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墨書 Inktalez
Under the clear moonlight, Du Yizi smiled slightly at Li Hong, "Now it's my turn." He casually placed a piece, blocking the connection between two white pieces on the left side.
Li Hong held a piece in his hand, feeling that no matter where he placed it, it would be wrong. He decided to put it in the middle of his own white pieces on the right side, ignoring the solitary black piece on the left.
"Haha, this is interesting," Du Yizi chuckled as he placed his piece, continuing to secure his lonely black piece. Li Hong did the same, placing another piece among his white ones on the right.
The two were each claiming their own territory, indifferent to each other.
Watching this style of play made Old Huai Ghost's face grow even longer. He stared with wide eyes and said, "How peculiar! This kid really doesn't know how to play chess; he keeps making strange moves."
As the black and white pieces fell, both continued to solidify their own territories. Li Hong allowed Du Yizi to capture his previously placed left-side pieces, but his white pieces on the right side seemed to be forming a substantial presence.
At this point, they each occupied half of the Nation.
Seeing that his left territory was completely secured, Du Yizi pondered for a moment and then directly invaded the middle of Li Hong's right territory, beginning his attack.
Li Hong frowned slightly and decided to avoid confrontation by surrounding Du Yizi's black pieces with a long chain of his own white pieces.
However, Du Yizi was an experienced player; he continuously captured pieces and soon occupied a large area in the corners. Although Li Hong's white pieces were connected in a long chain, they were situated in the central region.
A true gentleman observes chess in silence, but Old Huai Ghost was clearly not a gentleman; he laughed gleefully and said, "Golden Horn Silver Edge Grass Belly! Chu Hongzi's central region lacks vitality and will eventually be surrounded and devoured!"
Li Hong frowned. His left-side white pieces had been captured completely, leaving no corners. The upper right corner had also been cleared out. Now only the middle route and the seemingly viable lower right corner remained. If that lower right corner could survive, then the entire central region would also have a chance; this was crucial. Otherwise, it would be game over.
Du Yizi smiled lightly and launched another attack, targeting the lower right corner to start creating an eye.
If before there was back-and-forth play, now it was a close-quarters battle; both were robbing from each other as they reached a critical point of life and death.
Li Hong was very careful with each move, but it could not compare to Du Yizi's centuries of experience in the game. In a moment of carelessness, his white stone in the lower right corner was captured along with two others. The situation took a sharp turn, and the white stones were in grave danger.
Both players' gazes fell on an important eye position. As long as Li Hong placed a stone there, Du Yizi's black stones in that area would lose their vitality and could not form a true eye. Conversely, if Du Yizi placed his stone there, he could extend his territory securely, leading to Li Hong's inevitable defeat.
Du Yizi smiled, already holding a black stone in his hand. Li Hong watched helplessly as his hand moved toward that position, unable to intervene because Du Yizi had the first move.
Suddenly, a strange sound echoed. Du Yizi's body shook violently, and his hand trembled as the crucial black stone fell heavily onto the board, but not in the important eye position; instead, it landed beside it!
Li Hong was overjoyed and quickly placed his stone in the important eye position. This move immediately connected the corner white stones with those in the central area, forming a long dragon. Du Yizi's black stones in the lower right corner were completely surrounded by white stones, resulting in total annihilation.
Li Hong laughed heartily and looked up at Du Yizi, saying, "I survived! Even if I remove ten stones, the territory occupied by my white stones is still not less than yours! This game is at least a draw!"
Du Yizi's expression was very strange as he sat still for a moment before slowly saying, "It is fate! No need to say more; I am willing to come out of retirement to assist your Immortal Sect."
"No, it is to assist our Nine Li Sect! We of the Nine Li Sect formally invite Ancestor to join us as an honorary elder," Ling Yi Zi said leisurely from the side.
Du Yizi looked at Ling Yi Zi with a very strange expression and asked, "How do you know my secret?"
"The military strategist says that knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in every battle!" Ling Yi Zi replied with a cold smile as he raised his hand and slowly opened his fingers, revealing something in his palm.
It was a snow-white bone whistle made of bone, emanating a faint blue phosphorescence that looked eerie under the moonlight.
Li Hong recognized it; this was an item from the Demon Sect. Each member of the Demon Sect had such a bone whistle used to control Walking Corpses. When did Ling Yi Zi capture one? It dawned on him that the strange sound earlier was Ling Yi Zi's covert assistance. For some reason, Du Yizi was particularly sensitive to that sound; it had thrown him off just enough for him to make a mistake.
Du Yizi slowly removed the white leather hat from his head. The two high "dog ears" on top reflected a cold metallic gleam, shining brightly as if made of metal, deeply embedded into Du Yizi's skull and looking quite bizarre.
Du Yizi sighed and said, "We of Beast Cultivation do not refine magical artifacts; our best method is to refine our innate fur into magical items. My most important artifact is these two Iron Ears on my head. They allow me to hear subtle sounds from hundreds of miles away; even the crawling of an ant can be heard. Just now, at such a critical moment, your light sound from that strange bone whistle was like thunderclaps to me; it was too piercing! That’s why I made an error, allowing Chu Hongzi to win."
