Chapter 222: An Eternal Chess Match

Swap positions?

Inside the Jixia Academy.

All the Great Scholars each appeared somewhat surprised.

Nobody expected that at this moment, the Jixia Academy would actually choose to swap positions.

Moreover, Duan Kong is the Eastern Wilderness Chess King.

He was originally the last.

Now he has been moved to first place, which is indeed surprising.

However, Duan Kong had no nonsense; after the position swap, he came to the first chessboard.

Afterward, he gazed at the man before him.

Feeling Duan Kong's gaze, Wu Yangzi took a deep breath, sensing the pressure exerted by the other.

Duan Kong.

Eastern Wilderness Chess King.

"Greetings, senior."

Wu Yangzi bowed to Duan Kong.

"Guess the piece."

Hearing Wu Yangzi's voice, Duan Kong spoke lightly, showing no expression, merely letting the other guess the piece.

Normally, black moves first, but at this level of competition, it's the guess that goes first.

"Good."

Wu Yangzi also had no nonsense.

Soon the two finished guessing the piece, and Wu Yangzi won.

He took the black pieces, then placed a piece, while Gu Jin Nian stood to the side, quietly observing.

Their match drew everyone's attention, not because of Wu Yangzi, but because of Duan Kong; they did not know who Wu Yangzi was, simply because of Duan Kong.

In their eyes, Wu Yangzi would likely be defeated soon.

After all, what they really wanted to see was Gu Jin Nian's appearance, to play against Duan Kong.

But soon, the two had already begun placing pieces, and the speed of placement was not slow; Wu Yangzi's expression remained calm.

By the end, both sides had placed nearly a hundred moves, finally sparking a heated debate.

"They've already made a hundred moves?"

"Who is this person? Actually able to play a hundred moves against the Chess King Duan Kong?"

"This person is quite different."

Some voices sounded, and there was some surprise in their eyes.

After all, being able to play a hundred moves against Chess King Duan Kong is indeed somewhat unbelievable.

However, at this moment, Wu Yangzi placed a piece, and instantly a golden light shone from the chessboard, bursting forth.

"Holy Hand."

"Is it a Holy Hand?"

Someone exclaimed, pointing at the chessboard and shouting.

With this sound, all eyes instantly gathered on Wu Yangzi.

People were astonished, feeling it unbelievable.

Even some were bewildered.

Nobody expected that at this moment, Wu Yangzi would actually play a Holy Hand? Even Su Wenjing couldn't help but furrow his brows at this moment.

It seems this Holy Hand is extremely different?

"What is a Holy Hand?"

But some could not understand and couldn't help asking, not comprehending what a Holy Hand is.

"Chess player."

"Those with vital energy and spirit inside; the stronger the chess player, the stronger their grasp of chess techniques."

"The Way of Chess contains all possibilities of heaven and earth; thus, when true masters of the Way of Chess face off, it is not a simple chess match, but a clash of spirits, a contest of heavenly principles."

"Therefore, at a critical moment, if one can play an exquisite move, it will bring forth an omen; this phenomenon is called a Holy Hand, like a sage placing a piece, capable of determining heaven and earth."

A master of the Way of Chess spoke up, giving an explanation, telling everyone what a Holy Hand is.

Indeed, upon hearing this, tens of thousands of scholars were shocked, feeling unprecedented surprise.

They never imagined that the obscure Wu Yangzi could actually play a Holy Hand move.

This is indeed somewhat unbelievable.

It is also utterly shocking.

But soon, what amazed everyone was that Duan Kong placed a piece, and instantly the golden light became even more brilliant.

"Another Holy Hand?"

"The Chess King truly lives up to his name, turning disadvantage into victory?"

"This match is worthy of being recorded in history."

"This is a peak showdown of the Way of Chess."

People discussed and also marveled at the two's abilities.

Playing a Holy Hand, in a sense, already counts as winning; Wu Yangzi placed a piece, exquisitely perfect, but unexpectedly, Duan Kong also accomplished a momentum kill.

This is terrifying; normally, it's rare for both sides to play a Holy Hand.

However, Wu Yangzi had no fear; he placed pieces faster, almost without hesitation.

However, this time there was no omen.

And Duan Kong was the same.

The two placed their pieces very quickly, faster than before, exchanging over a hundred moves, capturing each other's pieces.

After half an incense stick's time had passed, finally two-thirds of the board had been filled with pieces.

At this very moment.

Duan Kong's expression was already calm, Wu Yangzi showed no panic either; he held his piece, thought for five breaths, then placed a piece.

Soon, Duan Kong remained silent for four breaths, then also placed a piece.

Their speed slowed down, unlike before when placing pieces was extremely fast.

Thus they exchanged moves about twenty times.

Some voices also rose in response.

"The black pieces have turned into a dragon."

Someone exclaimed.

When looking at the board, the black pieces had already taken the form of a great dragon, appearing markedly different.

Meanwhile, the white pieces were indeed somewhat at a disadvantage.

"If the black pieces become a dragon, this game is surely won."

"I never expected there to be such a talent capable of surpassing Duan Kong."

People exclaimed, praising Wu Yangzi.

But at this moment, Duan Kong fell silent; he held the white pieces, remained silent for ten breaths, full ten breaths, and placed a piece at the very last moment.

In that instant, who knows how many people sighed with emotion.

"Duan Kong has lost."

"He is going to lose."

"I never imagined there would be such a young person capable of defeating the Chess King, Duan Kong."

"With Heaven's Mandate blessing this place, if Wu Yangzi wins, he will likely receive a Heaven's Mandate."

"This move means little; it's still defensive, but the black dragon has already emerged—after placing the piece, Duan Kong will surely lose."

