Fang Xu's team steamrolled its way through the competition, drawing public attention in the process. The Donghu Team, naturally, refused to accept the loss and specifically sought out reporters to smear him.
In the world of go, Fang Xu's name had long been renowned. However, when he decided to join the Weiyi League, establish a team, and serve as its main player, leading a young team in pursuit of greater honors, his actions drew malicious reports from certain reporters with ulterior motives. It all stemmed from the Donghu Team's loss to them the day before.
That day, Fang Xu was at home reading a newly arrived magazine when an article about him immediately caught his interest. The report read: "Fang Xu, a Ninth Dan go player renowned in the world of go, recently appeared on the Weiyi League's playing field. This expert, who should have been displaying his prowess in the National Players' Championship, instead chose to compete alongside young players. This was undoubtedly a challenge to the fairness of the Weiyi League. Fang Xu's participation had placed unprecedented pressure on players from the other teams. They questioned whether such an arrangement was reasonable and whether it would affect the healthy development of the Weiyi League."
As soon as the report came out, it caused an uproar in the go world. Some spectators who did not know the truth began questioning Fang Xu's actions, and some even started questioning his motives.
Faced with such public pressure, Fang Xu did not choose to remain silent. He decided to take action and set the record straight. First, he issued a public statement through social media, explaining why he had joined the Weiyi League:
"Dear go enthusiasts, I, Fang Xu, joined the Weiyi League not out of a desire for personal glory, but