Chapter 241 - 203 The Elder

Lin Fang stopped moving the bamboo pole and quietly admired the beautiful scenery.

Even in his previous life, he had never seen such a breathtaking view. At this moment, he felt his mind and spirit settle into peace.

Feng Jiu was still lying on the bamboo raft, stretching out her slender jade hand to gently play with the water, scaring away many fish. A mischievous smile appeared on her face as if she had succeeded in her prank.

"You say these fish must taste quite good, don’t you?" Feng Jiu suddenly said, watching the fish hastily scatter.

Lin Fang was startled by her words, and if possible, he really wanted to open up Feng Jiu’s head to see exactly what was inside. In such a poetic moment, all she could think about was food, even though she was already capable of fasting.

During their time together, Feng Jiu had completely overturned Lin Fang’s impression of the Demon Emperor.

Who would have thought that the Demon Emperor, who commanded respect throughout the Three Realms, unified the Demon Clan, and contested for the title Master of the Three Realms with the Jade Emperor, was actually a lazy woman obsessed with food?

If those who were preparing to revive the Demon Clan and rebuild the Demon Court saw her like this, they would probably turn around and walk away, thinking, "What dream of the Demon Clan? I have no such dream."

But Lin Fang honestly said, "The fish in this environment should be very tasty."

After he spoke, he couldn’t help but salivate. He exchanged a knowing look with Feng Jiu, and without saying a word, they caught a few fish to try grilling and tasting them when they had time.

After enjoying the scenery for a moment, the bamboo raft continued drifting, and gradually a tall pavilion appeared at the end of the river.

The pavilion, built of wood, featured intricate carvings and colorful paintings, with upturned eaves and ornate brackets. At each corner hung bronze bells that would let out a crisp sound every time a breeze blew.

Lin Fang quietly looked at the pavilion, discerning that its owner must be a person of refinement. The blooming peach flowers and the antique pavilion together formed an exquisite tableau.

"We’re here!" Feng Jiu slowly stood up, stretching her body and unabashedly showing off her graceful figure in front of Lin Fang.

With a light leap, she jumped off the bamboo raft and grumbled, "Lin Fang, this bamboo raft is too shabby, next time you should get us a big boat!"

Lin Fang looked at her speechlessly before saying, "Do you want a Treasure Ship then?"

"A Treasure Ship, yes, yes!" Feng Jiu nodded repeatedly, her face full of longing as she looked at Lin Fang.

"You really want it," Lin Fang said, somewhat incredulously.

What about your dignity as a powerful being, your pride?

"Why wouldn’t I take it if you give it to me? I’ve wanted a Treasure Ship for a long time, it’s just unfortunate I can’t take action using my real identity," Feng Jiu said with a hint of regret.

As the two conversed, the doors of the pavilion suddenly swung open, and an ancient voice came forth.

"I knew you wouldn’t fall so easily."

Following the sound, Lin Fang saw an elderly man in a white robe sitting inside the pavilion, in front of a chessboard with distinct black and white pieces, a game unfinished.

Feng Jiu sauntered in carelessly, glanced at the chessboard in front of the elder, and said, "How many years have you been staring at this broken chessboard? You’re still looking at it."

"Mind your image, you’re the head of the Demon Court after all," the old man said with a laugh.

A playful smile on her face, Feng Jiu sat down in front of the elder, facing the chessboard as if eager to challenge it.

"You might as well give up. I’ve seen it ten thousand years ago, and even now, you won’t discern anything new,"

"However, for this young friend here, you might take a look, who knows, you may encounter an enormous fortune," the old man turned his head and spoke to Lin Fang.

Lin Fang, however, waved his hand and said, "I am utterly ignorant when it comes to playing chess; looking at it would be meaningless."

Upon hearing this, the old man chuckled and responded, "No matter, this chess game was played by two great powers of the Three Realms, and the chessboard still retains their Way and principle. You simply need to perceive carefully to see the grand Dao they embodied."

Lin Fang was surprised to hear this. How powerful were the individuals who could manifest such phenomena? How could he abandon such an opportunity? He hurriedly took several steps forward, fixing his gaze on the chessboard.

He saw that on the chessboard, the black and white chess pieces were intertwined as if they were two giant dragons tearing at each other.

His mental power surged, instantly invoking the remnants of the Dao’s charm left on the chessboard.

Lin Fang felt as if a light flashed before his eyes and then saw a monk and a Daoist seated not far away, deeply engrossed in their game of chess.

The Daoist began to speak, and although Lin Fang couldn’t make out what was being said, the surrounding Qi was rapidly changing. Lin Fang seemed to witness the evolution of the Dao, which represented the natural and effortless way of life.

No sooner had the Daoist spoken than the opposing monk smiled gently, radiating compassion. Then, grand chants of Zen flooded Lin Fang’s ears, as if countless people were silently reciting Buddhist Scriptures.

This was just the beginning, as the two continued placing chess pieces on the board, each move accompanied by an exchange of words.

Lin Fang realized that the two were debating the Dao.

After an indeterminate period, both figures suddenly turned to face Lin Fang and, to his astonishment, said in unison, "So that’s how it is!"

Having said that, both players burst into laughter, as if they had unraveled the doubts hidden in their hearts.

Amidst the laughter, the surrounding scene shattered, and Lin Fang found himself back in reality, with a concerned Feng Jiu at his side and the old man across from him, stroking his beard with a smile.

"Haha, so you are the fated person the old man has been waiting for. No wonder Feng Jiu brought you here," the old man laughed heartily.

Lin Fang asked with some confusion, "Fated person?"

"Haha, I’ll be frank. Back when I roamed the Three Realms, I chanced upon Buddha Tathagata and the Heavenly Elder Lord debating here. Greedy for the chessboard, I tried to claim it for myself, not realizing the great beings had left behind their obsessions. Unless their fixations were resolved, I could never be free," he explained.

"It has been fourteen thousand years, and at last, the fated person has come to resolve these obsessions. The old man can finally be released," said the old man, his face betraying a sense of immense relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders.

Then he looked at Lin Fang with a laugh and added, "No wonder Feng Jiu follows you."

Only moments ago, he had unconsciously observed Lin Fang’s footsteps, but all he saw was a vast expanse of white. Deeper within, it seemed he caught a glimpse of time slipping away and had no choice but to retreat.

Lin Fang’s unique fate appeared to have the power to influence people in this world, altering their established destinies.

Feng Jiu, however, smiled and said, "Of course, my judgment couldn’t possibly be flawed. How about it, old man, coming out of seclusion to help me?"

Seeing this, the old man merely shook his head with a smile and said, "Lass, now that I’ve been freed from my shackles, I naturally won’t get involved in conflicts again. You should let go of that notion."