191: Mirror World, the Second Chess of the Ancestors

“Six transformations?!”

As the words fell, Su Chaozong, who had asked the question, showed clear surprise in his eyes. His gaze lingered on Qin Chi, and his voice rose, “You’ve already reached six transformations?!”

Having walked this path himself, he understood its value and difficulty even more.

Su Chaozong’s eyes were complex as he looked at Qin Jin, momentarily speechless. Finally, he sighed sincerely, “The younger generation is truly formidable, truly formidable. Among all the Martial Artists I’ve seen and heard of, no one has ever progressed in cultivation as quickly as you.”

“Thinking back to the Heavenly Selection period, you had only just embarked on the path of martial arts, and now—”

In his words, it was as if he had let go of something else.

“A Martial Artist genius like you is truly enviable.”

From a nearby seat, Teacher Chu’s voice rang out, “Qin Jin, when I first met you, I never expected to see the first brilliant pearl emerge on the future Gaia Planet.”

He shook his head, “If only I had your martial arts talent.”

There was a hint of regret in his words.

Qin Jin, however, knew that Teacher Chu’s idol was Gui Xu Martial God. Despite being an exceptionally talented Spiritual Energy User himself, he was extraordinarily fascinated by martial arts.

However, compared to his spiritual energy talent, his martial arts talent was unremarkable.

After speaking to this point, Teacher Chu looked at Su Chaozong.

“Su Chaozong, you need to hurry up.”

“The path ahead is clear. If, during the accumulation process, Qin Jin catches up or even surpasses you, then you, his former teacher, will inevitably be a bit embarrassed.”

“No worries.”

Su Chaozong laughed heartily and said, “Teacher Chu, to be caught up to by such a prodigious figure, and to become his goal for a period of time, that would only be my honor.”

The two exchanged glances and smiled.

At the dinner table, the atmosphere was extremely harmonious.

Celebrating his birthday meant Qin Chi had grown another year older.

As he savored the dishes personally prepared by Uncle Yan and Aunt Tang, a rare sense of sentimentality arose in his heart.

This was, after all, just the beginning of everything.

Cultivating both the Heavenly Azure Method and martial arts, it was foreseeable that he would gradually acquire a long lifespan in the future. By then, each year and each age would no longer be important; even a single seclusion or cultivation session might last longer than that.

However, this current scene could be cherished for a long time, and many years later, he might occasionally recall it and smile knowingly.

The lively conversation continued until after dinner.

Qin Jin stepped onto the top floor balcony of the villa and gazed up at the sky.

The stars were vast, and the starry sky was mysterious and alluring.

Gaia Planet and the Star God were intimately connected. The growth of the Star God would also accelerate the promotion of Gaia Planet. Lei Yu Star was changing every moment, day and night.

Now, looking at the starry sky, a different thought arose in Qin Chi’s mind.

“Venerable Observer’s avatar has clearly made a big move in the true world. In the future, Venerable Observer’s progress in the Heavenly Azure Method will continue to increase.”

“Is it possible that one day, within Lei Yu Star, a power similar to the spiritual energy of heaven and earth will also appear?”

This was a hypothesis, but upon careful consideration, it was not impossible to achieve. With the ability of a god, coupled with the connection between the Star God and the planet, it was entirely feasible.

As thoughts flickered, Qin Jin turned back, looked behind him, and called out, “Uncle Yan.”

Yan Gaoyuan stepped closer.

He looked at Qin Jin with a look of relief, “Jin’er.”

“With such talent in martial arts and astonishing progress, your parents’ spirits in heaven would also be relieved to see this.”

Qin Chi remained silent.

His childhood memories had not faded as he embarked on the path of cultivation; he remembered everything clearly.

Beside him, Yan Gaoyuan’s voice was gentle, “My achievements in martial arts are not high, but I also understand how difficult it is to become a Grandmaster at your age.”

“Before, it was unheard of.”

“Jin’er, your own efforts must not be inferior to your talent.”

“I just hope that sometimes, you don’t push yourself too hard. You are still young, and you still have plenty of time.”

“I know.”

