The Company

Chapter 20 Liubo Chess

Huhai stood in a spacious hall decorated in antique style, yet sparsely furnished, giving an impression of emptiness at first glance. On the wall before him hung numerous unsheathed ancient knives - some rusted and weathered, others still gleaming with sharp edges and chilling aura. Huhai gazed contentedly at these blades. As a child, he had never liked knives as weapons, always feeling their blood-stained edges were too fierce and carried excessive killing intent. When had he begun to develop this passion for collecting ancient blades?

"Though blades are sharp, they are not inherently murderous tools. It all depends on whose hands wield them. You may use them to kill, or to protect those you love."

Yes, it was after his imperial brother had spoken these words to him that he had deeply fallen in love with collecting knives. Yet even after gathering so many ancient blades, he still couldn't protect those he truly wished to safeguard. Even... even his imperial brother had ultimately met a tragic death under sharp blades.

A crimson bird perched on Huhai's shoulder, preening its feathers with its sharp beak while casting disdainful glances at the cold counterparts on the wall. It was the master's favorite blade - these common specimens were far inferior!

Yet the sight of these numerous sharp weapons reminded Huhai of the one blade he had always desired to obtain. He had originally known that the Wu knife used for jade carving should be in the Dumb Shop, but never expected that person would casually give away such a precious Wu knife.

Could it be that the other party had been employing misdirection all along? Otherwise, why had the Nine Dragons absorbed that doctor's soul, yet his imperial brother hadn't awakened? Was that doctor actually not his imperial brother's reincarnation? Was the other person the true one?

Calculating the age, it indeed matched perfectly.

"Young Master Hu, shall we proceed with the chess gathering as usual this time?" An aged voice suddenly sounded outside the hall, punctuated by several bouts of racking coughs.

Startled from his reminiscence, Huhai looked at the wall full of ancient knives, narrowing his crimson eyes as he said calmly, "Proceed as usual. I recall you've reached the time when you need the chess gathering too."

"Thank you for your compassion, Young Master Hu." The aged voice immediately grew excited, the coughing becoming increasingly uncontrollable as the speaker hastily begged leave to depart.

Huhai frowned slightly and added, "By the way, remember to invite someone to this chess gathering." "Please instruct me, Young Master Hu." The aged voice carried a note of surprise - this was the first time in so many years this young master had specifically requested someone's attendance.

"That person's name is..." Huhai curled his pale thin lips into a slight smile, "Lu Zigang."

II

Lu Zigang descended from the horse carriage, weary from his long journey. He had flown from Beijing to Xi'an, then endured several hours by bus until the road ran out, finally having to hire a horse carriage to continue. After three more hours of jolting through mountain paths, he finally reached his destination.

The reason for his trip was a distant cousin from his family who had asked him to come through his mother's request. Actually, it was a cousin so remotely related they might as well be strangers - according to his mother, he had met him during childhood. Yet no matter how hard Lu Zigang searched his memories, he couldn't recall what this cousin actually looked like.After all, they were relatives, and since the other party had extended the invitation, he couldn’t very well refuse. Asking him to travel such a long way naturally meant they valued his expertise and wanted him to examine some ancient artifact. Though Lu Zigang was utterly exhausted, he forced himself to rally. Reaching into his robe, he drew out a small black knife and gripped it in his hand. Strangely enough, despite his overwhelming fatigue, the moment the knife touched his palm, his spirits lifted considerably.

It was dusk, with the sun sinking behind the mountains. The light gradually faded beyond the forest, and the woods took on a desolate aura as night fell. Sensing the carriage had come to a halt, Lu Zigang carefully put away the Wu knife and looked up.

Nestled within the shelter of the forest, a quaint, ancient-style residence stood before him. Lanterns at the gate cast an eerie red glow in the darkness, illuminating two stone lions silently guarding the entrance. For a fleeting moment, Lu Zigang felt as if he had traveled through time. But upon a closer look, he noticed a man standing at the gate dressed in a Western suit and tie, revealing that this was merely an antique-style villa built by a wealthy individual. As Lu Zigang stepped down from the carriage, the man approached to take his luggage and settled the fare with the coachman. Lu Zigang pulled out his phone to call his uncle, only to discover there was no signal at all.

"Wasn’t Mobile supposed to have global coverage?"

He didn’t dwell on it, simply slipping the phone back into his pocket as he followed the man into the estate. The moment he crossed the threshold, Lu Zigang was taken aback—the pavilions, terraces, and towers he saw were all constructed in the wooden architectural style of the Qin and Han dynasties.

Typically, modern imitations of ancient architecture tend to draw from the Ming and Qing periods, making such Qin and Han-style residences quite rare. Yet these structures employed techniques like post-and-lintel, column-and-tie, and even log cabin construction, unmistakably characteristic of Qin and Han architecture. Even more telling were the distinct Qin bricks and Han tiles; had it not been so dark, he might have been able to make out the patterns on them.

The scale of this estate was truly impressive, and Lu Zigang couldn’t help but admire it. Judging by the ancient trees towering within the courtyard, the residence had clearly stood for a long time. However, he didn’t believe it actually dated back to the Qin or Han eras. After all, few structures in China could withstand over two thousand years of weathering and warfare—the Great Wall being a notable exception. And even that had required continuous repairs across dynasties, or it too would have crumbled to dust and rubble. After surveying his surroundings for a moment, Lu Zigang sensed something peculiar about the layout of the estate, but before he could examine it closely, he was ushered into the main hall.

The hall was brightly lit and filled with several dozen guests gathered around a square table, chatting animatedly over tea. As Lu Zigang pushed the door open and entered, all eyes turned toward him. Stunned by the sudden sight of so many unfamiliar faces, he froze momentarily.

"Xiao Gang, you’ve finally arrived. We’ve all been waiting for you," a middle-aged man in his fifties rose from the group, his voice thick with a Shaanxi accent.Although Lu Zigang grew up in Beijing, his mother's hometown was in Shaanxi. Even without recognizing this middle-aged man, he could guess this was his cousin-uncle and promptly greeted him. The cousin-uncle didn't stand on ceremony, familiarly pulling him to the empty seat beside him. Without caring whether Lu Zigang could remember everyone, he began introducing the people at the table clockwise from the head seat. Lu Zigang greeted each in turn, but what left the deepest impression on him were an elderly man and a youth.

The elderly man was the owner of this residence, whom everyone addressed as Yu Lao. He appeared to be in his seventies or eighties, in rather poor health, frequently interrupted by bouts of coughing. Seated to his left was a youth with snow-white hair and crimson pupils - extraordinarily handsome and rarely seen in this world. Though aware this was undoubtedly due to albinism, Lu Zigang couldn't help stealing a few extra glances, as it was uncommon to see a man with such long hair.

