Ch. 141When the Demon Blade Is Unsheathed

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Black initiates the 'Demon Blade' joseki, a complex and dangerous sequence, after White's high approach and Black's high pincer.
  • Both players engage in a tense, high-stakes battle in the upper left corner, with each move potentially deciding the game's outcome.
  • White surprises everyone by charging out instead of playing the expected hane, aiming to secure the large corner.
  • Black connects, and the game continues with both players making precise, calculated moves.

Character Developments

  • Su Yiming demonstrates his exceptional Go skills, calmness, and strategic thinking under pressure.
  • Yu Shao shows his prowess and adaptability, responding to Black's aggressive moves with unexpected charges.
  • Qiao Anli, a fellow Go player, analyzes the game and gains new insights into Black's strategy.

Significant Themes

  • The complexity and danger of advanced Go joseki, such as the 'Demon Blade' and 'Great Avalanche.'
  • The importance of precise, calculated moves in high-stakes situations.
  • The mental strength and composure required to play at a high level.

Character Interactions

  • The game is played between Su Yiming (Black) and Yu Shao (White), with Qiao Anli and others observing and analyzing the match.
  • The players' moves are described as if they were swordplay, emphasizing the tension and danger of the situation.
  • Qiao Anli discusses the game with Pu Zewei and Ma Zhengyu, gaining new insights and appreciation for Black's strategy.

Ch. 142Treacherous Go

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A Go game between Su Yiming (Black) and Yu Shao (White) is the focus.
  • The game starts with a fierce opening, with both players making precise moves.
  • Yu Shao surprises everyone by pinning Black's stones instead of continuing to defend his territory.
  • Su Yiming, instead of securing a large territory, decides to fight within White's position.
  • The game becomes increasingly complex and intense, with both players locked in a stalemate.

Character Developments

  • Yu Shao remains calm and composed throughout the game, displaying exceptional skill and strategic thinking.
  • Su Yiming shows boldness and aggression, willing to take risks to maintain his advantage.
  • Pu Zewei, an observer, recognizes the immense skill gap between himself and the players.

Significant Themes

  • The intricacy and complexity of Go, where a small mistake can lead to a significant disadvantage.
  • The importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in Go, as the balance of power can shift suddenly.
  • The mental aspect of Go, with players needing to remain calm and composed under pressure.

Character Interactions

  • The game is a battle of wits and skill between Su Yiming and Yu Shao, with neither willing to back down.
  • Observers, including Pu Zewei, Ma Zhengyu, and Wan Baihao, analyze the game, expressing their shock and disbelief at the turn of events.

Ch. 143Putting Oneself in a Dead End to Find a Way Out

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The game between Su Yiming (Black) and Yu Shao (White) becomes incredibly complex and intense.
  • Black initially seems at a disadvantage but fights tenaciously to maintain the complexity of the situation.
  • White, despite its advantage, faces resistance from Black's desperate, all-or-nothing strategy.
  • Both players employ advanced joseki like Avalanche and Demon Blade, making the game extremely intricate.
  • White decides to cut off its own retreat, aiming for a decisive victory.

Character Developments

  • Su Yiming (Black) demonstrates remarkable resilience and fighting spirit, even when facing defeat.
  • Yu Shao (White) shows strategic prowess and willingness to take risks to secure victory.
  • Zhuang Fei, after losing to Fang Haoxin, is eliminated from the competition.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of desperation and finding a way to survive is prominent, both in the game and metaphorically for the players.
  • The complexity and intensity of the game reflect the high stakes and pressure of the competition.
  • Risk-taking and strategic decision-making are crucial for success.

Character Interactions

  • Fang Haoxin and Pu Zewei discuss the game's progression, with Fang Haoxin expressing shock at its complexity.
  • Zhuang Fei acknowledges his defeat to Fang Haoxin, showing sportsmanship.
  • The interaction between Black and White is primarily through their strategic moves on the board.

