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"Greetings to Princess Liqing! Your Highness, please take a seat!"

After all, this was a master-level figure. Lan Haiyue offered only a slight bow upon seeing Princess Liqing, his demeanor not nearly as apprehensive as others showed in her presence.

It was evident that Lan Haiyue held little interest in this chess match. His eyelids remained heavy throughout, and his eyes carried no spark of fighting spirit or brilliance.

"With your status as a Master, you shouldn't involve yourself in such a mundane wager!"

With a sigh, Princess Liqing looked at the stern-faced Lan Haiyue and spoke plainly, voicing her opinion without reservation. This caused Lan Haiyue, seated across the table, to tremble slightly, a flush of humiliation crossing his face.

Clearly, Princess Liqing's words had struck a chord deep within him. Just as she stated, a War Chess Master like Lan Haiyue should not have been drawn into this common gambling contest. Lan Haiyue’s expression confirmed that he must have been threatened by Ge Zhan in some manner.

"Circumstances have forced me into this shameful position, Your Highness. Please!"

"Master, after you!"

Having received a vague answer from Lan Haiyue, Princess Liqing said no more. She offered a slight courtesy, and together with the grave-faced Master Lan Haiyue, they both took their seats.

On the low table before them, the War Chess pieces were already set up, awaiting only the decision of who would take the first move. Beside them stood a massive display board, presumably for the entire audience to view, upon which every move made by the players would be meticulously replicated by designated attendants.

In Ye Chun’s line of sight, this so-called War Chess bore a resemblance to the ancient Chess from his own world. The board was composed of squares, bisected by a central blank strip symbolizing a river. However, the pieces themselves were entirely different from traditional Chess. They consisted of intricately shaped human figures: Ships, Infantry, Knights, Archers, Wizards, Guards, and the General—each with unique representations.

Both sides could freely choose the quantity of each role, but the total number of pieces had to adhere to the total stipulated for the game. That is, if the total for each side was set at one hundred, no matter how the roles were distributed, the final count must remain one hundred. Yet, powerful roles like Knights, Wizards, and Guards had higher associated costs, meaning they could not be selected in great numbers, or there would be a severe shortage of frontline fighting forces. Furthermore, the General, the most powerful role, was unique and could not be duplicated.

This setup meant the conditions for victory were no longer singular, but twofold: Either completely annihilate the opponent’s forces in direct combat, or use subterfuge to successfully assassinate the opponent's sole General.

What Ye Chun found most fascinating was the enchantment upon the War Chess board: A Concealment Spell was affixed to the playing surface. Only the individual players and the audience outside the board knew the arrangement of their forces; the opposing player remained oblivious. Pieces would only become visible to each other when they approached within a certain proximity, somewhat akin to the 'Fog of War' in Dota.

"Whoever invented this War Chess is quite ingenious," Ye Chun murmured, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized the colossal board above the players, feeling a surge of admiration mixed with surprise. This War Chess had completely transcended mere gaming; it resembled a miniature war simulation.

"When we get back, I’ll have someone make a few boards and implement this system among the mid-to-high-ranking officers of the Independent Regiment."

"You think these boards are easy to make?" Guan Guan, seated beside him, couldn't help but roll her eyes. "This is a game of nobles, don't you understand? The board requires a Wizard to cast the Concealment Spell. The stronger the player, the higher the rank of the Wizard needed to enchant the board. Wizards are precious! You can’t just summon them whenever you please!"

"What? There’s a catch like that?" Upon hearing Guan Guan’s explanation, Ye Chun was utterly deflated. "Then what do we do? I truly want a few sets of these things!"

"Usually, I think you're quite smart, so why are you being so dense now?" With a playful roll of her eyes, Guan Guan extended a delicate, pale hand and pointed to her nose. Haughtily, she declared, "Just ask me! My father, the Great Chief, has quite a few, and they are excellent quality ones too. I can sneak a few for you, and he’ll never notice!"

"..." Ye Chun was speechless. It turned out that when Guan Guan suggested asking her, she meant sacrificing her father’s assets. It was rare for someone to be so self-righteous about betraying their own father!

"With a daughter like you, how can the Great Chief avoid being bankrupted!" Ye Chun sighed, offering a silent moment of commiseration for the Great Chief. After all, as the saying went, a married daughter is like spilled water. When a daughter finds the man she loves, the father inevitably has to step aside. This, he mused, was an ultimate cosmic truth!

"What did you say?" Guan Guan hadn't quite caught Ye Chun's sigh.

"Ah! Nothing... I was just saying, with a girlfriend like you, how could I not prosper!" In the art of smooth talking, Commander Ye Chun remained at the pinnacle.

"This is nothing, just a few small boards. Later, when you marry me, becoming the Great Chief will be no problem at all!"

"..." Ye Chun was speechless again. Clearly, Princess Guan Guan had just sold out her father even more thoroughly this time.

Fortunately, the gaze Princess Liqing shot his way interrupted Ye Chun’s flight of fancy, signaling that the plan needed to commence.

