Chapter 224 Ancient Carvings

Chapter 224 Ancient Carvings

Chapter 224 Ancient Carvings
Xiao Jie was still very nervous at this time. This guy was actually a god. He was completely different from the Xibe guy before. He was a real god.

There are too many stories about gods playing chess in ancient times. For example, Liu Zhongfu, a national Go player in the Northern Song Dynasty, met an immortal, was defeated, and vomited several liters of blood. He also left behind a famous vomiting blood record.

It feels like he is completely not on the same level as ordinary chess players.

Even with AI in hand, Xiao Jie was not completely sure.

But when it really came down, Xiao Jie's heart gradually calmed down.

There is no other reason. The winning rate of AI on the Go interface of the computer next to it is constantly increasing.

Obviously, this person's strength did not surpass that of the previous Taoist Master Shen Ji by much. Perhaps he was a little more powerful, but in front of AI, there didn't seem to be that much difference.

This can be seen from Shen Jizi's expression. At first, Shen Jizi looked disdainful, but as the rain continued, his expression became gradually serious.

The speed of placing the pieces also began to slow down gradually.

Less than twenty minutes later, he suddenly stopped.

"I lost."

Huh? Xiao Jie was stunned for a moment, and looked at the chess pieces on the board. He hadn't even finished half of the game, and he hadn't captured many of the opponent's pieces. Why did he admit defeat?
Just now he was acting all cocky and arrogant as if he was worth two and a half million... Although he was proud in his heart, he didn't dare to show it in his tone.

"Master, the game isn't over yet, why are you saying this? How about a few more moves?"

"No need for that. You are indeed a rare chess genius in a thousand years. I am not as good as you. Hahaha, it is really hard to believe when I say this."

Although Shen Jizi was a little arrogant, he was also upright. He admitted defeat without any anger on his face, which made Xiao Jie breathe a sigh of relief.

It turns out that the cultivation of immortals is extraordinary.

"Thank you for your praise, Immortal. Actually, I..."

"I'm not praising you!" Shen Jizi's tone suddenly turned cold. "If you weren't such a master, how could you have defeated me? Are you saying that your chess skills are just average, and I, the great Shen Jizi, lost to an ordinary person?"

Xiao Jie was startled and thought to himself, why do you get so angry so suddenly?

"No, no, no, I'm just being modest. Of course, I'm the best chess player in the world. I won't lose any points if the Immortal loses to me."

"Hmph, you are so slick." Shenjizi's eyes flashed like lightning, "Who did you learn the art of chess from? Don't say you are gifted by nature."

Xiao Jie thought to himself, this is still his fault. The other party has a bad temper, so he has to think of a decent excuse.

But you definitely can’t tell the truth. You can’t say that you are an NPC in the game and it is using AI to play chess with you.

His brain was working quickly. Fortunately, Xiao Jie read a lot of novels, so he could come up with a melodramatic story in an instant.

The most important thing when telling a lie is to have some truth and some falsehood. Simply making up a lie can be easily discovered, but if there is some truth mixed in with the lie, it will be much more realistic.

"In fact, I learned the art of chess from a strange Taoist in a dream."

"In a dream? A strange Taoist? Tell me about it."

"One day I was on my way and came across a dilapidated temple. It was dark at the time, so I hid in the temple to avoid the night ghosts. Little did I know that a strange Taoist priest had already lived in the temple.

The Taoist looked stupid and foolish, very strange. I tried to test him, but he seemed to be in a daze and didn't respond at all.

He just asked me for some food. I didn't know how deep his relationship was, so I didn't dare to have any deep contact with him. I just gave him a steamed bun. But I couldn't help feeling a little alert. I wanted to stay up all night, but somehow I fell asleep in a daze.

After I fell asleep, I had a dream. In the dream, I saw the Taoist again. However, the Taoist in the dream gave me an unfathomable feeling. He also thanked me for the steamed buns I gave him and said he was willing to teach me a skill.

He said that he was proficient in the four arts of music, chess, calligraphy and painting. The music can control people's hearts, chess can reveal mysteries, calligraphy can transform ideas into spirits, and painting can turn the virtual into reality.

I have no interest in playing the piano, calligraphy or painting, but I like chess. When I was a child, I often played chess with others, so I asked him to teach me how to play chess. The Taoist taught me some chess. I don’t remember the scene in the dream very clearly, and when I woke up, I found that the Taoist was gone.

Later I learned the art of chess.”

The God Machine Man listened with deep thought. This story was a bit absurd and bizarre, but he seemed to be thinking about it. "What does the Taoist look like?"

Xiao Jie described the appearance of the evil Taoist priest, but at the same time he played a vague role, saying only that the Taoist priest's image in the dream was vague, and made people feel that he was unfathomable, but they could not remember his specific appearance.

