Free Web NovelChapter 2200: Chapter 2235: Playing the Fool to Fool the Tiger
"So who is this person?"
Herr Ningshuang frowned and asked. At this moment, all three of them were pondering the same question: who exactly is this mysterious master?
After thinking for a while, the three of them couldn’t figure out who this person was. Ding Fan had never seen the real face of this person, so he certainly couldn’t guess.
Herr Rufeng thought for a moment, and then suddenly looked at Ding Fan and said, "Ding Fan, let’s not worry about this for now. Grandpa Zhan will investigate it, but I need to ask you something else. The Fourth Level expert from the Zhong Family, he died at your hands, didn’t he?"
Herr Ningshuang’s eyes also lit up, her eyes glowing as she looked at Ding Fan. This was the matter that most intrigued the two of them. They couldn’t comprehend how Ding Fan, being at the Second Level in the Divine Realm, managed to kill a Fourth Level Peak expert from the Divine Realm.
Ding Fan smiled bitterly and said to them, "Miss Rufeng, do you think such a thing can happen? Have you ever heard of someone at the Second Level in the Divine Realm killing a Fourth Level expert, let alone a Fourth Level Peak expert?"
Herr Rufeng blinked skeptically. She didn’t believe it, but someone had witnessed it, so she said to Ding Fan, "I haven’t heard of it, but people from Wu Family Fortress said they saw you kill him."
"Well, that’s not entirely wrong. He was killed by me, but it’s more like a fluke. When I attacked, the Fourth Level expert’s Flying Divine Sword had already been destroyed, and he was seriously injured, which allowed me to kill him. I don’t have the capability to destroy his sword, especially a sword at Fourth Level Peak. He was previously ambushed, and it seems it was done by that mysterious master."
"I see!"
Herr Rufeng understood, and Herr Ningshuang also believed things should be like this. Ding Fan’s explanation made them accept it. If the Fourth Level expert’s Flying Divine Sword was destroyed, then being killed by Ding Fan made sense.
To be honest, the Herr sisters never believed Ding Fan had the strength to kill a Fourth Level expert. Given Ding Fan’s capability, it was absolutely impossible. But Herr Ningshuang was still somewhat disappointed. She initially hoped Ding Fan would surprise her.
Ding Fan also felt relieved. Initially, he thought to say Mu Gaosou had destroyed that person’s Flying Divine Sword, but upon hearing Herr Rufeng and her sister say they didn’t know who the mysterious master was, he immediately changed his mind and claimed it was the mysterious master who did it. This was a perfect excuse, ensuring Sirius wouldn’t be exposed.
The secret of Sirius must never be revealed. If others knew that this little beast could destroy Flying Divine Swords, not only unknown forces but the Herr Family themselves would certainly try to seize Sirius. Such a miraculous little beast, how could anyone knowing about it not want to take it?
Though people from Wu Family Fortress had seen Sirius, this matter would eventually come to light. At least, the Zhong Family would find out. But Ding Fan wasn’t worried about this. In half a year, experts from the Ye Family in another world would arrive. With their formidable strength backing him, Ding Fan would no longer fear the Herr Family.
However, by then, Ding Fan might have already left Tianmu Sea and even the Northern Desolation of the Divine Realm to seek Xia Mengqing. He was training quietly in Tianmu Sea because his strength wasn’t sufficient, and he dared not go to the Central Plains. If Ye Li and the others could take him beyond the Central Plains, why would he stay here? The first thing he wanted to do was go to the Central Plains to seek the Sirius Clan!
Herr Ningshuang thought for a moment, glanced around Jingshan Castle, and then said to Ding Fan, "Ding Fan, your castle is quite nice. Can we borrow it to stay for a few days?"
Ding Fan was stunned, hearing Herr Ningshuang’s intention to temporarily stay on Skull Island. But given their stature, was this appropriate? This place belonged to Ding Fan. If it became known to the outside world that he lived with two beauties, would it cause suspicion? He’s returned, yet these two sisters aren’t leaving; could it be they’ve taken a liking to him?
Ding Fan unintentionally looked at Herr Ningshuang, but saw her blush, her face beautiful and flushed with embarrassment. His heart fluttered, and he nodded immediately, saying, "It’s an honor for my Skull Island to have two ladies reside here. Ding Fan is even happier; ladies are welcome to stay as long as you like, even for a lifetime."
"Living here forever? Ding Fan, you’re dreaming beauty. We are staying to avoid being scolded by our aunt. Once she’s calmed down, we’ll return. Living here forever? You’re dreaming bubbles!"
Herr Rufeng frankly spoke to Ding Fan, ignoring Herr Ningshuang who was shy beside her.
"Oh, I see!"
Ding Fan understood at last, but felt even more embarrassed. The reason the two sisters got Madam Yan angry was ultimately for him. If they hadn’t gone to Shenwu Country, bravely helping him, how would Madam Yan have been upset with them?
Thinking of this, Ding Fan immediately asked Mu Gaosou to find the Second Elder and arrange for a few maids to come over, bringing plenty of life’s necessities, scrumptious foods, and fruits.
Ding Fan certainly couldn’t stay at Jingshan; it wouldn’t be good for the reputation of the Herr sisters. Nor could he stay at the underground palace on Baisheng Island, as it would show neglect towards the two beauties. In the end, he settled in Skull Fort on the island, built by the Second Elder and Fourth Elder for the disciples of Skeleton Sect and Wu Family, named Skull Fort.
Now, Ding Fan stopped cultivating, spending his days accompanying Wu Qingxia with Herr Ningshuang and Herr Rufeng, enjoying food, drink, leisure, and chatting about various tales, wandering around the island.
