Chapter Ten: Tianyuan Temple

Fang Guohuan was surprised to hear Master Kuyuan propose a ten-move exchange on the chessboard, asking, "Each of us with ten stones, just twenty moves in all—how can victory be determined?" Master Kuyuan replied, "A skilled player reads the situation. Though victory may not be decided, the difference in skill can be discerned. Are you interested, young master?" Fang Guohuan understood that with only ten stones, it was about establishing positions and seizing the overall situation. With Master Kuyuan testing him in such a manner, he felt a strange perplexity but could only respond, "I will do my best." He gathered the ten black stones and suddenly exclaimed, noticing that these were no ordinary pieces: they were round and lustrous, heavy in the hand, which he hadn’t observed before. Now he couldn’t help but praise, "What fine stones!"

Master Kuyuan explained, "These are ‘Arhat Stones,’ the finest in chess." Monk Fawu chimed in, "It seems young master Fang is lucky. Whoever uses Arhat Stones is a master of the game; ordinary players never touch them." Fang Guohuan was secretly amazed.

In one day, Fang Guohuan had met two chess masters. Now he dared not use his usual opening of placing a stone at the center; instead, he placed a stone at the lower right star point. Master Kuyuan responded casually, and both laid out their positions across the board. When they reached the eighteenth move, Fang Guohuan was startled: though the stones were sparse, the white pieces dominated the board, and no matter how he placed his black stones, he remained trapped in the white’s sphere of influence, unable to break free. Though surprised, Fang Guohuan remained calm, recognizing his opponent as a true master. After some thought, he placed his last stone.

Master Kuyuan silently marveled, "This child is truly extraordinary; to play like this against me in ten moves is rare in the world." He felt a surge of joy and satisfaction, then laid his final stone. When Fang Guohuan looked again, he was astonished: though both had played ten stones, the white side commanded the board without a flaw, while his own black side showed two areas of weakness.

Startled, Fang Guohuan quickly rose and bowed, saying, "Master, you are a true master of chess. I am honored to have met you today; please instruct me." Master Kuyuan nodded, rising to assist him: "Young master, you are intelligent and skillful. Though you cannot yet claim mastery of the world, among all I’ve met, you have the greatest talent for chess. After searching for decades, today I have finally found the spirit of chess in you." Master Kuyuan’s voice trembled with emotion. Fang Guohuan was baffled. Monk Fawu, delighted, said, "Congratulations, Master! After years of searching, your wish is fulfilled." He turned to the bewildered Fang Guohuan, smiling: "Young master, weren’t you seeking to study chess at Tianyuan Monastery? Master is the abbot there." Fang Guohuan was startled, gazing at Master Kuyuan with a surge of emotion, rendered speechless.

Master Kuyuan nodded, saying warmly, "I often wander the realm, hoping to find a child with a gift for chess like yours. Heaven has not wasted my efforts; our meeting is fate." Monk Fawu gently patted the overwhelmed Fang Guohuan, laughing, "Quickly, pay your respects to your master! What are you waiting for?" Fang Guohuan snapped out of his daze and, overjoyed, bowed deeply: "Disciple Fang Guohuan greets Master." Tears flowed from his eyes.

Master Kuyuan happily accepted the ceremony, then said, "My wish of decades may come true through you. Accepting you today may be Heaven’s will." He pointed to Monk Fawu: "This is your senior brother Fawu. Go pay your respects." Fang Guohuan hurried forward and bowed: "Thank you, senior brother, for your introduction; otherwise, I might never have met our master." Fawu replied cheerfully, "I never expected Master would choose you. To have you as a junior brother is my good fortune and a joy for Tianyuan Monastery."

Master Kuyuan then inquired about Fang Guohuan’s history, and Fang recounted his childhood, getting lost and wandering the world. Both Kuyuan and Fawu were moved. When he spoke of Monk Zhishan of Maple Grove Cottage, Master Kuyuan was surprised: "Years ago, indeed, a monk named Zhishan from our sect visited Tianyuan Monastery. After losing a game, he left. I never thought he would guide you here—a true chess lover!" Fawu then recounted the story of the chess tournament at Tielong Temple in Fengtai City. Master Kuyuan was amazed: "That must be a master from outside the world, coming forth to make his mark in chess." Fawu said, "Li Ruchuan is a formidable player, a worthy rival for our senior brother. Even if junior brother Guohuan doesn’t use the Tianyuan opening, it’s hard to defeat him. Unfortunately, though his chess skills are high, he is narrow-minded and sly, not someone we should associate with. If I hadn’t intervened in time, junior brother Guohuan might have been harmed." He recounted the events.

