Chapter 108: Chess Path Yin and Yang

Ji Yuan laughed for a long time before gradually stopping, easing his breath, and taking deep breaths.

He let out a long, slow breath.

Without moving, he lay on his back, gazing up at the sky. The tree branches in his peripheral vision were still blurry, but at least he wasn't completely blind. At the moment his eyes had bled, Ji Yuan had genuinely feared losing his sight entirely.

Fortunately, he could still see things now. How clear his vision was had become secondary; he was used to it anyway.

Though Ji Yuan appeared disheveled and ragged, his body was surprisingly clean. Even his hair, though wet and clinging to him, was composed of distinct, non-clumped strands.

Thus, Ji Yuan's body had no unpleasant odor; only dust on his clothes was unavoidable.

While his gaze was fixed on the sky, his mind was replaying the exaggerated game of divination chess. In his chess-divination dream, he had used a profound method to deduce changes in the world. Although he couldn't fully grasp the core of the great cosmic calamity, he had still gained significant insights.

“Alas…”

Ji Yuan sighed. One immediate realization was that he, Ji Yuan, would likely have no fate with joining any prestigious immortal mansions. Otherwise, he himself would merge into one of those immortal spiritual energies.

Without being able to guarantee a single move that could determine the universe's fate, doing so would be cutting off his own chess path. It would very likely obstruct the ongoing game of the Great Dao within the realm of artistic conception.

This was the essence of it: being within the game yet transcendent of it, never getting too deeply involved.

Yet, Ji Yuan couldn't truly remain aloof. After all, he lived in this world and possessed his own emotions. Moreover, to play the game, he needed new pieces.

After years of playing and divining chess within the cave, Ji Yuan had gained a preliminary understanding of the moves and strategies of the game.

The moment he glimpsed the great cosmic calamity, a saying became profoundly clear: 'Heaven generates, Heaven destroys—this is the principle of the Dao. Heaven and Earth are the thieves of all things; all things are the thieves of humans; humans are the thieves of all things. When the three thieves are in harmony, the three powers find peace.'

As the saying goes, 'The Dao gives birth to one; one gives birth to two; two gives birth to three; and three gives birth to all things. All things carry the yin and embrace the yang, and through the blending of their vital energies, they achieve harmony.'

All these meanings converge into one simple word: harmony.

Ji Yuan had no intention of resisting the immeasurable calamity by himself; he lacked such a grand heart and power. However, he knew he could make moves to guide events, strategize across the world, and leverage the momentum to gather the strength of all beings to pave the way for resistance.

At least this way, even if he failed, Ji Yuan would have a clear conscience!

As someone aspiring to become an immortal, upon learning of such a terrifying calamity for all beings in heaven and earth, and knowing he indeed had the ability to influence or even change the outcome, no one would think, 'What does a calamity thousands of years from now have to do with me?' Moreover, if he truly became an immortal, it would inevitably be something he'd have to face.

What needs doing, must be done; what can be done, must be done even more!

Improving his cultivation was essential; otherwise, Ji Yuan would run out of lifespan before the game was finished.

Seeking out predestined individuals across the world was also crucial. These 'individuals' referred to humans, gods, ghosts, demons, spirits, immortals, Buddhas, and even devils throughout the cosmos. He had to, as much as possible, draw these predestined individuals into the game as 'pieces' and facilitate their growth; otherwise, he'd have no pieces left halfway through the game!

The Northern Dipper brings destruction, the Southern Dipper brings creation; both black and white chess pieces have their wonderful uses!

Destiny knows no bounds of importance; even a mortal child might, in the future, influence the human path's essence. But destiny is destiny; it cannot be forced or sought indiscriminately. Both the player and the pieces must never lose their original intention.

'Life is like chess; make your move with no regrets!'

Still gaunt, Ji Yuan unsteadily stood up, clenching his fists at his sides. He raised his head, his blurry gaze fixed on the shifting clouds in the sky.