"Time for me to step onto the stage," Ye Chun muttered, straightening his robes as he prepared to rise and execute the plan. However, before he could utter a word, Lun Ke, who had been standing behind him, preemptively bellowed the very words Ye Chun intended to say, the sound exploding like muffled thunder throughout the massive venue.

"Master Lan Haiyue, do you not feel ashamed competing against Her Highness the Princess?"

Damn it, Lun Ke! How dare you steal the spotlight! Ye Chun had spent considerable time building up the necessary emotional momentum for his grand entrance... but now, Lun Ke had beaten him to it, which genuinely frustrated him. Evidently, Lun Ke had overheard the plan and felt that such a dramatic confrontation was better suited for a subordinate like himself. On second thought, perhaps Lun Ke playing this role was actually more appropriate. Therefore, when Lun Ke took it upon himself to roar out this inflammatory statement, Ye Chun didn't intervene, but instead quietly narrowed his eyes and observed.

"What did you say?" Lan Haiyue jolted. He hadn't expected anyone to be so audacious as to publicly humiliate him in front of all the high-ranking nobles and the Great Chief present. Though, to an extent, this humiliation was an undeniable truth.

"I said, Master Lan Haiyue, do you not feel ashamed competing against Her Highness the Princess?" Lun Ke truly lived up to his reputation as a straightforward man! You shouted so loudly; how could Lan Haiyue not have heard clearly? His repetition of the question was clearly an expression of rage and shock. And for Lun Ke to be so literal, repeating the exact words as requested by the ‘script,’ and shouting them even louder, was deliberately cornering Lan Haiyue! But perhaps this effect was even better. At least, Ye Chun could confirm that Master Lan Haiyue had now entered the 'zone,' close to exploding in fury. How could a renowned War Chess Master remain calm when publicly scorned by such a brute?

"Insolent!!!" From the southern viewing stands, several high-ranking generals aligned with the Ge Zhan faction simultaneously sprang to their feet and roared at Lun Ke. In their eyes, Lun Ke was merely a follower standing behind Ye Chun, without even a proper seat, utterly unqualified to utter such arrogance. Yet, Lun Ke ignored them entirely, keeping his gaze fixed on Master War Chess Lan Haiyue, speaking volubly.

"The world knows that you, Lan Haiyue, are the Empire's foremost War Chess Master, undefeated by any. While Her Highness the Princess’s skill is high, compared to yours, it is like the difference between a pond and the ocean. Even if you concede her three pieces plus the first move, she might not win against you. Is your match against Her Highness not an act of bullying the weak, bringing shame upon yourself?"

Lun Ke's words struck Lan Haiyue's heart like a heavy hammer, leaving him deeply ashamed. Indeed! Though Lan Haiyue was loath to admit it, what Lun Ke just said was the truth. His match against Princess Liqing was indeed an imbalance of power, unfair. However, this was not his intention; he had extenuating circumstances and was acting against his will.

"Fine! In that case, I will grant Her Highness three pieces plus the first move..." Forcing back a wave of blood that threatened to rise, Master War Chess Lan Haiyue frowned, clenching his fists, incited to make such a concession immediately. But this action of his would 'sacrifice' Ge Zhan's interests, and Ge Zhan would naturally not permit it.

"Hold it!" A sharp command cut through the air. Ge Zhan rose in a fury. Since the other side disregarded the presence of the Great Chief, if Ge Zhan didn't step forward to say a few words now, he would appear too weak.

"The rules of this wager were set by me; they cannot be changed on a whim. If skill dictates giving odds, then why invite a Master here at all? We could just find someone slightly capable and let Her Highness concede ten or eight pieces; wouldn't that achieve the same result?"

It had to be admitted that Ge Zhan’s words held considerable logic, causing many nobles present to nod secretly in agreement. But for a Master like Lan Haiyue, Ge Zhan’s rhetoric was an even greater insult.

"Commander, please respect my decision!" It wasn't arrogance; Lan Haiyue simply could not afford to lose this face. Otherwise, after today, he, Lan Haiyue, would become a laughingstock, forever burdened with the stigma of being an old man who bullied the weak shamelessly.

"Respect your decision? Then who will respect me? I said the rules of this wager are determined by me, and everyone must abide by them. If you continue to be unreasonable, I have the right to declare your side forfeited!" With cold eyes, Ge Zhan’s earlier words were directed at Lan Haiyue, but the final sentence was aimed squarely at Princess Liqing. He had already lost one round; he could not afford to lose this one, no matter the cost. He had to resort to extraordinary measures.

"If this is the Commander’s final decision, I would rather die than agree to compete!"

"You..." Ge Zhan hadn't expected Lan Haiyue to be so stubborn, willing to risk his grandson's life for the sake of his reputation. What an old fool obsessed with mere fame!

"Commander Ge Zhan, I think Master Lan Haiyue shows more magnanimity than you. A War Chess Master of his caliber isn't afraid to lose; what are you afraid of? Since you are unwilling to grant odds, how about an extra side bet between us? If you win, our side automatically concedes. If you lose, you must agree to the Master giving odds. You lose nothing either way, what do you say?"

