That evening, when the arrangements for the Torch Battle were announced, the internet that had just barely calmed down instantly erupted in excitement again. This Torch Battle immediately captured worldwide attention.

Everyone had originally thought that after the Twin Stars Cup, the earliest Su Yiming and Yu Shao would face each other again would be at the Phoenix Cup. No one expected that right after the Twin Stars Cup concluded, the two would meet again in the Torch Battle.

Although the Torch Battle was an entertaining doubles match with more symbolic significance, just seeing the names "Yu" and "Su" together was enough to generate tremendous anticipation, especially since everyone still vividly remembered the two games from the Twin Stars Cup. What made it even more dramatic was the peculiar arrangement for this Torch Battle - it was simply too outrageous.

Zhuang Fei, who had lost to Yu Shao last year and failed to defeat Fang Haoxin in the revival match, thus missing out in the Ranking Tournament, was now finally facing Yu Shao again. But shockingly, Yu Shao would be participating as Zhuang Fei's opponent's partner.

As a result, topics related to the Torch Battle instantly stormed various trending lists.

"Hahahaha, that's brutal! I'm dying of laughter! Did the Southern Go Academy do this on purpose?"

"They must have done it intentionally, though I have no proof."

"Calculating Zhuang Fei's psychological shadow area right now."

"Zhuang Fei: After a year of hard training, I've finally mastered new techniques and emerged from the beginner stage. Just you wait, Yu Shao, I'm coming for revenge... huh? Why is he sitting in the title holder's seat?"

The internet was filled with laughter and endless teasing. Recalling last year's Ranking Tournament, everyone couldn't help but feel emotional. Who would have thought that two players who had just qualified last year would both win titles this year, stirring up endless waves in the Go world during this single year.

Everyone eagerly anticipated this upcoming Torch Battle, but this time, unlike before, more people were waiting for it with a spectator's mentality, just wanting to enjoy the show.

...

Time flew by, and just three days later, the day of the Torch Battle arrived in a flash.

Southern Go Academy, lounge.

A short-haired boy of about fourteen or fifteen sat nervously on the sofa in the lounge, repeatedly clenching and unclenching his fists in a continuous cycle.

"Creak."

Suddenly, the door opened, and a boy in a black shirt with an unreadable expression walked in.

Seeing the newcomer, the boy on the sofa was momentarily stunned before immediately clenching his fists tightly and standing up to face the black-clad boy directly. "Zhuang Fei, you're here."

Zhuang Fei glanced at the boy, seemingly surprised by his presence in this lounge. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze, nodded slightly, then walked straight to the water dispenser, took a paper cup, and began pouring water for himself.

Seeing Zhuang Fei's apparent disregard, the boy's expression changed, his face showing a trace of anger as he gritted his teeth and said, "Don't think just because you beat me once in the Ranking Tournament that you can do it again."

Zhuang Fei remained silent, continuing to pour his water as if he hadn't heard.

After filling his cup, Zhuang Fei lifted it and took a sip.

"You're always so arrogant!"

Seeing Zhuang Fei ignore him, the boy couldn't help grinding his teeth. "This time, my partner is Yu Shao. You know how strong he is. I will definitely win this Torch Battle!"

"Not just the Torch Battle - after officially becoming a professional, I'll catch up and crush you completely!" The boy declared fiercely, "Just you wait!"

Hearing this, Zhuang Fei sighed. After a long silence, he finally turned to look at the boy calmly, their eyes meeting.

For some reason, under Zhuang Fei's gaze, the boy found himself wanting to look away but stubbornly maintained eye contact while clenching his jaw.

"He Yu, how much do you know about Yu Shao?" Zhuang Fei suddenly asked.

He Yu was momentarily stunned before immediately responding, "I know him very well! I've studied all his game records, even the one against you from a year ago!"

"That's not what I meant," Zhuang Fei paused before continuing, "Besides what you see in game records, how much do you really know about him?"

This question left He Yu completely dumbfounded.

Zhuang Fei turned back, placed his cup on the table, and spoke with his back to He Yu: "Earlier you said that because Yu Shao is strong, you'll beat me in the Torch Battle, right?"

"But you don't really know him."

Before He Yu could retort, Zhuang Fei interrupted, slightly turning his face to add, "Your understanding of him is limited to game records. Beyond that, you know nothing!"

"You might know about the 3-3 point strategy, thickness and thinness inversion, the Ghost Blade and Avalanche's demise, or the irresistible Pointed Apex!"

"But have you truly comprehended these techniques?"

At this point, Zhuang Fei suddenly turned fully around. "You've never faced him across the board. You can't possibly grasp his true strength! You'll never truly understand these techniques!"

"Only when he's sitting right across from you will you realize."

"He'll make you tremble with despair, even lose the courage to pick up another stone!"

Zhuang Fei finally turned completely to face He Yu, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's.

"For over a year, I've been battling this very fear, using such players as imaginary opponents, swallowing blood and tears while pushing forward."

"Yet even giving my all, I'm barely managing to keep up with his pace."

"He Yu, it's not that I'm arrogant."

"Nor do I mean any offense."

"And I'm certainly not being conceited!"

"Of this year's qualifying players, I'm the only one who can barely keep pace with Yu Shao or Su Yiming!"

He Yu looked at Zhuang Fei before him, visibly moved, momentarily forgetting to argue back.

Zhuang Fei took a deep breath, said nothing more to He Yu, turned and left the lounge.

Only after Zhuang Fei had completely left did He Yu snap back to reality, his chest heaving violently, face flushed with anger.

