Chapter 45: Turnaround
Chapter 45: Turnaround
Both of them had the same thought and exchanged a glance, their expressions turning slightly serious.
As instructors at the academy, how could they possibly lead by example and help a disciple cheat?
No, no, even if you are the Young Master of Divine General Manor, that’s not acceptable. You haven’t even brought a gift... Ugh, what kind of gift, bringing a gift wouldn’t change anything, you’re not a prince...
While the two were racking their brains to find a polite way to refuse the young man, Li Hao had already answered Shen Yunqing’s question:
“I’ve already learned the Cultivation Techniques.”
“Actually, it’s normal to find it difficult. You just need to study it slowly…”
Shen Yunqing’s words trailed off as he suddenly froze, staring at Li Hao in shock. “What did you say?”
“I said, I’ve already learned the Cultivation Techniques on the Stone Stele,” Li Hao repeated, wondering if the old man was hard of hearing.
“You’ve learned it?”
Across from him, the gray-robed elder, Zhao Zongyuan, looked at Li Hao in surprise. Did he mean he had already grasped the basics?
“Did you choose the Wind-Cleaving Fist or the Nine Stars Tripling Steps?”
Shen Yunqing also recovered, glancing at Li Hao with a critical eye. Was this kid just boasting?
“Wind-Cleaving Fist.”
Li Hao thought for a moment, realizing that this was indeed a bit surprising. He immediately threw a punch, the air trembling slightly with a low hum, as if sharp wind blades were slicing through the air.
The two men’s eyes narrowed, recognizing one of the offensive moves of the Wind-Cleaving Fist. The fact that he could produce a wind-cutting force meant that he was far more than just a beginner; he had even reached a level of proficiency bordering on perfection.
Could it be...
They exchanged a glance, their expressions darkening. They had heard that the Rain Listening Pavilion of the Li Family housed countless martial cultivation techniques. Could the Wind-Cleaving Fist be among them?
But the three cultivation techniques on the Stone Stele were all part of Tan Palace Academy’s collection, changed every six years, and had never been revealed outside.
The relationships between major factions were complex, and the two elders had many thoughts, but they quickly suppressed them and did not ask Li Hao.
They never imagined that Li Hao had mastered the entire set of fist techniques in such a short time.
In that brief moment, he could have only managed to glance through it once. To grasp even the surface of the technique would have been impressive, let alone reaching a level of proficiency or perfection.
“So, you’ve already passed the test, but we’re not in charge of that. You should go see that uncle over there.”
Shen Yunqing pointed to the center of the square, where a middle-aged man stood with his hands behind his back, looking composed. In front of him, four people were practicing cultivation techniques, but their movements were clearly clumsy.
“I’ll go in a bit.”
Li Hao wasn’t in a hurry. Instead, his gaze fell on the chessboard where the two men were sitting, and he quickly assessed the situation. “This game is about to be lost.”
“Huh?”
Both elders were slightly taken aback. Shen Yunqing raised an eyebrow. “You’re young, but you know chess?”
“Just a bit,” Li Hao replied modestly.
“Hmm?”
Across from him, Zhao Zongyuan smiled and teasingly looked at Shen Yunqing. “So, tell us, who’s going to lose?”
Shen Yunqing responded with a half-hearted scolding laugh.
Li Hao pointed out, “If you continue with the previous moves, he will lose.”
He pointed at Shen Yunqing.
Shen Yunqing’s face turned red, feeling a bit embarrassed. He believed that this kid did know a bit about chess. He cleared his throat. “I was just escorting you here; my mind wasn’t on the game, so I wasn’t playing well.”
“Go, go.”
If it weren’t for the presence of a junior, Zhao Zongyuan might have kicked him. He rolled his eyes.
Then Zhao Zongyuan turned to Li Hao. “According to what you said, he still has a chance to win?”
“Yes.”
Li Hao nodded, his voice becoming more confident.
“If he changes his strategy, he can win!”
“Hmm?”
Zhao Zongyuan had been joking, but he was taken aback by this response. His smile faded, and he said coolly, “Then tell us, how can he win this game?”
Shen Yunqing was also surprised, looking at Li Hao curiously. The fact that Li Hao could see the outcome meant he at least understood some basic rules of Go, but to see a winning strategy? That was a joke, right? Even he couldn’t find a way to win.
“Place a piece here.”
Li Hao pointed to the chessboard.
Zhao Zongyuan glanced at it, smirking. “What if I place a piece here?” He pointed to an adjacent spot.
“Here.” Li Hao pointed again.
“What if I place it here?”
“Here.”
“I...” Zhao Zongyuan was about to place another blocking piece when he suddenly froze, staring at the chessboard with a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.
Several fingers pointed to the empty spaces on the Chess Board, but in his mind, the board was already marked with moves in those spots.
