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Chapter 443: Chapter 443

"I will serve as the chief referee for this Phoenix Cup World Championship. Throughout this not-so-short period of the world tournament, regardless of the final outcome, I will accompany all participating players through this journey."

Though Zhao Zhengyang was already over seventy, his voice remained robust and powerful. He paused briefly before continuing, "I also greatly look forward to witnessing firsthand the stunning performances each player will display on the go board."

The entire hall grew even quieter, as if everyone could sense the heavy and solemn atmosphere settling in.

Although the world championship initially employed the most brutal single-elimination format until only sixty-four players remained, before switching to double-elimination to ultimately determine the final winner between the winners' bracket champion and losers' bracket champion, the sheer number of participants meant that even the initial single-elimination stage—where one loss meant immediate elimination—would take considerable time to whittle down to just sixty-four players.

Coupled with the double-elimination phase and the final championship determination, this tournament would indeed be much longer compared to other competitions, presenting a severe test of every player's energy and physical endurance.

"On the stage of the world championship, too many stories have unfolded, too many famous games have been born."

Zhao Zhengyang took a deep breath and said slowly, "For example, when Korean players first innovatively attempted the twin-star formation in world competitions, it sparked global discussions about material versus influence, and the komoku opening ceased to be the only mainstream strategy."

"The three-star formation prompted reflection and reconsideration about outward influence versus solid territory. The Weisheng style initiated debates about solid shape and moyo expansion..."

"These games born from world championships, these game records created in world tournaments, still shine brilliantly in the history of go even to this day."

"One could even say that it has always been the various world championships that continuously drive the progress of go."

Though Zhao Zhengyang merely discussed the past history of world championships, his words instantly stirred everyone's emotions.

Because everything Zhao Zhengyang said was true.

From the impact of the twin-star formation on the small point opening, to the evolution of various new moves and new joseki, to the emergence and popularity of formations like the three-star formation and Weisheng style...

Beneath these few words lay hidden the blood and tears of countless go players over two hundred years. Countless people had been buried in world championships, while others achieved success built upon ten thousand bones. The profound and weighty history of modern go unfolded like a scroll before everyone's eyes.

On this scroll, heroes galloped on horseback, drawing bows and setting arrows, competing for supremacy across the central plains—a sight that stirred the soul with passion and emotion.

And now, those who would decide how this scroll continued to unfold were them—all the players standing in this hall at this moment.

They might also have the opportunity to become the protagonists of these stories. Even if not as main characters, merely playing supporting roles would be enough to take pride in.

After all, more people were destined not even to qualify as supporting characters.

"Though from today's perspective, some approaches may not necessarily be correct, the eternal light of exploration that flickers within them continues to astonish people to this day."

Zhao Zhengyang scanned the hall, his words firm and resonant as he said solemnly, "And now, after enduring countless hardships, you have finally reached this stage!"

At this point, Zhao Zhengyang changed his tone and spoke again: "However, I want to say that not everything... can go exactly as one wishes."

Hearing Zhao Zhengyang's words, the atmosphere in the entire hall suddenly became somewhat heavy and somber.

Actually, most people clearly understood that while this was indeed the highest and grandest stage in the go world, it was precisely because of its grandeur that it became even more cruel and ruthless. Even though they had exerted their utmost effort to reach this point, they were more likely to be mercilessly overwhelmed and swept away.

The saying "one general's success built upon ten thousand bones" perfectly described this reality.

"I also walked this path back in my day. Seeing you now feels like seeing my younger self."

Zhao Zhengyang took a deep breath before continuing, "Because I've experienced it myself, I won't stand here spouting pretty words about how effort always brings reward. Nor do I want you to hold too great expectations about achieving good results in the world championship!"

Hearing these words, the journalists in the hall immediately erupted in murmurs, exchanging bewildered glances with wide eyes. Many participating players also wore expressions of surprise and confusion.

Zheng Qin also looked somewhat surprised at Zhao Zhengyang, feeling that he was somewhat breaking from convention.

Beneath these few words lay hidden the blood and tears of countless Go players over two hundred years. Countless people had been buried in world championships, while others achieved success built upon ten thousand bones. The profound history of modern Go unfolded like a scroll before everyone's eyes.

