The work of the Go master

It's a pity there are no special effects; if there were, it would probably break a graphics card.

"But I didn't find it back then, and even though I've managed to find it now, I only got it right by doing a quiz," Xingcai said.

Real-world practice and problem-solving are two different concepts. Problems are simply a way of telling you in advance that there is a correct answer.

In practice, you have to spend time researching whether there is a correct solution.

If you want to do practice questions, the first professional level is enough.

“No, I didn’t tell you that there was a move in this local area. I just asked you to think about the winning point of the whole game, which is why my review was so slow. In other words, this move was still made by you,” Ke Zhiguang said.

"Then why didn't I notice that back then?" Xingcai lowered her head slightly.

"It might be your mindset. You played exceptionally well in the first half of the game, but in the second half, I sensed a sense of timidity and anxiety emanating from your pieces. If you can maintain this calm mindset, you'll find that this move isn't difficult," Ke Zhiguang said confidently.

Are you anxious...?

"Yes, have you forgotten what Yagami Kunikyo said when you received your ranking certificate from him on the day of your ranking exam? He told you to get rid of your anxiety."

Thinking about it this way, Yagami Kunikyo is indeed formidable; he can pinpoint a person's weakness with just a few words.

Looking back now, he gave similar comments to every newcomer who successfully achieved professional status. Putting aside everything else, he was probably truly dedicated to the bright future of the Go world.

The effect of "Talent of a General" is still working; my thoughts are like radio waves, receiving a faint signal.

Xingcai seemed to want to say something, her lips remaining slightly parted.

“Let’s continue. Just like you said, if you can get past my two-piece barrier, it will prove that you have the ability to challenge yourself in a perfect state. Although a perfect state seems insurmountable, there is always a winner and a loser in a game of chess, even when you play against yourself.”

As he spoke, Ke Zhiguang placed two black pieces diagonally on the chessboard.

Seeing this, Xingcai subconsciously clenched her fists.

“Let’s do it again. While the momentum from your bold declaration is still there, quickly beat me and then challenge your perfect form. After that, we can discuss your joining the team.” Ke Zhiguang looked directly into the other’s eyes.

"Eh? That was just..." Xingcai blushed a little. It was a bit awkward when her words, spoken in a moment of enthusiasm, were taken seriously.

"Never mind that, just assume that's your goal. How high the mountaintop is doesn't matter, what's important is to rush up the mountain first. Even if you only make it halfway up, the scenery will still be amazing." Ke Zhiguang skillfully transformed his rich experience of being crooked and bumpy into a philosophy of life.

At times like this, the logic of the words and sentences is no longer important; as long as the sound is loud and exciting enough, that's all that matters.

Xingcai was somewhat persuaded, her brows furrowing as if she were on the verge of breaking free from her chains.

She slowly reached her hand into the chess box, ready to pick up a chess piece at any moment.

But I still put it down.

“Right now, I still have so many distracting thoughts…” Xingcai shook her head, her expression somewhat sad. “The chess pieces feel so heavy…”

Just like the rapid decline after enthusiasm reaches a critical point.

That's true. This barrage of words is actually a double-edged sword, encouraging her on one hand and putting pressure on her on the other. Right now, the pressure probably outweighs the encouragement.

Ke Zhiguang was also seriously considering his next move and his wording. At this point, he had forgotten about Xingjia's situation and was only thinking about how to give her a pat on the shoulder and help her cross that critical point.

Then she broke free from the shackles of fate. As for whether she would join the team afterward, Ke Zhiguang didn't think about it.

Just as they were at an impasse, a familiar voice suddenly came from the floor: "I think I understand the situation. I have a way to help you two."

Yes, it really did come from the tatami mats on the floor.

A tatami mat was quickly lifted, and a familiar figure emerged from it like a ninja.

It's actually Shiquan?

This?

This bizarre entrance left everyone stunned for a moment.

Ke Zhiguang had every reason to suspect that this person had been like a stalker, sticking close to him all day to steal secrets.

Pervert, get out!

"Ah! Who are you?!" Suddenly a bald man appeared in her sight, and Xingcai was so frightened that she overturned a chessboard.

"Go to hell, you stalker! Even if you wanted to eavesdrop, you could at least listen from outside the door! Damn it!" Ke Zhiguang added with a kick.

"Ah... I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I just came to help you two." Shi Quan said, covering his head, as he was being attacked by Ke Zhiguang and Xing Cai.

"Help us?" Ke Zhiguang paused, his impression of this person still stuck on the level of being an undercover agent sent by Yuechuan Longji.

“Yes, from your conversation, I understand that Miss Xingcai is now facing her own perfect state as an opponent, but she is afraid of it due to anxiety and other negative factors, right?” Shi Quan said seriously. “In that case, I have a good idea that may help Miss Xingcai reach her ideal perfect state... If you agree, please come with me.”

