Wet viviparity

Chapter 800 The Path of Chess, An Old Acquaintance
A circular gate, about ten feet in diameter, with shimmering light flowing along its edges, stood before Ji Ming.

The entrance was crystal clear, reflecting countless rays of moonlight, creating a white, hazy scene that made one's eyes dizzy. This was the entrance to the Moon Palace.

The door opened for only a moment, and Ji Ming did not hesitate. He stepped forward and transformed into a graceful breeze, disappearing into the doorway. The incense table, Kuangshan Mountain, and even the vast apricot grove behind him were instantly shut out.

As soon as I entered the passage, the clear light of the moon enveloped my entire body.

The green talisman at Ji Ming's waist and the small pestle-shaped seal both glowed faintly. The latter seal, in particular, emitted a warm medicinal property that resonated with the surrounding Yin energy, making him feel extremely comfortable in this environment and allowing him to move more nimbly.

The passage may seem long, but it passes in the blink of an eye.

Before long, the view suddenly opened up before me, and I was no longer in the snow-covered cave and silvery landscape I had seen in my imagination, but in a vast and crystal-clear place.

Ji Ming was standing in the icy, frigid realm, observing his surroundings and adapting to the unfamiliar environment, when suddenly a voice came from his side: "Fellow Daoist Lingxu, how have you been?"

Ji Ming looked in the direction of the sound and saw a fairy in white robes with wide sleeves and cloud-like hair gracefully emerging from behind a pillar.

She was enveloped in a soft, ethereal glow, her face serene and otherworldly, her expression revealing a hint of familiarity. Ji Ming had always had a good memory, so he naturally remembered that this was the same fairy Chang'e who had led him into the icy pool to retrieve the white lotus years ago.

In the Taiyin Realm, there are female cultivators who have not yet become immortals but can reside in Taiyin for quiet cultivation; they are called Shuang'e in the palace. Those female cultivators who have become immortals are called Heng'e.

Just as Ji Ming was about to return the greeting politely, he realized that he didn't know the fairy's name.

"Fairy!" Ji Ming remained calm, but a genuine joy flashed in his eyes. He quickly cupped his hands in greeting, "It has been many years since we parted that day. I never expected to meet you here again today."

The fairy Chang'e smiled slightly, revealing a gentle smile and a hint of playfulness. She said, "Fellow Daoist Lingxu is too kind. You can just call me by my name."

Ji Ming's smile froze, realizing he had been slightly teased by this fairy. He raised his hand and said, "We parted in haste that day, and I did not have the chance to ask your name. Please forgive me."

"Hehe, fellow Daoist, your cultivation has improved and your demeanor is even more refined than before. Naturally, you are too lazy to ask me, a mere palace maid, for my name."

The fairy Chang'e spoke with a melancholy tone, and her mood instantly plummeted, attracting the attention of some primordial spirits within the Moon Palace who lingered there. Ji Ming thought to himself that he had stumbled upon a resentful woman in her boudoir, and secretly thought that these immortals were all quite formidable.

He took the small seal from his waist, held it in his hand, put it to his mouth, and then coughed violently.

The fairy Chang'e's gaze indeed fell on Ji Ming's pestle-shaped official seal, a hint of understanding and surprise flashing across her face. She said, "You have actually obtained the position of Jade Light Boy on the Medicine-Pounding Platform, ranking among the Taiyin Immortals. This is truly a cause for celebration."

"I've had this little seal hanging on my waist for half a day now."

Ji Ming thought to himself.

"I was merely fortunate to have the Jade Fairy's favor," Ji Ming said modestly, thinking that he couldn't let this fairy "tease" him any further. He then got to the point and asked, "Fairy, did you come here to lure me into a game of chess?"

"Indeed." Heng'e nodded and gently gestured with her jade hand, "The game of the Goddess of Chess has begun, and all the players are already playing. Please follow me."

Ji Ming deliberately walked behind the fairy, but unexpectedly, the fairy Heng'e walked alongside him the whole time.

In this crystal-clear, ethereal, and chillingly cold corridor, the light from the glass lanterns refracts through the ice walls, casting a mesmerizing and ever-changing play of light and shadow. In the distance, the faint sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments drift in, adding to the serene tranquility of the moon palace.

"Fellow Daoist, have you come here again for the consecration of the Ruyi Treasure Handle?"

As Heng'e led the way, she transmitted her voice through her primordial spirit, her tone carrying a hint of familiar concern.

Ji Ming said frankly, "During my previous spiritual journey, I was promised a moment's assistance by the Divine Mother, but this treasure is related to my path of cultivation, so I dare not take it lightly."

Having heard that the Divine Mother had set up a game of chess, which brought him great peace of mind, he shamelessly returned, hoping to gain her favor and have her personally bestow a decree to consecrate his artifact.

