Chapter Twenty-Three: The Chess Manual of Earthly Fiends (Part Two)

"The Chess of Transcendence?" Upon hearing this, Liu Baixi and Mu Yinquan glanced at each other in puzzlement. Liu Baixi said in surprise, "It is said that when one reaches the pinnacle of chess, one may attain a transcendent state—but that is nothing more than a fanciful notion among chess players. Who could truly achieve such a thing?"

Fang Guohuan replied, "Both you and Mr. Mu are esteemed masters in the chess world. Now that a deadly game of ghost chess has emerged, I cannot conceal the truth from you. Though I am but a humble student, I have been fortunate enough to study under an extraordinary master, living in seclusion for three years. After many hardships, I have attained the chess of transcendence."

Liu Baixi and Mu Yinquan both stood up in astonishment. Liu Baixi exclaimed, "So Master Fang is a true chess virtuoso—your skill has reached transcendence! This is a blessing for the world of chess. Though we've been together these past days, I have not had the chance to learn from you. Might you grant Mr. Mu and me the honor of witnessing your transcendent chess?"

Fang Guohuan smiled, "These past days I have been preoccupied with investigating the case of the imperial eunuch chess master, and have had no leisure. Today, let me seize the opportunity to experience Mr. Liu's renowned style, as promised before." Liu Baixi was delighted and quickly set up the board, while Mu Yinquan watched with pleasure from the side. As the night wore on, Bu Yuan, unable to match the excitement of the three masters, succumbed to fatigue and retired to his room.

At the end of the game, Liu Baixi and Mu Yinquan stared blankly at the board. Liu Baixi marveled, "Master Fang's chess is astonishingly deep, utterly unfathomable—I cannot see how to respond at all."

Mu Yinquan added in amazement, "Who would have thought the game could reach such a marvelous realm? It feels less like a chess match, and more like an all-encompassing formation—what grandeur! Is this the chess of transcendence, able to meet all manner of change?" Both men were instantly convinced.

Fang Guohuan smiled faintly, then said, "Thanks to your help, I have uncovered some details about the imperial eunuch chess master Li Wusan, and learned of the ghost chess murders. In the future, I will do my utmost to seek him out and challenge him at chess, hoping to destroy his murderous ways. If I fail, I shall find another solution. Now, there is something I have discussed with Brother Bu Yuan: we intend to escort Master Qu Liangyi and his attendant back to their hometown in Huaiyin, Jiangsu. Master Qu, having won the national chess championship in the capital and shaken the world, was unfortunately struck down by Li Wusan’s ghost chess, leaving him both mad and ruined. Once the leader among chessmen, he has now fallen on hard times. Since fate has brought him to me, I cannot bear to watch idly, and wish to see him safely home, fulfilling my duty to the way of chess." Liu Baixi and Mu Yinquan were deeply moved.

Liu Baixi stepped forward, grasping Fang Guohuan’s hands, and said with utmost respect, "Master Qu was our national chess champion, struck down by evil and left destitute. Now, thanks to your chivalry, he will not die a stranger in a distant land—that is a blessing amid misfortune. Master Fang, you are a true knight of the chess world, and such righteousness deserves the respect of all!" Mu Yinquan, equally moved, said, "Master Qu's tragedy is a calamity for all chessmen. Though we care for him, we lack the means to help. Your noble deed will reunite him with his family and save him from wandering the streets. On behalf of all chess players, I thank you." With that, Mu Yinquan bowed deeply, startling Fang Guohuan, who hurried to help him up.

The news that Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan would escort Qu Liangyi home spread quickly through the capital’s chess circles. Admirers of Qu’s former prowess, seeing the fallen champion finally cared for, were moved by Fang Guohuan’s righteous act and contributed generously. Liu Baixi and Mu Yinquan each gave a hundred taels of silver; altogether, five hundred taels were raised for Qu’s journey. Bu Yuan hired a covered carriage and a skilled driver for the journey, and bought two horses for himself and Fang Guohuan. All preparations complete, they fetched Qu Liangyi and his attendant from the inn. Qu Ning’er, upon learning of their help, was so moved that she wept and bowed in gratitude, touching all who witnessed it. The pair were settled in the carriage, and Liu Baixi, together with the disciples of his chess academy and several other chessmen, escorted Fang Guohuan’s party to the city outskirts, where they parted with a wave.

Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan, escorting Qu Liangyi and his attendant, made their way toward Jiangsu, tending carefully to their charges along the way. Qu Liangyi, sensing the return to his homeland, seemed more at ease and slept for most of the journey. This brought joy to Fang Guohuan, Bu Yuan, and Qu Ning’er alike. After several days, Qu Liangyi’s frenzy eased into a dazed stupor; he often laughed foolishly or muttered to himself. Strangely, whenever he saw Fang Guohuan, his mood stabilized and he would gaze at him blankly, mumbling as if trying to communicate something he could not express. At times, he would wake in fright from his sleep, only to sink back into despair. Watching him, Fang Guohuan felt deep sorrow and shed many silent tears. Bu Yuan, seeing Qu’s pitiful state, grew to hate Li Wusan all the more, often muttering, "It’s just as well! When I meet that fiend, I’ll show no mercy—a single shot for vengeance on Master Qu and Monk Zhishan."

One day, as they crossed into Shandong, night fell and they sought lodging in a small town. Fang Guohuan settled Qu Liangyi and his attendant in their room, then fetched a bowl of lotus seed soup for Qu, which Qu Ning’er fed him. After eating, Qu Liangyi fell back into a deep sleep, so Fang Guohuan told Qu Ning’er to keep watch, then went downstairs with Bu Yuan to dine. The driver had already eaten and was tending to the horses. Fang Guohuan ordered wine and dishes for himself and Bu Yuan, and asked for another meal to be sent to Qu Ning’er. Bu Yuan, troubled these days, drank several cups and sighed, "A hero for the ages, an invincible chess master—reduced to this! Who would have thought these little stones on the board, so fair and safe, could bring such disaster? The world is full of complications, and life truly is short." Fang Guohuan, equally dispirited, drank with him in silence.

At that moment, two men entered the inn, scanned the room, and took a table nearby. As they ate and drank, they kept glancing over at Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan. Bu Yuan’s heart skipped a beat, and he whispered, "Those two have wolfish eyes—like scouts from a wolf pack. No good can come of them." Fang Guohuan was startled. "Bandits? What would they want from us?" Bu Yuan replied, "Don’t we have nearly a thousand taels of silver?" Fang Guohuan was surprised. "How would they know what we have?" Bu Yuan said, "Thieves have sharp eyes—they can tell." The two strangers, sensing their suspicion, whispered to each other, summoned the waiter to pay, and left. Bu Yuan said, "Whether robbers or bandits, I’ve plenty of anger to vent these days. If they dare attack, I’ll see to it none of them escape." Fang Guohuan, however, grew increasingly anxious.

The next morning, Fang Guohuan and Bu Yuan settled Qu Liangyi and his attendant in the carriage and rode on horseback alongside, leaving the inn and continuing their journey. As they traveled the main road, villages became scarcer. Suddenly, a rider approached from behind, galloped past, and glanced back—it was one of the men from the inn. His horse sped off in a cloud of dust and soon vanished. Bu Yuan exclaimed, "A scout! These bandits are cautious—they must be waiting ahead." He loosened his mighty bow, placed an iron pellet on the string, and readied himself. Fang Guohuan grew uneasy as well.

The driver, nervous, said to Bu Yuan, "Sir, I’ve traveled this road several times and it’s always been safe. Surely we won’t run into bandits today?" Bu Yuan replied, "You can never rule out robbers on the road. It seems we’ve been marked—best stay alert." Fang Guohuan added, "Brother Bu, if we encounter bandits, just scare them off—don’t hurt anyone and make enemies." Bu Yuan replied, "I know, but it depends on what kind of bandits they are. If they’re ruthless, we may have no choice." He continued, "I’ve heard Shandong and Shanxi bandits are the most ruthless—they often leave no survivors, and are bold enough to rob even imperial silver shipments."

Fang Guohuan said, "Bandits arise in troubled times, but these days are peaceful—why are there still those who fear nothing?" Bu Yuan replied, "Peace? Since ancient times, has there ever truly been peace? The victors become princes, the defeated are called bandits—meaning officials and bandits are but two sides of a coin. When officials become thieves, the people dare to rebel. Few in this world have the refinement and tranquility you possess from years of chess." Fang Guohuan smiled, "I never thought you had such worldly wisdom, Brother Bu." Bu Yuan said, "All truths are the same—some see deeper than others. Years of hunting taught me that the predatory ways of beasts are not unlike corrupt officials preying on the people. Sadly, I can hunt only tigers and leopards, not greedy officials." Fang Guohuan sighed, "You are right, Brother Bu—in this, I am your inferior." Bu Yuan added, "Though evil is said never to prevail over good, sometimes good cannot overcome evil." Fang Guohuan glanced at Qu Liangyi in the carriage and sighed, shaking his head.

