Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 43 Beyond the Chessboard
The guest quarters of the Prince of Wei's residence, Qinglian Residence.

A simple wooden cabin, furnished with a couch, a table, and two cushions.

At this moment, the doors and windows were tightly closed, and the room was dark. Gao Jian changed out of his outer robe and wore only a plain inner garment, sitting on a futon.

His face was still pale, but the turmoil in his eyes had faded, replaced by a deep weariness and an almost deathly calm.

On the ground in front of the table was a huge, dark-colored chessboard with star patterns, neither gold nor jade. The lines were not straight, but star trails with mysterious curves. The material was warm and cool to the touch. On each side was a sandalwood chess jar.

Gao Jian sat cross-legged in front of the chessboard, his back straight—a posture ingrained in his master's very bones.

The headache persisted, the sharp pain in my chest remained clear, and every breath seemed to aggravate the hidden injuries in my internal organs.

Gao Jian remained expressionless, his mind replaying Lu Chenyuan's mocking words, "Waiting for your triumphant return," Yan Bingning's pitying words of dissuasion, the complex gazes of the crowd, some open, some hidden... and the phantom of Gongshu Jie being severely injured by molten iron...

All of this felt like a scalding hot iron, repeatedly searing my nerves.

"How did he do that...?"

Gao Jian spent two hours repeatedly deducing the situation, but he still couldn't figure out where the "Six Instruments Striking Punishment" went wrong, or how it could have triggered the Azure Dragon Trapping the Pillar. However, Lu Chenyuan's performance and his predictions about Qimen Dunjia suggested that what he said was very likely correct.

Gao Jian took the elixir, which temporarily suppressed the intense pain caused by the backlash, but he could not suppress the turmoil in his heart.

"Extreme intelligence is bound to cause harm"...

The Master's words of wisdom echoed in my ears.

He paid the price of coughing up blood, headaches, and physical weakness in exchange for being seen as having "profound computing power" and "extraordinary comprehension" by others. But what about Lu Chenyuan?
He deciphered the hidden immortal mechanism as easily as reading the lines on his palm, without paying any price, which overturned his previous understanding of "intelligence" and "strength".

He needs answers.

It's not about the Four Symbols Revolving Heart Wheel, but about Lu Chenyuan.

He wanted to know, where would the fate of such an anomaly lead? Was it truly as flawless as he appeared? Or... were there hidden reefs and treacherous shoals in the long river of destiny?
He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the star-patterned chessboard in front of him.

This was bestowed by his master, containing a trace of star power. At this moment, only this path might be able to dispel the fog for him.

"Start the game."

Gao Jian took a deep breath, forcibly clearing his mind of distractions, and used the "Chess Divination Technique".

He extended his long, slender, yet slightly trembling fingers, the fingertips not touching the chess jar, but hovering about an inch above the star-patterned chessboard.

A pure and restrained divine consciousness emanated from between his brows and slowly flowed into the chessboard. As the consciousness flowed, the originally dim star trail patterns on the chessboard were illuminated as if by invisible starlight, revealing a very faint, flowing silver light. The crisscrossing lines seemed to come alive, slowly flowing and extending on the dark background.

His core thought was only one thing: Lu Chenyuan.

The sandalwood chess set opened silently.

The pieces inside the jar are not ordinary chess pieces, but are made of black jade and star sand.

The black jade is deep and dark, as if it can absorb light, while the star sand contains tiny starlight, warm and translucent.

At this moment, dozens of black and white pieces, as if summoned, silently floated up and circled the chessboard where starlight flowed, slowly swirling along some mysterious trajectory, emitting a barely audible sound like stardust rubbing together.

"Asking about fate."

Gao Jian used his divine sense to connect with the mysterious Heavenly Dao, yearning for guidance, but his gaze was fixed on the "Tianyuan" position in the center of the chessboard.

This is the core of the birth chart, the place where divination is based.

With a slight thought, a black jade chess piece symbolizing karma, as if guided by an invisible thread, steadily landed on a key star position on the side of the "Celestial Center" with a hint of inquiry.

