I am Master Maoshan

Chapter 2358 Aid from All Directions (Part Two)

"You've reached the God King Realm? That's such a fast improvement!" Liu Jun's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief.

With a hint of helplessness and bitterness in his expression, Long Aodi slowly said, "It was just a forced upgrade. I might be crippled in a month."

Liu Jun frowned, his eyes filled with concern and doubt, and asked anxiously, "Did you use a secret technique?"

His hands clenched unconsciously, as if he wanted to get a less cruel answer from Long Aodi.

Emperor Long Ao nodded slightly, a bitter smile appearing on his lips, and said, "Of course, otherwise do you think it's so easy to break through to the God King Realm?"

Although this secret technique could allow him to reach the God King realm in a short time, the price was heavy. A month later, he would lose this hard-won power and become an ordinary person.

"Thanks, brother." Liu Jun's voice was a little choked up.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't moved. Emperor Long Ao could be considered one of the top geniuses in the God Realm, with an infinitely bright future. He might become a top powerhouse in the God Realm, revered by thousands.

However, in order to help him, Emperor Long Ao sacrificed his own talent. This favor was so great that Liu Jun felt he could never repay it.

Just then, Qingfengzi, who had been standing to the side, spoke up: "How many more are we missing?"

Liu Jun snapped out of his daze, took a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down before replying, "Six more are needed."

A hint of worry appeared in his eyes. God-King level experts in this God Realm are extremely rare. Every God-King level expert has gone through countless hardships and dangers to break through. It can be said that all the known God-King level experts are here. Finding six more is no easy task.

"Six, I'll help you make it up." A clear, cold voice suddenly rang out, carrying an undeniable air of dominance.

The sound seemed to possess a magical power, instantly silencing the entire temple.

Immediately afterwards, six figures appeared outside the Divine Lord's Temple like ghosts. Leading them was Wu Rendi Wu Tui Da, who stood tall and exuded a powerful aura.

Behind him were Yang Xiao, Yang Jun, and four others, each exuding a powerful aura, clearly indicating that they were among the strongest of the strong.

"Senior Wu, this Heavenly Chessboard..." Liu Jun hesitated before speaking.

The Heavenly Chessboard is no ordinary game; once you become a piece, it's a game of life and death. Although others are willing to help him, he also has to remind them of the dangers of this thing.

Wu Rendi gently raised his hand, interrupting Liu Jun, his voice low: "I know, those who enter the game are pieces, and those who lose perish."

“But, but…” Liu Jun wanted to say something more.

Wu Rendi's gaze sharpened, and he retorted, "What, you can find six Divine King Realm experts to help you?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Jun shook his head helplessly: "It can't be found."

These God-King Realm experts aren't like cabbages on the roadside, where you can just dig one up whenever you want. You can't even find half of one, let alone six.

The fact that Wu Rendi could bring five Divine King Realm experts to help him was already a huge surprise for him.

"Give me the bracelets." Wu Rendi said calmly, slowly extending his hand and waiting for Liu Jun to hand over the bracelets.

Liu Jun dared not be negligent in the slightest and hurriedly and respectfully handed the bracelets that emitted a faint light to Wu Rendi.

Wu Rendi took the bracelet, his gaze lingering on it for a moment, as if sensing the mysterious power contained within. Then, without hesitation, he put one on himself and handed the other five bracelets to the five people behind him.

The moment the five people put on the bracelets, a strange power permeated the temple. Amidst the flashing light, it seemed as if some invisible connection was established between them.

At the same time, all sixteen of Liu Jun's black pieces, including his own, were claimed. Each black piece seemed to resonate with the person wearing the bracelet, faintly emitting a black glow.

At this moment, everyone's fate was in Liu Jun's hands.

If you lose the game, everyone dies; this is the price of playing chess against the will of Heaven. The price is far too heavy, so heavy that it's almost suffocating.

"Liu Jun, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Li, a chess master. This is Mr. Wu, a Go master. And this is Mr. Zhuge, a strategist." Yang Xiao broke the silence first.

Although his relationship with Liu Jun was not as good as Wu Rendi's, Wu Rendi was a cold and taciturn person, so only he could do this.

He and Yang Jun needed no introduction; Liu Jun was already familiar with them. These three people being introduced were all among the strongest, each possessing exceptional expertise in their respective fields.

Mr. Li was an elderly man with gray hair but a sprightly spirit. He wore a gray robe and held a folding fan in his hand, on which was painted a beautiful chess game.

Mr. Wu was a tall, slender, and refined middle-aged man. He wore a white long gown and held a handful of jade Go stones in his hand, his fingers long and nimble.

Master Zhuge was a wise man dressed in a blue robe. He had a long beard, a thin face, but sharp eyes. He held a feather fan in his hand, gently waving it, as if he were pondering some profound question.

Liu Jun paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He could understand the chess aspect; after all, the Heavenly Chessboard was chess, and having a chess master to help was naturally beneficial. But what about this Mr. Wu and Mr. Zhuge?
“We don’t know if this Heavenly Chessboard is for Go or Chinese Chess, so Boss Wu brought Mr. Li and Mr. Wu along. And Mr. Zhuge is here specifically to give you advice,” Yang Xiao quickly explained when he saw Liu Jun’s confusion.

Liu Jun secretly gave Wu Rendi, the "big brother" of the gang, a thumbs up, and couldn't help but sigh in his heart: "Look how comprehensive his considerations are. This is what a big brother is. No matter what happens, hold on tight and he'll carry you to new heights."

