Two hours later.

A plane departing from Jiangling slowly docked at Phoenix Airport. Soon, the cabin door opened, and Yu Shao and his group began to disembark one after another.

"So many people."

Wu Zhixuan, looking through the glass corridor leading to the airport, watched the bustling crowds with excitement. "This is my first time in Phoenix. I didn’t expect it to be so lively!"

"Although Phoenix originally attracted many tourists, this many people are definitely thanks to the World Championship. Most of them came for the World Championship."

Ma Zhengyu, wearing a mask, smiled as he spoke, "So put your masks on quickly. Otherwise, it’ll be troublesome if someone recognizes you later."

"I don’t have to wear one, right? I’m not a competitor."

Wu Zhixuan looked small and helpless, saying, "I’m just a weak and helpless 4-dan player."

"Those who know you probably aren’t fewer than those who know me, right?"

Zheng Qin couldn’t help but tease, "People might forget a 9-dan player named xxx, but most will definitely remember a 4-dan player named Wu Zhixuan."

"Oh wow! I love hearing that!"

Wu Zhixuan laughed happily, her eyes squinting as she quickly obediently put on her mask.

Beside Wu Zhixuan, Wu Shuheng rolled his eyes in exasperation and joked, "Show-off."

"I heard that!"

Wu Zhixuan lifted her head and grinned at her older brother.

Seeing this, everyone’s faces showed faint smiles.

"Let’s go this way."

Ma Zhengyu walked at the front, leading the way and explaining, "This time, the competition is held in the ancient city. During the event, players from all over the world will live and dine within the ancient city."

"This is the first time the World Championship is held in a scenic area. It promotes the scenic spot and adds a sense of gravity to the event."

"To attract more interest in Go, this World Championship is semi-open. Some professional players and amateur experts who have won amateur championships can apply to watch the matches live at the venue."

"Of course, they must strictly abide by the rules, like observing silently. Those who break the rules will face severe penalties, including lifetime bans for serious offenses."

Ma Zhengyu paused, then smiled and continued, "As for those who came just for the World Championship, our Go Academy also arranged live broadcasts. After buying tickets, people can watch in several large sports halls with top-level professional commentators taking turns to explain."

"Although there are as many as 40,000 tickets, they were sold out immediately upon release. From what I know, scalpers even hiked prices to over ten thousand, but tickets remain hard to get."

Ma Zhengyu joked, "It’s making me want to become a scalper myself."

Hearing this, Yu Shao was momentarily deep in thought.

The World Championship in this world is very different from that of his previous life. Back then, Go competitions were mostly held in closed hotels, with audiences watching at home via TV or computer.

But in this world, the World Championship is more commercialized, and enthusiasm for watching live is higher.

Even though Go cannot attract as many live spectators as football, there is still a strong demand for on-site viewing.

Therefore, in this world, most Go World Championships are semi-open.

Although ordinary people still cannot watch matches on site, they can watch live broadcasts in sports halls, which still creates a lively atmosphere with many fans watching together.

"The competition is still a few days away. These days, everyone should rest well and conserve energy."

Ma Zhengyu smiled and continued, "The World Championship is a grueling battle. Matches are held day after day until a champion is decided, so resting well is crucial. Physical strength is part of one’s Go skill."

As he spoke while walking, these words were mainly for Zheng Qin, Yu Shao, and others attending the World Championship for the first time. As for Zhuang Weisheng, Chen Shan, and others, they were veterans of the World Championship and didn’t need much explanation.

Yu Shao understood this, so he listened attentively all the way.

Although he was a regular in the World Championship in his previous life, he was completely unfamiliar with how it was organized in this world—he knew even less than Zheng Qin.

The group walked out of the airport and boarded a bus heading to Phoenix Ancient Town. The bumpy ride wasn’t long before the bus stopped.

Phoenix Ancient Town, arrived.

"Alright, we’re here."

Ma Zhengyu stood up, handing out room cards while speaking, "It’s still early. You can roam freely inside the ancient city. Remember to keep your masks on to avoid trouble. If you don’t want to wander, just head straight to the hotel."

Soon, Yu Shao took a room card from Ma Zhengyu, glanced at the information on it. It had the name of a guesthouse inside the ancient city and the room number, presumably where he would be staying during the World Championship.

