"Chief, Grand Leader, our master originally intended to select disciples through the Dragon-Tiger Chess Puzzle to pass on our Carefree Sect. The invitations have already been sent out, and there are only about ten days left until the appointed time. What should we do when the time comes?" Su Xinghe asked solemnly.
Wang Yuyan, of course, had no idea and naturally looked to her husband.
Li Daoqiang pondered briefly, then said seriously, "Since the invitations have already been sent and the date is near, it's too late to retract them. Let's proceed as planned. If anyone can solve the Dragon-Tiger Chess Puzzle, we can offer them a chance to join the Carefree Sect."
Su Xinghe hesitated. He had invited only talented young elites. Would it be inappropriate to offer just a single spot in the Carefree Sect to whoever solved the puzzle?
"Moreover, this might lure Ding Chunqiu here," Li Daoqiang added.
Su Xinghe's spirits lifted. He nodded solemnly and said, "That's not impossible." His tone carried undisguised hatred. He no longer hesitated. Finally, he looked at Wang Yuyan, who unhesitatingly nodded in support of her husband.
Su Xinghe acknowledged this, discussed a few other matters, and then left.
"Husband, when Mother arrives and learns that Grandfather has passed away, how heartbroken will she be?" Wang Yuyan said, her expression downcast when they were alone.
"Don't worry. Mother-in-law is strong-willed; she'll be fine," Li Daoqiang comforted her. Then he changed the subject, speaking earnestly, "Yuyan, Grandfather entrusted the Carefree Sect to you. You must train diligently and fully integrate his skills as soon as possible. Understand?"
At the mention of training, Wang Yuyan's expression showed reluctance; she truly had no interest. But thinking of her grandfather, she sighed inwardly and obediently nodded. "Yuyan understands."
Seeing her lack of interest, Li Daoqiang was actually somewhat relieved. It was precisely because Wang Yuyan had no interest in martial arts that he had let her inherit Wuyazi's full power. If someone else—like He Qinghua—had received such sudden, immense power, he would have worried about its negative impact on their temperament and character. He reminded her deliberately because Wang Yuyan was truly too disinterested. Without his urging, it might take ages for her to master the power. He had already taught her the Northern Dark Divine Art, hoping she'd quickly gain control and avoid accidentally absorbing others' power.
A few days later, with only three days left until the chess event, Li Qingluo arrived posthaste. Wang Yuyan immediately threw herself into her mother's arms, crying and speaking through sobs. Li Qingluo's expression was much calmer, though a flicker of complexity passed through her silence. Li Daoqiang didn't intrude, leaving the space for mother and daughter.
The next day, Wuyazi was formally buried on Mount Leigu. Li Daoqiang did his best to assist. Soon, it was the day of the chess event as stated in the invitations. Li Daoqiang perked up, full of anticipation.
Early in the morning, he had Su Xinghe proceed with the chess event as usual. Li Daoqiang, along with Li Qingluo, Wang Yuyan, and Duan Yanqing, watched from inside a cave. The cave's entrance was shielded by a formation that even grandmaster-level experts would find hard to detect—a testament to Su Xinghe's skills, including their rare knowledge of formations.
Not long after dawn, a group arrived. Leading them was a young man in white scholar's robes, followed by two young women and several middle-aged men in varied attire. Duan Yanqing's expression shifted at the sight. Li Daoqiang glanced at him casually, then focused on the two strikingly beautiful women, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He hadn't expected them to show up here.
"Dali Duan clan's Duan Yu, accepting the invitation to play chess," the young man said politely.
"Welcome, Young Master Duan. My master cannot speak, so please forgive us. Please, have a seat," Xue Muhua said courteously, standing beside Su Xinghe. Xue had the greatest reputation in the martial world, so he handled the speaking while Su Xinghe pretended to be deaf and mute to lure Ding Chunqiu.
Duan Yu glanced curiously at Su Xinghe, nodded warmly, and sat down to play. Both were focused, placing pieces one by one. Li Daoqiang had no interest in watching chess; his senses were fully extended, scanning for grandmaster-level experts within a hundred miles. Several had already arrived. Suddenly, he raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. Brother Murong never misses a commotion, does he? As more people gathered, his eyes gleamed with growing amusement.
Outside, as Duan Yu played Su Xinghe, the crowd swelled. The first to arrive were two young men—one with a carefree smirk, the other more composed.