Fang Guohuan still felt lingering fear and asked, "Master, I don’t understand. Li Ruchuan’s skill far exceeds mine; he already defeated me in the tournament. Why did he pursue me?" Master Kuyuan explained, "He must have seen your talent and skill, fearing that one day you would surpass him, thus jealousy turned to murderous intent. In chess, one can see the difference immediately. Although Li Ruchuan won, he sensed his skills growing old, while you advance rapidly. He wishes to be famous in chess and unrivaled in the world, so he cannot allow anyone to surpass him. Therefore, he wants to eliminate you early." Fang Guohuan sighed, "Li Ruchuan’s skill is profound; even with years of hard study, I doubt I could catch up. Why resort to such cruelty, ruining the elegance of chess?" Master Kuyuan replied, "Not so. One’s character limits one’s chess. Each advance is difficult. Li Ruchuan has studied for years and achieved much, but he doesn’t see his own limitations. He thinks himself invincible and disregards others. Seeing your potential to soar past him, jealousy and malice arise. His impure heart restricts his skill." Fang Guohuan was deeply impressed by Kuyuan’s incisive analysis.

Master Kuyuan continued, "All worldly arts are tangible, but when refined to the extreme, there are tales of summoning phoenixes with a flute or ghosts with a zither—creating wondrous realms. The art of go is especially marvelous, with endless changes, unfathomable even to spirits, and is considered an art of the immortals." He spoke solemnly, "I have loved chess since youth, practiced diligently, and met countless masters. Yet, even I remain within the common tactics, unable to reach freedom, still bound by technique." Fang Guohuan exclaimed, "To me, Master’s skill is unrivaled. Is there a higher realm?" Master Kuyuan said, "The path of chess is vast and never reaches its end. To be invincible is only within the board; true understanding of chess’s essence is still elusive, which is the regret of every master."

Fang Guohuan asked, "Master, what is the true realm of chess?" Master Kuyuan replied, "Chess should follow the heart, creating its own wondrous realm, harmonizing with all things. When chess and mind unite, there is nothing higher. The realm of chess is the realm of the heart; when they merge, that is the true realm." Fang Guohuan wondered, "Such a realm must be a new experience, perhaps the highest cultivation. How can it be attained?" Master Kuyuan sighed, "This is the great puzzle I have sought all my life. Chess is an elegant art, meant to clarify the mind and cultivate character. If obsessed with winning and losing, it is base. Yet, life is like chess, tangled in conflict and defense; can one's spirit ever escape?"

He continued, "There are some who enjoy both victory and defeat, using chess for leisure and health. In autumn, as leaves fall, two people sit, playing casually, delighting scholars and gentlemen. Even rustic elders can find some elegance in chess; this is the minor art. But there are those who see chess as a great way, viewing the board as a reflection of the world, wishing to move the realm with their chess. All things are one; life is like chess. To connect chess with the course of the world, to use chess for its benefit, is the true virtue of a master. The real realm is not just the mysterious feeling on the board, but a unity within and beyond chess, responsive to all things—this is transformation. Though only an illusion, some may reach such supreme cultivation, depending on their innate talent." Fang Guohuan seemed to grasp something from these words.

Master Kuyuan, delighted to have accepted Fang Guohuan, said to Fawu, "We have wandered for months; now that I have accepted your junior brother, it is time to return to Tianyuan Monastery." Fawu replied, "I have some matters to finish; please, Master and junior brother, return ahead." Kuyuan agreed, "Of all my disciples, you are most experienced in the world. So, I will take your junior brother back first; you should return soon." Hearing they were going to Tianyuan Monastery, Fang Guohuan was filled with joy. Fawu soon bid them farewell, and Master Kuyuan led Fang Guohuan toward Tianyuan Monastery.

