novelraw Chapter 1086: Duel 2
Chapter 1086: Duel 2
Prince Jin’s face looked somewhat displeased.Especially after catching a glimpse of that flushed and embarrassed face of the Western Xia Warrior.
He felt even more at a loss for words.
Just felt like he had nowhere to put his old face.
The boast he just made was hard to back down from!
He glared fiercely at that warrior.
The implication was:
’Fight well for me, there’ll be a reward if you win, but if you lose...’
The warrior also felt humiliated, and his face visibly showed anger.
The second round began.
The Western Xia Warrior roared fiercely, like a thunderclap.
His iron fists, carrying an aura of overwhelming dominance, smashed straight toward Zhao Junyan.
The velocity was like a gust of wind whistling past, with a chilling presence wherever they passed.
Zhao Junyan’s long eyes narrowed slightly, his form spun lightly to evade.
This time, however, the opponent didn’t give him any chance.
His fist speed was extremely fast, pursuing Zhao’s form with urgency.
Zhao Junyan, of course, wouldn’t let him succeed.
His form was like a swimming dragon, moving left and right, darting around swiftly like lightning flashing, like a rainbow.
The two engaged in a heated fight.
One like a fierce tiger or leopard, with steady steps, possessing the power of a thunderbolt.
The other like a swimming dragon teasing a phoenix, adept in both offense and defense, with unpredictable and bizarre moves.
Both were extraordinary in skills, dazzling to watch.
In the end, it was almost impossible for the crowd to see their moves and figures clearly.
One could only judge victory or defeat through sound and position.
Prince Jin clenched his fists, staring unblinkingly at the two in the arena, feeling quite tense inside.
’I didn’t expect this young lad to be so skilled!’
’Looking at this situation, even if it’s a win, it’s a narrow victory!’
’Coming from afar, bragging as I did, if I lose, wouldn’t that be embarrassing?’
So...
After thinking it over, he slowly extended his arm.
Hidden in his sleeve were thirty-six Silver Hemp Needles, thin as cow hair, almost indistinguishable to the naked eye without close inspection.
The silver needles were soaked in hemp liquid.
Although those struck by the needle wouldn’t perish, they would be weak-limbed, their martial arts limited, and it would take a full month to recover vitality.
In this way...
He could save face without causing great harm, and the two countries could still maintain friendly relations.
The more Prince Jin thought about it, the more satisfied he felt.
He gently brushed his sleeve, aiming the needle at the two fighting in the arena.
Waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
And just then.
Both Yang Chenyi and Zhao Qichen noticed Prince Jin’s odd behavior.
Yang Chenyi picked up a wine cup, nonchalantly moving to Zhao Qichen’s position.
After the two toasted and drank their wine, they exchanged glances.
’Could the old fox intend to use secret weapons?’
’I think so, Western Xia is famous for toxins, if the Seventh Imperial Uncle gets hit...’
Zhao Qichen’s face suddenly turned serious.
Yang Chenyi also cursed inwardly.
’This old bastard, still playing tricks!’
Zhao Qichen’s expression was cold and stern, whispering.
"We must stop him!"
Yang Chenyi raised an eyebrow.
"Rest assured, I not only want to stop it, but I also want to expose him!"
Zhao Qichen frowned.
"This...might not be so good!"
At his young age, he already considered the bigger picture like his father before him.
Yang Chenyi thought for a moment.
"There’s nothing wrong with it!"
"If he’s bold enough to do it, why would we be afraid to expose it?"
Saying so, he glanced mockingly at Prince Jin.
Zhao Qichen saw Prince Jin’s triumphant expression, then looked at the Seventh Imperial Uncle.
Finally nodded.
"Alright then!"
Being bullied to one’s doorstep, enduring further would mean weakness.
Yang Chenyi smiled with lips curving.
"Crown Prince is wise!"
Zhao Qichen felt a bit embarrassed.
"Please don’t tease, Uncle!"
Yang Chenyi’s face went a bit awkward, quickly returning to his seat.
Actually...
By hierarchy, he is indeed the Crown Prince’s uncle-in-law.
But considering hierarchy here isn’t right?
The Crown Prince, as the heir to the kingdom, stands above all but one.
Even his father treats him with utmost respect, let alone himself...
’Ahem!’ Best not to think too much!
Recollecting his thoughts, Yang Chenyi continued to focus on the two fighters.
Only to see Zhao Junyan and the Western Xia Warrior fighting ever more fiercely, reaching a fever pitch.
Meanwhile, Prince Jin became even more focused.
The sleeve was already raised to an opportune position, eagerly seeking an opportunity.
Just then.
Zhao Junyan’s back suddenly turned to the outside.
The Western Xia Warrior turned as well, and they continued their duel.
Busy with offense and defense, Zhao Junyan naturally couldn’t spare extra attention to guard against those below.
So...Prince Jin’s eyes lit up.
’This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!’
He swiftly aimed, launching the thirty-six silver needles from his sleeve with a speed beyond sight.
The needles were as thin as cow hair, unseen and colorless.
They caused not the slightest ripple in the air.
No one noticed.
Even Zhao Junyan, sharp as he was, wasn’t aware.
And just then.
Two wine cups, full of wine, suddenly flew from a certain direction, heading straight for the two fighting.
The crowd was startled, puzzled.
Looking towards the direction from where the cups came flying.
"Crown Prince?"
"General Yang?"
The crowd was even more astonished.
"What does this mean?"
Before they could figure out what was going on, they heard a cry of agony from the duel site.
The crowd quickly turned back.
Only to see Zhao Junyan now standing silently aside, as the Western Xia Warrior fell in pain.
His body was unmarked, but his legs seemed to have taken a heavy blow, unable to move.
Thus, the second round, another victory for the Seventh Highness.
Everyone immediately held the Seventh Prince in high regard.
’The Seventh Prince is truly skilled!’
’So the Seventh Prince always kept his skills hidden!’
Zhao Junyan curved his lips lightly.
"Thank you for letting me win!"
With two out of three wins, he already secured two victories.
So he won, Western Xia lost.
Zhao Junyan cupped his hands to the crowd, then stepped down with ease and joy.
The arena instantly burst into activity.
There were those who congratulated, those who raised cups in celebration, and those who covertly or overtly mocked Prince Jin.
The former two were fine.
But the last one, Prince Jin simply couldn’t stand.
He furiously slammed the table.
"Cheating!"
"Shameless child, you cheated!"
The crowd was in an uproar.
"Prince Jin, you can’t make such careless accusations!"
"Yes, with so many watching, how was there cheating?"
"Where’s your evidence?"
Though two cups flew out, they were far from the two; everyone saw it!
The civil and military officials of the Great Chu were not to be trifled with, demanding evidence with one voice.
Even the Fifth and Sixth Masters found it unbearable.
’Losing and then accusing others of cheating? Such audacity!’
Though both brothers didn’t like Zhao Junyan.
It didn’t mean they’d watch as the Great Chu was bullied.
So...
The Fifth and Sixth Masters exchanged glances, also spoke up.
"Father-in-law, since you accuse Seventh Brother of cheating, why not present evidence!"
The Sixth Master held the same stance.
Ostensibly supporting, covertly shielding the Seventh Brother.
Prince Jin was furious beyond measure.
He pointed shakily at the two fallen wine cups.
"Isn’t this evidence?"
"Didn’t expect you, a great nation, hailed as the land of decorum, would use such petty tricks to win!"
"Truly unbelievable!"
"If you wish to win, I’ll concede to you!"