However, an unusual phenomenon suddenly occurred:

The moment the black piece landed, the starlight in the corresponding area of ​​the chessboard suddenly blazed brightly, and an invisible, overwhelming "true meaning" spread out from the "center point". It was not an attack, but rather like an incomparably solid glass barrier.

The moment the black jade chess piece came into contact with this "realm of true meaning," the negative deductive power it contained was rapidly purified and stripped away, as if ice and snow were melting away! The chess piece itself did not shatter, but its deep luster instantly dimmed, turning grayish, as if it had lost all its spirituality.

Gao Jian's pupils contracted slightly, but he was not surprised. He tapped his finger again, and a white star-shaped stone symbolizing fortune fell down, tentatively approaching the "center point".

This time, the phenomenon was completely different:

The white pieces fell, but instead of being rejected, they were like water droplets flowing into the ocean, instantly creating a wonderful resonance with the starlight flowing in the "Tianyuan" area. Then, several white pieces of star sand that were originally hovering seemed to be summoned. Without him urging them, they broke away from their original trajectory and fell precisely to several important star positions around "Tianyuan" with a clear and melodious sound!
Each move is like a falling star, each piece shining brightly.

Instantly, a stable and dazzling star ring formed around "Tianyuan" to protect it.

One of the white stones hovered three inches directly above the "center" point, its brilliance restrained yet incredibly resilient, like a miniature moon illuminating the "center" position with crystal clarity.

Gao Jian's breathing became slightly rapid.

The game is now complete!

There's no need to force an examination; the moves and unusual phenomena on the chessboard are already the most direct "answer."

—The outcome of the game is clear, and the sun shines brightly!
This is Lu Chenyuan's fate.

Gao Jian focused intently on the game, no longer attempting to "attack" or "discover" the solution, but rather, as if facing an ancient unfinished game left by his master, he engaged in pure deduction and interpretation.

The scales were no longer a cold, lifeless object in his eyes, but a projection of the river of fate:
The core of "Tian Yuan" represents Lu Chenyuan's destiny. Under the protection of the star rings and the illumination of the bright moon, its light and shadow are stable and pure, impervious to calamities and evil spirits.
The star ring symbolizes the help and opportunities in one's life. It is not always smooth sailing. Although there are still dark areas outside the star ring that represent unknown variables, the general trend has been established, the foundation is solid, and with the help of benefactors, opportunities will come naturally.

That "bright moon": at its core, there was a blurry human figure. Under its starlight protection, Lu Chenyuan's destiny was magnificent and imposing, like the sun at its zenith. His momentum was already established and unstoppable.

If it were someone else, the person represented by the bright moon might be hard to guess. To get a clear answer, one would need to go further and risk the backlash of the Heavenly Dao to glimpse the secrets of Heaven. But Lu Chenyuan is a person of great renown, and everything about him is clearly laid out in the eyes of the world. There is no need to ask who this bright moon is.

Princess Taiping, Li Lingyue.

Gao Jian's gaze swept over the dark gray jade piece he had previously placed, hanging alone outside, forming a glaring contrast with the dazzling core chessboard.

He seemed to see his own reflection: paying the price, exhausting himself, yet like that dull chess piece, excluded from the real "big picture," unable to even leave a valuable mark on the opponent's destiny.

"The cycle of three tribulations..."

Gao Jian murmured unconsciously, his voice dry and hoarse.

He wasn't referring to the game of chess itself, but rather to his current state of mind: resentment towards the injustice of heaven and earth, doubt about his own path, and confusion about his master's admonition that "extreme wisdom inevitably leads to harm"... These three tribulations, repeating endlessly, trapped him tightly, leaving him with no way out!
He tried to find signs of “injury” in Lu Chenyuan’s fate to confirm his master’s words and seek liberation, but he only saw a more dazzling “brightness”!
"Cough..." Gao Jian's body swayed slightly, and a trace of dark red blood once again spilled from the corner of his lips, dripping onto his plain white inner robe. A familiar throbbing pain came from his chest, reminding him of the price he had to pay.

He endured the excruciating pain and slowly gathered his thoughts. The suspended chess pieces, like stars that had lost their traction, silently fell back onto the chessboard or jar. The brilliant star ring that protected the game gradually dimmed, and the suspended "bright moon" also disappeared without a trace.

