"Senior Brother, you lost this game."
Inside the small white-jade tower, a gentle male laugh rang out.
The one laughing was a middle-aged man in green robes.
He appeared composed and possessed an exceptional bearing, like an immortal stepped out of a painting.
Beside the middle-aged man stood a handsome young man in white. His gaze was somewhat aloof, as though he did not belong in this world.
Playing against the middle-aged man was an old man in gray robes.
This man was Shang Guangming, the master of Thousand Talisman Pavilion. His talisman crafting was unmatched throughout Eastern Jin, and thus he was respectfully known as "Master Shang."
A young man also stood behind Shang Guangming, his head lowered, seemingly downcast.
Shang Guangming frowned and glanced outside, a trace of displeasure surfacing in his eyes. He said flatly, "Wu Qiong, someone has disturbed my concentration. This game does not count. Again!"
The middle-aged man, Wu Qiong, leisurely tapped the chessboard and smiled. "Senior Brother, chess is merely a diversion between us martial brothers. In truth, my disciple Lin Jiuyang has already defeated Zhou Xiao twice. If he wins one more time, you, Pavilion Master, will have to step down and yield your place to someone more worthy!"
Shang Guangming's expression turned cold. "Junior Brother, you are thriving out there. Why must you insist on the position of Thousand Talisman Pavilion's master?"
Facing Shang Guangming's fury, Wu Qiong did not grow angry.
He looked directly at Shang Guangming and smiled unhurriedly. "Senior Brother, you forced me out of Thousand Talisman Pavilion all those years ago. How could I possibly not bear a grudge over it? I think you have sat in that position for too long, leaving Thousand Talisman Pavilion utterly lifeless. It is time to change people and let someone