Reunion

Shen Yi and Wu Liujian stepped through the stone gate, one after the other.

The scene before them immediately astonished them both. Beneath their feet lay a vast chessboard, its black and white grids intersecting. Above, a galaxy formed by interlocking black and white chess pieces twinkled with starlight.

On the chessboard, there were spots for cultivators to sit, glowing with black and white light. Shen Yi immediately spotted the person who had provoked the disciples of the Longevity Gate outside the stone gate. This person was currently emitting white light and was engaged in a game with a cultivator bathed in black light.

"White is yang, black is yin. So, the yin and yang here refer to the game of chess pieces."

Seeing this, Shen Yi finally understood.

"This game's rules are quite simple and interesting."

Wu Liujian said, looking at the white text appearing beside him, his interest piqued.

"This game, I chanced upon it from beyond the heavens in my past years. The board is fifteen by fifteen. Each side wields a color of pieces. Black moves first, alternating between black and white. Black must first place its piece on the celestial point. The first to connect five pieces in a line wins. Players, remember: no take-backs!"

After reading this, Shen Yi almost cried out. Wasn't this Gomoku, the game he often played to pass the time in his previous life? Could this world have any connection to the Earth he once lived on? Did he have a chance to return to Earth?

For a time, Shen Yi's thoughts raced, his emotions complex, and he remained unsettled for a long time.

By the time he saw Wu Liujian take his seat in the white light pillar and begin the game, Shen Yi quickly found a spot for himself. As soon as he sat down, a white light pillar enveloped him. A person appeared opposite him, shrouded in a black light pillar, though their appearance was unclear.

The game began.

They took turns placing pieces, and in the blink of an eye, over ten moves had been made. Shen Yi quickly sensed the danger. With every move he made, a thread of his vitality was drawn out. This accumulation meant he could now feel a significant portion of his vitality depleted, and the hair on his forehead had turned gray.

Looking at the person opposite him, their movements were noticeably flustered, clearly having also discovered this situation.

"This is clearly a game of life and death!"

Shen Yi cursed. As expected, nothing in these Grotto-Heaven Ruins could be easily trusted.

"Let's finish this quickly." Both of them had reached the same conclusion, neither willing to prolong the agony. Unfortunately, Shen Yi's skill was superior. With a single move that achieved a double kill, he secured a steady victory. The person opposite slumped to the ground in defeat. Afterward, the white light intensified, engulfing the black. Shen Yi felt the draining vitality surge back into his body, seemingly stronger than before. As for the person opposite, after being consumed by the white light, they vanished without a trace.

The scene shifted, and Shen Yi found himself standing before a palace. His heart pounded: this must be the final core area of the ruins.

"Senior Brother Shen!"

Jiang Miaoyi, seeing Shen Yi appear, hurried to his side, her eyes shining with joy.

"Junior Sister Jiang, was everything smooth?"

Seeing that Jiang Miaoyi was unharmed, Shen Yi also relaxed.

Jiang Miaoyi recounted her experiences to Shen Yi, further confirming his suspicions. As more cultivators appeared around them, Shen Yi's expression grew increasingly solemn. This place was destined to be anything but peaceful.

"Shen Yi, this time, I won't let you get lucky and live. You insulted my Qingxuan Sect, die!"

Indeed, as soon as Wang Mingxuan appeared and saw Jiang Miaoyi standing beside Shen Yi with a joyful expression, a sourness welled up in his heart. He had noticed this woman outside the ruins and had fallen for her at first sight, considering her his private property. Now, seeing her chatting and laughing with Shen Yi, an inexplicable rage surged, and he attacked Shen Yi.

Shen Yi shielded Jiang Miaoyi behind him, circulated his spiritual energy, and unleashed a pair of iron fists. They struck with the sound of a roaring elephant, colliding with Wang Mingxuan's attack. Fist met palm, stirring up a cloud of dust. Savage spiritual energy swept outwards, forcing the surrounding crowd to quickly dodge, lest they be caught in the crossfire.

"Without your helpers, you're nothing special!"

Shen Yi's voice was bold. His earlier struggles against Wang Mingxuan were due to his companions restraining him. Now, one-on-one, he feared no one.

Wang Mingxuan was also inwardly alarmed. Shen Yi, with only the Qi Refining Third Layer cultivation, possessed such formidable strength. However, he himself was no ordinary person.

Just as he was about to unleash his full power, three figures suddenly appeared behind him. They were his fellow disciples. Seeing Wang Mingxuan, they joined the fray without hesitation.

"Brother Shen, we'll help you too!"

Wu Liujian let out a long cry and leaped to Shen Yi's side. Yuwen Yue and Wang Teng followed closely, their weapons in hand, glaring menacingly at their opponents.

"Senior Brother Wang, Junior Brother, he... he's gone."

Someone from the Qingxuan Sect whispered into Wang Mingxuan's ear. His expression changed, and he immediately retreated a step. "Consider yourselves lucky today. I'll spare your lives for now!" With that, he led his three fellow disciples away.

Wang Teng wanted to pursue, but Shen Yi stopped him. "The tallest tree catches the wind! If we reveal our strength too early now, we'll become targets for everyone." The four understood and withdrew, following Shen Yi to another area.

Seeing the battle subside, the surrounding people finally relaxed, secretly withdrew their spiritual energy, and dispersed.

"Judging by the structure here, it's very similar to the area outside the stone gate. I fear the palace inside hides many unknown dangers." Shen Yi's gaze swept over the crowd before continuing, "Coupled with the threat from Wang Mingxuan and others from the Qingxuan Sect, I suggest we wait until the palace opens and explore together. What are your thoughts?"

Wu Liujian naturally had no objections. Jiang Miaoyi and Yuwen Yue exchanged glances and also agreed. Only Wang Teng remained silent, deep in thought for a long time before nodding. He then added, "There's something I need inside."

The others looked at Wang Teng in surprise, speculating about his origins. Even Feng Yang and others didn't know exactly what was inside such ruins, so how could Wang Teng know there was something he needed? Despite their suspicions, they didn't press him. Since Wang Teng was unwilling to reveal it, they saw no reason to pry.

Seeing that they didn't question him but expressed their willingness to help, Wang Teng's eyes filled with gratitude. He turned and found a spot to cultivate in peace.

Shen Yi then scouted the area further, ensuring there were no hidden mechanisms, before returning to the others. He also settled down to wait for the palace gates to open.

They waited for over a month. Fortunately, they had brought ample supplies, so hunger was not an issue.

"The spiritual energy here is growing denser. It seems the palace will open in a few more days."

Shen Yi extended his hand, sensing the rich spiritual energy, and with a thought, he once again entered cultivation.

"Hahaha, I've broken through! I've broken through!"

A sudden burst of wild laughter from the crowd drew everyone's attention, spurring them to cultivate even more fervently.

"Hoo—"

Shen Yi exhaled a long breath and opened his eyes with joy. "Finally, I've broken through to the Qi Refining Fourth Layer!"