Xiao Jie thought that since the evil man was someone else's incarnation, there must be a big boss behind him, maybe an immortal.

It would be better to use him as a cover, since there is no evidence anyway.

However, just in case the other party really knows this person, we must be vague in case the other party knows the real person behind the scenes.

The god's face changed, "So it was him..."

"Master, do you know this person?"

"I don't recognize him, but I have heard of him. He must have the cultivation of an immortal, but he is not from my Konglao Mountain lineage, and he has never appeared in Guoyunzhou... Forget it, this matter involves the secrets of my Immortal Palace, you should not know too much, let's continue playing chess."

Xiao Jie was surprised and said, "Ah, you're still playing, haven't I won? Could it be that the Immortal Master is..."

"Hmph, don't worry. You have won the bet. I will give you the elixir in a while, and I will also remove the barrier of the cave for you. However, we agreed on a best-of-three game, so we still have to play the third game. I didn't play my best just now, so I will use some external force this time to let you know the mystery of the immortal law and the infinite power of the divine machine. Come on, after the third game, I will let you go regardless of whether you win or lose."

Xiao Jie finally breathed a sigh of relief.

So you just want to save your face. That's good. As for me just playing another game of chess with you, that doesn't matter.

If it really doesn't work, just let him do a few tricks, so that the immortal won't get really angry and embarrassed.

However, he was a little worried that it would be too obvious if he gave in. After all, his chess skills were completely dependent on the AI. If he didn't play according to the AI's method, he would probably make some bad moves. If the opponent found out that he gave in, he might be even angrier.

Although he had a headache in his heart, his tone remained calm. Xiao Jie could see that although this Shen Ji Zi was arrogant and rude, he was definitely a man of occasion, and he had to establish his character well.

"I dare not obey your orders, please, Immortal."

"Please, it's your turn to play black."

Xiao Jie thought to himself that you can't even win with black first, let alone with white first. Well, since you want to die, I'll grant your wish.

Now place a move according to the AI's method.

Shen Ji Zi did not rush to make a move. Instead, he raised his sword and pointed it at his forehead and chest.

Immortal method - it transforms the mind into freedom!

In an instant, two rays of white light came out from those eyes.

Xiao Jie was surprised—what is this?
The white light in Shen Ji Zi's eyes dissipated, revealing a pair of eyes as black as ink. These eyes were like the vast starry sky, dotted with stars, and as unfathomable as a black hole.

The whole person's demeanor changed completely.

When you start to play chess, you also place a piece down.

AI immediately responded.

The two of them played one piece after another, faster and faster. Xiao Jie was a little surprised. Before, it took this guy a long time to play one piece. How come he suddenly played so fast?
Fortunately, the winning rate is still on his side. According to the winning rate given by AI, he now has a huge advantage, and it is still improving.

It seems to be no different from the previous one.

Bang! Shen Jizi dropped another piece, but the AI ​​in the computer suddenly stopped moving.

Hmm? What's going on? Xiao Jie patted the computer monitor and thought, is there a bug?

Under normal circumstances, AI's computing speed is extremely fast. The previous two games were won in seconds. Why did it get stuck this time?

Is there something wrong?

Xiao Jie was worried but there was nothing he could do so he could only wait anxiously.

Fortunately, the AI ​​didn't really get stuck. After waiting for two or three minutes, it finally made a move.

It’s okay, as long as I can walk.

Bang! Shen Jizi immediately responded, but the AI ​​got stuck again.

Xiao Jie vaguely felt that something was wrong. Why did it feel like the attack and defense of AI and Shen Ji Zi were in the wrong positions?

He tried to look at the chessboard, but saw the black and white pieces tangled together. With his level of skill, he couldn't make out anything.

However, judging from the speed at which the AI ​​plays chess, it is clear that the opponent has the advantage.

The AI ​​waited for five minutes before making a move, and its winning rate dropped from 87.2% to 63.5% in an instant.

Shen Ji Zi made another move.

This time, it took the AI ​​seven minutes to fight back, and its win rate dropped further to 56.4%.

After a few chess pieces fell, the winning rate has dropped to 36.7%.

At this time, even Xiao Jie realized that something was wrong. There was a big dragon in the plate and it was about to be slaughtered.

Holy shit, what's going on?
Bang! The AI ​​made another move, and its win rate increased by 3%.
Shen Jizi showed an approving look on his face, "My friend is indeed extraordinary. He was able to survive from death and find the only flaw in this chess game. Unfortunately, he is still inferior to me."

As he said this, he moved his backhand again.

