The civil and military officials opened their eyes wide in disbelief, almost thinking they had seen wrong.
"What is happening? Prince Changsun, he... drew the Houyi Bow?"
The one speaking was a Military General under General Hu’s command.
Having followed General Hu for many years, he understood better than anyone the might of the Houyi Bow. Many desired it, but few could draw it.
Even Prince Jian didn’t dare say he had complete confidence in the matter.
Especially considering this was after two rounds of competition, consuming a lot of inner strength and arm strength.
He could hardly imagine how this young prince accomplished it.
"Great General, did we pick up the wrong bow?"
Besides that, he couldn’t think of any other possibility.
Could it truly be that the Imperial Grandson had such skill?
He wasn’t the only one with this doubt.
The civil officials also suspected that it wasn’t the Houyi Bow.
After all, during the second stage, the Imperial Grandson couldn’t even draw the three-stone bow.
On a large tree a mile away, Ji Li, with silver hair and clad in dark robes, casually shook the folding fan in his hand and said, "Snake, what do you think?"
Si Snake stood on another sturdy branch, gazing toward the direction of the racetrack.
Hearing Ji Li’s words, he calmly said, "The three-stone bow of Great Liang is heavier than that of other countries, and the Houyi Bow is the foremost divine bow of the Southwest. To draw it not only requires innate divine strength but also sufficient skill."
Ji Li shook his fan, half-smiling, "Innate divine strength, isn’t that exaggerated?"
Si Snake replied, "That General Hu has been incredibly strong since childhood and is the only one who can draw the Houyi Bow."
Ji Li chuckled, "Then why did he bring out the Houyi Bow? To embarrass someone? Isn’t he afraid his sister’s grandson will make a fool of himself?"
Si Snake looked towards General Hu in the cool pavilion and said, "He should have taught Lu Qi some techniques. Lu Qi’s strength is not weak; at least among the young people, he’s quite notable, but unfortunately, he ran into Lu Yuan."
Lu Yuan is a true prodigy, possessing unparalleled talent, honed through a purgatory-like experience, each step taken on the edge of a blade.
Others strive to one day rise above others, but his efforts are simply to survive.
If he ever showed the slightest laziness, Prime Minister Xun would have devoured him until not even his bones were left.
How could such a person as Lu Yuan possibly lose to Lu Qi?
Ji Li clicked his tongue, "In my view, he just wanted to show off in front of Little Yin Hu! Alas, almost on par with me."
Si Snake closely observed the commotion at the center of the racetrack.
If Ji Li scrutinized closely, he’d find Si Snake’s gaze constantly on the Houyi Bow, his eyes changing exactly as they did upon seeing the Green Simurgh Sword.
Lu Yuan drew the Houyi Bow, shocking the entire racetrack.
If this Houyi Bow is real, then what does the second stage of the competition count for?
Prince Ming glanced meaningfully at Prince Jin and General Hu, and asked with a puzzled face, "Oh dear, Father, something’s not right. Our nephew can draw the Houyi Bow, yet the three-stone bow didn’t budge at all? Did General Hu offer a fake Houyi Bow, or was there tampering with the three-stone bow?"
Lu Zhaoyan said, "Sixth Brother, don’t speak recklessly without evidence. General Hu, as an elder of our dynasty, would certainly not commit the crime of deceiving the sovereign."
Prince Ming sneered, "Then what about the three-stone bow?"
Lu Zhaoyan solemnly replied, "Today’s contest is fully managed by the Imperial Army, which is under Big Brother’s former command. I suppose Big Brother wouldn’t tamper with Yuan’er’s bow, would he?"
Prince Jin secretly clenched his fingers, maintaining a calm expression and said, "I conduct myself uprightly and openly. If Second Brother has any doubts, feel free to have it investigated. All the bows used in the competition are kept. If any problem is found with any of them, I will voluntarily apologize."
Evidence had already been dealt with long ago; would they wait for it to be checked?
This logic, Lu Zhaoyan understood.
The purpose of Lu Zhaoyan and Prince Ming echoing each other wasn’t to catch someone red-handed, but to openly voice all doubts on this occasion.
Once seeds of suspicion are sown, they will continue to take root and grow with the developments.
Lu Yuan’s original quiver was empty, but fortunately, there was a spare quiver on the horse.
Then he rode over the tall fence and entered the final stage of the field.
He aimed at Lu Qi’s kite.
However, just before he could release the arrow, an exceptionally fierce golden eagle suddenly swooped fiercely towards Lu Yuan’s kite.