The man was middle-aged, dressed in black, handsome and distinguished, with waist-length hair, exuding an air of scholarly refinement.
The woman was stunningly beautiful, captivating, her age indeterminate. She wore a purple qipao dress and possessed a more voluptuous and graceful figure than Zhu Zhuyun. Unlike the latter, however, she carried an alluring, mature charm that hinted at seasoned experience.
Before them lay a chessboard, with a few pieces scattered across its surface, the game having just begun.
"Father, Mother," Zhu Zhuyun and her three sisters said affectionately in unison.
Hearing their voices, the two turned their heads. The woman smiled gently, "You're back."
"What did you think of your trip to Spirit City? What did you see and hear?"
Zhu Zhuqing giggled and ran into the woman's embrace, sitting down. She said cheerily, "Mmm, it was very fun."
"We saw many interesting things."
Such childish prattle made the man shake his head and sigh, "The main purpose of the trip to Spirit City wasn't to play, Zhuqing!"
"During our visit to Spirit City, I encountered many prodigies. Though they are young, their soul power cultivation far surpasses mine. Daughters, you should strive harder and cultivate diligently."
As the eldest, Zhu Zhuyun was the first to speak, articulating her observations and thoughts.
"Big Sister is absolutely right. In Spirit City, there are too many exceptionally talented and powerful prodigies. Perhaps their soul power levels are on par with ours, or even lower. But their abilities, adaptability, and combat skills are beyond my reach."
Zhu Zhaoya pursed her lips, her spirits somewhat dampened.
The Netherworld Spirit Cat, one of the continent's most formidable spirit beasts, had always been a source of her pride. Yet, within the grand battle arenas of Spirit City, she had witnessed countless more formidable mutated spirit beasts. She also saw how people with less powerful spirit beasts and lower soul power managed to turn weakness into strength, achieving comeback victories time and again.
"Some of these monsters are beyond us. Although I didn't participate in the duels with Big Sister and Second Sister, I heard about the experiences of an absolute genius young man in the battle arena."
"In just over a month, he achieved thirty-seven consecutive victories, rising from Iron Soul Master to Gold Soul Master in the shortest time possible. No one has broken or even matched this record. His talent is terrifying, his spirit beast incredibly strong; Zhu Yi can only look up to him."
Zhu Zhu Yi's sigh of disappointment caused Wang Zhong's gaze to shift slightly. This sounded exactly like his own exploits in the battle arena four years prior.
The words of the three sisters prompted the man and woman to nod simultaneously, their faces displaying satisfaction.
This was precisely the objective of the trip to Spirit City: to meet and contend with geniuses from various factions, and to recognize one's own shortcomings and situation.
Only Zhu Zhuqing was too young to grasp these implications, nor did she understand the cruel and bloody family rules that would descend upon them when all three sisters turned twelve.
The victor took all, the loser lost everything! The weak perished, the strong survived! This was the "gu-raising" strategy that the Zhu and Dai families had practiced for a long time.
After listening to the three sisters, the man and woman finally turned their attention to Wang Zhong, appraising him with a glance.
The woman smiled gently, "Young friend, you are too kind. The Zhu family's upbringing is strict and conventional. Please forgive any lack of courtesy on our part."
Wang Zhong returned her smile, his legs slightly apart, neither relaxed nor stiff. His left hand was behind his back, and his right hand touched his chest as he bowed slightly, replying in a clear voice.
"To be able to witness the elders' methods of nurturing and educating their children is itself a form of closeness and friendship. How can there be any lack of courtesy?"
"On the contrary, I am an outsider, unprepared with sufficient gifts, and have failed in my etiquette. I ask for the Zhu family head's forgiveness."
Within the Zhu family, the woman held authority, and the man was a son-in-law.
The Zhu and Dai families had a long-standing tradition of intermarriage. Each generation's imperial Dai family would betroth themselves to a direct descendant of the Zhu family upon her twelfth birthday.
Furthermore, due to strict family regulations, every prince betrothed to a Zhu family daughter had to endure extremely brutal and bloody struggles for imperial power. Those who failed in these struggles often met only death.
To ensure the continuation of the Zhu family bloodline and their marital ties with the imperial family, each generation of Zhu family members would select an individual with the best bloodline talent to become the family head and recruit a son-in-law from outside.
If a boy was born, he would serve as a vital force for the family. If a girl was born, she would marry into the imperial family.
This model had persisted for centuries.
"Your etiquette, posture, and bearing are impeccable. Your teacher has trained you very well," the man praised Wang Zhong's bowing posture with a smile.
"Though I do not know if you are aware of our names, allow me to introduce ourselves."
"My name is Zhu Yaning, the mother of Yun'er and her sisters, and the current head of the Zhu family."
"This is my husband, Yang Xiujie, and the father of Yun'er and her sisters."
Zhu Yaning introduced herself with a gentle smile and then asked, "Young friend, and you are?"
Wang Zhong replied with a calm smile, "Wang Zhong, currently a traveler."
"A traveler? Are you exploring mountains and rivers, seeking self-understanding, or experiencing the varied facets of life?" Yang Xiujie's interest was piqued by Wang Zhong's description of himself as a traveler.
"All of those," Wang Zhong gave an extremely cryptic answer.
Such a response prompted Zhu Yaning and Yang Xiujie to exchange a smile and chuckle, shaking their heads.
"Very well, if young friend does not wish to elaborate, we will not press."
"Your demeanor is gentle and refined. I wonder if you are skilled in chess."
Zhu Yaning smiled and gestured towards the opposite seat. Yang Xiujie also rose and moved to her side, waiting with a slight smile for Wang Zhong's reply.
Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were considered essential skills for almost every noble or royal scion.
Their own daughters possessed a certain pride and coolness, yet all four had written letters highly praising a man they had known for less than a month. How could their parents not be concerned?
Wang Zhong's etiquette was flawless, and his words revealed no flaws. Apart from his name, it was impossible to ascertain his origin or identity.
Therefore, they would have to probe through other means.
"I have some understanding."
Unable to refuse such graciousness, Wang Zhong understood their intentions. He gave a non-committal answer and sat cross-legged opposite Zhu Yaning.
"Black or White?"
Zhu Yaning extended her slender jade-like hands, placing the black and white jars of pieces in the center of the board, signaling Wang Zhong to choose first.
"The elder goes first."
Wang Zhong reached out, took the white pieces, and placed them to his right, also making a gesture.
Zhu Yaning smiled and nodded, a hint of appreciation and satisfaction in her eyes.
Not merely superficial courtesy, but a genuine inner politeness.
By choosing white, he indicated that Zhu Yaning, as the elder, would play black and move first.
"Then, I shall not be modest."
Her words were followed by the placement of a piece.
Wang Zhong picked up a piece and chuckled, "Naturally."
In the small courtyard, the crisp sound of pieces being placed on the board echoed.
Zhu Zhuyun, Zhu Zhaoya, and Zhu Zhu Yi, the three sisters, were somewhat bewildered by the sudden turn of events, wondering why they were suddenly playing chess.
However, since neither their parents nor Wang Zhong raised any objections, they found cushions on either side of the chessboard and sat down cross-legged.
As the game progressed, the smile on Zhu Yaning's face gradually faded. Her pretty and bright face became solemn and thoughtful.
With each move, from the initial ease and freedom, it evolved into consideration and uncertainty.
Finally, after half an hour, she conceded defeat with equanimity.