As they neared Dongting Lake, Master Kuyuan said, "In recent years, bandits have plagued the lake; it is not safe. Let’s take the land route." He led Fang Guohuan along a byway.

One day, Master Kuyuan brought Fang Guohuan to the foot of a great mountain. Its towering peaks rose together, dense forests and thick grass, fresh air and secluded scenery—a paradise untouched by men. Master Kuyuan said, "This is Lianyun Mountain." Fang Guohuan felt a sense of familiarity and joy at heart. The master and disciple walked along the mountain path for a while. Suddenly, the road turned, and ahead lay a monastery built against the mountain—not grand, but ancient, with red walls and green tiles, halls half-hidden within. At the gate, the words "Tianyuan Monastery" caught Fang Guohuan’s eye, and he suddenly realized, "Yes, the monastery is named for the Tianyuan position on the chessboard."

Master Kuyuan gently knocked on the gate. Soon, a crack opened, and a young monk peeked out. Seeing Kuyuan, he exclaimed with delight, "Master has returned!" He quickly opened the gate and led Kuyuan and Fang Guohuan inside, joyfully running ahead to the main hall. As they walked, Master Kuyuan asked, "Faneng, I’ve been away for months—has anyone visited?" The young monk replied, "Master, Elder Qingming from Qinghe Monastery on Wuhua Mountain traveled here, waited two days, then left when he couldn’t wait longer." "Ah, Elder Qingming," Kuyuan nodded.

Faneng continued, "A month after you left, a fellow monk with a crippled right arm, called Master Buliao, came by." Kuyuan paused, then asked, "Did Master Buliao say anything?" Faneng replied, "He said that three years from now, on the fifteenth of August, Master should remain in the monastery; he will come to visit then." Kuyuan shook his head and sighed, "That obstinate monk—never satisfied, never ending." As they spoke, they reached the Grand Hall. Several sweeping monks saw Kuyuan and, with joy, quickly put down their work, pressed their palms together, and greeted, "Master!" Others came to pay their respects. Kuyuan nodded and led Fang Guohuan to a chair, where tea was promptly served.

After a sip, Kuyuan called, "Fanyuan." A middle-aged monk stepped forward, "Disciple here." Kuyuan said, "Gather your brothers; I have something to say." Fanyuan bowed and left. Kuyuan then kindly said to Fang Guohuan, "Guohuan, Tianyuan Monastery will be your home from now on." Fang Guohuan nodded with emotion, "Thank you, Master." Faneng smiled at Fang Guohuan, knowing he had gained a new brother.

Soon, Fanyuan brought over a dozen monks, old and young, who bowed in unison, "Greetings, Master." They lined up quietly, afraid to make a sound. Fang Guohuan thought, "Master’s face is gentle, not severe, yet these monks are so respectful." He straightened himself instinctively.

Kuyuan asked, "Is everyone here?" Fanyuan replied, "Master Fayang is out buying salt and rice and will return in a day or two. Senior brother Fawu has not returned from traveling with you. The rest are present." Kuyuan nodded and introduced Fang Guohuan, "This is your new junior brother, my lay disciple, Fang Guohuan. You must get along well with him." The monks all gazed at Fang Guohuan, puzzled. Fang Guohuan hurriedly stood and bowed, "Fang Guohuan greets all senior brothers."

Kuyuan continued, "You often pride yourselves on your chess skills, thinking you can defeat all laymen. Yet your junior brother Guohuan is even more accomplished; there is always someone stronger. Encourage each other." The monks were amazed, reassessing Fang Guohuan. Fang Guohuan thought, "Master’s skill is unfathomable; these brothers must also be masters. I must be careful not to embarrass myself." Kuyuan added, "Faneng, your junior brother is new and unfamiliar here; take good care of him." Faneng replied happily, "Yes, Master." Kuyuan said, "Guohuan, you’ve traveled all day and must be tired. Go rest with Faneng; tomorrow, have him bring you to White Cloud Cave in the back mountain to see me." Fang Guohuan agreed and left with Faneng.

