Immortality Through Array Formations Chapter 2435 Chapter 1103: Pavilion Elder (Part 2)

The Pavilion Elder's gaze flickered, lost in a moment of contemplation.

Amidst the bustle of passersby, Mo Hua continued his unhurried meal, savoring his noodles with methodical precision.

Within the prestigious Seven Pavilions of the Taoist Court, where the Heaven Shu Pavilion commanded immense power and veiled mysticism, the Pavilion Elder observed from a distance, intrigued by Mo Hua's complete consumption of a noodle bowl.

Only after Mo Hua finished every last drop of soup did the Pavilion Elder's thoughts return, a soft sigh escaping him as he mused:

"It is time to depart."

His objective had been met.

Upon arriving in Cloud Crossing City, having anticipated Mo Hua's trajectory, he was propelled by curiosity to witness Mo Hua just once before his departure.

Having achieved this, his departure was naturally imminent.

The Pavilion Elder began to pack his chessboard, but his movements faltered midway. He looked up, his eyes meeting Mo Hua's across the crowded space.

Mo Hua, it seemed, was surveying the crowd, his gaze briefly resting upon the Elder.

A flicker of surprise crossed the Pavilion Elder's face: "Could this young one... perceive me?"

Yet, Mo Hua's attention seemed caught by something else for a fleeting instant before drifting away.

After his gaze shifted, Mo Hua appeared perplexed, scanning his surroundings as if seeking something he couldn't quite identify.

Finding nothing after an extensive search, Mo Hua's focus returned, once more settling in the Pavilion Elder's direction.

More precisely, it landed upon the chessboard before the Elder.

In the very next moment, Mo Hua lifted his head, and through the ambient haze, his eyes brightened as he perceived the Elder seated by the chessboard.

The Pavilion Elder watched, astonished, as Mo Hua rose and approached directly, stopping before him.

Mo Hua first examined the chessboard, then looked up at the Pavilion Elder, his expression expectant, inquiring:

"Esteemed sir, do you engage in chess?"

The Pavilion Elder gave a nod.

Mo Hua's internal thoughts affirmed this, and he then asked, "Esteemed sir, would you care for a game?"

The Pavilion Elder considered this, remaining silent.

Mo Hua offered an explanation: "I must catch the Cloud Ferry, but there is still some time. With nothing else to occupy me, I observed you playing alone and thought to join you for a brief while."

A spark of interest ignited in the Pavilion Elder, prompting him to ask in return: "And why do you wish to play with me?"

Mo Hua appraised the Pavilion Elder before confidently stating: "Your venerable beard and distinguished bearing unequivocally mark you as a master of chess!"

The Pavilion Elder was momentarily taken aback, then felt a sensation akin to a gentle spring breeze washing over him, warming his heart and bringing profound solace.

Behold!

There truly exist those in this world who recognize true worth!

And this young prodigy, deserving of his accolades as the Qianxue Array Dao Double Champion and Sword Discussion Champion, could discern his exceptional chess prowess amidst the throng with a single glance.

The Pavilion Elder, widely known within the Tian Shu Pavilion as the "hopeless chess player," suddenly felt as though he had encountered a kindred spirit, a reunion as welcome as a shower of sweet rain.

"Come, let us partake in a match!"

The Pavilion Elder, who had been on the verge of packing away his belongings, was revitalized with enthusiasm. With a sweep of his sleeve, he arranged the chessboard.

Mo Hua offered a respectful bow to the Pavilion Elder before taking his seat opposite him, sitting with exemplary posture and decorum.

"You may begin," the Pavilion Elder instructed.

"Very well."

Mo Hua, showing deference as the junior, did not decline. He selected a chess piece, contemplating its placement upon the board with great care.

A single glance was sufficient for any observer to recognize this move as the hallmark of a "hopeless chess player."

The Pavilion Elder was genuinely touched: "You play admirably!"

Mo Hua paused, a sudden wave of camaraderie washing over him.

It had been an extraordinarily long time since his chess abilities had been recognized with praise.

The last occasion such commendation was bestowed was during a game with Grandpa Gui.

Mo Hua found himself unable to suppress the nascent smile forming at the corners of his lips.

The Pavilion Elder, in turn, placed a piece on the board.

Unsurprisingly, it too was an uninspired move.

Mo Hua's eyes widened in feigned astonishment: "Esteemed sir, your mastery of chess is truly unparalleled!"

The Pavilion Elder stroked his beard, responding with a humble, "Not inadequate."

Mo Hua studied the board, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow, before making his next move.

The Pavilion Elder observed it, nodding approvingly: "Commendable, quite commendable," he then looked toward Mo Hua, posing a question: "Do you play chess frequently?"

Mo Hua let out a sigh, tinged with a hint of regret, "I have not played in quite some time."

The Pavilion Elder inquired further: "And why is that?"

Mo Hua responded with a touch of bewilderment, "I consider myself a chess aficionado, yet my fellow disciples refuse to engage me, deeming my skills subpar. This I cannot comprehend, leading me to 'confine' my talents, rarely demonstrating them to others."

A shared sense of understanding washed over the Pavilion Elder, eliciting a sigh. "Indeed, my situation mirrors yours."

Mo Hua's expression turned to astonishment. "Esteemed Elder, with your peerless abilities, are there truly individuals who fail to recognize your brilliance?"

The Pavilion Elder, a hint of melancholy in his voice, shook his head. "People, alas, are often so unobservant."

Mo Hua offered a nod, his agreement profound.

"From whom did you learn the art of chess?" the Pavilion Elder inquired.

Mo Hua responded, "Truthfully, no one. I simply played frequently with Grandpa Gui during my childhood."

The Pavilion Elder's eyelids quivered subtly.

As Mo Hua strategically placed another piece, he declared, "Old sir, the turn is now yours."

Observing this, the Pavilion Elder's spirit seemed to reawaken, and he slowly stated, "Very well, let me consider..."

After a brief period of contemplation, the Pavilion Elder made his move.

One elder, one youth, one with black stones, one with white, piece by piece, within the tranquil teahouse of this secluded Immortal City, they engaged in a fierce contest that reached a stalemate.

To any casual observer, they appeared as nothing more than two lost souls engrossed in a seemingly inept game of chess. Yet, unbeknownst to them, both were utterly absorbed in the challenge.

The passage of time went unnoticed.

Finally, as the sun dipped below the western horizon, painting the sky with the hues of dusk, the distant, solemn echo of the cloud flute from Cloud Ferry marked the hour. Mo Hua, snapping back to reality, cast his gaze upon the unfinished board and sighed.

"The time has arrived, old sir. I must depart."

The Pavilion Elder glanced at the game, a sense of lingering dissatisfaction evident.

Mo Hua spoke with earnest sincerity, "Esteemed Elder, your chess prowess is truly remarkable. Should our paths cross again, I would be honored to engage in another game."

The Pavilion Elder looked up at Mo Hua, a flicker of regret for their delayed encounter crossing his features. With a touch of reluctance, he replied,

"Indeed, when we next meet, we shall play chess once more."

Mo Hua offered a respectful bow. "Old sir, until we meet again."