I Believe Your Ghost!

Jiang Beiran had anticipated that Yu Manwen would come looking for him again as soon as he returned. To avoid inviting even more trouble afterward, he had decided to simply "go into secluded cultivation and vanish," leaving Protector Yu hanging for a month. Once her curiosity about him gradually cooled, the matter would naturally settle down.

But what Jiang Beiran had never expected was that the Wise and Bright Hall Master, who had always covered for him in every possible way before, would actually...

Watching Zhang Heqing steal glances at Yu Manwen now and then with a "shy" expression, Jiang Beiran fell into despair.

The Flower of Returning Heart Sect... was terrifying beyond measure!

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

Yu Manwen nodded slightly and said, "Beiran, you hid yourself away in Blue Heart Xuan the moment you returned. Could it be that you were avoiding me?"

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

[Option One: "How would this disciple dare?" Completion Reward: Blood Refinement Slash (Profound Grade Low Rank)]

[Option Two: "Protector Yu worries too much. This disciple merely had a sudden flash of inspiration and wished to further improve his chess skill, which was why I hurried into secluded cultivation." Completion Reward: Three-Point Double-Edged Blade (Yellow Rank Middle Grade)]

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

Jiang Beiran himself was stunned when he saw the three options, but he still immediately chose the third and answered, "Yes."

[Option task completed. Reward: Painting +1]

Zhang Heqing froze at once upon hearing that, then hurriedly shouted, "Jiang Beiran! What nonsense are you spouting!? Is your hide itching?" He then turned to Yu Manwen with an apologetic smile. "Protector Yu, it is my fault for being lax in my discipline. That is why he has no respect for his elders. I will certainly punish him properly afterward."

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

"This... of course." Zhang Heqing stood and walked toward the door, but as he passed Jiang Beiran, he used Secret Sound Transmission to say, "Do not anger Protector Yu again, or the hall rules will deal with you."

Jiang Beiran immediately nodded to show that he understood.

Amid the distinctive creak of a wooden door, Zhang Heqing shut it and left the hall.

"Beiran, I knew I had not misjudged you." As Yu Manwen spoke, she slowly rose and walked toward Jiang Beiran. "Zi Jin and the others told me about everything that happened along the way. You did very well. You helped those five children grow so much without letting them suffer any major losses."

"Thank you for the praise, Protector Yu."

"But since you rejected me so firmly just now... does that mean you do not wish to become entangled with them again? Or perhaps you fear that I would force you onto the path of cultivation?"

"I..."

Just as Jiang Beiran was about to speak, Yu Manwen raised a hand before him. "No need to say anything. I understand. You possess maturity far beyond your years. You know what you should and should not do, and you have resolutely walked the path you chose. I greatly admire that steadfast will of yours."

As she spoke, Yu Manwen gently patted Jiang Beiran's shoulder. "A person's worth does not necessarily have to be reflected in cultivation. I was narrow-minded before, somewhat too hasty. I always felt it would be a waste to let such a promising seedling as you go untapped. But now I understand that you have your own ideals in life and noble sentiments. So from now on, I will not force my thoughts upon you. Rest assured."

*...*

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

Ideals in life? Noble sentiments? What exactly did those girls tell her about me...?

No matter the process, however, Jiang Beiran quite liked this outcome. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Protector Yu. This disciple will keep these praises engraved in my heart."

"Very well, that is all I wished to say. Also, this time you have done this Protector a favor. I owe you one. If you need anything in the future, speak freely. I can still get a few words in within Returning Heart Sect."

"Thank you, Protector Yu!"

"Mm, keep working hard. I will be leaving first." With that, Yu Manwen turned, pushed open the wooden door, and walked outside.

That really ended... rather suddenly.

Still, it was naturally a good thing for Jiang Beiran that Protector Yu could be so understanding. At the very least, he no longer had to worry about her coming up with some new way to "toss and turn" him.

Outside, Yu Manwen nodded to Zhang Heqing, who had been waiting there. "I have troubled you today, Hall Master Zhang. Thank you."

"Not at all, Protector Yu. You are too courteous. You and Beiran... finished talking?"

"Mm." Yu Manwen nodded. "He is a good disciple. Blue Heart Hall truly teaches well. Water Mirror Hall should learn more from you."

Zhang Heqing smiled modestly. "Protector Yu overpraises us."

"However, there are still matters in the hall awaiting my return today, so I shall take my leave. Next time, I will come seek Hall Master Zhang's guidance again."

At that moment, the man who had left earlier walked over carrying a tray with teacups on it. Seeing that Yu Manwen seemed to be leaving, he did not know what to do for a moment.

Seeing this, Zhang Heqing immediately took a teacup from the tray and offered it to Yu Manwen. "Protector Yu, have some tea before you go. It was just brewed and is at its most fragrant."

"Very well." Yu Manwen took the cup and drank a sip, then commented, "It truly is filled with a refreshing fragrance. Fine tea."

"As long as Protector Yu likes it. I still have quite a bit of this Emerald Snail tea. Take some back and let Hall Master Xu have a taste as well."

"No need. Thank you for your kindness, Hall Master Zhang. I shall take my leave now." After saying that, Yu Manwen placed the teacup back onto the tray and walked outside.

"Then I will see you off...!"

Watching Zhang Heqing chase after her, Jiang Beiran shook his head and sighed. The former image of the Hall Master as carefree and dashing shattered completely in his heart.

"Bootlicking... no, love makes people humble!"

About the time it took for one incense stick to burn, Zhang Heqing finally returned, his expression still carrying a trace of delighted excitement.

Seeing Jiang Beiran still waiting at the entrance to the hall, Zhang Heqing coughed lightly and said, "Beiran, you did very well as Iron Seal this time. You brought honor to our Blue Heart Hall. I will remember this merit."

"Thank you, Hall Master."

"Also, Protector Yu seems to have a rather good impression of you. When you have the chance, get more familiar with her... Hm? Why are you looking at me like that? What I mean is that we should cherish relationships like this, ones that can help us get along with other halls. Perhaps we may be able to help each other in the future."

Listening to words that even the Hall Master himself probably did not believe, Jiang Beiran lowered his head and cupped his hands. "This disciple accepts the order."

"Mm... then go back and continue your game."

"Yes."

Just as Jiang Beiran answered and turned to return to Blue Heart Xuan, he heard Zhang Heqing suddenly call after him again. "Beiran, when you have the chance, invite Protector Yu to visit the hall more often. This is also for the future development of our hall."

I believe your ghost!!

Suppressing the urge to complain, Jiang Beiran nodded in agreement once more. Naturally, though, agreeing was one thing—whether he actually did it would depend on his mood.