Outside the hall, Faneng took Fang Guohuan’s hand and said warmly, "Master values you greatly; you must have great skill." Fang Guohuan replied modestly, "You flatter me, senior brother. Please guide me." Faneng laughed, "No need for formality. If Master accepted you, you must be better than us." They passed through two courtyards to a row of neat monk quarters. Faneng said, "Junior brother, take the left room. Rest here; I’ll fetch tea and food from the kitchen." He opened the door for Fang Guohuan and left. Inside, Fang Guohuan found the room clean and tidy, with two wooden beds, neatly folded linen covers, and a square table carved with a chessboard. Fang Guohuan thought, "So all the monks here are chess monks."

Soon, Faneng returned with a food box, laying out rice, two vegetarian dishes, and a pot of tea. Fang Guohuan thanked him and ate. Afterward, Faneng cleaned up, and Fang Guohuan offered to help, but Faneng declined, "I’ll handle it; no need for you to help." Fang Guohuan protested, "How can I trouble senior brother to serve me?" At that moment, someone outside said, "Heaven has its order; since Master arranged this, junior brother need not be polite."

Fang Guohuan looked up to see Fanyuan and several monks at the door. He welcomed them in, and a monk placed two baskets of chess stones on the table. Fanyuan smiled, "Master called you a rare genius, with talent and skill above us all. Great players are hard to find; our hands itch for a match, so we come to challenge you." Fang Guohuan replied, "I dare not; please instruct me." Fanyuan smiled, "Well said." He asked, "Fahua, try our little brother’s skill." Fahua replied, "As you wish, second brother," and sat across from Fang Guohuan to play. Faneng hurried to return the food box and came back to watch.

Fang Guohuan and Fahua soon exchanged over ten moves. Fang knew Fahua was a master, played cautiously, and realized the brothers were testing his skill, so he was careful. After dozens of moves, Fang was amazed by Fahua’s unique style, unlike anyone he’d played before, and found it difficult. As the game reached the middle, Fang struggled more, unable to fully display his skill, and marveled, "Are all the world's masters gathered at Tianyuan Monastery?" Fahua was equally astonished, thinking, "This junior brother’s moves are exceptional; at his age, to have such skill—where did Master find him?" The onlookers were amazed; with Fahua’s skill, he ranked among the top four at the monastery, second only to Master. Yet, against this new junior brother, his moves felt constrained. They realized Master’s words were true and grew respectful toward Fang Guohuan.

Faneng was secretly delighted, "Junior brother is incredible! He’s matching Fahua, already holding an advantage; with this pace, he will win. With him here, I need not fear being bullied in chess." In the end, Fang Guohuan won by just one and a half stones—a narrow victory. Fahua smiled openly, "Junior brother is truly the chess prodigy Master sought—admirable!" The monks, delighted, were thoroughly convinced.

After Fanyuan, Fahua, and the others left, Faneng was still excited, "You really showed yourself! Fanyuan didn’t dare play you directly, so he let Fahua try. Fahua is among the top chessmasters I've ever met; winning was no easy feat and he let you off as you’re new. The monastery is full of masters; to practice chess here is a blessing!" Faneng said, "Aside from Master, only Senior Brother Fayang surpasses you. Fayang’s skill nearly matches Master, sometimes even exceeds him by a stone and a half." Fang Guohuan grew more amazed, realizing the monastery was full of experts, and felt lucky for his fortune. He chatted with Faneng, and the two, being of similar age, got along well. At dusk, Faneng departed, and Fang Guohuan went to bed.

The next morning, Fang Guohuan woke late, remembering he had to see Master, and rushed out, worried. The monk quarters were empty, with no one in sight; Fang Guohuan was at a loss.

Faneng arrived with the food box and saw Fang Guohuan standing under the eaves, dazed. He called, "Junior brother, did you sleep well?" Fang Guohuan relaxed, "It’s late; why didn’t you wake me?" Faneng replied, "Fanyuan said you could sleep in as long as you didn’t miss your meeting with Master." Fang Guohuan felt reassured. He washed, entered the room, and Faneng served tea and pastries. Fang Guohuan asked, "Where are the other brothers?" Faneng replied, "They have finished chanting and gone to chess lessons." "Chess lessons?" Fang Guohuan asked, "What are those?" Faneng explained, "It’s a rule Master set early on. ‘Soft’ is chess theory, studying principles; ‘hard’ is practical matches." Fang Guohuan was deeply impressed.

