Chapter 153: Duan Yu

The sun was blazing high in the cloudless sky—a rare and magnificent day.

Lingu Gu, which usually remained deserted for years on end, was bustling with activity today. Those eagerly anticipating this event were not only the Go enthusiasts from the martial arts world who had come to play chess, but also the residents of the towns surrounding the mountain.

Ever since the chess invitation had been issued, people had been trickling toward Lingu Gu, boosting the local businesses beyond measure. The proprietors wished Su Xinghe would host such chess gatherings every single day.

Had the secret behind the Jade Ring Chess Formation been common knowledge, people would have been too impatient to calmly play chess; the more hot-tempered ones would have likely leveled the mountain entirely.

Zhu Yu, having already reached the foot of the mountain, was filled with anticipation. He did not know whether he was about to witness a grand spectacle or carry the grand prize home, but regardless of the outcome, a fine show was guaranteed.

The others in his entourage bore no particular expressions, save for Wei Zhongxian and Wang Zhi. Although their outward demeanor remained calm, their slightly trembling bodies betrayed the true tension gripping their hearts.

Meanwhile, Wang Yuyan followed closely behind Zhu Yu step for step. Moreover, she kept her head lowered, burying her face in Zhu Yu's back, too shy to face anyone.

There was only a single path leading up the mountain, and Zhu Yu's group naturally followed it. Before long, they vaguely made out the chessboard carved into the rock face ahead.

Walking briskly closer, everything ahead came clearly into view. Seated beneath the gigantic chessboard was a withered, emaciated elder. Zhu Yu, well-versed in the storyline, knew this person to be Wuyazi's disciple, the Deaf-Mute Scholar, Su Xinghe.

Behind Su Xinghe stood two individuals, their heads tilted upward as they studied the Jade Ring Chess Formation above.

Of these two, one was dressed in a white robe, possessing a handsome visage and holding a folding fan that accentuated his refined and scholarly air. The other wore the patched monastic robe of an ordinary Shaolin monk, and his appearance was—how should one put it?—frankly speaking, ugly.

Judging solely by the location and the Shaolin clerical attire, Zhu Yu knew this was none other than Xuzhu, the other protagonist of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.

As for the white-robed man, before Zhu Yu could even hazard a guess, Wang Yuyan behind him had already blurted out his identity.

"Young Master Duan? You are here too?"

Well, well. The ultimate simping king, Duan Yu, actually looked like this? Quite handsome indeed, perfectly inheriting the genetic traits of Duan Zheng... wait, before Duan Yanqing was disfigured? Or from his mother?

Regardless, his path of perpetual simping had already been forcefully severed by Zhu Yu.

"Miss Wang! You've arrived. Why is Young Master Murong not with you? Did you come alone?"

The moment he saw Wang Yuyan, Duan Yu's eyes lit up instantly. Upon discovering the complete absence of Murong Fu anywhere in the vicinity, that radiance brightened by another three increments.

Not only that, but at this moment, Duan Yu had eyes only for Wang Yuyan, completely ignoring the entire group of people surrounding her as if they did not exist at all.

Before Wang Yuyan could reply, and inwardly certain that Wang Yuyan had come completely alone, Duan Yu cast all thoughts of the Jade Ring Chess Formation to the winds and broke into a hurried trot toward Wang Yuyan.

That posture... had barely begun to manifest before he was swiftly captured and subdued by Yu Huatian. Daring to flirt with a imperial consort right in front of so many people? If that fellow had truly succeeded, Zhu Yu would have had to choose one of three options: poison, a dagger, or a white silken cord.

Jolted by the sudden pain, Duan Yu finally snapped back to reality. Gazing at the unfamiliar faces surrounding Wang Yuyan, a trace of bewilderment flashed through his eyes.

Before Duan Yu could utter a sound, Zhu Yu spoke first, casting a soft, reprimanding glare at Yu Huatian.

"What are you doing? Let him go at once. This is the Heir Apparent of Dali, the future Emperor of Dali—how can you be so presumptuous?"