Qin Jin nodded seriously.

As the two talked,

Unconcealed footsteps came from behind. The two turned to look, and the newcomer was Teacher Chu.

Seeing this, Yan Gaoyuan said, “You talk to Senior Chu.”

He gestured to Teacher Chu and then turned and left.

Teacher Chu stepped forward, came to Qin Jin’s side, looked up at the starry sky, and softly said, “When I knew Yan Gaoyuan and your parents, they were still very young.”

His voice was calm, “At that time, they were full of drive and had not yet joined a fixed exploration team. Through a recruitment platform, they joined the team I formed. It was during that incident that they helped me, and a connection was established.”

“Later,”

He turned to look at Qin Jin, “They followed my guidance and came to what was then a Mining Star, settling here. Yan Gaoyuan’s family chose to no longer wander, while your parents still had drive and joined a private group’s exploration team, until—”

“This is the boundless Star Sea.”

Teacher Chu looked at the starry sky above, “To this day, intelligent life has never explored the end of the Star Sea. The Federation does not know the boundaries of the Star Sea, nor do other civilizations friendly to the Federation.”

“Even—”

“Existences that have endured for a long time and can truly be called overlord-level civilizations do not know the answer to this question.”

“The Star Sea is beautiful and romantic, but also full of dangers. You should have learned in Martial Abyss that the Federation’s ten-thousand-year history of exploration is a magnificent Epic. No one knows what they will encounter in the unknown Star Sea.”

“Your talent is far more astonishing than I expected.”

“In martial arts cultivation, some people are far ahead in the early stages, while others catch up later. You, however, seem to possess both. As the path of cultivation deepens, more potential is unearthed, and you become increasingly extraordinary.”

“Qin Jin.”

His gaze returned to Qin Jin, “Since you have such astonishing talent, then seize everything.”

“Step by step, climb to higher realms, become famous throughout the Star Sea, dominate the Star Sea, until—you transcend the Star Sea.”

“Only then can you truly grasp everything, decide everything.”

His tone was somewhat sentimental.

Qin Jin could hear the expectation in his voice and responded, “Teacher Chu, I understand.”

Teacher Chu smiled.

He raised an eyebrow, “You once asked me about spiritual energy; are you very interested in Spiritual Energy Users?”

Upon hearing this, Qin Jin answered seriously, “Because I came into contact with other Spiritual Energy Users in the Star Dome Breaking Limit Cup, I wanted to understand them better.”

“Moreover, when I was studying in Martial Abyss, I learned relevant information. Martial arts is a unique evolutionary path of our Starfire Federation, but Spiritual Energy Users are completely different. In other civilizations, there are also evolutionary paths or special professions similar to Spiritual Energy Users.”

“It’s just that we call it spiritual energy, but other civilizations might have different names, and the specific methods of comprehension and learning also vary.”

“That’s right.”

Teacher Chu nodded.

Last time Qin Jin asked, he was busy with some things and only sent some brief information. Now, he elaborated seriously, “In the Star Sea, any race, any intelligent life, and even extraordinary beasts, etc., can potentially become a [Spiritual Energy User].”

“Because spiritual energy is one of the fundamental forces of the universe, and it is in a state of equality for all life.”

“To become a Spiritual Energy User, there is only one requirement: to awaken spiritual energy talent. This is the information that Spiritual Energy Users publicize.”

“In reality, this information is not false, but it can be further refined. To become a Spiritual Energy User, accurately speaking, one needs to attract the attention of the Spirit Ruins and establish a connection with it. The so-called spiritual energy talent is a term used after the connection is established.”

“Only special existences among life will be chosen by the Spirit Ruins, and thus Spiritual Energy Users have become synonymous with [geniuses].”

At this point,

Teacher Chu said, “Do you want to go and see the Spirit Ruins?”

Upon hearing this, Qin Jin’s eyes lit up.

In his previous reply, Teacher Chu had mentioned this, and he was quite looking forward to it. At this moment, he nodded directly, “Of course.”

A brilliant light flowed in Teacher Chu’s eyes.

In an instant, a faint barrier rose around the entire villa area, blocking external prying eyes.