After tea, Fang Guohuan followed Faneng out the monastery’s back gate, heading for White Cloud Cave. On the way, Fang Guohuan asked, "Faneng, can you tell me about Senior Brother Fawu?" Faneng’s eyes sparkled, "You mean Third Brother! He’s mastered martial arts, especially lightness skill; people call him ‘Flying Monk,’ and he’s the monastery’s guardian. He’s the descendant of a famous general and became a monk early on. Fawu once rescued a tiger cub that fell from a hundred-foot cliff, carrying it up the steep wall as if walking on flat ground. Incredible!" Fang Guohuan was amazed, recalling how Fawu had rescued him from Li Ruchuan, and missed him even more.

As they walked, they reached a wide, neat pine forest. Fang Guohuan noticed something odd: the trunks were equally thick, branches lush, and the forest was dark, with the spacing seeming deliberate rather than natural, giving a strange feeling. Faneng stopped at the edge and solemnly asked, "Do you know what this place is?" Fang Guohuan replied, "This pine forest looks unusual; is there something strange about it?"

Faneng whispered mysteriously, "This is a chess forest, a chess formation made from trees." "Chess forest?" Fang Guohuan was surprised, "Who arranged this?" Faneng replied, "Master, when young, selected the best pine saplings and planted them according to an intricate chess pattern. Black and white, not limited to the board, forming a chess formation. It’s like a maze; the arrangement is so complex, if you enter, you can’t get out—trapped inside." Fang Guohuan was amazed, "Planting a forest according to chess patterns—can it really have such effect?" Faneng was proud, "Of course! Master says it’s the result of merging chess within and beyond the board. All things are one; a chess master shouldn’t be confined to a one-foot board or just black and white stones. Chess should adapt to all things to reach the great realm." Fang Guohuan wondered, "Did Master make this chess forest to prove that great realm?" Faneng replied, "Perhaps, or for other reasons. The secret, I don’t fully understand."

Fang Guohuan gazed at the mysterious chess forest, puzzled, "Planting trees in a formation—how much effect can it have? It’s not like mystical arts that confuse the mind." Faneng replied, "Don’t underestimate it. No one dares enter now. A hunter once got lost inside; Master had to search hard to rescue him. Any longer and the hunter would have starved. Oddly, elsewhere in the mountains, animals are common, but none appear near the chess forest—not even birds. The wildlife seems afraid of this forest, for reasons unknown." Fang Guohuan grew more curious.

Faneng continued, "Once, Senior Brother Fanyuan, out of curiosity, entered the chess forest and was trapped for three days and nights, nearly starving. Master took a day to find and carry him out. Over time, the dense branches changed the original layout, making it even more complex. To prevent accidents, Master declared it forbidden; no one may enter. More strange events followed—a tiger cub rescued by Fawu was kept in the monastery. After recovering, it was to be released. But it got scared and escaped, running into the chess forest. Fawu waited outside for days, but the cub never emerged—presumably it died inside."

Hearing these strange and dangerous tales, Fang Guohuan’s curiosity was piqued, and he stepped into the chess forest. Faneng cried out in alarm, "Don’t go in—it’s dangerous!" Fang Guohuan stopped after a few steps. Inside, it was gloomy and frightening, trunks arranged eerily, the ground bare but covered with thick needles, damp and cold, with a musty smell. Deeper in, he thought he saw a huge beast lurking, mouth agape, waiting to devour intruders. Goosebumps prickled his skin; chilled, he quickly retreated. Faneng sighed in relief and led Fang Guohuan away, heading toward White Cloud Cave.

Lianyun Mountain’s peaks rose and fell, a place of stunning beauty. Fang Guohuan was enchanted by the scenery. Faneng led him up a steep mountain, the path hidden in the grass. The higher they climbed, the closer they seemed to the clouds. Eventually, they crawled up carved stone steps, and at the end, a stone platform appeared, with a deep cave—White Cloud Cave. Fahua and another monk stood at the entrance, greeting them, "Master has waited; junior brother, please enter." Fang Guohuan was ushered inside, while Fahua and Faneng remained outside.

