Chapter Eleven: Gaining Insight into Chess in the White Cloud Cave

Early the next morning, Fang Guohuan and Fanan once again arrived at White Cloud Cave. Master Kuyuan sat beside a stone table, holding an Arhat chess piece, studying an ancient wooden chessboard and contemplating the game. Fang Guohuan and Fanan approached, respectfully greeting him, and Master Kuyuan invited them to sit.

Fang Guohuan was amazed by the crisp, pleasant sound of the chess pieces striking the board, and he remarked, “Arhat chess pieces are rare enough, but this board is also extraordinary. The sound is so clear!” Master Kuyuan smiled, “This set was passed down from Grandmaster Kongwu, a predecessor of Tianyuan Temple. It is a chess treasure, worth more than gold.”

Pointing to the game he had just laid out, Master Kuyuan said, “This is a famous match from the ancient records. See if you can find its subtlety.” Fang Guohuan and Fanan leaned forward to study it. Fanan exclaimed, “It’s a marvelous position where one move determines two captures!” Master Kuyuan nodded, “Correct. Once White makes the dual capture, the outcome is settled. Yet Grandmaster Kongwu discovered a reversal within three months.” Fanan was astonished, “The situation seems decided—how could there be a miraculous turn?”

Master Kuyuan explained, “Both sides played skillfully, and therein lies the wonder. Even Gu Xiangtong, the greatest chess master of his time, believed this was the end. Later, Grandmaster Kongwu deciphered a solution, and Gu Xiangtong, deeply impressed, gifted him the Arhat chess pieces and the ancient board. Thus Tianyuan Temple acquired its treasured relics.” Fanan shook his head, puzzled. Fang Guohuan remained silent, focused intently on the board. After a while, he nodded, “Master, there is indeed a solution, but it must come after the third move.” Master Kuyuan was startled, “Yes! Try it out.” Fang Guohuan placed a black piece. Master Kuyuan, delighted, responded with a white piece.

Fanan, skilled himself, remarked, “Guohuan’s move doesn’t seem to help much.” But when Fang Guohuan made his third move, Master Kuyuan was overjoyed, “Exactly! I can’t believe Grandmaster Kongwu needed three months, yet you saw it in moments. Remarkable!” He was inwardly grateful to have such a disciple. Fanan, watching the board, suddenly understood, “Three moves to break the dual capture—Guohuan, you’re truly a chess genius!”

Master Kuyuan sighed, “Were it not for Grandmaster Kongwu’s clear notes, I might never have solved this in my lifetime. The whole game is ingeniously arranged; after the dual capture, it’s not truly over. You resolved it within half an hour—no one in history could match this. Clearly, your chess intuition is a gift of heaven.” Fang Guohuan felt pleased by his teacher’s praise.

Master Kuyuan, happy, said, “Guohuan, you’re new here and unfamiliar with everything. Go explore Lianyun Mountain with Fanan, get to know the geography. Relax and don’t let chess fatigue your mind. We’ll study again later.” Fanan, excited, said, “Wonderful! I’m the best guide for my junior brother.” He then led Fang Guohuan out of White Cloud Cave to wander the mountains.

As they walked, Fang Guohuan felt joyful—he had finally arrived at Tianyuan Temple, found a wise teacher, and could devote himself to the study of chess. Along the way, Fanan said, “Now that you’re here, I think the temple’s rankings will need an update.” Fang Guohuan asked, “What rankings?” Fanan replied, “Chess rankings, naturally.” Fang Guohuan was intrigued, “How is it done?” Fanan explained, “The brothers privately rank one another by chess strength. Master Kuyuan is first, then Senior Brother Fayang, followed by Senior Brother Fayan.”

Fang Guohuan wondered, “If Fayan is so skilled, why did he observe rather than play when I arrived?” Fanan explained, “That’s Fayan’s generosity—he didn’t want to dampen your enthusiasm as a newcomer. He’d also heard from the master about your extraordinary talent, so he didn’t challenge you immediately. He’ll seek you out soon.” Fanan continued, “After Fayan comes Senior Brother Fawu.” Fang Guohuan was surprised, “Fawu is so skilled too?” Fanan said, “Of course. He’s devoted to martial arts, so his chess suffers somewhat, but otherwise he would be as strong as Fayan.”

