Rong Song was, of course, joking. Although Lu Zheng’s tone was provocative, everyone knew he was also joking.
Moreover, despite Lu Zheng winning every time, his words often carried much guidance.
For many Jinhua Sect disciples, playing chess was actually a form of cultivation, though its significance varied depending on individual insights.
Otherwise, how could Lu Zheng gain a steady stream of fortune’s light just by talking?
Furthermore, because of Lu Zheng’s Versailles-style banter, his guidance blended into a harmonious atmosphere, putting no pressure on anyone, so everyone interacted with him轻松ly.
In fact, Lu Zheng was quite popular during his few days at the Jinhua Sect, forming deep friendships with several disciples of the Rong generation.
For example…
“Brother Lu, just you wait, I’ll beat you one day!”
“Brother Lu, there’s no moonlight in the mountains at night, so don’t wander around.”
“Brother Lu, rest well tonight, and may you not have nightmares.”
…
So, when it was known that Lu Zheng was preparing to leave the mountain, everyone was quite reluctant.
However, Lu Zheng had already stayed on the mountain for a full seven days, longer than his stay at Baiyun Temple. He couldn’t really treat the Jinhua Sect as home, could he?
…
“Brother Lu, this way, please.”
Rong Song led Lu Zheng to a serene spot in the back mountains of the Jinhua Sect.
A lone pine tree, a stone table, a Go board, and a pot of fragrant tea.
“Greetings, Master Peng Yu!” Lu Zheng hurriedly bowed in respect.
The head of the Jinhua Sect was before him, a grandmaster of his teacher’s generation!
“I heard your chess skills are profound, and this old man feels an itch to play. Would you mind a game?” Master Peng Yu smiled.
“It is my wish, and an honour to receive your guidance,” Lu Zheng replied quickly.
“You’re too polite, young man. I’ve seen your chess style, a blend of orthodoxy and surprise, ever-changing like storms and clouds. It’s not an exaggeration to call it an immortal’s touch. I thought about guiding you, but after days of pondering, I don’t know where to begin!” Master Peng Yu laughed, inviting Lu Zheng to sit.
Lu Zheng immediately sat down, pouring a cup of tea for Master Peng Yu before Rong Song could.
Master Peng Yu smiled, accepting without refusal, and after sitting, gestured to Rong Song to observe, then said to Lu Zheng, “Please.”
As the junior, Lu Zheng moved first.
One piece fell, another followed. The two played leisurely, calm as a gentle breeze, black and white pieces alternating without pause.
They appeared calm, as if placing pieces casually, but Rong Song saw clearly that the board was fraught with danger, a fierce battle between white dragon and black tiger, breathtaking in intensity.
The white dragon clawed, the black tiger struck at the heart.
Here, white pieces soared like a dragon to the heavens; there, black pieces pounced like a tiger down the mountain.
In the midgame, they clashed fiercely, neither yielding an inch.
Rong Song watched, sweating profusely, forgetting even to serve tea, until the white dragon retreated to its lair, only peeking out, and the black tiger entered the mountain, leaving no trace. Only then did he snap awake.
Looking at the sky, he saw the horizon aglow with twilight, the sun slanting westward, the sky darkening. A whole day had passed.
“Well done! Well done! Well done!” Master Peng Yu stroked his beard, laughing. “Your chess skills are truly profound, young friend. This old man is no match.”
Rong Song startled, looking at the board, only to see the white pieces had won by half a point.
“Pure luck! Pure luck!” Lu Zheng said, bowing repeatedly, inwardly admiring Master Peng Yu’s skill.
He had intended to keep it a draw, but Master Peng Yu’s skill was so profound that he couldn’t hold back and narrowly won by half a point.
“A win is a win, luck or not. I’ve lost many games in my life. Am I someone who can’t afford to lose?” Master Peng Yu flipped his palm, and a scripture appeared in his hand.
“This is the *Taiyuan Mysterious Scripture*, focusing on cultivating the soul and true spirit, enhancing the three treasures, and extending lifespan. It includes the Taiyuan Mysterious Light and Mysterious Light Divine Talisman. Once mastered, it excels in exorcising ghosts, subduing demons, and protecting the soul during astral travel, always to one’s satisfaction.”
Lu Zheng’s eyes lit up.
“Then I…”
“This *Taiyuan Mysterious Scripture* is not a secret teaching of our sect. You may share it with your family,” Master Peng Yu smiled. “But most people are ignorant, and many lack the talent. Don’t let them obsess over cultivation and neglect this life’s experiences.”
“Yes! Thank you for your teachings!” Lu Zheng respectfully accepted the scripture.
The law is not lightly passed, nor the Dao lightly taught.
If given to the wrong person, those lacking talent waste their lives, and those with ill intentions cause chaos, all traceable to the teacher.
Master Peng Yu nodded, smiling, then pointed a finger, and a golden light entered Lu Zheng’s forehead.
“This is…” Lu Zheng’s eyes flashed.
“Thanks to your guidance these past days, the disciples of Jinhua have made progress. I see you’ve begun mastering the *Nine Heavens Golden Palace True Transformation Method*. This *Golden Palace Mysterious Art* is its application, so I’m giving it to you as well.”
Good heavens! Lu Zheng was stunned.
If the Jinhua Sect’s *Nine Heavens Golden Palace True Transformation Method* was akin to Baiyun Temple’s *Innate Cloud Transformation True Scripture*, then this *Golden Palace Mysterious Art* was comparable to Baiyun Temple’s secret *Taiqing Mysterious Cloud Travel True Scripture*.
This gift was truly significant!
Though Master Peng Yu didn’t say, Lu Zheng understood clearly that this secret art was for his personal cultivation only, but it was still a great gain!
Refining qi with the *True Scripture*, applying it with the *Cloud Travel Method*, refining the spirit with the *Transformation Method*, and applying it with the *Mysterious Art*.
“Master… this gift…” Lu Zheng felt a bit overwhelmed by the heavy favour.
“You said you’ve had the *Transformation Method* for less than a year, yet your mastery is already quite profound.”
During their chess game, the *Transformation Method* was naturally applied, and Master Peng Yu, with his deep cultivation, saw through Lu Zheng’s foundation.
“Obtaining the *Transformation Method* was your destiny. This *Mysterious Art* is your reward for these days and for defeating me,” Master Peng Yu smiled. “In the future, look out for Jinhua Sect disciples.”
“Of course!” Lu Zheng nodded quickly.
“Rong Song.”
“Disciple is here!”
“Young friend Lu will stay one more night. Tomorrow, escort him down the mountain, then go into seclusion for a few days to reflect on today’s game and see if you can gain any insights,” Master Peng Yu said calmly.
“Yes!”
“This junior takes his leave!” Lu Zheng stood and said.
“Good.” Master Peng Yu nodded, raising his tea to see him off.
…
The next day, outside the Jinhua Sect’s mountain gate.
“Spending these days with Brother Lu, Rong Song has gained much,” Rong Song bowed, smiling. “You’re welcome to visit anytime, Brother Lu. Once I leave the mountain, I’ll come find you.”
“Always welcome, I’ll prepare a warm reception!”
After their farewells, Rong Song returned to the sect for seclusion, while Lu Zheng, full of gains, left the mountain.