At the same time, the black-gold five-pointed star in his right eye rotated. In the moment of rotation, spiritual energy was drawn out and manifested externally.

Sea-blue spiritual energy appeared in the void, intertwining like a celestial net. In the very center of the net, the same pattern as his black-gold five-pointed star appeared, slowly rotating to form a gateway, suspended above.

“Let’s go.”

As Teacher Chu’s words fell, his figure ascended into the sky. Spiritual energy enveloped Qin Chi’s body, and he followed along. The two figures passed through the five-pointed star gateway and disappeared in an instant.

This was a subtle feeling different from teleportation. The moment they passed through the gateway, in their vision and perception, there was first a complete darkness. Immediately afterward, an extremely dense, immeasurable amount of spiritual energy entered their perception. Everything in their vision gradually became clear, no longer dark.

Teacher Chu’s voice rang out.

“This is the Spirit Ruins.”

Qin Jin’s gaze fell in all directions.

With a glance, his vision suddenly narrowed.

Looking ahead, his feet were on a flat surface, but it was not an ordinary flat surface; rather, it was a mirror-like existence. In the mirror,

The villa was clearly reflected, as was the interior of the planet outside the villa.

It looked like a reflection from a mirror.

However,

Everything on the mirror surface beneath his feet truly had color and looked like a real existence.

And the world Qin Chi was currently in also had the villa and everything around it, but it was all sea-blue, as if composed of spiritual energy.

His own villa seemed to have become the boundary between reality and the Spirit Ruins!

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

Teacher Chu’s voice sounded beside him, “Wherever you enter from the real world, that is your starting point in the Spirit Ruins.”

“You can regard the Spirit Ruins as a mirror world of the real universe!”

“It’s just that everything here is composed of spiritual energy.”

As the words fell.

Enveloped by spiritual energy, Teacher Chu took Qin Chi and quickly ascended, rising high into the sky, leaving the planet, and truly stepping into the Star Sea.

Everything in the real universe had been replicated.

Qin Jin saw the [Lei Yu Star] composed of spiritual energy, and he saw the large stargate around Lei Yu Star that was under construction. If it weren’t for its obvious spiritual energy construction, it would have been a complete replica.

“Within the Spirit Ruins, almost everything in the real universe is mirrored, but there are some things that haven’t been replicated. The most important of these is—”

“Life.”

“Qin Chi, do you realize the importance of the Spirit Ruins?”

Qin Chi let out a long breath.

Before he came here in person, he had no idea that the Spirit Ruins would look like this.

Hearing the question, he nodded seriously and said, “The Federation should have made arrangements and taken precautions within the Spirit Ruins as well.”

“That’s right.”

Seeing that Qin Chi understood immediately, Teacher Chu nodded, “In the early days of the Federation, when it didn’t understand the Spirit Ruins, it actually experienced a crisis that nearly led to its demise, and some of those crises arose because of the Spirit Ruins.”

“Damage within the Spirit Ruins cannot affect the real universe, but many pieces of information can be obtained through the Spirit Ruins.”

His voice was long and drawn out, “Interstellar civilization wars are extremely complex. Battlefields are not only confined to the real universe but also appear in the Spirit Ruins.”

Qin Chi nodded.

Speaking of this,

A five-pointed star flashed in Teacher Chu’s eyes, “Come and directly experience the spiritual energy of the Spirit Ruins.”

As he spoke, the protective power enveloping Qin Chi dissipated.

Qin Jin stood in the Star Sea, surrounded by everything made of spiritual energy. This was an ocean of spiritual energy, a gathering place of the universe’s fundamental power. The moment Teacher Chu removed the protection, an unexpected scene occurred.

As Qin Jin truly stepped into the Spirit Ruins, ripples appeared around him. Sea-blue spiritual energy surged like a tide, instantly enveloping Qin Chi completely. It looked as if he had been attracted.

Seeing this, Teacher Chu frowned slightly.

“Does Qin Chi also possess spiritual energy talent?”

“But—”

“Why didn’t it manifest in childhood? Why was there no change in the outside world, and only after truly entering the Spirit Ruins did this change occur?”

