Facing Jiang Yun's Shocking Power

Several thatched cottages stood amid a peaceful, beautiful landscape. Flowers and grasses grew thick, birds sang, and a winding path ran through the tree-shaded courtyard.

The three stood outside the courtyard. Gai Jiuyou quietly studied Jiang Yun, unable to see what had made his disciple fall for him.

Jiang Yun looked around at the scenery without meeting the old man's eyes. He felt a little guilty.

At last, with Xia Jiuyou supporting him, Gai Jiuyou turned toward an old tree in the courtyard. As she turned, Xia Jiuyou shot Jiang Yun a look telling him to follow.

"I have a fair idea why you're here. Play a game of chess with me. Little Nine told me you taught her this."

Beneath the old tree stood a stone table with a chessboard on it and two stone stools beside it. Gai Jiuyou sat down and gestured for Jiang Yun to take the stool opposite him.

Xia Jiuyou brought tea and carefully poured them each a cup of fragrant spirit tea. Jiang Yun accepted his cup.

The two sat quietly, looking at the board. Wind rustled through the leaves around them. Neither was calm inside.

They took up their pieces and began their match.

Gai Jiuyou was a masterful player. Every move tightened his position, every point on the board concealed a killing stroke. Jiang Yun broke into a cold sweat under the onslaught, suffered defeat after defeat, and lost two games in a row.

Even a game played by mortals had its rules. How could a Half-Step Great Ability compete with a Quasi-Emperor? Jiang Yun was outmatched in both mind and body.

After crushing Jiang Yun twice, Gai Jiuyou seemed to feel a little better.

He said, "One more game. Let me see what you're truly capable of."

Jiang Yun was