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.