With the help of these three powerful figures, the chances of winning this battle against the Heavenly Dao have increased significantly.

Then, Liu Jun stepped forward and bowed to Mr. Li, Mr. Wu, and Mr. Zhuge respectively. The help from the three gentlemen had nothing to do with him; he had only come because of Wu Rendi's influence.

Moreover, this task requires risking one's life, so these three gentlemen deserve his respect.

"Thank you for your help, seniors," Liu Jun said respectfully.

Mr. Li smiled and nodded, saying, "Your Majesty, there's no need for you to be so polite. I will do my utmost."

Mr. Wu nodded slightly and said, "I am willing to explore the mysteries of this Heavenly Chessboard with you all."

Master Zhuge gently waved his feather fan and said, "Man proposes, God disposes; Your Majesty may do as you please."

"Stop standing there, start learning. Some people are slow birds but they start early, and you're already late. What are you dawdling for?" Wu Rendi said.

Liu Jun was speechless. Wu Rendi Wu Da Tui was good in every way, but his mouth was still venomous.

With a wave of his hand, Mr. Li conjured a chessboard out of thin air, sat down in the main hall, and began to teach Liu Jun a lesson.

"Alright, everyone, stop crowding around here and go do other things," Qingfengzi said.

The group left the temple, leaving only Liu Jun and Mr. Li behind.

Although Liu Jun had little chess background, he would only occasionally watch elderly people set up chess games on the streets and alleys, join in the fun, and observe a few games. He had never really systematically studied the moves and strategies of chess.

Fortunately, the rules of Chinese chess are not complicated. The mnemonic "horse moves in an L-shape, elephant moves diagonally, chariot moves in a straight line, cannon moves over obstacles" can be easily memorized and understood.

Liu Jun sat before the chessboard, a hint of tension and hesitation in his eyes. The chess pieces were arranged in a neat and orderly fashion, with both red and black players poised and ready, as if a fierce battle was about to unfold.

He gently picked up a chess piece, rubbing it in his hand as he pondered his next move. At that moment, he was like a soldier entering the battlefield for the first time, lacking both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Fortunately, the Heavenly Chessboard is Chinese chess; if it were Go, he would have surrendered without hesitation.

He knows his own limitations. No matter how smart he is, it's impossible for him to go from a complete novice to a Go master in just seven days.

“Your Majesty, when you fight against the Heavenly Dao, it’s impossible not to lose a single piece. No matter who gets captured, it’s our own choice.” Just then, Mr. Li, who was sitting opposite and observing quietly, frowned when he saw that Liu Jun was playing somewhat hesitantly. His tone was serious.

Upon hearing Mr. Li's words, Liu Jun paused slightly, raised his head, opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.

He also wanted to play the game of chess with an open-minded and decisive attitude, just as Mr. Li had said, and to regard the gain or loss of each piece as part of the strategic layout.

But in his eyes, each of these chess pieces was not just a cold block of wood, but a living person!

He truly could not tolerate these people dying directly or indirectly at his hands. Every time he thought about how his decision might lead to their sacrifice, his heart ached as if it were being cut by a knife.

“If you continue like this, you will surely lose on this Heavenly Chessboard, and then none of us will survive.” Seeing that Liu Jun did not respond, Mr. Li’s expression became even more solemn. As he spoke, he reached out, picked up a chess piece, and captured Liu Jun’s general without hesitation.

Liu Jun looked at the general who had been eaten, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He knew very well that what Mr. Li said was true, and this game of chess against the will of Heaven allowed him no room for hesitation or retreat.

“You can lose countless times in our game, but on the chessboard of Heaven, you only have one chance. It’s impossible to win without losing a single piece,” Mr. Li continued. “In this contest, sacrifice is inevitable. Every piece that leaves is for the final victory. We cannot shrink back because we are afraid of losing, otherwise, what awaits us is total annihilation.”

Liu Jun listened quietly to Mr. Li's words, trying to calm himself down.

He understood that if he continued to be indecisive, he would not only be letting himself down, but also those who had risked their lives to be his pawns.

A resolute glint flashed in Liu Jun's eyes, and then he said respectfully, "Mr. Li, please enlighten me."

Upon hearing Liu Jun's words, Mr. Li's lips curled up slightly, revealing a gentle smile, and he said softly, "Your Majesty certainly does not disappoint. Please continue."

Having said that, he stretched out his slender fingers and gently pushed a chess piece.

Liu Jun's eyes narrowed as he stared intently at the chessboard, his mind racing. Although he wasn't a chess prodigy, his learning ability was still quite strong.

He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then extended his finger to move a chess piece.

This seemingly ordinary move actually contained a well-thought-out strategy, and the two sides began to formally engage in combat.

On the chessboard, the black and red pieces clashed like two armies, neither giving an inch. With each move, Liu Jun carefully observed Mr. Li's reaction, trying to glean clues from his expression and subsequent moves.

Mr. Li, on the other hand, remained calm and composed throughout, appearing confident and assured with every move he made.

As time went on, the game gradually entered a heated phase. Liu Jun noticed that Mr. Li was taking longer and longer to think, and was no longer playing as casually as before.

The relaxed atmosphere turned tense, and an invisible pressure seemed to permeate the air.

He could sense that Mr. Li was responding more closely to every move he made, which made him slightly excited.

Being able to play against such a master would greatly benefit his chess skills, so that even if he faced the Heavenly Dao, he wouldn't be without any chance of winning.