Simulation becomes reality, have I ever looked down upon the eternity?

Chapter 575 The Chessboard is Too Small, Elder Nie's Compensation!

[Nie Qingzhu had never seen the boy so arrogant before, and for a moment she was lost in thought.]

"Having cultivated to this day, I have never suffered a defeat; I do have some expectations."

The voice of the young man in blue robes came through the water mirror, echoing clearly throughout the entire viewing platform.

The disciples of Xiaoqing Peak were all taken aback. Was this really their familiar Senior Brother Zhou?

Upon hearing this, Fu Dongcheng said, "Then today, I will be the one to make an exception."

A portly cultivator had quietly appeared on the arena.

[Duanmu Xiwei was the first to notice, and immediately greeted him with a smile:]

"Senior Brother Kang, what brings you here?"

"I've come to observe on the orders of my senior brother, the sect leader."

Duanmu Xiwei's eyes flickered slightly.

The newcomer was none other than Kang Buqiu, the head of the Grass and Wood Hall. The Grass and Wood Hall was ranked first among the three halls, and Kang Buqiu was a trusted confidant of the sect leader, holding a highly respected position within the sect, even above Duanmu Xiwei.

The disciples on the stage were all startled and bowed respectfully, saying, "Hall Master Kang."

Kang Buqiu nodded slightly, his gaze already fixed on the chessboard.

The game of chess has just begun, the sound of pieces being placed echoing.

However, in the middle game, Fu Dongcheng's hand began to hesitate. But when Zhou Jing placed another piece, the previously unpredictable game suddenly cleared up, revealing a bright and clear picture.

Fu Dongcheng's white chess piece remained untouched for a long time, but Zhou Jing remained calm and waited patiently.

Although the disciples on the viewing platform did not understand the deeper meaning of the game, they had already gleaned clues from Fu Dongcheng's solemn expression.

Even Zi Xiao and Kong Ming hadn't expected Fu Dongcheng to fall into such a predicament so quickly.

Fu Dongcheng managed to place a few more stones, his brow furrowed, his expression becoming solemn.

In his eyes, the entire chessboard seemed to expand infinitely, and the figure of the person opposite him gradually transformed into a towering mountain, pressing down on him so that he dared not look up directly.

[Duanmu Xiwei sensed something amiss. A wisp of magical energy flickered from her sleeve, and Fu Dongcheng jolted awake, staring blankly at the chessboard—the game was lost, with no chance of recovery.]

"I lost."

Silence fell over the viewing platform. The disciples exchanged bewildered glances, even Zi Xiao and the others looked surprised.

[However, the game was already decided in the middle game?]

"Again."

Fu Dongcheng closed his eyes and concentrated, mentally replaying the chess game before making another move.

A new round of play begins. Fu Dongcheng proceeds cautiously, making slow and deliberate moves; while you, on the other hand, move with effortless speed and astonishing ease.

Before the middle game even started, the situation became clear again.

Another quarter of an hour passed, and the chess piece between Fu Dongcheng's fingers remained suspended, untouched.

Just then, a voice rang out.

"How about we call this a draw?"

Everyone was taken aback and looked in the direction of the voice. The speaker was none other than Kang Buqiu, the head of the Grass and Wood Hall.

He chuckled and said, "The game has reached a point where neither side can win; let's draw."

In Go, draws are rare; there are only winners and losers, especially since this game has only reached the middle stage.

The water mirror on the arena was suddenly obscured, and the disciples watching could only see that the platform was shrouded in a magic array, making it impossible to see what was happening inside. They couldn't help but wonder:

【"How is this going?"】

"Why is the chess game being observed blocked by a magic array?"

On the high platform, inside the magic array, Zi Xiao and the others looked at each other, understanding that Fu Dongcheng was on the verge of defeat.

They were not foolish; knowing Fu Dongcheng's special status, they all remained silent.

[Duanmu Xiwei was about to speak, but Kang Buqiu stopped her with a look.]

Kang Buqiu turned his gaze to the young man in blue, his tone gentle yet undeniably authoritative:

"Zhou Jing, what do you think? This victory or defeat is not important to you; you have already been personally selected by the sect leader."

Although the words of the Great Dao Golden Core cultivator were tactful, they were by no means negotiable; every word carried immense weight.

Kang Buqiu's tone softened slightly as he gently advised, "Young man, you have a bright future ahead of you, and the path of cultivation is long. The chessboard is ultimately too small; the world outside is truly vast."

Zi Xiao couldn't help but worry about Zhou Jing. How should she respond? If she said something inappropriate, or rashly refused, she feared she would get into trouble in an instant.

This Master of the Grass and Wood Hall holds a high position of power and influence, even surpassing the peak masters of other branches within Fangcun Mountain.

Sima Wanli looked at you with considerable interest, wanting to see how you would choose—would you go with the flow, or would you act on your youthful impetuosity?

