Xi Zhicai suddenly collapsing shocked Chen Qun. If Xi Zhicai were to die inexplicably, how could Chen Qun possibly explain this to Cao Cao? Regardless of any explanation, it would be difficult for Chen Qun to clear himself of suspicion. Even though Cao Cao was known for his broad-mindedness, this incident would undoubtedly leave a thorn in his side. After all, Xi Zhicai was one of Cao Cao's most trusted strategists, and though Chen Qun had also earned Cao Cao's approval, he was still new and everyone knew who Cao Cao favored more.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Chen Qun shouted in alarm, grabbing Xi Zhicai's arm. "Physician! Get a physician, quick!"
Unaware of the trouble his collapse had caused Chen Qun, Xi Zhicai's sudden condition led to an immediate halt in their journey. Prioritizing Xi Zhicai's treatment became the most important matter, and being the cautious person he was, Chen Qun immediately sent someone to notify Cao Cao, seeking instructions on whether to send Xi Zhicai back. No matter what, Chen Qun needed to distance himself from any potential blame.
Back in Fenggao, both Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi had been taken by their respective older brothers for a stern talking-to. They both learned that the other's family wasn't to be underestimated. Sima Lang was shocked that Zhuge Liang, who was even younger than his own brother, already possessed a mental talent, while Zhuge Jin was equally shocked to find out that Sima Yi was the one who had nullified his talent.
"So, that Sima Zhongda can nullify our talents? Based on your interaction with him, is there any flaw in his mental talent?" Zhuge Jin asked with a frown. Such a large-scale talent suppression seemed to have affected everyone in Fenggao not long ago.
"It seems that his ability likely affects both friend and foe," Zhuge Liang responded calmly. "Even his brother's talent was suppressed, so it's reasonable to assume that this power affects everyone indiscriminately. But even if our talents are nullified, I'm not afraid to match wits with him."
Zhuge Jin frowned slightly. For Zhuge Liang to say he wasn't afraid meant that the boy had felt significant pressure. The last person Zhuge Liang had spoken of in this way was Pang Tong.
The thought of a young man who could rival Pang Tong in wisdom gave Zhuge Jin a headache. Though he could currently outmaneuver Pang Tong due to his age and experience, Zhuge Jin knew that it was only a matter of two or three years before both his brother and Pang Tong would surpass him.
Zhuge Jin sighed inwardly, acknowledging that a new era of talent was rising.
"Indeed, Brother Da also possesses a mental talent. Now that I think about it, it's amazing that I could converse so easily with a stranger," Zhuge Jin said, sighing. "Kongming, you must surpass your elder brother."
Meanwhile, in the Sima brothers' room, a similar conversation was taking place. However, Sima Lang's shock was even greater.
"Kongming is truly formidable. I've never met anyone my age who could rival him—let alone someone stronger. I played three games of chess with him, and apart from the last one which ended in a draw after much thought, I lost the other two," Sima Yi said with a melancholic tone. Losing to Zhuge Liang didn't bother him much, but he felt regretful that he hadn't met Zhuge Liang sooner. Finding a worthy opponent had been such a rare and lonely journey for him.
"You lost both games?" Sima Lang was taken aback. Zhuge Liang was two years younger than Sima Yi, who had never lost so decisively before. Sima Lang knew that Sima Yi's chess skills were formidable, yet here was a younger boy who had bested him twice, with the third match only ending in a draw after Zhuge Liang had left.
"Brother, do you know why I activated my mental talent?" Sima Yi asked, his face showing a hint of excitement. Zhuge Liang's appearance had made him realize there was more to life than being hailed as a genius. He had found a lifelong rival!
Before Sima Lang could respond, Sima Yi continued, "It was because I lost twice in a row and became so frustrated that I couldn't control my jealousy. I became furious and stopped playing games of wit with him. Instead, I wanted to compete in governance and strategy—to use my brilliance to make him submit. But even then, I still lost." Sima Yi's face twisted into an odd smile. "Kongming also possesses a mental talent, and his mental capacity is already on par with yours, Brother. He truly is a genius!"
As Sima Yi spoke, there wasn't a trace of jealousy in his tone—only the thrill of having found a worthy opponent. "Meeting him showed me that the world is full of surprises. You never know what you'll encounter next, and it's a great feeling. When faced with unforeseen challenges beyond your ability to handle, I've realized the best response is patience!"
"Patience to curb my jealousy, patience to suppress my arrogance, patience to restrain my desires, and patience to temper my ambitions. I'll quietly observe my opponent until the perfect opportunity for a fatal strike arises. And if that opportunity never comes, then, just like in that last chess game, I'll wait until they leave!" Sima Yi seemed to have had an epiphany. The sharpness in his demeanor softened, his previously haughty aura became more reserved, and he took on a calmer, more composed presence—he had found his path.
Sima Lang gradually calmed down from his initial shock. It was one thing to learn that Zhuge Liang had bested Sima Yi in two games and drawn the third, and another to hear that both boys had mental talents. But to witness Sima Yi's transformation after these losses—an awakening of sorts—filled Sima Lang with joy. Sometimes, defeat teaches more than victory.
Seeing his younger brother mature before his eyes, Sima Lang laughed heartily. "I once heard Chen Zichuan say, 'Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles; traveling ten thousand miles is not as good as meeting countless people; meeting countless people is not as good as having a master to guide you; and having a master to guide you is not as good as finding your own path.' Indeed, indeed! One loss led to Zhongda's growth—this was worth it!"
Sima Yi looked calmly at his ecstatic brother without saying a word. In the past, if Sima Lang had praised someone else in front of him like this, Sima Yi would have reacted with scorn. But now, his heart was as still as a deep well. He could accept these words with serenity, knowing that losing to Zhuge Liang had been a blessing in disguise.