Chapter 2, Ancient Sea

After a considerable amount of time, Gu Hai solemnly said: "Rescue Chen, it is possible, but...!"

"Uncle Gu, whatever you want, as long as I have it, I can give it to you!" Chen Liangyi also got up and said with surprise

Alas

Chen Tianshan looked at Gu Hai, his eyes filled with unfamiliarity. Generally, when ordinary people see someone from this celestial sect, they cannot help but regard them as a deity. Yet, Gu Hai appeared so indifferent

The Chen state is beyond salvation, I am merely here to inquire one last time. If you cannot do it, then so be it!" Chen Tianshan said in a deep voice

Gu Hai, however, smiled faintly and shook his head. He said nothing and simply looked at Chen Tianshan

Just then, a group of people dressed in mourning clothes surged in, and the original clamor came to an abrupt halt. A large number of troops guarded all around, instantly transforming the originally festive atmosphere into one filled with a sense of solemnity and foreboding

Buzz

The tower has seven levels, and the two individuals discovered that each level is filled with bookshelves, laden with countless books

Gu Hai picked up the tea and took a sip: "The mountains and rivers are shattered, and in just half a month, Gao Xianzhi's army will advance straight down and reach Hulao Pass. As for the hundred thousand troops at Hulao Pass, you know better than I do what kind of people they are. Do you think this group can resist Gao Xianzhi's eight hundred thousand fierce troops? Ha, by then, not only will they not be able to resist, but among this group, there will be those who defect. Perhaps there will be no need for Gao Xianzhi to take action; Hulao Pass will fall on its own!"

The young master in the blue robe paid no heed to the requests for an audience from the crowd, but instead patiently remained outside the soaring tower

Chen Tianshan and Chen Liangyi finally saw the ancient sea

External cultivation? How ridiculous. Can external cultivation really be perfected to the Acquired Realm? Such a crude method of practice relies entirely on self-torture. Even if one exhausts all their potential, it is impossible to surpass the fifth level of the Acquired Realm; it has never happened before. How could Gu Hai have actually reached the perfection of the Acquired Realm?

The ancient sea of consciousness sank into the center of the brow, where there existed a space at the brow's center. Below this space lay one hundred thousand chessboards, each displaying a unique endgame. The one hundred thousand endgames seemed to be in constant motion, with pieces transforming continuously. The 'black pieces' floated above the one hundred thousand, resembling a sovereign surveying the myriad endgames.

Chen Tianshan nodded

Gao Xianzhi's army will arrive at Hulaoguan in at least half a month. Half a month is enough time for you to make a round trip to the sect. As long as the leader of Qinghe Sect issues a decree of promise, I will immediately save the Chen Kingdom. Once the Chen Kingdom is saved, it will not be too late to fulfill the promise. However, I need the decree of promise from your sect leader!

"Uncle Gu, I implore you to come out of seclusion and save Chen. As long as you can save the State of Chen, you can ask for anything you desire!" Chen Liangyi exclaimed immediately.

The officials, both civil and military, looked at the pagoda with curiosity.

"What? You will be complete the day after tomorrow?" Chen Tianshan suddenly stood up in shock

Gu Qin pushed open the tower door and said to Chen Tianshan: "Master Chen, you have been neglectful. My father has not received guests for a long time. I apologize for the intrusion this time. Please come in!"

"What? Gao Xianzhi massacred six hundred thousand troops? Those were prisoners!" Chen Liangyi exclaimed.

Chen Taiji said, "You can!" Chen Tianshan sat down and said in a deep voice

The guests on the street suddenly displayed expressions of astonishment

Gu Hai, however, did not speak

Turning his head, Chen Tianshan quickly left with Chen Liangyi

I pondered a strategy and said, "Do not disturb me, leave now!" Gu Hai spoke in a deep voice

Chen Tianshan furrowed his brows slightly and, after a moment of silence, said: "This time it can only be a battle between the two countries, and no foreign assistance is allowed. Moreover, members of the sect are not permitted to intervene"

Gu Hai leaned against the window, watching the army retreat below. He toyed with a black Go piece in his hand, his brow deeply furrowed: "On my thirtieth birthday, I collected one hundred thousand endgame diagrams and stumbled upon this 'black piece' in the library's cellar. I never expected you to bring me from Earth to this world; it has been forty years in the blink of an eye. What secrets are you hiding? Is it merely for those one hundred thousand endgame diagrams? After decades of contemplation, I feel I have understood quite a bit, yet you have remained silent all these years. How am I to decipher you?"

