Chapter Fifty-One: Celestial Battle of the Immortals – Part Two

Fang Guohuan pondered for a moment, but could not recall any old acquaintance with the surname Jian. So he asked again, “Young brother, what does Brother Jian do for a living?”

The shepherd boy smiled and replied, “Brother Jian said not to tell you anything. You two will understand when you meet later.”

Fang Guohuan was inwardly surprised. “Brother Jian is quite a mysterious figure.”

The shepherd boy then led Fang Guohuan to a courtyard and opened the wooden gate, entering inside. The courtyard was modest, with only three thatched rooms—an ordinary farmer’s home. This made Fang Guohuan even more puzzled.

The boy called out into the house, “Brother Jian, your guest has arrived.” A voice inside responded, “Thank you, Ah, go on with your work.” The boy nodded and bounced away happily.

Inside, the man said, “Scholar Fang Guohuan, now that you have arrived at my humble abode, please come in.”

Fang Guohuan heard the peaceful tone and sensed no ill intent. He stepped forward, gently pushed open the door, and entered. Inside stood a young man facing the wall. Fang Guohuan suddenly recognized the figure’s back and was momentarily stunned, then filled with delight. This was the very person who had challenged him with a chess move at the Yuchi Manor chess arena. His impression of this man was deep, so he recognized him instantly.

The young man turned around with a smile—handsome and youthful. He stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting. “I am Jian Liang. Pardon me for startling you, Scholar Fang.”

Suppressing his excitement, Fang Guohuan returned the gesture. “So it is Brother Jian. ‘Scholar’ is too formal; shall we address each other as brothers?”

Jian Liang laughed, “Very well. I never expected to find a worthy opponent in chess anywhere in this world. At the Yuchi Manor chess arena, Brother Fang’s brilliant moves sealed the draw and balanced the universe—truly astonishing.”

Fang Guohuan was surprised, “Brother Jian, you didn’t leave the chess arena then. Why did you not reveal that brilliant drawn move?”

Jian Liang smiled, “I wanted to let others determine the winner and loser. Fortunately, I stayed; otherwise, I would not have realized that beyond the heavens are more heavens, beyond men are other men!” Then he cheerfully invited Fang Guohuan to sit, both equally delighted to have met.

Fang Guohuan asked, “Brother Jian, we have never met before. How did you know I would come today? And why did you send the shepherd boy to greet me by name at the village entrance? Do you possess some kind of foresight?”

Jian Liang smiled, “Not at all. At the Yuchi Manor chess arena, when Brother Fang played the demonstration game, it caused a stir. I took note of your name and appearance, seeking an opportunity to meet.”

Fang Guohuan inquired, “Why did you not come out to meet the other chess players that day?”

Jian Liang shook his head, “I cannot tolerate those people. Only Wei Chi Yunlu lives up to the title of ‘Chess Scholar.’ The rest merely make a show of their moves.”

Fang Guohuan was inwardly astonished, realizing that Jian Liang’s words were not boasting, but spoke to his own profound mastery and disdain for trivial contests.

Jian Liang continued, “To meet Brother Fang, I waited outside Yuchi Manor for several days. Today, when I saw you leave, I followed, looking for a chance to introduce myself. Later, seeing you head toward Jian village, I took a detour to return first, and entrusted the village shepherd boy to welcome you at the entrance.”

Fang Guohuan was amazed. “So you have been nearby all this time, yet I knew nothing.” He felt genuinely moved.

Jian Liang sighed, “I once thought there was no chess beyond myself. Today, I see I was wrong!”

Fang Guohuan replied, “Brother Jian, your skill is peerless. I wonder how you cultivated such transcendent mastery.”

Jian Liang said, “I was born into hardship. My mother died when I was young, and I lived only with my aged father. At seven, I saw two men playing chess under a tree and was deeply moved by the art. After watching for three months, I could not resist making a move one day. The two men were startled and left, ashamed to continue. From then on, I studied the game alone, marveling at its endless transformations and mysteries, pursuing it with great dedication. Ten years later, feeling I had mastered it, I sought out masters for matches. Though I won more than I lost, I still felt my skill wanting. To reach the highest level, I secluded myself, studying without external teachings. Year by year, my understanding deepened. I traveled once or twice annually, seeking sages of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism for matches to test my skill, and played with local experts for wagers, often returning home with gold to support my father. To avoid trouble, I often used aliases when away, so the world does not know of me. The villagers only call me Brother Jian, and I live at ease. Two years ago, while playing alone, I entered a state of selflessness, and suddenly the chessboard seemed to move by itself, forming extremely difficult and profound patterns with endless variations. I realized then that this was the true realm of transcendent chess. It was not the pieces moving but the mind guiding them, a spiritual sensation that created this wonder. Since then, whenever I hold the pieces, my mind is calm and harmonious, and I feel my skill and intention grow, as if heaven and earth are at peace.”

