Chapter 10: The Three Calamities in Succession

At this moment, everyone thought that even if they were ultimately not chosen by the Ghost Valley's selection, being fortunate enough to encounter such a beautiful woman and to appreciate such a chess game made the journey worthwhile

On the stone table lay a wooden board, dotted with black and white pieces. An old man and a young boy, in this scene, evoke a sense of being transported to a fairyland, as if encountering figures from a painting

Gui Gu Xuan Ce was feeling quite pleased with himself, when he noticed Han Huai and Chu abandoning their struggle against the calamity, turning back to engage with the black dot in the white void.

Gui Gu Xuan Ce nodded in response to Han Huai Chu's bow and asked, "Disciple, why did you express dissent regarding the outcome of the game just now?" Han Huai Chu replied, "It is only because I believe there is another solution to this game that I dared to speak up. I hope Master will forgive me."

Many aspire to become strategists, and there is no shortage of those well-versed in military tactics. It is inevitable that studying military strategy involves learning the game of Go; among a hundred or so individuals, the majority can play. Thus, one by one, they focus intently on observing the game.

This game of chess can no longer be determined by simple numbers; it will inevitably lead to a chaotic battle, shrouded in darkness, with the sun and moon obscured, until one side is completely devoured

Half an hour later, a young servant came down the mountain to deliver the score, bringing along the chess pieces for everyone to play. The crowd asked, "Why doesn't Mr. Xiao come in person?" The young servant replied, "Mr. Xiao is preoccupied with watching the game and cannot come down."

Everyone was astonished. It seemed that the game which prevented Xiao He from descending the mountain must be exceptionally brilliant. Thus, they went to observe the game records

Han Huai Chu said: "If it were me, the outcome would be different". Gui Gu Xuan Ce replied: "Alright, let you give it a try. Do you want to play with the white pieces or the black pieces"

The chess game reports come in frequently, and it seems as if there are thousands of troops on the board, with the sound of drums resounding, the three armies in disarray, and generals being defeated and flags falling. Several dragons and snakes are engaged in fierce combat, creating a chaotic scene. It is truly a spectacle of flashing blades and rising and falling tensions, captivating the audience.

Two massive round stones, alongside a small stream resembling a jade belt. The water of the stream rushes down swiftly, and although it does not possess the grandeur of "the Milky Way descending from the heavens," it still splashes up a moderate amount of waves.

The crowd was astonished. It turned out that the situation on the board had changed dramatically.

Han Huai-chu blushed and said: "It is only because the master was momentarily careless that he fell into the disciple's trap. Miss Yu used the same trap to ensnare me, but I will not jump into it. In this situation, the only outcome can be a stalemate"

Guigu's piercing gaze scrutinized Han Huai and Chu from top to bottom, revealing a subtle hint of surprise on his face. With a gentle smile, he said, "Young man, have you come to seek apprenticeship?"

Among a group of disciples, there are both valiant warriors and cultured scholars, all standing with their hands down and heads bowed, surrounding the master on both sides. Closest to the reclusive elder by the clear stream is the steward, Xiao He.

He secretly glanced at Yu Zhiya, only to see her composed demeanor, her face calm and unperturbed, as if the mocking words of the Ghost Valley's hanging strategy had nothing to do with her. He thought to himself, "What a cold beauty!"

Gui Gu Xuan Ce let out a sigh and said: "It is a pity that the chess game has been ruined, and it is difficult to continue playing. What can be done?"

Gui Gu Xuan Ce laughed lightly: "It seems that the young lady cannot take away my 'Fourteen Chapters of Gui Gu Zi', nor can I keep your 'Overlord Divine Skill'." After saying this, he casually waved his hand, and the black and white pieces on the board were all scattered.

Everyone remarked, "The recluse of the clear stream is indeed a master of the game of Go, and his skills are beyond question. Miss Yu's strategy is also quite proper and without flaw, indicating that she has truly grasped the essence of the game."

One person said: "Qingxi Laoyu is cunning and calculating; I wonder how he will deal with Miss Yu's move?"