“I know you are sincere, but…” She paused slightly, then added with a hint of kindness, “The game of chess in the Moon Palace is no small matter. The Goddess of the Moon is so engrossed in deducing the secrets of heaven that ordinary games may not attract her attention.”

Fellow Daoist, if you wish to take this as an opportunity…

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear: without sufficient chess skills, one might not even have the chance to be appreciated by the Goddess, let alone receive special favor.

Ji Ming understood her meaning and knew that Heng'e was reminding him of their past encounter, which was why he spoke up, smiling as he said, "To be honest, fairy, I am truly a mediocre player in chess. I know my own limitations and dare not hope to compete on this chessboard." Upon hearing this, Heng'e raised her eyebrows slightly.
She had ascended to Taiyin long ago, and among the Taiyin female immortals, she was not one with shallow spiritual cultivation. She rarely showed surprise, but this game of chess was, after all, related to the Taiyin Goddess, so even the slightest thing could stir up her emotions.

"Fellow Daoist, your immobilization technique is extraordinary!"

She said with certainty.

"It's just an unconventional approach," Ji Ming said in a low voice, a hint of self-satisfaction in his voice. "Ordinary people wouldn't have thought of this move."

"Tell me carefully."

The fairy Chang'e stopped and said.

Seeing that the fairy Chang'e seemed to have no intention of leading the way because she couldn't hear the amazing skill, Ji Ming couldn't help but smile wryly.

"The Goddess of Chess is profound and mysterious, and she may be accustomed to ordinary and exquisite games. Although I am not talented, I have found another way and studied some unique chess moves, which may make the Goddess of Chess smile."

These words clearly did not satisfy the fairy, who remained still, turning her head to listen. Ji Ming was also a little annoyed, and suddenly laughed, leaning close to her ear and whispering something.

The hot air was exhaled with the sound, and the crystal clear ear instantly became congested with blood.

The fairy Chang'e stared wide-eyed at Ji Ming, her round eyes shining brightly. Her ears were red as if they had been burned, making her look quite adorable.

"Ah!"

The fairy Chang'e suddenly smiled and returned to her normal expression.

She felt no anger at being teased, but knew that her actions had really annoyed the young man, so he had teased her back, which was understandable.

It's truly astonishing how audacious this person is; no ordinary cultivator in the mortal realm would dare to do such a thing. However, judging from the jade tablet and seal on his waist, it's clear that although he hasn't attained enlightenment, he has a powerful background and something to rely on.

Of course, without someone to rely on, how could one dare to come up with such a strategy?

The fairy Chang'e continued to lead the way, and the two tacitly avoided mentioning what had just happened. Soon they arrived at the small pavilion with its icy eaves and frosty ridges, where they played chess.

There was a figure in the pavilion, whose specific appearance was unclear. Only many stars could be seen moving in the dust of light within the figure. He sat alone on one side of the chessboard, his head bowed, deep in thought about the moves.

Outside the pavilion, several figures, some sitting, some standing, and some floating, were scattered in various places. In front of each of them was a piece of ice crystal, with a chessboard protruding from the ice. These people seemed to be playing chess with the Goddess.

"Look," Fairy Heng'e reminded, "among today's players, there are two with extraordinary strength. Fellow Daoist, you should be careful."

Ji Ming glanced at it and understood.

These figures possessed different auras, including celestial officials from the upper realms and chess masters from the mortal world.

However, what attracted Ji Ming the most were the three figures in the southeast corner. These three figures all belonged to the True Spirit Sect, and two of them were old acquaintances.

"Iron Fork Taoist, Jiang Zhao, the leader of the Five Tigers of the Jiang Family," Ji Ming thought to himself.

He pointed to the old Taoist priest with a thin face, flowing beard, and an iron fork casually hanging at his waist, and said, "This Iron Fork Taoist is known as the chess fanatic throughout the East China Sea. His chess style is simple and profound, and his calculations are as deep as an abyss."

I heard that his cave dwelling stood for two hundred years during his efforts to control the floods of the Li River, and every household in Longyang Pass enshrines his longevity tablet. His merits are truly profound!

Following Ji Ming's gaze, Fairy Heng'e frowned and said, "I've heard that he's obsessed with chess to the core, and he's done a lot of foolish things, which makes him unpleasant to others."

“Fellow Daoist Lingxu, besides him, there is also the Star Lord of the Southern Dipper, whose chess style is ethereal and unconventional, often making unexpected and ingenious moves that subtly align with the principles of divination and numerology.”

Following the gaze of the fairy Chang'e, Ji Ming looked at the person in the pavilion.

"You should also hurry up and join the game, so that the Goddess can appreciate your unique chess moves as soon as possible."

(End of this chapter)