Ch. 144Midgame Loss

Key Plot Points and Events:

  • White plays the 'Fly Press' move, creating a 'Cracked Shape' and launching a fierce attack on Black.
  • Black, despite the disadvantage, decides to counter-attack and kill White's Cracked Shape, leading to a life-and-death struggle.
  • The game reaches a climax with both Black and White playing aggressive, risky moves, ultimately resulting in Black's defeat despite successfully killing White's Cracked Shape.
    Character Developments:
  • Su Yiming: Maintains composure initially but becomes more serious and determined as the game intensifies. He acknowledges White's strength and the gravity of the situation.
  • Yu Shao: Plays aggressively and strategically, using White's advantage to put pressure on Black. He remains focused and determined throughout the game.
    Significant Themes:
  • The perilous nature of Go, where even strong players can be defeated by unexpected moves.
  • The importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in the face of adversity.
  • The concept of 'survival of the fittest' in Go, where only the player who can withstand the storm and make the right moves in the end can be considered strong.
    Character Interactions:
  • The interactions between Su Yiming and Yu Shao are primarily through their moves on the Go board, reflecting their strategic thinking and determination.
  • Other characters, such as Jiang Xia Hua, Pu Zewei, Qiao Anli, and Ma Zhengyu, observe the game and comment on the moves, adding depth to the understanding of the game's complexity and intensity.

Ch. 145The Go World Was About to Be Thrown into Turmoil!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yu Shao (White) plays against Su Yiming (Black) in the Professional Qualification Tournament.
  • The game is intense, with both players showing exceptional skill. White uses a Cracked Shape to attack, and Black fights back tenaciously, leading to a mutual destruction.
  • Black resigns, and White wins by resignation.
  • Yu Shao and Su Yiming both leave the playing room amidst a stunned silence from the crowd.

Character Developments

  • Yu Shao: He demonstrates his aggressive and precise playing style, using a Cracked Shape to secure victory. He reflects on his game, acknowledging areas for improvement.
  • Su Yiming: Despite losing, Su Yiming shows no signs of dejection. Instead, he appears more determined and sharp-eyed, hinting at future growth.

Significant Themes

  • Tenacity and Resilience: Both players display remarkable tenacity in their gameplay, refusing to give up even in the face of adversity.
  • Growth and Learning: Yu Shao reflects on his game, showing a willingness to learn and improve, while Su Yiming's determination suggests he will learn from his loss.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Su Yiming: Their intense game leads to mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other's skills. They both express gratitude for the guidance they've received from each other.
  • Yu Shao and his Parents: Yu Shao reassures his parents about his progress in the tournament, showing care and understanding towards their worries.

Ch. 146Some Words, and a Change to the Update Schedule

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The author announces a change in update schedule to 10 PM, posting two chapters at once, due to feeling rushed at the current 4 PM schedule.
  • The author reveals that they have been rushing to write and hasn't had time to refine the plot, leading to significant changes in the previous chapter.
  • The author shares the current subscription numbers, expressing gratitude for the support and a desire to improve the quality of the writing.

Character Developments

  • The author (as a character in the story) reflects on their writing process and admits to mistakes, promising to improve.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle between quality and quantity in writing.
  • The author's relationship with their readers and the importance of their support.
  • The author's self-criticism and commitment to improvement.

Character Interactions

  • The author interacts with their readers through the comment section and considers opening a reader group.
  • The author expresses gratitude towards their operations team for managing the comment section.

Ch. 147A Generation Worse Than the Last

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Professional Qualification Tournament's sixth round begins, with only two players left in the winners' bracket and ten in the losers' bracket.
  • Yu Shao faces Jiang Xia Hua, while Su Yiming plays against Shi Wang.
  • Yu Shao and Jiang Xia Hua's game draws significant attention due to Yu Shao's unexpected skill level.

Character Developments

  • Yu Shao remains confident and composed, acknowledging his opponents' skills but not underestimating them.
  • Jiang Xia Hua struggles with self-doubt after realizing Yu Shao's and Su Yiming's superior skills, but ultimately decides to give his all in the game.
  • Zhuang Fei, eliminated in the previous round, feels the sting of defeat and avoids Yu Shao's gaze.
  • Fang Haoxin, eliminated in the losers' bracket, watches Yu Shao's game with growing surprise and unease.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of generations being worse than the last is explored through Jiang Xia Hua's mentor's words and his own self-reflection.
  • The importance of facing strong opponents to improve one's skills is emphasized.
  • The pressure and determination required to become a professional Go player are highlighted.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Jiang Xia Hua have a brief conversation before their game, with Jiang Xia Hua expressing his admiration for Yu Shao's skill and his own self-doubt.
  • Yu Shao and Su Yiming exchange a brief, intense gaze upon Su Yiming's arrival at the playing room.
  • Fang Haoxin watches Yu Shao's game with growing unease, speculating about the situation on the board and the reactions of the spectators.

