Why did Li Mu Bai have such a strong desire to teach Jen?

In the movie, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, the character, Li Mu Bai, who is a master of the Wudan way of martial arts, longs to teach Jen, a young girl with immense potential in martial arts. In the movie, Li Mu Bai are on opposing sides of the conflict. Jen has committed crimes against Li Mu Bai and his affiliates. Regardless, Li Mu Bai wishes to teacher the Wudan way. Upon seeing Jen fight, Li Mu Bai realizes her potential in channeling her qi as well as honing in on her fighting skills. Although Jen used her abilities for, what some would deem, evil, Li Mu Bai believes that with education, discipline and understanding Jen will be able to see the error of her ways and learn to use her abilities, not out of want, but out of necessity.