"This year's Young Heroes Tournament is a comprehensive competition. Besides martial arts contests, there will also be tests in music, calligraphy, painting, and chess. The sect with the highest total score will be declared the winner. And this time, the Hidden Moon Sect has really gone all out to show off—they've prepared extremely enticing rewards for the champion of each event."
"Others might not know, but when it comes to chess, forget just the JB District—you won't find a single young disciple in the entire Peak Province who can match you. That's why I've decided to have you represent our Heart Returning Sect in the chess competition."
Just as Jiang Beiran was about to speak, the System options popped up before him.
[Option 1: Flatly refuse Zhang Heqing. Reward: Crimson Cloud Holy Seal (Earth Grade, High Tier)] [Option 2: Persuade the Sect Master not to participate. Reward: Eight Consciousnesses Return to Origin Technique (Mysterious Grade, High Tier)] [Option 3: Leave the Heart Returning Sect. Reward: Illusory Sea Treasure Manual (Mysterious Grade, Low Tier)] [Option 4: Agree to participate. Reward: Random Basic Skill Point +1] 'What the hell!?
What's going on here!?' Staring at the four options before him, Jiang Beiran was instantly dumbfounded. How long had it been since he last saw an Earth Grade, High Tier reward option?
And judging by the next two choices, if he didn't go this time, the Heart Returning Sect might very well face total annihilation! 'Is the Hidden Moon Sect setting up a Hongmen Banquet here?' However, Jiang Beiran didn't let his shock show on his face.
After immediately selecting Option Four, he answered, "This disciple accepts the mission."
"Ah, don't be so quick to refuse. This matter is—Huh!? You agreed!?"
Zhang Heqing stared at Jiang Beiran in astonishment. Zhang Heqing had already prepared several sets of persuasive arguments and secretly vowed that no matter what excuse Jiang Beiran came up with, he would force him to go. Yet unexpectedly, he had agreed just like that...
"Yes. Hall Master entrusting this important task to me is this disciple's honor."
"Ahahahaha!"
Zhang Heqing immediately stood up, walked around the table, and began vigorously patting Jiang Beiran's shoulder.
"I knew you were a sensible disciple! You understand when to step up for the sect. This Hall Master is truly gratified!"
"Hall Master flatters me. Having been nurtured by the Heart Returning Sect for so many years, it is only right that I give my all for the sect's honor."
"Beiran, I never thought you..."
Hearing Zhang Heqing's voice suddenly choke up, Jiang Beiran quickly looked up and saw that the Hall Master was actually wiping away tears. 'Isn't this a bit much, boss... Do you really need to be this moved?'
Standing up hastily, Jiang Beiran was momentarily at a loss. Comforting the Hall Master would feel strange, and helping him wipe his tears would be even weirder. Seeing Jiang Beiran's flustered expression, Zhang Heqing wiped his tears and said, "A momentary lapse, a momentary lapse.
I always thought you were a disciple who disregarded elders, unruly and arrogant, relying on your talent to..."
"Hall Master, Hall Master! Can we skip the criticism and just move straight to the praise? This disciple admits his mistakes."
"Fine, fine."
Nodding, Zhang Heqing sighed emotionally.
"It seems I misunderstood you before. You truly do consider the sect your home."
"Of course. Without the Heart Returning Sect, this disciple would have long perished out there. For the sect, I am willing to go through fire and water!"
"Excellent. Your devotion truly moves me. Please, sit down."
Returning to his seat, Zhang Heqing took a sip of hot tea to calm himself before continuing, "The Hidden Moon Sect Master's birthday banquet is scheduled for mid-September. Though I know your chess skills are exceptional, I still hope you'll take this time to practice diligently. Being earnest never hurts."
"Understood."
'Mid-September...
That means there's still nearly two months. I must make thorough preparations. Judging by the difficulty of these options, if I'm not well-prepared, I might very well encounter choices ranging from Yellow Grade to even Mysterious Grade.'
Seeing Jiang Beiran lost in serious thought, Zhang Heqing felt nothing but deep satisfaction. Pouring himself another cup of tea, Zhang Heqing said, "Beiran."
"This disciple is listening."
"You mentioned earlier that you help Hall Master Shi tend to her flowers?"
"Yes."
Jiang Beiran nodded.
"Actually, I'm quite knowledgeable about flowers too. How about I join you sometime? It shouldn't just be you working hard for our hall."
"Hall Master also enjoys horticulture?"
"Does it not seem like it?"
Zhang Heqing struck a pose.
"It does, very much so! This disciple is deeply moved by Hall Master's consideration."
"It's only right, only right. Then tomorrow, go inform Hall Master Shi about this. If she agrees, I'll accompany you."
"Agree...? Agree to what?"
Jiang Beiran asked, puzzled.
"Well..."
Zhang Heqing hesitated before answering.
"Since you've met Hall Master Shi, you must know she's... special. So the Sect Master set a rule that us higher-ups have some... restrictions on how often and when we can visit the Mirror Flower Garden. But if Hall Master Shi gives permission, then it's fine."
'So that's how it is...' Jiang Beiran suddenly recalled the disciples lining up daily outside the Mirror Flower Garden. 'Pathetic, truly pathetic...'
Sighing inwardly, Jiang Beiran cupped his hands and replied, "This disciple understands." Zhang Heqing nodded with a smile and continued, "That cultivation site I allocated for you in the back mountains—are you satisfied with it?"
"Very much so. The spiritual energy there is abundant. Hall Master has gone to great lengths for this disciple."
"You've contributed so much to the Blue Heart Hall. This is the least I can do. Also, I recall you mentioned wanting some Thunder Lord Charcoal, correct?" '...'
'So I was right... Hall Master, this is blatant abuse of power!!!' Whether forging or alchemy, controlling fire is crucial.
Thunder Lord Charcoal was an excellent fuel—not only could it reach temperatures unattainable by ordinary charcoal, but it also made the surrounding spiritual energy more active, enhancing the effects of refined pills. However, even within the entire Heart Returning Sect, Thunder Lord Charcoal was a rare commodity, with most of it divided between the Virtue Hall and Hundred Zhang Hall.
As a Blue Heart Hall disciple, obtaining it through normal channels was extremely difficult. But now... a certain Hall Master was clearly about to abuse his authority to open a backdoor for him. Sighing internally, Jiang Beiran nodded.
"Yes, this disciple has wanted it for a long time."
"Good. Since you still need it, I'll find a way to get some for you."
"Many thanks, Hall Master."
"Mm, that settles it then. Here, drink your tea, drink your tea. It's getting cold."
After three rounds of tea, Jiang Beiran finally left the room under Zhang Heqing's repeated reminders to "take this seriously." Turning to gaze at the dazzling night sky, he couldn't help but shake his head.
'Sigh...
The Heart Returning Sect is doomed sooner or later.'
(End of Chapter)