Ch. 148Dreams of Victory and Defeat

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yu Shao and Jiang Xia Hua play a Go game. Yu Shao wins with a Dragon Slaying Victory.
  • White's (Jiang Xia Hua's) performance surprises everyone with its tenacity and resilience despite the disadvantage.
  • Su Yiming invites Yu Shao and Jiang Xia Hua for a meal, treating them.
  • Ma Zhengyu reflects on the impressive performances in this year's Professional Qualification Tournament.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Xia Hua gains confidence and feels he has improved after his game with Yu Shao.
  • Su Yiming and Yu Shao reveal they had unusual dreams that influenced their Go skills.
  • Ma Zhengyu appreciates the dedication and potential of the players.

Significant Themes

  • The pursuit of skill and improvement in Go.
  • The importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
  • The power of dreams and epiphanies in personal growth.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Jiang Xia Hua engage in a intense Go game, with Jiang Xia Hua learning from the experience.
  • Su Yiming treats Yu Shao and Jiang Xia Hua to a meal, showing camaraderie and interest in Yu Shao's skills.
  • Ma Zhengyu observes the players and reflects on their dedication and potential.

Ch. 149Hand Cut Method

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yu Shao, Su Yiming, and Xu Ziqin meet at a Go hall.
  • They play a game where Yu Shao (playing black) defeats Su Yiming (playing white).
  • Su Yiming realizes his loss started from the opening, not the mid-game, and attributes it to Yu Shao's unexpected charge move after the Demon Blade joseki.

Character Developments

  • Yu Shao: Shows exceptional Go skills and strategic thinking, using the Hand Cut Method to analyze the Demon Blade joseki.
  • Su Yiming: Demonstrates remarkable intuition and confidence in his Go skills, quickly identifying the root cause of his loss.
  • Xu Ziqin: Shows confusion and surprise at the game's outcome, indicating her keen observation and understanding of the game.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of the opening in Go.
  • The Hand Cut Method as a strategic analysis tool.
  • The concept of 'thickness' in Go, which Yu Shao will need to explain to Su Yiming.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Su Yiming: Engage in a competitive yet respectful game, with Su Yiming acknowledging Yu Shao's skill and Yu Shao offering guidance.
  • Yu Shao and Xu Ziqin: No significant interaction in this chapter, but they are classmates and both professional Go players.
  • Su Yiming and Xu Ziqin: Su Yiming recognizes Xu Ziqin from their past encounter, but he doesn't remember her appearance, indicating his focus on her Go skills rather than her looks.

Ch. 150The Day the Demon Blade Was Destroyed

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yu Shao and Su Yiming analyze a Go game using the hand-cutting method.
  • They discover a flaw in the famous 'Demon Blade' joseki, leading to its potential demise.
  • Yu Shao and Su Yiming replay and analyze their mid-game, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Jiang Xia Hua wins his Professional Qualification Tournament game, securing his spot as a professional player.

Character Developments

  • Yu Shao: Shows his expertise in Go strategy and analysis. He remains humble and eager to learn from Su Yiming.
  • Su Yiming: Realizes the flaw in the 'Demon Blade' joseki. He's competitive and seeks to improve his skills through playing with Yu Shao.
  • Jiang Xia Hua: Wins his game, demonstrating his professional-level skills and securing his spot as a professional player.

Significant Themes

  • Strategy and Analysis: The chapter emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking and analysis in Go, with Yu Shao and Su Yiming demonstrating their skills in this area.
  • Continuous Learning and Improvement: Both Yu Shao and Su Yiming show a strong desire to learn and improve, even after achieving significant success.
  • The Evolution of Go: The potential demise of the 'Demon Blade' joseki highlights how Go strategies evolve over time, influenced by new insights and analysis.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Su Yiming: They engage in a friendly yet competitive dynamic, learning from each other and looking forward to their next game on the professional stage.
  • Yu Shao and Xu Ziqin: They maintain a friendly relationship, with Xu Ziqin inviting Yu Shao for lunch and Yu Shao treating them to hot pot in return.
  • Jiang Xia Hua and his opponent: They display respect and sportsmanship towards each other, despite the competitive nature of the game.