"Taking ten breaths to place a piece already shows signs of defeat."

"At their level, the later one places a piece, the more it signifies."

Some voices sounded; they were not belittling Duan Kong, but stating the fact.

Not far away, Chang Yun Tian gazed at all this indifferently, yet a smile could not help but appear in his eyes.

As long as they defeat Duan Kong, they can then ride the wind and break the waves; the other eight certainly cannot match this Duan Kong.

In that case, this Heaven's Mandate mark will be theirs to claim; even if Gu Jin Nian feels great reluctance, he will have to accept his fate.

"Thank you, sir, for letting me win."

At this moment, Wu Yangzi's voice rang out; he was very confident and directly placed a piece.

As this piece fell.

The black dragon fully emerged at this moment, then shot up into the heavens.

A black dragon appeared on the board, its countenance ferocious, gazing at Duan Kong.

A gale swept the front hall; the black dragon had formed, and would win this match.

By this time, Wu Yangzi was very calm, even a bit arrogant, preemptively thanking Duan Kong for letting him win.

But the fact is indeed so; in the game, it's simply about which side first condenses a great dragon, and whoever does so earlier basically has a greater chance to win.

This chance of victory is at least around ninety percent, especially now that the game has reached its end.

A comeback is even harder; if it were the middle game, one could still say anything is possible.

As more pieces are placed, the number of deductions decreases, because once something is decided, it stays decided.

Facing the black dragon's gaze.

Duan Kong appeared utterly calm, turning his gaze toward Wu Yangzi and said.

"Your chess intent is strong; you are the strongest existence I have ever seen."

"Your layout is meticulous, your chess style steady and solid yet not lacking in ferocity; having entered the Jixia Academy and been carefully nurtured for twenty years, this Chess King's position can be yielded to you."

Duan Kong spoke, looking at Wu Yangzi, praising his ability from the heart.

Very strong.

He is a rare genius of the chess Dao.

He felt a reluctance to waste such talent.

But Wu Yangzi is certainly no ordinary person.

"Thank you for your good intentions, sir."

"May I ask, sir, will you continue playing?"

Wu Yangzi said confidently.

He already had victory in his grasp.

However, Duan Kong said nothing, instead placing a piece at the fastest speed.

Click.

A white piece fell.

Just in an instant.

Light shot up to the heavens, the white pieces converged into a long sword, directly severing the black dragon's claws.

"Dragon Slaying Technique?"

"Dragon Slaying Chess Game?"

"It's actually a Dragon Slaying Chess Game?"

"Hiss, Chess King Duan actually hid such a move."

"The previous move wasn't a show of weakness but a setup, luring Wu Yangzi into forming a big dragon; in fact, it was to confuse Wu Yangzi, and unexpectedly slew the dragon."

"Terrifying, terrifying, truly terrifying."

"Voices sounded one after another; they felt shocked, each and every one excited beyond measure."

"Wu Yangzi set up a big dragon chess formation, making all the black stones connect into a dragon, while Duan Kong alternated between attacking and defending, also condensing his own big dragon."

"Although it seemed Wu Yangzi had successfully condensed a big dragon early, in fact, at the previous move, Duan Kong only placed a stone after ten breaths; this was to confuse Wu Yangzi."

"The simplest defense."

"And after Wu Yangzi placed his stone, forming the big dragon, Duan Kong directly severed the dragon's claws, creating a barrier, while the defensive stone from the previous move occupied an excellent position."

"Forming a perfect defense."

"In other words, this stone is advantageous for Duan Kong's ensuing relentless offense."

"And Wu Yangzi can only passively accept the defense."

"The Way of Go."

"The further along, any small mistake becomes immensely terrifying."

"Earlier, even if you misstep one or two moves, it might not cause too much trouble."

"Viewing the chessboard as a battlefield, both sides have millions of troops; even if some soldiers are lost and some territory ceded early on, the problem won't be great."

"Both sides exchange territories and exchange soldiers."

"Later, when there's no room to retreat, they must confront head-on; at that point, each side's forces are actually few, perhaps only one or two thousand left."

"So at this point, losing two or three hundred is a major vitality wound."

"Gu Jin Nian earnestly watched the Go; although he didn't understand much, after watching the match he inexplicably grasped many principles."

"At this moment."

"Wu Yangzi felt as if struck by lightning, his expression grim to the extreme; he never imagined that at this moment Duan Kong had laid such a trap."

"Your turn."

"At this moment, Duan Kong's voice sounded, because the ten-breath time was almost up."

"Wu Yangzi took a deep breath, quickly placed a stone, making a basic defense."

"But Duan Kong placed stones extremely fast; almost as soon as Wu Yangzi placed a stone, Duan Kong immediately followed, and now the entire situation is within his calculations."

"He seemed to have calculated where Wu Yangzi would play, so he placed his stone without hesitation."

"This stone was placed."

"The white stones turned into blades, once again slashing at the black dragon."

"Wu Yangzi's expression grew ever uglier, but due to the time limit, he could only place a stone quickly within ten breaths."

"Thus, in fewer than ten rounds."

"With the final blade cut, the black stone dragon split in two, utterly doomed with no place to bury."

"Pa."

"The stone in Wu Yangzi's hand fell; his expression turned ashen defeat, for he had lost, and lost miserably, lost outright."

"One mistaken move."

"Step by step mistaken."

"I have lost."

"Wu Yangzi spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse, finding it hard to accept this."

"Do you know where you went wrong?"

"Duan Kong's voice sounded."

"He had no joy of victory, but instead gazed at his opponent."

"I don't know."

