Chapter 166

The competition between the two teams was always the most thrilling part.

Robert Lee scratched his head. "I know how to play Go, but I'm just average. Doubt I'll pass the test."

William Jones chimed in, "Same here. I only know the basics. Guess we'll give it a shot."

Surprisingly, Jason Wright also knew Go, giving their team three players—an advantage over the other team.

Robert asked, "Who can play the zither?"

Just knowing Go wasn’t enough; they needed a musician too.

Lily Green blushed and spoke softly, "I’ve studied the guqin."

She had trained in the guqin since childhood and even majored in it at art school. When she saw this challenge was set in the "Music Pavilion," she secretly rejoiced.

Especially after hearing Lucy White also played, she was eager to prove herself. She refused to believe her decade of practice could lose to Lucy.

Robert smiled. "Then the zither performance is on you, Lily."

Though he wasn’t particularly fond of her, teamwork mattered.

Lily nodded confidently. "I’ll do my best."

She was determined to impress the judges and win over new fans.

The director, delighted by their enthusiasm, stepped forward and knocked on the door.

Soon, a young woman in traditional attire opened it.

"Welcome to the Music Pavilion. You know the rules—please come in."

Inside, the courtyard bloomed with flowers, with a Go board and guqin placed at the center.

The woman smiled. "Would you like to start with Go or the zither?"

The director immediately said, "Go first."

He figured saving the "rivalry" between Lucy and Lily for the zither would make for better entertainment.

The woman nodded. "Very well. I’ll summon the masters to play against you."

She disappeared into a side room, and soon, three Go masters emerged.

The director had Robert’s team go first.

The rules were simple: one match, winner takes all.

After polite bows, Robert, William, and Jason took their seats.

Within two minutes, William lost.

He chuckled wryly. "I used to think I was decent playing with friends. Now I know what real skill looks like."

The director consoled him. "Don’t feel bad, William. These are national-level masters."

William waved it off. "No need to sugarcoat it. Let’s see how Robert and Jason do."

Everyone expected Jason to lose first, but minutes later, Robert conceded.

"Guess I’m just not good enough," Robert admitted, standing up.

William patted his shoulder. "Still lasted longer than me."

"Jason’s holding up well," they remarked, watching him continue.

Ten minutes later, Jason also lost.

The middle-aged master commented, "Not bad for your age, but impatience cost you. With more focus, you could’ve lasted longer."

Jason bowed. "Thank you for the advice."

His grandfather had taught him, but as the master noted, his impulsiveness was his downfall.

With the entire team defeated, the director wasn’t surprised. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be called the Heritage Mountain challenge.

Robert grinned. "Now it’s up to Ethan."

The others agreed. "Ethan, our fate’s in your hands."

Ethan Smith gave a faint smile. "I’ll do my best."

Then he glanced at Lucy. "Care to join me?"

The director brightened. "Right! Lucy plays too. Why not give it a try?"

Though he doubted she’d win, more participants meant more fun.

"Alright, since you insist," Lucy agreed reluctantly.

Ethan and Lucy sat opposite two masters.

Ten minutes later, the unexpected happened—Lucy, whom everyone assumed would lose, was dominating the game.

The room fell silent as everyone gathered to watch.

Another ten minutes passed, and Ethan won first.

His opponent conceded gracefully. "Your skill is remarkable. I yield."

Ethan bowed. "You honor me."

Then he went to observe Lucy’s match, the master following.

Soon, Lucy placed her final stone. "Thank you for the game."

Her opponent—the same master who’d played Jason—smiled. "Your technique is exceptional. I’d love a rematch someday."

Lucy nodded. "Certainly."

William gasped. "Lucy, you call this 'average'?"

Robert laughed. "If this is average, what does that make us?"

No one had expected Lucy to be this skilled. While perhaps slightly below Ethan, she was undoubtedly a master.

The middle-aged master added, "Miss White’s skill ranks among the best here. Calling yourself 'average' is far too modest."

Lucy sighed. "You flatter me."

To her, she wasn’t top-tier, but apparently, she stood out here.

The director beamed. "Lucy, you’ve been hiding your talents!"

"So, Ethan and Lucy pass the Go test?"

The master nodded. "Of course. If you clear the zither challenge, you may enter."

[Shocking! No one saw this coming!]

[Lucy’s insane—I thought only Ethan could win!]

[Even the masters say she’s elite. Why was she so humble?]

[The haters are in for another L.]

[Can’t wait for the zither face-off.]

[Who’s better—Lucy or Lily?]