Presumably because of his late arrival, everyone already knew his identity. A young woman in her twenties raised her teacup and asked with an amused smile, "Uncle Li, your nephew has quite an unusual name! To be called Lu Zigang - exactly the same as that legendary master jade carver from history. I wonder if he happens to carry the Kunwu Blade with him?"When Lu Zigang heard the words "Kunwu Blade," though he knew the other was joking, he instinctively touched the pocket at his waist—he did indeed carry a Wu knife. Having just been introduced, Lu Zigang remembered the woman was named Xia Qian, a newspaper reporter who had come with her husband Wei Zhuoran. This Ms. Xia Qian was strikingly beautiful, with permed, highlighted short hair that was eye-catching, exquisite makeup, and fashionable attire, giving off a strong urban office lady vibe. Her husband Wei Zhuoran sat beside her, equally handsome and accomplished, rumored to be a senior manager at a foreign company. Together, they made a perfect couple—a talented man and a beautiful woman. However, Wei Zhuoran had clearly been dragged along by his wife; though his handsome face wore a smile, his eyes betrayed detachment and indifference.

Lu Zigang had been teased countless times since childhood because of his name, so he paid it no mind now and casually explained. Who could blame him? His archaeologist father had been obsessed with studying Zigang-style jade artifacts when he was born and had whimsically named him Lu Zigang. This lighthearted banter broke the initial awkwardness among the strangers. Lu Zigang also sensed that, though the attendees spanned various age groups, they were all likely insiders—otherwise, most people wouldn’t know who "Lu Zigang" was.

"A gathering like ours today is truly fated! Besides Brother Lu, we even have young Brother Huhai here! Haha!" A man around Lu Zigang’s age, named Lin Yan, said cheerfully. Lin Yan was a history major at a prestigious university. Beside him sat his twin brother, Lin Mo. The two were a study in contrasts—one lively, the other quiet. Lin Yan wore a Nike tracksuit, while Lin Mo sported a striped shirt and jeans. Both had delicate features, clearly popular figures at their school. Lin Yan mischievously winked as he spoke, glancing toward the young man beside Yu Lao.

During his uncle’s earlier introductions, Lu Zigang had heard that this handsome youth with white hair and crimson eyes was named Huhai. He’d assumed it was merely a homophone, never expecting it to be the actual characters for "Huhai." Seeing the other’s cold expression and lack of response, Lu Zigang didn’t know how to reply either, merely muttering "What a coincidence" before changing the subject.

With Lu Zigang’s arrival, all twelve guests were now present. Servants outside the hall cleared the tea and brought out exquisite dishes and wine. Having traveled all day, Lu Zigang was ravenous and focused on filling his stomach without further chatter. The mansion was magnificent, and the food and wine were equally remarkable—each dish was a feast for the senses, rich in color, aroma, and meaning. Though no food connoisseur, Lu Zigang listened as Lin Yan recounted the legend behind the Osmanthus glazed lotus root, which whetted his appetite further.

After several rounds of wine and Liubo Chess, the atmosphere grew lively. Having eaten his fill, Lu Zigang set down his chopsticks and idly surveyed his surroundings. The main hall’s layout was peculiar—a post-and-lintel structure where beams were stacked atop columns, also known as a layered-beam design. This style was common in palaces or temples, so it wasn’t unusual. However, the hall was surprisingly square and vast, yet obscured by double-sided Su embroidery screens as tall as a person, making it appear less abrupt.

By now, night had fallen completely. Only four palace lanterns glimmered between the screens, adding a classical charm. But as Lu Zigang watched the screens’ shadows undulate on the floor, stirred by the lanterns, an indescribable unease crept into his heart.

During the meal, his uncle had explained the purpose of inviting him. The mansion’s owner, Yu Lao, was renowned in their circle for donating numerous antiques during the establishment of the National Museum. Lu Zigang finally connected the legendary Yu Lao with the frail old man before him. In their circles, Yu Lao’s gatherings were famous—he enjoyed periodically inviting people to socialize and share his antique collections for appraisal. Lu Zigang only knew his uncle had come into some fortune years prior and somehow befriended Yu Lao, securing this rare opportunity. Likely aware of his own limited knowledge—and since Yu Lao permitted guests to bring family—his uncle had thought of his distant nephew working at the National Museum. At the very least, he could help maintain appearances. Reassured that this aligned with his earlier assumptions, Lu Zigang relaxed. In truth, he quite liked it here. Aside from the inconvenient location, the estate felt like a paradise detached from the world—devoid of modern traces, everything was nostalgically retro, as if escaping the concrete jungle. As someone who revered classical culture, he was in awe.

The meal concluded quickly. Servants quietly cleared the tables and served premium Biluochun tea. With wine warming their spirits, the group shed their earlier reserve. A middle-aged man in his forties, Yan Ao, impatiently urged, "Yu Lao, what treasure will you unveil for us today?" Yan Ao was gaunt and dark-skinned, with deep forehead wrinkles, gold-rimmed glasses, a loose-fitting suit, and a pigeon-egg-sized amber bracelet. Rumor had it he managed an auction house and was close to Yu Lao, hence his informal tone.

Yu Lao occasionally coughed softly, raising concerns about his health. The woman seated to his right, An Nuo, smiled and interjected, "Brother Yan, please be patient. Only one antique will be presented tonight, but I assure you, no one will be disappointed." Only in her early twenties, An Nuo contrasted sharply with Xia Qian’s heavy makeup—she was naturally elegant, like a lotus emerging from clear water, with straight black hair cascading over her shoulders and a gentle smile on her alabaster face that put everyone at ease. Earlier, Lu Zigang’s uncle had introduced An Nuo as Yu Lao’s assistant. During the meal, she attended to Yu Lao meticulously, her witty remarks lightening the mood and commanding the room. Her beauty and gentle demeanor captivated half the men present.

Yan Ao grew even more curious. Though he hadn’t known Yu Lao long, he’d heard that each gathering featured at least three antiques for appraisal. Only one tonight meant it must be worth three combined. Scanning the room, Lu Zigang noticed not only Yan Ao’s curiosity but also varying degrees of interest from others—except the white-haired youth Huhai and the reluctantly attending Wei Zhuoran. The former likely already knew what it was, while the latter probably didn’t care.

Yu Lao whispered instructions to An Nuo, who then stood, passed behind a screen, and entered a side chamber. Soon, she returned amid everyone’s anticipation, carefully placing a flat, square wooden box at the center of the table and opening it. A musty odor of decayed wood wafted out. Lu Zigang frowned slightly—he detected no preservatives. Had Yu Lao neglected proper antique conservation? He peered inside and his eyes widened in shock.

"Liubo Chess!" The exclamation came even before Lu Zigang’s—from Wu Yu, a scholar in his thirties compiling an antique compendium and gathering materials. Wu Yu had sprung to his feet, his plump frame trembling with excitement, his expression torn between wanting to touch the pieces and not daring to do so without permission."Liubo Chess?" Xia Qian had already taken out her digital camera and, with An Nuo's permission, was continuously photographing the wooden box on the table. The flash was glaring, yet no one could bear to look away. Even Wei Zhuoran, who wasn't particularly interested, showed a curious expression.