To win first place in calligraphy, painting, chess, and music is undoubtedly a sign of exceptional talent. But what young person doesn't possess a stubborn streak that refuses to bow down?

[But you seemed not to hear, and simply placed a black piece slowly on the chessboard.]

[Kang didn't respond to your request to see him, his brows furrowing slightly.]

Duanmu Xi smiled and said, "Today, Fu Dongcheng and Zhou Jing both won four games, so they should be tied for first place."

After placing your piece, you looked towards the eastern part of the city. Ever since Kang Buqiu arrived, you've remained silent.

The boy chuckled softly, "This is the 128th move."

Fu Dongcheng's body suddenly stiffened, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes. In the previous game, it was also the 128th move!

Upon hearing this, Zi Xiao and the others paled. They mentally calculated the games they had played in the past and were horrified to realize that in every single game… they had lost on the 128th move!

[Fu Dongcheng didn't lose this round, because of the intervention of the Grass and Wood Hall Master, but he still stopped at move 128.]

Did Zhou Jing foresee all of this?

Having finished speaking, you stood up and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Zhou Jing has learned much from Hall Master Kang's words."

He then turned to look at the chessboard and said calmly, "This game was originally a draw."

Kang Buqiu's brows relaxed, and he looked at you with a playful expression. "You are much more sensible and insightful than Xiao Qingfeng."

He didn't linger any longer and left, the image on the water mirror fading away.

The radiant light of the array that had enveloped the platform gradually faded, like the tide receding from the shore, revealing the scene within, and the view of the surrounding audience was no longer obstructed.

[Duanmu Xiwei announced the results: "In this round of chess, Zhou Jing and Fu Dongcheng are tied for first place."]

[A result that wasn't entirely unexpected; now we just have to wait for the final results of the five matches to be announced tomorrow.]

Fu Dongcheng's face was gloomy, showing no sign of joy, while you remained calm, as if nothing had just happened.

Cheers erupted from the audience, especially from Xiao Qingfeng's disciples.

After the competition concluded, the disciples dispersed.

[You also left. Duanmu Xiwei hesitated, wanting to speak, but then remembered your origins as Xiao Qingfeng, and said nothing more, letting out a sigh.]

[Fangcun Mountain, it doesn't matter which lineage you, Zhou Jing, come from, but the fact that you come from Xiaoqing Peak is undoubtedly a sore point for our senior brother, the sect leader.]

When Jiang Yingshuang betrayed the sect, Xiaoqing Peak was already defunct in name only.

~

[Afternoon.] [Xiao Qingfeng, bamboo forest behind the mountain.]

[In front of the thatched hut, Nie Qingzhu stood quietly, gazing at the couple before her: Qi Ling and Zhou Jing.]

[Today's competition has concluded. Qi Ling has defeated another disciple from Qi Yun Peak, securing her place among the top nine.]

Zhou Jingyi won all five matches, finishing first in every single one.

A look of satisfaction appeared on Nie Qingzhu's brow. Xiao Qingfeng's achievements at this Star-Picking Gathering far exceeded previous expectations.

"Ling'er, you are the most talented person since the founding of Xiaoqing Peak. For decades to come, I'm afraid no one will be able to surpass you."

"Cultivation is arduous; do not waste your talent. After this Star-Picking Gathering, the resources of Little Green Peak will be poured into you, and the entire peak will be mobilized to help you...attain the Golden Core of the Great Dao within sixty years."

The girl in purple solemnly replied, "I will never forget the kindness of Master and Xiao Qingfeng in saving me. If it weren't for their shelter, I would be a wandering ghost long ago."

"Qi Ling carries a deep-seated blood feud on his cultivation, which he dares not forget day and night... and dares not slacken for even a single day."

Looking into the girl's stubborn eyes, Nie Qingzhu, just like the peak master, softened her tone.

"Although I am your master, there is not much more I can teach you. Once the peak master emerges from seclusion, I will implore her to personally instruct you."

Qi Ling solemnly said, "Once a teacher, always a teacher."

Nie Qingzhu nodded slightly. "Go, Ling'er, and focus on preparing for tomorrow's competition."

Her apprentice was too cold-hearted and too talented. Even as her master, she could hardly see the whole picture of her heart; it was like trying to see flowers through a fog, always separated by a layer.

[Qi Ling is young and burdened with the deep-seated hatred of her family's extermination; her life is destined to be devoid of joy.]

With Qi Ling gone, only Zhou Jing remained.

Nie Qingzhu slowly turned her gaze to Zhou Jing. She had clearly witnessed the changes on the arena today, and a sense of guilt welled up in her heart.

All of this stemmed from Xiao Qingfeng's decline. Nie Qingzhu sighed softly and said to Zhou Jing, "Zhou Jing, you have truly suffered an injustice today."

"You had the strength to win the championship, but unfortunately, Xiao Qingfeng has declined, causing you to be bullied and looked down upon."