"Wu Yangzi lifted his head, gazing at Duan Kong, feeling somewhat curious."

"Your desire to win is too strong."

"When you believe you will surely win, your flaw has already appeared."

"The Way of Go: one should prepare to lose first, then consider winning."

"Losing at Go is inevitable; winning is merely accidental."

"Do you understand?"

"Duan Kong spoke; these words were so profound that Wu Yangzi simply couldn't understand them."

"He lowered his head and remained silent."

"But in the end he still shook his head and said."

"It's my arrogance."

"But give me enough time, and I will surpass everything."

"Wu Yangzi spoke, his gaze extremely firm, looking at the latter."

"I look forward to our next game."

"Duan Kong spoke, he didn't continue to say much more."

"Wu Yangzi said nothing, bowed to Duan Kong, then turned and left."

"At this moment, many people sighed for him; just one step, one mistaken move, and the whole board is lost."

"But likewise, these people deeply marveled at Duan Kong's Go prowess, which is indeed too strong."

Strong to the point of being inconceivable.

However, soon everyone's gazes involuntarily fell on Gu Jin Nian.

Now the only person who can fight him is Gu Jin Nian.

Although they didn't know whether Gu Jin Nian could play chess, those three words—Gu Jin Nian—already represented many miracles.

So they still subconsciously looked up to Gu Jin Nian.

At this moment.

As Wu Yangzi left.

Gu Jin Nian came to the chess table, all the chess pieces flew up and entered the chess box.

"Junior Gu Jin Nian, I pay my respects to the senior."

Gazing at Duan Kong, Gu Jin Nian bowed and paid his respects.

"Lord Gu's great righteousness."

"Duan Kong pays his respects."

However, the ever-proud Duan Kong, upon seeing Gu Jin Nian again, couldn't help but bow, and facing Gu Jin Nian he did not act arrogantly.

This is the benefit of fame.

Gu Jin Nian's fame had long echoed between heaven and earth, so seeing Gu Jin Nian, Duan Kong acted thus.

Such honor made many people feel moved, and it was also filled with envy.

"Junior only knows a little about the Way of Chess, and hopes the senior will go easy."

Gu Jin Nian was also very sincere, he directly stated that he only knew a little about the Way of Chess.

Upon hearing this, all the observing scholars didn't know what to say, unsure whether Gu Jin Nian was being modest or simply honest.

But after saying that, Duan Kong nodded and said:

"Lord Gu's great righteousness, you may go ahead and place the first piece."

Duan Kong also sensed that Gu Jin Nian didn't really understand the Way of Go; it was a kind of momentum, just like a martial artist can instantly sense another martial artist's strength.

"No need for that, we'll still guess for the pieces."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head, he said this was just to clarify the situation, not hoping the other side would give him a handicap.

Duan Kong didn't say much.

Gu Jin Nian guessed for the pieces, his luck was good, he could go first.

At that moment.

Gu Jin Nian took the black stones, slowly placed a piece in the upper left.

But just as Gu Jin Nian placed the piece,

A burst of light blossomed within his body.

This beam of light, Gu Jin Nian recalled, was a strange light that appeared after picking the All-Beings Fruit; back then he was also very curious, not knowing what it was, and subconsciously thought it was something similar to an Immortal Spirit Root.

But unexpectedly, at this moment, this beam of light blossomed within his body.

Immediately after.

An inconceivable scene appeared.

Boom.

On the ancient chessboard, at this moment a terrifying light burst forth directly, golden light shooting up to the heavens, causing the Jixia Academy to tremble.

At this moment, in the front hall, a fierce wind arose; Gu Jin Nian in a white robe, after placing the piece, his expression calm, yet gave an indescribable charm.

"Holy Hand!"

"The first move is a Holy Hand?"

"Hiss, this damn thing is called 'knowing a little'?"

"Opening with a Holy Hand? This is a Chess Sage."

"Placing the Holy Hand, placing the Holy Hand, Gu Jin Nian's Way of Chess technique has reached the Holy Realm."

At this moment, countless people were moved; among the crowd, Su Wenjing clenched his fists even tighter, staring at Gu Jin Nian, feeling incredulous.

He had just sent a voice transmission to Gu Jin Nian, but discovered that the front hall was actually set up with a strange formation that blocked his voice transmission.

But unexpectedly, Gu Jin Nian's opening Holy Hand caused such a phenomenon?

How could this not shock him?

"Good, good, Jin Nian, you even dared to deceive this old man? This is called not knowing how to play?"

Su Wenjing was utterly shocked in his heart.

At this moment, he didn't know what to say.

And Wu Yangzi, who had just walked out of the front hall, upon sensing this astonishing chess-way phenomenon, involuntarily turned his head to look.

When he saw the heaven-reaching golden light on the chessboard, the whole person stood frozen in place.

Almost everyone was like that.

They knew Gu Jin Nian definitely had some skill; even though Gu Jin Nian had just spoken modestly a few sentences, they still believed Gu Jin Nian definitely hid his abilities.

But they never expected Gu Jin Nian to hide this deeply? This is damn, a bit absurd.

Not to mention the crowd, even Gu Jin Nian himself was somewhat astonished, having never expected himself to still have this move.

To be honest, he had originally planned to just make a casual move, roughly end it; being able to play against the current strongest in the Way of Chess and learn something was already quite good.

But he never expected this to happen.

However, Duan Kong in front of the chess table was merely surprised for a moment, but quickly regained composure and directly placed a piece.

He was not greatly affected.

This point, Gu Jin Nian had to admire.

As Duan Kong placed a piece.

Gu Jin Nian placed a piece casually; he knew little about the Way of Chess, so he chose the simplest method to seize the initiative.