Just like the Fairy Sword that slays the dragon, it directly cuts the black pieces on the board into two parts, with the head and tail unable to take care of each other.

Xiao Jie looked at the AI's winning rate on the computer again, and it was less than 5%. "I lost."

Xiao Jie was too lazy to wait any longer. His goal had been achieved anyway, so he just admitted defeat.

It just so happened that the loss of this game was quite natural.

The divine machine man smiled slightly, and the light in his eyes gradually dimmed.

The aura on his body also returned to its previous state.

"My friend, your chess skills are indeed extraordinary. Once I use my 'It Transforms the Free Mind', no one can beat me. Your chess skills are so advanced that you have even managed to turn the tide. I admire you. If we are destined to meet in the future, please come to Guoyunzhou to find me. We will have a drink and chat, and play chess together."

After hearing this, Xiao Jie immediately relaxed. It seemed that his opponent had won this game happily.

But he can even defeat AI, so this guy is really capable.

"The immortal is a chess master who is hard to beat. I have never lost in chess, but I never expected that—"

"Hahaha, my friend, there is no need to underestimate yourself. Among mortals, your chess skills are already at the highest level. However, I am not an ordinary person, so I cannot be measured by ordinary people's principles.

I just used the magic of immortality, otherwise it would be difficult for me to defeat you."

"Immortal magic?"

"Yes, this immortal method was carefully created by me. It is called 'It Transforms the Free Mind'. It can see through everything in the world and explore the mathematics. You should know that everything has a fixed number. As long as the computing power is sufficient, all changes in the universe can be instantly calculated. From this, you can see through the secrets of heaven, see through the universe, and even observe the future."

Xiao Jie thought, so awesome? Wait a minute, why is his statement similar to the dominance-level AI mentioned by Zhang Xingwen before?
"What a powerful magic! Just hearing about it makes me fascinated. The immortal master can create such a wonderful magic. It really makes me look up to him. I dare not look up to him."

Xiao Jie quickly found an opportunity to flatter him.

"But this magic can't predict everything." The Divine Machine suddenly added, "For example, the origin of that Taoist..."

"How could this be? Doesn't this 'It Transformed Free Heart' say that it can see through the universe and uncover the secrets of heaven?"

"That's true, so I'm also very curious. This person's origin is really confusing. There are still people and things in this universe that I can't figure out, but as long as I figure out this person, there is only chaos."

Xiao Jie felt something when he heard this, "Could it be that the other party is not from this universe?"

Shen Jizi's expression was startled and suddenly changed drastically.

"My friend, I have something else to do, so I'll leave first. You can take the pills."

As he spoke, he flicked his hand and a golden pill fell into Xiao Jie's arms.

[System prompt: Complete the adventure mission [Immortal Gambling], you have successfully defeated Shen Ji Zi and obtained the mission reward [Longevity Pill].

Before Xiao Jie had time to be happy, the projection of the immortal in front of him had disappeared.

Seeing Shen Ji Zi disappear, Xiao Jie couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, as he had finally sent him away.

At the same time, he was a little curious. The person behind this evil man was so powerful that even Shen Ji Zi couldn't figure it out. He had chosen a good cover.

But looking at Shen Ji Zi’s reaction, is there really another universe outside this universe?
Could it be the content of the new version of the game expansion?

But don’t think about those useless things. The real thing is to put the benefits in your pocket first.

Xiao Jie took a look at the pills in his backpack.

【Longevity Pill (Immortal Pill)
Use: Extends the lifespan of an intelligent being by ten years.

Item Description: This elixir made by the immortals of Guoyunzhou can extend the lifespan of mortals. In ancient times, it was a treasure bestowed by Guoyunzhou on mortal heroes. With the destruction of Guoyunzhou and the disappearance of the immortals, this type of elixir has rarely appeared in the world since then. 】

What a good thing! If you sell this thing to players or exchange it with NPCs, it will definitely be hard currency.

And the upper limit of its value is extremely high. After all, longevity is something that even billionaires need very much.

If you really calculate it higher, it would be easy to exchange it for 100 million.

However, these ten years of lifespan seemed to be different from what he had thought before. He thought he would be ten years younger, but now it seems that the upper limit of lifespan will be increased by ten years. Even if he eats it, his age will not change, so there is no need to waste it.

He then walked towards the outside of the cave, and this time there was finally no air wall.

After passing through the cave, there is a huge circular valley outside. Inside the Konglao Mountain is a huge cemetery with white clouds suspended above it. Water vapor falls on the rock walls around the cemetery, turning into gurgling water that sprinkles down, drifts into mist, and spreads out, making the whole valley appear in a fairy-like and dreamy strange atmosphere.

The valley is full of exotic flowers and plants, the scenery is beautiful, it is like a fairyland.

