High above in the Thirty-Three Heavens, a vast continent floats, drifting through the clouds and mist.
On this land rise lofty mountains and flowing streams, dense forests teeming with rare plants and roaming spirit beasts. Yet, unlike the Heavenly Court where grand palaces abound, here stand only a few modest houses—so out of place they seem like some remote countryside in the mortal world, bearing none of Heaven’s usual splendor.
Inside one of these humble houses, two elderly men are absorbed in a game of Go, while an attendant from Calmforge Palace (Tusita Palace) occasionally serves them hot tea.
After a long pause, Lord Lao picks up a black stone and places it on the board.
Across from him, Master Sage Subhuti immediately furrows his brow in concentration.
Seeing this, Lord Lao lets out a long sigh of relief and says, "That was close. One wrong move and the whole game is lost—how true that is. Fortunately, I still have the edge and managed to turn the tide. Otherwise, my reputation for never losing in ten thousand years would be gone."
As he spoke, he cheerfully reached out to clear the board, but Master Sage Subhuti called out, "Wait!"
Before Lord Lao could react, Subhuti grabbed a white stone and placed it on the board, stroking his long beard and smiling serenely: "It’s still too soon to say who has won."
Hearing this, Lord Lao paused, stroking his own beard as he studied the board for a long while; the more he looked, the deeper his frown became.
Meanwhile, Master Sage Subhuti’s face was alight with joy.
After a long time, Lord Lao sighed, "It seems I’ve declined. Even after eighty-five moves, there’s still no winner."
Subhuti immediately burst out laughing, folding his hands and saying, "It’s not decline—it’s improvement."
Lord Lao slowly raised his eyes and asked casually, "How so?"
Tapping the board lightly with his finger, Subhuti said with deep meaning, "Before, you had the Heavenly Dao Stone—you knew the outcome before the game even began. Who could ever beat you then? Now, this is a real contest."
"Still bringing up the Heavenly Dao Stone?" Lord Lao shook his head helplessly. "I’ve been in seclusion for years now, and you’re still talking about the Heavenly Dao Stone?"
"Hey, I’m just mentioning it, no other meaning."
"Enough, enough. I’m done playing." Lord Lao slapped his thigh, slowly stood up, stretched, and prepared to walk away.
"Wait, wait, wait—why are you leaving again?" Subhuti stood up as well, protesting, "This game has lasted over two hundred years and it's still not done. How much longer are you planning to keep playing?"
Lord Lao glanced back at Subhuti and said coolly, "You may not mean anything by it, but that was my Heavenly Dao—now it's ground to dust. You mention it offhand, but how do you think I feel? I've lost all mood for chess—why keep playing?"
"Come on, I think you’re just afraid of losing and always find excuses to quit."