Inside the wooden box were only three types of items: a square wooden chessboard, twelve rectangular jade pieces, and six bamboo chopsticks. The center of the chessboard's surface was carved with a sunken square area, painted with four red dots, with three areas drawn at each end, along with several curved paths. The pieces also varied—five rectangular pieces were made of Hetian jade, five of Hetian black jade, and two larger jadeite-colored pieces were slightly bigger than the other ten. The six chopsticks were made by splitting small bamboo tubes in half, forming curved cross-sections.

"These pieces really look like mahjong tiles..." Xia Qian muttered softly while taking photos.

Looking at the seemingly authentic Liubo Chess before him, Lu Zigang couldn't help but feel excited under the flashing lights. His uncle beside him didn't grasp the significance and nudged Lu Zigang's leg under the table with his knee, hinting for him to explain.

Lu Zigang composed himself. What he most wanted to do was hold the Liubo Chess in his hands to authenticate its era. Just as he was about to formulate a response to his uncle's unspoken question, someone else spoke first.

Few of the young people present knew what Liubo Chess was, so on the other side of the uncle, a middle-aged man in his fifties named Chen Miao cleared his throat and explained, "Liubo Chess is an ancient board game popular during the Spring and Autumn, Warring States, Qin, and Han periods, with a history of thousands of years. According to chess historians, this ancient Liubo Chess is actually the ancestor of all board games with military unit types worldwide, such as Chinese chess, international chess, Japanese shogi, and others—all evolved and reformed gradually from Liubo Chess."

This elegant middle-aged man, Chen Miao, was said to be the curator of a private library, collecting countless rare and unique editions, and often invited by major universities to give lectures. His speech was rhythmic and pleasant to hear.

"Liubo Chess is that remarkable?" Lin Yan, one of the twins, was skeptical. Though he studied history with a focus on humanities, Lin Yan prided himself on having dozens of times more knowledge than others and couldn't help doubting Chen Miao's claim. "Professor Chen, if Liubo Chess is as significant as you say, how come I've never heard of it?"

Wu Yu, who had been standing excitedly by the table, snorted coldly at this and said arrogantly with a curl of his lip, "Youngsters are still shallow in learning. If you haven't heard of Liubo Chess, have you heard of the term 'gaming'? The 'yi' in 'gaming' refers to the 'yi' of weiqi (Go)..."

"Ah! That 'bo' character—could it be the 'bo' from Liubo Chess?" Xia Qian stopped taking photos, covering her mouth in surprise and interrupting Wu Yu.

Interrupted, Wu Yu frowned. Though he disliked being cut off while speaking, the other party was a young and beautiful woman, so he couldn't say much. He pressed his hand on the table and slowly sat down.The elegant Professor Chen smiled slightly and took over the conversation: "As stated in the Analects of Confucius, Yang Huo chapter: 'Those who do nothing but eat their fill all day long are difficult to deal with! Are there not games like Bo and Yi? Engaging in them is still better than being idle.' This is likely the earliest origin of the term 'Boyi' (gaming). The Song Dynasty scholar Zhu Xi once annotated this passage: 'Bo refers to board games; Yi refers to Weiqi.' Miss Xia is correct—the two characters 'Bo' and 'Yi' originally referred to Liubo Chess and Weiqi."

"Moreover, looking at the characters 'Bo' and 'Yi,' 'Bo' even comes before 'Yi.' According to ancient customs, this indicates that Liubo Chess was initially more widespread than Weiqi." The gaunt Yan Ao's small eyes gleamed with intensity, as if he wished to scan the Liubo Chess before him as thoroughly as with an X-ray.

"So impressive!" Lin Yan was utterly captivated. Though he still didn’t understand Liubo Chess, he was well aware of the importance of Weiqi in Chinese history. Upon learning that Liubo Chess had once been even more prominent than Weiqi historically, his gaze toward the wooden box shifted from indifference to growing fervor.

Unlike the others who were caught up in the excitement, Xia Qian’s husband, Wei Zhuoran, cut straight to the point and asked: "But nowadays, Liubo Chess isn’t as widely known as Weiqi. There must be a reason for that, right?"

"The invention of Liubo Chess dates back to very early times. According to research, it emerged no later than the Shang Dynasty and later flourished from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods through the Qin and Han dynasties. It became an indispensable part of daily life during those eras. Compared to the obscure and profound game of Go, Liubo Chess, with its gambling elements, spread widely among people of all social classes. During the Qin and Han dynasties, everyone from emperors to street vendors was utterly captivated by it. Those who mastered Liubo Chess could even secure official positions in the imperial court and earn widespread admiration." Yan Ao took a sip of the now-cold Biluochun tea and sighed softly before continuing, "However, after the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liubo Chess began to decline, and its gameplay gradually faded into obscurity. The surviving historical records are fragmented and vague, leaving us with little detailed knowledge about how to toss the chopsticks or move the pieces. As for why the gameplay was lost, it may be related to people's modifications of the game. Later, with the emergence of Xiangqi, which featured more specialized roles, Liubo Chess was gradually phased out by the times."

Yan Ao's voice, slightly hoarse, carried a desolate tone in the spacious hall. The listeners felt as though his words had transported them back to the era thousands of years ago when Liubo Chess was at its peak, leaving them momentarily lost in melancholy silence.

"So, what era might this Liubo Chess set of Yu Lao's be from?" The cousin, largely untouched by the group's sentimental mood, remained focused on his goal of flattering Yu Lao.

Lu Zigang snapped out of his reverie, understanding his cousin's intent, and began to explain, "From the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods to the Western Han Dynasty, the structure of Liubo Chess remained largely unchanged. However, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it underwent a reform. The version after the reform was called 'Small Bo,' while the earlier version was retroactively termed 'Large Bo.' The main difference between the two lies in the number of chopsticks used. Large Bo employed six chopsticks, while Small Bo used two Qiong. The Qiong served the same purpose as the chopsticks—they were tools for casting lots. Look, the shape of the Qiong was somewhat similar to modern dice, but instead of being six-sided, they were spherical polyhedrons."

"Oh! So that means this Liubo Chess set is likely an antique from before the Western Han Dynasty?" The cousin grew excited, as if the Liubo Chess set were his own possession.

Highly unlikely. Lu Zigang swallowed these words. The phrase "before the Western Han Dynasty" might be easy to write, but how could something thousands of years old have been preserved so effortlessly? Especially since it was made of wood—it was most likely a later imitation, though it still appeared to be several hundred years old. Lu Zigang refrained from saying more, aware that although most of those present were young, many were industry insiders, and he was surely not the only one who could recognize its true nature.

Xia Qian had little interest in the era of the Liubo Chess set. As she flipped through the photos on her camera, she suddenly made a discovery and exclaimed in surprise, "Hey! The pattern on this chessboard looks so familiar!"

At her words, everyone's attention shifted to the chessboard. Except for Lu Zigang, who was puzzled, the others gradually showed expressions of astonishment.