Before long, Ma Zhengyu finished distributing all the cards, then looked around at everyone, took a deep breath, and said again, "I’ll leave you here. From now on, it’s all up to you."

"Wish you all to shine brilliantly on the highest stage for Go players—the World Championship. May you have smooth sailing and forge ahead without retreat!"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Qin’s expression tensed. He took several deep breaths, his face becoming solemn, and his fists silently clenched tighter.

Though others didn’t show as much as Zheng Qin, the atmosphere on the bus grew subtly heavier.

People began to get off the bus one after another. When everyone had disembarked, the bus doors slowly closed, and it drove away, disappearing from their sight.

"Wow, so beautiful."

Wu Zhixuan gazed at the ancient city’s scenery, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Yu Shao also turned to look ahead. A winding blue stone path connected to the road’s end, flanked by stilted buildings supported by wooden pillars over the river, preserving the antique charm and elegance.

On the streets, passersby were endless. Vendors on both sides loudly called out to attract customers. The scenery was picturesque.

However, Yu Shao had no strong desire to wander the ancient city. He glanced down at the room card in his hand and planned to head straight to his lodging to rest.

"Yu Shao, do you want to come with us to stroll around?"

At that moment, Wu Zhixuan suddenly turned to look at Yu Shao with an expectant face and asked.

"Mmm..."

Yu Shao hesitated for a moment but seeing Wu Zhixuan’s hopeful expression, he finally nodded and said, "Alright."

Afterward, he turned to look at Xu Zi behind him and asked, "Want to come?"

Xu Zi glanced at Yu Shao, then at Wu Zhixuan’s side where Wu Shuheng stood, and finally shook her head gently, refusing, "No, I’m going back to the hotel. You three go ahead."

"Zheng Qin, what about you?"

Yu Shao looked at Zheng Qin beside him and asked.

"Not in the mood."

Zheng Qin shook his head, "If I had time to stroll, it would be after the competition."

Seeing Zheng Qin wasn’t interested in wandering either, Yu Shao then asked Su Yiming, "Su Yiming, what about you? Going straight to the hotel too?"

"I don’t plan to go directly to the hotel."

Su Yiming shook his head, looking toward the ancient city not far away with a complicated tone, "But I want to wander alone."

Hearing this, Yu Shao felt a bit puzzled, thinking Su Yiming was a little strange.

"Forget it, just the three of us then."

At this time, Wu Shuheng spoke up.

"Fine."

Seeing Zheng Qin, Su Yiming, and Xu Zi unwilling to stroll, Yu Shao nodded and walked with Wu Zhixuan toward the ancient city.

They hadn’t walked far when Wu Shuheng complained to Wu Zhixuan, "You don’t have matches, but others do. The World Championship starts the day after tomorrow. Where’s the time to stroll? Why drag Yu Shao along?"

"I’m just asking. If Yu Shao doesn’t want to, then fine. Besides, I don’t want to stroll with you."

Wu Zhixuan wrinkled her nose and said fiercely to Wu Shuheng, "You’re too unlucky. I need someone to ward off evil!"

Seeing this, Yu Shao couldn’t help but smile silently. From their relationship, it was obvious Wu Zhixuan and Wu Shuheng were siblings.

Wu Shuheng was a bit helpless with Wu Zhixuan and apologized to Yu Shao, "Sorry, she’s a big girl but still childish."

"Who’s a big girl!"

Wu Zhixuan instantly got angry, her beautiful eyes wide as she retorted, "I’m only eighteen! Eighteen! Eighteen!"

She emphasized “eighteen” three times, showing how furious she was.

"You’ll be nineteen in a month, and you still dare to say you’re eighteen." Wu Shuheng rolled his eyes, hitting Wu Zhixuan’s sore spot precisely.

"It’s still a month away, isn’t it?!"

Wu Zhixuan was so annoyed that her full chest rose and fell repeatedly.

"It’s okay, it’s okay."

Yu Shao couldn’t help but chuckle and quickly mediated, "A stroll is good to ease the nervous mood. Who knows, maybe you’ll perform better in the matches. Didn’t Chairman Ma also recommend we stroll around?"