Li Hong suddenly understood that Du Yizi's innate beast ability was indeed extraordinary hearing—truly legendary "wind-following ears."
Du Yizi slowly said, "Losing is losing. Your methods may not be fair, but I am willing to accept defeat. I am willing to come out of seclusion to assist you, Nine Li Sect."
Old Huai Ghost shouted with a grim face, "That's unfair! How can you easily admit defeat, Brother Du Yizi? Have you forgotten what happened six thousand years ago? You often said in our casual chats that cultivators are not trustworthy; they are ungrateful and will burn bridges after crossing them. How can we trust them?"
Du Yizi pointed at the chessboard and said, "Junior Brother, look at this. Everything aligns with the will of heaven. I truly have no words left. When one's cultivation reaches my level, some things are beyond your understanding."
He continued, "Although I live in seclusion in the mountains, how can I not know the situation outside? The time for the Spirit Scheme is approaching, and the Immortal Sect and Demon Sect are about to go to war again. Three thousand years ago, I did not participate, but this time I am tempted. However, I have a request," he looked at Ling Yi Zi, "I estimate that I will ascend in a few years. I hope you can promise me that after my ascension, you will look after me in the Immortal Realm under the banner of Jiu Li. That is my only condition."
Upon hearing this, Li Hong's eyes widened. Protecting him after ascension? What does that mean? Ascending means becoming an immortal; why would he need protection from Nine Li Sect? Who could protect him?
Seeing the astonishment on Li Hong's face, Du Yizi smiled bitterly, "It seems that young friend is unaware of our Beast Cultivation's awkward situation after ascension. Since it's a quiet night, let me tell you."
It turns out that Demon Cultivators are inherently inferior to human cultivators. Even if born as spirit beasts with special abilities, they still remain beasts. After much effort to cultivate a human form and reach Nascent Soul to ascend, upon reaching the Immortal Realm, they can appear in their original form as beasts or take on human form. Naturally, all Demon Cultivators prefer to walk in the Immortal Realm in human form; after all the hard work to attain a human body, who would want to embarrass themselves in their original form?
The problem is that most immortals enjoy using various rare Demon Cultivators as mounts or pets. Therefore, it is said that whenever a Demon Cultivator ascends to the Immortal Realm, they are often quickly claimed by some Great Deity or Immortal Master who does not allow them to show their human form; they either become playthings or mounts, leading to a very awkward and pitiful situation.
In contrast, human cultivators have senior members from their sects to support them, such as those from Nine Li Sect. Consider Ji Lianzi, the Ancestor, who ascended over ten thousand years ago and naturally looks after later ascendants from Nine Li Sect. However, many spirit beast-born Demon Cultivators spend thousands of years cultivating alone before they can transform and ascend; where can they find seniors for support? Many are unique beings. Their fate usually ends up being captured by some Great Deity or Immortal Master and relegated to being mere decorations or mounts. This is still considered fortunate; without any backing, they might simply be extinguished by a displeased Immortal Master on a whim.
Li Hongyu listened with increasing anger: "All beings are equal by nature; how can it be so tyrannical once we become immortals! This is utterly unreasonable!"
This statement struck a chord with Du Yizi; he sighed and said, "Who told us we are Beast Cultivation? I am now at the Late Stage of Nascent Soul and will soon enter the Heavenly Fusion Stage; that day is not far off. It truly makes me both anxious and excited. If I really ascend to the Immortal Realm and must endure hardship alone, I would be immensely grateful if you could help me out because of my assistance to Nine Li Sect."
Li Hong immediately patted his chest: "I don't know about anything else. If you join us at Nine Li Sect, then you are one of us! Once you ascend to the Immortal Realm, there’s no need for hardship; just mention Ji Lianzi's name and no one will dare bully you!"
"Ha ha, it's a deal!" Du Yizi laughed happily; this was exactly what he wanted to hear.
However, Ling Yi Zi frowned slightly as if wanting to say something but hesitating. Du Yizi thought he was unwilling and became anxious: "Ling Yi Zi, you should also say something! Chu Hongzi has already agreed; do you intend to obstruct this?"
Ling Yi Zi shook his head: "It's not about that. I'm just thinking that these are merely legends; perhaps the Immortal Realm looking down on our Beast Cultivation is just baseless rumors. You need to consider carefully; we will naturally promise to look after you. But what if you ascend later and find out it’s not true? Wouldn't that lead to resentment? That would be unfortunate."
Du Yizi chuckled, "Are you afraid that I will exert myself but not gain any benefits? Ling Yizi, you are indeed a kind-hearted person, which makes me feel more at ease! There must be some reason behind every rumor. All I need is your promise that if you ascend to the Immortal Realm in the future, you will look out for me. I will be immensely grateful, regardless of whether such a thing happens or not; I won't hold it against you."