Half a month? In half a month, how many events could transpire? After half a month, the Hulao Pass may very well be breached! At that time, what will you use to save the State of Chen? Moreover, in half a month, the 800,000 fierce troops of the Song State will be at the city gates. With just these 100,000 inferior soldiers, how will you withstand them?

"It is!" Chen Liangyi nodded.

"Yes!" Gu Qin nodded with some concern.

Ancient Mansion

Kuang

Under the soaring tower, a large number of solemn individuals from ancient noble families stood, watching a group of civil and military officials dressed in mourning attire kneeling before the tower alongside Crown Prince Chen. Each of them displayed an expression of deep sorrow

Only one person who came along did not kneel, and that was Chen Taiji's great-grandfather, the man in white from that sect

The black chess piece strangely penetrated the skin, drilling into the center of the ancient sea's brow

Meanwhile, the eldest son Gu Qin was serving on the side, respectfully pouring a cup of tea for Gu Hai, and then pouring another cup for Chen Tianshan

That is the window of the Tower of Babel, and at this moment, a gigantic Go board is indeed placed there, but this board is different. On a typical Go board, there are nineteen lines running vertically and horizontally, but on this board, there are twenty-nine lines running vertically and horizontally.

Suppressing the slightest ripple, Gu Hai took a sip of tea

Gu Hai let out a faint sigh, extending his hand to place the black chess piece at the center of his brow

Chen Tianshan on the side also nodded affirmatively and said: "Indeed! Do you have a solution?"

... ...

I have only this one request! How about it?" Gu Hai stared at Chen Tianshan, his eyes filled with a hint of anticipation

Yes, thank you, Uncle Gu!" Chen Liangyi immediately said respectfully

Isn't today the seventieth birthday of the old gentleman? The military camp should have been well prepared by now, how could there be so many soldiers?

Chen Liangyi, however, immediately got up with a hint of excitement

... ...

I have a condition! The ancient sea did not explain, but only stated solemnly

Chen Tianshan stared at Gu Hai for a while and said: "I will return to the sect immediately to seek the decree of the sect master. I hope what you said is true; otherwise... hum!"

Beside the chessboard stood an elderly man in black, appearing to be around seventy years old. His hair was completely white, and his expression was extremely serious. Although he had some wrinkles, his pair of eyes shone with remarkable brightness. Those eyes seemed capable of seeing through a person's heart, causing a tremor in Chen Liangyi's heart.

Nephew Chen Liangyi seeks an audience with Uncle Gu, requesting Uncle Gu to avenge his father! The Crown Prince Chen Liangyi said with a pained expression

Everyone's expression changed.

The guests are feasting in the front yard and on the street, while the back courtyard of the ancient mansion remains quite tranquil. In the back courtyard stands a seven-story tower, the tallest building in the ancient mansion and even in the entire town. From the top of the tower, one can overlook everything in the town.

Gu Hai paid no attention, but turned to Chen Liangyi and said: "Since Chen Taiji is dead, then let bygones be bygones. Although I reside in the State of Chen, the taxes I pay to Chen each year are quite substantial. It is not that I am under your protection; nowadays, among the Six States, if I wish to relocate, any state would welcome me with land. The reason I have stayed in Chen all these years is merely due to some lingering attachments. I have no enmity or debt with you. If you wish for me to save Chen, then wait for the news of Master Chen!"

... ...

You save Chen Guo first, I will speak to the sect leader!" Chen Tianshan said in a deep voice

"Not allowed?" Gu Hai's expression changed instantly, and a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes

Oh? Chen Tianshan looked towards Gu Hai

Upon closer inspection, Chen Tianshan realized that it was indeed Gu Hai. However, the most deeply ingrained parts of his memory turned out to be false. The person remained the same, with only slight changes in appearance. Yet, if Gu Hai did not reveal the truth, Chen Tianshan would never have guessed that he was the Gu Hai he had once encountered.

The eldest son Gu Qindun, stationed at the tower entrance, immediately adopted a serious expression and said: "Yes, adoptive father!"