He seized several important points.

This is the core of a beginner's entry.

Occupy an advantageous position, then go in for the kill.

Of course, such a chess method amounts to nothing in the eyes of true masters.

The Way of Chess is divided into opening, middlegame, and endgame.

The opening is about setting up, the middlegame is about contesting pieces, and the endgame is about slaughter.

And as the second piece fell, the phenomenon burst forth again; amidst golden light, two Golden Lotuses condensed, astonishing everyone.

Duan Kong remained unmoved; he was the Chess King, having seen all kinds of storms. Gu Jin Nian occupied an advantageous position, while he chose to set up, viewing this game from a longer-term perspective, for he knew Gu Jin Nian was strong—strong enough to have restrained his aura.

Thus, they exchanged twelve moves.

Gu Jin Nian placed pieces extremely quickly; he simply couldn't understand Duan Kong's chess method, so he just played for his own enjoyment, after all Duan Kong hadn't chosen to fight him to the death but was merely setting up his own layout.

If Duan Kong had begun to encircle and kill Gu Jin Nian at this stage, the outcome would have become apparent quickly.

But when Gu Jin Nian's twelve pieces had been placed,

Suddenly, the twelve Golden Lotuses burst forth with even fiercer light at this moment, and within the Golden Lotuses, twelve human figures appeared.

Like twelve Immortal Kings, they sat cross-legged atop the Golden Lotuses.

A powerful and terrifying aura appeared within the chessboard.

At this moment, someone could no longer hold back.

"This is the Twelve Immortal Kings game!"

Someone spoke, pointing at the chessboard with a trembling voice.

"Twelve Immortal Kings game? What kind of game is this?"

"There's such a saying?"

"Gu Jin Nian placed twelve pieces, which look ordinary, yet there is such a saying?"

"I, old man, have never heard of such a Twelve Immortal Kings game; are you trying to fool me?"

Some voices rose.

In fact, after Gu Jin Nian made a holy move, nobody could overlook any step of the chessboard.

To speak frankly, speaking of the phenomenon, Gu Jin Nian completely defeated Duan Kong; such a phenomenon made them feel numb all over.

But the biggest problem is that among the scholars present, many understand the Way of Chess; they observed carefully and found that Gu Jin Nian's chess method was too strange.

It seemed like a novice playing chess.

But Gu Jin Nian's aura and the speed of his piece placement gave no indication that he was a novice.

Nowadays, when someone brings up the Twelve Immortal Kings game, many truly don't understand, and even more doubt it, thinking it's nonsense.

"Heh, this is your ignorance."

"As for the Way of Chess, there are myriad possibilities; there is a saying of a unique ancient game, the Twelve Immortal Kings game, being one of the ancient chess manuals; I have had the fortune to see some related books."

"Using twelve pieces to determine the heaven-and-earth chess game, these twelve pieces are like twelve Immortal Kings, firmly controlling the chessboard; such a chess route is specifically aimed at those who excel at laying out in the Way of Chess."

"Look carefully at this chessboard, observe closely—does the chessboard not resemble a battlefield, and are the twelve pieces set up by Gu Jin Nian not like twelve Immortal Kings standing in the four directions of southeast, northwest, such that you cannot escape whether you go to heaven or earth?"

"As for Chess King Duan's layout, it mainly focuses on the lower half; he wants to play a long game, forming the momentum of a great dragon."

"But this Twelve Immortal Kings chess route has already cut off his hope."

"A Great Scholar spoke, pointing at the direction of the chessboard, saying:"

"He was praising Gu Jin Nian."

But when everyone looked closely, they found it indeed to be so, leaving them somewhat astonished.

"Yes."

"It is exactly the Twelve Immortal Kings chess."

"I, old man, have also seen it before."

"Just then, Su Wenjing's voice sounded at this moment, and he also joined in the clamor."

"He acknowledged this baseless Twelve Immortal Kings game."

"However, as Su Wenjing spoke, even if one didn't believe, one had no choice but to believe."

"After all, Su Wenjing is a Half Saint."

"His words, everyone still had to believe to some extent."

"In the front hall."

"As the phenomenon of the Twelve Immortal Kings appeared, to say that Duan Kong felt no pressure at all is impossible."

"Earlier, when Gu Jin Nian made a holy move, he was somewhat surprised, but his strong cultivation let him stay calm."

"But now he really could not calm down."

"But in contrast, Gu Jin Nian instead immersed himself in his own world; after the twelve pieces were placed, his goal was simple: to occupy an advantageous position."

"Then he would slowly encircle and annihilate; although doing so would certainly make him the loser, at least he could learn something, while also encircling a few pieces."

"Gu Jin Nian doesn't understand the Way of Chess, but he still knows the normal rules; moreover, having read a few chess manuals, this is truly thanks to his uncle, for if his uncle hadn't forced him to read a few chess manuals, he would know nothing at all."

"He himself knows nothing."

"But for now, he merely understands a bit—it's just a grasp of the game rules, with a little talent."

"Duan Kong placed a piece."

"At this moment, Gu Jin Nian followed Duan Kong in placing a piece, but now Gu Jin Nian no longer chose to continue laying out; instead, he played a copying move."

"That's right, it's a copying move."

The advantage of copying chess is that the enemy cannot immediately surround and kill you, but the disadvantage is that copying chess requires preparing many moves in advance; otherwise, it's easy to be counter-restricted by the opponent.

But as Gu Jin Nian's copying chess piece was placed.

In an instant, a black dragon appeared, emitting a dragon's roar.

"Is this turning into a dragon?"

