Chapter 100: Placing the Piece Across the World
Li Hao carried food and drink as he made his way back along the route.
The streets were lively, with brilliant lanterns illuminating the bustling district.
The thoroughfares teemed with activity. Servants led towering horses, their hooves clattering on the cobblestones, while the wheels of carriages turned smoothly behind them. It all seemed rather unremarkable.
Even the horse handlers were at the Soul Fusion Realm. Such a vibrant scene...
Li Hao’s lips curled into a faint smile.
With the Li family’s True Dragon selection approaching, Qingzhou City was already seething with undercurrents.
In recent days, he had noticed numerous figures dressed in garments from other provinces streaming into the city.
While dining in a tavern, the buzz of conversation around him was filled with discussions about the impending selection. Some spoke of a prestigious official of the Third Rank arriving in Qingzhou to support his nephew...
From what Li Hao knew, his mother seemed to have no close kin.
His eldest aunt had told him that his mother was born into a small family, which was later destroyed by demons. She had encountered his father, Li Tiangang, under those circumstances, and their relationship had blossomed into a serendipitous union.
The individuals flocking to Qingzhou now were undoubtedly a result of the Second Madam’s unwillingness to give up...
That was fine.
Li Hao smiled faintly, unbothered. Inwardly, he counted the days, his anticipation for that moment growing.
Passing a lively bridge embankment, he noticed a group gathered around a game of chess and paused to watch for a moment.
It was already late to return, so there was no rush.
“Don’t shove!”
“You’re just a kid, what are you shoving for?”
Most of those leisurely watching and playing chess were middle-aged or elderly. Among them, aside from Li Hao, there were only two men in their early thirties.
After squeezing through to the front, Li Hao saw that the game had only progressed to the middle stage, yet the outcome was already clear.
One glance was enough for him to tell that the player with the white pieces was on the verge of losing.
Although the white pieces had formed the shape of a Flood Dragon, its head and tail were trapped, leaving no way out.
Unless the player controlling the white pieces had the nerve to twist and strangle, biting off a limb of the black pieces, their chances of winning were slim.
But to have been gradually cornered into such a desperate position meant that the player had already shown weakness, making it unlikely they possessed such boldness.
Li Hao shook his head slightly and glanced at the player using the black pieces.
The opponent was an elderly man with a ruddy complexion and white hair. He wore a gentle smile and lightly shook a folding fan, stirring a breeze in the evening air.
He waited leisurely for his opponent to concede.
“I’ve lost.”
The player with the white pieces put them back in the chess box, sighing in resignation.
“What a pity.”
“Tut-tut, if only a piece had been placed here earlier, there might’ve been hope.”
“Nonsense, it was clearly this spot that mattered...”
“I feel like the game could’ve continued. Why surrender so soon?”
The surrounding spectators, their gazes fixed on the board, finally began to murmur, some expressing regret, others lamenting earlier mistakes, and still others who didn’t understand chess deeming the surrender premature.
Skill levels varied, and so did perspectives.
But the game was over; the outcome was decided.
Just as the crowd was absorbed in discussion, the sound of carriage wheels and horse hooves suddenly echoed over the bridge.
Seeing the crowd gathered at the bridge’s edge, the lead coachman shouted arrogantly, “Out of the way! Move, all of you! Why are you blocking the road?”
The coachman’s overbearing attitude provoked anger from many, but upon seeing the Flood Dragon-Blood Horses pulling the carriage, their expressions changed. They hurriedly made way, too intimidated to resist.
The crowd quickly parted, and the carriage rolled forward.
As the carriage neared the chess stall, the coachman barked, “Clear out! Scram!”
The onlookers whispered among themselves in hushed voices, frustrated by the coachman’s domineering behavior. Having been subservient for so long in his master’s household, he now bullied others with his position.
Despite their indignation, the onlookers were no match for the carriage’s imposing presence and dispersed from the area around the chessboard, leaving only Li Hao, the elderly man with the black pieces, and the two youths standing behind him.
