The black-and-white spiritual radiance that had just torn apart heaven and earth slowly withdrew into the depths of the pit. The lingering tremors that had shaken the entire stone chessboard platform finally began to subside. Yellow dust filled the air, mingled with fine stone chips, drifting for a while before the cold currents rising from the cave carried them slowly back down onto the cracked ground.
A faint pale glow still lingered at Game Pattern's lowered fingertips—the residual essence of the Chess Dao left behind when he had used Twin-Light Chess Break to shatter the earth. He lowered his head and brushed the dust from his robes, his gaze fixed firmly on the deep hole split open at the center of the chessboard. Beside him, Zhong Yin stood half-bent. Several pieces of rubble thrown up by the collapsing earth had struck his shoulder armor, leaving dents in the heavy darksteel protection. He casually shook the stones from his shoulder as his rough breathing gradually settled. Dark Shadow stood at their side. A long, narrow tear had been cut into the hem of his broad black robe by flying shards of rock. His eyes remained hidden beneath his hood as his gaze swept across the surrounding forest and cliff faces. Ever since the disturbance broke through the earth, the discomfort of being secretly watched had not faded from his heart in the slightest.
"The Twin-Light Chess Break from the previous chapter tore open the seal beneath the chessboard. The entrance to the hidden treasure is right before us, but entering rashly may invite an ambush." Game Pattern took two slow steps forward, his feet landing on the bluestone chessboard covered in ancient chess patterns. The stone lines beneath his feet faintly lit up. Having studied the Chess Dao for decades, he