I don't believe you!

Jiang Beiran had already anticipated that Yu Manwen would seek him out upon his return. To avoid further complications, he decided to go into "seclusion" and leave Protector Yu hanging for a month. He figured her curiosity would eventually wane, and the situation would naturally resolve itself.

However, what Jiang Beiran never expected was that the Wise and Bright Hall Master, who had always covered for him, would actually...

Seeing Zhang Heqing steal glances at Yu Manwen with a "shy" expression, Jiang Beiran despaired.

The Flower of Returning Heart Sect... is terrifyingly formidable!

Ending his internal monologue, Jiang Beiran stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Disciple Jiang Beiran greets Protector Yu."

Yu Manwen nodded slightly and spoke, "Beiran, you hid away in Blue Heart Xuan as soon as you returned. Are you perhaps avoiding me?"

Just as Jiang Beiran was about to answer, three options appeared before him.

[Option 1: "How could this disciple dare." Completion Reward: Blood Refinement Slash (Profound Grade Low Rank)]

[Option 2: "Protector Yu worries too much. This disciple simply had a sudden inspiration to further improve his Chess Skill, which is why I rushed into seclusion." Completion Reward: Three-Point Double-Edged Blade (Yellow Rank Middle Grade)]

[Option 3: "Yes." Completion Reward: Random Basic Skill Points +1]

Jiang Beiran was taken aback by the options but immediately chose three and replied, "Yes."

[Option Mission Complete. Reward: Painting +1]

Zhang Heqing's expression froze upon hearing this. He quickly shouted, "Jiang Beiran! What nonsense are you spouting? Are you looking for a beating?" He then turned to Yu Manwen and apologized with a smile, "Protector Yu, please forgive my lax discipline. He is disrespectful to his elders. I will punish him severely later."

"No need." Yu Manwen raised her left hand and waved it at Zhang Heqing. She then asked, "Hall Master Zhang, would you mind letting me speak with him alone?"

"This... of course." Zhang Heqing stood up and walked towards the door. As he passed Jiang Beiran, he whispered using Secret Sound Transmission, "Don't anger Protector Yu again, or you'll face the hall rules."

Jiang Beiran nodded immediately, indicating he understood.

With a creak of the wooden door, Zhang Heqing closed it and left the hall.

"Beiran, I knew I wasn't wrong about you." Yu Manwen said as she slowly stood and walked towards Jiang Beiran. "Zi Jin and the others told me everything that happened on the way. You did very well to help those five children grow so much without suffering significant losses."

"Thank you for your praise, Protector Yu."

"However, since you just rejected me so firmly... does that mean you don't want to be involved with them anymore? Or perhaps, you're afraid I'll force you onto the path of cultivation?"

"I..."

Just as Jiang Beiran was about to speak, Yu Manwen held up her hand to stop him. "You don't need to say it, I understand. You possess a maturity far beyond your years. You know what you should and shouldn't do, and you are resolutely walking the path you've chosen. I admire this tenacious will."

Yu Manwen gently patted Jiang Beiran's shoulder. "A person's worth isn't necessarily reflected in their cultivation. I was narrow-minded before, perhaps too hasty. I felt I couldn't waste such a promising talent. But now I understand that you have your own life ideals and noble sentiments. Therefore, I will no longer impose my ideas on you. Rest assured."

...

Protector Yu's lengthy speech left Jiang Beiran completely bewildered.

'Life's ideals? Noble sentiments? What exactly did those girls say about me...'

However, regardless of the process, Jiang Beiran was very pleased with the outcome. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Protector Yu, for your understanding. I will engrave these commendations in my heart."

"Alright, that's all I have to say. Also, you've helped me out this time. I owe you a favor. If you need anything in the future, just ask. I still have some influence within the Returning Heart Sect."

"Thank you, Protector Yu!"

"Mm, keep up the good work. I'll be going now." Yu Manwen finished speaking, turned, pushed open the wooden door, and walked outside.

'This really ended... a bit abruptly.'

However, it was a good thing that Protector Yu was so reasonable. At the very least, he didn't have to worry about her coming up with any more tricks to "toss and turn" him.

Outside the door, Yu Manwen nodded to Zhang Heqing, who was waiting there, after she stepped out. "Thank you for your hospitality today, Hall Master Zhang. I appreciate it."

"Not at all, Protector Yu. You're too polite. You and Beiran... finished talking?"

"Mm." Yu Manwen nodded. "He's a good disciple. It seems the Blue Heart Hall truly teaches well. Our Water Mirror Hall has much to learn from you."

Zhang Heqing smiled humbly after hearing this. "Protector Yu flatters me."

"However, I have some matters to attend to back at the hall today, so I'll take my leave. I'll come to seek your guidance again next time, Hall Master Zhang."

Just then, Me Man, who had left earlier, walked over carrying a tray with a teacup. Seeing Yu Manwen about to leave, she didn't know what to do for a moment.

Zhang Heqing saw this and immediately took the teacup from the tray, handing it to Yu Manwen. "Protector Yu, please have some tea before you go. It was just brewed and smells wonderful."

"Alright." Yu Manwen agreed, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and commented, "It truly is fragrant. Excellent tea."

"I'm glad you like it, Protector Yu. I have plenty of this Emerald Snail. You should take some back for Hall Master Xu to try as well."

"No, thank you, Hall Master Zhang. I'll take my leave now." Yu Manwen placed the teacup back on the tray and walked towards the outside.

"Then I'll see you out...!"

Watching Zhang Heqing chase after her, Jiang Beiran shook his head and sighed. The image of his former hall master's suave demeanor was completely shattered in his heart.

"Sucking up... oh no, love makes people humble!"

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zhang Heqing finally returned, his expression still a little gleeful.

Seeing Jiang Beiran still waiting at the entrance of the hall, Zhang Heqing cleared his throat. "Beiran, you did a great job with the Iron Seal this time. You brought honor to our Blue Heart Hall. I'm recording this as a merit for you."

"Thank you, Hall Master."

"Also, Protector Yu seems to have a very good impression of you. If you have the chance, get to know her better... Huh? Why are you looking at me like that? I mean, you should cherish relationships like this with other halls. Perhaps you can help each other out in the future?"

Listening to his hall master's words, which he himself likely didn't believe, Jiang Beiran lowered his head and cupped his hands. "This disciple obeys."

"Mmm... then you should go back and continue your game."

"Yes."

As Jiang Beiran responded and turned to go back to Blue Heart Xuan, he heard Zhang Heqing suddenly call out to him again, "Beiran, if you have the chance, invite Protector Yu to the hall more often. This is also for the future development of our hall."

'I believe you, you ghost!!'

Suppressing the urge to complain, Jiang Beiran nodded in agreement again. However, what he was thinking was that agreeing was agreeing, but whether he would actually do it depended on his mood.