The elderly man continued gently waving his fan, his gaze fixed on the riverbank where the evening wind stirred the willows. It was as though the commotion around him didn’t reach his ears.
Behind him, the two youths exchanged glances, a glint of cold intent flashing in their eyes. One of them turned and glared icily at the approaching coachman.
“What are you looking at?” the coachman shouted angrily. Though he noticed that the remaining individuals carried an air of distinction, he didn’t restrain himself.
In terms of status, who in Dayu could rival his master?
“You’d better back off unless you want your family to suffer! Do you even know who my master is?”
One of the youths stepped forward abruptly, appearing before the coachman as if by teleportation. Without hesitation, he slapped the coachman, snapping his neck. The coachman’s head tilted to the side, and he fell lifelessly to the ground.
A collective gasp of shock escaped the crowd, which had retreated earlier.
Some felt a sense of catharsis, pleased that the arrogant coachman had received his comeuppance.
Others pitied the coachman, believing his offense hadn’t warranted such a harsh punishment.
But the youth didn’t spare the fallen man a second glance. Instead, he lifted the curtain of the carriage and stepped inside.
The startled cries of women came from within. Seated inside was a portly man in luxurious robes who looked utterly flustered.
The women’s angry voices faltered as the youth’s sharp gaze swept over them. Fear drained the color from their faces, and they cowered, knowing that opening their mouths might mean their deaths at the hands of this martial expert.
“Slap yourselves, kneel, and get lost.”
The youth’s command consisted of only eight words.
The portly man trembled with rage and fear, stammering, “Do you know who I am? I have connections to the King of Yan, I...”
“Perhaps there’s someone above you,” the youth interrupted coldly, “but above our master, there is no one!”
“If you utter another word, none of you will leave here alive!”
A murderous aura filled the carriage, leaving the women frozen in terror, unable to cry.
The portly man’s face turned ashen, and despite his considerable power and influence, he understood the deadly seriousness of the situation. Biting back his humiliation, he slapped himself and knelt.
Seeing this, the youth left the carriage and struck the Flood Dragon-Blood Horse’s flank.
Though ordinarily fierce and untamed, the horse startled under the youth’s touch, galloping off recklessly.
Amid shouts and screams from pedestrians, the horse plunged into the river, dragging the carriage into the water.
The loud splash drew the attention of people nearby, many stopping to watch the scene unfold.
Meanwhile, the youth returned to his original position behind the elderly man, his expression calm as though he had never moved.
The elderly man stopped fanning himself, his gaze drifting back from the river. With a faint sigh, he remarked, “What a waste of this autumn river’s beauty.”
He stood as if to leave, but his eyes caught on a young boy nearby who had not moved. The boy was picking up the white chess pieces from the chess box.
From start to finish, Li Hao’s gaze never once flickered toward the arrogant coachman or the carriage.
In Qingzhou City, he had no need to lower his head to anyone.
Unless it was someone from that particular residence.
At this moment, Li Hao casually grabbed several white chess pieces from the box—one, two, three...
As though amusing himself, he placed the pieces one by one on the board. They formed a line, creating a new pattern.
The pattern shaped the claws of a dragon, tearing a bloody gap into the previously unbroken formation of the black pieces.
His action was not intended to continue the game. The victory had already been decided, and this was not his match.
It was simply that today, Li Hao did not wish to see such a stifling, constrained arrangement.
So, he added a stroke of his own.
The elderly man raised an eyebrow and glanced at the chessboard. A flicker of surprise crossed his face.
The two youths behind him, who had remained silent until now, exchanged looks of faint unease. The one who had acted earlier shifted as if preparing to reprimand Li Hao, but the elderly man raised his fan to stop him.
“Young friend, do you understand chess?” the elderly man asked with a smile.
“A little,” Li Hao replied nonchalantly as he placed the final piece, his mood visibly lighter.
“Your placement is precise,” the elderly man remarked with a hint of admiration. “It shows the vigor of youth. Excellent!”
“Young men should embrace their wild nature,” Li Hao responded blandly. “I hope you don’t mind, old sir.”