Ch. 151The Shock: Zhuang Weisheng's Son Actually—

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Jiang Xia Hua qualifies for professional Go player status after winning the final game against Black.
  • The Professional Qualification Tournament concludes, marking the end of this year's competition.
  • The Torch Relay Battle, an exhibition match for new professional players, is announced to be held twenty days later.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Xia Hua demonstrates significant improvement in his Go skills and determination, finally qualifying as a professional player after five attempts.
  • Yu Shao, having won all his matches, secures his spot as a professional First Dan player.
  • Zhuang Fei, son of Zhuang Weisheng the Ten Dan, fails to qualify and is eliminated, suffering a major blow to his pride.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle and perseverance required to become a professional Go player.
  • The importance of determination and resolve in achieving one's goals.
  • The passing of the torch from experienced players to new professionals.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang Xia Hua and Yu Shao discuss their excitement about qualifying and their anticipation for the Torch Relay Battle.
  • Zhuang Fei's dejected expression and the reporters' eager responses highlight the pressure and scrutiny professional players face.
  • Ma Zhengyu addresses the newly qualified players, offering advice and encouragement for their professional journey.

Ch. 152The Dragon of the Yu Family

Summary of Chapter 151: The Dragon of the Old Yu Family

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Professional Qualification Tournament ends, and Yu Shao returns home.
  • Yu Shao's second uncle, Cai Wei, brings his son, Cai Dongdong, to have Yu Shao assess his Go skills.
  • Yu Shao plays a teaching game with Cai Dongdong and praises his potential.

Character Developments

  • Yu Shao: Becomes more confident and respected as a professional Go player.
  • Cai Dongdong: Shows potential in Go and is eager to learn and improve.
  • Cai Wei: Demonstrates his support and belief in Yu Shao's professional Go career.

Significant Themes

  • Talent recognition and nurturing.
  • Family support and pride in one's achievements.
  • The journey of becoming a professional Go player.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Cai Dongdong: Yu Shao guides Cai Dongdong in a teaching game, demonstrating his skill and patience as a professional player.
  • Yu Dongming and Cai Wei: The two brothers discuss their children's futures, with Yu Dongming expressing pride in Yu Shao's accomplishments.
  • Cai Xiaomei and Cai Wei: The sisters-in-law discuss Cai Dongdong's potential and the best training halls for him.

Ch. 153The Meaning of Weisheng

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhuang Weisheng (a 'Ten Dan' Go player) plays a game with his son, Zhuang Fei, and easily defeats him.
  • Zhuang Weisheng criticizes Zhuang Fei's lack of strategic thinking and resolve, comparing him unfavorably to his past self.
  • Zhuang Weisheng reveals that he will participate in the Torch Relay Battle as Yu Shao's opponent, partnering with Fang Haoxin.

Character Developments

  • Zhuang Fei: Realizes his shortcomings after being criticized by his father, experiences a turning point in his Go career.
  • Zhuang Weisheng: Shows his tough love towards his son, revealing his past struggles and the meaning behind his name ('Wei Sheng').

Significant Themes

  • The importance of setbacks and failures in Go and life.
  • The resolve and mentality of a true Go player.
  • The legacy of a name and the expectations it carries.

Character Interactions

  • Zhuang Weisheng and Zhuang Fei: The father-son duo engage in a Go game that serves as a catalyst for Zhuang Fei's self-reflection and growth.
  • Zhuang Fei and various competitors (Yu Shao, Su Yiming, Fang Haoxin, Jiang Xia Hua): Zhuang Fei's losses to these players prompt his father's intervention and ultimately lead to his determination to improve.

Additional Notes

  • Kong Zi, a professional Go player, is shown reacting to his loss to Jiang Changdong and learning about Zhuang Fei's elimination from the qualification tournament.

Ch. 154What Could I Use as Stairs to Climb Higher?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Kong Zi discovers Yu Shao's impressive performance in the Southern Circuit's Professional Qualification Tournament, defeating both Zhuang Fei and Fang Haoxin.
  • Kong Zi plans to partner with Yu Shao in the Torch Relay Battle to defeat Zhuang Weisheng, but learns that several high-ranked players, including Nine Dan Chang Yan, have also applied to partner with Yu Shao.
  • Ma Zhengyu, in charge of the Torch Relay Battle, decides to pair Kong Zi with Yu Shao due to Kong Zi's willingness to travel and participate.
  • Yu Shao plays an online Go game with Su Yiming, winning by a significant margin but realizing the vast improvement in Su Yiming's skills and the threat he poses.

Character Developments

  • Kong Zi, a high-ranked player from the Northern Circuit, shows interest in Yu Shao's potential and seeks to partner with him in the Torch Relay Battle to challenge Zhuang Weisheng.
  • Yu Shao, after playing a game with Su Yiming, understands the extent of Su Yiming's Go skills and feels threatened but also motivated to improve and maintain his dominance.

Significant Themes

  • Rivalry and competition in the Go world, with players seeking to partner with Yu Shao to challenge stronger opponents.
  • Yu Shao's realization of the threat posed by Su Yiming and his determination to improve and maintain his position at the top.

