Go tournaments weren't popular on college campuses. With low accessibility and matches averaging over an hour, few students bothered to watch.

But today, Cherry Blossom Academy was an exception. Rumors that both the School Beauty and campus kingpin would compete drew massive crowds. The stadium field overflowed with students and fans, as packed as a morning flag-raising assembly.

On the main stage, a host in a suit stepped forward.

"Welcome to the Qing Shui Cup Go Tournament! Contestants, please take the stage!"

Thirty-two players emerged to thunderous cheers.

"It's Bai Yuxuan!"

"The School Beauty!"

"Bai Yuxuan is so cool! Bai Yuxuan will win!"

"Go, School Beauty!" Fans chanted from both sides.

The host continued, "Now, the match pairings." A projector displayed the bracket on a screen. Gasps rippled through the crowd—should Bai Yuxuan and Ouyang Qianxue win their first three matches, they’d face off in the semifinals.

"Contestants, take your seats. Begin!"

Skilled players filled the main tournament, forcing Ouyang Qianxue into grueling battles. Bai Yuxuan, however, dominated. Though slower than his group stage matches, he forced his opponent to resign by move 100.

"Since when was Bai Yuxuan this strong?" students murmured.

"He’s truly exceptional at everything—brains and brawn! So cool!" Many of his fangirls swooned openly.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Qianxue barely defeated her first opponent after over an hour.

"Qianxue seems off today," the Go Club president muttered to fellow members.

"Yeah. She’s already exhausted after just one match."

Sweat drenched Ouyang Qianxue’s face as she stood. Her steps wavered unsteadily. By her third match, her condition worsened. After winning, she rose—then stumbled, vision blurring.

The Go Club president couldn’t hold back anymore. She rushed to the player area and blocked Ouyang Qianxue.

"Your condition is terrible! You shouldn’t keep playing!"

"Senior, this match against Bai Yuxuan matters. I must play. If you stop me, I’ll quit the Go Club… and cut ties with you."

"But—"

"Trust me. Win or lose, I’ll rest after this match."

Helpless, the president watched the frail Ouyang Qianxue return to the board.

"You’re finally here. I’ve waited long for this," Bai Yuxuan said, already seated.

"Sorry to keep you. Just to confirm—if I win, you’ll stop pursuing my sister."

"Correct. If I lose, I’ll never bother you or your sister again." Their voices dropped low.

"Begin when ready." The referee signaled. Ouyang Qianxue, playing black, opened. Bai Yuxuan immediately deployed the Muramasa Demon Blade joseki.

"They’ve started!" The stadium erupted. Excitement peaked as if this were the finals.

"You studied my games well," Bai Yuxuan remarked smoothly, though Ouyang Qianxue had dodged his traps. "But I held back against lesser opponents. I saved something special… just for you." He placed an unexpected stone.

"What?! He kept a secret move?!" The Go Club president gripped her seat. "Qianxue must rely on instinct now!"

To her shock, Ouyang Qianxue saw through the trap instantly.

"What?!" Bai Yuxuan stiffened.

"I analyzed not just your games, but every Muramasa player’s records. Patterns repeat. I deduced your intent."

"Remarkable, School Beauty. But I’m not done yet."

Dizziness crashed over Ouyang Qianxue. Her thoughts frayed.

*I can’t lose here! I must protect my sister!* She pinched her arm hard, jolting herself awake.

Bai Yuxuan, lost in the thrill of battle, noticed nothing.

*Perfect.* Bai Yuxuan set a layered trap. Exhausted, Ouyang Qianxue missed it—and fell in.

"Got you!" Bai Yuxuan’s atari move sealed her disadvantage.

"Disaster!" Ouyang Qianxue realized too late.

"Yes. That desperate look on your face… exactly what I wanted." Bai Yuxuan’s cold smile widened.

*Stay calm!* Dizziness surged again.

*For my sister… I must hold on.* She pinched her arm harder, recalling her senior’s words: *The Muramasa is a double-edged sword…*

*His relentless attacks left weak points! If I use that flaw as a ko threat, I can reverse this capture!*

Sweat beaded on her forehead as she scanned the board.

"Found it!" Her stone landed—a subtle flaw exposed. The game flipped instantly.

"How?!" Bai Yuxuan paled. That single move struck like a dagger to her throat.

"Brilliant! Against all odds, such a masterstroke!" The commentator leaned forward. "The odds have shifted to 70-30. Unless something changes, Ouyang Qianxue will win!"

"Qianxue! You never cease to amaze me!" The Go Club president nearly jumped from her seat.

Ouyang Qianxue exhaled, relief washing over her. Then—

Darkness swallowed her vision. She collapsed.