The elderly man repeated the words to himself softly, a smile breaking across his face. “Since you understand chess, young friend, why not sit and play a game with me?”
Li Hao glanced at the chessboard, pondering for a moment.
“Alright.”
By now, the crowd of onlookers had dispersed, leaving only the four of them under the willow trees by the riverbank.
Li Hao placed the snacks and small toys he carried onto the grassy ground beside him and took a seat at the chessboard.
The elderly man noticed the pile of inexpensive trinkets and chuckled inwardly at the boy’s youthful innocence.
But as Li Hao set them aside, his refined brocade attire was revealed, and the elderly man’s gaze fell on the exquisite Dragon Blood Jade hanging from his waist.
His expression stiffened slightly.
The two youths behind him, observing this detail, also narrowed their eyes. The young man’s earlier composure and his evident background suddenly seemed far from ordinary.
“Please, old sir,” Li Hao invited.
The elderly man collected himself, a smile returning to his face. He had not expected to encounter the child of that family here, the one he had once heard about long ago.
With a soft chuckle, he began the game.
The pieces fell in turn. Li Hao played white and moved second.
Those who had retreated earlier dared not approach again, wary of inadvertently offending someone powerful.
Further away, other passersby focused on the sunken carriage, throwing ropes into the river in attempts to salvage it.
On the chessboard, black and white pieces clashed fiercely.
...
Li Hao’s moves were decisive and merciless, every placement an aggressive strike. His style was sharper and more brutal than usual.
The elderly man’s initially relaxed movements grew slower. His folding fan, once gently swaying, now lay folded at his side.
Each move was made only after careful deliberation, his brows furrowed in deep thought.
In contrast, Li Hao’s hand moved with precision and speed, his attacks relentless and overwhelming.
The elderly man’s expression became increasingly grave, his focus unbroken.
Behind him, the two youths exchanged uneasy glances, their gazes fixed on the boy.
Moments later, the outcome was decided.
The elderly man’s face darkened. He had lost—and lost terribly.
It had been many years since he had suffered a defeat in chess, let alone one so decisive.
The two youths behind him glared coldly at Li Hao, their eyes filled with anger. It seemed as though they awaited only the elderly man’s command to strike the boy down in an instant.
Li Hao sensed their hostility and glanced up briefly but remained unbothered.
If it came to a fight, he had no reason to fear.
The elderly man stared at the chessboard for a long moment before finally speaking, his voice steady. “One more game.”
Li Hao’s hands stilled as he was gathering the pieces. “You’ll lose again,” he said flatly.
The elderly man faltered, momentarily at a loss. Rarely had anyone dared to address him with such bluntness.
Yet the boy’s tone held no malice, only calm certainty.
Taking a deep breath to compose himself, the elderly man offered, “If you win again, I’ll give you a small gift.”
“I lack for nothing,” Li Hao replied dismissively.
Then, as if reconsidering, he smiled faintly.
The elderly man chuckled. “You’ll surely like what I have to offer.”
“That’s unlikely,” Li Hao retorted. “Besides, if I win again, I fear those by your side might act to protect their master.”
The youths’ faces tightened, their eyes turning icy as they stared at Li Hao.
The elderly man waved his fan dismissively, speaking warmly. “They are young and impetuous. Pay them no mind. If they’ve upset you, I’ll apologize on their behalf.”
Hearing this, the two youths were stunned, their faces shifting to disbelief.
Their master... apologizing?
Even as they stood behind him, only seeing his back, they could feel an invisible authority radiating from him. They stiffened, quickly suppressing their killing intent.
Li Hao glanced at the elderly man in surprise, noting the genuine sincerity in his expression.
“Fine.”
Li Hao accepted, his tone light.
Reflecting that his earlier ferocity on the board might have been excessive, he decided not to let the tension linger.
The second game began, this time with a softer rhythm. Both players advanced and retreated, exchanging moves with more balance.
The elderly man seemed more at ease, even initiating small talk as they played.