An Nuo gracefully swept the long hair that had fallen over her chest back behind her shoulder and smiled elegantly. "You're right. This chessboard closely resembles the floor plan of this mansion. Or perhaps, the original owner of this mansion was so obsessed with Liubo Chess that they modeled the construction of this estate after the chessboard's design."Everyone gasped in unison, understanding the implication behind An Nuo's words. Obsessed with Liubo Chess? That would place it between the Spring and Autumn period and the Eastern Han Dynasty—could this manor have existed for at least two thousand years?

Lu Zigang finally grasped why the layout felt so peculiar upon his arrival. The square hall they were currently in likely corresponded to the rectangular central zone depicted on a Liubo Chess board, while the winding paths and terminal areas surrounding it probably aligned with curved corridors and pavilions in the estate.

An Nuo’s revelation stirred restlessness among the group. Initially, they had only suspected the architecture imitated Qin and Han styles, but now, considering the remote location—possibly spared from wartime destruction—and generations of meticulous maintenance by owners, even if the wooden structures weren’t original, artifacts within might have survived intact...

Lu Zigang immediately scanned the tables, chairs, screens, and even teacups before him, but withdrew his gaze in disappointment. To his eyes, only the Liubo Chess set before them resembled an antique.

An Nuo smiled faintly. "Tonight, we happen to have twelve people—exactly the number of pieces in Liubo Chess—and this manor mirrors the chessboard. Why not experience the game firsthand?"

"How?" Lin Yan, youthful and eager, brightened at the prospect. "Like in Harry Potter, riding on the chess pieces?"

"Not that dramatic—I’m no magician." An Nuo chuckled, dimples dotting her cheeks. "Only two will play; the rest can stroll through the manor, treating it as a post-dinner walk."

Her suggestion met with approval from most. Some had felt stifled by etiquette but hesitated to leave, while others saw it as a chance to explore and seek evidence of the manor’s antiquity.

"Each side in Liubo Chess has six pieces: one Owl Chess Piece and five ordinary ones, hence the name 'Six Bo'," An Nuo explained, rising to retrieve the set from a wooden box with graceful, careful movements. "The Owl Chess Piece acts as the king, to be played by Yu Lao and one other. Moves are determined by tossing these six bamboo Chopsticks—the number of curved sides facing up dictates steps. The rules are simple. Who’d like to challenge Yu Lao?"

Silence lingered briefly—the younger crowd shied from competing with an elder, while the older preferred wandering the grounds. Seizing the opportunity, Lu Zigang’s uncle volunteered, eager to engage Yu Lao in conversation.

An Nuo clapped lightly, and attendants brought twelve walkie-talkies, which she distributed. "Cell signals are weak here, so we’ll use these to communicate. On the walls, you’ll find Yu Lao’s collection of ancient blades. Each of you may take one. If your blade is taken, you’re 'captured.' Of course, this relies on everyone following instructions via the walkie-talkies!"There was nothing particularly needing instruction. After drawing lots to form groups, the side belonging to Yu Lao included the white-haired youth named Huhai, An Nuo, Xia Qian, Lin Mo, and Wu Yu. The remaining six people formed the group led by Lu Zigang’s uncle. Interestingly, a married couple and a pair of twin brothers were split up between the two groups. Each person was given a chess piece and a brush dipped in cinnabar.

Lu Zigang recalled the superstition that writing one’s name in red ink was inauspicious, but seeing everyone else doing it, he suppressed his unease and neatly wrote his name on the white chess piece.

When returning the chess piece to select a knife, Lu Zigang noticed that the walls of the hall were covered with ancient blades from various dynasties, all sharing one characteristic: none had sheaths. The sharp or rusted blades gleamed with an intimidating cold light under the faint candlelight. It seemed Yu Lao had a particular fondness for collecting knives. Lu Zigang casually chose the willow-leaf knife, the most common type from the Ming and Qing dynasties, then turned and walked out.

.

III.

Stepping out of the stifling hall, Lu Zigang was greeted by the evening breeze, which sobered him considerably from the alcohol. After getting his bearings, he followed his uncle’s instructions over the walkie-talkie and headed toward the northeast corner of the estate.

The weather tonight was poor, with thick clouds obscuring the moon and leaving the sky pitch black. Under the glow of the lanterns hanging along the corridors, the shadows of trees danced eerily, giving the estate a somewhat sinister and terrifying atmosphere. Lu Zigang didn’t believe in ghosts or spirits; to him, humans were far more frightening than any malevolent apparitions in this world.

The mountain wilderness was serene, devoid of the roar of cars or the dazzle of neon lights, filled only with a natural tranquility that calmed his mind. Lu Zigang walked through the corridor and settled in a pavilion. This was his assigned spot, likely an excellent vantage point for viewing the rear garden. Unfortunately, with the moon hidden and the wind howling, nothing was visible beyond the stone table and chairs illuminated by a single lantern inside the pavilion.

Sitting on the stone chair, Lu Zigang grew increasingly restless holding the willow-leaf knife, so he placed it on the stone table. Perhaps this blade had taken many lives, its aura too grim and blood-soaked. The moment he let go, he felt much more at ease. Remembering how the Kunwu Blade had invigorated him, he instinctively took the Wu knife from his pocket.

The cool touch of the blade sent a shiver through him. Perhaps there was an inherent difference between a jade-carving knife and a weapon meant for killing—the Wu knife carried a natural, refreshing chill. Recalling how he had obtained the Wu knife from the Dumb Shop, Lu Zigang couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. Simply because his name was the same as that historical master jade carver, the Boss had gifted him such a precious Wu knife in exchange for the half of the Blank Tablet. In his view, the Wu knife was undoubtedly far more valuable than that half of the Blank Tablet.Lu Zigang habitually rubbed the Wu knife in his hand, his fingertips gliding over every inch of the blade's texture before discreetly slipping it into his trouser pocket. He then looked up toward the pavilion entrance, smiling faintly as he said, "Here for the knife? It's on the table—feel free to take it." According to the rules of Liubo Chess, stationary pieces are captured by moving ones, so Lu Zigang deduced he had already been eliminated. What's Cousin up to? Getting taken out so quickly? Even if he planned to lose to that Yu Lao, he shouldn't make it so obvious, right?

A tall figure slowly emerged from the darkness. Long white hair cascaded down their back, shimmering with a silvery glow under the lantern light, as if surrounded by a halo of silver radiance. The lustrous white strands swayed with their movement, rippling like flowing water. Only then did Lu Zigang notice the person wore white robes draped with a black hooded cloak edged in gold-cloud patterns. The fabric and design felt familiar, yet he couldn't quite recall where he'd seen them before.

Watching the figure step into the pavilion empty-handed—without a single knife—Lu Zigang froze momentarily before asking, "Have you already been killed?"

The question sounded peculiar, but under their Liubo Chess rules, losing one's knife meant elimination, so Lu Zigang didn't consider it offensive. Yet he clearly saw Huhai's figure stiffen, freezing rigidly before the stone table.