Silence returned to the room.

In the dim light, Gao Jian stood motionless, as still as a stone, appearing exceptionally lonely.

He didn't roar, he didn't smash anything, he just sat there quietly, his back still straight, but the last glimmer of light in his eyes seemed to have been completely extinguished, leaving only a bottomless abyss.

"At its zenith...at its zenith..."

He repeated it in a low voice, eerily calm, yet more chilling than any roar.

“Master, did you see that? ‘Extreme wisdom is bound to bring harm’... Perhaps it’s true. But it’s me who’s being harmed, not him.”

He stared into the void, as if conversing with Tantai Wuchen in the distance, his tone tinged with self-mockery and sorrow.

at this time.

Dude, dunk, dunk.

Three measured, unhurried knocks broke the deathly silence inside.

Gao Jian instantly suppressed all outward emotions and looked towards the door: "Who goes there?"

"Young Master Gao, it is I, the King."

A gentle yet authoritative voice came from outside the door: "Having heard that the young master is unwell, I have come to visit him."

Gao Jian frowned almost imperceptibly, then straightened his clothes to ensure his appearance was impeccable before saying in a deep voice, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Please come in."

The door slid open silently.

King Wu Chengsi of Wei was dressed in a casual brocade robe, exuding an air of composure, with just the right amount of concern on his face.

He carried a warm jade wine pot, its surface smooth and lustrous with subtle red veins. A faint golden mist, visible to the naked eye, rose from the pot's spout, emanating an extremely rich and mellow medicinal aroma that instantly filled the entire quiet room. The fragrance contained a boundless life essence and a pure, yang warmth, clearly indicating that it was a medicinal wine carefully prepared from unimaginable rare and precious ingredients.

"I apologize for the intrusion, young master."

Wu Chengsi stepped in, his gaze quickly sweeping across the room. He paused briefly on the lone, dark gray jade piece on the star-patterned chessboard, then glanced at the barely noticeable dark red mark on Gao Jian's robe, and understood immediately.

His concern deepened as he gently placed the warm jade wine pot on the table: "Young master, you don't look well. It seems you've expended a lot of energy in the mechanical city. This pot of [Nine Yang Rejuvenating Brew] is best for nourishing the heart and replenishing the spirit. Young master, please drink a cup quickly, lest you leave any hidden dangers."

He poured himself a cup, the amber liquid swirling in the jade cup, radiating an alluring glow and warmth, the medicinal power almost penetrating the body.

Gao Jian did not refuse. He took the jade cup, which felt warm and smooth to the touch. The rich medicinal power flowed into his palm through the meridians, which indeed relieved his turbulent blood and the stinging sensation in his mind.

He nodded in thanks: "Thank you for your kind invitation, Your Highness. I am ashamed that I have returned empty-handed. My old ailment can be cured with rest. I am even more unworthy of Your Highness's personal visit."

"Ah, young master, you are the esteemed disciple of the exiled prince Yun. How can your precious person be allowed to suffer any loss?"

Wu Chengsi waved his hand and sat down on the opposite futon, his posture relaxed, as if chatting casually.

He changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of regret and insight: "After the court session, a servant came to report that I already know about today's events. That Lu Chenyuan is indeed exceptionally talented, and may possess a pair of discerning eyes. Such talent is rare and cannot be sought after by human effort."

He sighed softly, as if lamenting for Gao Jian: "Young Master, with your calculation skills and meticulous planning, you are already an outstanding person. It is a pity that you encountered such an anomaly. It is not a fault of your own in battle."

These words, though seemingly comforting, precisely struck Gao Jian's deepest sore spot—the gap in talent.

Gao Jian's fingers tightened slightly around the jade cup, his knuckles turning white, but his expression remained calm: "Your Highness flatters me. My skills are inferior, and I humbly admit defeat." His tone was flat, revealing neither joy nor anger.

