Billiards, as a sport, is not overly difficult for powerful ancient martial artists.
By the Hua Jin level, martial artists have already achieved near perfection in controlling their internal energy and strength.
They can instantly gauge the precise force needed for a shot and the optimal position for the cue ball.
However, snooker is considerably more complex than pool, incorporating elements of both offense and defense.
Mr. Shibano has reached the Hua Jin level of martial arts.
Furthermore, he frequently plays billiards, which accounts for his evident confidence.
Naturally, Chen Fan is also proficient in this sport, as it was a common recreational activity in the army.
During his time as the Lord of the Night, he assumed many roles, utilizing such methods to approach specific targets.
Shibano signaled for the waiter to reset the balls, tested his cue, and confidently approached the table.
He bent down to aim and struck the cue ball with considerable force.
The cue ball collided with the cluster of red balls, scattering them effectively.
As if by chance, one of the red balls rolled towards the far pocket and fell in.
Shibano looked up and smiled, remarking, "It seems my luck is good today."
Wu Chaoyang’s face displayed a look of admiration, and he clapped his hands.
In snooker, the initial break is the most challenging part. The tightly packed red balls, if scattered carelessly, present an opportunity to the opponent.
This Shibano, with his skill and boldness, not only broke the cluster but also potted a ball, leaving the cue ball in a favorable position.
The game then became Shibano’s showcase. His skills were impeccable as he systematically pocketed red and colored balls in accordance with the rules.
Wu Chaoyang, personally managing the scoreboard, found himself quite busy.
He ultimately cleared the table with a break of over a hundred, a truly spectacular and dazzling performance.
The onlookers applauded enthusiastically.
The score was now one to zero.
Shibano smiled, stepped aside, and gestured for Chen Fan to break.
Chen Fan stepped forward, cue in hand.
This Mr. Shibano was indeed a master of the game. Coupled with his Hua Jin cultivation, it was crucial not to give him any opening.
Chen Fan initiated the break with a gentle push. The cue ball grazed the cluster of red balls, bounced off the far cushion, and then, returning, nestled behind the green ball near the baulk line.
A snooker!
This is the most thrilling aspect of snooker, and the origin of its name:
During defensive play, creating such a difficult ‘snooker’ position makes the game exceptionally engaging.
Wu Chaoyang chuckled, exclaiming, "Impressive!"
Chen Fan smiled.
He wouldn't simply aim for the cluster and rely on luck, as Shibano had done.
Shibano, however, appeared unconcerned. After a few seconds of observation, he took his shot.
His cue struck the edge of the cue ball, imparting spin. The cue ball traced a remarkable arc, navigated around the blocking green ball, and bounced off the cluster.
Even in extricating himself from a snooker, Shibano’s shot was of high quality, only creating a small gap in the red ball cluster.
The cue ball rebounded to the edge of the bottom cushion, not presenting Chen Fan with an easy opportunity.
After a brief assessment, Chen Fan smiled.
He aimed and struck!
With a crisp contact, a red ball at the very edge of the cluster moved, bouncing off the cushion and rolling towards the bottom pocket, falling in!
Wu Chaoyang gave a thumbs-up, a look of admiration on his face.
This wasn't precisely an opportunity, but Chen Fan seized it decisively, his skill flawless.
The cue ball rebounded, landing perfectly behind the black ball’s line, leaving an ideal position for the next shot.
Chen Fan naturally did not hesitate, smoothly clearing seven points and then using the opportunity to break open the red ball cluster, systematically pocketing balls.
After each shot at a red ball, he directly targeted the highest-scoring black ball.
Wu Chaoyang, busy with scoring, repeatedly expressed his admiration.
Soon, Chen Fan had accumulated forty-eight points, the situation had opened up, and there was little difficulty remaining. This frame was surely his.
Shibano’s expression grew somber. Holding his cue, he stood beside Chen Fan as the latter was lining up his shot, and suddenly placed a hand on the edge of the table.
Chen Fan struck the cue ball again.
However, the moment he made contact, his brow furrowed slightly.
The cue ball, intended for its target, suddenly faltered mid-roll, its angle shifting minutely.
With a soft thud, the target red ball rolled towards the bottom pocket, but mid-way, it veered off by more than ten centimeters, clearly unable to enter the pocket.
Wu Chaoyang, about to record the score, paused, a look of regret on his face.
He assumed Chen Fan had made a mistake.
Shibano chuckled and spoke in Japanese, "It seems luck is on my side."
A smug look flashed in his eyes.
