9 Emperor is the Challenger

Eastern King eyed the junior's thin physique up and down and let out a hearty laugh.

"Who on your side will fight in the duel?" the emperor asked.

Dragon stood up, tall and proud. Stretching out one hand, he slammed it against his chest.

"Me."

To the average citizen, the delicate-looking boy of an emperor appeared to be joking. However, to any trained fellow martial artist, his proud stance exuded power and demanded attention.

"Oh my kingship, what are you doing?!?!" the imperial eunuch whispered nervously from the sidelines. "You've never learned any martial arts!"

A few of the Jin soldiers stepped forward and volunteered to fight in his steed. However, they were immediately ordered to step down.

"We won't go easy just because you're royalty."

"I do not expect any special treatment!"

Recognizing the fire burning wildly in Dragon's eyes, the emperor produced a satisfied grin.

"Good! Come forward Jun," the older king called and a boy with sun-kissed skin, most-likely from long hours of outdoor training, stepped forward.

From the moment Dragon walked into the banquet, amongst all the festivities and gifted individuals in the room, it was Jun who had caught his utmost interest.

Dressed nobly in a black robe outlined with gold stitching and carrying himself with great dignity, Jun was not one to be easily looked over.

"I will not disappoint Royal Father," Jun stated confidently before walking out with his opponent to the battle arena.

...…..

Although martial art duels were a common part of their festivities, the crowd in attendance were particularly hyped for tonight's battle particularly because the Eastern King had called forth his third son.

At a young age, Jun learned quickly and had surpassed his teachers in a mere few years. News of such a prodigy spread through the martial universe and champions from all over came to challenge him.

Despite so, the third prince never found his match and voluntarily went on a hiatus from all duels.

But now that Royal Father had selected Jun to represent him, this would be his return fight in a long while.

What's more? His comeback battle would be against an unconventional opponent—the young emperor of Jin!

Aside from the Jin guests who were shaking in terror for their emperor, the rest of the attendees were trembling for a different reason. They were boiling with excitement and expecting a good show in exchange for their prompt relocation under the night sky.

Dragon could feel a rush of adrenaline spread throughout his body as he stepped foot on the elevated platform of the Eastern kingdom's infamous battleground stadium. In fact, when he was still General Teng, he hoped to one day challenge the Eastern prince for a duel. But by the time he returned from war, the prince already seemed to retire.

Who knew such a rare opportunity would offer itself up on a silver platter?

"It's an honor to be the opponent of your returning battle," Dragon said lifting his cupped hands in praise.

Third prince eyed his adversary and tried to run another analysis. Clearly, something wasn't right.

His hands were too…pretty. His long slender fingers perhaps were good with a brush, but they wouldn't go well on a hand of a fighter. There was not a single sign of callus in sight. What more, the emperor had was fit, not too thin and not too buff—no fat but also not much muscle mass. He looked like a pretty boy.

The only thing that kept Jun from questioning his father's decision was the confident expression that sat on Dragon's face. Aside from that, he really did fit the rumors of him being the good-looking but useless puppet prince.

"Emperor Jin Dragon, I have heard many things about you. But none of them were of your skills in martial arts. May you prove the world otherwise," Jun brought his hands up as well.

[I've never tried fighting in this body. But still, I can't pass up the opportunity.]

"This body is still a bit untrained." Dragon put his hands back. "The world can think whatever, but I simply wish to witness your skills firsthand." He got into a stance and as soon as the drum sounded, Dragon was off his feet.