Free Web NovelChapter 1723: Chapter 992:
In the following two days, Yang Xiao spent every day with Beiyu Ye. Although Yang Xiao was a complete novice in the path of undead alchemy, his progress was remarkably swift.
One day, after finishing the undead alchemy, it was already dark outside. Dragging his exhausted body, Yang Xiao had just walked out of the Guardian House’s courtyard gate when he was stopped by a samurai who bowed and claimed to be acting under the orders of the Family Head, Jiushan Cangxuan, inviting Yang Xiao to appreciate the moon and sip tea. freёwebnovel.com
The samurai led Yang Xiao to an unfamiliar mansion. Unlike the several courtyards he had visited before, this place had significantly taller walls made entirely of large stones, appearing exceptionally sturdy like a fortress.
As Yang Xiao walked into the courtyard, the environment was entirely different from what he imagined. The surroundings were serene and elegant, with a dry landscape rock garden on the left and meticulously maintained greenery enhancing each other.
Not far on the right was a pavilion rich in Tang Dynasty style, with eaves curving upwards and wind chimes hanging from the four corners. Inside the pavilion was a stone table and benches where an elder sat steadily, offering Yang Xiao a kind smile.
It could only be Jiushan Cangxuan. Recognizing the elder, Yang Xiao quickly approached. Jiushan Cangxuan raised his hand, gesturing for him to sit. They sat across each other at the stone table. It was then Yang Xiao noticed a half-man-tall black dog squatting behind Jiushan Cangxuan, entirely black with not a single stray hair, its eyes drooping, looking like it had just woken up.
Yang Xiao looked down, surprised to see the table clearly marked as a Chinese chess board, with the pieces laid out in advance. In the dim night, the chess pieces appeared smooth and milky white, clearly carved from ivory and of considerable value.
Yang Xiao’s side was red, while Jiushan Cangxuan’s side was black. According to chess rules, the red player goes first, making Yang Xiao the first to move.
"I’ve heard Mr. Yang Xiao is a chess master, rarely meeting his match in Rongcheng. I have specially set up this chessboard and invite you to guide me." Jiushan Cangxuan’s words were quite flattering to Yang Xiao.
However, Yang Xiao was a bit flustered. Although his chess skills were decent, it depended on whom he was compared to. Except for his good friend Qu Muzhi, he rarely played easily against others.
Though he didn’t know Jiushan Cangxuan’s chess skill level, judging by his demeanor, he knew he wouldn’t be a weak opponent, fearing he wouldn’t be able to match him. "Senior Jiu Shan, I just have a hobby for it, barely understanding the basics..."
"Hahaha, that’s just right. I also barely understand the basics. Today, you and I can play chess while admiring the moon. If word gets out, it would be a delightful occurrence." Jiushan Cangxuan raised his palm in invitation, slightly leaning forward, "Please!"
Given the situation, Yang Xiao had no choice but to brace himself. The opponent giving him the first move was also a sign of respect.
At first, Jiushan Cangxuan maintained a smile, but after more than twenty moves, he couldn’t smile anymore. His expression was rare and a bit awkward. He clearly realized that no more than ten moves later, he could checkmate Yang Xiao.
However, looking at Yang Xiao, he wasn’t flustered at all, completely exuding the composure of a master. Jiushan Cangxuan couldn’t understand what Yang Xiao was thinking, clearly already losing the game.
Because of the presence of that high-level vengeful spirit with Yang Xiao, Jiushan Cangxuan dared not rashly use his ability to probe, only able to slow down the pace of his attack, giving Yang Xiao opportunities while cautiously probing his true intentions.
After another dozen moves, Jiushan Cangxuan was thoroughly baffled. Having played chess for decades, he had never seen such techniques—brutal, fierce, swift, yet utterly useless. Every move was beyond his comprehension. It was no longer a question of chess skill; Yang Xiao’s play seemed nothing like that of a normal human being.
"Senior Jiu Shan, it’s your turn." While Jiushan Cangxuan was perplexed, Yang Xiao suddenly reminded him, just after he moved the last chariot piece.
When he looked at Jiushan Cangxuan, he inadvertently glanced at his side. The big black dog at Jiushan Cangxuan’s side stood up at some point, gazed at the chessboard for a moment, then tilted its head towards Yang Xiao.
At that moment, Yang Xiao wondered if it was his imagination, as he felt the black dog’s gaze resembled that of Senior Jiushan Cangxuan, equally perplexed.
The black dog seemed to resist Yang Xiao’s gaze, shook its head, and lay back down.
Jiushan Cangxuan began to go easy on him, but even so, it was to no avail. However, through Jiushan Cangxuan’s persistent efforts, he let Yang Xiao make a small comeback wave by giving away a knight and a canon, allowing him to "gracefully" end the game.
"Senior Jiushan, you truly are amazing. I admit defeat," Yang Xiao sighed in relief, showing a relaxed expression. Fortunately, he made a miraculous move at the last moment, almost taking down this great master.
No exaggeration, just by this point, he was much stronger than his good friend Qu Muzhi, even if Director Nalan were here, it would be no different.
Yang Xiao was exhilarated with his chess enthusiasm at this moment. At Jiushan Cangxuan’s invitation, the two quickly started the next game. With the boost from the end of the last match, Yang Xiao was full of fighting spirit. But he also knew his limits. He wouldn’t win against Senior Jiushan after all. This was on the Japan’s Kusunoki Family’s territory; he needed to remain low-key, giving people a way out. freёwebnovel.com
The Jiu Mountain Family is pro-China and has maintained friendly relations with various major forces in the country. Without the restriction of the Jiu Mountain Family, the Ghost Sect would be even more rampant. In this regard, the Jiu Mountain Family has made significant contributions.
