Chapter 97

Yongning County Prince He, a man known for his timidity, was expected to back down this time as well. After all, who in the Kaifeng Prefecture would dare to accept the challenge from the Left Box Army soldiers?

Perhaps the young prince would run away? To expect him to accept the challenge? Although Tian Ergeng was waiting, he felt a deep disdain in his heart.

Zhao Yougong could not laugh. He slowly stood up and gave Tian Ergeng a complicated look. Zhu Lian, fearing that Zhao Yougong might say something inappropriate, quickly stood up and pulled at his sleeve, "Your Highness, handing Xie Kuang over to the Kaifeng Prefecture is the Emperor's command. There's no need to make things difficult!"

In the past, Zhao Yougong might have longed for Zhu Lian to say such things, but this time, he did not accept it. Instead, he turned to look at Yang Zaixing beside him.

"Shao Lie, do you have the courage to witness the might of the Dragon Guard Army?"

Yang Zaixing, a man who would not flinch even with a knife to his neck, was certainly not afraid of a duel. Hearing Zhao Yougong's question, he immediately stepped forward, clasped his hands, and shouted, "Your Highness, I will do my utmost as you command!"

"Good... good..."

Zhao Yougong called out "good" several times, then smiled and looked at the surprised Tian Ergeng, "Commander Tian, my servant is overestimating himself. Please do not blame him!" Although he said this, his face was full of arrogance, as if he was certain that Yang Zaixing would win.

How could Tian Ergeng refuse? Everyone left the tent together, with Zhu Lian following closely behind, quietly pulling at Zhao Yougong's sleeve. In her mind, the duel was completely unnecessary. Tian Ergeng was clearly trying to make things difficult, so why should they fall for his trap?

Zhu Lian, being a woman, did not understand Zhao Yougong's thoughts. Today's duel, while a challenge from Tian Ergeng, was also an opportunity for Zhao Yougong. By using this chance, he could show Yang Zaixing the true nature of the Song Dynasty's imperial army, and perhaps dissuade him from serving the court.

At the Dragon Guard Army's training ground, the place was filled with soldiers. Normally, with so many people, the place should be bristling with weapons and exuding a formidable aura. However, what Zhao Yougong saw was a group of disheveled soldiers. They stood without proper posture, sat without proper form, and even their soft armor was worn haphazardly. They stood in the field, whispering to each other, looking like a group of onlookers.

Ha, such an imperial army, no wonder the Song Dynasty suffered repeated defeats. No wonder the Liao people called the Song soldiers worse than pigs. Tens of thousands of soldiers were scattered like a mob, a disgrace that even ten thousand pigs would be hard to drive away.

On the north side of the training ground, there was a row of chairs. Zhao Yougong sat in the middle, with the generals sitting on either side, smiling. Zhu Lian remained silent, occasionally glancing at Zhao Yougong beside her. She felt that today's young prince was different. Although he still appeared frivolous, his words and actions had clear purposes. Was it just her imagination, or was it because she knew the truth?

For this duel, Tian Ergeng indeed put in a lot of effort. The one who stepped onto the training ground was the first warrior of the Dragon Guard Army, Bayan. Bayan was from Bianliang and wielded a large saber with great prowess. In just three years, he had earned the reputation of being the best saber user in the army. Under such a reputation, there must be some substance. Regardless of whether Bayan was the best saber user in the army, his strength was not to be underestimated.

"Shao Lie, are you afraid?"

"Afraid? Your Highness, rest assured, I will not fail you. Commander Tian, may I borrow a military iron spear?"

"Why not? Someone, bring me my iron spear!"

Tian Ergeng was also generous. He had already seen that Yang Zaixing was not an easy opponent. Just from his walk, it was clear that this young man had a stable stance. Although his hand skills were not yet visible, his request for an iron spear indicated that his hand skills were not weak.

The iron spear was brought, and Yang Zaixing lifted his robe, grabbed the long spear, and walked confidently onto the stage.

At this moment, Bayan also stepped out from the crowd, bowed, and then swaggered onto the stage. Bayan did not look rough; on the contrary, he had a refined appearance. Standing less than six feet tall, he could wield an eighty-pound saber, showing his astonishing arm strength and inner power.

Zhao Yougong had been observing Bayan. He noticed that although Bayan's walk seemed casual, it was not slow. His hands were tightly gripping the long saber, which could be moved forward or backward.

Indeed, he was a saber expert. For a moment, even Zhao Yougong became worried, unsure if Yang Zaixing could win.

"Brother, please!"

Yang Zaixing seemed to be a born warrior. Standing on the military stage, facing so many people, he felt no fear but rather a surge of valor. This battle, whether for the prince or for the honor of the Yang family, he could not lose.

His voice was firm, and his face was resolute. Bayan looked at Yang Zaixing for a moment, then smiled and extended his left hand, shouting, "Please!"

