Although Yu Shao had never heard of Kudou Yano before nor studied his game records, after listening to Xu Zijin and Zheng Qin recount those past events, he roughly understood what status Kudou Yano once held in the Go world.

No wonder Xu Zijin and Zheng Qin had reacted even more strongly to Kudou Yano's comeback than to An Hongshi registering for this Phoenix Cup. After all, while An Hongshi hadn't participated in competitions for the past two years, everyone knew he would eventually return—it was only a matter of time. And this year happened to be that time.

But Kudou Yano was different. He had truly retired from active play. Though he never officially announced his retirement, he hadn't been active in the Go world for ten years, rarely even appearing in public. So even though Kudou Yano had once competed with An Hongshi for the title of world's best player over a decade ago, to most people, he had become just a legendary figure from stories that evoked endless sighs of regret.

Thus, hearing that Kudou Yano would participate in this Phoenix Cup World Championship was like seeing a legendary character suddenly step into reality for those like Xu Zijin and Zheng Qin who knew his stories. No wonder they had such strong reactions.

"But why would Teacher Kudou Yano suddenly come out of retirement?" Xu Zijin asked puzzledly, turning to the receptionist. "Is this confirmed by official media?"

"Tokyo Go News Network just reported it," the receptionist nodded. "Though it's official media, I see many online still doubt it since Teacher Kudou Yano has been away from the Go world for so very long."

"Tokyo Go News Network?" Xu Zijin frowned slightly. As Japan's largest official Go news network, if they reported it, Kudou Yano's comeback was almost certainly true. Yet one question still puzzled her: "But Teacher Kudou Yano hasn't competed in ten years. Why return now?"

"Only Teacher Kudou Yano himself knows that," Zheng Qin shook his head with a smile. "But whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. If Teacher Kudou Yano really returns, I might get a chance to play against him!"

"You want to play against Teacher Kudou Yano?" Xu Zijin looked at Zheng Qin. "That's Teacher Kudou Yano we're talking about."

"I know. Precisely because it's Teacher Kudou Yano that I want to play him," Zheng Qin nodded. "Teacher Kudou Yano was my childhood idol. When I practiced game records daily as a child, they weren't Teacher An Hongshi's games—they were Teacher Kudou Yano's."

"The final game between Teacher Kudou Yano and Teacher An Hongshi back then deeply shocked young me. It was after that game that I began teaching myself Go. After Teacher Kudou Yano retired, he became just a figure from books to me."

"Later I became a professional player and kept improving, now barely reaching world competition level. But never getting to play Teacher Kudou Yano remained a huge regret," Zheng Qin said excitedly. "Now that Teacher Kudou Yano is returning, I might face him in the world championship and show him my skills!"

"As you said, Teacher Kudou Yano hasn't completely disconnected—he's been teaching at Japan's Go institute. But he hasn't competed in ten years! Who knows—if we meet in tournament play, I might actually beat him!"

Hearing this, Xu Zijin looked speechless. After a long pause, she said meaningfully, "Teacher Kudou Yano hasn't competed in ten years... Seems people really do spend their lives chasing what they couldn't obtain in youth."

"Pfft!" Yu Shao couldn't hold back his laughter at Xu Zijin's words. He increasingly noticed how Xu Zijin had changed—though still somewhat reserved, she had integrated into the Go world, no longer keeping others at arm's length, now capable of joking and teasing. This showed she had truly relaxed in the professional Go world, setting down burdens she once carried.

"What do you mean 'chasing what they couldn't obtain in youth'?" Zheng Qin bristled, defending himself: "I call this proving myself! Even if Teacher Kudou Yano hasn't competed in ten years, his level must still be incredibly high!"

"Alright, alright," the receptionist said with a smile, clearing the plates. "Then I'll look forward to your wonderful performance at the world championship soon." Turning to Yu Shao and Xu Zijin, she added, "I won't disturb your game review. Call for Little Zheng if you need anything."

"Su Jie! I'm not your errand boy!" Zheng Qin protested indignantly.

The receptionist just smiled and left the room without another word.

After she left, Yu Shao spoke up: "Zheng Qin, earlier you mentioned Kudou Yano's famous 'Four Corners Eight Strikes,' 'Slaughter of the Hundred-Stone Dragon,' and 'Ghost Move on Death's Line.' Do you remember those game records?"

"Of course," Zheng Qin gave Yu Shao a strange look. "Want me to set them up for you?"

"Please, if you wouldn't mind," Yu Shao nodded.

Soon, Zheng Qin placed two Go bowls by his right hand and began rapidly placing stones, filling the room with the crisp sounds of stones hitting the board. After completely reconstructing the first game, he looked up at Yu Shao: "This is 'Four Corners Eight Strikes'—one of Teacher Kudou Yano's most famous games."

Yu Shao studied the board, recalling each black and white move, feeling genuinely surprised. Viewed through modern AI-era standards, this game had many obvious flaws—not just to him, but likely to Zheng Qin and Xu Zijin as well. But judging a pre-AI era game by AI standards was inherently unfair. So instead of evaluating each move, he simply appreciated the match's artistry.

