"I'm fine. Has he arrived?" Andrew Carter's voice was low, as if he had aged more than a decade. That voice had been haunting him these past days. With his status and position, he would never stoop to cheating, even if he lost. He simply wanted to communicate with that voice again. Over the past few days, he had people look up a lot of information. It turned out that in some Chinese fantasy novels or a Japanese manga about Go, there were experiences similar to his. Could there really be a Go-playing ghost, an old ghost talking to him!!!!

As he spoke, he heard a commotion outside. William Thompson walked in. Although he was here to challenge the place, he still politely shook hands with Matthew Hill, then cupped his hands toward Andrew Carter and said, "Old Carter, I look forward to learning from you again today."

Boom! Andrew Carter's old face flushed bright red. After so many years of cultivating himself in Go, he had trained his mind and spirit. Yet this kind of embarrassing situation still left him unable to compose himself. Ethan Brooks was also nearby. He had just set a cup of tea next to Andrew Carter. Seeing Andrew Carter's expression, he thought to himself, this old gentleman is just too upright.

Anyone could see he was not himself. Fortunately, the confident and proud William Thompson didn't say much more; otherwise, Andrew Carter wouldn't have known what to do.

Seeing Andrew Carter walking a bit unsteadily, his spirit somewhat dazed, Ethan Brooks hurried over to help him sit down.

"Please have some tea, sir." Ethan Brooks handed over the tea. Judging by the old gentleman's state, even if he wasn't playing himself, he probably wouldn't be able to hold out for this match, and it might leave lasting effects. What a shame—he was helping his uncle-in-law, and yet had been frightened like this. Naturally, Ethan Brooks wouldn't hesitate to add a little something extra to his tea.

Over the years, Ethan Brooks had been nourished daily by the spiritual energy from his Spirit Gathering Robe, as well as countless top-grade medicinal herbs. Now, even medicines that were considered precious in the cultivation world were useless to Ethan Brooks, let alone the lowest-grade pills that Old Carter could handle.

Matthew Hill was very pleased to see Ethan Brooks being so considerate. He was also worried that Andrew Carter wouldn't be able to hold out. But since Andrew Carter insisted on continuing, there was nothing he could do.

William Thompson glanced at Ethan Brooks but didn't pay much attention. After the two sat down, Ethan Brooks and Matthew Hill left, and the match officially began.

At this moment, after drinking two sips of tea, Andrew Carter suddenly felt a rush through his whole body, his mind clear and refreshed. Years of chronic ailments and the fatigue of these past days were all swept away. The clarity of his mind was something he had never experienced in his life. This feeling, this feeling... was even better than when he had faced Korea's top player at his peak. Now, even without the help of that voice, Andrew Carter was confident he could take on William Thompson.

Chapter 8: Please, let the expert come forth

Andrew Carter's transformation was clear to all the spectators outside, who were amazed. Matthew Hill was even more moved, sighing in admiration—Old Carter always managed to bring surprises and miracles.

Ethan Brooks stood by, smiling without saying a word, thinking, how could it not be good! Although the Marrow Cleansing Pill was considered an ordinary foundation-building pill in the cultivation world, to Ethan Brooks now it was even less valuable than a candy bean—at least candy beans tasted sweet.

But for ordinary people, it could extend their life by at least fifteen years. If an average martial artist used it, it could increase their power by at least twenty years. This kind of pill was a treasure in the martial arts world, rare and highly sought after. People often killed for a single Marrow Cleansing Pill. Seeing that Andrew Carter was standing up for Ethan, naturally, he couldn't let the old man suffer. Given his physical condition, this pill could easily extend his life by ten years.

Moreover, Ethan Brooks had also added Green Cold Ice Tea to balance the properties and taste of the Marrow Cleansing Pill. Even the martial arts prodigy William Thompson, sitting right across from Andrew Carter, didn't notice a thing.

Although he didn't recognize the Green Cold Ice Tea, nor did he notice the Marrow Cleansing Pill, William Thompson was no fool. Andrew Carter's current state was not just a sudden burst of energy—he was revitalized from the inside out, instantly looking ten or twenty years younger. William Thompson found it very strange.

Thinking about the changes, the tea, that cup of tea—William Thompson's eyes turned to the teacup. The cup was nice, but there wasn't much tea left. Andrew Carter had already finished most of it in two sips. The tea was emerald green and clear, nothing special to see. Even if it were a stimulant, it couldn't possibly have such an effect. Strange.

With the big match about to begin, there was no more time for William Thompson to ponder. Andrew Carter was full of confidence and in top form.

At his best, Andrew Carter didn't give William Thompson time to think. To be able to truly battle this so-called once-in-a-century Go genius in such a state was a great fortune in life. Moreover, Andrew Carter was hoping that voice would appear again—he had so many questions and doubts to ask.

The Go board was like a battlefield, black and white stones clashing, back and forth.

At first, William Thompson was still distracted, puzzled by Andrew Carter's sudden change and that strange voice. But gradually, he became fully absorbed, immersing his whole being into the game, reaching a state where self and board became one.

Ethan Brooks watched from outside. The game between the two was certainly brilliant, but unfortunately, it still hadn't reached the highest realm.

Back when he played with Master Gu Han, he once said that so-called Go masters in the secular world spend their whole lives within the game. Because of their short lifespans, only those with great wisdom can, in their brief lives, reach another realm—transcend the board.