My Demonic Cult's Holy Maiden

"But for a little profit and glory, you disregarded your parents' kindness in raising you and the bond of blood, and resolutely married into their family. You are truly an unfilial dog."

"If someone like you can pass the imperial examination with flying colors, then it just goes to show that the students of our Great Yun Dynasty are truly incompetent! They can't even compare to a piece of trash like you!"

"Qi Yu, dare you say that again? Today I..."

Ning Xuan was interrupted by Qi Yu before he could finish his harsh words.

"I can say it as many times as I want, you're just an unfaithful and unfilial dog!"

Ning Xuan was so angry that his face turned red. He stared intently at Qi Yu, his gaze seemingly intent on killing Qi Yu.

While Qi Yu and Ning Xuan were arguing, several more scholars arrived.

They didn't recognize Qi Yu, since he was no longer part of their circle after being stripped of his official titles.

Ke Ningxuan and the others knew each other and occasionally bumped into each other at poetry gatherings.

It's really quite rare to see Ning Xuan being humiliated like this in the street.

After all, Ning Xuan's character is not considered very good in the industry.

"Brother Ning, what are you doing here?"

Just as Ning Xuan was rendered speechless by the rebuttal and his face turned purplish-red with anger, someone arrived—and it was someone he knew.

Ning Xuan turned around, saw the person who had come, and his expression softened.

“Brother Lu, I ran into an old acquaintance!” Ning Xuan said.

Lu Ming nodded, then looked at Qi Yu, smiled, and asked, "May I ask your esteemed name, brother?"

"Qi Yu!" Qi Yu replied with a smile.

Lu Ming thought for a moment, and then remembered who it was.

"So it's Brother Qi! My apologies for not recognizing you!" Lu Ming bowed and said, "But I remember Brother Qi was stripped of his official rank, wasn't he? What brings you here today?"

Qi Yu shrugged and said, "I heard that Lord Li has a rare chessboard, which happens to be what I need, so I came!"

Lu Ming smiled and said, "Oh, I see! But Brother Qi, you're no longer a scholar, so you're not qualified to attend this autumn examination banquet, are you?"

Qi Yu looked at Lu Ming, then at Ning Xuan; the two were birds of a feather.

Just as he was about to say something, a servant from the Li family ran out and bowed to Qi Yu.

"Young Master Qi, the master invites you to the manor to attend the Autumn Examination Banquet!"

Qi Yu was taken aback, but quickly recovered, nodded, and then waved to Lu Ming and Ning Xuan, whose faces looked rather grim.

"Hehe, see you inside!"

Lu Ming forced a smile and said, "See you inside!"

Although I was annoyed, I still had to maintain my composure.

------------

Chapter Ten: The Chess Tournament (Part 1)

Qi Yu followed the servants to the hall where the banquet was to be held, where separate tables had already been set up.

In this world, scholars usually kneel when they gather; there are no chairs or anything like that, only a futon.

Many scholars and officials had already taken their seats inside. Qi Yu looked around and asked a servant:

Where should I sit?

The servant pointed ahead and said, "Young master, this way please!"

Qi Yu looked at the spot he pointed to, somewhat puzzled, because it was very close to the front.

This kind of seating arrangement is usually reserved for well-known students. What's wrong with me?

How could a nobody like me, stripped of my official rank, possibly sit in such a position?

If I knew Li Chun, that would be one thing, but I don't!

Something's definitely up to the worst; something's definitely not right!

Qi Yu sat down in his seat, his mind filled with speculation.

Lu Ming and Ning Xuan frowned when they saw Qi Yu sitting so close to the front.

"Qi Yu, you're sitting in the wrong seat, aren't you? Your seat should be here!" Ning Xuan pointed to the table by the door.

Qi Yu glanced at Ning Xuan and said, "That seat is reserved for someone like you who betrays his master and ancestors. Brother Ning, don't be shy, that's your special seat."

Ning Xuan's face darkened. After marrying into the family, he was often gossiped about behind his back, and he knew that this had always been a source of anxiety for him.

He gets very angry every time he's teased like this.

Moreover, even at home, he was often looked down upon because he was a son-in-law.

Over time, his temper worsened, and his reputation in the industry deteriorated.

However, even if you are angry now, you must suppress it, because this is the Li residence.

You can argue outside the Li residence, but not here.

Lu Ming and Ning Xuan found a seat next to each other, and then students entered one after another, and the autumn examination banquet began.