Character Interactions

  • Kong Zi contacts Ma Zhengyu to express his interest in partnering with Yu Shao in the Torch Relay Battle.
  • Yu Shao plays an online Go game with Su Yiming, leading to Yu Shao's introspection and determination to improve.

Ch. 155Shen Yiming: Now, I Am the One Who Came

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Su Yiming, in his previous life, was unbeatable by himself but beatable by opponents, often missing opportunities due to his cautious playing style.
  • Yu Shao learns that Wu Zhixuan will be the scorekeeper for the Torch Relay Battle.
  • Su Yiming loses a game online but finds joy in the challenge, realizing he can still improve.
  • Yu Shao returns to school and feels a distance from his classmates due to his new professional status.
  • Zhou De challenges Yu Shao to a Go game at the activity room, where they find Xu Ziqin studying game records and she offers to play Yu Shao.

Character Developments

  • Su Yiming: Realizes the value of losing and the potential for growth in Go.
  • Yu Shao: Feels the growing distance between himself and his classmates due to his professional Go career.
  • Zhou De: Improves his Go skills and aims to be the main player for the high school Go league next year.
  • Xu Ziqin: Shows dedication to studying Go records, indicating her serious approach to the game.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of learning from losses and setbacks in personal growth.
  • The impact of success and change on relationships, as seen in Yu Shao's distance from his classmates.
  • Dedication and hard work in pursuing one's goals, as demonstrated by Xu Ziqin.

Character Interactions

  • Su Yiming and Yu Shao: Though not directly interacting in this chapter, their shared experiences of losing and learning from it create a thematic connection.
  • Yu Shao and his classmates: The distance between Yu Shao and his classmates highlights the changes in their relationships due to Yu Shao's success.
  • Zhou De and Yu Shao: Their friendly rivalry and shared love for Go bring them closer, despite Yu Shao's new professional status.
  • Xu Ziqin and Yu Shao: Xu Ziqin's offer to play Yu Shao shows her eagerness to test her skills against a professional player.

Ch. 156The So-Called Divine Move

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Xu Ziqin, after a year's absence, returns to school and challenges Yu Shao to a Go game.
  • Yu Shao and Xu Ziqin play a thrilling game, with Xu Ziqin's 'dig' move and Yu Shao's 'point thrust' being particularly notable.
  • Yu Shao analyzes the game afterward, revealing the full potential of Xu Ziqin's 'dig' move and the brilliance of his own 'point thrust' as a tesuji.

Character Developments

  • Xu Ziqin: Shows significant improvement in her Go skills, playing on a level that would have easily defeated Zheng Qin from a year ago.
  • Yu Shao: Demonstrates his exceptional understanding of Go, seeing the whole board and responding to Xu Ziqin's moves with precision and foresight.

Significant Themes

  • The depth and complexity of Go, with moves having local and global impacts.
  • The potential for human intuition and creativity in Go to challenge AI's win rates.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Xu Ziqin: Engage in a intense Go game, with Yu Shao providing insightful analysis afterward, helping Xu Ziqin improve.
  • Chen Jiaming: Observes the game, learns from Yu Shao's analysis, and reflects on his own understanding of Go. He also considers Yu Shao's potential in the professional Go world.

Ch. 157The Feeling of Being Completely Powerless

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yu Shao and Xu Ziqin continue attending school as usual before the Torch Relay Battle begins.
  • The Torch Relay Battle attracts significant attention, especially for Yu Shao's match against Zhuang Weisheng and Fang Haoxin.
  • Yu Shao visits the Southern Chess Academy Headquarters for the first time and learns about its history and famous Go players.

Character Developments

  • Yu Shao remains calm and excited about facing Zhuang Weisheng in the Torch Relay Battle, showing his confidence and eagerness to test his skills.
  • Jiang Xia Hua reveals his admiration for Zhuang Weisheng's strength and shares an anecdote about Qin Haisheng the Seven Dan's experience against him.

Significant Themes

  • The power dynamics and respect for senior players in the Go world, exemplified by Zhuang Weisheng's reputation and the awe he commands.
  • The historical significance of the Southern Chess Academy Headquarters as a place where legendary Go matches took place.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Jiang Xia Hua discuss the upcoming Torch Relay Battle and explore the Southern Chess Academy together.
  • Jiang Xia Hua shares his knowledge about the academy's history and famous Go players with Yu Shao.