"Who might you two be?" Xue Muhua greeted them.
"I'm Kou Zhong," said one. "I'm Xu Ziling," said the other.
"Ah, two young heroes. Please wait; my master is currently playing," Xue Muhua said politely, though a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes. Who were these two? The invitations had been targeted at specific young talents, and not many were sent out. But news inevitably spread, so uninvited guests were expected. They were prepared for that, especially now that the goal had changed.
"No problem, no problem. We'll wait," Kou Zhong said with an easy grin. Xue Muhua nodded and ignored them. The two stepped aside and watched quietly.
"Ling Shao, we're early. Who's that playing?" Kou Zhong asked via secret transmission.
"No idea. We'll find out soon," Xu Ziling replied.
"When it's our turn, who's going?" Kou Zhong raised an eyebrow.
"You go."
"Hey, come on! You always dump the trouble on me."
"Don't you love being in the spotlight? I'm letting you have it."
"Fair enough. But if I lose, you'd better step up. This chess game might hide some benefits."
After a while, a handsome swordsman arrived. Scanning the scene, he clasped his hands and said politely, "Famous Sword Villa's Yi Jifeng, here for the appointment."
Xue Muhua hurried over, smiling. "Young Master Yi, welcome. My master is in a game; please wait."
"No problem," Yi Jifeng said gently. Before he could fully survey the scene, another imposing young man arrived.
"Three Absolute Palace's Ou Jinghao, greeting Divine Doctor Xue."
"Young Master Ou, you're too kind. My master is playing; please wait," Xue Muhua said.
"No matter," Ou Jinghao replied with a polite smile. The scene quieted; chess demanded silence, so no one spoke, merely observing and exchanging nods.
Soon, Murong Fu arrived with two retainers. "Gusu Murong Fu, here for the appointment."
"Young Master Murong, welcome. My master is..." Xue Muhua greeted him as usual. After a few pleasantries, Murong Fu stood aside to watch.
Inside the cave, seeing Murong Fu, Li Daoqiang couldn't help glancing at Wang Yuyan. Her expression was complex. He suppressed a smirk and looked away. The facts were set; nothing could change them. Still, since Brother Murong was here, should he stir things up again?
After a while, Duan Yu's face grew tense, his hand hovering over the board. A few breaths later, he sighed, conceded, and smiled wryly. "Your skill is superb, senior. I am no match. My respects."
Su Xinghe gave Duan Yu an appreciative look. Xue Muhua promptly praised him. "Young Master Duan has an exceptional temperament and remarkable chess skills. Few have lasted this long against my master over the years."
Duan Yu smiled modestly and stood. Su Xinghe rose too, clasping his hands in greeting to Murong Fu and the others, who returned the gesture. Just as Xue Muhua was about to speak on his master's behalf, several more figures approached.
"I am Quanzhen Sect's Zhen Zhibing, sent by my master Qiu Chuji with some junior brothers to answer the invitation of Senior Congbian," said a man in his thirties, performing a Taoist salute.
The crowd's expressions shifted subtly. The Quanzhen Sect was the foremost righteous sect in the Song Empire, slightly overshadowing even Shaolin Temple.
"Greetings, Priest Zhen. I am Xue Muhua. My master cannot speak; please forgive us," Xue Muhua said with extra courtesy.
"Divine Doctor, you're too kind. My master instructed me to learn as much as possible from Senior Congbian," Zhen Zhibing replied politely.
Some in the crowd glanced thoughtfully at Su Xinghe. He shook his head, remaining silent.
"Senior Qiu is too generous," Xue Muhua said on his behalf, then addressed everyone. "All of you are outstanding young talents of the martial world. Who would like to try first?"
Murong Fu and the others exchanged glances. Just as someone was about to speak, a figure in yellow monk's robes strode from afar, arriving in a few steps. He wore simple cloth and straw sandals, his face radiant, like an enlightened monk.
"You!" Duan Yu exclaimed, hostility and wariness in his voice. The middle-aged men behind him immediately assumed defensive stances. Murong Fu's expression also shifted, wary and guarded.
The newcomer surveyed the crowd, smiled, and greeted them. "I am the Tibetan State Preceptor, Jiumozhi. Hearing of Senior Congbian's chess event, I was drawn here uninvited. I hope Senior Congbian will forgive me."
Su Xinghe, unconcerned, calmly shook his head to indicate it was fine.
(Chapter 2.)