"Wu Shuheng, did you hear that?"

Wu Zhixuan glared fiercely at Wu Shuheng, "I’m doing this for Yu Shao! Mind your own business! Any woman who ends up with you is doomed to eight generations of bad luck."

"Any man who marries you is the one doomed to eight generations of bad luck!"

Wu Shuheng got angry in return and shot back immediately.

The two bickered all the way, unknowingly walking into the ancient city, which bustled with crowds and noise. Wu Zhixuan was soon attracted by the goods sold on the streets.

"This Go bracelet is so beautiful!"

Wu Zhixuan quickly walked up to a street stall, happily picking up a delicate bracelet made of black and white Go stones strung together on a carpet, examining it fondly.

Yu Shao was surprised by the Go bracelet and glanced at other street vendors, finding many items related to Go for sale.

There were Go bowls engraved with the word "Phoenix," Go tables carved with three phoenixes, and even candied hawthorns shaped like Go stones.

"Since the World Championship is held in Phoenix, the merchandise naturally relates to Go."

Wu Shuheng was unfazed but noticed Yu Shao’s confusion and explained, "This happens every time. Wherever the World Championship is held, tourist numbers surge, and these items sell well."

"I see."

Yu Shao was impressed, truly opening his eyes to how Go was the top board game in this world.

"Miss, buy a bracelet. The quality is excellent. It’ll look beautiful on your hand."

An auntie at the stall smiled warmly seeing Wu Zhixuan’s interest.

"Um..."

Wu Zhixuan looked at the bracelet again, liking it more and more, and asked, "Auntie, how much?"

"Fifty."

The auntie smiled harmlessly.

Hearing the price, Yu Shao knew Wu Zhixuan probably wouldn’t buy it. Given her stingy personality, she wouldn’t buy a bracelet priced at five thousand. Even two hundred would make her hesitate for a long time.

Though Wu Zhixuan was a 4-dan player with good results and presumably had money, this wasn’t about wealth—she was just incredibly frugal.

"How much?!"

As Yu Shao expected, Wu Zhixuan’s smile froze, and she widened her beautiful eyes in disbelief, asking, "Five thousand?"

"It’s not expensive, miss. These stones come from the best on Nanhua Mountain here, carefully polished by a master craftsman. Feel it, miss, how smooth it is."

The auntie hurriedly explained, afraid Wu Zhixuan would run away because of the price. "And, miss, hold it up to the sunlight. Don’t you see the phoenix patterns on each stone? Like they’re about to spread their wings and fly."

"This bracelet is called ‘Phoenixes Flying Together,’ unique in the world. Other bracelets don’t have this pattern!"

The auntie spoke convincingly, making it seem like buying at five thousand was a bargain and not buying would be a loss.

"We..."

Wu Zhixuan complained with a sad face, "This is way too expensive..."

"Miss, it’s not. This bracelet will look so good on you. And wearing it might even boost your Go skills a bit."

Wu Zhixuan looked at the bracelet in her hand but didn’t put it down. After hesitating for a long time, she cautiously asked, "Can it be cheaper?"

"Forty-eight hundred."

The auntie thought for a moment, then reluctantly gave a price, "Lowest price. It’s really made by a master craftsman. No more discounts."

"Alright."

Wu Zhixuan winced in pain but finally nodded, took out her phone, and said, "WeChat scan code."

Seeing this, Yu Shao and Wu Shuheng were stunned. Their eyes widened as they exchanged looks filled with disbelief.

Wu Zhixuan spent 4,800 on a bracelet at a street stall?!

At that price, not even Yu Shao or Wu Shuheng would have bought it.

Only after Wu Zhixuan finished scanning and paying did Wu Shuheng snap back to reality, but it was already too late to stop her.

"Here, Yu Shao, for you."

Wu Zhixuan held the bracelet, turned around, and stretched out her hand to give it to Yu Shao.

Yu Shao was instantly stunned.

Under the midsummer sun, Wu Zhixuan’s smiling eyes curved beautifully, two small dimples appearing on her face as she said, "Phoenixes Flying Together, Phoenix Yu ‘Flying’—it even gives you a buff for playing Go. Your match is coming soon;

it’s perfect for you!"