"Hiss, I told you, I said it was the Twelve Immortal Kings chess game, you didn't believe me, but Gu Jin Nian has already begun setting up the great dragon, and because of these twelve pieces, Gu Jin Nian will inevitably form a great dragon."

"Duan Kong can't stop it no matter what; this is the terror of the Twelve Immortal Kings game: if you don't notice it right away, you will then be wildly restricted."

"Gu Jin Nian can turn into a dragon whenever he wants, and now Gu Jin Nian is even forcing Duan Kong to follow him."

"Marvelous hand, marvelous hand, this truly is a sage's marvelous hand."

The sound of praise rang out again.

They appeared extremely excited.

"Forcing Duan Kong to follow Gu Jin Nian? But why do I feel this is just like copying chess?"

"Yeah, isn't this just copying chess?"

"It's clearly copying chess, but the way you say it makes it sound like Duan Kong is following Gu Jin Nian."

Although the praise was intense, many chess masters still couldn't help speaking up, because they could see at a glance that Gu Jin Nian was playing copying chess.

"What do you know?" "Think carefully, what is the core of the way of Go?"

"The setup."

"Gu Jin Nian has already set up the Twelve Immortal Kings chess formation; although it looks like he's playing copying chess, what is he actually doing? He's forcing Duan Kong to enter the game, and once the Twelve Immortal Kings formation is laid down, Duan Kong's chances are few."

"If he makes another three wrong moves, he will surely die; no one coming will help."

That voice was extremely intense, with a solemn expression.

However, many people didn't believe it, but instead looked toward Su Wenjing.

"Master Wenjing, Half Saint, what do you think?"

"Master Wenjing, Half Saint, what do you mean?"

Everyone really didn't believe this person, because the chess game didn't look that impressive.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenjing spoke lightly.

"Wrong."

"Not three steps."

"Two steps."

"Duan Kong's chances are only two moves left; I saw one move, but I can't see through the second."

"Alas."

"Jin Nian's chess technique is profound and unfathomable; to be frank, I have played hundreds of games with Jin Nian and only won once."

Su Wenjing spoke, then he added fuel to the fire.

To be honest, he also didn't see what Gu Jin Nian was really thinking, but now that someone is building momentum for Gu Jin Nian, he can only go along and continue building momentum.

However, Su Wenjing's momentum is somewhat terrifying; saying this directly sparked a huge controversy.

"Only won once?"

"Mr. Wenjing's chess skill, though not as good as Duan Kong the Chess King, the difference isn't huge; if they played a hundred games, he could at least win ten."

"Hiss, only won once? How is that possible?"

"Is Gu Jin Nian truly a peerless monster? He is nearly proficient in Confucian Dao, Immortal Dao, Buddhist cultivation, and Martial Dao, and now even the way of Go is so profound and unfathomable?"

"Perhaps this is what genius is like? Just like us scholars, we often need to read a text several times to understand its meaning, while some people only need to read it once to grasp the meaning contained within."

People discussed, layer upon layer of voices filled with shock and also disbelief.

However, at this very moment, Su Wenjing's voice continued to sound.

"The only time I ever won, Jin Nian let me take five stones; speaking of it, I feel ashamed."

As this voice sounded.

Everyone present fell completely silent.

"Let him take five stones and still win?"

"In the way of Go, giving three stones is already the limit; giving five stones is almost impossible."

"Just how terrifying is Gu Jin Nian's way of Go?"

"Inside the front hall."

"Duan Kong's heart was completely disturbed at this moment."

"The previous omens did not disturb his inner self."

"Even if the omen of the Twelve Immortal Kings appeared, he was merely shocked."

"But no matter how strong one's mental fortitude, it can't withstand these people constantly dragging things out."

"Especially this Su Wenjing; he didn't question Su Wenjing, but he just felt that Su Wenjing was deliberately disturbing his state of mind."

"Tap."

"Seeing that time was about to run out, Duan Kong placed a piece."

"Gu Jin Nian almost instantly followed with a piece, still copying chess."

"One move."

"Three moves."

"Five moves."

"Ten moves."

"Duan Kong directly placed ten moves, and Gu Jin Nian followed with ten moves."

Capture a piece.

Finally, at this moment, Duan Kong directly captures one of Gu Jin Nian's pieces; Gu Jin Nian makes a copy move, and he sets a trap, directly capturing a piece.

However, he leaves a flaw: as soon as Gu Jin Nian places a move, he himself would also lose a piece, but if Gu Jin Nian truly dares to capture, then he can use the momentum to set up a formation, gradually forming a big dragon.

At the same time, this can also verify whether this is indeed the so‑called Twelve Immortal King situation.

However, after losing a piece, Gu Jin Nian does not choose to capture Duan Kong's piece; instead, he chooses to continue defending.

Having lost a piece, Gu Jin Nian realizes that the copy move still doesn't work, so rather than waste time suffering self‑inflicted loss, he would rather honestly guard his own small plot of land.

In this way, even if he loses, it won't be especially tragic.

Just like marching troops in battle, if you can't win, run quickly; there's no need to hold on stubbornly. Out of a million elite soldiers, three or five thousand die; honestly retreat, and even if pursued all the way, eventually thirty to fifty thousand remain.

This is "timely stop‑loss."

This is Gu Jin Nian's thinking.

But in Duan Kong's eyes, this is completely different.

When Gu Jin Nian places a move, the winds and clouds shift, and layers of golden light ripple outward like ripples.

"I truly can't understand; it's clearly a disadvantage, yet it feels as if Gu Jin Nian is winning?"

"Indeed, I too can't fathom this game; it's clearly a huge disadvantage for Gu Jin Nian, yet this phenomenon makes it seem as if Gu Jin Nian is bound to win."

