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Gazing at Qin Fang, a young man about the same age as his own grandson, Song Qianqiu was quite astonished by all that had just transpired...

When Qin Fang and his two companions sat down, Song Qianqiu didn't pay much attention to it and didn't take it too seriously.

Chinese chess, although being the essence of Dragon Country, is not very popular in Hong Kong Island; the younger generation rarely knows how to play, at least Song Qianqiu often found himself playing alone.

Not until he noticed Qin Fang staring intently at his chessboard, seemingly discerning something, did he take the initiative to invite Qin Fang to join in a game.

In the beginning, everything proceeded by the book. Song Qianqiu's reputation as the Thousand Gate Chess Elder wasn't for nothing; his control over chess and formations was incredibly strong.

Illusion Array, such an advanced contraption, was practically non-existent to the completely clueless. Under Song Qianqiu's control, it wouldn't cause harm to anyone.

Of course, if he intended to target someone, with slight adjustments, the Illusion Array could instantly transform into a lethal Killing Formation.

Initially, Song Qianqiu hadn't thought that way, but as the chess game with Qin Fang commenced, he quickly sensed something was amiss.

A master from Thousand Gate, with an extremely keen perception of Cheating Skills, soon discovered that not only did Qin Fang possess Cheating Skills, but also at an impressively high level.

Perhaps compared with him, an elder of Thousand Gate, there was still much to be desired, but it was clear that Qin Fang was much stronger than those of his age among the Thousand Gates Acolytes...

It was precisely this discovery that led Song Qianqiu to loosen up a bit, engaging in Cheating Skills against Cheating Skills, resulting in a remarkably perilous game of chess with Qin Fang.

Based on sheer skill in the game, it seemed neither Qin Fang nor Song Qianqiu were particularly impressive, but only the two of them truly understood the risks involved.

If either had been slightly negligent just now, it's very likely that someone would have suffered misfortune...

Qin Fang's exclamation, aside from confirming a checkmate, was also a signal to cease hostilities. With no grudges between them, there was no need for a life-and-death struggle. Reaching this point was already enough... Continuing would only harm the harmony.

Upon receiving Qin Fang's signal, Song Qianqiu also understood immediately and decisively chose to end the game by conceding defeat.

"It's getting late. I, as an old man, should not interfere with your meal any longer..."

Song Qianqiu obviously had a favorable impression of Qin Fang, but noticing the late hour and that Qin Fang's roasted goose had been served, he took the initiative to take his leave.

"Please, esteemed sir..."

Facing such a senior from Thousand Gate, Qin Fang had the intention of making an acquaintance, but the timing didn't seem right, and it wasn't easy to broach the subject. Seeing Song Qianqiu about to leave, Qin Fang naturally stood up to see him off respectfully.

"This is my business card. Should the young friend have some free time on Hong Kong Island, feel free to come and play chess with this old man..."

Perhaps Song Qianqiu had pierced through Qin Fang's intentions, or maybe he had such plans himself, he pulled out a simple white card from his person and handed it to Qin Fang before gracefully leaving the small shop and boarding a black sedan parked outside.

"Qin Fang, that old man seems quite remarkable…"

Watching the sedan disappear into the night, even Qin Qing, who knew nothing, could tell that Song Qianqiu was no ordinary person.

As for exactly what was remarkable about him, she had no way of knowing.

"Mom, why worry about it so much? The old man meant us no harm and was quite pleasant to be around... The roasted goose is here, I'm hungry, let's eat!"

Regarding Song Qianqiu's identity, Qin Fang only knew he must be the Thousand Gates Chess Elder. As for any special status in the real world, that was beyond Qin Fang's knowledge.

The card that Song Qianqiu gave Qin Fang, though called a business card, could rather be described as a mere phone number: it bore no name, no address, and no description of any identity, which, like many important figures Qin Fang knew, seemed very mysterious.

It is said that the Tang Sect has been secluding itself in the deep mountains for hundreds of years, which is definitely considered living in obscurity; however, the Tang Sect's seclusion and Thousand Gate's are vastly different.

The Tang Sect has completely vanished from human society, rarely leaving the mountains. In contrast, for hundreds of years Thousand Gate has always been hidden within the ordinary world, yet very few people are aware of its existence.

Such concealment is the truly powerful kind of obscurity...

Should the enormous Thousand Gate make a move, once all its Strength gathers together, it would definitely form a terrifyingly large force.

Unfortunately, such an event was nearly impossible.

While the Thousand Gate Sect was indeed immense, its internal structure was extremely loose. Each major branch operated independently, and some even perished due to the lack of suitable successors. Others, meanwhile, were even more glorious...