But Zhao Zhengyang was doing the opposite—directly undermining the confidence of participating players without discrimination. This was practically unheard of; Yu Shao had lived two lifetimes and never witnessed anything like it. It didn't seem like something a seventy-year-old man would do.

"Is that something a chief referee should say?"

A journalist twitched his mouth and complained to his partner: "Everyone else says effort brings reward, but when it comes to Master Zhao Zhengyang, it turns out effort doesn't necessarily guarantee returns."

The cameraman serving as his partner also found it somewhat hard to believe.

However, in the hall, there were also some players like Zhuang Weisheng, Zhu Huai'an, and Kudou Yano who remained unmoved by Zhao Zhengyang's words, their expressions calm.

Without exception, these players had all participated in world championships several times before.

"Those who can say those encouraging, uplifting words without batting an eye, who can spout those clichéd inspirational phrases—they must be people who have never participated in world championships. But I'm different. I've not only participated but also achieved some insignificant results."

Zhao Zhengyang seemed completely unconcerned about the commotion below the stage, his words firm and resonant: "Precisely because of this, I understand very clearly how cruel and ruthless the world championship truly is!" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveIＦire.net

Zhao Zhengyang's voice wasn't loud, yet it landed with weight, echoing throughout the entire hall.

The hall grew quiet again, everyone silently watching the old man on stage, as if they could see the swirling clouds of paradox and complexity from world championships thirty or forty years ago through the wrinkles on his face.

"One of the lifelong goals for all go players must certainly include winning a world championship."

Zhao Zhengyang faced the crowd below and said slowly, "To achieve this goal, all players endure countless hardships and difficulties, finally arriving at the stage of the world championship after experiencing immense challenges."

"But the final result might be heartless. There are so many people here now, but on the first day of competition, half of you will be directly eliminated!"

"Perhaps many will feel that everything they've poured into this has been completely wasted, that it was all useless effort."

Hearing Zhao Zhengyang's words, the atmosphere in the entire hall suddenly became somewhat heavy.

"What I want to say is—"

Actually, most people clearly understood that while this was indeed the highest and grandest stage in the Go world, it was precisely because of its grandeur that it became even more brutal. Even though they had exerted their utmost effort to reach this point, they were more likely to be mercilessly overwhelmed.

The entire venue fell into complete silence.

Zhao Zhengyang's gaze slowly swept across the entire audience before he continued: "Only in this way, even if you ultimately lose, when you review your games, you'll discover that all these years of effort definitely weren't wasted!"

The hall remained utterly silent.

After about two or three seconds, the entire venue suddenly erupted into tidal waves of applause, with camera flashes sparkling continuously throughout the hall, the sound of shutter clicks mixing within!

Moments later, as the applause gradually subsided, Zhao Zhengyang smiled and continued: "On the first day of competition, half of the players will be eliminated. But since everyone has come from far away, you probably don't plan to stay just one day and go through the motions, right?"

Someone immediately responded with laughter from below the stage.

"I also can't bear to see everyone come all this way only to leave disappointed after just one day. But such is the tournament format—elimination means elimination."

Zhao Zhengyang smiled and said: "However, I hope that even eliminated players, if they have no urgent matters, can stay and witness this Phoenix Cup World Championship with me until its conclusion."

"Though eliminated, you can entrust the goal of championship to someone you wish to support, letting them shoulder your dreams as you watch them step by step reach the finish line on your behalf."

"I hope this summer can bring everyone an unforgettable memory. Even many years later, when discussing world championships, you can still recall this summer, remember this world tournament!"

"I have a premonition that this summer will definitely bring us countless surprises and touching moments!"

As Zhao Zhengyang finished speaking, another wave of applause rose from below the stage.

But Zhao Zhengyang was doing the opposite—directly attacking the confidence of participating players without discrimination. This was practically unheard of; Yu Shao had lived two lifetimes and never witnessed anything like it. It didn't seem like something a seventy-year-old man would do.

"I've said what I needed to say. Now let's begin the drawing ceremony."

