"Let's have a good fight. If you can defeat me, I will wholeheartedly help you when you need it," Huo Qing said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen couldn't help but exclaim, "Old God of War, regardless of the outcome of our battle, you must do your best then. Do you know that the enemy you'll face will be of your same strength? Are you willing to lose to such a person?"
The Old God of War stopped his hands, came to Chu Chen's side, and said, "Really? There are such masters targeting you? Did you stir up their old nest or steal their wives?"
Chu Chen touched his forehead and said with a wry smile, "Old God of War, I guarantee I didn't do anything. It's just that the opponent is likely a Xiongnu expert. What good intentions could they have towards us?"
Huo Qing's expression eased upon hearing this, "So it involves the Xiongnu, then everything makes sense."
"Enough talk, let's continue."
Huo Qing suddenly attacked Chu Chen with great speed, almost overwhelming Chu Chen.
"Playing sneak attacks, Old God of War? Are you not confident you can beat me, so you're doing this intentionally?"
Huo Qing sneered, "Prime Minister Chu, I want to make you understand that winning is what earns you the right to speak, no matter the circumstances. The means are not important."
As Chu Chen fought, he nodded, "You have a point, but Old God of War, you haven't defeated me yet, so you can't lecture me."
Although they weren't using weapons, which prevented a massive brawl, both sides were using their true abilities, and every move was perilous. Chu Chen dared not slacken, as a moment's carelessness could allow the Old God of War to exploit an opening.
"Old God of War, I see you're nothing special. At the same cultivation level, you can't beat me." Chu Chen said triumphantly. Despite his words, Chu Chen held great respect for the Old God of War's strength.
The Old God of War smiled slightly, "Prime Minister Chu, you've fallen into my trap. Don't you feel it?"
Chu Chen's expression turned astonished. "Trap?"
Suddenly, he felt a surge of spiritual energy tightening around him, making it difficult to move. He could even sense that if he struggled further, this spiritual energy might completely bind him. Feeling this possibility, Chu Chen could only abandon his resistance and adopt a posture of surrender, which made the Old God of War laugh.
"Prime Minister Chu, you concede? How do you like my sequential trap now?"
Chu Chen pouted, "What sequential trap? I was just momentarily caught off guard. If you give me another chance, I'll definitely beat you."
The Old God of War nodded with a smile, "Very well, let's try. The chess pieces and board haven't arrived yet, so we still have some time to continue fighting."
Chu Chen also wanted to get revenge, so this suited him perfectly.
"Old God of War, watch this." Chu Chen suddenly declared. Then, he launched an attack, just as the Old God of War had done earlier. Chu Chen's spiritual energy, unlike its previous steady and calm nature, became extremely cunning, constantly searching for weaknesses in the Old God of War. Any moment of laxity from his opponent would be exploited and turned into an advantage.
However, the Old God of War was not called that for nothing. He quickly discerned Chu Chen's intentions and shifted from an offensive stance to a defensive one. This left Chu Chen completely stumped, as he searched for an opening but could never find one. In his desperation, he gambled again, choosing a more aggressive attack that also exposed many of his own vulnerabilities. This time, the Old God of War didn't defend as before; instead, like a predator spotting prey, he pounced. With another move, the Old God of War defeated all of Chu Chen's pride, leaving Chu Chen immobile once more.
"Prime Minister Chu, what do you say now? Are you going to find another excuse, saying I'm not good enough or that this is wrong?"
Chu Chen smiled, "The Old God of War is indeed worthy of his name. With you taking action, I feel much more at ease."
Huo Qing was taken aback for a moment, then said, "What, Prime Minister Chu, are you changing the subject because you can't win the argument?"
Chu Chen shook his head and smiled, "Don't forget, I invited you to help me repel a powerful enemy. The stronger you are, the happier I should be, shouldn't I?"
Huo Qing was stunned by Chu Chen's words. Just then, a commotion was heard from outside. Several servants carried in a chessboard and two boxes of chess pieces, placing them down.
"My Lord, the chessboard and pieces have been brought."
Chu Chen nodded, without even turning his head, "You may go." The servants exchanged slightly puzzled glances but said nothing more, departing one by one.
After everyone had left, Chu Chen bared his teeth and said, "Old God of War, aren't you going to release me? How long do you intend to restrain me?"
Huo Qing smiled, walked up to Chu Chen, and released the spiritual energy binding him. Seeing Chu Chen's peculiar expression, wanting to continue fighting, Huo Qing pointed to the chessboard and said, "Prime Minister Chu, we've tested our skills in hand-to-hand combat. It's time to test our strategies on the chessboard."
Chu Chen thought for a moment with hesitation, then said, "Alright, I shall learn from the Old God of War's strategy."
They approached the chessboard, set it up, brought out stools, and arranged the pieces neatly. Chu Chen looked at Huo Qing and smiled, "The Old God of War is our guest, so you should take the red pieces first."
Huo Qing, however, smiled and shook his head, "Prime Minister Chu, don't be polite with me at this moment. I have been on the battlefield for decades and have dominated the chess scene around the imperial city for nearly ten years. If you let me have my way, you will lose miserably."
"Moreover, this chessboard is like a battlefield. Prime Minister Chu, now that you hold a high position, you will undoubtedly need to expand your territory to achieve great deeds. Yun Yue Kingdom is not enough for you to display your talents; you must expand outwards. Am I correct?"
Chu Chen smiled and nodded, "The Old God of War indeed has a discerning eye. However, matters of the battlefield are not so easily settled. Although Yun Yue Kingdom has been flourishing in the past year or two, its strength is limited. How can one achieve great deeds amidst wolves circling from all sides?"
The Old God of War smiled and said, "Let's not talk about that for now. Let's play chess. Prime Minister Chu, you go first."
Chu Chen no longer refused and moved his horse first. The Old God of War responded with a cannon at the center, forming a stark contrast between Chu Chen's cautious approach and the Old God of War's aggressive offense. Chu Chen moved his other horse, and the Old God of War also moved his horse, his offensive momentum evident. After a few moves, the situation grew increasingly tense. Chu Chen maintained a steady, defensive posture, while the Old God of War was full of dominance.
The Old God of War smiled and said, "Prime Minister Chu, your chess style is too defensive. You fail to realize that the strongest defense is offense. Playing this way will leave you very passive."