Fang Guohuan was amazed. “That explains why, after Senior Brother Fawu rescued me, he took me straight to the master—he must have noticed my game with Li Ruchuan.” Remembering the monk Fahua, his chess rival, Fang Guohuan asked, “What about Fahua?” Fanan said, “He’s fifth, after Fawu. Sixth is Fahui, seventh is Fazhi—Fazhi even defeated a visiting chess master two months ago.” Fang Guohuan smiled, “And where do you rank, Fanan?” Fanan shook his head, “Outside the top twenty. All the brothers here are masters, but I’ve never lost to anyone outside.” Fang Guohuan was impressed.

They climbed a peak, feeling the breeze and surveying the vast landscape. Fanan pointed below, “See that square grove? That’s the Chess Forest.” Fang Guohuan saw a perfectly square patch of woods, distinct from those around it, giving off a mysterious aura.

Fanan then pointed to a high cliff, “That’s Hundred-Fathom Cliff, the most perilous part of Lianyun Mountain—three sides are sheer, with a ridge leading to the summit. Standing atop feels like touching the heavens.” After some sightseeing, they descended the mountain due to strong winds, wandered further, bathed in a stream, and enjoyed some fruits Fanan found. When tired, they rested on a grassy slope.

Fanan pointed to some verdant hills, “Those are Treasure Mountains, filled with hundreds of medicinal herbs, some unique to this place. Wild fruits and delicacies are more abundant here too. The master leads us to gather herbs annually, keeping some, selling the rest for essentials. But the mountains are full of poisonous insects—be careful if you wander alone.” As evening approached, the two returned to Tianyuan Temple by a shortcut.

Back at the temple, Fanan took Fang Guohuan to the kitchen for tea and food. A water-carrying monk told them Senior Brother Fayang had returned, seen the master in White Cloud Cave, and was now in the hall with other brothers. Fanan, delighted, led Fang Guohuan there.

In the main hall, Fayan and Fahua were engaged in lively conversation with a middle-aged monk. Seeing Fang Guohuan and Fanan enter, Fayan greeted them warmly, “Speak of the devil, and he appears. Guohuan, come meet Senior Brother.” Fayang had already risen. Fang Guohuan observed Fayang’s tall stature, broad shoulders, and commanding presence—he was unlike any other monk. Fang Guohuan silently admired him, “What a majestic figure!” He hurried forward and greeted him respectfully.

Fayang, seeing Fang Guohuan’s youthful elegance, was pleased and nodded. He gently said, “No need for formality, little brother.” Fanan, happy, tugged at Fayang for sweets. Fayang laughed, “Now you have a junior brother; you must act like a senior. Don’t be so childish.” He produced a packet of candies. Fanan accepted them with delight.

Fayang then smiled at Fang Guohuan, “I went outside to buy salt and rice, was delayed two days, and the temple changed greatly. The master said he’d accepted an extraordinary new disciple, and now I see it’s true.” Fang Guohuan found Fayang both imposing and kind, feeling deep respect. Fayang invited Fang Guohuan to sit and asked about his background, which Fang Guohuan answered truthfully, moving Fayang.

After tea and conversation, dusk fell and candles were lit in the hall. Fayang smiled, “The master says you have rare intuition in chess. With proper training, you could advance rapidly. ‘Birds of a feather flock together’—it’s hard to meet true talent. Shall we play a game by candlelight?” Fang Guohuan replied, “Please, Senior Brother, teach me.”

Fayan arranged the chess set, saying, “I haven’t played with our little brother yet; today I’ll watch Senior Brother’s game.” Fayang and Fang Guohuan sat opposite, Fayang gesturing for Fang Guohuan to take the first move. Fang Guohuan recalled Fanan saying Fayang’s strength nearly matched the master’s, and hesitated, wishing to ask for a handicap. Yet he dismissed the thought, took a black piece, and carefully placed it at the upper right “three-three” point. Fayang, seeing his cautious opening, smiled and responded at the upper left star point.

