Liang Xiao did not object, silently awaiting the Chess Saint's response.
After his analysis, he was sufficiently confident that even with a celestial opening against Zhuo Yun, he had a high chance of winning.
He was unfamiliar with the Chess Saint's skill and therefore did not dare to be arrogant. However, when others boasted in a field he truly mastered, he could not be blamed.
After all, he was once the only one who could occasionally draw against the strongest AI. Other players, frustrated to the point of mental breakdown from illegal moves, could only concede. Even an "occasional draw" was a distant dream. If it weren't for avenging his benefactor and protecting more people, he might have truly become a grandmaster of Go.
Even while serving in the military, during overseas missions where he had to assume disguises as a teacher or student, Liang Xiao would utilize any downtime to follow Go competitions and learn the knowledge required for his assumed roles, thus strengthening the plausibility of his disguises.
Without sufficient knowledge and strong adaptability, it would be difficult to complete various demanding missions, let alone engage in prolonged covert operations or combat in the wilderness. This forced Liang Xiao to acquire a vast amount of amateur knowledge and common sense. He would only learn the superficial aspects unless absolutely necessary, focusing primarily on survival skills.
For instance, regarding the steam engine, he understood its prototype but not its complete internal structure, nor could he immediately recreate it on the spot. He could only provide research directions to the Ministry of Works.
Only by experiencing it firsthand would one realize how preposterous it was for protagonists in transmigration novels to build steam engines, firearms, and plumbing within a few days or weeks.
Even with detailed blueprints, the manufacturing and polishing of tools alone could take a significant amount of time, let alone producing feasible invention plans. Some intricate components, even with blueprints, might not be rapidly producible.
The steam engine, after its advent, took decades to be improved and mass-produced by Watt, officially ushering in the Industrial Revolution!
Even cement required Liang Xiao to provide direction, and it took the Ministry of Works people a year or two of research to develop a reliable solution, and it still wasn't modern cement and required continuous improvement. Similarly, the white sugar Liang Xiao developed was not true modern white sugar; the purity difference was substantial.
At this moment, Luo Qingxue, Jian Qinwan, and Zhuo Yun covered their mouths, fearing they might reveal their smiles, yet their eyes, darting around, still betrayed their inner joy and pride.
Yue Wenxin and Zhuo Zifang's eyes gleamed, while Yue Hongxiu narrowed her eyes and shook her head helplessly.
Mu Cheng and Qin Feng's family wore expressions of disbelief.
Wasn't this Goldenling Chess Immortal supposed to have inherited the Chess Saint's true teachings? Why had he lost all ten games, unable to win even against Liang Xiao's seemingly poor opening of a celestial move?
Zhi Rou, who particularly enjoyed chess, understood all too well how exquisite Miss Zhuo the Second's chess skills were.
The Chess Saint simply gazed at the chessboard, sighed for a long time, and shook her head, "This old woman is also no match for him. There's no need to waste any more time. Having been bestowed the name of Chess Saint among ancient and modern players, I shall henceforth be self-aware and call myself merely a chess player."
As her voice fell, the entire venue plunged into a deathly silence.
It wasn't until the chess piece in Zhuo Yun's hand dropped onto the table that everyone snapped back to reality, their hearts filled with unparalleled shock.
The Chess Saint had directly conceded, admitting she was inferior?
They could tell that the Chess Saint was absolutely not being humble; she was acknowledging it from the bottom of her heart!
Mu Cheng, the first to recover, smiled and attempted to smooth things over, "Indeed. This young man's chessboard encompasses the heavens and the earth; who can contend with him? Every field has its specialists. The Chess Saint is, after all, the Chess Saint, admired by the world. There's no need for such modesty!"
The crowd couldn't help but cast looks of admiration at Mu Cheng, praising him.
This remark instantly elevated the perspective!
Yet, this "specialization in a field..."
The Chess Saint's face turned red, and she could only manage a wry smile.