A glint flashed in Wu Chengsi's eyes, and he saw that Lu Chenyuan was being stubborn. When such a prodigy meets someone even more "proud," he is bound to lose his composure, especially someone as talented and sharp as Lu Chenyuan. With that mouth of his, he should be glad that he has a face that can attract the attention of the Taiping Emperor. Otherwise, even the wise eye could not save him!
Too poisonous!
He wanted to slap Jiang Zhanqiu again after hearing Jiang Zhanqiu's account.

Wu Chengsi leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and spoke with a sense of sincerity: "Young master, you are mistaken. Judging from your demeanor, you are not the kind of person who gives up easily. Moreover, the path to victory or defeat is not limited to a chessboard."

He paused, looked into Gao Jian's eyes, and said meaningfully, "Within the chessboard, he has the advantage of timing and location, and is exceptionally talented. Perhaps it will be difficult to defeat him for a while, but outside the chessboard... the world is vast, and there are countless methods. Sometimes, it is more thorough and less strenuous to make an opponent lose the right to sit at the table than to win him at the table."

These words are almost a blatant implication—to eliminate opponents outside the rules.

A flash of disdain crossed Gao Jian's eyes, and his expression turned icy. He put down his jade cup, his voice carrying a hint of detachment: "I am inferior in skill, but I know that a gentleman has things he will and will not do. To deceive oneself in secret is not my intention!"

"hehe."

Wu Chengsi seemed to have anticipated his reaction. Instead of being annoyed, he revealed a knowing and somewhat amused smile, gently swirling the wine in his glass as if admiring its shimmering luster.

"Young Master misunderstood."

Wu Chengsi's smile remained unchanged, but his tone became even gentler: "How could I be the kind of person who instigates others to commit crimes? The Yunzhe lineage has always been noble, and I have always respected them. When I say 'outside the chessboard,' I am not referring to those despicable methods."

He changed the subject again, his gaze becoming profound: "Does the young master know what kind of person Taiping... my younger sister Lingyue admires most?"

He paused deliberately, observing Gao Jian's reaction.

Sure enough, upon hearing the name "Princess Taiping, Li Lingyue," Gao Jian recalled the vast, bright moon on the chessboard that protected Lu Chenyuan, and his expression changed.

"She admired refined scholars who were talented, elegant, and knowledgeable in both ancient and modern times."

Wu Chengsi's voice carried a power that could see into people's hearts: "Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, songs, and even those 'strange skills and tricks' that cultivate temperament, if one can play them to perfection, they can all catch one's eye and win one's heart."

He looked at Gao Jian with a burning gaze, full of certainty and temptation: "That Lu Chenyuan, relying on a few clever tricks, knowing some unorthodox mechanical arts, being able to compose a few crooked poems, draw a few doodles, and play a few folk tunes, uses these to curry favor and win the Taiping Emperor's favor. How shallow he is!"

Wu Chengsi's tone was full of disdain, then quickly turned to undisguised admiration for Gao Jian: "And you, young master? You are a disciple of Yun Zhejun, Tantai Wuchen! What kind of person is he? The third of the Ten Great Masters of the World! Chess, divination, and divination allow him to glimpse the secrets of heaven, using the earth as his board and all living beings as his pieces. His zither playing is divine, capable of attracting hundreds of birds to pay homage; his calligraphy and painting are both superb, each stroke conveying the grandeur of mountains and rivers; his poetry and songs are effortless, every word a gem. You have truly inherited Yun Zhejun's talent and integrity, and in terms of talent, depth, and that truly noble demeanor, Lu Chenyuan is not even worthy to carry your shoes!"

Wu Chengsi's voice was resolute and full of inflammatory rhetoric: "The superficial things he relies on are nothing more than fireflies compared to the bright moon, or grains of rice compared to the vast ocean, in front of you, young master!"

He leaned forward, his gaze piercing Gao Jian's heart: "Young Master, your greatest advantage lies not in the intricate chessboard, but in the unparalleled talent and elegance bestowed upon you by your master! This is precisely what Taiping admires!"

Lu Chenyuan won her favor with this; if you, young master, were willing to display your talents and show the unparalleled elegance of a disciple personally instructed by Lord Yun Zhe, wouldn't the outcome be crystal clear? Such a righteous and honorable path, young master…why not use it?”

(End of this chapter)