"Tap... tap... tap..."
In the quiet room, only the sound of black and white stones landing on the go board could be heard. Both players wore solemn, even grave expressions. An hour passed like this until finally there were no more contested areas on the board.
"Whew..."
Cheng Litang let out a long breath and picked up the ceramic cup beside him to sip freshly brewed hot tea, while Jiang Beiran dutifully began counting the stones. After first removing all dead stones from the board, Jiang Beiran started grouping them.
"Black has 177 stones. White compensates with three and four-thirds stones. Hall Master Cheng, you've won by four and one-third stones."
"Hahaha!"
Cheng Litang burst into laughter.
"What do you think? My seventeenth move at seventeen really put you in a tight spot, didn't it?"
"Hall Master Cheng's move was indeed brilliant. I thought placing at the corner could withstand your attack, but though your move didn't revive the dragon formation, the extra initiative you gained caught me completely off guard. Truly masterful."
"Hahahaha!"
Jiang Beiran's flattery clearly pleased Cheng Litang, who stroked his beard and said, "Playing with you is always interesting. At least you understand why you lost, unlike those other fools." Jiang Beiran cupped his hands respectfully.
"This disciple only recognizes where he failed, not how to counter it. I hope Hall Master can offer some guidance."
"Good! Then let's play another game!"
By the third watch of the night, under bright candlelight, Jiang Beiran was still engaged in their marathon match. After losing another two games, Jiang Beiran wiped the fine sweat from his brow.
"Hall Master's 'wedge' technique is truly endlessly variable, leaving this disciple in awe. I beg Hall Master's permission to enter seclusion for a month to study it deeply."
This so-called "seclusion" was essentially requesting leave from the sect. For example, if a disciple felt they were about to break through, they could apply to their hall's presiding elder or teacher for seclusion. If approved, they would be exempt from mandatory duties and trial missions for that month.
However, this "leave" could only be used once per year, which Jiang Beiran found rather limiting. Seeing Jiang Beiran's utterly worshipful expression, Hall Master Cheng was overjoyed and immediately nodded.
"Very well, I grant your request."
"Many thanks, Hall Master Cheng."
Jiang Beiran bowed happily.
"Another game?"
Cheng Litang stroked the board invitingly.
"Thank you for your instruction, Hall Master!"
As the saying goes, finding a worthy opponent is one of life's greatest joys. Jiang Beiran and Cheng Litang "battled" through the entire night without showing any signs of fatigue even at daybreak.
"Knock knock knock" "Liangji, is Beiran with you?"
Just as Cheng Litang was frowning over Jiang Beiran's small knight's approach at the seventeenth line's fourteenth point, a knock came at the door followed by a voice both players recognized well. 'No way... the Hall Master himself came?'
Though Jiang Beiran had expected someone to come looking for him today, he never imagined it would be the Hall Master in person. Unaware of Jiang Beiran's thoughts, Cheng Liangji simply answered, "He's playing a game with me."
"Then I'm coming in."
Zhang Heqing pushed the door open.
"Greetings, Hall Master."
Jiang Beiran immediately stood to bow when Zhang Heqing entered.
"Hmm."
Zhang Heqing nodded with a smile.
"Beiran, take a short rest and come with me."
Both Jiang Beiran and Cheng Liangji froze in surprise, wearing identical shocked expressions. There was an unwritten rule in Blue Heart Hall - unless it was a matter of life and death, all business waited until the game finished. Yet now the Hall Master wanted to "pause" their game immediately.
"Beiran, are you in trouble?"
Cheng Liangji asked after recovering from his shock. He couldn't think of any other reason the Hall Master would disregard his face so completely. Jiang Beiran hastily shook his head.
"Absolutely not! This disciple has always been honest and law-abiding. How could I possibly cause trouble?"
Zhang Heqing laughed heartily and patted Jiang Beiran's shoulder.
"No need to be nervous. Just come with me."
Seeing Zhang Heqing's warm smile and already guessing his purpose, Jiang Beiran cupped his hands.
"Hall Master, during yesterday's game with Hall Master Cheng, I gained some profound insights. He's already granted me permission for a month's seclusion. If—" Halfway through his sentence, Zhang Heqing's voice suddenly sounded in Jiang Beiran's ears.
"Stop making excuses and come with me now, or don't expect any more favors from me in the future."
Jiang Beiran's expression froze as he stared at Zhang Heqing, whose smiling lips hadn't moved at all.
'Voice Transmission!?'
Simultaneously, three options appeared before his eyes: [Option 1: Continue refusing to go. Reward: Vast Sea Curse (Mysterious Grade, High Tier)] [Option 2: Ask Cheng Liangji to intercede. Reward: Seven Steps Technique (Mysterious Grade, Low Tier)] [Option 3: Agree with the Hall Master.
Reward: Random Basic Skill Point +1] 'Damn it... looks like the Hall Master is dead serious this time.' Realizing Zhang Heqing's unusually firm stance, Jiang Beiran immediately chose option three and turned to Cheng Liangji.
"Hall Master Cheng, I'll go with Hall Master Zhang first."
"Very well. Return quickly."
Seeing Jiang Beiran agree, Zhang Heqing beamed.
"We'll be back soon."
Sighing inwardly, Jiang Beiran followed Zhang Heqing out of the room. They walked in silence to the guest reception Plum Blossom Pavilion, where Zhang Heqing immediately stepped forward with cupped hands and a smile.
"Guardian Yu, I've brought the person you requested."
Standing in the center of the hall, Yu Manwen smiled slightly and returned the courtesy.
"Thank you for the trouble, Hall Master Zhang."
"Nonsense! No trouble at all. You flatter me, Guardian Yu."
He then eagerly pulled over a chair.
"Why are you standing, Guardian Yu? People would say Zhang Heqing doesn't know hospitality. Please sit, sit."
Seeing Zhang Heqing's fawning smile, Jiang Beiran felt his worldview crumbling.
'Dammit!
Where's that dashing, heroic Star Formation Sword - Zhang Heqing, Hall Master of my memories!?' Once Yu Manwen was seated, Zhang Heqing glared at the attendant standing by the door.
"How can you not serve tea to such an esteemed guest?"
Just as the attendant was about to speak, Yu Manwen interjected, "Don't blame him, Hall Master Zhang. I told him not to bother."
"That won't do! Tea is essential. I recently acquired some excellent green snail tea with a wonderfully fresh aroma - you must try it."
He turned back to the frozen attendant.
"What are you waiting for? Go brew it!"
"Yes, right away!"
The attendant scurried off.
"You're too kind, Hall Master Zhang."
Yu Manwen nodded slightly.
"It's only proper when Guardian Yu honors our humble Blue Heart Hall with her presence."
Zhang Heqing then waved at Jiang Beiran.
"Why are you still standing there? Come greet our guest properly!"
Watching Zhang Heqing pull up a chair right beside Yu Manwen as he spoke, Jiang Beiran sighed heavily in his heart. 'Hall Master, this is NOT how you flirt with women!!!'
(End of Chapter)