered to Wang Yuan's interests like he did with Lin Jiuge and proposed the most suitable conditions. Moreover, Jiang Beiran realized he had overestimated the moral standards of cultivators in this world.
Merely to pursue a girl, they wouldn't hesitate to kill their own sect brothers. Their values and reverence for laws were worlds apart from his modern sensibilities. Of course, beyond these post-mission reflections, the deepest lesson Jiang Beiran took away was...
Cherish your life, stay away from beautiful junior sisters! He never wanted to encounter such a "simple" Yellow-Grade, Mid-Tier option again. Wasn't slowly accumulating attribute points much more pleasant?
Shaking off his thoughts, Jiang Beiran stepped forward into the Blue Heart Pavilion. ... Nightfall, by the Immortal Soothing Lake near Water Mirror Hall. A melodious pipa tune drifted across the water—sometimes deep and resonant, sometimes fluid and crisp, at other times filled with sorrow and melancholy.
Yet these contrasting tones blended together seamlessly.
"Who dares to upset my Zijin?"
Hearing the voice, Liu Zijin quickly set down her pipa and rose to bow.
"Guardian Yu."
In the darkness, Yu Manwen nodded.
"Zijin, your pipa playing has grown increasingly exquisite. But precisely because it's so refined, it's easier for others to discern the emotions hidden within. Speak—who has dared to bully the most beloved disciple of our Water Mirror Hall?"
Liu Zijin hastily shook her head, replying softly, "N-no one has bullied me, Guardian." Yu Manwen sighed dramatically.
"Ah~ Our little Zijin has grown up after all, keeping secrets from her guardian now."
"That's not true! Guardian, truly no one has wronged me. It's just..."
"Just what?"
Yu Manwen pressed.
"Just... I met someone who... occupies my thoughts."
"Oh? Who might that be?"
Yu Manwen's interest was instantly piqued.
"Ah! I—I just remembered I haven't finished today's studies! Goodbye, Guardian!"
With that, Liu Zijin grabbed her pipa and fled like a startled rabbit. Watching Liu Zijin vanish into the darkness, Yu Manwen's lips curled slightly. She was intensely curious about this person who had captured her disciple's attention.
Hmm...
As a hall guardian, I shouldn't pry too deeply into a disciple's private affairs. But I'm only concerned our dear little disciple might be deceived. A little investigation wouldn't hurt.
The next day, Yu Manwen quickly learned that Liu Zijin had visited the Blue Heart Pavilion yesterday. Through Fang Qiuyao, she discovered the name Jiang Beiran.
"Jiang Beiran..."
She murmured the name softly, a trace of puzzlement crossing her face. No impression at all. She had assumed the one who caught Zijin's eye must be one of those elite disciples who had achieved fame at a young age.
Yet Jiang Beiran was completely unfamiliar to her. Her curiosity aroused, Yu Manwen went to the Law Enforcement Hall responsible for managing disciple records.
"Guardian Yu? What brings you here today?"
A slightly short man greeted her in the hall.
"It's your shift today, Old Lu? Perfect. I need to check a disciple's records."
"Of course. Which disciple has drawn Guardian Yu's personal attention? I'll fetch them immediately."
"The disciple is named Jiang Beiran."
"Jiang Beiran?"
Lu Kangping's expression visibly faltered.
"You know him?"
Noticing his surprise, Yu Manwen pressed further.
"Know him? Not exactly. But Guardian Xu once came to check this disciple's records too."
"Xu Wenjing from the Silent Words Hall?"
"Exactly."
Lu Kangping nodded.
"If I recall correctly, it was about last year. He specifically came to review Jiang Beiran's file."
How intriguing...
Yu Manwen's curiosity burned brighter.
"Then hurry up and bring me this disciple's records, Old Lu."
"Right away. Please wait a moment."
With that, Lu Kangping turned and entered the archives. About ten minutes later, he returned with Jiang Beiran's file and handed it to Yu Manwen. Thanking him, Yu Manwen opened the file and began reading carefully.
This is just... After reviewing all the information, Yu Manwen discovered that Jiang Beiran wasn't even an ordinary disciple—he had remained a nominal disciple for five whole years. Just how lacking in ambition could one be?
Yet the file contained one remarkable detail: over those five years, Jiang Beiran had never failed a single Trial Mission as an Iron Seal for new disciples. While many Iron Seals in the sect could claim the same—since Trial Missions for new disciples weren't overly difficult—they only truly tested an Iron Seal's capability when major unexpected events occurred.
For powerful Iron Seals, maintaining a perfect record wasn't particularly impressive. But for a "bottom-tier" nominal disciple like Jiang Beiran to achieve this...
How bizarre...
Hall Master Zhang isn't the type to be so blind. How could he let such an interesting youngster remain a nominal disciple? Watching Yu Manwen's shifting expressions, Lu Kangping chuckled.
"Guardian Xu wore the exact same look of confusion when he read this file. That's why Jiang Beiran left such a deep impression on me."
So Xu Wenjing got ahead of me? Handing the file back to Lu Kangping, Yu Manwen waved.
"Thanks, Old Lu. Next meal's on me."
With that, she left the Law Enforcement Hall. Holding Jiang Beiran's file, Lu Kangping shook his head with a smile, marveling at how Guardian Yu's reaction mirrored Guardian Xu's exactly. ... Sigh, poor harvest today.
Only triggered five options. Looks like I'll need to go on a Trial Mission soon. The Heart Returning Sect's resources aren't as easy to exploit anymore.
At dusk, having completed his "daily mountain patrol," Jiang Beiran returned to the Blue Heart Pavilion. But as he approached his cottage, he saw an elegant woman standing at his door. No sooner had the young one left than the elder arrives...
Things have been too lively lately. Stealthily retreating two steps, Jiang Beiran was about to pretend he hadn't returned when a melodious voice called out: "Jiang Beiran, where are you going?" His steps froze.
Turning around, he bowed.
"This disciple suddenly recalled the solution to an unfinished chess game and wished to return to the Chess Pavilion."
"Is that so? I rather thought you were trying to flee upon seeing me."
As she spoke, Yu Manwen began walking toward him.
"Not at all. You misunderstand."
Jiang Beiran smiled and bowed again.
"Lying without even blushing—your mental fortitude is impressive."
Yu Manwen chuckled.
"Do you know who I am?"
(End of Chapter)