"How did you discover this old man?" The old man looked at Gu Xingzhi in astonishment.
Gu Xingzhi smiled. "Mm, loneliness!"
"Loneliness?" The old man furrowed his brows even tighter, his face full of confusion.
"You mentioned loneliness several times. Although you tried your best to portray loneliness, you remained very composed."
"So that was it!" The old man sighed.
"Enough! Hurry and summon your Zhenlong!" Gu Xingzhi suddenly turned serious, his face filled with pride.
The old man paused, revealing a strange smile.
He stood up and pointed at the Thatched Cottage.
The Thatched Cottage immediately transformed into two enormous black-and-white chess pieces, floating in the air and rotating counterclockwise.
"This is the Exquisite Illusion Core. If Fellow Daoist wishes to inherit this old man's Zhenlong, you must first enter and see through it, then gain Control over it."
"Please!"
Gu Xingzhi raised his eyes toward the black and white pieces and grinned.
He turned and said something to Li Niang, then strode beneath the black and white pieces.
Soon, black and white rays shot out from the two chess pieces, drawing Gu Xingzhi into the air and between them.
The scene shifted, and Gu Xingzhi appeared inside an ancient, elegant hall. A white-haired, broad-foreheaded Old Daoist sat cross-legged beside a chessboard with his eyes closed.
He glanced at the Old Daoist, walked to the opposite side, and sat down cross-legged.
When Gu Xingzhi sat down, the Old Daoist opened his eyes.
He looked at Gu Xingzhi and nodded. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he picked up a black piece from beside him and placed it on the board.
As the first piece fell, Gu Xingzhi smiled faintly. He too reached out, picked up a white piece, and placed it on the board.
As the two pieces