He spoke solemnly, his breath tightening at that moment.

Extremely serious.

Xingcai looked at Ke Zhiguang, still not quite understanding the current situation.

Ke Zhiguang and Shi Quan exchanged a silent glance.

You can't sense any malice, but you can't see through the other person either; it's like having your vision blocked by a high mountain.

"Why did you come to help us?" Ke Zhiguang asked.

“As I told you yesterday, I’m Mr. Ke’s teammate. Although I may not be able to board that cruise ship, I can help you in another way,” Shi Quan replied with a smile.

I still couldn't sense any malice; instead, I could feel a certain purity and authenticity.

It's like a clean vacuum.

Ke Zhiguang felt a sense of awe. Although the other party did have a similar temperament to Shi Xin, he surpassed Shi Xin in many ways.

Ke Zhiguang nodded, then said to Xingcai, "Let's trust him for now."

......

......

A dozen minutes later, the two arrived at a residential area at the border of the Central Ward and the Port Ward, specifically in front of an abandoned house.

It's hard to imagine that in places like Chiyoda, Minato Ward, and Chuo Ward, where land is incredibly valuable, there are still places that haven't been demolished and put into commercial use.

The thought that Koshikawa Tatsumi's video store was similar to this place immediately made Ke Zhiguang wary of it.

"It's alright, there's nothing evil about this place. Sometimes I come here to take care of the flowers and plants, or grow some vegetables," Shi Quan said kindly, seeing through Ke Zhiguang's doubts.

As you continue along the crossroads in the courtyard, a wooden fence appears in the distance.

These fences are typically used to enclose hot springs.

Wait, a hot spring?

Ke Zhiguang had a vague premonition of something.

“Mr. Ke, you went to Hokkaido a few months ago, right? You must know about the hot springs there, right?” Ishizumi said.

"Yes, especially the Emperor's Pool, it feels amazing." Ke Zhiguang nodded.

"The next hot spring we're about to see has a similar effect, and it only works on women. Decades ago, the night before Kiko Seinoka's battle to become an empress, she bathed in it and that's how she defeated me... I mean, defeated her teacher, Hanno Ken, and thus began her legendary journey as an empress."

"In other words, it can be called the Queen's Pool." Ke Zhiguang roughly understood.

Taking a hot spring bath before a major competition is, in many ways, following ancient practices and is very ritualistic. Under such circumstances, it's normal to be able to get into perfect condition.

"I'd like to ask, is it for me to soak in this hot spring?" Xingcai asked doubtfully.

She's following along now, feeling completely lost.

Ke Zhiguang nodded: "Yes, since the opponent is yourself in a perfect state, then we must also be perfect. This kind of competition is very fair."

The only problem is how the star-shaped object will withstand its high temperature.

Although you can still get Häagen-Dazs by refreshing Eagle Beauty now, it has lost the cold buff effect and is just an ordinary snack.

However, upon approaching the hot spring fence, Ke Zhiguang realized that something was amiss.

What greeted me was not heat, but cold air.

Could it be...?

"By the way, although it's called a hot spring, it should actually be called a cool spring." Shi Quan pushed the door open.

Although the mansion looked rather dilapidated, the hot spring pool was remarkably clean, without a trace of weeds, and the marble gleamed under the moonlight.

Under the open rain, a pool of cold water sits in the center, emanating an incredible pale fluorescent blue light, like a fairy's sanctuary.

【Empress Pool】

[Gain countless bonuses]

[Prerequisite: Soak for a full hour]

[P.S.: This only applies to women]

Here it is, a replica of the Emperor's Pool!

However, this temperature is indeed something to frown upon.

"Is this really safe to soak in?" Xingcai asked, her face looking rather pale.

“Absolutely no problem, Ah Xiang... oops, Empress Mugu, if she can pass this test, you certainly can too.” Shi Quan gave a thumbs up.

"No, no, no, that's absolutely impossible. Ordinary people simply can't do it." Xingcai shook her head repeatedly.

After a moment of silence, Ke Zhiguang calmly said, "I have an idea."

"idea?"

"Yes, that's a great idea... By the way, you wouldn't mind challenging the laws and regulations, would you?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I refuse!"

"It's not that serious. Just treat it as puppy love. Although puppy love isn't officially allowed, it's actually everywhere, isn't it?"

"Now that you say that, I'm even more scared..." Xingcai shrank back.

Ke Zhiguang already has a solution.

turn out to be......

So that's where the foreshadowing was!

After a taxi ride of about half a day, Ke Zhiguang took "it" from his room in Taohuazhai.

"Comrade, bottoms up this bottle of vodka!"

Several months later, the vodka that had been leaked from Xiong Ying finally found a purpose!