"Heh, it's just a game, Young Master Hu—no need to take it seriously." Since Huhai stood facing him, his features hidden in shadows beyond the lantern's reach, Lu Zigang couldn't read his expression and attempted to console him. Having heard An Nuo address him as "Young Master Hu" at dinner, he adopted the title. Lu Zigang finally understood his friends' awkwardness—interacting with someone sharing a famous historical figure's name was truly vexing. How could he possibly address this white-haired, crimson-eyed youth by the name Qin Er Shi?

"A game?" Huhai let out a light laugh, his tone laden with complexities Lu Zigang couldn't decipher.

Huhai settled into another stone chair, the lantern light accentuating his unnaturally pale complexion, lending him an eerily handsome aura. Curving his bloodless lips into a faint smile, he asked softly, "Do you know the history of this estate?"

"No." Lu Zigang wondered why Young Master Hu was treating him differently after being so aloof and distant at dinner. Still, he was genuinely curious about the estate's story, and since Young Master Hu was related to Yu Lao, he must know something.

Huhai flicked the willow-leaf knife on the table, the blade emitting a crisp clang. Lowering his phoenix eyes, his long silver lashes veiling the emotions hidden in his crimson pupils, he spoke quietly, "Long, long ago, there were two brothers who loved playing Liubo Chess. The younger brother often lost to the elder. Though defeated repeatedly, he kept challenging him again and again."

Lu Zigang stared distractedly at Huhai's nearly translucent pale fingertips. He could vividly imagine the scene: two youths playing chess, the perpetually losing one stubbornly pestering the other for rematches.Huhai slightly closed his eyes. Under the hazy light, his pale face carried a sickly beauty, with a trace of bitterness appearing at the corner of his lips as he whispered softly, "These two brothers were both overly obsessed with Liubo Chess. Therefore, when an old friend of the elder brother suggested building a villa with Liubo Chess as its board, both brothers agreed. Ultimately, this residence was designed by the friend's master, but the process encountered many twists and turns. By the time the villa was completed, the elder brother had already passed away."

Lu Zigang remained silent, unsure of what to say. He was naturally inarticulate, and now, hearing Huhai recounting someone else's story with such genuine emotion, it felt as if he were speaking of his own personal experience.

"The younger brother completed the villa but no longer had anyone to play against."

Seeing Young Master Hu looking utterly despondent and remaining silent for a long time, Lu Zigang had no choice but to clear his throat lightly and say, "So that's how this villa came to be. It's truly poignant." His words were somewhat insincere, as every antique had its own story. In comparison, the history of this villa was rather ordinary, lacking any dramatic twists or emotional depth.

Huhai slowly opened his eyes, revealing bewitching crimson pupils. His entire demeanor instantly transformed, and a faint, sinister smile appeared on his thin lips. "The younger brother lingered in this villa, and his subordinates, trying to cater to his preferences, suggested using the villa to play a real-life version of Liubo Chess. The rules were exactly the same as what we played today. However, during one game against his uncle, his subordinates got into a dispute. The one who had his knife taken unwillingly caused an accidental death during the game."

As he spoke, a cold wind swept through the pavilion, carrying a bone-chilling cold that made Lu Zigang shiver deeply.

"After the Liubo Chess was stained with blood from the death, it spiraled out of control, resulting in seven fatalities. In the end, the younger brother lost the game to his uncle. Shortly after, he suddenly discovered that his uncle, who had been nearly fifty years old, had inexplicably regained nearly ten years of youth."

"What?!" Lu Zigang exclaimed in disbelief. How was that possible?

"Perhaps the designer of this villa intentionally arranged it this way—the feng shui layout of the villa forms its own Formation. Or maybe the Liubo Chess board, crafted through some secret method, has peculiar properties. In any case, as long as one wins a game of Liubo Chess, for every person the opponent loses, the winner regains a year of youth." Huhai's crimson pupils glinted with a chilling light as he slowly added, "In other words, this is Liubo Chess played with lives."

Lu Zigang was speechless. He didn't believe a single word of what Young Master Hu said, yet he couldn't explain the surge of panic rising within him.

Just as he was lost in confusion, a piercing scream tore through the dark night, violently shattering the facade of silence under the cover of darkness. Huhai met Lu Zigang's panicked gaze, his crimson pupils narrowing slightly. "The game has begun."

The shrill scream abruptly ceased, as if an old record player had been suddenly paused.The darkness returned to a deathly stillness, but Lu Zigang could no longer remain seated. He sprang up, dashed out of the pavilion, and ran toward the direction from which the scream had just echoed. As he ran, he pulled out his phone. Though it still had no signal, the screen illuminated his path in the night.

Lu Zigang spotted the arched bridge not far ahead but saw no one in sight.

Then, he abruptly halted. A stream of deep crimson blood was slowly trickling down the sloped surface of the bridge, coiling like a serpent.

A chill crept from his ankles up his spine, and Lu Zigang felt as if all the blood in his body had been drained in an instant. At his feet lay a shattered pair of gold-rimmed glasses, the lenses crushed to pieces, the frames twisted on the ground, reflecting a harsh glare under the phone’s screen.

“These are Yan Ao’s glasses,” Huhai’s voice came from behind Lu Zigang.

Lu Zigang watched as Young Master Hu seized his wrist, directing the phone’s light upward toward the arched bridge.

Despite being mentally prepared, the gruesome sight made Lu Zigang’s hand tremble. The phone clattered to the ground, plunging the surroundings back into darkness. Though only for an instant, Lu Zigang had seen it all clearly. He had never resented his 20/20 vision more.

Yan Ao was dead.

No one could survive after their head was separated from their body. Lu Zigang saw no need to approach for confirmation; his sharp vision even allowed him to discern from the clean cut on the neck that Yan Ao had likely been killed by a sharp blade. With no sign of a knife nearby, it seemed the murderer had taken the weapon Yan Ao had been holding.

Lu Zigang’s mind buzzed with chaos. Could it be that Huhai’s earlier words hadn’t been a lie? Were they all true?

“Don’t believe it? Fine, let’s keep watching,” Huhai’s cool voice whispered by Lu Zigang’s ear. The latter felt a sudden pressure at a point on his body, and his entire form stiffened as if thrown into an ice cellar, frozen in place, allowing himself to be dragged into the nearby woods.

The wind whistled past as Huhai pulled Lu Zigang at an unbelievable speed across the courtyard, stopping outside a pavilion in the southwest corner.

This pavilion was identical to the one he had been in earlier, suggesting the estate followed a symmetrical design. Under the wind lamp inside the pavilion, a young man sat, head bowed, toying with a niuweidao in his hand. Lu Zigang couldn’t tell if it was Lin Yan or Lin Mo—the Lin brothers looked too much alike. But judging by the man’s intense interest in the patterns on the niuweidao’s hilt, it was likely Lin Yan, who studied history. His older brother Lin Mo was in computer science and probably wouldn’t be so fascinated.

