Chapter 386 Hunting 3

His calves were trembling.

A lion? This guy actually dared to provoke a lion?! Does he have a death wish? Wait, what did he just say? He shot a lion dead? Does that mean he’s not even afraid of lions?!

Sixth Master felt his scalp tingle.

He took a few deep breaths and racked his brains for a way out.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up.

That’s right! My martial skills might not be high, but my status is! I am the dignified Sixth Prince, the Emperor’s own younger brother. I refuse to believe that a mere Martial Champion could do anything to me. As far as I know, his rank isn’t even that high. At best, he’s just a small leader in some military camp! A prince, afraid of a minor official? Ridiculous!

The moment Sixth Master thought of this, he wasn’t afraid anymore.

Dragging his lame leg, he took a few steps back. With a face full of contempt, he asked from a position of superiority, "What did you just... see?"

Tiger glanced into the distance, at the arrow stuck in the tree trunk, and then said, "I saw what there was to be seen!"

Sixth Master’s complexion changed, but in the end, he bolstered his presence and exploded with rage. "You..."

"This prince just shot at a sika deer and missed, that’s all. What did you see?"

"You... you better not falsely accuse others!"

Sixth Master’s lips were trembling.

Tiger’s lip twitched. "I said nothing. Whom is the Sixth Prince accusing of slander?"

Sixth Master’s face turned a shade of embarrassment, but he still brazenly denied it. "It’s you I’m talking about! What do you mean by ’saw what there was to be seen’? Stop slandering me!"

Tiger was speechless.

Aren’t the imperial princes schooled from a young age, having learned much wisdom? But looking at him now... this Sixth Prince doesn’t seem that great. He’s nothing but a street thug! No, worse than a street thug. Street thugs don’t resort to vile tricks, don’t play dirty, nor do they do things and then refuse to admit to them...

Tiger was utterly puzzled.

Yang Chenyi heard the commotion and came this way. Upon getting a clear view, he hurriedly greeted, "So it’s this year’s New Martial Champion. I’ve long admired you..."

Tiger, unaccustomed to such attention, gave an embarrassed smile and said, "Young Master Yang can just call me Tiger..."

Yang Chenyi nodded, then looking at him, quickly amended, "Tiger? That’s quite a name... it suits you well!"

"My name’s Yang Chenyi. If Brother Tiger doesn’t mind, just call me... Brother Yang."

Tiger was somewhat overwhelmed and stood there, unsure how to respond. Having become an official, he had learned much about the ways of the world; he wasn’t one to offer flattery, nor was he keen on currying favor with anyone.

Yang Chenyi’s gaze shifted, landing on the arrow embedded in the tree not far away. He spoke earnestly, "Brother Tiger saved my life. I’d like us to become sworn brothers. What do you say, Brother Tiger?"

Tiger, seeing his gaze, knew.

Young Master Yang has understood everything.

He didn’t say more.

He immediately said, "Young Master Yang is learned and skilled in both literature and martial arts; I am grateful that you hold me in such esteem!"

"Good!" Yang Chenyi slapped him heartily on the shoulder. "From now on, we are brothers! Tonight, after the hunt, let’s drink together!"

Tiger was also very pleased. "Thank you, Young Master Yang, for your recognition!"

Though still young, Yang Chenyi was extremely skilled in martial arts and acted with maturity, already showing the makings of a great general at a tender age. Even Tiger, who usually disliked currying favor, held him in high esteem. They had the feeling of kindred spirits meeting too late, a mutual recognition of heroism, and cherished each other’s company.

The two of them, having sworn brotherhood, hooked their arms over each other’s shoulders and left, chatting and laughing.

Sixth Master, long since forgotten in the corner, stared at their retreating backs, dumbfounded.

In the blink of an eye, the surroundings quieted down. Only the arrow he had shot remained, cleaved in two by Tiger’s arrow, stubbornly stuck together in the tree trunk, as if mocking his lack of skill.

"This... This is outrageous!" Sixth Master flew into a rage!

But looking around, Yang Chenyi and Tiger were nowhere to be seen—not a soul remained. He began to feel a little frightened!

"Where... Where is this place?"

Have I gotten lost? And where could my horse be?

Sixth Master was completely panicked. He turned in circles on the spot, over and over, eventually losing even the direction Tiger and Yang Chenyi had taken.

"No, wait, hey! Don’t leave this prince here!" Sixth Master was close to tears.

Should I walk forward? No... Or maybe walk back? That doesn’t seem right either!

Just then, a wild beast’s call came from not far away. Sixth Master’s pores stood on end, and his back broke out in cold sweat.

Heavens! I almost forgot this is a dense forest, home to wild beasts! What if...

Sixth Master, covered in cold sweat, dared not let his thoughts wander further.

At this moment, the only thought in his head was to get the hell out of this wretched place. All his earlier arrogance, rage, and shameless blaming were gone. He was so scared he was on the verge of wetting his pants.

In a frantic scramble, he fled in another direction. By chance, he caught sight of his horse.

At this moment, this sight is dearer to me than even my own mother!

Using hands and feet, he clambered onto the horse. No longer caring about direction, he lashed the horse with all his might, and it bolted!

He didn’t know how long he had run, but he finally made it out of the dense forest. Ahead of him, not far off, he saw others carrying their game, returning from another direction out of the woods.

Sixth Master relaxed completely.

It’s like I’ve returned from hell and am seeing the vibrant sunshine once more! I’m so stirred I just want to cry my heart out!

However, in the end, the tears didn’t come—his vision went dark and he tumbled from the horse, unconscious.

「...」

Sixth Master was carried back on horseback.

「Inside the tent.」

The Imperial Physician spoke after examining him, "Reporting to the Emperor, the Sixth Prince is unharmed, merely shaken up. After taking a calming potion and resting for the night, he will be fine!"

Zhao Junyao was relieved and didn’t press further. He instructed those nearby to take good care of the Sixth Prince and then left.

「Outside the tent.」

The bonfires had been lit. A group of people were shouting and discussing who had gotten more game, who had bagged larger prey.

General Xiao stood aside, watching with glee. Turning to see the Emperor approach, he stepped forward to salute.

Zhao Junyao smiled and gestured with his hand. "General Xiao, spare the formalities, please stand!"

General Xiao stood up with a smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Junyao, looking at the boisterous group, asked with a smile, "How did it go today? Who has won the competition? There will be generous rewards from Us!"

Upon hearing this, General Xiao pointed at the crowd with a laugh. "No one is willing to concede defeat as to who won the competition; all are waiting for Your Majesty to make the final adjudication!"

Zhao Junyao laughed and walked forward. After the crowd had saluted, they began to clamor, each proclaiming that they had bagged the most game.

Immediately someone retorted, "What’s the use of a pile of rabbits?"

"This gazelle of mine is worth all your rabbits combined; comparing quantities isn’t fair!"

Then someone else said, "Gazelles are easy prey; only hunting tigers and lions makes a true hero. It’s not fair to compare them side by side!"

Amid the raucous clamor and fiery excitement, even Zhao Junyao felt overwhelmed!