Hearing this, Yu Huatian hurriedly withdrew his hand while eyeing the Duan Yu in his grip with disbelief. This was the future Emperor of Dali? Why did he look somewhat... simple-minded?

"No, no, my uncle is doing a fine job as emperor; what does that have to do with me?"

"Brother Duan, have you not considered the future? You are the sole surviving scion of the Dali Duan clan. No matter how the situation changes, as long as Dali is not subjugated, you are destined to be the Emperor of Dali."

"Brother's insight is profound. I am Duan Yu of Dali. Might I ask who this brother is?"

Only then did Duan Yu finally take notice of Zhu Yu, acutely sensing the intimate fondness Wang Yuyan displayed toward him. One had to know that back then, even when Wang Yuyan spent time with Murong Fu, she had never carried herself with such a demeanor.

This single glance instantly sent Duan Yu into a panic, prompting him to hastily inquire about Zhu Yu's background.

"I am Zhu Yu. As for the rest? You will find out in due time."

Duan Yu did not mind Zhu Yu's evasive words; he was anxious to ask about the matter weighing heavily on his mind.

"Ah, Brother Zhu, what is your relationship with Miss Wang?"

The moment the question left his lips, Duan Yu suddenly felt a surge of dread at the prospect of hearing the answer.

Although he perceived Duan Yu's thoughts, Zhu Yu had no intention of leaving him any room for hope. Just as he opened his mouth to shatter Duan Yu's illusions once and for all, a sudden commotion erupted from the foot of the mountain.

With the words already on the tip of his tongue, Zhu Yu abruptly altered his statement.

"The grand spectacle is about to begin. As for the matter between you and Yuyan, shall we discuss it later?"

Duan Yu also heard the swelling clamor rising from down the mountain and realized that this was no longer the time to address private matters.

The strict upbringing of the Dali Duan clan inadvertently manifested its effects. Duan Yu instantly banished his complex expression, nodding slightly while shuffling a few paces to the side.

Yet he continued to mutter under his breath in a soft whisper, "What on earth is their relationship? Where is Young Master Murong? Why is it just Yuyan? And addressing her with such intimacy."

At that moment, the entrance of the mountain path became crowded with a dense mass of figures, both familiar and unfamiliar.

Among the familiar faces were Murong Fu and several other recognizable individuals. As for those unfamiliar, their origins could be readily deduced from their attire.

Wudang, Shaolin, Emei, Kongtong, Kunlun, and so forth were all represented, though none of the heavyweights had come; presumably, they had merely dispatched disciples to show a token of respect.

The arrival of these people instantly filled the modest clearing. Just then, Kumarajiva and the Four Great Evildoers made a belated entrance.

Kumarajiva had recently carved out a reputation for himself in the Central Plains martial arts world, which still meant little to the major sects, but the notoriety of the Four Great Evildoers was thunderous.

The moment Duan Yanqing and his three companions appeared, the disciples of the orthodox sects broke into anxious commotion. Unfortunately, not a single one among their current party possessed the capability to hold their own against them; thus, to avoid disgracing their respective sects, they suppressed their urge to act.

Gradually, the clearing grew quiet as everyone simultaneously turned their gaze toward Su Xinghe, awaiting the commencement of the chess game.

Su Xinghe slowly turned his head, sweeping his gaze across the assembled crowd. Just as he gave a slight nod and prepared to begin, synchronized shouts echoed from the mountain path.

"The Star Sect's Old Immortal possesses peerless martial arts! The Star Sect's Old Immortal is number one under heaven! The Star..."

Before the people even arrived, the pretentious chanting made the nature of the newcomers glaringly obvious to everyone present.

Within the pugilistic world, the Star Sect enjoyed anything but a good reputation. Aside from a select few, the expressions of the crowd shifted noticeably.

Among those whose expressions remained entirely unchanged was Zhu Yu!

The Star Sect? Hearing the cries, Zhu Yu instantly recalled a matter he should not have forgotten. A ferocious sneer crept onto the corner of Zhu Yu's lips as he muttered to himself, "Ding Chunqiu? Excellent timing! I hadn't come looking for you yet, but since you've delivered yourself to my doorstep, don't even think about leaving!"