The gate closed once again and rose up

Can you save the Chen Kingdom? How will you save it?" Chen Tianshan showed a hint of surprise

Gu Hai subtly gestured to Chen Tianshan and then took a seat by himself

No need, I have just received the best birthday gift, you may go...!" Gu Hai waved his hand.

Gu Hai squinted slightly, glanced at Chen Liangyi, and after a moment of silence said: "Indeed, I did swear brotherhood with him back then, but at that time he also wanted to put me to death, so the bond of brotherhood no longer counts!"

Chen Tianshan stared at Gu Hai, his eyes filled with a mix of surprise and uncertainty

This, this is the crown prince of today! Moreover, are these the civil and military officials? How is that possible? All just to seek an audience with the master?

Although it was just three words, Gu Hai instantly perceived a wealth of information and seemed to see a tremendous opportunity, to the extent that even the calm and composed Gu Jingbu felt a ripple of emotion arise within him

Chen Tianshan furrowed his brows

"Uncle Gu, it was before my father passed away that he asked me to seek you out, and he also wanted me to convey his apologies to you on his behalf. It was my father who wronged you back then!" Chen Liangyi said, trembling and weeping.

Chen Tianshan, however, was staring at Gu Hai, his eyes glinting coldly as he said: "Gu Hai, this is what you said. If you cannot save the Chen Kingdom, you know the consequences of deceiving us..."

As long as it can save the Chen state, it is not worth mentioning kneeling; even if it means kneeling for three days and three nights, Chen Liangyi would not frown.

The sovereign is not here at all, how can I assist the sovereign in making a promise? You first save the Chen Kingdom, and I will go report to the sovereign!" Chen Tianshan said in a deep voice

The people of the ancient mansion looked on with furrowed brows. At the forefront was a middle-aged man in a blue robe, in his thirties, with a broad face and an ordinary appearance. However, standing outside the soaring tower, all the people of the ancient mansion regarded him as their leader.

Isn't the current emperor personally leading the charge on the front lines? Moreover, it is said that he has been winning battle after battle

The Chen Kingdom is on the verge of destruction; how much longer can I, the Crown Prince, remain in my position? Once the Chen Kingdom falls, I may even incur the wrath of the Immortal Sect, with my life hanging in the balance. My father said that this person has the ability to turn the tide. Moreover, he is also my father's sworn brother.

Ancient Qin glanced at Ancient Hai, slightly furrowing his brow and said: "Adoptive father, this time for the State of Chen, it is nearly unsolvable. How can we save Chen? Could it be...!"

"You, how do you know?" Chen Liangyi exclaimed

Young Master? How about...! A servant seems to have something to say

No, no, although the old gentleman does not involve himself in politics, no one in the government dares to go against him

Inside the ancient mansion and along the surrounding streets, banquet tables were set up, and guests came and went in an endless stream. It was quite lively

The people of the ancient mansion had many servants who stared wide-eyed.

Prince Chen, please come in!

Ah? Chen Liangyi's expression stiffened

Gu Hai suddenly narrowed his eyes and said, "Oh? Since the Immortal Sect cares so much about the Great Chen Kingdom, why doesn't Master Chen go in person? I believe with your strength, taking the head of a general amidst ten thousand troops would not be a difficult task. Moreover, the secular kingdoms controlled by your Immortal Sect are not limited to just the Great Chen Kingdom. Why not seek assistance from other countries? Why instead come to find me, an old man reeking of copper?"

Gu Hai did not speak, but instead looked at Chen Tianshan and Chen Liangyi

"Uncle Gu, my father has passed away. He said you were his sworn brother. I earnestly request you, Uncle Gu, to take revenge for my father in light of the bond of brotherhood!" Chen Liangyi knelt down once again

"Are you Gu Hai? No, you are not Gu Hai! Your eyebrows..." Chen Tianshan's eyes widened.