“Something is not right.”

As thoughts flickered,

He realized the problem. A five-pointed star reflected in his eyes. Qin Jin stood in the center, and the five-pointed star expanded, cutting off everything around him and protecting Qin Jin within it.

He used the spiritual energy he controlled to shield Qin Chi.

Everything happened in an instant.

But in Teacher Chu’s perception, in a short period of time, more and more spiritual energy was stirred, like giant waves, surging in. Now, blocked by the formation and with Qin Jin’s aura concealed, it lost its target and then dispersed, stirring up waves within the Spirit Ruins.

At the same time,

In the center of the five-pointed star,

The moment the spiritual energy surged in, Qin Jin clearly perceived a sense of closeness with this fundamental force of the universe. The surging spiritual energy showed goodwill and was willing to be controlled by him.

He reacted immediately.

This, wasn’t this what Teacher Chu had said about establishing a connection with the Spirit Ruins and awakening spiritual energy talent?

“I also have the aptitude of a Spiritual Energy User?”

“Why didn’t it show up before?”

“Or is it because I was tempered by divine light in the Great Wilderness, my talent improved, and in some aspects, I met the requirements of a Spiritual Energy User?”

Thoughts flashed in an instant. As he pondered, the spiritual energy that approached surged into his body, nearing his spiritual level.

It was at this moment that

Qin Chi clearly perceived a sense of [rejection] within himself.

This rejection was somewhat similar to when he was in the Civilization Graveyard, but at that time, it had reached the point of disgust. Now, however, it was a pure rejection, from the very essence of his life and even his Spirit Ruins, towards the newly surging spiritual energy.

As the amount of spiritual energy surging in increased, the sense of rejection grew stronger.

Thus,

A choice was laid before Qin Chi.

If he accepted the spiritual energy, he would gain another evolutionary path and become a Spiritual Energy User.

If he rejected the spiritual energy, he would remain as he was, and similarly, no unforeseen changes would occur due to this rejection.

This was a question Qin Chi did not need to overthink.

In an instant, the Origin Power surged, intercepting the subsequent Spiritual Energy. At the same time, the Spirit Ruins vibrated, with Qin Jin's body as the battlefield. The Spiritual Energy, tempered countless times, poured out from the Spirit Ruins, shattering and melting the Spiritual Energy that had entered his physique.

From an external perspective,

Vaguely, a furnace-like construct of power flickered around Qin Jin.

Compared to the Spiritual Energy, which he only had a preliminary understanding of and was not familiar with, Qin Jin chose the Immortal Dynasty Law and Martial Arts. After all, a person cannot have everything. He believed his current path was sufficient and did not need to invite further complications or other consequences due to some unexpected events.

Spiritual Energy melting.

The Spiritual Energy that had entered his physique gradually disappeared, and at the same time, the Spiritual Energy surging from outside the Origin Power also gradually decreased.

Qin Jin opened his eyes.

He clearly saw the five-pointed star protecting him, knowing that Chu Tianyi had acted.

At the same time,

Seeing Qin Jin open his eyes, Teacher Chu did not hesitate. His hand directly rested on Qin Jin's shoulder, and their figures flickered, leaving the Spiritual Energy Realm.

Villa balcony.

The two figures returned to their starting point. Teacher Chu looked at Qin Jin, his expression extremely solemn: “Qin Jin, have you become a Spiritual Energy User?”

“No.”

Qin Jin replied, then added: “My Origin Power developed a repulsion towards Spiritual Energy, so I actively rejected it.”

“Repulsion?”

Teacher Chu frowned slightly, and said in a deep voice: “There is indeed a problem.”

“Qin Jin, do you know that the amount of Spiritual Energy you just attracted was already immense, and it was still increasing? If it had continued endlessly, centered on you, it might even have triggered a small Spiritual Energy tide.”

“The Spiritual Energy Realm seems to have a special fondness for you. I have never seen a life form that only has the opportunity to become a Spiritual Energy User after personally entering the Spiritual Energy Realm.”

