https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-220-Missed-Opportunity-Heaven-and-Earth-Shift-Qi-Awakens/13688399/
Chapter 219: The Essence of the Spiritual Pearl, a Leisurely Moment
“Chen Laodaifu, to be perfectly honest, we’re not merely traveling for pleasure this time. We’re being pursued… by enemies,” Fang Tao explained plainly, recounting their dire situation to Chen Laodaifu.
“…Chen Laodaifu, I truly don’t know when those Liu Yun Zong disciples might arrive. But they’re not honorable folk. If they come here, they may drag you into danger. So if possible, it would be better for you to leave sooner rather than later.”
Fang Tao’s words hung in the air, but Chen Laodaifu didn’t flinch. Calmly, he replied, “I’m truly sorry to hear of your suffering. But the weather outside is terrible—torrential rain, flooded roads, muddy trails. Our carriage won’t be able to move far even if we set off now. Besides, since we’ve come this far, we might as well stay. The Liu Yun Zong is a major sect in Yun Zhou. I doubt they’d act so recklessly. We have no grudge against them, so even if they do arrive, they likely won’t target us. There’s no need to worry, Master Fang.”
At this, Da Shi couldn’t help but interject, “Chen Laodaifu, you don’t understand. Though the Liu Yun Zong claims to be a righteous sect, they’re actually extremely domineering. In Yun Zhou, any family or minor faction that disobeys them is either beaten and warned, or worse—plundered and absorbed. Don’t expect much decency from them.”
Lu Qing tilted his head slightly, curious. “If they’re so powerful, why isn’t there any other sect to balance them?”
Fang Tao sighed. “Yun Zhou has three top-tier sects. Among them, Liu Yun Zong is the strongest. Rumor has it, they have more than one Xian Tian Jing Lao Zu within their ranks. That’s why no other faction dares challenge them.”
“Ah, I see,” Lu Qing nodded.
“So, Chen Laodaifu, we’ve offended Liu Yun Zong. There’s no telling if our troubles might drag you into danger. Please, be extra cautious.”
“Understood. Once the rain stops, we’ll leave,” Chen Laodaifu said, nodding.
Fang Tao opened his mouth, wanting to urge them to leave immediately. But glancing at the storm outside, he realized it was futile. He couldn’t very well kick his benefactors into a downpour. So he closed his mouth, his eyes fixed on the gray sky, lost in quiet worry.
Ma Gu, watching from the side, couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. They have no idea who they’re really dealing with.
No wonder they were so unsettled. The stealth techniques of Lu Qing and Chen Laodaifu were simply too refined. Right now, both appeared to be only Qi Xue Jing cultivators. The strongest among their group, on the surface, was Ma Gu himself—his Jin Gu Jing Great Achievement—alongside Zi An’s Jin Gu Jing Xiao Cheng. To a great sect like Liu Yun Zong, such power was nothing more than a minor disturbance. It was only natural that Fang Tao felt uneasy.
Still, Fang Tao wasn’t a man of ill will. He hadn’t repaid kindness with betrayal. That much was commendable.
The silence from Fang Tao and the others made the hall feel heavy. But Xiao Yan and Xiao Li weren’t fazed at all. Bored, they asked Lu Qing for permission and pulled out the Beast Battle Chess from their luggage, eager to play.
Chen Laodaifu took out an ancient medical text and began reading leisurely. Even Lu Qing and Ma Gu turned to their own tasks. Lu Qing, for instance, focused his spirit within his Brow Qi Cavity, quietly refining the Soil Spirit Pearl.
Though he had already left his spiritual imprint on the pearl—making it his own—true mastery still required more effort. He needed to keep refining his connection to it. And since the Soil Spirit Pearl was a supreme treasure of the Earth element, it naturally carried profound Daoic resonance. As he practiced, he was also absorbing and contemplating these Daoic principles.
Lu Qing had a strong instinct: if he could grasp even a fraction of the wisdom hidden within, it would be immensely beneficial to him.
With everyone now silent, the hall fell into complete stillness.
But soon, the soft tick-tack of the chess pieces drew attention.
At first, Fang Tao assumed it was Lu Qing playing. But when he turned, his eyes widened in astonishment. There sat Xiao Yan and a Black Little Beast, both deeply focused, engaged in a serious game.
They remembered the Black Little Beast—its small, familiar form, always curled up in Xiao Yan’s arms. They’d assumed it was just a pet, nothing more. After all, Chen Laodaifu and his companions clearly came from a noble household. Owning a pet was nothing unusual.
But now, seeing the beast playing chess with intense concentration, Fang Tao and the others were utterly flustered.
An intelligent beast that plays chess? They’d never even heard of such a thing.
“Don’t be alarmed,” Chen Laodaifu said calmly, glancing up from his medical scroll. “Xiao Li has been Xiao Yan’s companion since childhood. They’ve played together all their lives. If they’re too loud, I’ll ask them to keep it quiet.”
“No, no, it’s fine,” Fang Tao waved his hand quickly. But his curiosity burned too brightly to hide.
“Chen Laodaifu… that little beast… can it really play chess?”
“This is Xiao Li,” Chen Laodaifu replied. “Her intelligence is quite advanced. She’s picked up a few things from humans just by observing.”
Fang Tao and the others exchanged amazed glances. No wonder—such a high level of intelligence in a beast… Legends spoke of ancient mountain spirits, like wise monkeys in sacred peaks, capable of speech. This Black Little Beast might not be far behind.
Drawn in by curiosity, they gathered around Xiao Yan and Xiao Li, watching the game unfold.
After a few moves, their eyes widened again—because the chess pieces were unlike anything they’d ever seen.
“Miss Xiao Yan,” Da Shi finally asked, “what kind of game is this? Why are there tigers and mice on the board?”
“Beast Battle Chess!” Xiao Yan beamed. Then she moved a piece, capturing Xiao Li’s leopard in a single, swift motion.
The Black Little Beast’s eyes bulged. It hadn’t expected that.
“Beast Battle Chess?” Fang Tao and the others stared blankly. They’d never heard of such a game.
“It’s a game my apprentice invented in her spare time,” Chen Laodaifu chuckled. “Simple rules, just for fun. Not suitable for serious players—please forgive the spectacle.”
“Oh… I see,” Fang Tao murmured. After watching a few more moves, he realized: the rules really were simple. It was just a game of big eating small—no need to study, anyone could learn.
He chuckled, shaking his head. I was actually scared for a moment, thinking Xiao Li understood high-level strategy. That would’ve been terrifying.
But despite its simplicity, the game captivated Da Shi and the others. They’d spent most of their lives training in martial arts. Genuine entertainment was rare. This new, playful game was unexpectedly delightful.
As Lu Qing and the others waited peacefully in the temple for the rain to stop, far away—hundreds of miles distant—a wild, disheveled figure stood in a dark cave, staring at scattered stones on the ground, trembling with rage.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