Inside, Fang Guohuan found the cave spacious and well-lit. He descended the steps to a stone table and stools, a stone bed with soft bedding. Master Kuyuan, in clean robes, sat cross-legged in serenity. Fang Guohuan approached quietly and bowed, "Disciple Fang Guohuan greets Master." Kuyuan nodded, "You’re here; come, sit." Fang Guohuan hesitated, "I dare not sit with Master." Kuyuan opened his eyes kindly, "No need for formality, Guohuan. You are a lay disciple, unlike the others. Sit; I wish to speak with you." Fang Guohuan, after some hesitation, sat on the stone bed.

Master Kuyuan asked with concern, "Did you sleep well last night?" Fang Guohuan replied, "Thank you, Master. Though it’s only been a day, I feel at home." Kuyuan nodded, "Tianyuan Monastery is unlike other places; you are not restrained here. In future, focus on mastering chess." He said solemnly, "You are the most gifted in chess spirit and talent I have met in my life. What you achieve, I can’t predict. Yet your current skill is mostly learned among common folk; your technique is high, but your understanding is lacking. You must work on chess principles to become a great master and reach the supreme realm." Fang Guohuan replied reverently, "Master’s words are profound and enlightening; I always feel insufficient and request your guidance."

Kuyuan explained, "Chess is deep and broad. Without understanding its principles, a player who only knows moves will never achieve greatness. The art of chess, anciently, has thirty-two techniques: thrust, block, stretch, contract, fly, close, stick, attach, top, sharp, probe, gate, strike, cut, move, stand, press, point, gather, bend, pinch, squeeze, stab, force, pounce, chase, ko, hold, kill, relax, encircle. Later generations devised thirty-six or sixty-four techniques, as chess is ever-changing. Because of differences in character and talent, great masters emerge with unique styles. I will teach you these principles in time, which will enhance your understanding."

He continued, "As a chess master, you must know today’s chess world. In this dynasty, chess flourishes, and there are three renowned masters, each reaching the great realm. These three are models for all: Tian Yangwu, the ‘Chess King of Jiangnan’ in Suzhou; Zhong Shiyuan of Qinghe in Hebei, known as the ‘Fastest Player in the World’; and Liu He, Liu Minzhang of Sichuan, a great teacher. Their skills equal mine, each with their own style. Should you meet them, learn humbly; every match with them will benefit you." Fang Guohuan was secretly shocked, recalling Li Ruchuan and realizing the world was full of masters beyond his reach. Inspired, his resolve to study chess grew stronger. Kuyuan saw his respectful demeanor and smiled, "You are still young, not yet ready to conquer the chess world. I believe in three to five years, you will lead the chess scene." Fang Guohuan protested, "I dare not; Master shames me." Kuyuan replied, "Of course, it depends on your own cultivation." Then, Kuyuan demonstrated a difficult "adjustment" technique on the board; Fang Guohuan grasped it instantly, to Kuyuan’s delight.

Master and disciple discussed chess for a while, and as evening approached, Kuyuan said, "Guohuan, return to the monastery to rest. Come early tomorrow; we will study together." Fang Guohuan asked, "Master, won’t you return?" Kuyuan sighed, "I stay here to meditate and seek the highest chess realm; my insight grows old. This cave will be your place of quiet study in the future." Fang Guohuan was moved by his master’s devotion, and after bowing, withdrew.

At the cave entrance, only Faneng remained; Fahua and the other monk had gone. Seeing Fang Guohuan, Faneng greeted him, "Master truly values you. He spent so long with you—normally, he says our skill has peaked, advancing further is hard. But you are different, perhaps one of those without limits." Fang Guohuan shook his head, "There are always greater people and higher skies. Don’t praise me; if I reach Master’s level, I will be content." He glanced back into the cave, puzzled. Faneng reassured him, "Master is used to meditating here; later, a brother will bring his tea and food. Don’t worry." With that, Faneng led Fang Guohuan, chatting as they returned to Tianyuan Monastery.