“Actually, Liubo Chess isn’t simply about one Owl Chess Piece and five scattered pieces. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the military system was organized into squads of five soldiers, with an additional squad leader, making six in a unit. Liubo Chess actually includes two blocking pieces, with the rest being the calf, pheasant, lu, and owl. Just now, your side’s blocking piece was eliminated. Next should be this calf piece,” Huhai explained calmly by Lu Zigang’s ear, as if commentating on an ordinary game.Lu Zigang’s back was soaked in cold sweat. Both Yan Ao and Lin Yan were on his uncle’s side. Yan Ao had already been killed, and judging by this Young Master Hu’s words, was Lin Yan the next to die? At this moment, he had no time to ponder why the Liubo Chess was devouring lives. One person had already died—he couldn’t let things escalate further. Lu Zigang opened his mouth, intending to warn the people in the pavilion, but he found himself unable to utter a single sound.

“The chess game has begun. No one can stop it,” Huhai said calmly, as if he knew exactly what Lu Zigang wanted to say. “Since you’re here, why not enjoy the show?”

Following Huhai’s gaze, Lu Zigang noticed a figure approaching the pavilion step by step. In that person’s hand was a ring-pommeled sword. The slender, straight blade reflected the lamplight, exuding a chilling aura.

Lin Yan merely glanced up before lowering his head again, his eyes lingering covetously on the ox-tail saber in his hands. He chuckled gleefully, “Brother, this ox-tail saber is truly authentic! By the way, let me take a look at the sword in your hand. Didn’t I ask you to pick a Han Dynasty ring-pommeled sword? I’ve always wanted to touch the legendary ring-pommeled blade! Yu Lao’s collection is truly remarkable!”

Lu Zigang could now clearly see the newcomer's face—it bore the same features as Lin Yan's, yet its expression was bizarre to the extreme, as if suppressing something or resisting some force.

Huhai's spectral voice chimed in at that moment: "Do you remember those brothers? The younger one later discovered that by writing a person's name on a piece of Liubo Chess, that person would become a chess piece in the game, subject to the Owl Chess Piece's control. The more resentment a blade carries, the more it can dominate the wielder's mind. In the past, blades were tools for killing, but now they attach themselves to humans, manipulating their consciousness to commit murder. Isn't that fascinating?"

Lu Zigang listened with trepidation, recalling the agitation he felt when holding that willow-leaf saber earlier and feeling immensely relieved he had let go of it immediately. Observing the Lin brothers' current state, it was clear one was ensnared by the ox-tail saber while the other was controlled by the ring-pommeled saber.

"These blades have thirsted for centuries, yearning to taste human blood again." As Huhai's eerie words faded, Lu Zigang saw Lin Mo behind Lin Yan slowly raise his ring-pommeled saber, while Lin Yan remained oblivious, staring down at the ox-tail saber in his hand. The glint reflecting off the blade stung Lu Zigang's eyes.

"Heh, when two chess pieces meet, one must be eliminated. Brothers turning on each other—quite a rare spectacle." Huhai murmured, as if struck by a chord within himself, lost in thought.

Any slight favor Lu Zigang had held for Young Master Hu vanished completely. It was evident this gathering was a chess game set up by Yu Lao, and as Yu Lao's relative, how could Huhai not know what would happen? To stand by idly despite anticipating tragedy was utterly reprehensible.

But though frantic with worry, Lu Zigang found himself immobilized, unable to utter a sound, forced to watch helplessly as the rusted ring-pommeled saber trembled mid-air before sweeping down.

The blade carved a dazzling arc, followed by the dull, heavy thud of steel piercing flesh.

"Brother!" Lin Yan dropped his ox-tail saber in terror, catching Lin Mo as he collapsed, staring in confusion at the ring-pommeled saber embedded in his brother's abdomen, unable to comprehend why he would harm himself.

"Tch, how dull." Huhai spat this critique, dragging Lu Zigang into the bushes and exiting through the opposite side of the courtyard.

In the distance, Lin Yan's heart-wrenching cries lingered faintly before fading into silence.

The entire estate felt like a massive tomb, shrouded in deathly stillness.

Having witnessed such a tragedy yet powerless to prevent it, Lu Zigang burned with fury, his gaze toward Huhai blazing with scorching anger.

Huhai remained utterly composed, pulling Lu Zigang across the estate until they halted behind a rock garden.

No sooner had Lu Zigang steadied himself than he heard a man and woman arguing. Shadowed by the recent tragedy, he immediately looked toward the corridor. The quarreling pair were none other than Wei Zhuoran and Xia Qian. Though one held a nine-ringed saber and the other a slender dagger, both merely gripped them loosely, and their dispute sounded like nothing more than a marital squabble.Although Wei Zhuoran and Xia Qian appeared to others as a harmonious couple, every family has its own difficulties. Both were exceptionally outstanding individuals who had fallen in love at first sight in university, becoming the envy of all as an ideal couple. However, married life was filled with trivial matters, and each had their own work-related troubles, leading to increasing friction between them. They often quarreled over minor issues, with neither willing to yield to the other. Even the strongest of bonds could develop cracks under such circumstances. Tonight, the initial reason for their argument had long been forgotten, and numerous petty grievances were dredged up, turning the conflict into a full-blown storm.

Wei Zhuoran was naturally reticent, but he couldn't withstand Xia Qian's sharp tongue. Occasionally, when her words cut too deep, he would retaliate in anger with a retort or two. Xia Qian, in turn, refused to back down. This vicious cycle continued, and though both knew it would lead nowhere, their youthful pride kept either from conceding.

Listening from the shadows to their private quarrel, Lu Zigang felt somewhat embarrassed. He wondered if Young Master Hu had dragged him here just to eavesdrop on this young couple's intimate disputes. Moreover, the murderer of Yan Ao remained unknown, and it was clear that one of this pair had left their assigned position to meet privately.

Had he not witnessed the two tragedies, Lu Zigang wouldn't have taken this game of Liubo Chess seriously. But now that this mansion had become a genuine Liubo Chess board, he naturally worried about everyone's safety. As for his cousin, currently one of the Owl Chess Pieces, he should be temporarily safe. But how could Lu Zigang break this deadlock?

Just as Lu Zigang was anxiously pondering how to escape this predicament where he could neither move nor cry out a warning, the walkie-talkie at Xia Qian's waist suddenly crackled to life.

Yu Lao's cough came through clearly: "Divide and advance, pressing closely on the path. The Lu piece advances five, taking the Pheasant piece."

Though Lu Zigang didn't understand the terminology Yu Lao used, he clearly saw Xia Qian's grip tighten on her dagger, her expression turning peculiar. At this sight, Lu Zigang's heart sank - the look on Xia Qian's face was identical to what he had seen on Lin Mo earlier!

"Those who wrote their names on the chess pieces cannot disobey the Owl Chess Piece's commands," Huhai kindly explained from beside him.

A chill ran through Lu Zigang as he recalled how Lin Mo had preferred to stab himself rather than harm his brother. He believed Huhai's words now. In fact, since Huhai had appeared before him, though every statement sounded absurd, none had proven false.

