"Seeing how confident you are, I'm rather curious — what tricks do you have that could possibly rival me?"
"Come, show me what you've got. Just don't be bluffing, because if that's the case, I'll be very disappointed." As Han Yu spoke, he walked to one end of the chessboard, ready to begin his match against Chu Feng.
At that, Chu Feng said nothing. A faint smile playing across his lips, he simply walked to the opposite end of the chessboard.
Once Chu Feng took his position, the board once again surged with radiance. When the light faded, the chessboard had restored itself to its original, complete form.
With the two of them truly about to begin their match, nearly everyone present wore grave expressions.
Even Chu Lingxi, perched upon that lampstand, had grown serious — the shapely legs she had been swinging moments ago now perfectly still.
All those present wanted to know how Chu Feng intended to pit himself against Han Yu, a Dragon-patterned Immortal-grade Robe Spirit World Master, when he himself was merely a Snake-patterned Immortal-grade Robe Spirit World Master.
"Young Masters, please wait a moment." Just as the two were about to begin the match, Xia Yun'er suddenly spoke up.
"What is it, Miss Xia?" Han Yu hurried to ask, his eagerness practically screaming to everyone present that he had feelings for Xia Yun'er.
Interestingly, Han Yu had pretty much displayed the same attitude when greeting Chu Lingxi as well.
That, at least, made it clear to everyone that Han Yu was no devoted lover — he simply admired any outstanding woman who crossed his path.
"Young Master Han Yu, you are a Dragon-patterned Immortal-grade Robe Spirit World Master after all. If you play against Young Master Chu Feng just like this, it really is a bit unfair. I have two suggestions that would make your match more equitable."
"Even if you win, I'm sure no one would say you won by unfair means," Xia Yun'er said.
"How thoughtful of you, Miss Xia. What are these suggestions? Please, do tell," Han Yu said in a tone of admiration.
"First, if you lose, you must give Young Master Chu Feng some form of compensation."
"But if Young Master Chu Feng loses, he won't owe you anything," Xia Yun'er said.
Hearing this, Han Yu's brow furrowed instantly — this was far too unfair.
Moreover, the fact that these words had come from Xia Yun'er made him feel even more strongly that she was taking Chu Feng's side, standing on his behalf.
Han Yu was quite displeased at that, but no matter how unhappy he was, he said nothing. Instead, he accepted with composure and a carefree smile: "Miss Xia's suggestion is perfectly reasonable. I accept."
With that, Han Yu looked to Chu Feng and said, "I just wonder what form of compensation Brother Chu Feng would want."
However, before Chu Feng could even open his mouth, Xia Yun'er cut in: "Why not use your glass sphere as the stake?"
"The glass sphere?" At these words, not only were the bystanders surprised — even Chu Feng's gaze sharpened.
Chu Feng found Xia Yun'er increasingly difficult to read. She had initially pushed Han Yu and Chu Feng toward this chess match, and at the time, Chu Feng had felt she was setting him up.
But now, it seemed more like she was helping him. After all, Han Yu's glass sphere was gold. If Chu Feng could obtain it, then when he entered the maze formation afterward, he would have far more clues to work with.
Yet Chu Feng didn't believe Xia Yun'er was truly trying to help him. He felt she was more likely toying with both him and Han Yu.
Because Xia Yun'er didn't know that Chu Feng had every confidence he could defeat Han Yu.
That was why Chu Feng concluded she was simply amusing herself by playing them both off each other. No matter who won or lost, the one to suffer would be either Chu Feng or Han Yu — it had nothing to do with her.
With that thought, Chu Feng grew ever more certain: Xia Yun'er was dangerous. A very dangerous woman.
A woman who viewed everyone else as playthings.
"Young Master Han Yu, is that acceptable?" Xia Yun'er prompted when she noticed Han Yu hadn't answered.
In truth, Han Yu was reluctant — that was why he had hesitated. But he didn't want to refuse Xia Yun'er, either.
Besides, he didn't believe he could lose. So in the end, he simply smiled and nodded: "Miss Xia, whatever you request, Han Yu will agree without condition."
"Young Master Han Yu is truly agreeable. In that case, let me offer my second suggestion," Xia Yun'er said with a beaming smile.
Her smile was sweet, captivating — many of the men present were thoroughly enchanted by it.
But only Chu Feng noticed the trace of cunning danger hidden within that smile.
Chu Feng had a nagging feeling that Han Yu was about to be outmaneuvered by Xia Yun'er.
"Please go ahead, Miss Xia. I will certainly agree to whatever you propose," Han Yu said.
"To ensure fairness, Young Master Han Yu should only use the power of Snake-patterned barriers. That way, the match will be much more even," Xia Yun'er said with her ever-present smile.