Li Hong smiled and said, "We have a senior in the Nine Li Sect who is also facing ascension. To be honest, I think the Ancestor's abilities are not as great as his; he will definitely ascend before you. Just make sure to tell him that when you ascend, he will come to welcome you. You can rest assured about that. Our Nine Li Sect is a well-respected Immortal Sect; Ji Lianzi, the Ancestor, is not someone to be trifled with! Let those disrespectful deities go to hell!"
Du Yizi laughed heartily upon hearing this and felt a strong fondness for Li Hong. He then eagerly inquired about Yun Jiuzi.
Li Hong replied with a smile, "I'll keep it a secret for now. Once you visit the Nine Li Sect, you'll surely know his name."
Du Yizi became increasingly excited and found Li Hong more and more agreeable. He realized that Li Hong genuinely cared for him and did not look down on Beast Cultivation at all. Moreover, judging by his expression, he must have a close relationship with Yun Jiuzi. Suddenly inspired, Du Yizi stood up and grasped Li Hong's wrist excitedly, saying, "Chu Hongzi, Junior Brother, the more I see you, the more I feel we are fated! Tonight is a beautiful night with clear winds and bright moonlight; it’s an auspicious time! Why don't we become sworn brothers? From now on, we can share blessings and face difficulties together!"
"Ah?" Li Hong's mouth dropped open in surprise. Sworn brothers with Du Yizi? This...
Du Yizi's expression darkened. "Junior Brother, are you unwilling? Do you look down on me because I'm from Beast Cultivation?"
Li Hong quickly exclaimed, "That's not true! It would be my great fortune to become sworn brothers with the Ancestor. However, you are someone whom everyone in our Immortal Sect admires; I'm just a small elder from the Nine Li Sect who has just formed my Golden Core. Becoming sworn brothers with you would be me taking advantage of you; you'd be at a disadvantage!"
Du Yizi laughed heartily, "I see! What Ancestor? You should hurry up and call me Big Brother!"
They immediately set up an altar and exchanged their birth years and zodiac signs. When Li Hong heard Du Yizi's age, his tongue nearly fell out in shock. But then he thought about it: a big brother is still a big brother; what does it matter if he was born tens of thousands of years before him? After completing the ceremony, he joyfully called out "Big Brother," which made Du Yizi beam with happiness.
The four of them resumed drinking until dawn broke. Old Huai Ghost left first, and Li Hong then took his leave.
Du Yizi knew he couldn't keep him there and advised before he left: "Big Brother will wait for you at Lüliang. Take care on your journey. Also, I know where the Jingwei Clan has relocated. The leader of the Jingwei Clan, Jiang Xuanzi, is very sentimental; he will surely appreciate your character when he meets you. However, that's not enough; you must appeal to his reason and emotions so that he will send help—he might even come personally. Take care on your journey!"
Hearing this made Li Hong deeply moved as well; he held Du Yizi's hand and discussed many things, such as avoiding conflicts with the Demon Sect for now until he returned...
They talked until the sun was high in the sky before reluctantly parting ways.
Li Hong ascended into the clouds and saw that White Shadow was standing on the mountain peak waving goodbye to him with reluctance. Feeling touched, he turned back for a deep bow before vanishing into thin air.
Li Hong's figure disappeared, and Old Huai Ghost immediately appeared beside Du Yizi, his face filled with jealousy. He began to sow discord: "Brother Du Yizi, why would you form a brotherhood with such a minor character? It really tarnishes your reputation!"
Du Yizi's expression darkened: "Nonsense! I greatly admire my second brother's character, not to mention he is a respected elder of the Nine Departures Sect. His status is significant. If you continue to speak recklessly, be careful that I disregard our years of friendship!"
Old Huai Ghost quickly replied, "Brother, coming out to assist the Nine Li Sect means you will be facing the Demon Sect in tough battles. Although your cultivation is exceptional, I still worry for you!" Seeing Du Yizi's expression soften slightly, he continued his slander: "You once said that humans are the most untrustworthy. Even if you hope for the Nine Li Sect's support, there's no need to rush. After all, no one has ascended in the Cultivation World for a thousand years; why pave the way for yourself so early? I am only sincerely looking out for you."
Du Yizi sighed: "Huai Shan, Junior Brother, your cultivation level is low; there are some things I cannot explain to you. My second brother has an unlimited future ahead of him. Moreover, his Upper Dantian..." He stopped speaking at this point.
Old Huai Ghost asked curiously, "What about the Upper Dantian?"
Du Yizi coldly replied, "Do not pry into matters that do not concern you! Also, do not spread rumors about my brotherhood with Chu Hongzi. This is a serious warning!"
Old Huai Ghost's face turned increasingly pale; he dared not continue his slander. Inside, he felt both jealous and angry. Despite thinking about forming a brotherhood with Du Yizi for a thousand years, he had never been able to convince him. Their brotherly terms were merely titles. The bond of a thousand years as neighbors could not compare to that of Chu Hongzi in just one day!
From then on, Old Huai Ghost harbored deep resentment towards Li Hong.
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