Previously, Fang Guohuan would open boldly at the center, but after meeting several masters, he had learned to play more steadily. After ten moves, Fang Guohuan noticed Fayang’s style was unusual—he spread his white pieces, claiming the nine stars, opening with grandeur, ignoring Black’s interference, contrary to common practice. After thirty moves, Fayang’s strategy revealed its defensive and offensive nuances. Fang Guohuan was secretly startled, recalling his master’s challenge with ten handicap stones; Fayang’s style was very similar. He realized Fayang had grasped the master’s true essence. Fang Guohuan was full of admiration and responded with his best moves.

By midgame, both sides’ positions grew complex and intertwined. Fayang was amazed, “The master was right—this young brother’s skill is extraordinary and will surpass us in time. He must be the chess prodigy our master sought.” Both admired each other in secret, displaying their finest techniques. Their struggle was so fierce that the watching monks, Fayan and Fahua, were enthralled.

In the end, Fang Guohuan lost by five pieces to Fayang and said, “Senior Brother, your style is unique and profound. I am deeply impressed.” Fayang shook his head, “I gave my all and led by only five pieces. Besides the master, you are the only one with such momentum. In two years, you’ll surely surpass me.” Fang Guohuan quickly replied, “Your skill is rare and unmatched. Even in ten years, I may not catch up.”

Just then, a voice rang out behind them, “Little brother, don’t be too modest. Senior Brother, like Li Ruchuan who sets up challenges, usually wins by a full board against ordinary players—but you forced him to the brink.” Everyone turned to see Fawu standing with a smile, clearly having observed for some time.

Fang Guohuan was delighted, “Senior Brother Fawu!” He hurried to greet him, feeling especially close. Fanan cheered and jumped up to hug Fawu’s neck like a swing. Fayang laughed, “Fawu’s ‘forced to the brink’ is apt—I truly felt so.” Fang Guohuan, seeing Fayang’s sincerity and lack of pride, admired him even more.

Fawu greeted everyone and then said to Fanan, “You used to be the youngest here, but now Guohuan is even younger. Take good care of your junior.” Fanan replied, “Of course. But I hope Guohuan will take care of all the brothers in chess!” Everyone laughed. Fang Guohuan felt the monks at Tianyuan Temple were harmonious and kind, and his initial sense of strangeness faded away.

From then on, Fang Guohuan went daily to White Cloud Cave, listening to Master Kuyuan’s teachings or studying chess with him. Fayang managed affairs in the temple. On the first and fifteenth of each month, Master Kuyuan returned to inspect the monks’ chess lessons and offer guidance. Fang Guohuan studied both theory and practice, his skill increasing daily. He once played Fayan to a rare draw. Besides his devotion to chess, Fang Guohuan labored with the monks, gathering herbs and exchanging techniques. Unknowingly, a year passed.

By then, Fang Guohuan had mastered Master Kuyuan’s teachings, and his skill soared. He could now defeat Fayan by several pieces, and his games with Fayang were evenly matched. With a two-piece handicap from Master Kuyuan, he almost became his equal, astonishing all the monks. Fang Guohuan also studied the temple’s secret chess manuals, gaining deep insights from ancient masters.

Time flew—nearly another year passed. Fang Guohuan’s skill grew ever sharper; he now beat Fayang more often than not and could draw with Master Kuyuan. He regularly taught the monks, helping them improve. Fanan advanced the fastest, surpassing Fahui and Fazhi, nearly catching up to Fahua—thanks to Fang Guohuan’s guidance. The monks admired Fang Guohuan greatly, treating him with utmost respect. Fang Guohuan adopted his master’s habits, often meditating in White Cloud Cave, thinking deeply, sometimes sitting for a whole day.

