The End Times

"..."

The old man stared at the chessboard, utterly speechless. In all his years, he had probably never seen anyone fill the entire board. What on earth was this...

"Fellow cultivator, your style is... unconventional, like a white steed flashing past, impossible to fathom. May I ask who taught you?" The old man made of light and shadow began probing Bai Yang about his background.

What teacher? I don't have a damn teacher. Bai Yang kept smiling as he asked, "May I ask, senior, did I pass?"

Since Bai Yang wasn't willing to say, the old man didn't press him. He said, utterly speechless, "Since it's a draw, naturally you've passed."

"Thank you, senior. I'll go take a look at the next place." Bai Yang rose and cupped his hands, then turned and led Little Cat and the others away.

The old man called after Bai Yang, still feeling it hadn't been enough. "Fellow cultivator, let's play another game if we get the chance. That was truly a thrilling match!"

Play another round and I'll be exposed, old man...

Bai Yang walked away with a steady gait, but inside he felt as if he were fleeing for his life. He knew nothing about chess, and the old man was praising his "unconventional style"? He was giving Bai Yang far too much credit.

After Bai Yang left, the onlookers erupted into an uproar. Someone had actually drawn with an elder of the Tian Yin Sect at chess! This was big news. Before long, word had spread far and wide, and countless people, curious about Bai Yang, began searching for him.

There was no helping it. The old man was an elder of the Tian Yin Sect. Setting aside his cultivation and status, he was renowned across the land for his chess