Qin Chi showed a thoughtful expression.

In front of him,

Teacher Chu pondered for a moment, then said: “Do not tell anyone about what happened in the Spiritual Energy Realm just now.”

Qin Chi looked at him.

Teacher Chu's voice was solemn: “This matter is truly special. I will help you find the reason and locate the problem.”

“And besides that, the fact that you had the opportunity to become a Spiritual Energy User within the Spiritual Energy Realm, this matter itself, must not be revealed.”

Hearing this, Qin Jin said: “Teacher Chu, do you mean—”

Teacher Chu's voice was deep: “Qin Jin, do you think that since the Spiritual Energy Realm is so important, the Federation, and even other Star Sea Civilizations, would not have attempted other methods to actively cultivate Spiritual Energy Users?”

Qin Chi felt a chill.

“Your background is strong enough, but some troubles, if you can avoid them, do not get involved, otherwise, a series of unpredictable events will arise.”

“Even within the Federation, debates on this point have never ceased. Some believe that resources should be increased to explore the origin of Spiritual Energy Users, while others believe that such effort should not be expended on Spiritual Energy Users.”

“After all—”

“Spiritual Energy Users are an evolutionary path that has always existed in the Star Sea, while Martial Arts is an evolutionary path native to the Federation.”

“Debates related to Spiritual Energy have never stopped.”

“If others were to know, you might become the center of a storm. Even if nothing ultimately happens, it will inevitably affect your cultivation.”

“I understand.”

Qin Jin nodded seriously.

“I originally wanted to stay on Lei Yu Star for a few more days. You have also made achievements in Martial Arts now, and we could have had a good discussion.”

“Now, it seems, that won't be possible.”

“I need to confirm the root cause of everything. Perhaps—this is related to the matters I have been investigating.”

“Wait for my news.”

With these words,

He nodded to Qin Jin, and his figure suddenly vanished, leaving the spot.

As a Six-Realm Spiritual Energy User, a [Phase Realm] existence, theoretically, he could traverse the Star Sea without even needing transportation.

“Spiritual Energy.”

The occurrence of this scene completely exceeded Qin Jin's expectations.

Comparatively, he still disliked things outside of his plan.

“What is certain is that this should indeed be related to the improvement of my talent.”

“The Heavenly Vault Law and Martial Arts are perfectly harmonious, even complementary. Spiritual Energy and Origin Power have never conflicted, and can even be used together.”

As Qin Chi pondered, he summoned his professional panel.

He looked at the Researcher profession, and at the [Extraordinary Power] section below.

As his cultivation increased, he was no longer as ignorant as he was at the beginning, where everything needed to be verified. In the short term, the opportunities to use the professional panel were continuously decreasing.

At this moment, as he pondered, Qin Jin conceived many questions in his mind, focusing on the [Extraordinary Power] level column to check if it had increased.

“Origin Power is a manifestation of my own strength, so the Spirit Ruins do not reject it, while Spiritual Energy is purely an external force.”

“At the same time,”

“Could the repulsion of Origin Power towards Spiritual Energy be because these two powers are inherently incompatible, and also related to my breakthrough of the limits of life?”

“From the beginning of the Federation until now, there have actually been many Spiritual Energy Users, like Teacher Chu, who also cultivate Martial Arts, as the Federation rose to prominence through Martial Arts.”

“However, I have never heard of any Spiritual Energy User achieving great success in Martial Arts.”

“But every Spiritual Energy User's talent is indeed excellent; it shouldn't be like this.”

“Does Spiritual Energy itself suppress the Origin Power generated by Martial Arts?”

As he pondered this, he clearly saw that the experience level suffix of the [Extraordinary Power] branch under [Researcher] was flickering.

“It really is like this!”

This exploration made him rediscover the joy of first encountering the Great Wilderness and understanding all unknowns. After a moment of thought, remembering Teacher Chu's immediate departure, he took out his communicator and sent a message.

After failing to receive a response for a long time, Qin Jin's thoughts stirred. He informed the others in the villa and left under the cover of night.

Heading to the Forbidden Zone!

