Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 258

Volume 3 - Chapter 21: Emperor Yu's Game of Chess - Part 1

“It’s a pity. Besides us, no one else believes this.”

The gaunt middle-aged man snorted coldly. “They think the Wang family is just bluffing, trying to lure them into helping for our own gain. Those opportunists won’t budge unless there’s profit involved. Even if the River of Death stretches into their own hometown, they’d rather pack up and move than resolve the issue!”

“Such is human nature; you can’t blame them for it.”

The elder shook his head slightly and said, “The real pity is that earning ten thousand merit points is too difficult. It would take destroying a Netherworld-Level River of Death ten times. Fortunately, Zhen Dong is at the Supreme Dao Realm. Otherwise, it would be utterly impossible.”

“Let’s focus on the matter of the River of Death in Longcheng, Liang Province.”

The stern-faced middle-aged man said, “That young scion of the Li family lured those three Demon Kings into the Longcheng River of Death. He’s likely planning to perish with them there.”

“That river is extremely perilous, even among Netherworld-Level Rivers of Death. It ranks in the top ten of such rivers.”

“Li Xiaoran, with his Li family bloodline and innate advantages, hasn’t made much progress over the years. This time, he may not achieve anything either.”

“This is indeed a rare chance to trap and eliminate a Tyrant Void Realm overlord. Striking them down would severely weaken the Tyrant Void Realm and topple them from the ranks of top-tier powers. It would also allow the Demon Subduing Division to send reinforcements to ease the pressure at the borders.”

“However, other factions like the Sacred Palace and Dragon Gate are unlikely to stand idly by. They may anticipate our actions, which could ignite a large-scale conflict.”

“What do you think? Should we ask Uncle Zhen Dong to intervene, or can we handle it ourselves? If the Xia family matriarch decides to stay out of it, we should retreat immediately.”

“I think it’s not worth it,” the gaunt middle-aged man said. “Uncle Zhen Dong has already worked hard enough clearing the Rivers of Death. Why should he be dragged into this mess? Decades ago, the agreement was clear—they defend the borders, and we handle the Rivers of Death. Now they want us to clean up their troubles too? What a joke!”

The stern-faced man looked at the elder, who remained silent for a moment before saying, “I’ll go personally. I’ll check out the situation over there first. Let Zhen Dong rest after he returns from the River of Death. If it’s absolutely necessary, he can come later.”

“Uncle, are you really going?”

The gaunt middle-aged man was stunned. “Hasn’t our Wang family severed ties with these demons and devils? Over the years, they’ve fought demons and devils and achieved great merits. The Li family lost six sons in the fight, and they’ve fulfilled their duty. At least they’ve earned a reputation of honor!”

“But what about the Wang family members who died in the Rivers of Death? Who remembers them? Even their names have been erased from the Merit Rankings! Ask the people of the world now—who still remembers that the Wang family was once part of the Divine General Mansion?”

“We help them, but who will help us with the Rivers of Death?”

Hearing his impassioned words, the elder fell silent briefly. Then, looking up at him, he said, “My journey is not for the Wang family’s responsibility but for the conscience of a martial artist!”

“Humans and demons cannot coexist under the same sky. Slaying demons and exterminating devils is the martial path for people like us. If one has the skills of a warrior but hides in the mundane world, what is the point?”

“The Wang family’s accomplishments may not be known to the world, but Heaven knows, Earth knows, and His Majesty knows. It is enough for our descendants to remember!”

The gaunt middle-aged man froze at the elder’s resolute gaze. His lips quivered slightly, but in the end, he said nothing more.

...

...

In Dayu Prefecture, the imperial capital of the Sacred City, within the imposing Imperial Palace, nestled deep in its secluded courtyards...

Pa!

With a crisp sound, amidst a courtyard blooming with peach blossoms, two figures sat leisurely, playing a game of chess in a pavilion.

One was Emperor Yu, and the other, wearing an elegant robe adorned with a dragon motif, appeared to be in his forties, though a few strands of white hair streaked his temples.

A waist token bearing the character “Qing” hung from his belt. In the Imperial Palace and throughout the Sacred City, this token represented a singular identity: Prince Qing, Jiang Qingshan.

In the martial world outside the court, he was also known as Daoist Lord Qingshan.

“Imperial Brother, you’ve won again.”

Jiang Qingshan looked at the black pieces cutting through his territory, severing it into a chaotic mess. With a helpless smile, he cupped his hands and said, “I concede.”

Emperor Yu chuckled. “You always yield too easily. Playing chess like this is no fun at all.”

“Your chess skills are extraordinary, Imperial Brother. I wouldn’t dare hold back. I’ve already given it my all, but alas, my skills are inferior. I’ll need to practice more when I return,” Jiang Qingshan said with a bitter smile.

Hearing this, Emperor Yu was visibly pleased. A faint smile lingered on his lips as he said, “Your chess skills do need improvement. Find a better opponent in your residence to practice with you. After decades, even a child would have shown more progress than you.”

Jiang Qingshan was at a loss, forcing a bitter laugh. “Imperial Brother, this is plain mockery. While I may not match your skills, I can at least manage a few moves against the Little Chess Sage. How could I be worse than a child?”

Emperor Yu saw his dissatisfaction and smiled slightly. However, as he thought of a carefree youth under a willow tree, his smile faded, and he remained silent.

He placed his chess piece down and said softly, “You’ve heard about the matter in Liang Province. What are your plans?”