"What is Gu Jin Nian's purpose with this move? He clearly has a piece he could capture, yet he doesn't choose to, instead placing here, balancing against the lower pieces— is this also a setup?"

"Fortunately I don't understand the way of chess; to be honest, even though I can't grasp it, I feel Gu Jin Nian seems at a disadvantage, yet this situation also makes it appear that Gu Jin Nian is at an advantage. Not understanding is bliss; if one truly understood, they'd go insane."

Voices rise one after another.

The crowd truly cannot comprehend.

But Su Wenjing's voice, at this moment, slowly sounds again.

"Only the final move remains."

Su Wenjing's calm voice sounds, rendering the latter utterly silent.

It also leaves everyone speechless.

Earlier Su Wenjing said that Duan Kong had only two moves left.

Now he says only one move remains.

Under this pressure, not to mention Duan Kong, everyone present is at a loss for words.

To speak frankly.

In the front hall.

Duan Kong truly doesn't know what to say.

The words of others disturb his mind.

Gu Jin Nian's phenomenon adds enormous pressure, especially since Gu Jin Nian doesn't follow the usual chess patterns.

He stares closely at the board.

In an instant, he simulates the future outcome, wanting to know Gu Jin Nian's purpose for playing here.

But as the simulation proceeds, combined with this terrifying mental pressure, Duan Kong frowns more.

The way of the game is ever‑changing; especially now, it doesn't even qualify as a middle game, and under such circumstances, Duan Kong attempts to see through every future position.

That is fundamentally impossible.

Duan Kong's mind is in chaos.

Disturbed completely by Su Wenjing and these assorted voices.

In the end, Duan Kong places a move and begins to defend.

He appears cautious, because he cannot see through the game.

He can only wait until the middle game.

However, Su Wenjing's sigh sounds.

"He has no chance now."

That voice makes Duan Kong's mood even more complicated; he truly wants to put down the piece and go directly to Su Wenjing for a one‑on‑one duel.

"Damn it, if you lose, you lose, just keep beeping outside, can't you say a few fewer words? Watching the game in silence, you don't understand?"

Duan Kong is truly helpless.

If others babbled nonsense, he wouldn't say anything, but Su Wenjing is different; he's known Su Wenjing for a long time and knows his character.

Precisely because he knows, he gets disturbed; with someone else it wouldn't be so.

He truly wouldn't be like this.

However, Duan Kong waited ten breaths before moving; Gu Jin Nian, on the other hand, places his move extremely fast, almost without thinking.

The reason is simple.

Gu Jin Nian simply treats it as a game, caring not at all about win or loss, and his thoughts jump from this to that, with no method at all.

Yet precisely because of this lack of method, it adds an extra layer of profound inscrutability.

Thus.

Duan Kong needs to think ten breaths each time; he will not move until the final moment.

Putting the game aside, in everyone's eyes, Duan Kong has lost far too much momentum.

The two clashed for twenty moves.

Outside the front hall.

Su Wenjing's voice sounds again.

"The game is decided; why keep struggling?"

"Openly admitting defeat, what's wrong with that?"

"I, as a Half Saint, lost in the seventh game, and have no complaints."

"A true Chess King—could you possibly not be able to lose?"

Su Wenjing's voice rang out; he didn't care whether Gu Jin Nian could actually play chess, but speaking that way would surely affect Duan Kong's mindset.

Indeed.

Hearing that, Duan Kong was truly depressed; he himself feels uneasy when he plays.

He couldn't see through what Gu Jin Nian intended.

This phenomenon was literally laid out before him; to claim Gu Jin Nian was playing recklessly, how could you explain this phenomenon? Moreover, someone had previously praised some Twelve Immortal King Pattern.

As it went on, his gaze inevitably focused on those twelve pieces.

Indeed, they firmly held the board's center, and inexplicably gave an illusion: no matter how he moved, those twelve pieces were like twelve Immortal Kings, like twelve towering mountains.

Rising before him, they were utterly uncrossable.

Setting a trap, fine.

Or transforming into a dragon, fine.

If those twelve pieces aren't resolved, it seems nothing can be done.

If he doesn't become a dragon but chooses to set a trap, then Gu Jin Nian can become the dragon; once a great dragon forms, the loss is total.

Because he simply cannot see where Gu Jin Nian's dragon is, nor can he arrange a dragon‑slaying game.

Caught between a rock and a hard place.

Truly a dilemma.

The Way of Go has three major taboos.

First, arrogance.

Excessive arrogance can trap one in the 'fog of the game'; how can a national champion fare? How about a sage? Once inside the game, one is easily confused.

Second, haste.

One must not rush in Go; once hurried, mistakes arise, and those mistakes plunge one into an abyss.

Third, overthinking.

The more one overthinks, the less one sees through; Go has 361 intersections, each move can spawn four subsequent moves, leading to an astronomical number of possibilities—countless billions upon billions.

Such variables are terrifying; can a single person possibly calculate them all?

And you only have ten breaths of time; unless a Chess Sage is present, even then it would be impossible to achieve this.

At present, Duan Kong has broken two major taboos.

Haste, and overthinking.

He lacks arrogance, which is good, but these two taboos alone are enough to plunge him into a bottomless abyss.

Thud.

He placed another stone, his complexion already looking ill.

However.

Su Wenjing's voice sounded again.

"The Way of Chess requires one to be ready to lose before considering winning."

"Losing is inevitable; winning is accidental."

This time, Su Wenjing's words left everyone utterly silent.

It's downright heart‑crushing.

He repeated Duan Kong's words verbatim.