Under the night sky, some plants in the Forbidden Zone even emitted a faint glow, appearing mysterious and beautiful.

Upon entering the Forbidden Zone, Qin Jin called out: “Venerable Observer, I have a question I wish to ask you.”

As his voice fell,

A gentle voice sounded in his ear: “Speak.”

“My teacher once came to see you and asked you a question.”

“I want to know what question he asked.”

He chose to ask directly.

To Venerable Observer, there was no need for pretense; he could speak plainly.

“He asked me if the concept of life exists within Spiritual Energy.”

The Lei Yu Watcher's reply sounded.

“Life?”

Qin Jin's expression became serious, then he continued: “How did you answer?”

As his words fell, Venerable Observer's voice sounded again.

“After he posed the question, I perceived and confirmed the Spiritual Energy.”

“My answer was—”

“It should exist, but it does not currently.”

Having received the answer, Qin Jin immediately thanked him: “Thank you, Venerable Observer.”

Silence fell in his ear.

Under the night sky, the chirping of insects echoed in the Forbidden Zone.

Qin Jin stood rooted to the spot, lost in thought.

During his days away from the academy, Qin Jin's life became freer.

In fact, as the academic year progressed, the time students spent at the academy naturally decreased.

The mech design team's work was in full swing, with starships bearing legion insignia arriving at Lei Yu Star, delivering highly valuable materials.

To adapt to the extraordinary factors provided by Qin Jin, the team conducted various attempts, finalized plans, and produced numerous discarded versions.

In reality,

The mech manufacturing team was already prepared to produce 'defective products.' Even for a Martial Artist aspiring to the higher realms of Martial Arts, the mech they currently piloted might only be a temporary tool, but for the mech team, it was an opportunity for refinement and experimentation. They would invest themselves fully, and the military would not mind these losses, giving them ample room to perform.

Qin Jin's daily routine gradually became fixed. Besides studying relevant courses, he was active between the mech research institute and the Great Wilderness.

When he first returned to Lei Yu Star, the real-time course broadcasts conducted through Candle Kite were still with other students.

But as time went on, the live broadcasts became recorded ones, and the teacher became Candle Kite, the artificial intelligence of Martial Abyss, who truly understood everything about Martial Abyss.

It seemed that, according to Qin Jin's own cultivation progress, Martial Abyss had also made some adjustments, giving him ample cultivation time as much as possible, in addition to necessary studies.

Days passed one by one.

After countless attempts, the final manufacturing plan for the new mech was released, and mech manufacturing entered the schedule, officially starting.

Qin Jin joined in. His theoretical knowledge, practical operation, and experience were still inferior to these excellent personnel from the military, but with the panel's assistance, he progressed rapidly.

It was predictable that, at this rate, in the future, he would eventually become the chief designer of his own mech.

After Lü Xuan said he would call others that day, he really acted, and the team members were still continuously being supplemented.

Today,

After completing the manufacturing of the new mech's energy engine, Qin Jin returned home.

Upon returning home, after a brief rest, Qin Jin headed to the Great Wilderness.

Outside the Sacrificial Spirit Hall, no new messages were left.

After Qin Jin spoke the words “breakthrough” to Qi Chuan, Qi Chuan no longer disturbed him. The Si Huo Tribe now gradually had the ability to operate independently. This was a scene Qin Jin wanted to see. When the Si Huo Tribe was weak, he actively appeared and made directional choices. As the Si Huo Tribe continuously grew, he also intentionally reduced his sense of presence.

After all, he was a Sacrificial Spirit, not the leader of the Tribe.

According to the Great Wilderness's progression, a Tribe could continuously develop, even ascending from a Tribe to a nation. At that time, 'royal power' and 'divine power' would be difficult to coexist, and Qin Chi was not prepared to waste his energy on such matters.

After he arrived in the Great Wilderness, he sensed something and grasped it in the void.

The token engraved with the character 'Qing' fell into his hand, currently glowing faintly.

Ancestor Yi's second game had begun.

As the ancient land where he first encountered the 'ancients,' Qin Jin had a deep impression of it, and his gains from it were not small. Now, seeing it reopen, Qin Jin did not hesitate at all. He immediately concealed his figure, left the Tribe, and rushed to the border.