Xiao Jie was walking and looking in the valley, feeling excited.

Is this the place where the ancient Qi-refining masters practiced? It is indeed a great place.

However, he still remembered his real goal - the inheritance of the ancient Qi-refining master.

Xiao Jie looked around and saw many stone walls under the cliffs of the tiankeng. They were smooth and flat, with many words engraved on them.

These should have been left behind by ancient Qigong practitioners, and no one knows what they say.

When I walked to a stone wall, I saw it written on it.

[After facing the wall to gain enlightenment for three hundred years, I suddenly felt something and wrote a poem and inscribed it on the wall to record it...]

Shit, this is actually a poem written by an ancient Qigong cultivator. He lamented that he had abandoned his original mortal identity and hid in the mountains to practice. He was lonely and isolated, but full of expectations for immortality. However, time flies, and three hundred years have passed without gaining anything. He couldn't help feeling sad. What the hell...

He hurried to another stone wall.

[I have been facing the wall to seek enlightenment for five hundred years, but have gained nothing. I am depressed, so I went out to relax and caught a white fish. I boiled it into wine and made soup. It tasted very delicious. I wrote it on the wall to commemorate it...]

System prompt: Found the recipe [Drunken White Fish], do you want to learn it? Yes/No.

Learning requirements: cooking proficiency, comprehension 15 points.

It turned out to be a recipe... Xiao Jie was speechless. These ancient Qigong masters wrote down everything. But he should learn it anyway. There is no reason to refuse a recipe given for free.

Read it several times.

System prompt: You have learned the recipe [Drunken White Fish], and the content of your skill book has increased.

Continue with the next wall.

[I have been facing the wall to seek enlightenment for seven hundred years, but have gained nothing. I have only been tired of practicing swordsmanship, and I am happy as hell...]

However, there were seventeen sword marks carved on the bottom of the stone wall, and each of them showed some special changes, which made people shocked, as if a sharp blade was on their back.

[System prompt: You have discovered the stone carving of the Immortal Sword Intention. Your comprehension is not enough to comprehend it. Your swordsmanship level is not high enough to comprehend it...]

Alas! What a waste.

Xiao Jie read through the articles one by one, and found that most of them were complaints, expressions of emotion, poems, etc. left behind by the ancient Qigong practitioners who cultivated immortality and attained enlightenment here.

Occasionally there was some useful content, but unfortunately he couldn't learn most of it.

I did learn two recipes.

One is [Drunken White Fish], and the other is [Immortal Drunk (Wine Making Recipe)].

The names of these Qi-refining practitioners are quite stylish. They have obviously not yet become immortals, but they have begun to regard themselves as immortals everywhere.

Finally, Xiao Jie came to the highest stone wall. This stone wall stood in the north of the tiankeng, facing the direction of the cave, and had the most words on it.

[We, a group of Qigong practitioners, have collectively realized the truth for three thousand years. We have devoted all our energy and efforts to our studies and have finally achieved something. We have obtained ten articles on Qigong techniques. In order to achieve immortality, we are afraid that there may be omissions, so we write them on the wall to record them...]

System prompt: Found the ancient inscription [Ancient Qi Refining Technique].

Haha, finally found it
Xiao Jie read the content carefully.

【The heaven and earth have spiritual energy, which gives life to all things. Refining energy gives rise to purple clouds, and immortality turns into longevity.

If you want to live forever, you only need to hide your soul. The soul and the body become one, transcending the mundane world...】

The contents of these ten chapters of ancient Qigong are progressive from the simplest to the most complex.

It tells the story of the existence of a substance called "aura" between heaven and earth. As long as one absorbs the aura and gradually transforms it, one can transcend the realm of mortals and achieve immortality.

It can also transcend the mundane world and enter a higher level...

The ancient Qi cultivators called it [Ascension]. Once one ascends, one will become a special being that transcends ordinary people.

Since the ancient Qi cultivators all practiced in the mountains, they were called "immortals", the so-called people of the mountains.

Xiao Jie was fascinated by what he saw.

Suddenly, a cold snort came from behind, "Haha, hum, hum, hum, it's well written, but it's a pity that it's all useless nonsense. No matter how much you read, you won't be able to practice."

Xiao Jie was startled and turned around suddenly, he saw an old man in tattered linen clothes standing in the middle of the sinkhole. The old man's hair and beard were all white and he looked extremely old, but his skin was as smooth as a mirror, just like a baby's.

Xiao Jie looked nervously above the old man's head, but it was a neutral NPC with a yellow name.

He didn't dare to be careless. Although the yellow-named NPC was not a monster, it was not as friendly as the green-named NPC.

(End of this chapter)