"Not arrogant? Not conceited? Not meaning offense?"

He Yu found it utterly ridiculous, clenching his fists. "How much more arrogant can you get?!"

After a long while, He Yu finally calmed down. Checking the wall clock and seeing it was almost time, he took a deep breath, pushed open the lounge door, and headed toward the Go room.

Soon, He Yu arrived at the Go room entrance. After hesitating briefly, he finally reached out and opened the door.

Yu Shao had already arrived. Hearing the door open, he looked toward the entrance.

"He Yu?"

Having seen He Yu's photo on the academy website, Yu Shao immediately recognized him.

"Yes, I'm He Yu. Good afternoon, National Champion Yu Shao!"

Seeing Yu Shao already in the Go room, He Yu felt both nervous and excited, instinctively standing at attention to greet him.

Yu Shao smiled and patted the seat beside him. "Don't be so nervous. Come sit."

"Okay."

He Yu took another deep breath before finally stepping forward, entering the Go room, and sitting down beside Yu Shao, though his posture remained somewhat stiff.

Noticing He Yu's nervousness, Yu Shao thought for a moment before saying with a smile, "I've seen your game records."

"Really?" He Yu asked, both surprised and flattered.

"Really," Yu Shao nodded.

He truly had reviewed He Yu's records after learning they'd be partners for the Torch Battle, wanting to prepare somewhat. For him, the Torch Battle was just an exhibition, but for a newly qualified player like He Yu, it was a meaningful first professional match.

Thus, Yu Shao wanted to make it a good game rather than just going through the motions. While he couldn't review the Ranking Tournament games (as they weren't recorded), He Yu had left some records from his training school days.

"National Champion Yu Shao, what do you think... of my play?" He Yu asked cautiously, his expression mixing hope and nervousness.

"Quite good," Yu Shao considered before answering. "Many moves show creative thinking. Balanced overall style - aggressive in attack yet solid in defense."

This wasn't empty praise. From what Yu Shao saw, He Yu's training school records, while somewhat immature, showed genuine talent. Moreover, placing second in the Ranking Tournament itself proved He Yu was undeniably gifted.

Though He Yu didn't say anything, he couldn't suppress a slight smile at this.

"Let's play well later and get your career off to a winning start," Yu Shao encouraged.

"Yes!" He Yu suddenly brimmed with confidence, thumping his chest. "I'll crush Zhuang Fei and avenge my Ranking Tournament loss!"

"That's the spirit!" Yu Shao laughed before asking curiously, "Speaking of which, I played Zhuang Fei once too, though that was a year ago. What happened in your game against him?"

He Yu's smile immediately froze.

Just as he opened his mouth to respond, the door suddenly creaked open again.

"Su Yiming, good afternoon," Yu Shao greeted, looking toward the door.

"Afternoon," Su Yiming first looked at Yu Shao, then glanced at He Yu beside him before withdrawing his gaze and walking toward the seat opposite Yu Shao.

As he walked, Su Yiming remarked, "I never expected we'd meet again so soon."

"This really was too sudden, completely caught me off guard," Yu Shao agreed with a laugh, knowing Su Yiming was subtly complaining about Ma Zhengyu.

Though they'd faced each other multiple times before, there had always been long intervals - this four-day gap after the Twin Stars Cup was unprecedentedly short.

"But it's fine. Even if it's a doubles match, playing against you is always interesting," Su Yiming finally sat opposite Yu Shao, a slight smile appearing. "Even in doubles, I'll give it my all."

"Like anyone wouldn't," Yu Shao chuckled. "Let's begin."

As Yu Shao and Su Yiming faced each other, He Yu wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but the atmosphere in the Go room seemed to change, carrying an intangible pressure. He Yu looked at Yu Shao beside him, then at Su Yiming across the board, unconsciously holding his breath.

"Creak."

After some time, the door opened again. Everyone in the room immediately turned toward the entrance.

Zhuang Fei stood at the doorway, looking first at Yu Shao, then at Su Yiming. After a long pause, he took a deep breath and resolutely walked to sit beside Su Yiming.

Seeing Zhuang Fei's gaze deliberately skip over him, He Yu gritted his teeth, staring intently as Zhuang Fei walked step by step to sit opposite him.

Nearby, the referee and recorder exchanged odd glances, their eyes shifting between Zhuang Fei and Yu Shao.

"One year ago, they were opponents in the Ranking Tournament. Now, one's a new professional while the other holds a title..."

"Who would believe that strictly speaking, all four in this Torch Battle are newcomers..."

Looking at the four players in the room, they felt more than just amusement - there was genuine anticipation for the future. Just one year ago, Yu Shao and Su Yiming had just qualified, yet now they were already welcoming newcomers as title holders.

What performances would they deliver at the upcoming Phoenix Cup World Championship? The three officials found themselves lost in thought.

Finally, seeing the match time approaching, one referee composed himself and cleared his throat. "Time to begin."

Checking his watch, he announced solemnly: "Partners share time. Two hours per side, byo-yomi periods of thirty seconds, komi of 7.5 points for black."

"Move order: First the two new professionals alternate moves, then their partners follow in the same sequence, repeating this cycle."

"The two new professionals will now determine colors."

"New professionals, please begin nigiri!"

Hearing this, Zhuang Fei immediately reached into the go bowl, grabbing a handful of stones and holding them in his palm.

He Yu likewise took two black stones from his bowl and placed them on the board.

Zhuang Fei opened his hand, and five white stones fell onto the board.

Five white stones.

Two black stones.

This meant Zhuang Fei would take black and move first!