Chapter 321: Xu Qiqin! (1/2)
Chapter 321: Xu Qiqin!
Thus, Princess Ni Huang theorized that the Wang Clan was in grasp of an extremely secretive but powerful intelligence network.
Her goal was simple—she wanted Wang Chong to hand over that network. The value of such a swift network could be considered to surpass even that of the spirit vein.
As such, she decided to coop herself in Wang Chong's Deflecting Blade Manor to see if she could find any traces of that secret intelligence network. In any case, Wang Chong wouldn't be able to chase her away either.
”Hahaha. Your Highness, there is nothing I can do if you don't believe me. I have already said the truth, and it is up to you to believe me or not.”
Wang Chong shrugged with a smile.
It was indeed true that he didn't possess such intelligence network, so Princess Ni Huang's efforts were doomed to end in futility.
”Hmph, it's a matter of time before I catch you by your tail.”
Seeing how Wang Chong was adamantly denying the matter, Princess Ni Huang furiously threw behind these words before stomping back to the shed where Marquess Yi was seated.
”Your Highness, calm down. Here, drink a cup of pomegranate juice.”
Marquess Yi passed a cup of juice by her side to Princess Ni Huang, and surprisingly, Princess Ni Huang took the cup and replied with a rare expression of gratitude.
”Sister Yi, thank you.”
———One of the main reasons why Wang Chong had invited Marquess Yi over was to have her help mediate in the relationship with Princess Ni Huang. But one thing Wang Chong could have never imagined was that the two ladies would actually become good friends instead.
...
Passing by the bamboo shed which Marquess Yi privately constructed, Wang Chong arrived at a huge hall. This was the most important location of the Deflecting Blade Manor, the Chess Hall.
The Chess Hall was the largest building in the Deflecting Blade Manor, as well as the place where an important chain to Wang Chong's plans would unfold.
”Gongzi!”
”Gongzi!”
...
Upon seeing Wang Chong, the guards in the Chess Hall hurriedly bowed respectfully. In response, Wang Chong did a downward movement with his hands to gesture for them to remain silent.
Unlike the bustle outside, the interiors of the massive Chess Hall was extremely silent.
Around thirty examinees had their eyebrows knitted together, deep in thought. Sitting opposite to them was a corresponding 'examiner', and placed between each examiner-examinee pair was a chessboard each, where black stones and white stones were clashing with one another.
Strength is just one of the many factors required for a general, a strong understanding of warfare and wisdom are important as well.
This was also the reason why Wang Chong arranged this to be the first round of tests.
All examinees who wished to join the Deflecting Blade Manor would have to clear this test and enter the Chess Hall first.
And the examinees who were accepted into the Chess Hall would, in turn, serve as examiners for the next batch of examinees.
This was a system which Wang Chong slowly developed over this period of time.
Through this system, he could save valuable manpower while cultivating some fondness for the Chess Hall amongst the new members. At the same time, it could reinforce the importance of warfare as well.
——And more importantly, it would temper the players' thoughts to be more flexible to various situations.
Without alarming anyone, Wang Chong walked up a spiral staircase from the first floor to the second floor.
”Gongzi!”
”Gongzi!”
”Gongzi!”
...
Around a dozen students turned to Wang Chong and bowed respectfully. Their eyes were filled with admiration and anticipation, a gaze which one wouldn't direct to a fellow peer.
With his outstanding birth and the immense prestige of the Deflecting Blade Manor, Wang Chong had gradually become an idol in everyone's hearts.
However, this wasn't the reason behind their anticipation and tension. More importantly, the event today would determine their qualification to enter the spirit vein to cultivate.
There were two different examinations conducted in the Chess Hall.
The first examination determined whether one possessed the capability to join the Chess Hall or not. Due to the lower importance of this matter, Wang Chong entrusted this responsibility to all members of the Deflecting Blade Manor.
On the other hand, the second examination was one conducted by Wang Chong himself, and it was directed toward all members of the Deflecting Blade Manor.
Anyone who could pass Wang Chong's test would be given the qualification to cultivate in the spirit vein.
This was the most effective way to reinforce the importance of warfare and the Way of Chess in everyone's mind. This could subconsciously shape the members' attitude toward this matter.
With this strong motivating factor, the members of the Deflecting Blade Manor would put their heart and soul into studying warfare
A man who was both strong and adept in warfare—this was the type of general and comrade that Wang Chong wanted to fight alongside with.
”There's no need to stand on ceremony.”
Wang Chong waved his hands before gesturing to Wei Anfang behind him.
”The examination shall begin everyone. Please take a seat.”
Wei Anfang walked up and announced.
With the official commencement of the examination, the group of people immediately sat down with tense faces.
Half of the men who chose to enter Deflecting Blade Manor had come for the spirit vein. Thus, it was easy to imagine how much they desired to pass this examination.
There were more than a dozen examinees, but there was only one examiner. Nevertheless, this didn't stump Wang Chong.
”Let's begin.”
Everyone hurriedly began preparing the chessboard before them neatly. Following which, Wang Chong began walking from the first table to the last one, putting down a single stone as he passed.
Wang Chong's attitude was extremely casual, and he was able to make his moves without much thought.