Liang Xiao then spoke, "I am but a junior. How dare I presume to display my meager skills before the Chess Saint? You flatter me."
The Chess Saint felt somewhat better and looked at Zhuo Yun, hesitating to speak.
Zhuo Yun, staring at Liang Xiao, felt her world turned upside down.
Her chess path, which she took great pride in and which surpassed everyone below her master, was merely like a firefly competing with the sun and moon when faced with Liang Xiao...
Even her master couldn't defeat her with such ease!
"Has my chess path truly been wrong?" Zhuo Yun felt like weeping, wishing she could disappear into a crack in the earth.
Liang Xiao stated earnestly, "Your chess path is not wrong, and your unwillingness to marry is not wrong. It's just that your actions are contrary to your own chess path. A chess player must also have a good mindset; chessmanship is like character. You should have bravely faced me and Zhuo Lingjun and communicated properly. Why did you resort to constant evasion?"
Zhuo Zifang quickly added, "Liang Xiao wants to tell you that a chess player who has achieved a certain level can study the path of chess anywhere, instead of being fixated on rigid principles. Xiao Yun, you can still freely travel between the two countries in the future to exchange chess knowledge, but for now, you should return..."
Zhuo Yun mumbled, "I understand. Even if I am in Da Gan, I can still meticulously study the path of chess and contribute to the development of chess in both countries..."
As she spoke, Zhuo Yun glanced at Liang Xiao, her heart filled with remorse.
So, he merely disdained showing off his chess skills everywhere. The nation and its people, that was his true chessboard!
Compared to him, how pathetic she was.
The young man before her was truly the chess player she should have followed her entire life, but alas... there was no longer any possibility.
From this day forward, even if he occasionally deigned to guide her, she could no longer harbor any improper thoughts. She could only seek guidance with the humility of a student.
Even if he were to marry her in the future, out of respect for her grandfather and her third sister, Zhuo Xun, she would have no face to accept. She could only refrain from disturbing his world.
"You need not blame yourself. Da Gan's chess path needs you to revitalize it, and the chess paths of both countries also need you as a bridge. In addition to this..."
Liang Xiao finally made his stance clear and gave a nod to He Zizhang, who was by the door.
He Zizhang immediately retrieved a box from outside and placed it on Liang Xiao's table before opening it.
Everyone peered intently and saw a peculiar chessboard with pieces inscribed with characters.
Soldier, Cannon, Chariot, Horse, Minister, General.
Pawn, Cannon, Chariot, Horse, Elephant, Advisor, King.
"What is this?" The people of Da Liang looked on in confusion.
Liang Xiao explained, "Before I came, I had a sudden inspiration and sent people to hastily craft this Xiangqi. It can also be promoted in both countries in the future."
As Liang Xiao spoke, he explained the rules to everyone and began playing a game of Xiangqi with Zhuo Zifang on the spot.
The onlookers watched with great interest, exclaiming in amazement.
"Da Liang should also promote this type of Xiangqi!" Mu Cheng declared solemnly.
Zhuo Zifang then said to Zhuo Yun, "Xiao Yun, the Xiangqi of Da Gan will depend on you for its promotion!"
Zhuo Yun bit her lower lip, nodded firmly, and looked at Liang Xiao with gratitude.
Liang Xiao had been consistently providing her with a way out. Now, using the promotion of Xiangqi as an excuse, he invited her back to Da Gan. She was indeed captivated by this novel "Xiangqi," wanting to learn and study it.
Zhuo Zifang was finally relieved and repeatedly thanked the Chess Saint, "Hongyi, thank you for taking care of Xiao Yun all these years..."
The Chess Saint sighed, "Let her return home with peace of mind. This old woman should be thanking the Marquis of An Guo for not holding grudges and for his generous guidance. The revitalization of Da Liang's chess path is imminent!"
Yue Hongxiu had been fixated on Liang Xiao, her eyes filled with horror.
The Chess Saint, who disliked the Liang family, had actually changed her attitude overnight and was completely convinced by Liang Xiao?