Unrivaled Miracle Doctor: The God-Defying Demonic Consort novel Chapter 531

Chapter 531: Chapter 175: Tian Ji’s Horse Racing, Qingge Plays Chess

"Although tonight’s banquet is hosted by Emperor Yuan to welcome us, just sitting around and drinking is rather dull. Why don’t we add some interesting activities to entertain Emperor Yuan?"

As soon as the envoy from Rong Country spoke, Lou Xuantie from the Refining Tower silently laughed.

Hei Mu frowned and said, "The Crown Prince Huan values that surname Mu highly, there might be some hidden reasons."

"Elder Hei Mu, you’re worrying too much," Lou Xuantie said disapprovingly.

However, Hei Mu didn’t think he was overthinking. He had crossed paths with Mu Qingge twice, and the endless tricks from the opponent left him uneasy.

"Great Elder, since the people from Rong Country jumped out themselves, we might as well take the chance to probe that surname Mu’s background," Taishi Gao added from the side.

He wished to personally deal with Mu Qingge, but currently had no opportunity.

Now that the people from Rong Country were stepping forth, how could he miss this chance?

"Oh? Rong Country envoy, how do you plan to entertain Us?" Emperor Yuan, seated high on the Dragon Chair, also cast his interested gaze on the Rong Country envoy.

The aura of authority that wasn’t angry but awe-inspiring instantly enveloped the Rong Country envoy, causing his face to change slightly and his shoulder and back muscles to tense.

"These people from Rong Country probably don’t have good intentions," Jiang Li leaned towards Mu Qingge and whispered secretly.

Mu Qingge, however, casually lifted the cup in front of her and took a light sip.

"Your Majesty, the Linchuan Continent has always respected strength. Tonight, elites from various nations are gathered; this is a rare opportunity. Why don’t we have three rounds of competition as a warm-up for the Linchuan Conference?" Despite Emperor Yuan’s strong aura, the Rong Country envoy voiced his pre-planned words.

From the start of the banquet, Emperor Yuan had frequently displayed admiration towards a little fellow from a Third-class Country. Everyone else’s attention was also focused on him.

This outcome slightly annoyed the Second-class Countries, especially Rong Country.

Thus, after pondering for a long time, the envoy from Rong Country finally came up with a method to turn the tables. That was why he suddenly proposed the competition, not as a result of rash impulse.

"How should we compete?" Emperor Yuan followed the conversation effortlessly, smoothly asking the Rong Country envoy.

It seems he was also somewhat interested in this competition.

"Since tonight’s banquet is hosted by Your Majesty, major commotion isn’t appropriate. Normal arena matches are too plain and dull. Recently, our nation has been favoring an educational yet entertaining game that is quite enjoyable. If Your Majesty has no objections, why not play this game?" the Rong Country envoy said.

"What kind of game?" This wasn’t a question from Emperor Yuan but from the Lan Family Head.

His timing was very inappropriate.

Not only did Emperor Yuan look at him, but everyone, including the Rong Country envoy, also looked at him.

He, however, was completely unaware, and instead felt smug from the attention.

"Was the Lan Family Head kicked in the head by a donkey? In such a public setting, he takes away Emperor Yuan’s face." Mu Qingge laughed mockingly.

Jiang Li replied, "It wasn’t a donkey’s kick; it’s because their family has a daughter who is both the most beautiful and extremely talented."

"What do you mean?" Mu Qingge turned back to look at her.

Jiang Li’s golden eyes, exposed beyond her veil, were filled with strong mockery. "It’s said that this Miss Lan swore from a young age to serve the Holy King for life. When this news spread, everyone assumed she was His Majesty’s woman, granting her and the Lan family some face."

"His Majesty’s woman?" Mu Qingge lowered her gaze, fingers lightly pinching, silently murmuring this phrase, making it hard to discern her true emotions at the moment.

Jiang Li didn’t notice Mu Qingge’s odd demeanor and continued, "Do you think a lie repeated often enough can make even the teller believe it’s true? In recent years, as Lan Feiyue got older, the attitude and conduct of the Lan family became increasingly arrogant. It seems as if Lan Feiyue has truly become His Majesty’s woman. Tonight, she gives no regard to Emperor Yuan’s face; it’s fortunate he is benevolent. If it were me, I would’ve sentenced their whole family to execution."

