The grand archery competition was underway outside the palace grounds. Officials, guards, princes and special guests were gathered to demonstrate their prowess in the art of archery. Various wild animals had been released into the competition field and the participants prepared their bows to hunt them down. The emperor sat upon the royal viewing platform, overlooking the proceedings. His faithful eunuch attendant stood beside him, as he observed his subjects with a keen eye.
The royal officials had taken their places on opposing sides of the competition field, seated according to rank and status. They observed the proceedings intently, no doubt eager to see which among their sons might prove most skilled. Meanwhile, the princesses and royal consorts sat together, chatting and cheering on their favorites from the competition. Many capable youths, sons of high-ranking officials had joined the contest, seizing the chance to showcase their talents before the emperor and court.
As the officials' sons took up their positions on the field, five regal figures emerged to join the competition—the five princes of the realm. Crown prince cheng strode out alongside his brothers, taking his place among the competitors. In total, twenty young men now stood ready, including the princes and the capable sons of officials. Each checked their bowstrings and selected arrows from their quivers with care.
The emperor stood up from his high seat, facing the crowd. "I welcome all the competitors and the spectators," he said. "This contest will go on from dawn until dusk," he continued, "and those who prove themselves will be greatly rewarded."
"The first-place winner will receive great honors and 1000 pieces of gold. The second will earn 500 pieces of silver and recognition. And the third will be awarded 200 pieces of bronze and respect for their efforts."
With those words, he raised his hand and signaled for the first round to begin.
The young men mounted their horses, holding bows in hand as they kicked their mounts into motion. As one, they charged into the forest that bordered the competition field, scattering in all directions in search of any wildlife that might cross their paths.
Cheng rode his steed through the forest, his eyes were sharp and focused on the undergrowth, he was determined to find the ideal target to prove his unmatched skill. Around him, the other competitors fanned out, their figures disappearing into the dense woods. Unperturbed, Cheng urged his horse deeper in his search.
Not far away, Prince Xuan halted abruptly. A subtle rustling reached his ears, emanating from a nearby thicket. Instinctively, his hand moved to his weapon, while his eyes searched for the source of the sound.
Cautiously, Prince Xuan dismounted from his horse, his movements were smooth and silent as he approached the bush. Reaching out, he parted the foliage to uncover the cause of the rustling.
In an instant, a rabbit bolted from the underbrush, its tiny form disappearing into the forest floor. Xuan exhaled and let out a low chuckle, shaking his head at himself. "All that for a rabbit," he muttered, amused by how such a trivial creature had momentarily set his senses on edge.
Elsewhere in the forest, the other competitors diligently combed the forest, each hoping to find and fell the wildest prey.
Cheng had ventured far from the others when his sharp eyes caught movement in the distance. Instinctively, he halted his horse and reached for his bow. Nocking an arrow, he raised it, his mind still as he focused on the creature emerging from afar-a massive boar, its powerful form moving clearly into view.
Carefully aimed at it, he drew the string taut and released. The arrow sang through the air, striking true and embedding itself deep in the boar's flank. A guttural squeal tore from the beast as it bolted, its powerful legs pounding the forest ground. But the wound was grave, and the trail of blood it left behind told the tale.
Moments later, the boar's strides faltered, its movements growing erratic. Its breaths came in labored, shallow bursts before it finally stumbled. With a heavy thud, the creature collapsed, its mighty frame lying still in the woods.
Prince Cheng rode closer, his eyes fixed on the fallen boar as he prepared to claim his prize. He securely rested his bow and arrows in the pouch of his saddle.
Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the air. An arrow struck from behind, embedding itself in his shoulder before he could react. A searing pain tore through him, forcing a cry from his lips as his body jolted in shock.
Gritting his teeth, Cheng twisted in the saddle, his vision blurring momentarily from the agony. With his uninjured hand, he tried to reach for his bow, but his sudden cry of pain startled his horse, which reared up in panic and fear. Unable to maintain his grip, Cheng was thrown from the horse's back as it bolted into the forest, he hit the ground hard, feeling the arrow in his shoulder shift painfully within the wound.
"Aaaahhh!"
Cheng rolled onto his side, gasping through the agony radiating from his injury.
The arrow inflicted excruciating pain with every movement. He struggled against the fog of suffering that descended upon his body and mind—what an unforeseen turn the day had taken.
Through the haze of agony, he felt a familiar tightness in his chest. The darkness that had been dormant before the attack was now awakening.
Cheng slumped against the ancient tree, his back pressed to its rough bark as he shut his eyes tightly. His breaths came shallow and uneven, trembling with effort as he forced himself to focus on his qi. Summoning the last vestiges of his strength, he channeled his energy into the void, a desperate attempt to push the encroaching demon back. His grip on his willpower was tenuous, but he clung to it fiercely, refusing to let go.
When he finally opened his eyes, the world swam before him, hazy, with an unnatural hue. He blinked in confusion, but the forest remained distorted, its edges blurring and shifting like a dream slipping out of focus.
"Oh no..." His voice sounded faintly in his own ears, distant and strained.
Injured and alone in the hunting woods, it seemed this day would be his last.
The chaotic spirit writhed and twisted violently, but cheng fought back with the last reserves of strength left in his battered body.
This time, he summoned his qi fiercely, shaping it in his mind as a sharp spear of light. Lokiàn Shén surged against him with unrelenting force, attempting to wrest control, but Cheng stood firm. Inch by inch, he pushed it back, chipping away at its strength.
Cold sweats began dripping down his forehead as he fought with everything he had.
With a pained groan, he forced the beast back into its prison. The shadows pulled away as his qi formed chains, binding it tightly once more.
As the last tremors shook his body, his eyes returned to their human form—at least for the moment.
Though the chaotic spirit was subdued, Cheng could feel its corruption spreading within him, a dark poison slowly taking hold.