Master Kuyuan, seeing Fang Guohuan’s progress in both chess and meditation, grew ever more pleased. Occasionally, Fang Guohuan devised moves that surprised even Master Kuyuan, who felt that Fang Guohuan’s two years of effort surpassed his own lifetime’s work, and began to make plans.

One day, Fang Guohuan stood alone outside the Chess Forest, gazing into its mysterious gloom. He recalled Master Kuyuan’s words: the Chess Forest was planted to prove that chess can change not just on the board but beyond, transforming into new abilities, for chess reflects the principles of all things and adapts to worldly affairs. Fang Guohuan mused, “Chess is profound; it seems there are secrets both inside and outside the board.”

Suddenly, someone behind him said, “So you’re here, I’ve been looking for you.” Fang Guohuan turned to see Fawu. Fawu approached with a smile, “What are you doing here? Thinking of entering the Chess Forest? That’s not advisable.” Fang Guohuan asked, “Has the Chess Forest become a natural deadlock?” Fawu replied, “Time has changed it—branches have grown, altering its layout. No one can enter or leave now. I can only traverse above it, but dare not go inside.”

Fang Guohuan wondered, “How can you cross above it?” Fawu smiled, “Let me show you.” With a leap, he soared over the Chess Forest like a great bird. Fang Guohuan cheered as Fawu bounced from pine branch to branch, moving several yards at a time, light as a dragonfly or bird. After two rounds, Fawu landed calmly, leaving Fang Guohuan stunned. Fawu patted his shoulder, “The master sent me to find you—he has important matters to discuss.” Fang Guohuan hurried to follow him to White Cloud Cave.

At the cave, Fawu waited outside. Fang Guohuan entered and saw Master Kuyuan, who had been waiting. He greeted his master respectfully. Master Kuyuan nodded, invited him to sit, and asked, “Guohuan, how long have you been at Tianyuan Temple?” Fang Guohuan replied, “Master, I have studied chess here for over two years.” Master Kuyuan nodded, “You have worked hard and progressed rapidly, now surpassing me by several pieces. In the world, there is likely no equal.”

Fang Guohuan gratefully said, “Thanks to your guidance, Master, I have achieved much, but there must be many skilled players out there—I dare not claim supremacy.” Master Kuyuan agreed, “Unless someone with greater talent and opportunity arises, you are the highest. But even at the peak, chess remains within the limits of attack and defense; differences between masters are small. There is a legendary realm known as ‘transcendent chess’—the true pinnacle.” “‘Transcendent chess?’” Fang Guohuan asked, “What kind of realm is that?”

Master Kuyuan explained solemnly, “Imagine being able to do anything on the board, merging the internal and external, responding to all things—a divine, transcendent state.” Fang Guohuan was amazed, “When I first met you, Master, you spoke of such a realm. But how can it be attained?” Master Kuyuan replied, “Clear your mind and see your nature—chess and the heart are one. The highest chess realm is the highest state of mind: Buddhist, immortal, transcendent. The ancients cultivated their hearts first. Chess is the same; with a pure heart, you reach the supreme chess realm, able to converse with gods and immortals.”

Master Kuyuan lowered his voice, as if reluctant to speak, “I lack the talent to grasp its secrets; as I grow older, it becomes harder still. But all paths are one—if you have the skill, you may achieve this supreme chess. I call this the Tianyuan Transcendent Realm, the highest level in chess, which I have pursued all my life, hence my Dharma name Kuyuan. The boundless sea of hardship, I cannot reach the other shore; I entrust this wish to you.”

Fang Guohuan was startled, “Such a lofty realm—I fear I cannot fulfill your hope, Master. Please reconsider.” Master Kuyuan shook his head, “Guohuan, do not shrink from difficulty. Your intuition, talent, and youth surpass others. This realm is not a fantasy—it is possible. To experience its supreme wonder is the pursuit of every chess master. I can teach you no more; the rest is up to you, your fate and heaven’s will.” Fang Guohuan felt the weight of responsibility and was uneasy.

