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"Did you understand?"

Rong Xi nodded with a smile. "Mm. I understand the theory, but I fear I would be clumsy in actual combat."

"No matter." Qin Ke let him make the first move.

Rain whispered endlessly beyond the window; inside, only the sound of stones landing on the board remained.

They battled for a while before Rong Xi was finally defeated. He smiled freely. "Brother Sizhi's skill at Go is exquisite. I admire you."

"You have only just begun, yet you are already quite good." Qin Ke was sparing with words, but he offered him praise.

This came from the bottom of his heart, not as encouragement. If Rong Dalang truly had never studied Go before, then merely from what he had said earlier, being able to hold out against him for so long already counted as remarkable talent.

Yet Rong Xi assumed Qin Ke was merely saving his dignity, so he only smiled and said nothing.

The two continued their campaign across the board. Qin Ke was, after all, the God of War. His moves shifted without cease, slaughtering Rong Xi until not a single piece of armor remained.

Though his defenses were breached again and again, Rong Xi's expression remained calm, without the slightest trace of anxiety. Seeing this, Qin Ke's gaze deepened, but his attacks grew even sharper.

After repeating this several times, Rong Xi finally felt his mind growing weary. Propping his cheek on one hand, he teased, "My army is already in a sorry state, and our provisions are running short. If Brother Sizhi keeps attacking, the city will surely fall and all within will perish. Why not spare me this once?"

"What benefit is there for me?" Qin Ke held a stone between his fingers but did not set it down.

Rong Xi