The crowd was captivated by https://www.hetushu.com. It was unexpected that the extraordinary beauty Yu Zhiya dared to unleash a massacre against a master of the game like Gui Gu Xuan Ce, seemingly not inferior in chess skills.

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The Ghost Valley's Suspended Strategy, with piercing eyes surveying the crowd: "Who is making such a commotion?"

Yu Zhiya then proceeded to resolve the predicament, but it required several moves to completely eliminate it. As the game continued, the presence of two additional predicaments further complicated the situation, leading the board into a peculiar state of three interconnected predicaments.

At this moment, that group of dark spots has transformed into a tremendous calamity. Whether the Ghost Valley's hanging strategy insists on pursuing the calamity or abandons it to eliminate the dark spots, when it comes down to counting, the outcome is the same—defeat

Guigu Xuan Ce praised, "I did not expect that you, my disciple, possess the ability to review the game. It is truly remarkable that you can remember so many moves."

Gui Gu Xuan Ce stroked his silver beard and smiled, saying, "Miss Yu, this game can no longer continue; how do you propose we resolve it?" Yu Zhi Ya replied, "I leave it to you, senior." Gui Gu Xuan Ce then said, "According to the rules of Go, shall we consider it a draw?" Yu Zhi Ya calmly responded, "It can only be so."

Han Huai-Chu observed where the black piece had fallen, precisely at a gap surrounded by the vast white forces. The white pieces found themselves in a predicament, unable to attack or defend, as if a thorn were lodged in their throat

Han Huaichu, seeing himself chosen, felt a surge of joy in his heart. He quickly bowed and prostrated himself, calling out, "Master"

Han Huaichu made several moves in the dark void before coming to a halt. He turned to confront the relentless contest of fate. The Ghost Valley's Suspended Strategy responded to the calamity, and Han Huaichu completed the contest in one breath, leaving only the final move, where the Ghost Valley's Suspended Strategy could easily capture a large number of black pieces.

With only a simple arrangement of troops, a single black piece has boldly penetrated the enemy lines, charging into the white camp like a special force, aiming to completely plunder the white camp. Everyone remarked, "Miss Yu possesses extraordinary courage and insight. The black piece is in a strong position, yet she dares to place her piece here."

Han Huaichu said lightly, "Master, you flatter me; reviewing the game is not an extraordinary skill." As he raised his eyes, he noticed that Yu Zhiya was looking at him with her pair of water-like eyes.

Guan Gu, with a focused gaze, realized he had been deceived, and could not help but take a sharp breath in surprise

Suddenly, a voice emerged from the crowd: "Hold on!" Everyone turned to look, wondering who was so audacious.

This time, it was Han Huaichu playing as White, while Yu Zhiya continued to play as Black. She followed Han Huaichu's example and placed a stone in the empty White space.

Han Huai and Chu Dao: "This game of chess should logically end in a draw. However—" Gui Gu Xuan Ce asked: "However, what?"

A stir arose among the crowd. The three consecutive ko positions on the board were exceedingly rare, said to be seen only once in ten thousand games. Upon closer inspection, it was evident that the board was filled with disputes over ko, which were difficult to resolve. In several instances, the ko disputes were even used as ko threats elsewhere.

Everyone felt it was not enough and could not wait to receive the score. Chen Ping suggested to the young servant that he wanted to go up the mountain to witness the battle in person and get a preview. Before long, the young servant came down the mountain with a message, saying: "The sect leader has approved."

As the golden crow sets in the west and the jade rabbit rises in the east, it is now evening. At this moment, the battle on the chessboard has reached a fever pitch, with several points igniting fierce contention. With each piece that is placed, it seems that the outcome of victory and defeat may be reversed.

With a few particles falling, the black and white pieces immediately clashed together in a chaotic battle

A tall and slender old man, with a clear and refined appearance, has a strand of silver beard flowing beneath his chin. He sits upright beside a stone table, exuding an ethereal presence and an air of grace. On the other side of the stone table sits a beautiful woman, who is none other than Yu Zhiya, a disciple of the Mo family. She appears like a light cloud veiling the moon, graceful and delicate like the returning snow carried by a gentle breeze

Gui Gu Xuan Ce slightly nodded and smiled, saying with narrowed eyes: "Young man, you truly have your ways; I have indeed fallen into your trap! This round counts as my loss."

