Tian Zhao Chess Academy occupied an extensive area, divided into an inner and outer court.
The Listening Chess Pavilion was located between the two courts and served as the place where the academy’s elders convened.
At this moment, outside the Listening Chess Pavilion, a crowd bustled.
Word about the incident outside had spread throughout the entire academy, drawing countless disciples to witness the commotion.
"Hey, is that the one who defeated Brother Jing? He looks so young!" someone exclaimed.
Before the words had completely left his mouth, someone nudged him and hissed, "Shush, keep it down! If Great Brother Jing hears you, you’re going to be in big trouble."
The speaker immediately clamped his mouth shut, daring not to utter another word.
This reaction was indicative of how formidable Jing Tianrui appeared in the eyes of these junior brothers and sisters.
Upon entering the Listening Chess Pavilion, five high stools were arranged against the wall, with only a white-haired, elderly man seated in the middle.
When Jing Tianrui saw the old man, the arrogance on his face subsided substantially, and he greeted respectfully, "Uncle Master!"
The old man, who had been sipping tea, did not react to the greeting.
It wasn’t until after a while that he leisurely lifted his head to glance at Jing Tianrui, then turned his gaze towards Xue An and Zhuge Xuanqing.
Zhuge Xuanqing’s complexion paled slightly, feeling the old man’s gaze as sharp as a knife, and she involuntarily took a half step back.
The old man revealed an elusive smile, but Xue An quietly stepped forward, placing himself in front of Zhuge Xuanqing.
Seeing this, the old man’s expression turned to one of surprise, followed by a cold voice, "Are you the one accused of cheating in today’s chess competition?"
Xue An smiled faintly, "When one wants to lay blame, what lack is there of excuses? What, have you already concluded that I cheated without any proof?"
"Insolent! How dare you speak to the Great Elder with such disrespect!" shouted a guard standing by the old man, prepared to unleash his anger.
The Great Elder waved his hand and then, with a sinister stare at Xue An, said, "Young man, quite sharp-tongued indeed, but don’t forget, this is the Chess Academy!"
"And what of it? Is it forbidden for others to speak here?" Xue An said calmly.
"Hmph!" The Great Elder, clearly annoyed, let out a cold huff, but suddenly, his tone changed, and he turned to Zhuge Xuanqing with a slight smile.
"Miss Zhuge, it’s been three years, and your chess skills have improved considerably. The Zhuge Family truly lives up to its name as a chess powerhouse, with successors all being outstanding figures of the present age!"
His words were extremely polite, and Zhuge Xuanqing politely replied, "Thank you for the praise, Elder Gu."
Elder Gu chuckled, "But I wonder where your prodigy of a brother is now? It’s been five or six years since I last heard any news of him!"
Zhuge Xuanqing’s face turned pale, and she said softly, "My brother has gone to seek the ultimate truths of chess and has not yet returned."
"Oh, is that so!" Elder Gu nodded his head.
"Your brother was quite the young hero back in the day. His quest for the ultimate truths of chess is bound to bear fruit, and the Zhuge Family will surely see the emergence of another chess power!"
Zhuge Xuanqing felt bewildered.
The Zhuge Family and Tian Zhao Chess Academy could be considered archenemies. Her brother, Zhuge Banzang, had suppressed Tian Zhao Chess Academy and kept them from raising their heads for decades; surely everyone there hated the Zhuge Family.
Yet, now, to hear Elder Gu’s words filled with praise, what did this mean?
Could it be that the people of Tian Zhao Chess Academy had changed their ways?
This question perplexed Zhuge Xuanqing.
Meanwhile, Xue An suddenly laughed, "But I reckon, this Miss Zhuge’s brother... might find it quite difficult to return!"
These words, shocking as a bolt from the blue, made Zhuge Xuanqing tremble, "Mr. Xue, what do you mean by that?"
"What do I mean... perhaps that’s a question for the venerable elder of this Chess Academy! Right?" Xue An said with a smirk, looking at Elder Gu.
Elder Gu’s eyes flickered, but he quickly regained composure and scoffed, "Young man, you’ve yet to clear up your own issues, and you’re trying to divert attention with such a clumsy excuse?"
Xue An applauded lightly and sighed, "It’s truly impressive that you can come up with such a good excuse in such a short time!"
"Insolent!"
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