I hadn't expected Wu Zhao to be so skilled at Xiangqi. Within ten moves, I was already at a disadvantage—I'm not particularly good at chess.
I had no choice but to deploy my trump card early. Under the table, I activated a Xiangqi software I'd downloaded on the way. Following the software's instructions, I quickly reversed the situation, made a comeback, and utterly defeated Wu Zhao.
"Retreating Horse Strike, no, wait, Cannon Behind Horse! Check!" I shouted. The software had already registered the game, indicating that the opponent was checkmated.
Wu Zhao looked at the board for another half a minute, clearly unwilling to accept defeat, before throwing down her pieces. She cupped her hands towards me and said, "Amazing, Lord Wu, you are truly amazing! I've been playing chess for over a hundred years, and I've never encountered a master like you!"
I didn't hide anything from her. I took out my phone from under the table and explained the concept of Xiangqi software to her.
Xiangqi is unlike Go. The number of possibilities for each move in Xiangqi is far lower than in Go. Therefore, from an algorithmic perspective, Xiangqi is simpler for computers. Consequently, humans are no longer capable of defeating computers in Xiangqi. As long as the host configuration isn't particularly weak, it can defeat the strongest human Xiangqi player. Once, two high-level computers played against each other in Xiangqi, and the moves they employed were so incomprehensible even to Xiangqi masters that they exclaimed they couldn't understand the computers' thought processes. It was a complete dimensional crushing.
Go is different. Even very powerful computers might not be able to defeat humans, and even when facing the strongest Go software, human masters can still put up a fight.
"So there is such a wondrous method," Wu Zhao said, happily holding the phone. But soon, she frowned. "However, this thing won't work in the underworld. We don't have Wi-Fi signals there."
"But the Soul Summoning Token can be used for communication," I said, unfastening the token from my waist and placing it on the table. "You have one too, don't you?"
"Of course." Wu Zhao reached into her clothes and retrieved her Soul Summoning Token, handing it to me.
It still held her icy temperature, colder than the surrounding environment, along with a faint scent of her body.
I unconsciously sniffed it. Wu Zhao actually blushed, bit her lip, and giggled silently.
"From now on, when you play chess, we can stay in touch," I explained. "You can tell me the moves on your side, and I'll use this software to analyze your opponent's strategy and guide you on how to respond. With your chess skills, you don't need to rely entirely on the software. It will only be needed for crucial moves, and you'll definitely be able to defeat your opponents."
"This..." Wu Zhao pondered for a moment, perhaps considering the feasibility, especially how to avoid being discovered, as this was cheating.
"Or, how about this," I offered, going the extra mile. "You don't need to play chess yourself. You can stand on the sidelines and guide your player, acting as your puppet. You two can communicate using underworld slang, and we can converse using the Soul Summoning Token. This way, you won't be discovered."
Wu Zhao thought about it and nodded. "This is a good idea! I have a maid who knows the 'Jianyu' language, which is like your lip-reading. We can communicate silently!"
I shrugged. "So do you still need my ten billion?"
"More is always better. I can consider this a loan!" Wu Zhao still seemed a bit unsure about my software.
"Deal!"
After leaving the chess hall, I took Wu Zhao directly to purchase ten billion worth of spirit money. We went to the seaside to prepare for the burning ceremony. Wu Zhao then hurried back to prepare for its reception.
Shortly after, the burning was completed. A while later, Wu Zhao "called" me, saying she had received it. Then, she suddenly asked if I was free tonight.
"What for?" I asked.
"Lord Wu has helped me with such a great favor, and tonight I wish to properly repay Lord Wu. I hope you won't find it beneath you, sir."