Li Chun entered the venue with his two elderly relatives. The three elderly people sat at the head of the table at the very back, with Li Chun in the center.

After the three elderly people sat down, the students stood up and bowed.

"This student pays respects to Elder Li, Elder Wei, and Elder Sun!"

Li Chun was the former Minister of Rites, Wei Lao was a famous Confucian scholar in Jiangzhou City, and the last one, Sun Lao, was one of the examiners for this autumn imperial examination.

The three old men waved their hands, inviting the students to sit down.

However, whether intentionally or unintentionally, Qi Yu felt that the three old guys seemed to be glancing at him.

Even though I'm so good-looking that I'm attractive to both men and women, there's no need to sneak glances like that!

Li Chun stroked his goatee and laughed, "There's still a month until the autumn examination. I also entered the examination through the autumn examination, so I naturally know how hard you all work."

"So I invited you all here today, firstly to help you relax and relieve some pressure, and secondly to test you."

“We’re getting tired of composing poems and couplets all the time, so let’s play chess today.”

"Whoever can beat the three of us old guys, we'll grant each of us one request!"

After a moment of stunned silence, the students became completely excited.

Li Chun, Wei Zhong, and Sun Guyuan—weren't they all important figures?

If everyone meets one requirement, wouldn't their future be smooth sailing?

What were they studying so hard for?

It's just about passing the imperial examination and bringing honor to one's ancestors!

As a son-in-law who married into the family, Ning Xuan's biggest wish right now is to pass the imperial examination with flying colors and slap those who secretly gossip about him in the face. That's why he's the first to want to try something new.

"I am Ning Xuan, a student, and I have some knowledge of Go. I would like to play a game with Master Li. Please do not hesitate to give me your guidance!" Ning Xuan stood up and bowed.

Li Chun glanced at Ning Xuan, then laughed and said, "If you want to play chess with the three of us old guys, you have to defeat everyone around you first. Only the one left will be qualified to play against us!"

Upon hearing this, the students exchanged glances, their eyes then revealing a hint of hostility.

There's only one chance!

Even if I didn't win against the three elders in the end, at least I made my presence known in front of these three important figures, so the trip wasn't in vain!

“Alright! Let the student go first! I wonder if any of you gentlemen here could offer some guidance?” Ning Xuan looked around and asked.

Finally, Ning Xuan's gaze fell on Qi Yu, but Qi Yu was looking at the three old men and didn't notice him.

"Brother Qi, I've heard that you have a profound understanding of chess. I wonder if you could offer some guidance?" Ning Xuan asked.

Qi Yu turned his head, looked at Ning Xuan, then looked around and helplessly pursed his lips.

"Go find someone else!"

Ning Xuan raised an eyebrow and asked, "Brother Qi, what do you mean? Are you afraid?"

Qi Yu sighed helplessly and said, "You've misunderstood. Didn't you say I have profound knowledge of chess? Wouldn't it be bullying you to play chess with you, Brother Ning?"

Saying that Qi Yu was highly skilled in chess was just a casual remark, meant to provoke Qi Yu into accepting the challenge.

I never expected this guy to be so shameless, actually thinking he's a chess master?

Are you bullying me?

"Are you looking down on me?" Ning Xuan shouted angrily.

Qi Yu looked at Ning Xuan's contorted face, blinked, and said, "Are you really going to play?"

“Of course!” Ning Xuan replied.

Qi Yu scratched his head and said, "Alright, I'm in a hurry anyway, but I have a request, and I hope Professor Li will grant it!"

As he spoke, Qi Yu looked at Li Chun and bowed.

"What are the requirements?" Li Chun asked.

Qi Yu turned around, looked at the group of students, and said, "I'm in a hurry, so I hope that all the students here will come together!"

All at once?!

That's way too arrogant!

"Qi Yu, you're so arrogant!" Lu Ming stood up and scolded.

There were at least thirty students present, and none of them looked happy.

Qi Yu looked at Lu Ming and said, "I'm sorry, I'm in a hurry. I took the Zhenlong Chessboard and I have other things to do. I really can't discuss this one-on-one with you all."

Although it was an apology, all the students still looked very upset.

Qi Yu looked at Li Chun and said, "Elder Li, do you agree?"

Li Chun smiled and said, "Alright! You're indeed young and impetuous. As you say, let's do it your way. Someone, set up the chessboard!"

……

The chessboards were set up. Each student had a chessboard on their table, and then each student grabbed a few chess pieces and put them in their hands.