“Young man, at your age, why devote yourself to the Dao of Chess instead of seeking glory in the frontier or honing martial skills for fame?”
“Titles and riches are fleeting, like dust,” Li Hao replied as he placed a piece. “Life’s ultimate aim is merely to eat well and stay warm. I was fortunate to be born into comfort, so why chase after unnecessary toil?”
“What a lack of ambition!” one of the youths behind the elderly man scoffed.
Li Hao glanced at him briefly, his expression indifferent. “And being a mere bodyguard is ambitious?”
The elderly man raised an eyebrow, surprised. Li Hao’s words carried the wisdom of someone who had seen the world, yet earlier, he had displayed the unrestrained confidence of youth.
“A young man should aim for the heavens, striving to conquer all beneath them,” the elderly man mused. “Do you not wish to see the view from the mountaintop?”
“What’s there to see?” Li Hao replied casually. “It’s still just the mortal world. Some chase the stars and seas; I prefer wine and poetry. To each their own.”
The elderly man paused, his hand hovering over the board. For a moment, his long-guarded heart seemed to stir.
One of the youths, however, sneered. “You’ve never stood atop the mountain. How dare you dismiss what you haven’t seen?”
Li Hao frowned slightly but ignored him.
The elderly man’s face hardened as he turned his gaze. “Hua’er, apologize to the young gentleman!”
“What?”
The youth was visibly stunned, disbelief written across his face as he stared at the elderly man.
“Master, I...”
“Hmm?”
The elderly man’s glance was serene yet carried a frost that sent chills down the youth’s spine.
Sweat beaded on his forehead, and with a hurried bow, he addressed Li Hao. “Young master, I was presumptuous. Please forgive me.”
“Forget it,” Li Hao said with a wave of his hand.
The elderly man smiled faintly and resumed the game, chatting leisurely as they continued.
The conversation turned to the influential figures shaping the world. The elderly man asked if Li Hao admired them.
Li Hao, in turn, asked if those figures were still alive.
The elderly man paused, then laughed softly.
The second game concluded.
Li Hao won again.
This time, however, his attacks were tempered, and the game had more back-and-forth exchanges.
Li Hao evaluated the elderly man’s skill and decided it surpassed that of Wu Ye but still fell short compared to his own.
“It’s getting late, old sir. Perhaps we’ll meet again.”
Li Hao stood, gathering the inexpensive toys and snacks he had brought, and smiled as he waved.
“I haven’t given you your gift yet,” the elderly man said quickly.
“There’s no need.”
Li Hao didn’t look back, simply waving a hand. “I told you, I lack for nothing.”
The elderly man watched him go, chuckling softly as he muttered to himself, “Who in this world truly lacks for anything...?”
“Is this the renowned third generation of the Li family in Qingzhou? His cultivation is impressive; I can’t even discern its depths. But he’s foolish.”
The youth who had apologized earlier sneered as he watched Li Hao’s departing figure. “He doesn’t even realize the opportunity he’s given up. Laughable!”
The elderly man cast him a sidelong glance, saying nothing. Instead, he gazed at the empty street and sighed.
“How wonderful it would be if this boy were my son...”
But such thoughts were fleeting.
The elderly man shook his head with a rueful smile. “This child’s talent is likely beyond your imagination. At just fourteen, his mastery of the Dao of Chess has reached a grandmaster’s level. Even with natural talent, such skill demands dedication...”
Fourteen years of study and cultivation, achieving such mastery in chess and the Fifteen Li Realm—remarkable.
The two youths fell silent.
There was no argument; the facts spoke for themselves.
“Master, his skill lies within the small chessboard,” said the more refined youth. “But your moves, master, are placed across the world...”
The elderly man chuckled at the flattery, feeling the sting of his earlier defeats ease.
“Indeed!”
“Still, the next time I meet that boy, I must defeat him on the board!”
He spoke with determination, brushing off his sleeves and laughing as he headed toward the city gates.
“Master, we’ve only just arrived. The real show hasn’t started yet. Don’t you want to stay and watch?”
“I’ve already seen enough. Excellent, excellent!”