Master Kuyuan continued, “From today, I will reside at the temple. White Cloud Cave is now your place to study alone.” Fang Guohuan was surprised, “Master, you mean for me to live here alone?” White Cloud Cave was remote, high on the mountain, rarely visited—he felt uneasy. Master Kuyuan reassured him, “It is safe, warm in winter, cool in summer, ideal for contemplation. I have lived here for years undisturbed. You need not worry.”

Fang Guohuan was somewhat comforted, remembering he often stayed here with his master. He liked solitude, so he felt reassured. Master Kuyuan said, “Chess is the Way; the Way is chess, not mere skill. Remember: ‘Sit in stillness, enlightenment comes through understanding. When one thing is understood, all are understood. The Way lies within.’ I have sought its secret for years, but failed. Now it rests upon your cultivation and destiny. Fanan will provide food; you will not be troubled by chores. Focus your heart and mind.”

Fang Guohuan understood his master’s intention and said resolutely, “Rest assured, Master. I will strive to attain the transcendent chess realm; if I fail, I will never leave Lianyun Mountain.” Master Kuyuan nodded, “Good resolve. But do not be too obsessed; if you grow tired, wander the mountains or return to the temple for exchange. Your heart must remain here.” He pointed to the Arhat chess pieces and ancient board, “These are yours for study. I will return to the temple; meditate here.” With that, Master Kuyuan departed, leaving Fang Guohuan alone, feeling a sense of separation and melancholy.

Fawu met Master Kuyuan at the cave entrance and accompanied him down the mountain. On the way, Fawu asked, “Master, leaving Guohuan alone in White Cloud Cave—can he endure such solitude? Will he achieve the supreme chess realm?” Master Kuyuan replied, “Guohuan is highly gifted, devoted to chess, and at an age of pure nature. With his present skill, in a quiet place, his innate nature will flourish. Stillness breeds movement; he will realize his true self and attain the Tianyuan Transcendent Realm. Only he has this capacity.” Fawu said softly, “I hope Guohuan will achieve the highest chess art and become the greatest player in history.” Master Kuyuan added, “He may have trouble at first; watch over him secretly, let nothing go wrong.” Fawu promised.

Meanwhile, Fang Guohuan sat in White Cloud Cave, feeling the first pangs of solitude. After half an hour, he realized he would be cared for, free to come and go, able to enjoy the scenery and study chess—almost like a carefree immortal. This thought cheered him, and he settled into meditation.

At dusk, Fanan arrived with a food box, laughing, “Such leisure, I envy you!” Fang Guohuan shook his head, “Now I must become a hermit monk.” Fanan laughed, “Not so. You don’t realize the many benefits—White Cloud Cave is ideal for contemplation. Master isn’t forcing you to stay, just guiding you to think deeply when your mind is active. You’re free to come and go. Master is sincere in his wish for transcendent chess; for both his sake and yours, you must give your best.”

Fanan continued, “When Senior Brother Fahui first arrived, he complained about chores and asked Master to let him meditate in White Cloud Cave. Master agreed. But Fahui spent over three months idly wandering, then returned to say he’d lost his insight. Master said, ‘If you have no insight, find it in work,’ and doubled his chores. Fahui regretted it deeply.”

Fang Guohuan laughed, “Such things happen? So leisure isn’t so easy after all.” Fanan said, “Not everyone is suited for contemplation here. Master chose you for a reason—you carry a special mission, and may achieve unprecedented greatness in chess.” Fang Guohuan realized that all the monks aspired to the Tianyuan Transcendent Realm, and now their hopes rested on him. He felt the gravity of responsibility.

After they finished, Fanan said, “Sit well,” and returned to the temple. As night fell, the cave grew eerily silent. Fang Guohuan felt lonely and anxious. Suddenly, a shadow flashed at the entrance—it was Fawu. Fang Guohuan was delighted, “Senior Brother Fawu, are you here to live with me?” Fawu shook his head, “I lack your insight, just passing by for a visit.” Fang Guohuan was disappointed. Fawu smiled, produced a bamboo tube, and handed it to Fang Guohuan, “Take this, just in case.” Fang Guohuan found it heavy and asked, “What’s it for?” Fawu replied, “It’s an alarm arrow, packed with powder, crafted by skilled artisans. Press the mechanism, and a whistle arrow will fly, audible for miles. If you have an emergency, activate it and I will come at once. Keep it safe.” Fang Guohuan thanked him.