Chen Fan sneered and replied in Japanese as well, "Mr. Shibano, what is the meaning of such underhanded tactics?"
Shibano declared proudly, "This is not a standard snooker match, Mr. Chen. Just playing the game would be too dull, wouldn't it? This competition is not just about skill, but also about control of internal energy!"
"Unless, Mr. Chen, you intend to forfeit?"
He stated this with an air of unassailable confidence.
Chen Fan scoffed, gestured him forward, and said, "So that’s it. Mr. Shibano only reveals this now, clearly intentional. Very well, you may take your shot."
Shibano’s previous strike, emitting a subtle force, had disrupted Chen Fan's intended shot.
His failure to disclose this beforehand, only speaking after the act, demonstrated his premeditated plan to win at any cost.
Shibano grinned smugly and bent down to strike.
"What is he saying?" Wu Chaoyang asked Chen Fan.
"Mr. Shibano is not only competing with me in skill but also in disrupting and influencing my shots," Chen Fan replied with a smile.
*Crack!* Shibano easily pocketed a red ball.
"You can play it like that?" Wu Chaoyang exclaimed in surprise.
"It's about employing unconventional tactics."
Chen Fan glanced at Shen Tinghao and said, "Young Master Shen goes to great lengths to defeat me, doesn't he!"
Shen Tinghao responded indifferently, "It's not easy to beat you, so one must expend more effort. What I desire, I must obtain, and I dislike losing."
Chen Fan countered, "I fear your efforts will be in vain!"
At this moment, Shibano was lining up his shot at the black ball.
Chen Fan casually tapped the edge of the billiard table, a very subtle movement.
However, Shibano, as if anticipating this, abruptly stopped his stroke.
The billiard table vibrated slightly, and the ball Shibano intended to strike wobbled.
Shibano looked up and smiled, "Mr. Chen, your control of force will result in a foul. If this is your only level of skill, I worry you might shatter this billiard table. Haha, let me add a rule: whoever damages the billiard table forfeits the match!"
As he spoke, while Chen Fan was distracted, Shibano suddenly struck with immense force, and with a crisp sound, the black ball was pocketed.
After sinking the ball, he looked at Chen Fan triumphantly and said, "Of course, if Mr. Chen concedes now, it will save him from further humiliation."
Looking at Shibano's smug expression, Chen Fan calmly stated, "Mr. Shibano, I may not be as familiar with these tactics as you are, but if you wish to offer your face to be slapped, I shall oblige."
Shibano shook his head, appearing quite disdainful.
Even if Chen Fan possessed formidable martial prowess, he was confident in his ability to subtly control the game of billiards, a skill that even a martial arts grandmaster might not surpass.
Of course, an ordinary martial arts grandmaster would never be so petty as to engage in such games.
"Young Master Wu, you should update the score, lest we forget," Shen Tinghao said to Chen Fan, a hint of triumph in his voice.
Wu Chaoyang pursed his lips and replied, "Let the waiter keep score."
"That wouldn't be proper, you are the referee," Shen Tinghao said with a smile. "The outcome is determined by you. Others might make mistakes!"
Wu Chaoyang shook his head, took the remote, and added Shibano's score on the display, "Very well, let's record it."
Chen Fan smiled and said, "Young Master Wu, I'll find you an assistant."
With that, he beckoned towards the doorway.
Fang Qiong, standing near the entrance, glanced around. Seeing Chen Fan nod gently, her heart filled with pleasant surprise, and she quickly approached.
"Miss Fang will keep the score," Chen Fan announced. "Young Master Wu, you just need to tell her how many points to add each time."
Wu Chaoyang appraised Fang Qiong and said, "Chen Zhuo, you certainly know how to simplify things. Alright, Miss Fang, this is the remote. It's very simple to operate…"
Meanwhile, Shibano took another shot.
Chen Fan's hand rested on the edge of the table, his thumb suddenly pressing down.
This time, the tabletop remained completely still.
The cue ball Shibano struck suddenly jumped at the moment of impact.
The deviation was minuscule, yet enough to alter the outcome. The target ball lacked sufficient force, rolling a short distance on the table before stopping at the pocket's edge.
Shibano looked up, but showed no dejection, nor did he seem surprised. He stepped aside, signaling for Chen Fan to take his shot.
His hand also rested on the edge of the table, awaiting his turn.
This game had strayed from its original course, becoming something altogether peculiar.
Having understood the situation, Fang Qiong stood beneath the scoreboard, looking nervously at Chen Fan and Wu Chaoyang, awaiting Wu Chaoyang to announce the points.