Do you think there's a possibility?

"The Ji Clan's treasury?"

Qi Yuan's eyelids twitched as he began to secretly consider the possibility of successfully sneaking in.

Judging by the violent reaction of the creation cauldron just now, it was highly likely that the immortal cauldron fragment was stored in that treasury. This was going to be troublesome...

The Ji Clan was no small or insignificant sect; they were a legitimate, major Demonic Path Family.

Everyone involved in the Demonic Path was a tough nut to crack, and they were never short on people who would steal at the sight of wealth.

The treasury was located in a place surrounded by hordes of demons, and there had never been any rumors of theft, which was proof enough of how heavily guarded it was.

If he were to foolishly force his way in, it would definitely be ten deaths and no life; it seemed he would have to plan this carefully.

As the saying goes, don't fear the thief... ah, pfft, as long as your resolve doesn't waver, there are always more solutions than problems.

Thinking of this, Qi Yuan composed himself and said with a straight face:

"Fairy Ji has misunderstood. This Qi just felt that the scenery over there was pleasant and the Spiritual Qi was abundant, so I thought I would go over for a stroll and admire the beautiful scenery here."

"Since that is where your noble Family's treasury is located, then never mind. This Qi is an upright gentleman; how could I possibly do something like coveting others' treasures?"

The creation cauldron was his possession now, so taking back the fragment that originally belonged to the creation cauldron certainly didn't count as coveting others' treasures.

Upon hearing this, Ji Chan'er gave him a deep look, her tone filled with a hint of suspicion:

"Fine. Remember what you said, and absolutely do not go near that place."

"There is a killing formation set up personally by the Old Ancestor there. Anyone without the special Token will be instantly shredded by the formation's Qi."

Qi Yuan nodded calmly, "Rest assured, I know the gravity of the situation."

By the time the two returned to the Ji residence, it was already afternoon. Qi Yuan prepared to pay his respects to Ji Chan'er's father first before taking his leave.

He had just received a message from Situ Yun, saying that there was an important matter to discuss.

Since Situ Kong, who was in charge of the case, was also from the Situ Family, he thought there had been some change regarding his case and planned to return to Blood Refining Peak as soon as possible.

Not long after.

In a luxuriously decorated study, Qi Yuan saw Ji Chan'er's father for the first time.

He wore black robes and straw sandals, with a refined and handsome appearance. He possessed the demeanor of a deep and reserved scholar. His aura was lively and rounded, yet mixed with traces of impurity. Clearly, the quality of his Nascent Soul was not high, likely a middle-to-lower grade Nascent Soul.

It went without saying that Ji's father's Early Nascent Soul Stage cultivation was merely a hollow show forced into existence by vast amounts of resources, and it held no real value.

As the eldest legitimate son of the Ji Clan's main branch, such Aptitude could only be described as mediocre.

Of course, facing his father-in-law, Qi Yuan felt no disdain or contempt in his heart; instead, he bowed respectfully and said:

"Junior Qi Da, greets Uncle Ji."

Hearing someone call him "Uncle," Ji Shijie, who was sitting in front of a chessboard deep in thought, finally looked up. Seeing his daughter first, a gentle smile immediately appeared on his face:

"Chaner, why are you back?"

"Father."

Ji Chan'er had dark lines all over her face and couldn't help but complain, "I was just greeting you a moment ago; so you didn't even notice, did you?"

"Cough, cough..."

Ji Shijie coughed awkwardly twice and hurriedly tried to change the subject, quickly shifting his gaze to Qi Yuan. He looked him up and down and asked doubtfully:

"Chaner, this Young Master is..."

"You really didn't listen to anything."

Ji Chan'er raised her willow eyebrows and said huffily, "He is my friend; his name is Qi... Qi Da."

"Friend?"

Ji Shijie frowned subconsciously, but after seeing Qi Yuan's attire as an Outer Sect Disciple, his brow immediately smoothed out, and he encouraged him with a chuckle:

"Not bad. To be so highly regarded by my daughter, you must be a rising star in the Yin Sha Sect's Outer Sect."

"Work hard alongside Chaner, and our Ji Family will certainly not treat you unfairly."

"Work hard?"

Qi Yuan was a bit confused, but he still nodded heavily, "Rest assured, Uncle. I will definitely work hard alongside Fairy Ji in the future."

Not knowing what she had thought of, Ji Chan'er, who was standing to the side, suddenly turned beet red, so shy that she wished she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

On this side, Ji Shijie did not notice his daughter's strange state; instead, he smiled with gratification and said approvingly:

"Mm, young people should have this kind of drive. Our Ji Family needs young talents like you."

After offering a few words of encouragement, he looked back at the endgame on the chessboard. His previously relaxed brows knitted together once more, and he asked casually:

"Chaner, you have always been exceptionally intelligent, with a Comprehension Ability far superior to your father's. Can you see how this game of chess should be solved?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Chan'er could no longer care about being shy and leaned in to observe the chessboard carefully.

Even Qi Yuan curiously stretched his neck to look at the chessboard.

He knew that Go existed in this cultivation world, and the rules were almost the same as on Earth. It was very popular among many Seniors with long Lifespans who were bored and had nothing better to do, so it had a very high status.

"These days, if you didn't know how to play a couple of moves of Go, how could you pretend to be an expert living outside the world?"

However, Qi Yuan himself was completely ignorant when it came to Go; he didn't even know the basic strategies, so he was just watching for fun.

After a long while, Ji Chan'er let out a soft sigh and said in a deep voice:

"Daughter believes that this game of chess is not an endgame, but a dead game. No matter how one plays next, the White pieces are already beyond saving."

Ji Shijie also nodded and sighed:

"Indeed, the outcome of this game has already been decided. But your grandfather brought it to me; what do you think he meant by this?"

"Could it be..." Ji Chan'er suddenly frowned, her expression cold as she said:

"I didn't expect Grandfather to be so heartless. We have already conceded to this extent, yet he still wants to drive us to a dead end?!"

Hearing this, Ji's father's expression changed immediately, "You mean?"

Ji Chan'er was frosty-faced as she explained in a deep voice:

"These past few days, Daughter has been quite prominent in the clan, causing many to mistakenly believe that we are unwilling to be mere foils and want to compete for the position of Head of the Family again."

"Grandfather sending an endgame at such a time is clearly a stern warning, implying that our Family represents the White pieces on the chessboard—no matter how we struggle, it is futile, and we are destined to fail."

"What?!"

Ji Shijie stood up with a start, his tone filled with grief and indignation, "Your grandfather is really too much! Is he trying to force us onto a path to death? Even a vicious tiger won't eat its own cubs!"

"No, I am going to find him right now and argue this out clearly..."

Just at this moment, a voice interrupted at an inopportune time.

"Wait a moment."

Under the puzzled gazes of the father and daughter, Qi Yuan rubbed his nose somewhat embarrassedly and said weakly:

"Um... Uncle Ji, Fairy Ji, is there a possibility... that this is not Go, but... Gomoku?"