Fang Guohuan was amazed. “Playing by intention—surely you have reached the human-origin realm!”

“Human-origin realm?” Jian Liang was surprised. “Brother Fang, how do you know this?”

Fang Guohuan replied, “At Yuchi Manor, Wei Chi Yunlu possessed a rare book called The Three Origins Chess Classic, which divides chess mastery into three origins and three levels: Three Origins—Heaven Origin, Human Origin, Earth Origin; Two Greats—the realm of great chess and the art of great chess; and One Small—the common chess played by ordinary experts.”

Jian Liang was astonished. “Chess mastery has such distinctions? And transcendent chess is divided into Heaven, Earth, and Human Origins? The Way of Chess is indeed vast!” Then he had an insight. “Brother Fang, your brilliant move at Yuchi Manor to force a draw honored the principle of harmony in heaven’s way, rather than seeking victory or defeat. Your realm must be Heaven Origin!”

Fang Guohuan said, “Heaven Origin and Human Origin are both transcendent realms. Neither is superior. I arrived at mine by sensing celestial phenomena, while you reached yours by moving the pieces with intention. Both have achieved unity of mind and chess, form and spirit.”

Jian Liang sighed, “Heaven has gifted me an opponent—meeting Brother Fang is the greatest fortune of my life!”

Fang Guohuan then said, “There is also another player who has reached the transcendent realm but violates the noble way of chess. We must join forces to curb him in competition.”

Jian Liang was startled. “The Earth Origin realm player?”

Fang Guohuan nodded gravely. “Yes. He has reached Earth Origin, but his is an unorthodox, sinister chess. Against masters, he can kill without a sword. He now wreaks havoc on the chess world, seeking pleasure by killing masters through chess.”

Jian Liang was shocked. “Brother Fang, you mean the infamous national master eunuch, Li Ruchuan? I once heard this tale and thought it unbelievable. Now I see that the Way of Chess indeed has good and evil sides!” Then he laughed heartily. “I thought the world had only mundane players and no worthy opponents. Now two have appeared—what a joyous fate!”

Fang Guohuan shook his head wryly. “The murderous power born from Li Ruchuan’s sinister chess is not easily countered.”

Jian Liang said, “Regardless, he is a rare rival. I will seek him out for a match one day.” Seeing Jian Liang’s support, Fang Guohuan felt deeply comforted. Though newly acquainted, their shared passion for chess bred mutual respect and a sense of having met too late.

At that moment, the door opened, and an elderly man entered.

“Oh!” the old man said, slightly surprised, “A guest.”

Jian Liang stood and introduced, “Father, this is Scholar Fang Guohuan, my true rival in chess.”

Fang Guohuan quickly rose and greeted him respectfully.

The elder smiled broadly, “My son has finally found a worthy opponent in chess!” Then, addressing Fang Guohuan loudly, he said, “I am Jian Cheng. I do not believe in the idea of a singular outstanding player in the world. Now I see it is true.” He was a genial man. After examining Fang Guohuan once more, he nodded and smiled, “I never expected heaven to create such a rare talent. You two are truly fortunate.”

Delighted, Jian Cheng chided Jian Liang, “With such an esteemed guest, how could you neglect to serve tea?”

Jian Liang smiled humbly, “Indeed, we have talked so long that I forgot to offer tea to Brother Fang.”

Fang Guohuan laughed, “Discussing chess with Brother Jian is like drinking sweet nectar from a jade spring.”

Outside, Jian Cheng busied himself preparing a meal. The late afternoon sun cast slanting rays through the courtyard, painting the sky with rosy clouds. The entire yard was bathed in a golden glow, serene and peaceful.

At a stone table, Fang Guohuan and Jian Liang sat opposite each other, arranging the chessboard. Both knew this match would be a battle of transcendent chess—surely the most exhilarating game of their lives.

Fang Guohuan invited Jian Liang to take black and move first. Jian Liang, knowing it improper to decline, smiled, “Since entering the Way of Chess, I have often conceded the first move. Today, I thank Brother Fang for this honor.” With that, he placed a piece at the central position—the Heaven Origin spot—and smiled, “Since Brother Fang has reached Heaven Origin, I will seize this position to restrain you.”

Fang Guohuan understood Jian Liang’s intent to ease the pressure rather than to seize the initiative unfairly. He smiled and responded with a move along the Heaven Origin line.

Jian Liang laughed, “A courteous exchange indeed.” He then made a “small flying” move followed by a “large flying,” placing two pieces strategically.

Fang Guohuan broke the formation with three moves and established the “Heavenly Rabbit Star” formation.

Seeing this, Jian Liang was impressed. “Brother Fang matches me in opening strategy and commands the entire board. The layout is novel and unorthodox—truly a fateful encounter of equals!” He braced himself carefully.

Fang Guohuan noticed Jian Liang’s scattered yet cohesive formation, perceiving an imposing aura. He admired his opponent and unleashed his full skill in response.

This is the first release of the story.

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