Having prepared and changed into a sleeveless white and red robe, Chi Cheng idled himself by An Xing's side. He gently patted the horse's side, feeling satisfied with how well it responded to his touch. But he could hardly avoid the odious stares on his back, as well as the unsettling feeling in his chest.
And of course, the source of it all was the dear Grandmaster who stood beside him, earning both of them the glaring attention of other disciples.
Chi Cheng sighed, turning to the Grandmaster. "Why did you partner with me? Wouldn't this be against the rules since I have an advantage with you?"
"You think that highly of my archery skills?" Han Xuelian turned to face him, folding his arms as he leaned against An Xing who slightly shifted away from him. "My shots won't count for anything. If anything, you're at a disadvantage. You're paired with me, but your shots will be the only ones that count towards your points."
"Then why did you pair with me?" Chi Cheng's usual calm expression started forming a frown. "Wouldn't this be unfair sportsmanship? The other teams will have a greater advantage since the pairs will collectively accumulate points, but am I to do it myself?"
"I decided to participate to increase the competency from the other disciples," the Grandmaster revealed. "My presence will either make or break their spirit and I need to see whether they have enough determination or not to perform in the presence of an intimidating figure."
"Hmm, a crafty way to do it." Chi Cheng brought a hand to his chin as he settled deep in thought. "That still leaves me disadvantaged."
"I'll have an exception rule made just for you." Han Xuelian smiled.
"Isn't that just favouritism?"
"Then what would you propose?" The Grandmaster took a few steps towards him, finally grabbing the hand that Chi Cheng had been concealing from him since the morning.
"This is a burn wound," the Grandmaster said, looking at the sinewed skin on Chi Cheng's palm where the fire embers had burnt him. Then his mind quickly flashed back to the memory of Han Yijun's injured eyes and the remnants of embers that were on the floor when he picked up Chi Cheng.
"That's not important right now," Chi Cheng snatched his hand back from Han Xuelian.
"I propose a deal." His eyes lit up cunningly. "I haven't decided the basis of it, but a promise from you to accept whatever deal it is in future."
'You're very bold and calculating when you're not around your brother, Chi Cheng.' The Grandmaster acknowledged, intrigued by the nature of Chi Cheng's true personality.
"A deal? I have no need for anything in exchange but don't you think it's a bit unfair not knowing what the details of this deal are? How am I to trust you won't do something to me?" Han Xuelian sighed worriedly, looking solemnly afraid.
"If you truly feared anything, you wouldn't be off doing things according to your methods, ones that the Emperor wouldn't approve of." Chi Cheng flashed him a wink and a smile. "This horseback archery is supposedly something you created yourself, seeing as how the horses were newly brought in. Rather than a deal, how about a promise to do whatever I want?"
"You're a bit too calculating for your own good." Han Xuelian's expression darkened. "That would mean I owe you two promises now, one to answer your question and another for your personal reasons."
"I'm glad you understand." Chi Cheng took An Xing by the reins and began walking away. "I'll await you at the entrance of the forest, Grandmaster Han."
"Threatening just like your father." Han Xuelian shook his head, slightly amused.
"What are you thinking, Grandmaster?" Han Yongrui appeared by his side. "You allowed him to rename your treasured warhorse when you so much as never even allowed anyone to touch Hei in the past, and now you're participating in the first test. It's very unusual of you."
"I need to assess him," Han Xuelian's gaze narrowed as he watched Chi Cheng move further away in the distance. "His father issued a request, a threat rather, and I need to earn Chi Cheng's trust if I'm to help him and understand him better."
"So your actions are purely out of purpose?" Han Yongrui folded his arms, analysing his uncle's expression.
"Have I ever done anything pointlessly?" Patting his nephew on the shoulder, Han Xuelian nodded. "You needn't worry, Rui, I've rarely ever done anything for my own amusement."
Han Yongrui was sceptical of the Grandmaster's answer, it was unusual of him to doubt his uncle's intentions but with Han Xuelian's recent actions and conduct being so uncharacteristic, he couldn't help but suspect otherwise.
"Yijun will be one of the assessors for this round. I've ensured that he won't cause any trouble so you can rest at ease."
"You never fail me as always," Han Xuelian complimented, touching his nephew briefly on the shoulder before he proceeded towards the mountain's frost forest.
"The rules are simple," Han Xuelian announced as he joined the guest disciples. "You've been paired with a member of a different clan from your own and are expected to work together to accumulate points from the targets you shoot. Each target has a distinct colour symbolising different point earnings."
"Black targets issue 1 point, blue targets issue 3, red targets issue 5 and the rare purple targets issue 10. When a target is pierced by an arrow it will disintegrate immediately due to the talisman seal that will activate upon force from the first arrow that penetrates it," Han Yongrui resumed informing in his uncle's stead.
"Your ability to time the targets, collaborate, and judgment of the targets will be assessed," the Grandmaster continued as he reached Chi Cheng's side.
"As your instructors must have informed you, each person in a pair will have their points recorded separately but will be added up at the end as a single score that will determine whether you both pass or not." Han Xuelian approached the white Yili horse that was readied for him beside Chi Cheng and mounted it in one agile movement.
"Three pairs will enter the forest first," He said, taking the reins in his hands. "The assessors will be positioned at each point to record your progress. Your Qi and cultivation abilities have been temporarily sealed by the headbands you were given by the instructors." Han Xuelian made a gesture of pointing to his forehead.
"This is to ensure a fair competition without any cheating tactics," One of the other instructors explained. "If you attempt to remove the headband once it's been attached, it will trigger a stunning technique that will paralyse your body immediately and temporarily. Remember your arrow supply is limited so ensure that you choose the correct targets. Participate fairly and exercise your best skills."
"You require a total of 40 points to pass," Han Xuelian spoke again. "I am merely a spectator in this test so rest assured my presence won't disadvantage you. Let the first round begin!"