'When Yin and Yang merge, the Two Principles emerge; when Heaven and Earth achieve Great Harmony, they transform into the Limitless... This world has only one chance, but there's still ample time. I, Ji Yuan, have many more chances. With enduring perseverance and the Yin-Yang principles of chess, we shall see!'

Standing in the mountain wind for a long time, Ji Yuan gradually regained his composure. The flesh on his face filled out slightly, no longer looking as dreadful as before.

He reached up to smooth his wet, long hair; the wooden hairpin was nowhere to be found. He looked at his clothes, which were tattered but still covered him adequately, though they likely wouldn't withstand any strong pulling.

“Ugh… what a state I'm in!”

Sighing, Ji Yuan waved his hand, and five chess pieces appeared simultaneously. Spiritual energy from the mountains surged toward him.

After three years, Ji Yuan's state of mind and cultivation were vastly different. The greatest change was in his mindset, which paradoxically seemed unchanged, yet upon closer inspection, revealed a transformation, as if it had become 'true' from the heart's inclination.

His cultivation, however, was more tangible. The Five Elements' energy resonated with the cosmic qi of heaven and earth. Although still a long way from perfection, he exhibited the signs of a 'Returning to Origin' state without having fully achieved it, primarily due to his magical power lagging behind.

After two days and nights of cultivation, Ji Yuan had fully recovered his energy and magical power. His 'Dan Chamber' now spanned over ten mu, indicating he was no longer a person of shallow cultivation. Furthermore, the true fire blazing within his conceptual Dan furnace was magnificent, even causing a layer of fiery light to emanate from the golden bridge connecting the Dan furnace to his magical power dantian.

But what was particularly astonishing was that Ji Yuan found himself truly immune to dirt. He hadn't used a dust-repelling spell or intentionally cast any other magic, yet he remained spotless.

Dust and grime would slide off him as if he were greased. Even when muddy water from a stirred stream was caught by his long hair, the mud quickly detached, leaving only clean water clinging to the tips.

This was something that puzzled even Ji Yuan himself, as there were no similar records in either the 'Tales of the Outer Path' or 'Strategies of Transcendent Clarity'.

Of course, Ji Yuan certainly wouldn't dislike such a phenomenon.

He strode through the mountains, leaping and bounding. With a beckoning hand gesture, the Azure Vine Sword flew to him and landed in his grip.

“Haha… you've been working hard all this time!”

The sword hummed softly.

The long sword hummed softly in Ji Yuan's hand, without any hint of resentment.

In a short while, Ji Yuan returned to the stone cave where he had meditated for three years. He found that the wooden chessboard was of good quality; apart from some rotting corners, its overall structure remained intact. However, there were many broken ceramic pieces on the board, and the two chess boxes were empty.

He searched the cave but couldn't find his travel bag and umbrella; they must have been left at the inn back then.

There was nothing particularly valuable in the bag—just a set of clothes with a tear under the armpit and a bamboo scroll of chess scriptures. The 'Strategies of Transcendent Clarity' and 'Tales of the Outer Path', along with his money pouch, were always carried on his person, as were the two small jade slips from Jade Embrace Mountain and Wei Wuwei's jade pendant.

“As for this chessboard… I must have taken it without paying back then…”

Ji Yuan scratched his head. This was likely the first time in both his lives, aside from snatching candies as a child in his previous life, that he had taken something without paying and then left.

With a casual wave of his hand, a dry branch lifted from the ground and flew into Ji Yuan's grasp. He stripped off the bark and broke off the excess twigs, leaving a smooth, slightly curved branch about six inches long in his hand.

He smoothed and coiled his hair, then casually inserted the wooden stick, forming a simple bun. It looked as carefree as three years ago, yet even more natural.

“Let's go, let's visit Juntian Prefecture City again!”

Ji Yuan seemed to say this to the Azure Vine Sword, yet also to himself. He took a step, moving with the graceful ease of a soaring dragon, as if shrinking the distance with each stride.