Penglai Holy Realm

Purple Ganoderma Cliff

After Yu Yuan announced the punishment for Virochana Immortal and others, although there were quite a few who pleaded on behalf of Virochana Immortal to the Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect, and even accused Yu Yuan of using this opportunity for personal revenge, the Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect was unmoved.

Eventually, it was Duobao Taoist, Golden Spirit Saint Mother, [Other Saint Mother Names], and Gui Ling Saint Mother, these four major Inner Sect Disciples, who took action themselves. They sealed Virochana Immortal's Primordial Spirit and threw him into the East Sea Sea Eye.

Then, they suppressed Virochana Immortal's companions at the bottom of Golden Turtle Island.

Both places were fortified with sealing Great Formations to prevent their escape.

In truth, according to Yu Yuan's own thoughts, apart from Virochana Immortal who had other uses and needed to be spared, the best way to deal with the other individuals like Virochana Immortal would be to directly send them to the Investiture of the Gods.

Because once they are listed in the Investiture of the Gods, it would be as if they had transitioned into the Divine Dao. From then on, there would be no further advancement possible for them, and they would need to heed orders for all eternity.

To these "traitors", this was undoubtedly the best punishment.

Moreover, sending them to the list could also count towards Jie Sect's quota.

It was a case of multiple gains.

Only a pity that now, the Investiture of the Gods was in the hands of Taiching Saint.

Yu Yuan could only suppress them first and wait for an opportunity in the future to find an excuse to send them all to the list!

After dealing with Virochana Immortal and the others, the Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect encouraged Yu Yuan a few words, essentially helping him establish authority in front of the other disciples and followers, and then waved his hand for all the disciples and followers to return to their cave mansions and cultivate in peace, only asking Yu Yuan to stay behind.

The group of Jie Sect disciples and followers bowed and left the Biyou Palace in groups, whispering among themselves, discussing fervently.

For them, the news they heard today was one bombshell after another.

Whether it was Virochana Immortal's true identity, and the fact that he plotted against Yu Yuan, or about Yu Yuan being named the Vice Sect Hierarch, fully in charge of handling all Jie Sect affairs...

These were news they needed time to slowly digest.

Moments later, the disciples and followers left one after another, and the vast Biyou Palace suddenly became quiet.

The Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect looked at Yu Yuan, his expression somewhat solemn.

"Accompany me in a game of chess."

With those words from the Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect, Yu Yuan felt the scenery before his eyes rapidly changing, as if he had arrived in a secluded valley, with a stream rippling by and the bamboo forest rustling in the distance, everything seemed very serene and elegant.

He and the Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect were now sitting opposite each other under an ancient pine tree, with a smooth flat piece of bluestone in between, lined with straight intersecting lines, and beside it, there were two containers holding black and white chess pieces.

"I often play chess with your mentor Duobao here."

The Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect explained: "But his chess skills are not refined, the situation on the board changes inexorably and unpredictably, and he often loses miserably because he cannot see clearly..."

Saying this, he looked at Yu Yuan, with an implied meaning, "The most important thing is, his heart is not in the game."

Yu Yuan paused for a moment before realizing what his mentor meant.

Then, the Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect continued: "This Primordial Heaven and Earth is like a chessboard, with Immortals, Gods, Demons, Spirits, Humans, Witches, and all living beings as chess pieces. Only a few can stand out and become the ones who control the board and place the pieces.

I once thought Duobao would be one of those who could control the board, but in the end, he chose to pursue his own path.

Apart from your mentor Duobao, your Master and your several Uncles... none of them are cut out for this... fortunately, your Master has a good Disciple!"

As he spoke, he gestured for Yu Yuan to make a move.

When exactly chess originated, Yu Yuan did not know.

But he knew that in the Primordial, chess and tea were as essential to the Immortals as mounts.

Hence, he too had studied it for a while.

From then on... the Primordial realm of chess had one more terrible player.

However, facing the Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect, Yu Yuan showed no restraint, naturally making his move, not caring for the conventional strategies of "gold corners, silver sides, and grass belly," directly occupying the Tian Yuan central position.

The Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect raised an eyebrow slightly, but said nothing, seemingly taking it as an unexpected tactic.

"Today, I appointed you as the Vice Sect Hierarch and gave you full authority over all affairs of Jie Sect. It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the result of careful contemplation..."

The Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect spoke while making his moves.

Quickly, the black and white pieces according to the will of the players fell into their rightful places on the board, like mighty dragons entangling and fighting together.

Well, to be precise, it was more like a one-sided massacre.

It didn't take long for Yu Yuan to concede defeat straightforwardly.

The Sect Hierarch of Jie Sect raised his eyebrows but didn't say much.