The sect lacked a Sect Leader. Unless there was a significant threat to the lineage of the Thousand Gate, people were generally preoccupied with their affairs, at most intervening in conflicts between branches through the collective judgment of the twelve esteemed and respected Elders...

The twelve Elders were composed of the most virtuous and well-reputed senior members of the sect, and any decision was made collectively, eliminating the possibility of arbitrary, unilateral rule and ensuring relatively more fairness...

Besides these twelve Elders, there were many other renowned seniors within the sect, such as the Thousand Gate Chess Elder whom Qin Fang had just encountered.

He was not one of the twelve Elders, but he was nevertheless a very prestigious Elder within the Qimen Dunjia Sect of the Thousand Gate branches...

For Qin Fang, who planned to delve deeper into understanding the hidden and colossal Thousand Gate Sect, befriending such a person would definitely be a marvelous opportunity.

Of course, the Thousand Gate Chess Elder, Song Qianqiu, was not an easy one to provoke.

Qin Fang relied on his own Cheating Skills, the +1 Cheating Skills of the Qianji Ring he wore, and his near-Grandmaster Level Scouting Skill to barely have a match with Song Qianqiu.

As for the prowess of Song Qianqiu, it wasn't limited to just chess. He was a Grandmaster Level expert in formations, whereas Qin Fang, at best, could only be considered comparable to a Grandmaster Level, which was still leagues behind Song Qianqiu...

Like the chess game they just had, Song Qianqiu barely exerted any effort, controlling each move with impeccable precision.

Even if Qin Fang had been truly ensnared, Song would have immediately dissolved the Illusion Array, ensuring no harm came to Qin Fang... With regards to a counterattack from Qin Fang, that was even more easily neutralized by Song Qianqiu.

However, this beginning was still not bad. By taking this business card, Qin Fang had achieved his objective. As for when to meet the Thousand Gate Chess Elder again, that would depend on his schedule...

...

Qu Family.

In the vast and opulently decorated mansion, the atmosphere was quite eerie at this time. Many stood there quietly, not even daring to breathe too loudly.

Qu Zhenhang, who was domineering in the outside world and a giant in the business realm, now looked like a frightened child, his complexion unsightly, and he had no choice but to lower his head as well.

In the large living room, direct descendants spanning three generations of the Qu Family, along with important members of the collateral branches, were nearly all present. Yet each one of them was trembling with apprehension, afraid to look directly at the white-haired old man sitting in the middle, leaning on a purple sandalwood cane.

This old man was none other than Elder Master Qu, the father of Qu Zhenhang, Qu Zhenyu, and Qu Qing, and also Qin Fang's grandfather whom he had not met.

"Speak, what exactly happened?"

Thud~~

The purple sandalwood cane struck the ground heavily, emitting a deep, muffled sound that seemed to hit everybody's hearts, causing many to involuntarily shiver.

Although Elder Master Qu had withdrawn from the affairs of the family, his authority at home had not diminished in the slightest. On the contrary, he emanated an aura of growing old with strong steely resolve, evoking awe and fear in others...

The only concern was Elder Master Qu's declining health. Given his advanced age and the hardships of entrepreneurship in his youth, he was not much better off than Old Madame Qu, with the addition of a heart problem that absolutely could not withstand any shocks.

This was also why, despite Old Madame Qu's dire illness, Elder Master Qu had not gone to see her. It was not because he did not want to, but because the Qu family members desperately prevented him, even concealing the severity of the Old Madame's condition for fear that any agitation might trigger a fatal heart attack...

Although Qu Zhenhang and others concealed it, Elder Master Qu was very clear in his own heart but chose not to show it, continuously keeping watch over the situation in the hospital.

This time, Qin Fang's sudden appearance pulled Old Madame Qu back from the brink of death, and Elder Master Qu almost immediately learned the news.

But before he could meet the young miracle doctor who saved the Old Madame, another infuriating news arrived...

Elder Master Qu was already aware of the arrival of Qin Qing. As for his daughter who had been away from home for twenty years, Elder Master Qu himself cherished her deeply and had been longing for her return.

Yet, he had barely had the chance to rejoice over her return when such an incident unfolded... and his face turned purple in an instant...

What made it even more unacceptable was that upon his daughter's return, supposedly bringing an external grandson, who was also the young miracle doctor that healed the Old Madame. But what did the Qu family do?

There were actually people who, for their selfish vendettas, not only wronged a relative of the Qu Family by using such despicable means... but even now, the Old Madame, who had barely recovered her health, still couldn't awaken...(To be continued. If you like this work, we welcome you to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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