Chapter Sixty-Five: The Game of Chess

Bai Qiu asked in confusion, "Numerology?"

Sun Fanbai nodded, "That's right. Another branch of Qimen Divination is numerology. Unlike Spiritual Communion, numerology emphasizes the 'formation'—using a person's fundamental power to create momentum. By harnessing the dynamics of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, the Three Wonders and Six Rites, one can attack enemies and break formations."

He continued, "Strictly speaking, my Eight Trigrams Formation is somewhat similar to numerology. However, the Eight Trigrams and Qimen share a common source but have different roots. They are interconnected yet fundamentally distinct."

Bai Qiu nodded, half-understanding.

Sun Fanbai went on, "As for Tianyuan Sect, for hundreds and thousands of years, the numerology and spiritual communion branches have debated which is the true Qimen Divination. A few centuries ago, the sect split into Numerology Sect and Spiritual Communion Sect."

"Because of its nature, Numerology Sect has more members and has developed more robustly. Spiritual Communion Sect, due to its slow and complex cultivation process—and the lack of any great achiever in the last century—has declined, always overshadowed by Numerology Sect."

Sun Fanbai said, "Just last month, the current Tianyuan Sect master, the head of Numerology Sect, Master Feng Yuan, announced that on the fifth day of this month, he would hold a merging ceremony—uniting Numerology and Spiritual Communion Sects into one, under the name Tianyuan Sect."

Bai Qiu nodded, "It seems to be called a merger, but in reality, it's an absorption."

Sun Fanbai nodded, "You're right, Bai. Due to the decline of Spiritual Communion Sect, Master Feng Yuan is openly declaring its annexation. Tianyuan Sect will probably no longer have the spiritual communion lineage."

Bai Qiu sighed, "What a pity for the ancestor who founded that branch. All those years of effort, gone in an instant."

Sun Fanbai nodded, "Indeed. So, did you consummate your marriage that night?"

Bai Qiu groaned, "Ah... what? Get out!"

As they chatted, the two arrived at the grand entrance of Tianyuan Sect.

Tianyuan Sect was located within Tianyuan Mountain, the tallest peak in Yongzhou. The mountain rose over a thousand meters, surrounded by countless peaks. The place was rich in spiritual energy and had excellent feng shui.

Sun Fanbai and Bai Qiu approached the sect gate, but were stopped by the gate disciples.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists," the gate disciple bowed. "May I ask which sect you belong to and whether you have an invitation?"

The two returned the greeting. Sun Fanbai took out the invitation from Yunqing Sect from his spatial ring and handed it over. Bai Qiu also produced an invitation that had been sent by his father and handed it to the disciple.

The disciple glanced at the invitations and said politely, "So you are honored guests of Yunqing Sect and Baixiaosheng. Please enter, senior brothers inside will receive you."

Sun Fanbai and Bai Qiu exchanged a glance, nodded, and entered through the gate toward the inner sect.

Inside, disciples came to greet them. After verifying their identities, they were led to the inner courtyard.

"Fellow Daoists, please settle here for now. Before the merging ceremony in three days, you will be notified. Until then, you may freely explore Tianyuan Sect and its affiliated mountains, but avoid forbidden zones or the library," said the disciple.

The two nodded and went to their respective rooms.

As evening fell, Bai Qiu, unable to bear his solitude, left his room and knocked on Sun Fanbai's door, proposing they go for a stroll.

The two wandered through Tianyuan Sect, enjoying the scenery of Tianyuan Mountain.

It was sunset, and a crimson glow bathed the peaks. Massive clouds drifted across the sky, glowing like fire in the fading light.

Slowly, they made their way to a side peak and stopped.

Sun Fanbai pointed ahead. "Look, Bai."

Bai Qiu followed his finger and saw two people sitting atop a stone pedestal, a chessboard before them—they were clearly playing a game.

Bai Qiu, a lover of chess, immediately said, "Let's go take a look."

Sun Fanbai, also fond of chess, nodded eagerly. They flew over and landed nearby, opening their Heavenly Eyes to observe the board.

The players were an old man and a youth.

The elder wore a gray robe, his gray-white hair swept back, and though his beard was long, it was impeccably clean.

The youth also wore gray, not yet grown, his eyes clear as water, neatly groomed.

The youth held the black pieces, and the board was covered in black. He seemed confident of victory.

The elder, defending with white, was cornered in one quadrant, only able to respond passively.

Yet in Bai Qiu's eyes, though the black pieces were aggressive and white appeared defensive, the elder maneuvered with ease, while the youth was too impatient.

"Master!" the youth suddenly said. "Why don't you counterattack? You've had plenty of chances!"

The elder smiled, "Why should I counterattack?"

The youth protested, "Isn't chess about winning and losing? If you don't fight back, you'll be defeated!"