Was he really going to stand by helplessly, watching tragedy unfold scene by scene, witnessing vibrant lives extinguished before his eyes?

Lu Zigang racked his brains, recalling every word Huhai had spoken. Was it only those who wrote their names on the chess pieces? It seemed this Young Master Hu hadn't written his real name. But even if he had, it wouldn't matter - Yu Lao was related to him! Yet if they were relatives, why was there no respect in their conversation, only a strange undercurrent?

Wait - hadn't he written his own name on a chess piece too? Why didn't he feel controlled? Or had his cousin not moved his piece yet?

While Lu Zigang was burning with anxiety, Xia Qian didn't follow Yu Lao's command to attack her husband.Xia Qian held a wind-splitting knife in her hand, shaped like a dagger. She had chosen this small and exquisite ancient blade because she disliked the heavy and bulky nature of other knives. Ever since hearing Yu Lao’s words over the walkie-talkie, she felt the murderous intent toward Wei Zhuoran surge like a breached dam, flooding her heart. The disdain her mother-in-law had shown her after marriage, the grievances of juggling work and household chores, and her unwillingness to give up her flourishing career to have a child—all these emotions made her hand tremble uncontrollably as she gripped the knife.

Yet, even so, how could she possibly bring herself to harm her husband? Xia Qian bit her lower lip, using the pain to stay alert. By now, she had begun to sense that something was amiss.

Meanwhile, Wei Zhuoran moved his wrist, raising the heavy nine-ringed blade horizontally before him. The iron rings on the back of the knife clinked crisply, their sharp, eerie sound piercing the silent night.

“What—what are you doing?” Xia Qian asked, her voice trembling as she stared at Wei Zhuoran, who seemed like a completely different person.

“Only one of us can survive tonight. Let’s settle this now,” Wei Zhuoran replied, his expression strange and his tone rigid.

Lu Zigang was stunned. Yu Lao was the one playing the chess game—he had only given Xia Qian a command. Why was Wei Zhuoran, the other side, also being controlled? If one side didn’t act, would the other be triggered to strike first?

Could it be that the knives were the medium, and they, the chess pieces, were mere puppets manipulated by the Owl Chess Piece? If so, then the knives in their hands were the threads connecting the Owl Chess Piece to these scattered pawns. But the willow-leaf knife he had taken from the hall was already discarded in the previous pavilion—the Wu knife! If not for the Wu knife in his possession, he might not have been able to break free from that willow-leaf blade! And hadn’t the Lin brothers also been holding knives earlier?

A cold sweat broke out on Lu Zigang’s back as a wave of fear washed over him. He wanted to shout at the couple to drop their knives, but just like before, he could only open his mouth without making a sound.

Just then, Wei Zhuoran raised the nine-ringed blade and swung it mercilessly at Xia Qian, showing no regard for their marital bond.

Xia Qian’s scream echoed through the empty mansion, sharp and piercing. Thanks to her instinctive dodge, Wei Zhuoran’s strike missed its mark. But he didn’t stop there—instead, he twisted the hilt and slashed forward. Xia Qian clumsily blocked with her wind-splitting knife, the clash of metal ringing through the courtyard, sending chills down the spine.

“Husband and wife are like birds in the same forest, but when disaster strikes, each flies away alone,” Huhai remarked with a light chuckle, finding the scene highly entertaining. “This drama is quite excellent. Watching them bicker is exhausting—this is much more satisfying.”

Lu Zigang had come to despise Huhai to the core. How could someone treat human lives so callously? He had to find a way out; otherwise, everyone in this mansion would become nourishment for Yu Lao’s extended lifespan.

Remembering the Wu knife that had saved him, Lu Zigang strained to move his stiff fingers, exerting great effort to bend them toward his pants pocket. Though separated by a layer of fabric, the moment his fingertips touched the Wu knife, the icy chill that had frozen his meridians seemed to dissipate slightly. Lu Zigang knew his guess was correct. As soon as his wrist regained flexibility, he quickly grasped the hilt of the Wu knife.Fortunately, the young master Hu beside him had his attention fixed on the corridor not far away. The night was deep, and for a moment, he didn’t notice Lu Zigang’s subtle movements.

A warm current slowly flowed from the Wu knife into his body. Lu Zigang wished he could move freely immediately, but reality seldom matched his wishes. After a minute, he could only manage to move his forearm slightly.

Thankfully, the couple nearby hadn’t fought to the death. Though the flashes of their blades looked terrifying, and Xia Qian’s screams for help were incessant—sharp and piercing—her voice remained strong and full of vigor. Even without looking, it was clear she hadn’t suffered a single injury. Lu Zigang desperately hoped they could drag things out longer, but Xia Qian, overwhelmed by fear, had other ideas.

She believed her screams could carry for miles, yet no one had come to her rescue, meaning she couldn’t rely on anyone else. Stumbling, she fell to the ground and watched as Wei Zhuoran approached step by step, blade in hand. Her nose tingled with emotion, and her vision blurred. "Zhuoran, are you really so cruel as to kill me?"

Wei Zhuoran wasted no words in reply; his raised blade was answer enough.

Xia Qian’s heart sank completely—not for her life, but for her husband’s heart. Still, she had no intention of dying so young. Before Wei Zhuoran’s blade could descend, she nimbly leaped up from the ground, evaded the sharp edge, and threw herself into her husband’s arms—along with the short dagger in her hand.

Warm blood stained her hands, and Xia Qian’s tears finally fell.

"Don’t cry, your makeup is ruined," Wei Zhuoran murmured softly, his left hand gently caressing her cheek as he wiped away her glistening tears. "On the day I married you, I promised I wouldn’t let you cry again."

"Then why did you?!" Xia Qian lifted her head in fury, ready to demand why he had tried to kill her. But when she met Wei Zhuoran’s deeply affectionate gaze, she suddenly understood.

If he had truly meant to kill her, how could a weak woman like her, armed only with a short dagger, have survived under his blade?

Recalling it now, though his strikes had seemed perilous, each one had narrowly missed her body, not even grazing a single strand of her hair.

"This way... you won’t forget me, right?" Wei Zhuoran’s smile held a trace of smugness; he had done it on purpose. Though they loved each other, the bond between husband and wife was entirely different from that of blood relatives—filled with tests and interactions. Xia Qian’s hesitation had made him resolve to sacrifice himself, but he also needed to carve a deep scar in her heart.

Trembling, Xia Qian wept, "You... you’re so cruel... Don’t... don’t leave me alone..."

Clang! The heavy nine-ringed blade finally fell to the ground. With one last reluctant glance at his wife, Wei Zhuoran slowly closed his eyes.

"Ah—!" Xia Qian held him, overwhelmed with agony.

"Are you satisfied now?" Lu Zigang forced the words out with difficulty. He had only just regained the ability to speak, and his voice was barely more than a whisper. "What exactly were you trying to confirm?"

