Too Short and Thin

"Paba thanks Your Majesty!"

As soon as Emperor Jing finished speaking, Paba stood and bowed.

Emperor Jing waved his hand lightly, "No need for ceremony. Has the mighty Chilie found anything to his liking in the capital? I shall bestow gifts accordingly!"

Hearing this, Paba moved to Chilie's side, and the two whispered for a moment.

Then Paba stood and said, "Your Majesty, Chilie says he is but a warrior, with no interest in ordinary things."

"His only passion is testing his strength against others. There are no unconquered opponents left in our land. He wonders if there are any worthy opponents in Jing!"

Paba's expression remained calm, showing no sign of nervousness.

This was precisely why Khan Wutu had sent Chilie with the diplomatic mission.

To dampen Great Jing's spirit.

Their visit had left Great Jing shaken several times. Now it was time to regain some face.

Otherwise, he would have no confidence in future negotiations.

Although they'd encountered that strange Zhang Biao the other day who managed to wound Chilie.

But Chilie didn't seem to take it seriously.

It must have been just a sneak attack...

These words stunned the assembled officials!

Everyone stopped what they were doing to look at Chilie.

Who would have thought this brute would be so bold, openly challenging the court?

Just because you're tall, you think no one in Great Jing can beat you?

The Northern Rong were far too confident!

The officials couldn't help feeling indignant.

Fang Zheng was amused, sitting comfortably in his seat to watch the show.

Even Zhang Biao could fight you to a draw. How could the palace elite not find someone to deal with you?

Where did this Chilie get such confidence!

Emperor Jing studied Chilie with interest, drumming his fingers on the table.

After a moment, he asked, "Chilie can find no worthy opponents on the steppes?"

Paba answered, "Yes, Your Majesty. Chilie is our nation's greatest warrior! None can match his strength!"

Emperor Jing's smile widened, "Interesting! Very well, then I shall help you find an opponent today. Let's see if Great Jing has anyone who can give you a satisfying battle!"

Guo Tianyang bent down beside Emperor Jing, stayed briefly, then rose and left.

Soon, he returned with a man nearly one meter ninety tall, somewhat smaller in build than Zhang Biao, his expression completely neutral, showing no emotion.

The moment this man entered the hall, his eyes locked onto Chilie.

His gaze was electric, showing no fear as he looked at him.

Chilie just lowered his head and continued eating.

Seeing the Emperor had really sent someone, Paba rejoiced internally but said, "Your Majesty, Chilie was rash and spoke out of turn."

"With Your Majesty and the officials present today, fighting here might disturb the proceedings."

Emperor Jing waved his hand, "No matter! Let's dispense with formalities today! I'd like to see this greatest warrior's prowess myself!"

"Consider it a friendly contest between our nations!"

Fang Zheng glanced at Paba.

This bald monk knew the Emperor had spent his youth in the military and was using reverse psychology. How could they not fight now?

But the strong man the Emperor sent did look impressive.

With that cold expression, he truly had the bearing of an elite palace guard!

I'd call him the Great Jing version of Cloud, the martial hero. He'd look even cooler with a weapon!

Guo Tianyang introduced him, "Mighty Chilie, this is Chen Liang, a palace patrol guard skilled with the spear!"

Paba turned to translate. Chilie still appeared unconcerned, chewing his food, taking a drink of wine before slowly standing and walking to the center of the hall's red carpet.

Chen Liang also stepped forward slowly. Everyone held their breath, his footsteps clearly audible.

The two began facing off at a distance.

Emperor Jing asked, "What weapon does Chilie prefer? Bring weapons for both of them!"

Paba said, "Your Majesty, Chilie excels with the spear!"

Emperor Jing nodded, and Guo Tianyang turned to make arrangements.

Soon a precious sword and a long spear appeared in their hands.

Chen Liang stood holding the sword, cutting quite a gallant figure. All he needed was a breeze to scatter his long hair.

He could film a martial arts drama standing on the palace's golden roof without even needing makeup.

Fang Zheng watched enviously.

As a weakling, he greatly admired such martial arts experts, especially those who were both stylish and cool! If only I could be as graceful as you, then I wouldn't need to rely on Zhang Biao for protection.

In contrast, Chilie looked particularly strange.

Though his frame far exceeded Chen Liang's, the spear the eunuch brought was only two meters long.

Chilie looked like he was holding a child's toy, but paired with his fierce face, it had a distinctly horror movie quality.

The officials couldn't help but admire the scene.

Great Jing's expert truly showed his class. The Northern Rong warrior already paled in comparison before they'd even begun.

But Emperor Jing didn't see it that way. Looking at the spear in Chilie's hands, he frowned and said, "That spear is too short! Get him another!"

Paba hurriedly asked Chilie if he wanted to change spears.

Chilie gripped the spear, spinning it twice, then said flatly, "Too light!"

"Too short and thin, but it'll do! Let's keep it!"

Seeing Chilie didn't want to change, Paba called out, "Your Majesty, Chilie needs no other spear. This one will suffice!"

Emperor Jing nodded, "Good, then begin!"

The two men backed away, Chen Liang with his back to the Emperor.

They stopped five meters apart.

The atmosphere was extremely tense, everyone's heart racing!

Fang Zheng was close enough to Chen Liang to hear his breathing.

Suddenly, Chen Liang's foot seemed to shift slightly, moving yet not moving.

The next second, his whole body shot forward like an arrow leaving the bow.

His legs pushed off with such force that they left huge wrinkles in the red carpet below.

What amazed Fang Zheng even more was that Chen Liang maintained his supreme expert's bearing as he flew forward.

That cold expression, those sharp eyes.

Clearly he was no ordinary palace guard, but elite among the elite!

Across from him, Chilie remained unruffled. Just as Chen Liang took his first step, Chilie's hands were already moving.

His palm loosened, letting the spear tip naturally drop to the ground.

Chilie's fingers hooked around the spear's end like claws, casually lifting his hand to thrust the spear tip forward!

The spear tip pointed directly at the flying Chen Liang!

In this instant, everyone's hearts leaped into their throats!

If he continued this charge, the next moment would see the long spear putting a hole through Chen Liang's head!

Chen Liang's feet had left the ground, briefly flying through the air. His waist suddenly exerted force, his whole body spinning once, robes fluttering like a small electric fan.

Just as he was about to hit the spear tip, his right hand swung the sword! Casually deflecting the long spear.

Then his left hand touched the ground, using it as a pivot point to spin another circle!

This time his posture changed to point his feet at Chilie.

His right hand wasn't idle either, thrusting the sword diagonally toward the ground at head height!

Using this force, he moved closer to Chilie.

But this time he was too low to the ground, instantly dropping down.

As he took on a familiar posture...

Fang Zheng jumped to his feet.

Holy crap! A slide tackle!?