As they traveled, they suddenly saw ahead twenty-odd riders blocking the road, with a carriage carrying a wooden chest beside them. Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan halted in alarm, the driver’s face blanching. Bu Yuan muttered, "As expected." He rode forward and called out, "Are you here for riches? Unfortunately, aside from an invalid in our carriage, we have little for you to take." As he spoke, he quietly nocked the iron pellet to his bowstring.

The leader of the group, a burly man, saluted from horseback, "You misunderstand—we are not mere roadside robbers." Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan were taken aback.

Bu Yuan shook his head, "If you’re not small-time thieves, then you must be grand bandits. Blocking our way—what else but robbery?" The man smiled, "Not only will we not take your money, we’ve brought a chest of silver to give you." He waved, and someone opened the chest, revealing two thousand taels of gleaming silver. Fang Guohuan, seeing how strange the situation was, rode up beside Bu Yuan and said, "A gift must have a reason. What do you want in return?" The man replied, "You’re right—we would not give away a chest of silver for nothing. We wish to exchange it for your carriage, with everything in it—people and all."

Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan were stunned, exchanging bewildered glances, unable to believe such a bizarre proposal.

Bu Yuan, regaining his composure, laughed, "Gentlemen, have you spent so many years in banditry that you now wish to atone for your sins by taking my mad friend home to care for him?" The burly man sneered, "That madman is of no use to you—a burden on your journey. Sell him to us, let my master do him a good turn, and spare him further suffering."

Fang Guohuan said in amazement, "He is our friend, a living man—how could we sell him? What does your master intend?" The man replied, "Your friend is no different from the dead—my master has a special use for him. Sell him to us and it will not be in vain; my master can restore his chess skills."

Fang Guohuan was even more astonished. "You know he is Master Qu Liangyi? But his chess is ruined—how could your master restore it?" The man, now pleased, said, "To tell the truth, my master heard that the famed champion Qu Liangyi had gone mad in the capital and wished to find him. Who would have thought you’d deliver him to us and save us a trip! That madman’s mind might be broken, but his brain matter is intact—one of the finest in the world. My master is skilled in the art of 'brain exchange,' able to transplant the mind and brain. By moving Qu Liangyi's brain matter into another’s skull, that person would instantly possess his champion-level chess skill—making full use of the hard-earned talent of the ruined chess master."

Bu Yuan and Fang Guohuan were aghast, never having imagined such words.

Bu Yuan, furious, shouted, "Absurd! How can a person’s brain be swapped at will? Wouldn’t that kill Master Qu?" The man said, "In the Three Kingdoms era, Hua Tuo could split open Cao Cao's skull to treat his madness, but Cao Cao killed him out of fear. There are indeed techniques for cranial surgery. My master has skills greater than Hua Tuo, able to transplant minds and brains—making the dull intelligent, granting them supreme skills without study. My young master loves chess but lacks intelligence; now that the champion is ruined, why not transplant his brain to my young master and create a new champion? Wouldn’t that be marvelous?" His words sent chills down their spines.

Bu Yuan raged, "Though Master Qu has lost his wits, he is still alive. How can you fiends do such a thing? If your master has such skill, why not cure him and earn true merit, instead of butchering him like a monkey for his brain?" The man shook his head, "My master says Qu Liangyi’s mind was damaged by external forces, not by injury to the brain itself. He could be cured, but it would take years—why not take the simpler route? His body may die, but his brain lives on, and his chess can be revived in another. It’s just a different way of living."

Fang Guohuan, enraged, retorted, "Tell your master we are Master Qu’s friends—we will not barter his life. Though your master may have wondrous skills, to disregard life and seek only self-advantage is to invite retribution." The man laughed, "He’s not your kin—why protect him so fiercely? Rather than leave him a broken man, let him give up his brain and help my young master become a champion. You would gain riches—why not accept?"

Bu Yuan, now beside himself, shouted, "Master Qu’s plight is already pitiful—yet you villains would add insult to injury, taking his life! You are worse than beasts! With me here, if you dare touch him, you’ll lose your heads!" The man, now angry, replied, "I’ve been patient, trying for a peaceful solution, but if you refuse, that madman will be ours today." With that, he waved his hand, and the twenty-odd riders drew their weapons and prepared to charge.

Bu Yuan acted first, drawing his mighty bow and shouting, "Take this!" The bowstring sang, and an iron pellet flew forth. Before the leader could react, he was struck and thrown from his horse, crashing into another rider; both fell lifeless to the ground. Bu Yuan’s single shot killed two, and the rest scattered in terror, abandoning the silver-laden carriage and their dead, fleeing in all directions. In moments, the road was empty.