For Duan Kong, that was almost a fatal blow.

"Alas."

A long sigh sounded, following Gu Jin Nian's rapid stone placement.

Duan Kong could no longer see through the game.

He didn't know what to do.

Nor did he know how to play.

"I lost."

After a brief pause, Duan Kong placed his stone on the Tengen and then spoke, voluntarily conceding defeat.

He lost.

At least in momentum and mindset, he was not even one‑tenth of Gu Jin Nian.

Although Su Wenjing was indeed interfering, nevertheless, being successfully interfered with is itself a form of loss.

But more so because he couldn't see through Gu Jin Nian.

Indeed, he truly couldn't see through.

If he could see through Gu Jin Nian, not even Su Wenjing's interference— even if Su Wenjing stood beside him shouting— he wouldn't lose.

As Duan Kong voluntarily conceded, the onlookers couldn't help but exclaim.

"See? This is the Twelve Immortal King Pattern; I wasn't wrong, right?"

"You still don't believe me?"

"Even the Chess King of Eastern Wilderness, Duan Kong, cannot beat this game."

"It's not surprising Duan Kong can't win; the method is too bizarre and has been lost for countless years; I was fortunate to witness such a game today."

"If Duan Kong were given another chance, Gu Jin Nian might not win; of course, if another game follows, Gu Jin Nian would likely change his approach."

The Great Scholar spoke, striving to prove his words were correct.

It must be said, as Duan Kong conceded, the crowd truly had to believe.

There's no way, the Chess King has already conceded; what else are they unwilling to believe? To put it bluntly, today's match involves Heaven's Mandate, and they don't believe Duan Kong would voluntarily relinquish the Mandate.

So, a loss is a loss; any excuse is useless.

At this moment, everyone looks at Gu Jin Nian, their gazes full of shock and discomfort.

The shock stems from Gu Jin Nian being proficient in almost everything.

The discomfort arises because a person like Gu Jin Nian leaves them unable to even think of catching up.

Confucianism, Daoism, cultivation, Buddhism, martial arts are all strong, his status is so transcendent, and now even the profoundly intricate Way of Chess, Gu Jin Nian masters it.

He kept silent before, but when he spoke, it startled all; in the first match, he defeated the Eastern Wilderness Chess King.

How can this allow them to keep a calm heart?

And opposite the board,

Gu Jin Nian feels a bit surprised.

He is still fully focused on the match, but didn't expect

"Senior."

"The game hasn't ended yet; how can it be counted as a loss?"

"Moreover, from this game, the junior is at a disadvantage."

Gu Jin Nian snaps back to reality, a bit confused, and can't help but ask the latter.

Hearing this, the latter forces a wry smile, looks at Gu Jin Nian and says,

"This game may not be finished, but in my heart the match is already over."

"In terms of mindset, I am not as good as Lord Gu."

"In terms of board position, I am also not as good as Lord Gu."

"Loss is loss; Lord Gu, don't be modest."

Duan Kong is indeed sincere; he can afford to lose, so he takes it in stride.

"This"

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian is genuinely a bit bewildered, not knowing how to reply.

"The Way of Chess is a single thread; I concede."

"This game also makes me deeply understand my shortcomings; thank you, Lord Gu."

Duan Kong speaks, and after finishing, bows to Gu Jin Nian.

He concedes, and is sincerely convinced.

However, the next moment, Duan Kong strides toward the front hall, his gaze instantly fixed on Su Wenjing.

"Old scoundrel, dare you fight me?"

Losing the game doesn't bother Duan Kong.

He is most irritated by Su Wenjing's nonstop chatter; now that he voluntarily concedes, he wants to find Su Wenjing to settle the score.

"Come on."

"Afraid you can't?"

Hearing Duan Kong's words, Su Wenjing doesn't shy away and speaks directly.

"It's not convenient to fight here; go down the mountain, I won't spar with you, you take the title of Eastern Wilderness Chess King."

Duan Kong is truly angry.

But on second thought, it's understandable; when anyone plays chess, there's always a voice nagging and being sarcastic—who could stand it? "Wait for my disciple to finish the Nine Passes, then I'll duel you."

Su Wenjing isn't shy, but he wants to wait until Gu Jin Nian has completed the Nine Passes before speaking.

Hearing this, Duan Kong nods, agreeing to Su Wenjing's request.

And at this moment.

For Gu Jin Nian, defeating the illustrious Eastern Wilderness Chess King truly feels

Neither side has ever faced each other a hundred times.

The Eastern Wilderness Chess King has already conceded, leaving Gu Jin Nian at a loss for words.

But the opponent has already conceded; if he were to go up and say cheap words, he'd only lower himself.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian, with no hesitation, moves toward the next match.

The latter is a National Master; the two bow, and Gu Jin Nian still takes the initiative.

After placing the piece.

Golden light bursts again, and the phenomenon is even more exaggerated than before.

Duan Kong is the Eastern Wilderness Chess King; having lost to Gu Jin Nian, one can see how great the pressure of this phenomenon is.

Thus the second National Master also feels deep pressure; he is not as strong as Duan Kong.

The two engage for twenty rounds.

Suddenly, on the board, streams of golden‑armored soldiers appear, radiating murderous aura.

"Full City of Golden Armor formation."

The familiar voice resurfaces at this moment.

It is still the Great Scholar, who almost says it with the most flamboyant expression, once again arousing everyone's curiosity.

The former had the Twelve Immortal King formation, and now he creates a Full City of Golden Armor formation?

Damn it, do you have to be this over the top?

