I Just Won't Play By The Book

“Beiran, have you finally thought things through when you came looking for me this time? Trust me, with your intelligence and wisdom, you’ll definitely… Eh? Beiran?”

Just as Yu Manwen was saying some encouraging words with a gratified expression, she realized that Jiang Beiran’s thoughts were no longer with her. It was as if he had sunk into some sort of thinking.

“Jiang Beiran, did you hear what I said to you?”

Hearing Yu Manwen’s slightly raised voice, Jiang Beiran finally came back to his senses. He quickly cupped his hands and said, “I apologized. I was a little distracted because I smelled a strange fragrance just now.”

Seeing that Jiang Beiran was sincere in admitting his mistake, Yu Manwen did not blame him. She asked, “There are countless plants and flowers in this Mirror Garden. Can you distinguish a special smell from them?”

Jiang Beiran nodded and replied, “I usually grew some plants, so I can barely recognize them.”

“Oh? You really have a lot of hobbies. I heard from order Master Zhang that you also dabble in calligraphy and drawing, right?”

“F*ck… Order Master had exposed me?” Jiang Beiran was not happy how Zhang Heqing “betrayed” him.

In order to help Zhang Heqing with some “small favors”, Jiang Beiran had indeed displayed some specialties other than Go skill in front of him. But for so many years, these “small tricks” had always been a secret between the two of them.

However, Law Protector Yu clearly knew something about Jiang Beiran’s skills. He reckoned that Law Protector probably didn’t even ask about it. It was Zhang Heqing who took the initiative to offer his secret.

“But at least I wasn’t sold completely. He only told her some of my insignificant skills.”

Although it was hard for Jiang Beiran to believe that Zhang Heqing would be able to protect his secret in front of Yu Manwen, he could only close his eyes and pray that Zhang Heqing didn’t reveal even more of his secrets.

After ending his inward ridicule, Jiang Beiran replied, “It’s not something impressive. It’s not worth showing off.”

After hearing that, Yu Manwen shook her head, placing her right hand on Jiang Beiran’s shoulder. She said softly, “I know that you have never given up on yourself and have always been looking for your own path. This is very good. Compared to those disciples who give up on themselves once they knew they’re not talented, you are a hundred times better.”

“I…”

“You don’t have to say more, I understand.” Yu Manwen used her hand to block in front of Jiang Beiran. “So, you took the initiative to look for me this time because you plan to work hard on your cultivation again?”

“Thank you for your concern, Law Protector Yu. But this time, I came because I received an order from Order Master. I have something to discuss with you.”

Hearing that Jiang Beiran did not come to ask for advice on cultivation, Yu Manwen immediately revealed a disappointed expression. Her tone also became relatively calm. “Oh, what did he ask you to talk to me about?”

Seeing the 180-degree change in Law Protector Yu’s attitude, Jiang Beiran was also very speechless. He did not understand why this law protector wanted him to walk on her path of cultivation so much. “Is she being a kind teacher, or did she think that I’m a little lamb that has lost its way in life?” Jiang Beiran pondered.

However, none of this was important. Jiang Beiran replied, “Our Order Master intends to deepen our relationship with the Order of Water Mirror and advance together.”

“Advance together? Your Order of Blue Heart focuses on studying Go skills. How can you advance together with the Order of Water Mirror?”

“You are right. I will go back and report to Order Master.” Jiang Beiran turned around and was about to leave.

“Hey!” Seeing that Jiang Beiran was really going to leave, Yu Manwen quickly grabbed him and said, “Are you really going to leave just like that? Aren’t you going to fight for more?”

Jiang Beiran turned around and replied, “What you said is absolutely right. It makes me speechless.”

After thinking for a moment, Yu Manwen said, “Actually, it’s not completely impossible. After all, both Go game and music are elegant activities. There’s always something in common. Moreover, it’s also possible for us to spar with each other in martial arts. We would like to learn the Sishui Sword Style of your Order of Blue Heart.”

Upon hearing these familiar words, Jiang Beiran couldn’t help but shout in his heart, “I beg you to marry our Order Master now! You both have the exact same thought!”

Looking at Jiang Beiran’s stunned expression, Yu Manwen continued, “However, I don’t have the final say in this matter. I need to go look for your Order Master. Of course, if you can agree to one of my conditions, I can put in a good word for you.”

“No, I don’t want to put you in a difficult position because of me. I’d better go back and report this to Order Master.”

“Jiang Beiran!” Yu Manwen’s voice suddenly raised a pitch.

“I’m here,” Jiang Beiran immediately replied.

Yu Manwen’s beautiful eyes widened. She was about to scold Jiang Beiran, but in the end, she softened her heart. “Do you know why this I want to bring you on the path of cultivation so much?”

“I do not know. Please tell me, Law Protector Yu.”

“I have been in the Sect of Returning Hearts for so many years and have seen all kinds of disciples, but you are the most special one. Usually, when disciples know that they have no talent for cultivation or that their talent is far inferior to other disciples, they will either complain or give up on themselves. Some of them even go astray.”

“But you’re different. Even though you can’t cultivate, you’re optimistic and hard working. You’re doing the best you can. You’re clearly only at level five of the Qi refining stage, but when it comes to the iron seal, you’ve never made any mistakes. You’re even trying hard to find opportunities to show your worth. If you can match such qualities with a sufficiently high cultivation base, you’ll definitely become a role model among the disciples of the Sect of Returning Hearts.”

Without waiting for Jiang Beiran’s reply, Yu Manwen continued, “However, I’m not going to force you, because you have your own arrangements. The condition I mentioned just now is that I want you to organize the cooperation between the two orders. I hope that the disciples of both orders will be influenced by you through this event and become more optimistic.”

When he heard the first half of the sentence, Jiang Beiran was really touched. However, when he heard that Law Protector Yu wanted to push him to the position of leader of the cooperation, he instantly gave up. Wasn’t he trying to set himself on fire if he agreed?

Therefore, Jiang Beiran cupped his hands and replied, “Thank you for your kindness, Law Protector Yu. I am deeply touched. Then, I will no longer hide it. I will speak from the heart to you.”

“I have been in the Heart Returning Sect for five years. I have seen too much right and wrong. I know very well that a tall tree catches more wind. If I do not have enough ability but sit in a position that I couldn’t bear, it will only lead to a fatal disaster.”

“This…” Yu Manwen sighed after listening. “Sigh, what you said is reasonable.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Yu Manwen nodded gently and said, “Although you don’t want to be the person in charge, I still think highly of you. If you need any help in the future, just let me know. I believe that you will become successful.”

“I am extremely grateful.” Jiang Beiran bowed.

Yu Manwen smiled and shook her head, “Sigh, I don’t know how you have developed such a mature and cautious character at such a young age.”

“Don’t make fun of me, Law Protector Yu.” Jiang Beiran saw that the atmosphere was good, so he took the opportunity to ask, “I want to find the source of this strange fragrance. Can you guide me, Law Protector Yu?”

“Sure, let me see how sharp your nose is..”