Huhai stared blankly at the woman in the corridor, weeping as if her heart were breaking, and found himself momentarily stunned.Lu Zigang saw his distracted state and decided not to dwell on it further. Gripping the Wu knife in his hand, he truly felt tempted to stab this stone-hearted youth. But the Wu knife must never touch blood—this was something the Boss of Dumb Shop had specifically warned him about when gifting the blade. Moreover, he was neither a police officer nor a judge, with no right to pass judgment on another's life.

So Lu Zigang could only grit his teeth, turn around, and make his way toward the main hall while leaning on the rockery. He didn't know why Huhai hadn't followed, but he had no mind to ponder it further. He knew that since this game of Liubo Chess had already begun, the most crucial piece was the Owl Chess Piece. As long as he controlled the Owl Chess Piece, he would control the entire game.

The main hall was cold and deserted, without a single servant in sight. Lu Zigang's eyes immediately fell upon a palace lantern enclosed by a screen, its candle flame burning softly in the spacious hall. Holding his breath, he approached, only to be horrified to find no one behind the screen. On the vast round table lay only a set of Liubo Chess.

The chess pieces moved on their own across the board, with no one controlling them. Four pieces lay outside the chessboard, their names already completely vanished—likely indicating their owners had been killed. The Owl Chess Piece bearing Yu Lao's name glowed an eerie, blood-red hue, so vivid it seemed to drip with blood, sending chills down one's spine.

Lu Zigang was at a loss. He had previously assumed Yu Lao was an elderly man in his seventies or eighties, and that subduing him would suffice to stop the game. But he never expected there would be no one here—only the chess pieces moving autonomously! Could it be that this Liubo Chess had become a supernatural entity, possessing its own consciousness?

Though Lu Zigang was a staunch adherent of materialism, his bizarre experience with the Blank Tablet had somewhat shaken his skepticism, leading him to believe that inexplicable phenomena could exist in this world. But what was he to do now?

As Lu Zigang hesitated, he watched helplessly as the chess pieces on the board were captured one by one, their names disappearing in succession. Eventually, only the names of Yu Lao, his uncle, Huhai, An Nuo, and himself remained. An Nuo was Yu Lao's formidable assassin, responsible for most of the deaths—even those on his own side were no exception.

By now, Lu Zigang had deduced that this game of Liubo Chess no longer followed any rules of play but was merely devouring human lives. Seeing An Nuo's piece advance toward his uncle's position, he dared not hesitate any longer. Clutching the Wu knife, he slashed at the unnervingly red Owl Chess Piece.

The Wu knife, originally a jade-carving tool that could slice through jade like mud, cut through the Owl Chess Piece as easily as through tofu, cleaving it in two at the waist.

Lu Zigang glanced back at the other side of the board and realized he was too late—his uncle's Owl Chess Piece had already been captured by An Nuo, the vermilion ink of its name slowly fading away.

Four.

"Xiao Gang... Xiao Gang? This wretched child, how did he get so drunk?"The raspy voice of his uncle echoed in his ears. Lu Zigang frowned and opened his eyes, realizing he had fallen asleep at the table. The people he had been drinking with earlier were now exchanging uneasy glances. Yan Ao, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, repeatedly touched his head as if confirming something. The others reacted similarly, instinctively checking their chests or necks. Lin Yan, however, suddenly jumped up, punched her brother, and then threw herself into a tight embrace. Xia Qian stared at Wei Zhuoran, who wore a faint smile beside her, and her eyes instantly reddened.

Lu Zigang scanned the room and noticed that the white-haired youth Huhai and the beautiful An Nuo were missing. Yu Lao lay slumped over the table, motionless. Concerned, Lu Zigang stood up to check on him.

The others soon sensed something amiss and discovered that Yu Lao had passed away, likely from a sudden illness like a heart attack.

The steady Chen Miao rose and left the hall to find servants and contact the outside world. Wu Yu clamored to find An Nuo, while Lu Zigang’s uncle stood bewildered, having no memory of recent events—perhaps a special privilege granted to one side’s Owl Chess Piece. The hall descended into chaos, but Lu Zigang remained silent, gazing at the Liubo Chess set on the table.

They were all seated in their original positions, suggesting that the moment their names were inscribed on the Liubo Chess pieces, their souls had been drawn into the board. On the board now, one Owl Chess Piece lay broken in two, while the remaining three pieces still bore the names of Huhai, An Nuo, and himself. Perhaps because he had externally shattered the Owl Chess Piece, the Liubo Chess game had not truly claimed their lives. Otherwise, by the game’s end, only Yu Lao might have awakened—the rest would have succumbed to "sudden illnesses."

Since no one dared touch the Liubo Chess set, Lu Zigang reached out, gathered the pieces, and returned them to the wooden box. Unaffected by the chess’s control and having never experienced the sensation of being killed, he felt little fear.

The vast hall felt dark and oppressive. Unable to stay any longer, the others filed out, with Lu Zigang’s uncle grumbling about bad luck as he left. After Yu Lao’s body was carried away and properly attended to, Yan Ao, the last to depart, approached Lu Zigang and whispered, "Burn it." His voice trembled, betraying his terror.

Lu Zigang shook his head. Only under dire circumstances would he have broken the Owl Chess Piece. How could he destroy an antique when preservation was paramount? Recalling the scenes he had witnessed during the game, he reflected, "A blade may be sharp, but it is not inherently evil. You can use it to kill or to protect those you love. Though perilous, this Liubo Chess set is still an ancient artifact. Separated from this estate, it should cause no further trouble. I know a boss who runs an antique shop specializing in curiosities. I’ll entrust this chess set to him for now."

Yan Ao wanted to persuade him further but feared worse luck if he got involved. He sighed and hurried away.Lu Zigang felt that more than just Yan Ao had left, but when he looked around, he found nothing. Shaking his head, he laughed at himself for being overly frightened and continued carefully placing the Liubo Chess pieces.

While gathering the chess pieces, Lu Zigang noticed that the cinnabar names on the last three pieces looked particularly glaring, so he picked one up with his sleeve and tried to wipe it off. An Nuo’s name was easily erased, but Huhai’s and his own names stubbornly remained.

What did it matter if they couldn’t be wiped off? Lu Zigang frowned, suddenly feeling a chill in the hall filled with ancient blades. He hurriedly packed the wooden box containing the Liubo Chess and left.

In the darkness of the mansion, Huhai looked down at An Nuo, who lay motionless on the ground, and sheathed his Minghong Blade, flicking off the bloodstains.

"You have the Wu knife, and I have the Minghong Blade. Who says this game of chess is already over?" Huhai's silver-white eyelashes trembled slightly, revealing those captivating crimson pupils, within which lay undisguised cruelty.

The Minghong Blade swiftly transformed into an adorable crimson bird, hopping onto Huhai's left shoulder and lowering its head to preen its feathers as usual. Huhai reached out to stroke the bird's neck and back, the sharpness in his eyes gradually softening as he recalled the words he had overheard in the hall earlier, his suspicions growing stronger.

"Elder Brother... could it be you?"

(End of Chapter)