...
"I’m suffocating!"
After just three days, Herr Rufeng couldn’t take it anymore. Skull Island was not big; not to mention comparing it with Daozhen City, it couldn’t even compare to Moon Mist Island. The Herr sisters had visited all the interesting places in Tianmu Sea. Such a small Skull Island certainly couldn’t spark their interest.
Herr Ningshuang was indifferent, as she had an inherently quiet disposition, content with reading books, drinking tea, and practicing cultivation techniques. Herr Rufeng, however, couldn’t sit still. She suddenly asked Ding Fan, who was accompanying her, "Ding Fan, do you know how to play chess?"
"Chess? Not really, I just know the basics!" Ding Fan said to Herr Rufeng.
This made Herr Rufeng feel like she had a chance to crush Ding Fan. She loudly exclaimed, "Quick, quick, quick, set up the board! Ding Fan, come play chess with me!"
Ding Fan stroked his chin. To be honest, he didn’t really like playing chess. However, back when he was at the Wu Family Fortress, Xia Mengqing loved playing chess, and during that time, he played quite a bit with her.
Back then, before a great battle, Xia Mengqing was really at peace, but she had hurt her leg, so she rarely went out. Afraid she’d be bored, Ding Fan played chess with her to keep her entertained when he was free. He thought he was terrible at chess because he always lost, sometimes losing to the point he didn’t want to play anymore.
Because of that, he wasn’t keen on playing chess. He also didn’t like the feeling of being outplayed. However, being the host, and since Herr Rufeng was bored, he had no choice but to accompany her in a game. So, he sat down to play chess with Herr Rufeng.
The two guessed to determine the order of play. Ding Fan went first. Without much thought, he picked up a piece and pressed it onto the board. Seeing where he placed his piece, Herr Rufeng couldn’t help but display a condescending smile. Ding Fan probably didn’t know how to play chess at all; no one starts their move at the center of the board like that.
In chess, the strategy is to secure the corners first—known as gold corners and silver edges. The four corners on the board are typically where experts compete for position, then the sides, setting a foundation before moving to the center. But Ding Fan placed it right in the middle from the start, clearly indicating he didn’t really know chess.
Faced with such a reckless player, Herr Rufeng immediately found it boring, thinking she could easily win against Ding Fan. Meanwhile, Herr Ningshuang noticed the two were playing chess, took a glance, and continued reading her book.
Herr Rufeng wasn’t focused, playing her pieces quickly, and Ding Fan matched her speed. He didn’t seem to care about winning or losing, placing his pieces as if just to entertain Herr Rufeng.
Soon, both their pieces formed patterns on the board. But at this point, Herr Rufeng’s pace slowed because, without realizing it, she had lost many pieces. Ding Fan had captured quite a few of her pieces and was on the verge of winning.
Herr Rufeng was a bit surprised, carefully examining the board and observing if Ding Fan had set a trap. But after a while, she became more convinced it was probably just a coincidence. She couldn’t believe that Ding Fan, who seemed so clumsy, could be that skillful at chess.
Finally, the game ended, and the result was out. Herr Rufeng lost, and it was a crushing defeat. There were barely any surviving pieces of hers on the large board.
"Let’s go again. I was careless before. Watch how I won’t totally defeat you this time!" Herr Rufeng was not ready to admit defeat, thinking she lost because she was careless. Ding Fan smiled without saying a word, clearing the board to play again. But now he was aware that Herr Rufeng’s chess skills were far inferior to his, lacking by a large margin.
"What’s going on?"
Soon, Herr Rufeng once again showed signs of defeat. Attracted by her voice, Herr Ningshuang looked at their board. After just a few glances, she put down her book and concentrated on watching them play chess.
Half an hour later, Herr Rufeng was once again utterly defeated. She was extremely frustrated, shouting at Ding Fan, "Ding Fan, you’re just lucky this time. Let’s play again!"
"Rufeng, don’t continue. Your skills aren’t up to par. Ding Fan plays quite well. You’re not his opponent; let me give it a try!"
Herr Ningshuang said to her sister, looking at Ding Fan with a hint of seriousness.
"That’s great! Sister, you have to beat him. I’m about to be driven mad by him!" Herr Rufeng knew her own skills weren’t great. She only wanted to play because she heard Ding Fan didn’t know how to. Losing wasn’t too hard for her to handle.
However, Herr Ningshuang was different. She was known as a talented woman in the Tianmu Sea. In the Tianmu Sea, only Master Daozhen had ever defeated Herr Ningshuang at chess. Even Madam Yan was defeated by her.
Herr Ningshuang took over from her sister and began playing against Ding Fan. This time, Ding Fan’s pace slowed, taking a moment to think before each move.
At first, Herr Ningshuang appeared quite relaxed, but as the game progressed, she too began to hesitate with each move they made.
"What’s going on? Could it be that even sister isn’t his match?" Seeing the trend on the board and how Herr Ningshuang’s deliberation time increased, Herr Rufeng began to harbor a bad premonition.
Herr Ningshuang was the second-ranked chess player in the Tianmu Sea. Could she actually lose to an unknown youngster today? Were the past ten years of her chess experience in vain?
...
"Alright, I concede. Ding Fan’s chess skills are too high; I’m no match for him!"
About an hour later, after returning her pieces back, Herr Ningshuang said. At this moment, looking at the calm and composed young man in front of her, she felt a profound sense of mystery.
"Oh my, Ding Fan, who would’ve thought! You’re really a wolf in sheep’s clothing!"