These moves were nothing out of the ordinary and certainly didn't seem to lead to a winning position, but... there was something subtle about them.
The broken vein seemed to be able to connect!
Zhao Zongyuan's expression grew serious, and he retracted his finger from the Chess Board, deep in thought.
Beside him, Shen Yunqing initially couldn't see the pattern, but when he noticed his old friend's sudden change in demeanor, he was taken aback. He then scrutinized the board carefully, and soon his eyes lit up with understanding. He couldn't help but look at Li Hao.
These moves really do have the feel of a snake connecting its head and tail!
They turned the previously doomed game into a glimmer of hope!
"I'll place a stone here..." After a long moment of contemplation, Zhao Zongyuan pointed to another spot, intending to sever the Dragon Vein on the Chess Board and avoid further complications.
Li Hao, seemingly anticipating this, pointed to another spot, "A small flying corner, to break the formation."
If a stone were placed there, it would form a flying knife, slicing through the opponent's defenses!
Bang!
Shen Yunqing, understanding the move, couldn't help but slap his thigh in admiration. What a brilliant move!
Why didn't I see it? How could I have missed it?!
Zhao Zongyuan's pupils constricted, and he couldn't help but look up at Li Hao's young face, feeling a moment of disorientation.
This tender youth, how can his Go be so seasoned and ruthless?!
"Come, come, you sit down and play."
Shen Yunqing pushed himself up from the ground and moved aside, gesturing to Li Hao. "Let me see how far you can go. It doesn't matter if you lose, but if you win, I'll give you a taste of Drunken Wind Brew."
"Alright."
Li Hao nodded, not hesitating. He had come here specifically for this game.
He sat down on the warm, slightly wilted green grass.
Zhao Zongyuan's brows furrowed, his expression growing serious. He gave Li Hao a deep look, not questioning the youth's skill at the moment, but instead focusing his mind and said, "Let's see how it goes."
Li Hao's fingers dipped into the chess box, and between his index and middle fingers, he pinched a black stone, placing it on the Chess Board.
He filled in the spot he had previously indicated.
Across from him, Zhao Zongyuan remained silent, following with his own move.
The two began their true match.
On the square, numerous young scions of prestigious families and martial prodigies were practicing their techniques, sweating profusely, vying for a place in the Alpha and Beta Courts.
In this corner, on the tiny Chess Board, a fierce battle of wits and strategy was unfolding, each move as sharp as a blade, every step a calculated attack!
After a while, an old hand trembled as it picked up a stone from the chess box, but after a moment of hesitation, it slipped from his fingers and fell.
Zhao Zongyuan's face, usually composed, was now covered in sweat, just like the young disciples practicing on the square.
The game was over.
"I... I lost."
Zhao Zongyuan's voice was hoarse and strained.
Beside him, Shen Yunqing was dumbfounded, staring at the board in disbelief. A game that was destined to be a loss had been turned around by Li Hao's skill, breaking the deadlock and reclaiming lost territory, step by step, until he won by a mere one and a half points!
Don't underestimate this slim margin of victory; to turn the tide from such a dire situation was nothing short of miraculous!
"Thank you for the game, Senior."
Li Hao withdrew his hand, bowing slightly, his expression serious, but his demeanor relaxed afterward.
He was a 5th Dan Go player and often played with Fifth Master, but he hadn't had the chance to test his skills against outside experts. These two seemed to be slightly below Fifth Master's level, probably around 4th Dan.
That was still quite impressive.
After all, both elders were martial artists and still found time to hone their skills in other areas, achieving such a level of proficiency, which showed their dedication and passion.
Zhao Zongyuan chuckled bitterly, looking at Li Hao with a sense of awe.
What kind of brain does this Li Family boy have? He's younger than the time I've spent playing Go, and yet he managed to beat me?
Could it be that playing Go also requires talent?
"Remarkable, truly remarkable!" Shen Yunqing exclaimed in admiration.
Li Hao smiled. "It was just a lucky break. How about we play another game?"
Zhao Zongyuan was speechless, his voice low and somewhat dejected. "Haven't you still got to test your Cultivation Techniques? There are limited spots in the Alpha Court, so you should secure your place first."
"Uh, right."
Li Hao came back to his senses, though he wasn't particularly concerned about the Alpha Court spot, it would save him trouble in the future to secure it now.
"I'll be right back, Senior. Please wait for me." Li Hao said.
Zhao Zongyuan and Shen Yunqing looked at him with strange expressions. Why did this kid seem more passionate about playing Go than joining the Alpha Court to cultivate?
"Wait for me, okay?"
Li Hao stood up, calling out one last time before hurrying toward the middle-aged man at the center of the square.
(End of Chapter)
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