Lun Ke! When did you develop such a flair for acting? Have you been subconsciously molded by being around me for so long? In any case, the words Lun Ke spoke shone brightly. If Ge Zhan refused this side bet, it would make him, the Great Commander of the Central Army, look cowardly. Indeed, after hearing Lun Ke, Ge Zhan directed his gaze toward Princess Liqing in the center of the field.

"Your Highness the Princess, I need to know: do his words represent you?"

"They certainly do!" Princess Liqing smiled faintly, appearing perfectly calm. Internally, however, her heart was in turmoil, feeling utterly unsettled. This was because Lun Ke's role was not part of the script she and Ye Chun had devised. Given the current situation, she could only grit her teeth and agree.

"What do you wish to bet on?" With a cold snort, though Ge Zhan was itching to tear Lun Ke limb from limb, he couldn't deviate from this established trajectory and had to project an image of magnanimity.

"..." To everyone’s surprise, Lun Ke stumbled at the crucial moment. He had heard almost everything Ye Chun and Princess Liqing had discussed, but he had missed the vital detail regarding what the side bet would be. That secret was still locked away inside Ye Chun’s mind. Now, Ge Zhan’s question stumped him. With his straightforward mind, having no answer meant he couldn't reply. However, though Lun Ke was a ruthless man of simple directness, he did possess a quick wit when it came to gambling. He glanced around wildly, then lifted both fists, declaring in a muffled voice, "Let's bet on how many fingers I have!"

"Whoa..." A collective gasp swept through the audience. No one expected Lun Ke to propose such a simple wager. If it had been a bet on something uncertain, Ge Zhan could have found an excuse to refuse. But on such a simple premise, if Ge Zhan still refused, it would be too egregious. It was practically handing him the win! Anyone with some observational skill had noticed how many fingers Lun Ke had when he was gesticulating earlier: five on the right hand, four on the left, missing only the little finger. Such a ridiculous wager clearly indicated he’d thought of it up on the spot. Otherwise, he would have kept both hands behind his back, hidden away. After all, missing one finger would make it tricky. But now... it was a guaranteed loss for him!

"Since you wish to gamble, I shall grant your request!" With a sinister smile, a flicker of triumph crossed Ge Zhan’s eyes. From Princess Liqing's genuine look of shock, Ge Zhan received the confirmation he needed. It seemed even she hadn't anticipated this outcome. "Could this fellow be a messenger sent by the God of Fate to help me?" At this moment, such thoughts began crossing Ge Zhan’s mind. Rushing out to make a fool of himself without even memorizing his lines was absurdly detrimental. But for Ge Zhan, it was the best possible scenario.

"I guess you have nine fingers! Five on the right hand, four on the left! Missing only the little finger on the left hand!" Ge Zhan stated his answer with absolute certainty, even specifying which finger was missing.

"..." Lun Ke fell silent. He hadn't expected his opponent to guess correctly. But how on earth did the man guess it? Lun Ke was genuinely confused.

"Well? Was I right?" Ge Zhan sneered, observing the dramatic expression on Lun Ke's face. This fool was adorably simple.

"One, two, three, four, five..." Slowly, Lun Ke raised the fingers hidden in his fist, counting one by one, until the last finger on his left hand... and then... nothing! Nine fingers! Exactly as Ge Zhan had predicted! Only nine!

"Haha... I guessed correctly! I won this round of the wager!" Ge Zhan burst into loud laughter, feeling completely vindicated. The loss in the previous horse race had been too ignominious; now, he was sure Princess Liqing felt the same way about this round—a mysterious and frustrating loss!

"You guessed wrong!" After raising the ninth finger, Lun Ke added this statement.

"What???" Ge Zhan heard him clearly, but assumed Lun Ke had lost count or gone insane.

"You guessed wrong!" Lun Ke repeated, his tone extremely serious. His statement caused all present to erupt in laughter. They now viewed Lun Ke as an absolute fool.

However... but then again... Lun Ke’s next action choked all the laughter in their throats. He swiftly leaned down and bit down hard on the ring finger of his left hand, twisting it fiercely between his teeth until he forcefully tore the finger off, swallowing the entire thing.

"You guessed wrong, I actually have eight fingers!" With a mouth full of blood, Lun Ke surprisingly began to laugh. The left hand he held aloft, missing two fingers, was horribly conspicuous, a sight that made onlookers recoil in horror. No one had anticipated he would win this wager in such an extreme and brutal fashion. One finger, in exchange for three handicap pieces and the first move. The cost was truly enormous.

"Madman! This fellow is nothing short of a lunatic!"

"Perhaps we have consistently underestimated someone!"

"Who?"

"That 'Madman Ye' currently sitting beside the Princess!"

"Why? He’s just a mere standard-bearer!"

"A standard-bearer? Can a standard-bearer cultivate such a fierce subordinate? His abilities and future must far exceed our imagination!"

"Ge Zhan has lost!"

"In truth, we have all lost!"

"..." In the western audience section, these voices were heard for the first time!

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