Though he claimed to use "Heaven and Earth as the chessboard, all beings as the chess pieces," in reality, this matter had little in common with the way of chess.

A master of chess might possess strong analytical skills, be decisive and rational, with outstanding abilities in calculation and scheming, but none of these actually mean anything... The most crucial element to become the one who dominates all, the player placing the pieces, is still strength!

The reason why Tongtian Sect Hierarch decided to appoint Yu Yuan as Vice Sect Hierarch at this time, aside from Yu Yuan's exceptional performance and dedication, is more importantly that he has now truly become a Quasi-Saint of considerable prowess!

Looking at the current state of Primordial, any Quasi-Saint is a figure capable of dominating a region and being hailed as a Taoist Ancestor.

From any angle, Yu Yuan has enough qualifications to take up the position of Vice Sect Hierarch.

With a flick of his sleeve, Tongtian Sect Hierarch returned all the chess pieces on the board back into their jars.

Black and white, not infringing upon each other.

Clearly, after playing a game with Yu Yuan, this Saint lost his interest, lacking any desire for another round.

He looked at Yu Yuan, and inquired with some curiosity: "What do you plan to do next?"

Although he had decided to let Yu Yuan take the helm, in control of the Jie Sect's great ship, he would certainly still observe for a while; just in case Yu Yuan steered the great ship off course, he would be able to correct it in time.

At the same time, he was also asking for Yu Yuan's views on the current great calamity at hand.

Yu Yuan pondered for a moment, then swept his hand across the chessboard.

Instantly, the bluestone chessboard changed its appearance.

Chu river and Han boundary, distinctly separate.

Black and red chess pieces, arranged in order.

"This is chess."

Yu Yuan briefly explained the rules and then took the initiative to play red first.

After all, his opponent was a Saint, he dared not act arrogantly.

Of course, chess is typically a game of small-scale tactics, very different from the large-scale strategizing of Go, and Yu Yuan, who is well-versed in many chess manuals, held a significant advantage.

Soon, he was using a series of routines, like strong storms pushing the black pieces into a desperate situation.

Although Tongtian Sect Hierarch had been at a disadvantage from the very beginning, he was very resilient, not only defending firmly but also looking for opportunities to counterattack, not seeming at all like someone playing chess for the first time.

In the end, it was still Yu Yuan who, through capitalizing on the advantages accumulated in the early game and forcibly exchanging pieces, pushed Tongtian Sect Hierarch's black general into a dire situation.

At this point, there were very few chess pieces left on the board for either side.

Added together, they numbered fewer than the fingers on one hand.

Tongtian Sect Hierarch frowned slightly, his expression somewhat grave.

"Is this your answer, to win at any cost, even if it means exchanging pieces recklessly?"

He stared at Yu Yuan intently, as if he was seeing his disciple for the first time.

If Yu Yuan dared to nod, he would have to seriously reconsider the decision he had made before.

Such means of seeking victory at all costs are almost akin to falling into the Demon Path!

That's exactly what the Demon Ancestor did in the past!

"Of course... not!"

Yu Yuan looked at Tongtian Sect Hierarch with puzzlement, it was just a game of chess, did it warrant such serious analysis?

And moreover, he misunderstood his intent!

Pointing to the chess pieces on the board, he corrected: "Look closely, Ancestor. These pieces might be few in number, but each has its distinctive role, and they all strictly abide by the rules, doing only what they should: The horse moves in an L-shape, the elephant covers diagonals... Only by doing this can they better protect the commander or attack the enemy, thereby achieving victory!

It is said in military strategy that quality is prized over quantity. Ancestor, don't you think our Jie Sect's disciples and followers, numbering over ten thousand, might be a bit bloated?"

Tongtian Sect Hierarch instantly understood his intention and frowned: "You wish to reorganize the Jie Sect?"

"Exactly!"

Yu Yuan nodded vigorously, "There are many disciples and followers within the Jie Sect, and also many malicious spirits causing chaos under the banner of the Jie Sect... I couldn't be bothered before, but now that Ancestor has appointed me as the Vice Sect Hierarch, I can no longer turn a blind eye!"

Tongtian Sect Hierarch pondered for a moment and nodded slightly: "Your point is reasonable... However, such a matter should not be rushed. It should be carefully planned, allowing them ample opportunity to reform."

Yu Yuan smiled, "As long as you agree, Ancestor! Rest assured, it won't take long, I promise to drastically change the entire Jie Sect!"

Tongtian Sect Hierarch: "..."

For some reason, upon seeing Yu Yuan's confident appearance, Tongtian Sect Hierarch felt inexplicably anxious.

Was his agreement to let him reorganize the Jie Sect a bit hasty?

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