"Beiran, have you finally come to your senses this time? Trust me, with your intelligence and talent, you'll definitely... Hmm? Beiran?"
Just as Yu Manwen was speaking words of encouragement with a pleased expression, she noticed Jiang Beiran's thoughts had long wandered elsewhere, seemingly lost in some contemplation.
"Jiang Beiran, did you hear what I said?"
Hearing Yu Manwen's slightly raised voice, Jiang Beiran snapped back to attention and quickly cupped his hands in apology.
"This disciple apologizes. It's just that I caught a whiff of an unusual fragrance and was momentarily distracted."
Seeing Jiang Beiran's sincere attitude, Yu Manwen didn't reprimand him too harshly and asked, "This Mirror Flower Garden has countless plants and flowers. You could distinguish a particular scent among them?" Jiang Beiran nodded.
"This disciple usually tends to some flowers and plants, so I can recognize scents to some extent."
"Oh? You really do have quite a few hobbies. I heard from Hall Master Zhang that you've also dabbled in calligraphy and painting, is that right?"
'Damn... he sold me out too quickly.' To help Zhang Heqing with some "small favors," Jiang Beiran had indeed displayed some talents beyond chess in front of this hall master. But for many years, these "minor skills" had remained a little secret between the two of them.
Now, however, Jiang Beiran suspected that Hall Master Zhang had volunteered the information without Yu Manwen even needing to ask. 'At least he didn't spill everything—just some harmless hobbies.' Though Jiang Beiran found it hard to believe Zhang Heqing could hold back in front of Yu Manwen, at this point, he could only close his eyes and pray.
After silently venting his frustration, Jiang Beiran replied, "I merely dabbled in them haphazardly. Nothing worth mentioning." Yu Manwen shook her head and placed her right hand on Jiang Beiran's shoulder, speaking gently.
"I know you've never given up on yourself and have always been searching for your own path. That's good—far better than those disciples who abandon themselves upon realizing their lack of talent."
"I..."
"No need to explain. I understand."
Yu Manwen raised a hand to stop him.
"So, have you come to me this time to make another effort in cultivation?"
"Thank you for your concern, Guardian Yu, but I came here under Hall Master's orders to discuss a matter with you."
Hearing that Jiang Beiran wasn't here to seek guidance on cultivation, Yu Manwen's expression immediately turned disappointed, her tone cooling.
"Oh? What does he want you to discuss with me?"
Watching Guardian Yu's complete shift in attitude, Jiang Beiran was speechless. He couldn't understand why this guardian was so insistent on pushing him onto the path of cultivation. Did she enjoy teaching others, or did she see him as a lost lamb wandering aimlessly in life?
But none of that mattered now. Jiang Beiran replied, "Our Hall Master wishes to strengthen ties with the Water Mirror Hall and work together for mutual progress."
"Mutual progress? Your Blue Heart Hall focuses on chess studies. How can you work with our Water Mirror Hall?"
"Guardian Yu speaks wisely. I shall return and report this to Hall Master."
With that, Jiang Beiran turned to leave.
"Wait!"
Seeing Jiang Beiran actually about to walk away, Yu Manwen quickly grabbed his arm.
"You're really just going to leave like that? Won't you try to persuade me further?"
Jiang Beiran turned back and answered, "Truly, Guardian Yu's words are so reasonable that I have no retort." After a moment of thought, Yu Manwen said, "Actually, it's not entirely impossible. After all, both are refined pursuits—there must be common ground.
And we could always exchange pointers in martial arts. Your Blue Heart Hall's Four Waters Sword Art is something we could learn from." Hearing these familiar words, Jiang Beiran couldn't help but scream internally: "I beg you, just marry our Hall Master already!
Your thought processes are identical!" Seeing Jiang Beiran's stunned expression, Yu Manwen continued, "But this isn't something I can decide alone. We'd need to consult our Hall Master.
Of course, if you agree to one condition, I might be able to put in a good word for you."
"No need. This disciple wouldn’t want to trouble Guardian Yu on my account. I’ll just report back to Hall Master as things stand."
"Jiang Beiran!"
Yu Manwen's voice suddenly rose an octave.
"This disciple is here."
Jiang Beiran responded immediately. Yu Manwen glared at him, about to scold him, but ultimately softened.
"Do you know why I’ve been so eager to guide you onto the path of cultivation?"
"This disciple is dull-witted. Please enlighten me, Guardian."
"In all my years at the Heart Returning Sect, I’ve seen all kinds of disciples. But you are the most unique. Ordinary disciples, upon realizing they have no talent for cultivation or that theirs is far worse than others’, either spend their days complaining about fate or abandon themselves to despair. Some even take the wrong path."
"But you’re different. Though you cannot cultivate, you remain optimistic, doing your best within your limits. Despite being only at the fifth level of Qi Refining, you’ve never made a mistake as an Iron Seal. You actively seek opportunities to prove your worth. With such qualities, coupled with sufficient cultivation, you could undoubtedly become a role model for all disciples in our sect."
Before Jiang Beiran could respond, Yu Manwen continued, "But I don’t wish to force you. Since you have your own plans, I won’t press you. The condition I mentioned earlier was for you to organize the joint activities between our halls.
I hoped that through this, disciples from both halls could be inspired by you and become more positive and optimistic." Listening to the first half of her words, Jiang Beiran was genuinely moved. But when he heard she wanted to put him in a leadership position, he immediately resisted.
That would be throwing him into the fire! So he cupped his hands and replied, "Thank you for your high regard, Guardian Yu. I’m deeply touched.
Then I’ll speak frankly."
"This disciple has been in the Heart Returning Sect for five years and witnessed too many disputes. I understand the saying 'Tall trees catch much wind.' Without sufficient ability, sitting in a position beyond one’s station invites disaster."
"This..."
Yu Manwen sighed.
"Ah, you’re not wrong."
"I’m glad Guardian Yu understands."
Nodding gently, Yu Manwen said, "Though you refuse to take the lead, I still hold great expectations for you. If you ever need help in the future, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll always believe that one day, you’ll soar to great heights."
"This disciple is endlessly grateful."
Jiang Beiran bowed. Yu Manwen smiled and shook her head.
"Ah, I don’t know how someone so young became so cautious and mature."
"Guardian Yu, please don’t tease me."
Seeing the mood lighten, Jiang Beiran seized the chance to ask, "This disciple would like to find the source of that unusual fragrance. Might Guardian Yu accompany me?"
"Very well. Let’s see just how sharp your nose is."
(End of Chapter)