Mu Qingge’s lips curled into a smile with unclear meaning as she raised her eyes to look at the Lan family’s seats, ignoring the Lan Family Head and directly looking towards Lan Feiyue’s seat.

Clothed in blue, face covered by a light veil, her posture graceful. She is indeed a beauty, but... Would Si Mo like such a beauty?

It seems Lan Feiyue sensed Mu Qingge’s gaze and also looked over, maintaining her proud attitude.

Her gaze was indifferent, or rather, carried an air of superiority.

Regarding Mu Qingge’s gaze, she merely coldly glanced away, seeming disdainful of direct eye contact with her. Before averting her gaze, her brows slightly furrowed, showing a hint of dislike.

As if Mu Qingge’s gaze was a form of desecration to her.

Mu Qingge curved a light smile, calmly withdrawing her gaze and lowering her eyes to drink, internally lamenting: If Si Mo appreciates such a woman, he should really wash his eyes.

No matter her beauty, that self-important attitude alone is enough to deter affection.

The words from the head of the Lan Family brought a hush over the second-floor platform.

Emperor Yuan maintained his smile, but a subtle coldness had already surfaced in his eyes.

The envoy from Rong Country twitched his lips, secretly glancing at the exalted Dragon Chair.

At this moment, Huangfu Huan suddenly spoke, "What kind of game is popular in Rong Country?"

Huangfu Huan’s words successfully eased the awkwardness.

The envoy from Rong Country hurriedly said, "People of Rong Country have always enjoyed playing chess. Recently, there has arisen a game where Death Warriors replace the chess pieces, and the outcome of the contest between both sides is decided. It not only tests the courage, boldness, and cultivation of the Death Warriors but also the strategy and chess skills of the players."

This gameplay is indeed novel.

Once the envoy from Rong Country finished speaking, a murmur of interested discussions erupted.

Huangfu Huan pondered and also smiled, saying, "This kind of gameplay is unheard of. I am curious about the rules."

"The rules are simple, no different from playing chess. The only distinction is that when capturing a piece, the two must have a contest. During the contest, how the move is executed is solely directed by the player, and cannot be made arbitrarily."

After listening, Huangfu Huan looked towards Emperor Yuan, seemingly awaiting his father’s final decision.

Emperor Yuan said aloud, "What do all my ministers think?"

"We are willing to follow the orders of Emperor Yuan."

Everyone replied in unison.

Suddenly, Jiang Li softly spoke to Mu Qingge, "Hey, do you know how to play chess?"

Mu Qingge honestly answered, "No, I don’t."

Her honesty made Jiang Li gasp and widen her eyes, saying, "I have a feeling these people from Rong Country are aiming at you. What will you do if you don’t know how to play chess?"

Mu Qingge pressed her lips and remained silent.

Indeed, she didn’t know how to play chess; in her past life, she didn’t understand military chess, Chinese chess, or Go. The only games she could play were Gomoku and checkers.

In this life, she was constantly cultivating, learning various techniques, practicing alchemy and artifact refining, running about everywhere. How could she have leisurely learned chess? Not to mention, she didn’t even know what kind of chess this world played.

If Rong Country truly aimed this at her... Haha, she wouldn’t hesitate to quip, ’Congratulations on finding this lord’s weak point!’

However, now was not the time for banter.

Just as Jiang Li finished asking, Emperor Yuan spoke, "Since there are no objections, let’s have three matches. As for who competes against whom, I won’t interfere, you can issue challenges among yourselves."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, Emperor Yuan!"

Rong Country, which proposed the competition, was the first to express gratitude for Emperor Yuan’s approval.

Afterwards, they eagerly looked towards Mu Qingge.

When the envoy from Rong Country fixed his confident gaze on Mu Qingge, she inwardly exclaimed, "Not good!"

"Young Lord Mu, for the first match, how about between our two countries? I’m just not sure if Young Lord Mu dares to accept the challenge from Rong Country." As expected, the envoy from Rong Country spoke to Mu Qingge with ill intent.

Mu Qingge’s gently lowered eyes flickered slightly, and she slowly raised her eyes, her clear gaze piercing the envoy from Rong Country, revealing a faint smile, "Alright."

"How could you agree to that!" Jiang Li said urgently.

The fact that Mu Qingge could not play chess had already been heard by Zhao Nanxing and Feng Yufei in the conversation between her and Jiang Li just now.