With a shout, Yang Zaixing frowned, gripped the spear's handle, and lunged forward. The spear, like an iron drill, shot out sharply. This move was the fourth technique of the Yang family spear, named "Taking Charcoal from Fire," emphasizing speed and accuracy.

The first spear was so sharp that even Bayan, who was already alert, was startled. He leaned back slightly, gripped the saber handle with both hands, and exerted his strength. The saber, originally on the right side, instantly moved. The collision between the saber handle and the spearhead was fierce, and the two separated immediately.

"Good spear skills!"

"You're not bad either!"

Yang Zaixing had a hint of a strange smile. Although he appeared calm, only he knew the true situation. Just one move revealed that Bayan's saber skills were fluid and fast. Winning would be extremely difficult. However, there was still a chance.

Biting his teeth, Yang Zaixing held the spear with both hands and stabbed forward. This time, his moves were even faster, each spear thrust like lightning, leaving no gaps. The long spear in his hands formed a beautiful curtain, completely covering Bayan. A series of attacks forced Bayan to cleverly avoid the sharp points. Although his saber was powerful, it was futile to try to match the speed of the spear.

With his feet firmly on the ground, the long saber moved up and down, creating a dazzling array of moves, blocking and deflecting. For a moment, Yang Zaixing's spear could not advance at all.

At this point, Zhao Yougong also frowned. This series of attacks had drained Yang Zaixing's momentum. If nothing unexpected happened, he would surely lose. But would Yang Zaixing give up so easily? No, Zhao Yougong did not think so. Yang Zaixing must have other plans.

The spear and saber clashed again, and the two retreated. The intense battle was exhilarating for both the fighters and the spectators. The disheveled soldiers gradually stretched their necks, shouting in excitement at the thrilling moments.

This time, Yang Zaixing did not rush to attack, and Bayan, who had the upper hand, did not press the attack either. He knew that the young man's strength was almost depleted. After a few more rounds, he could easily win.

"Ah..."

Yang Zaixing's eyes widened, and he roared, dashing forward. This time, his movement was even faster, and those with poor eyesight could only see a blur. Crouching, he thrust the spear downward at Bayan's throat. This move was both fast and strange, and Bayan also shouted in surprise. He raised his saber horizontally and pushed outward, trying to use the handle to deflect the spear. If he could block this move, the unbalanced Yang Zaixing would have nowhere to go.

When the saber handle touched the spear, there was no expected force. Instead, it felt light. Yang Zaixing made an unexpected move. At the moment of impact, he supported the spear's handle with his right hand, and the spear flew backward. Without waiting for Bayan to react, he grabbed the saber handle with both hands, using Bayan's arm strength to leap into the air. In mid-air, he flipped and kicked several times with his feet.

Struck in the chest, Bayan retreated in pain, loosening his grip on the saber. The saber fell into Yang Zaixing's hands. With the saber in hand, he flew through the air like a soaring eagle. Landing, he swung the saber backward, and Bayan felt a cold sensation on his neck.

In just one move, the situation reversed. Bayan lost, and although he was not convinced, in battle, there are no "ifs." This move would have been enough to take his life.

"Brother, I have lost!"

Returning the saber, Yang Zaixing stepped back two steps and clasped his hands, "Thank you for your forbearance!"

Yang Zaixing's victory made Zhao Yougong the happiest. The young prince jumped up, bouncing and laughing like a child.

"Shao Lie won, won, hahaha..."

Hearing the shrill laughter, Yang Zaixing's thoughts were complex. Was the prince cheering for him, or just for the sake of pride?

Although exhausted, Yang Zaixing walked steadily off the stage and firmly approached Zhao Yougong, "Your Highness, I have not failed you!"

"Good, Shao Lie is indeed brave. I am pleased!"

As he spoke, he reached into his pocket but looked embarrassed. After a moment, he turned to Zhu Lian, "My lady, can you lend me some money?"

Zhu Lian shook her head but still pulled out some banknotes from her sleeve. Zhao Yougong, without looking, handed them directly to Yang Zaixing, "Ha, Shao Lie, do your best. I promised that if you follow me, I will ensure you have a good life!"

While Zhao Yougong was beaming, Tian Ergeng and the other Left Box Army generals looked displeased. They thought Zhao Yougong was clearly showing off. Why couldn't he give a reward?

Damn, they didn't expect Yang Zaixing to be so capable, making this worthless prince pick up a strong man.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Zhao Yougong's reward was something Yang Zaixing could not refuse, especially since he was quite poor, and the money he had earned was given to Liang Wei to pay off debts.

The duel was over, and Zhao Yougong, after showing off, finally took Xie Kuang away from the camp. Although he had Xie Kuang in hand, Zhao Yougong did not feel happy. The matters ahead were more complicated.

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End of the chapter.