But it cannot be denied that Gu Jin Nian truly beat the Eastern Wilderness Chess King, so however unreasonable, the crowd can only choose to believe; otherwise they'd go up and try.

"I concede."

At the thirtieth move, the National Master of the second game cannot endure the phenomenon's suppression; the murderous golden armor seems about to materialize and slay him.

This feeling can only be sensed when we actually spar.

It's as if, should I fail to win this game, I might die right here.

They came to play chess, not to gamble with their lives.

So they choose the right moment to concede outright; after all, the Chess King of the Eastern Wilderness has already given up, and their surrender is no shame.

They win the second round.

Gu Jin Nian could not help but grin wryly.

He approaches the third person.

Both sides still exchange bows.

Then, after ten moves, another omen appears.

"Sea‑Moon Game."

"This is the Sea‑Moon Game, an eternal chess pattern, an eternal chess pattern."

The Great Scholar's voice, never delayed, caused Su Wenjing, standing outside the front hall, to glance at the latter.

"How much favor does this require?"

"A dignified Great Scholar praising so lavishly—truly rare."

Su Wenjing thought to himself that he also found the other party somewhat absurd, but if you call it absurd, every time an omen appears, this guy instantly utters a perfectly fitting game name.

These names are impossible to verify, and that impossibility means you can't tell what's real and what's false.

Yet, combined with earlier events, they compel people to believe.

"Ten‑Day Sky‑High Game."

"Great Dao Azure Lotus Game."

"Demon Bird Descends Game."

"Three Purities Cosmic Game."

At this moment, throughout the Jixia Academy, there was no sound other than the Great Scholar's voice.

Moreover, the Great Scholar's expression grew increasingly flamboyant, more hysterical, until finally his whole body trembled, pointing at Gu Jin Nian as if he had witnessed an unimaginable scene.

This made many people's faces turn strange.

"Sss."

"Game within a game."

When the eighth game began, the Great Scholar's voice rang out again.

In an instant, someone finally couldn't hold back.

Ma De.

A game within a game already? If you can't continue the story, stop; is this really necessary?

How much benefit did you actually receive?

Rich brothers, profit together? You old scoundrel, eating alone? Countless eyes fell on him; the latter, feeling the stares, coughed and realized his words were getting more absurd.

"This is the Great Dao game within a game."

He opened, forcibly inserting the words Great Dao.

But the crowd truly refused to believe; they knew Gu Jin Nian's chess Dao technique was indeed formidable, yet it could not be like this.

What a game within a game, what a Ten‑Day Sky‑High Game—these must be fabricated.

"I concede."

The eighth national player, with a wry smile, shook his head; whether this was a game within a game or not, he couldn't endure the omen and fled outright.

When he arrived before the last person.

Gu Jin Nian could not stop his wry smile.

To be honest, Gu Jin Nian also heard the Great Scholar praising him and felt a bit awkward himself.

But there was no way; one couldn't just attack the other, could they? They were clearly helping out of goodwill, and even if he didn't accept it, to criticize them was indeed excessive.

"Junior has seen you, senior."

Gu Jin Nian approached the ninth person and, following the old custom, performed a bow and salute.

"Gu Gong, you are too courteous."

The latter smiled faintly, then made a guess move.

However, this time the opponent took black and moved first.

The old man placed a piece.

Gu Jin Nian, this time, simply went straight ahead, placing a Tianyuan stone.

"Dong."

In an instant, a thunderous roar sounded as a massive dragon surged from the board, a ten‑thousand‑foot Golden Dragon spiraling across the heavens, its terrifying aura crushing the opponent.

"Divine One Hand."

The familiar voice of the Great Scholar rang out.

At that moment, the opponent stared dumbfounded, pointing at the board, then gasped sharply and instantly fainted.

It was flamboyance to the extreme.

Among the crowd, Chang Yuntian frowned; the more he listened, the more irritated he became, and seeing the opponent collapse, he wanted to step over and stomp.

"Who is this person? Investigate thoroughly; he must have an issue."

Chang Yuntian understood the chess Dao; although he couldn't grasp what Gu Jin Nian was doing, he could be certain that the one constantly bragging about Gu Jin Nian must have a serious problem—a huge problem.

However, upon hearing this, Li Ruo Yu's expression changed suddenly, and she whispered into Chang Yuntian's ear.

"Senior brother."

This seems to be one of ours.

As soon as these words were spoken,

Chang Yun Tian's expression grew even uglier.

Damn, is it one of us? Awesome.

In the front hall,

the ninth national master, his face turned deathly pale.

"I admit defeat."

"Such a divine move, I have never seen before; the way of Go is truly endless; today to be able to play against Lord Gu is truly a blessing of three lifetimes."

The latter truly could not withstand the terror of such a phenomenon.

He stepped back half a pace, without a word, and slipped away.

What the hell, is this even playing Go?

This is gambling with one's life.

Right off the bat, it's this kind of phenomenon—who wants to play with you? The ninth national master exits the stage.

Gu Jin Nian passed nine successive barriers.

Using this unbelievable method, he defeated the nine great national masters of the world, one of whom was even the Go king of the Eastern Wilderness.

As for this result,

Even Gu Jin Nian himself could hardly imagine it.

But just then,

Boom! Boom! Boom! The heavenly phenomena shifted dramatically.

After the ninth person admitted defeat, a terrifying phenomenon formed directly.

Various auspicious clouds gathered together.

The golden dragon, at this moment transformed into a strand of Heaven's Mandate, surged toward Gu Jin Nian.

But at the same time,

The Heaven's Mandate ancient star hovering in the heavens also burst forth with terrifying light at this moment.

It seemed to be brewing something.

Extremely terrifying.

(End of chapter)