Ancient Qin leads Chen Tianshan and Chen Liangyi into the Tower of Ascension

Gu Hai, I am Chen Tianshan of the Qinghe Sect, do you still remember? Crown Prince Chen has already led the civil and military officials to kneel before you, what more do you want?" The man in white standing there spoke with a clear and resonant voice

Gu Qin nodded and stepped back

On June 14, in the Great Chen Kingdom, within the Tiger Lock Pass, there is an ancient town. In the town, there is a residence known as "Ancient Mansion"

Chen Tianshan and Chen Liangyi's expressions changed dramatically; this was not an exaggeration from Gu Hai, but rather a highly probable situation

Gu Hai did not pay attention to Chen Liangyi, but instead fixed his gaze on Chen Tianshan and said: "I need the leader of the Qinghe Sect to bestow upon me enlightenment and fully assist me in breaking through the barrier of the acquired realm! I aim to impact the innate realm! Furthermore, allow me to study the techniques of the innate realm at the Qinghe Sect!"

Foster father, today is your grand birthday, do you want to ... ... !

Please return for now, as I have many guests at my residence today, and I cannot entertain you further!" Gu Hai said as he saw off his guests

The Crown Prince wears mourning attire only at one time, which is when the current Emperor has passed away

"Impossible! Your innate talent, I have seen it before. You cannot cultivate internal energy at all. You only began your training after the age of thirty, with such poor innate talent, you can only rely on external techniques. Moreover, you will never surpass the fifth level of the acquired realm in your lifetime. Yet, you claim to have reached the tenth level of the acquired realm? This is absolutely impossible!" Chen Tianshan exclaimed.

The chessboard is filled with pieces, making it difficult to discern the layout of the board

The old man smiled slightly and said, "Master Chen, do you still remember the plea beneath that waterfall? I am indeed the Ancient Sea, but in order to avoid unnecessary trouble back then, I simply grew a beard and painted my eyebrows!"

The authority of the ancient mansion cannot be provoked

How is that possible

... ...

"External skills? Just because others cannot, does not mean I cannot. The lifespan at the acquired level is only one hundred years, but once one reaches the innate level, the lifespan extends to two hundred years. I have already reached my twilight years; if I do not break through to the innate level soon, all my external skills will dissipate. Fortunately, I have achieved perfection at the acquired level. Even if you are at the Golden Core stage, you are not enough to assist me; only your sect leader can. Go and tell your sect leader that as long as he agrees to my conditions, I will save Chen!" Gu Hai said in a deep voice.

Tower name, Sky Tower

Once again, an aged voice echoed within the Tower of Heaven: "Master Chen has arrived, I have been remiss. Gu Qin, please invite Master Chen to ascend the tower, and also, let Chen Liangyi come up!"

"Half a month? Rest assured, it won't scatter. How to resist, that is my concern. The earlier you return, the sooner the Chen Kingdom will be free from danger!" A hint of determination appeared in Gu Hai's eyes. Without a promise, Gu Hai would never take this risk.

The crowd displayed expressions of shock, clearly indicating that the news received was significantly delayed

Gu Hai nodded solemnly

It is true, it is really the Crown Prince. How could the Crown Prince be wearing mourning clothes? Could it be...!

Gu Hai, however, looked at Chen Tianshan and said: "I know the purpose of your visit. The three passes have fallen, especially since Gao Xianzhi has betrayed and slaughtered six hundred thousand troops at the three passes. The Song state is united in purpose, and the Chen state is on the brink of collapse. At this moment, there are only one hundred thousand disorganized and inferior troops left, and you think it is possible to stop the Song state's eight hundred thousand fierce troops?"

Within the Tower of Babel, a distant sigh echoed

It has reached the sixth level

Just four days ago at noon! Ancient Sea said faintly

The one in front is the Crown Prince, the one wearing the mourning attire is the Crown Prince, and behind him are the civil and military officials

The middle-aged man in the blue shirt cast a cold glance over, and with just one look, the servant was instantly frightened into silence

This is the wealthiest person of the Six States, Gu Hai

Kuang ! ''

Gu Hai once again looked at the Go board on the table, took a deep breath, and said: "I know it is unsolvable, and from their tone, the sect does not allow interference. The struggle is merely between secular powers, akin to 'a cripple fighting a thug'! However, this is my father's last chance. The gap between the Postnatal Realm and the Innate Realm is but one realm apart, yet it is a world of difference. Once I step into the Innate Realm, I can become young again, returning to my prime! I am only one opportunity away; I must become young! Therefore, no matter how great the difficulty, I must dismantle it!"