The elder replied, "Jiang Wei, I've stabilized my corner and am temporarily invincible. If I attack, I might win, but there's a high chance I'll lose everything."

The youth named Jiang Wei asked, "But what's the point then?"

The elder spoke softly, "By holding firm, you can't defeat me quickly. If I strike forcefully, it may suit your plans. The point is not to lose."

Jiang Wei was puzzled. "But you can't win, either."

The elder answered, "No, when you are impatient and distracted—"

"Snap!"

The elder played a decisive move. "I strike at your weakness."

"Excellent move!" Sun Fanbai couldn't help but exclaim.

From that move, the elder seized Jiang Wei's flaw, ending the game in a single blow.

Jiang Wei, his earlier carelessness and impatience affecting his judgment, was thrown off balance. Under the elder's fierce attack, he retreated endlessly, unable to fight back.

Jiang Wei bowed his head, "Master, I lost."

The elder said, "It's just a game. Winning or losing doesn't make a hero. But, if it were life—"

Jiang Wei's pupils widened, "Master, I understand now."

The elder smiled gently and turned toward Sun Fanbai and Bai Qiu.

Seeing this, the two hurried forward, bowing respectfully.

Sun Fanbai said, "I am Sun Fanbai of Yunqing Sect, and this is Bai Qiu, third son of Baixiaosheng. We were drawn to your game, but didn't wish to disturb you, so we watched from afar. Please forgive us."

The elder smiled and said to Jiang Wei, "Jiang Wei, pay your respects."

Still absorbed in the game, Jiang Wei quickly came to his senses and greeted them.

Jiang Wei said, "I am Jiang Wei of Tianyuan Sect—Spiritual Communion Sect. Greetings, senior brothers."

"Spiritual Communion Sect..." Sun Fanbai thought to himself, then suddenly looked up and addressed the elder, "Could you be Master Tongpu, the sect leader of the Spiritual Communion Sect?"

The elder shook his head, smiling, "There is no longer a sect leader to speak of. Just call me Tongpu."

Sun Fanbai hurriedly replied, "I wouldn't dare. The name of Master Tongpu is renowned across the Twelve Provinces. My master, Jinghong, often speaks of your deeds."

His words were not mere flattery. Tianyuan Sect had split into Numerology and Spiritual Communion Sects. Though Numerology had many powerful disciples and great prestige, most focused on cultivation, including their leader, Master Feng Yuan, who had entered the Minor Enlightenment realm early.

Spiritual Communion Sect, as previously mentioned, required faith power. Its members often performed good deeds throughout the Twelve Provinces, and Master Tongpu himself wandered the provinces, doing all manner of good.

After a few more polite exchanges, Sun Fanbai and Bai Qiu wisely left the side peak.

As they departed, Jiang Wei asked, "Master, for the merging ceremony in three days, what should we..."

Master Tongpu replied, "Jiang Wei, remember the chess game just now. Let things take their course, don't act rashly."

Jiang Wei protested, "But Master, I can't accept this... Why should Numerology Sect merge with us? Isn't it an obvious annexation? In three days, the whole Twelve Provinces will know our lineage is gone."

Master Tongpu sighed, "Jiang Wei, all consequences are mine to bear. I can shoulder them, you cannot. You are young and gifted, the future of Spiritual Communion Sect rests with you."

Jiang Wei clenched his fists, "But Master..."

"Enough," Master Tongpu interrupted. "Remember what I've told you. Focus on cultivation and pay no mind to the world's opinions."

Tongpu thought for a moment, then spoke softly, "Using Qimen Divination, I have observed the stars. Soon, chaos will descend upon the Twelve Provinces. Troubled times breed heroes. I want you to rise in that chaos and show the world our lineage is not lost."

"But before that, you must survive. Promise me, no matter what setbacks you face, you will persevere. Can you do that?"

Jiang Wei nodded fiercely, "Master, I can!"

Tongpu smiled with relief, "Then I am reassured. Leave the rest to me."

"And one more thing," Tongpu continued. "Those two young Daoists will surely be leaders of the Twelve Provinces one day. They will be your rivals on the path ahead. You saw it yourself—they are not ordinary men."

Jiang Wei nodded, "Both have remarkable presence and skill. I will strive hard!"

...

Bai Qiu said, "This Spiritual Communion Sect is not as desolate as the rumors claim."

Sun Fanbai nodded, "Master Tongpu is unfathomable, and that Jiang Wei is extraordinarily talented."

Bai Qiu sighed, "It's a shame. In three days, the sect will cease to exist."

Sun Fanbai replied, "I don't think it will be so easily absorbed. Remember that chess game?"

Bai Qiu asked, "You mean..."

Sun Fanbai said, "Those who achieve great things must endure!"

The two chatted as they returned to their lodgings. At that moment, they saw inner sect disciples leading several people into a side courtyard.

Bai Qiu frowned, "It's them..."