When Jiang Beiran returned, he had already anticipated that Yu Manwen would come looking for him again. To avoid stirring up more troublesome consequences, he decided to simply "retreat into seclusion" and let this Guardian Yu cool off for a month. Once her curiosity about him faded, the matter would naturally settle.
But what Jiang Beiran never expected was that the usually supportive Hall Master Zhang, who had always covered for him in the past, would this time... Watching Zhang Heqing steal occasional glances at Yu Manwen with that "bashful" expression, Jiang Beiran felt utterly hopeless. 'The Flower of Heart Returning Sect... truly terrifying!'
Ending his internal monologue, Jiang Beiran stepped forward and cupped his hands in salute.
"Disciple Jiang Beiran pays respects to Guardian Yu."
Yu Manwen nodded slightly and said, "Beiran, hiding away in Blue Heart Pavilion as soon as you returned—were you avoiding me?" Just as Jiang Beiran was about to respond, three options appeared before his eyes: [Option 1: "This disciple wouldn't dare." Reward: Blood Refining Slash (Mysterious Grade, Low Tier)] [Option 2: "Guardian Yu overestimates me.
This disciple merely had a sudden inspiration to further improve my chess skills, hence the urgent seclusion." Reward: Three-Pointed Four-Edged Blade (Yellow Grade, Mid Tier)] [Option 3: "Yes." Reward: Random Basic Skill Point +1] Seeing these options, Jiang Beiran himself was momentarily stunned, but he immediately chose the third and answered, "Yes."
[Option mission completed. Reward: Painting +1] Zhang Heqing's expression froze upon hearing this, and he quickly interjected, "Jiang Beiran!
What nonsense are you spouting? Asking for punishment?" He then turned to Yu Manwen with an apologetic smile.
"Guardian Yu, this is my fault for not disciplining him properly, making him disrespectful to his elders. I'll make sure to punish him severely later."
"No need."
Yu Manwen raised her left hand to stop Zhang Heqing, then added, "Might Hall Master Zhang allow me to speak with him alone?"
"Ah... of course."
Zhang Heqing stood and walked toward the door, but as he passed Jiang Beiran, he transmitted a voice message: "Don't anger Guardian Yu again, or you'll face hall discipline." Jiang Beiran nodded immediately to show he understood. With the distinctive creak of wooden doors, Zhang Heqing closed the door and left the hall.
"Beiran, I knew I wasn't wrong about you."
Yu Manwen slowly rose and walked toward him.
"Zijin and the others told me everything that happened on the journey. For those five children to grow so much without suffering major losses—you did very well."
"Many thanks for Guardian Yu's praise."
"But since you rejected me so firmly just now... does that mean you don't want anything more to do with them? Or are you afraid I'll force you onto the path of cultivation?"
"I—" Before Jiang Beiran could speak, Yu Manwen raised a hand to stop him.
"No need to explain. I understand. You possess maturity far beyond your years. You know what you should and shouldn't do, and you walk the path you've chosen with firm resolve. This unyielding will of yours is admirable."
She gently patted Jiang Beiran's shoulder.
"A person's worth isn't solely measured by cultivation. I was narrow-minded before, too hasty in thinking we couldn't waste a promising seedling like you. But now I understand you have your own life ideals and noble sentiments. So I won't impose my views on you anymore—rest assured." '...'
Guardian Yu's lengthy speech left Jiang Beiran utterly bewildered.
'Life ideals? Noble sentiments?
Just what did those girls tell her about me...' Still, regardless of how it happened, this outcome suited Jiang Beiran just fine. He cupped his hands and said, "Many thanks for Guardian Yu's understanding.
This disciple will engrave these praises in my heart."
"Good. That's all I wanted to say. Also, you've done me a favor this time. I owe you a debt. If you ever have any needs in the future, don't hesitate to ask. My words still carry some weight in Heart Returning Sect."
"Many thanks, Guardian Yu!"
"Mmm, keep up the good work. I'll take my leave now."
With that, Yu Manwen turned and pushed open the wooden door to leave. 'That ended... rather abruptly.' But Guardian Yu being so reasonable was naturally a good thing for Jiang Beiran—at least he wouldn't have to worry about her devising new ways to "trouble" him.
Outside, Yu Manwen nodded to the waiting Zhang Heqing.
"I've troubled Hall Master Zhang today. My thanks."
"Not at all, Guardian Yu is too kind. You and Beiran... finished talking?"
"Yes."
Yu Manwen nodded.
"He's an excellent disciple. It seems Blue Heart Hall's teaching methods are truly exemplary—something our Water Mirror Hall should learn from."
Zhang Heqing smiled modestly.
"You flatter us too much, Guardian Yu."
"But I have matters awaiting me back at the hall, so I'll take my leave now. Next time, I'll seek Hall Master Zhang's advice properly."
Just then, the attendant who had left earlier returned with a tray bearing teacups. Seeing Yu Manwen about to depart, he hesitated, unsure what to do. Noticing this, Zhang Heqing immediately took a cup from the tray and offered it to Yu Manwen.
"Guardian Yu, have some tea before you go. Freshly brewed—the aroma is perfect now."
"Very well."
Accepting the cup, Yu Manwen took a sip and remarked, "Indeed fragrant and refreshing.
Excellent tea."
"I'm glad Guardian Yu likes it. I have plenty of this Green Snail tea left—why not take some back for Hall Master Xu to try as well?"
"No need, but I thank Hall Master Zhang for the kindness. I must be going now."
Placing the cup back on the tray, Yu Manwen walked out.
"Then let me see you off...!"
Watching Zhang Heqing hurry after her, Jiang Beiran shook his head and sighed. The once-dignified image of his hall master had completely shattered in his heart.
"Simp—no, love makes men humble indeed!"
About the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Zhang Heqing finally returned, his expression still tinged with quiet excitement. Seeing Jiang Beiran still waiting at the hall entrance, Zhang Heqing cleared his throat.
"Beiran, you performed your Iron Seal duties exceptionally well this time, bringing honor to our Blue Heart Hall. I'll record this as a merit for you."
"Many thanks, Hall Master."
"Also, Guardian Yu seems to think quite highly of you. If opportunities arise, you should... eh? Why are you looking at me like that? I simply mean we should cherish chances to build good relations with other halls—who knows when we might need each other's help?"
Listening to words even the hall master probably didn't believe, Jiang Beiran lowered his head and cupped his hands.
"This disciple obeys."
"Mmm... then return to your chess matches."
"Yes."
Just as Jiang Beiran turned to leave for Blue Heart Pavilion, Zhang Heqing suddenly called out again, "Beiran! When possible, do invite Guardian Yu to visit our hall more often. It's for the hall's future development, you understand."
'I don't believe a word you say!!' Suppressing the urge to retort, Jiang Beiran nodded in agreement once more—though inwardly he resolved that while he might promise, whether he actually acted on it would depend entirely on his mood.
(End of Chapter)