After a heated discussion, Liu Zijin and the other four finally deciphered the first principle in Senior Brother's Three Commandments—they must never reveal how many skills Senior Brother possessed. If they absolutely had to mention something, they could only speak of arts like music, chess, calligraphy, or painting.
Under no circumstances were they to bring up techniques like alchemy or crafting hidden weapons, which could easily make others covetous.
"Good. Next, let's discuss the second rule: no recommending Senior Brother to others as an Iron Seal. Everyone, share your thoughts."
They debated until Hai hour before finally completing the first edition of the Manual for Interacting with Senior Brother. The core principles included never approaching Senior Brother or attempting to greet him in crowded settings, nor revealing his formidable abilities to others—not even to their own masters.
"Wow... we finally finished."
Yu Guimiao stretched lazily, exhaustion written all over her face.
"You were just stuffing your face with pastries the whole time. How shameless," Yu Guizui mercilessly exposed her.
"That's not true! I only had three! And I contributed ideas too!"
"Sure, sure. Here, I've got one left. Want it?"
"Yes! You're the best, Sister!"
Watching Yu Guizui dotingly feed the last piece of poria cake into Yu Guimiao's mouth, Fang Qiuyao couldn't help but chuckle. Back when they weren't as close, she had always thought the three sisters shared an uncanny synergy—all equally bright and vivacious, sometimes making it impossible to tell them apart.
But after spending more time together, she realized they actually had quite distinct personalities. Though the triplets were born nearly at the same time, the youngest, Yu Guimiao, was like a naive little sister, adorable and innocent. Yu Guishui, on the other hand, played the role of an elder sister, always looking after the other two.
As for Yu Guizui, sandwiched in the middle, she was a reliable sister in front of Yu Guimiao but reverted to a coquettish little sister when facing Yu Guishui. Yet when confronted with the same problem, the three sisters would react identically—utterly fascinating.
"Now that we've settled everything, let's all head back and rest. It's getting late," Liu Zijin said as she tidied up the papers and plates on the table.
"Ehh~ I don't wanna go back yet~" Yu Guimiao whined, clearly not ready to call it a night.
Feeling the same, Fang Qiuyao chimed in, "How about... everyone stays here tonight? Just like when we were camping. We can chat some more."
"Great idea!"
The three Yu sisters raised their hands in unison. Liu Zijin hesitated.
"But that's against the rules."
"Zijin-jie~~" Four exquisite faces turned to her, pleading in perfect harmony.
"Ai... fine. Just remember to wake up early."
"Got it!" ......
Three days later, atop Returning Goose Peak, disciples from the Blue Heart Hall and Water Mirror Hall gathered together, their expressions a mix of anticipation, curiosity, and excitement. Given that eighty percent of Blue Heart Hall's members were male and seventy percent of Water Mirror Hall's were female, this meeting was akin to sparks meeting kindling.
Once the disciples from both halls had lined up, Zhang Heqing leaped into the air like a drawn sword, landing firmly on the stone platform with such imposing momentum that gasps erupted from the Water Mirror Hall side. 'Wow... is that Hall Master Zhang of the Star Formation Sword?
So majestic!'
'His sword aura is practically materialized. What level of power does one need to achieve that?' 'His sword energy is so sharp—he must be a very cold and aloof person.' ......
Standing atop the stone platform, Zhang Heqing cleared his throat and amplified his voice with profound energy.
"Greetings, everyone. I am Zhang Heqing, Hall Master of Blue Heart Hall. I warmly welcome all Water Mirror Hall disciples to Returning Goose Peak today. This friendly competition will be personally overseen by me, and I hope both sides can learn something from the exchanges."
Clap clap clap clap clap— Thunderous applause erupted the moment he finished speaking. After delivering a few more opening remarks, Zhang Heqing declared the competition officially open and retreated to the back, taking a seat beside Yu Manwen.
"Guardian Yu, thank you for leading the team today," he said, pouring her some hot tea.
Zhang Heqing said this because an event of this scale—collaboration between two halls—should ideally involve both hall masters. However, Water Mirror Hall's Hall Master Shi was a special case; she was almost never seen at important public gatherings. But Zhang Heqing understood—given her... unique image, it was indeed unsuitable for her to appear in places with too many disciples.
Yu Manwen smiled faintly.
"It's no trouble. This is how it usually is—I'm used to it."
"Is this chair comfortable? If not, I can have someone fetch you another."
"It's quite comfortable, no need to trouble yourself."
"How about this viewing spot? Should we adjust it?"
"It's fine as is."
Yu Manwen pointed forward.
"Hall Master Zhang, the match has begun."
"Ah, right, right. Let's watch the match first."
On the stage, disciples from Water Mirror Hall and Blue Heart Hall clashed, their blades and swords weaving a dazzling spectacle. But Liu Zijin and the others had no mind for the competition at all. Their beautiful eyes were too busy scouring the opposing Blue Heart Hall ranks for someone.
To the male disciples of Blue Heart Hall, however, those gazes were a little too stimulating... 'Is that girl looking at me...? She's so pretty!
Even among all the beauties of Water Mirror Hall, she stands out.' 'Long live the Hall Master! To think he arranged a friendly match with Water Mirror Hall—and possibly long-term collaboration!
This must be to motivate us. I never imagined the Hall Master cared so deeply... I—I will live and die as a disciple of Blue Heart Hall!'
'Those three girls in blue are identical triplets... and all so beautiful! Is my hair messy? Should I adjust my stance?
Would holding my sword make me look cooler?' ...... Meanwhile, in the Mirror Flower Garden, Jiang Beiran was teaching Shi Fenglan's maidservant how to care for the flowers before them.
"These flowers can be divided into hard-leaf and soft-leaf varieties. For example, this Cold Moon Night is a hard-leaf type. The defining feature of hard-leaf plants is the presence of white spots or striped patterns on their surfaces. Hard-leaf and soft-leaf plants also have entirely different light requirements—hard-leaf types prefer diffused light over direct sunlight..."
At this point, the maidservant taking notes asked, "I know what direct light is, but what's diffused light?"
"For example, sunlight filtering through gaps in tree leaves counts as diffused light."
"Oh~ I understand."
The maidservant nodded and quickly jotted this down. Just as Jiang Beiran was about to continue, Shi Fenglan's voice piped up beside him.
"Are you really not going to attend the friendly match between the two halls today?"
"Hall Master Shi isn't going either, no?"
"I'm the Hall Master! I have privileges!"
"Then I'm a nominal disciple—I have privileges too."
"..."
"You're the only person I've ever seen who can proudly declare yourself a nominal disciple. But that's exactly why I admire you, Little Beiran. So... since Manwen isn't here, want to play something more exciting?"
PS: Thank you all for your enthusiastic votes—we've surpassed 4,000! The third update is late but will arrive!
(End of Chapter)