Even as an AI-era player, this decade-old game astonished him. The midgame saw Kudou Yano (playing white) unleash astonishing attacking power, launching eight fierce assaults from all corners to ultimately slaughter An Hongshi's large group. The complexity of their exchanges would challenge even modern AI-era players, showcasing their extraordinary skill.

"Show me the other two games?" Yu Shao asked after a while.

"You really know how to put people to work," Zheng Qin complained but soon set up the next game. Shortly after, he reconstructed both remaining matches.

Yu Shao stared silently at the final "Ghost Move on Death's Line" game.

Strong. No—incredibly strong. Kudou Yano's skill in these three games far exceeded Yu Shao's expectations. These were pure violent artistry—even years later, Yu Shao could feel the power and momentum radiating from the stones. That such a player had left competitive play to become a teacher explained why so many lamented his departure.

"This world championship will have you, Su Yiming, Teacher An Hongshi, and even Teacher Kudou Yano returning after ten years—who knows why," Zheng Qin mused while studying the games. "Plus Teacher Kimura Go, Honinbo Shinwa, Teacher Zhuang Weisheng, Sage Zhu Huai'an... From the West, besides Teacher Hans, several new strong players have emerged too. An unprecedented gathering—winds of change, heroes vying for supremacy."

Yu Shao finally looked up from the board with a smile and began clearing the stones. "Then let's play a few more games. Wouldn't want you to get eliminated in two rounds."

"Impossible!" Zheng Qin shook his head confidently. "I feel my skills improving recently. In these turbulent times, it's when true men prove themselves! I'll fight hard to reach the top 32!"

"You say 'top 32' like it's the finals," Xu Zijin couldn't help laughing.

"The finals will come in a few years!" Zheng Qin vowed fiercely.

Soon, after determining colors, their game began, stones clacking rhythmically in the quiet room as Xu Zijin watched intently.

...

In the following days, Yu Shao spent every day at Mountain Sea Go Club playing, analyzing, and reviewing games with Zheng Qin and Xu Zijin. Meanwhile, as the Phoenix Cup approached, excitement swelled, with constant news updates emerging.

Though still two weeks away, media hype had created a tense atmosphere of impending storm!

[Confirmed: Kudou Yano 9-dan will participate in this Phoenix Cup World Championship!]

[Why has Kudou Yano 9-dan returned after ten years? Can he break his "uncrowned" curse?]

[With Sage An Hongshi recovered and Kudou Yano returning, will their decade-old rivalry reignite?]

[What surprises will much-anticipated newcomers Yu-Su bring in their world championship debut?]

[Japan's Rookie King Higashiyama Kaoru confirmed for Phoenix Cup—can he redeem Japan's team tournament shame against Yu-Su?]

[Phoenix Ancient Town tourism surges—hotels fully booked despite price hikes!]

[Who will claim this Phoenix Cup? Follow Everyday Go Platform for live commentary by 9-dan Gu Cishi on Chinese players' games!]

In the Southern Go Academy chairman's office, Ma Zhengyu sat at his desk, exhaling deeply at the flood of Phoenix Cup news on his screen.

"Chairman Ma!" Ding Huan burst in suddenly, holding a densely filled sheet. "The Phoenix Cup participant list is finalized!"

"Let me see," Ma Zhengyu took the list and scanned the names:

An Hongshi!

Kimura Go!

Honinbo Shinwa!

Zhuang Weisheng!

Zhu Huai'an!

Kong Zi!

Yu Shao!

Su Yiming!

...

Though countless players existed worldwide, Ma Zhengyu could instantly visualize every name on this list—each representing the absolute pinnacle of the Go world. His gaze finally settled on "Kudou Yano."

"Teacher Kudou Yano really is returning..." Ma Zhengyu felt complex emotions. Despite widespread online reports, he'd remained skeptical until seeing the official list. But he quickly composed himself—while Kudou Yano's return after ten years surprised him, he didn't dwell on it. Kudou Yano was strong, but that was ten years ago, and even then, he wasn't number one. To Ma Zhengyu, An Hongshi—who had remained active—was the more noteworthy name. Moreover, after ten years away, whether Kudou Yano could maintain his former level was questionable. A legend from ten years ago wasn't necessarily legendary now—but one who had sustained their legend until today clearly surpassed him.

Soon, Ma Zhengyu finished reviewing the entire list.

"Such a gathering of stars—just imagining it excites me!" Ding Huan said eagerly. "Veterans like Teacher An Hongshi, Teacher Zhuang Weisheng, Honinbo Shinwa, Teacher Hans, even Teacher Kudou Yano are competing! And rising stars like two-title holder Zhu Huai'an, Yu Shao, Su Yiming, Japan's Higashiyama Kaoru, America's Andy..."

"This Phoenix Cup will be an epic clash—I can't wait!"