He suddenly changed the subject and said: "But I have accepted this disciple of yours."

Yu Zhiya took the risk, but Han Huaichu was unwilling to respond, instead making an additional move in his own territory. This move struck at the critical point, and even if the black pieces were to make three more moves, they would not be able to create any waves.

The black piece in the air of one's own basic space must be examined closely. If one does not respond to that black piece, it will spread and take root. With no other choice, one must respond with a move, intending to eliminate the black piece on the spot

As everyone was pondering, the young attendant brought over the game record. They saw that the white pieces disregarded the black piece that had intruded into their formation and instead placed a piece into the black formation.

Gui Gu Xuan Ce laughed and scolded, "You little brat, you played a trick on your master. You defeated your master, yet ended up in a draw with a girl, and your elbow actually turned outward."

Han Huaichu said: "I will follow the master's instructions." Gui Gu Xuan Ce exclaimed: "So, does that mean you are confident whether playing with black or white pieces?" Han Huaichu nodded and replied: "Indeed." Gui Gu Xuan Ce said: "Very well, you shall play with the black pieces, and I will have a match with you."

Upon observing the strategy of Guigu, he noticed that the black piece hovering in the air could not survive at all. He couldn't help but feel angry and exclaimed, "How can this be?" Han Huaichu then said, "Master, please."

Han Huai-Chu stepped out from the crowd, bowed, and said: "I am Han Xin from Huaiyin. I must respectfully disagree with the assessment of this chess game as a draw."

However, Yu Zhiya's black pieces, disregarding the response of the Ghost Valley's hanging strategy, began to spread and take root within the white formation. Like a nimble serpent, it sought to devour a string of white pieces

Miss Yu, standing gracefully to one side, made way for Han Huaichu. Han Huaichu sat facing his master and said, "I beg your pardon." He picked up a black stone from the board and placed it gently in the empty white space, saying, "Master, please!"

Han Huaichu remained calm and composed, also following Ying, fully focused on eliminating this group of black pieces

According to the rules of Go, in the case of three consecutive ko fights where neither side concedes, and the game can no longer continue, it is considered a draw. This high-stakes gamble seems on the verge of ending without resolution, but if it cannot conclude in a tie, what else can be done

Before long, another game record arrived, with over fifty moves made on the board

The two individuals in front of the chessboard were intently focused on the game, while the crowd approached, seemingly oblivious to their presence

Han Huaichu replied, "Indeed. I still have a letter of recommendation personally written by Lady Han Fei." The Master of Ghost Valley waved his hand and said, "No need for that; I never pay attention to any letters of recommendation."

Only black and white occupy the corners of the board, arranged in a pleasing manner. The player with the white pieces is Gui Gu Xuan Ce. He holds himself with dignity, allowing the initiative to the younger generation. On the board, there have been a sparse twenty or so moves.

Han Huai-Chu was also a Go master in later generations, possessing an amateur level of 4 dan. He was delighted to see this and devoted himself to pondering it earnestly

Han Huaichu remained impassive, lifting the chess pieces and placing them back on the board one by one. In a short while, the chess game on the board returned to its original state

Someone quietly inquired of Xiao He about the progress of the chess game. Xiao He smiled wryly and shook his head, saying, "It seems that this game has fallen into a situation of three consecutive traps, making it difficult to distinguish and resolve."

Yu Zhiya gazed intently at Han Huaichu, her crimson lips slightly parted as she said, "In this case, the game has ended in a draw. What do you think, young master?" Han Huaichu nodded and replied, "It can only be this way."

***

Yu Zhiya stepped forward and performed a graceful bow, addressing Han Huaichu: "Young Master, you are a master of chess; may I have the honor of a match?" Han Huaichu replied: "Please, Miss."

This is the brilliance of the Ghost Valley Suspended Strategy. When it is not advantageous to respond, one refrains from doing so, deeply embodying the essence of chess proverbs

The crowd erupted in exclamations, casting envious glances at Han Huaichu