At this time, seeing her agree, the two also broke into a cold sweat, nervously watching her.

"Very well! First match, Rong Country against Qin Country." Seeing both sides agree, Emperor Yuan decisively announced.

At this moment, Taishi Gao also suddenly stood up, ignoring Hei Mu’s objection, and looked at Mu Qingge with a sinister smile, stating bluntly, "Our Myriad Beasts Sect also wishes to learn from Young Lord Mu, how about letting us take the second match?"

"Hiss—!"

With both Rong Country and Myriad Beasts Sect issuing challenges to Mu Qingge, the perceptive people present already noticed the hidden meaning in all this.

A certain invisible tension seemed to spread silently across the second-floor platform.

The trigger among them was Mu Qingge, who had been in the spotlight before.

Taishi Gao looked at Mu Qingge with a provocative gaze, as if her refusal would be tantamount to admitting defeat.

Mu Qingge’s gaze softly shifted from the Rong Country envoy to Taishi Gao. Just when everyone thought she would refuse the match, she suddenly grinned, revealing her neat teeth, and said, "Alright."

Her acceptance was beyond everyone’s expectation.

Because playing two matches in succession is relatively unfair. Even if she truly refused, it would be understandable. However, she agreed nonetheless.

Moreover, she agreed so readily, without a hint of reluctance.

"In that case, I’m also not missing out. The Jing Family from Tiandu also wishes to learn a thing or two from Lord Mu," Jing Tian suddenly stood up from the Jing Family’s seats.

"Tian’er!" The Jing Family head was somewhat angry at his son’s unilateral decision, yet it was too late to stop him.

Words spoken are like water spilled.

Now, since Jing Tian had already spoken, the Jing Family head had no choice but to carry on, even if unwillingly. As for his son’s impulsive actions, he could only reprimand him later.

The Jing Family head’s eyes flashed, and his face turned slightly gloomier.

"What’s going on? Is the Jing Family also challenging Lord Mu?"

"Isn’t this essentially a three-against-one?"

"This is going to be interesting to watch."

"Mother, shouldn’t we lend a hand?" asked the young lady with enchanting eyes, tugging at her mother’s sleeve beside the Hua Family head.

The Hua Family head, however, just smiled full of charm, dabbed the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, and said in a voice barely audible, "No rush, we’ll just sit and watch the show."

Meanwhile, over at the Shen Family, the head poured himself a glass of wine, a bit of intoxication surfacing on his smiling, chubby face, and murmured, "Tonight’s palace banquet was worth attending."

"Why? Can’t Lord Mu speak, or does he look down on my Jing Family?" Jing Tian raised his voice, a cold smile appearing on his lips as Mu Qingge remained silent.

Mu Qingge looked at him, their gazes clashing mid-air, sparking intense flames.

Suddenly, Mu Qingge laughed, a laugh that reminded Jing Tian of her demeanor during their Dan fighting at the Medicine Tower Headquarters.

"Let’s go together then," Mu Qingge suddenly threw out this statement.

Her acceptance meant it became three matches, and she would have to participate in each.

Yet, knowing she didn’t know how to play chess, where should she go next?

If she lost, it wouldn’t just be embarrassing; she would face ridicule from enemies. Moreover, some factions who were on the fence might shift their stance.

"Heh heh, three against one, isn’t that a bit unfair?" The head of the Medicine Tower, who seemed rather drunk, suddenly remarked.

Seemingly drunken blabber, yet the words were in fact sympathizing with Mu Qingge.

Mu Qingge looked at him, her eyes full of amusement.

He was indeed amusing. When Mu Qingge glanced at him, he immediately wore an expression as if saying, ’Come on, thank me.’

"Indeed, this game tests not only mental fortitude but also physical stamina. Competing in all three rounds is indeed unfair to Lord Mu," Emperor Yuan also spoke up at this time.

This statement caused the three challenging factions to frown slightly.

While Mu Qingge laughed heartily in her mind.

She’d been waiting for Emperor Yuan to say this all along.

Initially, if she proposed it on her own, it wouldn’t have been as effective. The old man from the Medicine Tower did her a favor by steering the topic toward Emperor Yuan.

Thus, following his words, her subsequent arrangements would be perfectly logical.