Fawu said, “Rest well; I’ll return to the temple.” Fang Guohuan accompanied him to the entrance. Fawu said, “No need to see me off,” and with a few quick steps, vanished into the valley. Fang Guohuan was stunned and peered over the cliff, seeing a black dot flicker on the rock face before disappearing into the fathomless abyss.

After recovering from his surprise, Fang Guohuan sat on the stone bed, breathed deeply, and closed his eyes. Soon, his mind calmed, but the more he sought quiet contemplation, the less natural it felt; distracting thoughts arose, unlike his usual focused state during chess study. Alarmed, he opened his eyes.

The cave was pitch dark, stirring fear. He clutched the alarm arrow. The wind outside and the sound of pine trees reminded him of the mysterious Chess Forest, increasing his anxiety. Unable to calm himself, he wrapped himself in his bedding, blocking out the world. Eventually, fatigue took over, and he drifted into uneasy sleep. Several times, distant wolf howls woke him, causing him to shrink further and regret his fear. Thus, Fang Guohuan endured an unusual night in White Cloud Cave.

Drowsily, he noticed dawn outside and felt less afraid, falling asleep again to recover. The cave was surprisingly warm. After a while, a voice called, “Are you awake, little brother?” Fang Guohuan woke to see Fanan with a food box, daylight streaming in.

Fanan placed the box on the stone table and asked, “How was your night?” Fang Guohuan replied vaguely, “It was... fine.” Fanan smiled, “Were you afraid?” Fang Guohuan admitted, “Living alone in a cave—how could I not be?” He was still shaken from the night.

Fanan laughed, “No need to fear. Senior Brother Fawu worried you might not adjust, and spent the night outside the cave.” Fang Guohuan was surprised, “Fawu didn’t leave? Where is he now?” He rose to look outside. Fanan said, “He’s back at the temple. He praised your courage!” Fang Guohuan was embarrassed, realizing his actions had been observed without him knowing, and asked, “Will Fawu come tonight?” Fanan replied, “Who knows? If he’s in good spirits, he’ll surely come.” Fang Guohuan was relieved, “That’s best.” After breakfast, Fanan left for temple chores.

After seeing Fanan off, Fang Guohuan thought, “With Fawu secretly protecting me at night, what is there to fear?” He sat cross-legged on the stone bed. Thus, he spent another day quietly in White Cloud Cave, unable to achieve any revelations, so he played chess against himself. That evening, he searched outside for Fawu but saw no sign, consoling himself, “He must be hiding, not letting me see him.” His fear diminished, and he slept soundly.

In a few days, Fang Guohuan gradually adapted to the solitude, living peacefully in White Cloud Cave and studying chess. Fanan delivered meals regularly, sometimes bringing wild fruits for variety. When bored, Fang Guohuan wandered the mountains to clear his mind. During this time, Fayang and Fayan visited him several times; Fayang even brought him delicious food and sweets. Sometimes Fang Guohuan returned to the temple to study and exchange skills with the monks, staying all day before returning to White Cloud Cave, eventually growing accustomed to this routine.

Another half year passed. Though he had not attained any profound chess realm, long meditation and contemplation had transformed his temperament, making him a different person. He spent more time in the cave, less outside, sometimes staying for days without leaving. His mind grew quiet; when he sat, he felt harmony with heaven and earth. In this emptiness, he occasionally discovered ingenious chess moves, delighting in his achievements and demonstrating them at the temple, earning admiration and wonder. His skill improved further. Once, he accepted a two-piece handicap from his master and won by two pieces; Master Kuyuan was pleased but only shook his head. Fang Guohuan knew he had not yet reached the transcendent chess realm his master hoped for, so he returned to White Cloud Cave for further study.