Jiang Qingshan stopped moving his chess pieces as well and responded earnestly, “The Sacred Palace, Dragon Gate, and Tyrant Void Realm are attacking Liang Province, while other demon forces are eyeing the other provinces, leaving them with little strength to spare.”

“They want to use Liang Province as a breach point. Once they capture it, they plan to use the demon tribes of the Weihe River to launch a full-scale invasion of other provinces. With the terrain of Liang Province, it will be easy to defend on land and attack by water. They’re making a serious move against the Great Yu Divine Dynasty!”

Emperor Yu nodded slightly. “You should also be aware of the forces behind them.”

Jiang Qingshan’s gaze sharpened as he nodded. “I’ve heard that the young Li family scion lured the Tyrant Void Realm overlord into the Longcheng River of Death. Now is a rare opportunity to trap and kill. Did you summon me here to join the hunt?”

“I want you to hunt, but the target isn’t the Longcheng River of Death.”

Emperor Yu’s fingers tapped gently on the chessboard. His gaze fell on a black piece that had fallen off the board. Smiling faintly, he said, “Sometimes, the outcome of a game isn’t decided on the chessboard but beyond it.”

“Elder Lu Yuan of the Dragon Gate has joined forces with the Candlefire God to attack Liang Province. According to reports from the front lines, the Candlefire God initially had no intention of taking the field but was forced to act due to that child’s exceptional resilience.”

“However, neither the Dragon Gate’s leader nor the elders of the Sacred Palace have been involved in this battle.”

“Tell me, where do you think they are?”

Jiang Qingshan’s heart stirred as he quickly deduced an answer. Yet, he shook his head and said, “Your younger brother’s mind is dull. I ask my Imperial Brother to enlighten me.”

“They must be where they can reap the greatest reward,” Emperor Yu said coolly. “The Li family’s elders have remained cautious, recognizing the stakes. This situation isn’t just about seizing Liang Province. They’re likely scheming for a much larger gain, such as razing one of our Divine General Mansions to the ground!”

“The three major forces have made their moves. Their intentions are clear. Fortunately, the Li family has shown restraint and hasn’t acted rashly.”

“Currently, these forces are converging in Qingzhou. Their strongholds are vulnerable. It’s the perfect opportunity for a counterattack.”

Jiang Qingshan’s expression sharpened. “Imperial Brother, are you suggesting that I lead a campaign to destroy their lairs and sever their roots?”

“After years of turmoil in Yanbei, the Sacred Palace should pay a price for their actions,” Emperor Yu said, nodding slightly. He looked out at the vibrant peach blossoms in the courtyard and added, “Here in the palace, it’s eternally spring. But beyond these walls, it’s already autumn.”

“It’s been many years since we hunted together in the fall. I wonder if your hunting skills have dulled?”

Jiang Qingshan smiled faintly. “Though I can’t match my Imperial Brother, I’ll ensure not a single beast escapes the mountain.”

“Then I’ll await your return to drink wine in celebration,” Emperor Yu said with a smile.

Jiang Qingshan stood, bowing deeply to formally accept the mission.

After Jiang Qingshan departed, a figure approached the pavilion—Chu Jiuyue. He moved slowly and saw Emperor Yu still gazing at the chessboard in thought.

“Your Majesty, are you thinking about that child?”

Emperor Yu’s gaze shifted to him, his expression serene. “Tell me, do you think the Great Yu Divine Dynasty’s fortunes have truly begun to decline?”

Chu Jiuyue’s face paled slightly, and he quickly replied, “Your Majesty, under the protection of the late emperor, the Great Yu Divine Dynasty will remain ever-prosperous. How could there be talk of decline?”

“If there’s no decline, then why, more than a decade ago, did Li Jiulang perish so young in battle beyond the border, his body never recovered?”

“Why, at only fifteen years old, is that child now trapped in such peril? They are both the future hopes of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, pillars of tomorrow. Yet, Heaven seems unwilling to grant them time.”

Emperor Yu gazed at the distant azure sky outside the courtyard, his voice low. “If that child were given just ten more years, even only ten, it would be enough.”

Chu Jiuyue fell silent.

He thought of the secret reports from Liang Province. Emperor Yu wasn’t wrong.

At just fifteen, that child had already reached the Three Immortals Realm. His foundation was so solid that it defied belief. He had slain Demon Kings at the Three Immortals level and even fought those at the Absolute Technique Stage. It was nothing short of extraordinary!

Such talent could not only be described as a prodigy but as possessing the potential of a saint.

It was likely for this reason that the Tyrant Void Realm’s overlord had forsaken the battlefield’s greater concerns to pursue him alone...

“Your Majesty, about the River of Death in Liang Province...”

Emperor Yu fell into deep thought. After a long pause, he finally said, “Summon my ninth brother. Have him go there personally and spare no effort to bring that child back!”

Chu Jiuyue’s pupils contracted slightly. Was he really going to unleash that madman?

“Your Majesty, if that happens...”

“Are you afraid?” Emperor Yu’s gaze was calm but penetrating. “If he comes out, his first sword might very well strike me. But it doesn’t matter. For that child, I will bear it.”

“Your Majesty...”

Chu Jiuyue was deeply shaken. He hadn’t expected Emperor Yu to take such a dangerous gamble.

That Ninth Prince was not someone to be trifled with!

In the vast Imperial Palace and the great city of kings, even among all the nobility, the mere mention of his name evoked fear and silence.

Once, that madman had come close to splitting the Imperial Palace in half with a single sword...

...

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