"Today, Senior Brother Nian wanted to stand up for you, but I stopped him."

"I know that doing this will put you in the spotlight. However, you've always been calm and composed, so I'm confident you won't cause any trouble."

[Nie Qingzhu gazed at you, her expression serene: "If you truly harbor resentment, then blame it all on me, this elder."]

"Zhou Jing was deeply indebted to Xiao Qingfeng for his protection and never dared to harbor the slightest resentment."

In fact, you had already glimpsed the underlying reasons for today's situation from the sect's subtle attitude towards Xiao Qingfeng.

You slowly began, "Besides, even if Zhou Jing is dull-witted, how could he be so tactless as to criticize the elders?"

"Now, the entire burden of Xiaoqing Peak rests on Elder Nie's shoulders—on his left are the earnest expectations of the peak's disciples, and on his right are the covetous eyes of the various sects within the mountain."

"Elder Nie, all I can say is 'thank you for your hard work.'"

Each word and phrase is like a silver needle piercing the heart, touching not pain, but a surge of burning warmth.

For the past four or five years, Nie Qingzhu has never let up on the heavy burden on her shoulders.

The peak master's cultivation of the extremely dangerous "Seven Kill Sword Manual" was like suspending the entire Little Green Peak on a spider's web, with every step fraught with peril.

Since its founding, Xiaoqing Peak has had a weak foundation and has repeatedly suffered suppression and contempt from other sects. She must not only maintain the Daoist resolve of her disciples but also constantly guard against irreversible changes. She works tirelessly day and night, almost never letting her guard down.

But how many people know that Nie Qingzhu is merely a cultivator at the Heavenly Gate Realm?

Looking at Zhou Jing's earnest eyes, Nie Qingzhu suddenly felt an urge to lean against him.

His extraordinary demeanor during the competition these past few days has repeatedly surfaced in her mind, disturbing her sleep and making it difficult for her to concentrate on her cultivation.

"Elder... Elder? What's wrong?"

You noticed that Nie Qingzhu's cheeks were flushed, her eyes were unfocused, and she seemed somewhat absent-minded.

"Elder, are you alright?"

She snapped back to reality and hurriedly replied, "It's alright...it's alright."

Nie Qingzhu's ears burned slightly as she whispered, "This matter... I, this elder, will certainly compensate you for it."

You were taken aback by her words—she didn't say "Little Qingfeng," but rather "Elder"?

"Zhou Jing, come here."

You paused slightly, looking at the bamboo bed before you: "Elder, what is this...?"

[Nie Qingzhu had already turned and entered the thatched hut, without responding.]

After a slight hesitation, you finally lay down as instructed, secretly wondering what Elder Nie's intentions were.

[A moment later]

[The thatched cottage curtain fluttered slightly, and Nie Qingzhu stepped out slowly, dressed in a plain white gauze dress, light as mist, vaguely concealing her slender curves.]

Your gaze sharpened as you noticed the peaks appearing and disappearing in the hazy light. Suddenly realizing your rudeness, you quickly lowered your head to avoid eye contact.

Just as my mind was in turmoil, I suddenly felt a pair of soft, slender hands gently resting on my shoulders.

"Elder, what's wrong...?"

"Zhou Jing," she said softly, "you massaged my shoulders last time... so I'll do it this time, as a way of... making it up to you."

【"this……"】

You sat frozen in place, motionless, until the sun began to set and twilight descended.

"Elder...that's enough. My shoulder isn't actually sore."

"Zhou Jing," she said softly, "don't you like it? If you don't like white... I can change into... something else."

You glance up and catch a glimpse of crimson patterns peeking through the white veil; it's not the usual close-fitting garment embroidered with lotus flowers.

"Elder, you've misunderstood. That's not what I meant..."

Before she could finish speaking, Nie Qingzhu's gauze dress slipped down, revealing her snow-white skin.

[Full and undulating, swaying like trembling mountains, it's almost too beautiful to look at directly.]

Without further hesitation, you swiftly retreated, disappearing into the depths of the bamboo forest in the blink of an eye. "Elder, this disciple will take his leave now!"

[Nie Qingzhu watched your departing figure, her eyes filled with a complex and indescribable emotion, and murmured, "Nie Qingzhu, you've truly fallen for a disciple."]

A smile subtly returned to her lips, for Zhou Jing had not been entirely indifferent.

[There are examples!]

Nie Qingzhu looked down at her own attire; the so-called "clothes" were no bigger than the palm of her hand.

She was much taller than the average female cultivator, her slender waist suddenly widening into a pear shape, and she also had a pair of long, striking legs.

Recalling Zhou Jing's earlier flustered yet restrained demeanor, she couldn't help but let out a smug snort.

"Men...are all the same."

【The next day.】

On Qiyun Peak, the final trial of the Star-Picking Competition begins.

Today, this grand event is about to come to a close, and the final results will be announced.

(End of this chapter)