Zhao Zhengyang smiled and said: "With so many people, the drawing probably won't be finished quickly. I hope everyone draws the opponent they anticipate."

Hearing this, everyone below the stage couldn't help but laugh.

Because of the large number of participants in the first round, it naturally wasn't possible to have players come on stage one by one to draw lots like in ordinary tournaments—otherwise just the drawing process would last until evening.

Therefore, the drawing employed over a dozen boxes simultaneously, with staff recording players' lot numbers before finally matching them up. Even so, it would likely take some time.

Seeing that the drawing was about to begin, everyone's expression in the venue involuntarily turned serious—even Zhuang Weisheng was no exception.

The cameraman serving as his partner also found it somewhat unbelievable.

Even players as strong as Zhuang Weisheng and An Hongshi—if their drawing luck was poor and they drew each other in the first round—would be destined to see one of them eliminated in the first round.

Yes, though the names An Hongshi and Zhuang Weisheng seemed completely incompatible with first-round elimination, this possibility indeed existed, and such things had happened more than once in previous world championships.

This was what people called the "enemy draw."

"I won't draw Master An Hongshi in the first round, will I?" Zheng Qin felt somewhat nervous, whispering to Yu Shao.

"How could you be that unlucky? There are so many people." Yu Shao chuckled dismissively, offering comfort.

Before long, Zhu Huai'an, who was queuing ahead of Zheng Qin, finished his draw, and it became Zheng Qin's turn.

Zheng Qin took a deep breath, slowly stepped forward, and under the staff's watchful eye, reached into the drawing box, grabbed a lot paper, and clutched it tightly as if afraid to loosen his grip.

"Open it and see—what number?"

The hall grew quiet again, everyone silently watching the old man on stage, as if they could see the swirling clouds of contention from world championships thirty or forty years ago through the wrinkles on his face.

Hearing this, Zheng Qin finally carefully loosened his grip on the lot paper. Yu Shao also curiously leaned in, craning his neck to see the number on Zheng Qin's paper.

This meant that whoever drew lot number 207 would be Zheng Qin's first-round opponent. Previously, when Chinese team players had drawn lots, none had drawn number 207.

Zhuang Weisheng had number 78, Zhu Huai'an had number 231, so Zheng Qin at least wouldn't face Zhuang Weisheng, Zhu Huai'an, or others.

"But the final result might be ruthless. There are so many people here now, but on the first day of competition, half of you will be directly eliminated!"

The staff member nodded, picked up a pen, found Zheng Qin's name on his list, recorded 207 after Zheng Qin's name, and said: "Alright, next."

Behind Zheng Qin stood Yu Shao, who immediately stepped forward upon hearing this and reached into the drawing box.

Seeing Yu Shao about to draw, instantly everyone looked toward Yu Shao—even Zhuang Weisheng was no exception.

Zhao Zhengyang continued: "I don't want to dampen the enthusiasm of participating players, nor do I want to place too much pressure on everyone. I'm stating facts—cold, hard facts that even your utmost efforts might not allow you to achieve your wishes."

Seeing this, Zheng Qin's expression changed slightly, suddenly growing tense. Zhu Huai'an also stared intently at the paper in Yu Shao's hand, watching as Yu Shao slowly unfolded it.

Seeing this number, Zheng Qin immediately sighed in relief, patting his chest as if a weight had been lifted. Zhu Huai'an also lost interest in Yu Shao's lot number and withdrew his gaze.

Then came the final number.

"Yu Shao, number 277."

Yu Shao looked up and told the staff member.

None of the several Chinese players who had drawn earlier had number 277, meaning like Zheng Qin, Yu Shao wouldn't encounter them as first-round opponents.

This was normal though—there were too many participating players. While first-round internal matches were possible, generally they wouldn't occur too frequently.

Yu Shao didn't know if it was his imagination, but after getting this answer, the staff member seemed somewhat disappointed.

The staff member quickly picked up his pen, found Yu Shao's name, recorded Yu Shao's lot number, and called out: "Alright, next."

Hearing this, Su Yiming, who was queuing behind Yu Shao, immediately responded and stepped forward.

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