"Emperor Yuan," Mu Qingge stood up from her seat and addressed Huangfu Haotian on the Dragon Chair: "Our Third-class Countries are of one mind, always suffering or prospering together. This time, Qingge, as the overall leader of the Third-class Countries, has accepted a challenge from Rong Country, the Myriad Beasts Sect, and the Jing Family. Therefore, the match will follow a two-out-of-three wins format. Chess pieces may be shared, but the person directing the board cannot be repeated. How about that?"

"Agreed!" Emperor Yuan agreed at once.

Because nothing in her words suggested an unfair advantage.

The only change was from leading three matches to leading one. And of course, what could be said about that? When you challenged her, weren’t you three forces?

Why should three people challenge one?

"Then, for this first match, Prince Zhao Nanxing will represent the Third-class Countries," Mu Qingge said with a smile.

Uh-oh, something seemed amiss?

After Mu Qingge’s words, Zhao Nanxing stood up.

He bore a gentle and modest smile on his face.

He had already guessed Mu Qingge’s intention.

Mu Qingge’s gaze swept across the Rong Country envoy, Taishi Gao, and Jing Tian, and she asked with a smile, "Who will represent you all in the first match?"

The challenger was so generous.

This momentum, it rose instantly!

The three forces hadn’t quite grasped what was happening, and they heard Mu Qingge’s words.

"We’ll go first!" Without much thought, the Rong Country envoy stood out.

Mu Qingge smiled faintly and turned to Zhao Nanxing, her expression becoming somewhat serious, whispering, "Let the Dragon Tooth Guards play. Remember, you must win, not lose."

Zhao Nanxing promised with a smile, "Don’t worry, I have some confidence in my chess skills."

He didn’t reject Mu Qingge’s suggestion to use the Dragon Tooth Guards because he knew how formidable they were. If his own trusted aides competed, they might not match the Rong Country’s Death Warriors.

Zhao Nanxing walked out with head held high, followed by the Dragon Tooth Guards.

As the five Dragon Tooth Guards, each with a fierce aura, emerged, they caught everyone’s attention, heightening anticipation for the match.

Zhao Nanxing, leading the Dragon Tooth Guards, and the Rong Country envoy, leading his Death Warriors, walked to the center of the platform, confronting each other.

Mu Qingge calmly swept her sleeves as she sat down.

"You’re so cunning!" As soon as she sat, Jiang Li’s voice came sneaking in.

Then, she whispered, "If I’m not mistaken, you’ll have the Crown Princess Feng in the second match. Prince Zhao and Crown Princess Feng, both members of the imperial family, have been trained in chess since childhood by excellent teachers. Plus, they are naturally talented, so winning won’t be difficult. Even if there’s any risk, your Dragon Tooth Guards can mitigate it, so these two rounds are guaranteed wins. Since they’ve won, there’s no need for the third match, and you, who know nothing about chess, remain mysterious in others’ eyes without revealing any shortcomings."

"If you know that, there’s no need to state it explicitly," Mu Qingge kept an incredibly composed demeanor, flicking a part of her brocade robe subtly with her fingers.

Jiang Li shook her head in amazement, "I must remind myself never to offend you in the future, or I’d be outmaneuvered without knowing how." She knew Mu Qingge didn’t know chess, so she could infer her real intention.

However, others did not know that, and Mu Qingge’s actions made them believe her chess skills were profound, saving her for last.

Such scheming, Jiang Li admitted she couldn’t compete with it.

"You’re flattering me, it’s just a simple trick of Tian Ji’s horse racing," Mu Qingge ’humbly’ said in response to Jiang Li’s ’praise’.

"Tian Ji’s horse racing? Who is Tian Ji? How did he race horses?" Jiang Li asked curiously.

Mu Qingge tugged at the corners of her mouth but didn’t satisfy her curiosity.

Mu Qingge looked towards the match platform, where the five Dragon Tooth Guards stood before Zhao Nanxing, aligning themselves as instructed by him. The Rong Country’s side did the same.

Seeing the formations set by both sides, Mu Qingge frowned slightly and pondered, "What kind of chess is this?"

Each person had only five pieces, how do you strategize and deploy this?

Mu Qingge had no idea that the chess in this world was played like this.

"Begin—!"

The eunuch’s voice came from on high, representing Emperor Yuan’s command.

Zhao Nanxing’s eyes gleamed, and he spoke calmly, "Left pawn leaps one step forward, capture."

As soon as his words fell, a Dragon Tooth Guard leapt in front of the others to confront the opponent’s piece face to face.

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