Chapter 425 - 154 Chen Jiusi: Nan Batian, is your game hard to break? (10,000 words for monthly votes)_2

"It also aligns with the essence of Zhou Yi, thus each person’s approach, method, and layout in the game of Go reflects their temperament. There’s a saying that watching someone play is akin to understanding their character."

"For example, some people are obsessed with seizing every nook and cranny of the Go board, which shows that they have a narrow mind, overly fixated on gains and losses, not cut out for great things!"

"Others, however, are bold and expansive, fond of tortuous strategies; often placing a stone that will only be useful twenty moves later. Such persons are adept at scheming, with hidden depths; one must be cautious around them."

"And Tang Ziyue wanted to test what kind of person Chen Jie was."

"Chen Jie held the black pieces, placing the first directly at Tianyuan!"

"That is, right in the middle of the board on that black point!"

"Seeing this move, Tang Ziyue was shocked; after all, it’s not common for anyone other than a skilled expert to dare to play directly at the center; usually, players contest the corners first."

"Tang Ziyue looked at Chen Jie and said, ’Master Chen, you’re quite confident in yourself!’"

"Chen Jie smiled without a word."

"Tang Ziyue then placed a stone in the upper right corner."

"Go is a game about surrounding territory; one wins by enclosing the opponent’s stones. Thus, it is usual to encircle from the edge inward, not seen placing stones in the middle to enclose outwardly."

"But this Chen Jiusi obviously was no ignorant novice; thus, his move must have a deeper significance."

"Maybe I just haven’t seen it."

"At this point, Chen Jie procured another stone and seemingly casually remarked to Tang Ziyue, ’Mr. Tang, today’s action wouldn’t happen to be a trap set by you and the Gang Leader, would it?’"

"Tang Ziyue paused then chuckled, ’You jest, Master Chen. We are all brothers here; how could we scheme against you?’"

"On hearing this, Chen Jie sharply placed the stone next to the first one."

"He said with a chuckle, ’Only one’s own kind can truly stab one in the back. You and the Gang Leader, pushing me into this situation using Uncle Zhong, is truly deceitful.’"

"As Tang Ziyue studied the board, his expression flickered indeterminably; he did not understand why Chen Jie played as he did."

"In Go, surrounding the enemy is key, thus normally one would space out the stones to capture the opponent within. What’s the meaning of placing them together?"

"Is it amateurish? Or is there another intent?"

"Especially considering the comments, it seemed like a metaphor."

"Holding a stone, Tang Ziyue carefully played one in the left upper corner; he favored complex and trappy play."

"He chuckled, ’You worry too much, Master Chen. It really just happened to be at Xiantao Village Ferry this time. We certainly wouldn’t have troubled Elder Wu Zhong otherwise.’"

"Furthermore, Master Chen, you misunderstand the Gang Leader. Though he is stern, he still treats his guild members, treats you, very well."

"Hearing this, Chen Jie laughed, ’Yes, quite well indeed.’"

"Snap!"

"He placed another black stone next to the second one, now forming a straight line of three stones."

"The confusion on Tang Ziyue’s face deepened. What kind of move was this? Not even beginners would play such a foolish game!"

"Could it be wrong? Could this be a trap, intentionally luring me into a relaxed state?"

"No, I must still be cautious," he thought and placed his stone in the lower right corner; taking control of the corners is always a wise move regardless of the plan."

"Chen Jie glanced at the stone Tang Ziyue had placed and then said, ’Mr. Tang, let’s make a deal; if I lose this game to you, will you tell me what your plans really are today?’"

"Tang Ziyue responded, ’Hehe, no plans, Master Chen, you’re too on edge. Relax. Relax.’"

"Chen Jie, on hearing this, said, ’Not telling the truth? It seems, Mr. Tang, you’re not thinking of opening your heart to me.’"

"Then, Chen Jie placed another piece next to the third, forming a line of four."

"Tang Ziyue watched this bizarre play, looked at Chen Jie, who then said, ’Mr. Tang, please.’"

"Tang Ziyue said, ’Master Chen, if I place my next piece here, I will control all four corners and you won’t be able to win."

"As Tang Ziyue placed his stone in the lower left corner, effectively securing all four corners, his victory seemed assured."

"Chen Jie, hearing this, smiled and responded, ’Oh, you think you’ve got me defeated?’"

"Tang Ziyue said, ’If you hadn’t gone astray, Master Chen, you wouldn’t have allowed me to create this formation, would you?"

"The implication in Tang Ziyue’s words was pointed, yet Chen Jie responded, ’Is this your formation, or have I not formed one? Mr. Tang, I won!’"

"Snap!"

"Chen Jie placed his last black stone, instantly connecting five stones, achieving a striking win!"

"Huh??"

"Tang Ziyue was dumbfounded. What was he playing at?"

"Neither capturing me nor cutting my dragon, plus we’ve barely started, and you claim to have won? Are you mocking me?"

"As Chen Jie watched Tang Ziyue’s bewildered expression, he said, ’Mr. Tang, while you play your Spring and Autumn games, I play my Five in a Row. Five connected, I win! Haha, thanks, thanks!’"

"Tang Ziyue stood flabbergasted. What Five in a Row? What are you talking about? Utterly nonsensical!"

"And at this moment, Xiao Hu also came over, looked at the board and said, ’Master, five in a row, you’ve won! I thought Mr. Tang was formidable, you didn’t even stop him!"

"Huh?"

"Stunned by Xiao Hu’s words, Tang Ziyue muttered, ’Placed in the corners? Brother, I’m setting a position, can’t you see?"

"Securing power from all directions, victory is assured!"

"What nonsensical five in a row are you talking about?"

"And as Tang Ziyue looked perplexed, Xiao Hu chuckled and said, ’Mr. Tang, you didn’t think we were playing Go, did you?"