Ch. 158Half Victory, Half Enlightenment

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Jiang Xia Hua leads Yu Shao to the match rooms in the Southern Chess Academy.
  • They visit the main hall with the calligraphy "Rivals Meet" and a two-person match room with the calligraphy "Sitting and Discussing the Way."
  • Jiang Xia Hua explains that Go is "half contesting victory and defeat, half enlightening the Way."
  • They explore the academy, and Jiang Xia Hua shares his plans to enter the Hand Talk Room on his own merits after the Torch Relay Battle.
  • At the cafeteria, they overhear discussions about Yu Shao and the Fangyuan Cup. Nine Dan Chang Yan approaches their table.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Xia Hua: Shows pride in the academy's facilities and expresses his ambition to enter the Hand Talk Room on his own merits.
  • Yu Shao: Shows curiosity about the academy and the Hand Talk Room. He's recognized by other players in the cafeteria.
  • Chang Yan: Reveals her interest in Yu Shao's playing style and asks about his "charge" move and breaking the "Demon Blade Formation."

Significant Themes

  • The dual nature of Go as a contest and a path to enlightenment.
  • The pride and ambition of professional Go players.
  • The recognition and pressure that comes with success in the Go world.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang Xia Hua and Yu Shao: They explore the academy together, with Jiang Xia Hua acting as a guide and sharing his insights about Go.
  • Yu Shao and Chang Yan: Chang Yan approaches Yu Shao to ask about his unique playing style, showing interest in his skills.

Ch. 159Don't Disturb Me, I'm Thinking

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yu Shao learns that the Demon Blade Formation, one of Go's three most difficult joseki, can be broken by a simple "charge" move.
  • Chang Yan, a Nine Dan professional, confirms the Demon Blade's invalidity after the charge and requests to be Yu Shao's partner in the Torch Relay Battle.
  • Yu Shao reveals he is self-taught in Go, shocking Jiang Xia Hua and others.
  • Chang Yan considers taking Yu Shao as her disciple but respects his decision to remain independent.
  • Yu Shao's Torch Relay Battle is scheduled for the next day, with Kong Zi the Celebrity as his partner.

Character Developments

  • Yu Shao: Demonstrates exceptional analytical skills by breaking the Demon Blade Formation and remains calm and composed when facing Chang Yan. He reveals his self-taught background and declines Chang Yan's offer to take him as a disciple, valuing his unrestrained thinking.
  • Chang Yan: Initially skeptical, she confirms the Demon Blade's invalidity and is astonished by Yu Shao's self-taught background. She considers taking him as a disciple but respects his decision to remain independent.
  • Jiang Xia Hua: Struggles to accept the Demon Blade's invalidity and is shocked to learn Yu Shao is self-taught.

Significant Themes

  • The power of unconventional thinking and self-study in Go.
  • The potential impact of breaking one of Go's three most difficult joseki.
  • The master-disciple relationship in Go and the value of independent learning.

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao and Chang Yan: They discuss the Demon Blade Formation, Yu Shao's self-taught background, and Chang Yan's offer to take him as a disciple.
  • Yu Shao and Jiang Xia Hua: Jiang Xia Hua is shocked and confused by Yu Shao's revelations about the Demon Blade and his self-taught background.
  • Chang Yan and Jiang Xia Hua: Chang Yan explains the Demon Blade's invalidity to Jiang Xia Hua, who is initially skeptical.

Ch. 160Which Hidden Sect Did He Come From to Gain Experience?

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Jiang Xia Hua is confused and disheartened after learning Yu Shao learned Go himself, questioning his own talent.
  • Jiang Xia Hua's Torch Relay Battle begins, broadcasted in the academy's seminar room. He plays against Nine Dan players Zhu Xinyuan and Bai Jingchuan.
  • The game progresses into mid-game fighting, with Jiang Xia Hua making a brilliant move, creating space and solidifying his position.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Xia Hua: Struggles with self-doubt about his talent but remains determined to do his best in the Torch Relay Battle.
  • Yu Shao: Shows understanding and support towards Jiang Xia Hua's struggles, and demonstrates analytical skills by observing the game and noticing subtle advantages.

Significant Themes

  • Self-doubt and perseverance in the face of adversity (Jiang Xia Hua)
  • The importance of mid-game strategy and coordination in team play (Torch Relay Battle)

Character Interactions

  • Yu Shao comforts Jiang Xia Hua, helping him regain confidence.
  • Professional players in the seminar room show curiosity and respect towards Yu Shao, discussing the Torch Relay Battle together.
Show
Page 8 of 27