After a journey,

The Extreme of Heaven remained as it was. Holding the token, Qin Jin entered the divine light.

This time, perhaps influenced by the token in his hand, the moment Qin Jin entered the divine light, he appeared directly on the mountaintop, on the stone slab ground.

The nineteen-by-nineteen chessboard remained, and at both ends of the board, the two venerable figures of the 'Ancestors' were already seated cross-legged, ready to play.

The moment Qin Jin appeared, a voice came from in front of him.

“Benefactor Qin, you have finally arrived.”

His gaze swept over.

It was Su Changqing, who had received him last time.

The young Daoist priest smiled and, after approaching Qin Jin, rubbed his hands: “I wonder if we will still be on the same side this time. If not, when we meet, Benefactor Qin, please remember to show mercy.”

“Hmm?”

Qin Jin keenly caught the key point in his words: “This time, we don't choose our own faction?”

Last time, when he first ascended this Qingmu Monastery, he and the young Daoist priest in front of him directly entered together, on the same side.

“Yes.”

Su Changqing nodded: “This time, the Ancestors themselves will choose the pieces.”

“Benefactor Qin, look around.”

“Besides our fellow disciples from Qingmu Monastery, this time, there are many prodigies who passed the first game and came to participate in the second game.”

Qin Jin's gaze swept around.

As Su Changqing said, besides the people in Daoist robes, there were also young individuals in different attire, clearly from different places, standing silently on the mountaintop, waiting.

“The ancient land is truly mystical.”

He thought of the two seniors he had met in the ancient scene: “Are this Qingmu Monastery, and even the people in it, these prodigies, truly figures who once appeared in ancient times?”

A thought flashed through his mind.

The Great Wilderness was under nightfall, but on Qingmu Monastery, there was no sun, yet it was like daytime. As time passed, the Ancestor with the Axe sat cross-legged, his expression relaxed, and he said: “Senior Brother, you are older, so this time, you shall choose the first piece to start this game.”

“Good.”

The old voice replied. After the White-Browed Ancestor's gaze swept over, a gentle force rose around Qin Jin as his palm turned over. He was enveloped by the force and directly dropped onto the chessboard.

“This is the first piece I have placed.”

The White-Browed Ancestor said with a smile.

At the other end of the chessboard,

The Ancestor with the Axe frowned and pointed at Qin Jin on the chessboard: “Isn't this my brilliant move from the first game?”

“Senior Brother, stealing pieces is not advisable!”

He seemed to have no Ancestor-like demeanor, and rebuked him.

“You told me to go first.”

The White-Browed Ancestor stroked his white beard: “Once a piece is placed, there is no regretting it, Junior Brother, let's play.”

“Alright.”

“You shameless old man, you're playing tricks with me, aren't you?”

The Ancestor with the Axe cursed, his gaze sweeping to the side, selecting a piece, and placing it on the chessboard.

It was a woman, dressed in a skirt, with a beautiful and aloof face.

Considering the background of the ancient land, this might have been a prodigy disciple from a certain secret sect or great teaching countless years ago.

Now—

Ancient and present meet, ancient and present stand on opposing sides.

The piece landed on the board.

Both stood on the intersection of the two paths, truly appearing to be playing a game of Go. After the woman entered the chessboard, she looked at Qin Jin, performed an ancient 禮, and said: “Qiu Xiyu of Fangcun Academy, greetings, Senior Brother.”

Seeing her excellent demeanor, Qin Jin pondered for a moment and said: “Heavenly Vault, Qin Jin.”

Qin Chi saw that

When he spoke the words 'Heavenly Vault,' the expression on the other side changed slightly.

The next moment,

With the intersection where they stood as the starting point, the surrounding chessboard was shielded, and the ground rapidly rose, forming an ancient and elegant arena, appearing extraordinary.

If it could be said that

Ancestor Yi's first game was a discussion of Dao through young disciples, then this second game seemed to have become a discussion of martial arts.

Prodigy Martial Discussion.