Volume One, Chapter 15: The Challenge to Chase the Starlight (Part One)

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“Chengdu greets all the esteemed uncles and elders.” Yuwen Chengdu bowed respectfully to the assembled dignitaries.

“Young and spirited, Master Yuwen’s reputation is well-deserved indeed.” Whether flattering or sincere, the ministers spoke their compliments with polished eloquence.

Yuwen Huaji smiled faintly but said no more; in the corridors of power, one must take words with a grain of salt.

Before long, a eunuch announced the emperor’s arrival, and the clamorous chatter ceased abruptly. Everyone stood at attention in their places.

As usual, after discussing the day’s affairs, Yang Jian’s gaze settled on the youngest boy below the dais. The youth’s features were as if painted, exuding an imposing vitality. Clad in a pale purple robe, he clearly hailed from a noble family. His clear eyes reflected innocence and inexperience with the world. Yang Jian had not seen such pure and untainted eyes in a long time.

Within those eyes, he perceived benevolence, loyalty, and unyielding resolve. This child was an entirely different character from his father. Yang Jian believed that with proper nurturing, Yuwen Chengdu would undoubtedly become a pillar of the Great Sui Dynasty.

Just as Yang Jian was about to speak, a eunuch hurried forward and whispered something in his ear.

“Declare,” Yang Jian paused briefly, then spoke slowly.

“Declare, the envoy from the Uighur has arrived!”

In an instant, all eyes turned toward the entrance of the hall. By protocol, the Uighur, a vassal state, was not permitted to enter the capital without imperial summons. Yet this envoy had come unbidden during the morning court session—an affront to the emperor’s dignity.

The Uighur envoy entered the hall, offered a brief salute, then began speaking briskly: “Our king has heard of the strength of the Celestial Empire and thus dispatched me to present tribute and express goodwill.” The envoy stepped aside, and attendants pushed forward a steel cage shrouded in black cloth.

Everyone was puzzled. The envoy smiled slyly and waved his hand. The black cloth was lifted to reveal a massive male lion inside. The beast was imposing and fierce, its sharp eyes and robust frame pacing restlessly as if seeking a way to break free. Its muffled roars sent chills down the spines of the court officials, who instinctively stepped back in fear. None had ever encountered such a wild creature before, and terror gripped them.

“This is the divine beast of the Uighur, ferocious beyond measure. None in my realm can tame it. Our king, admiring the talents of the Celestial Empire, offers this gift in hope that someone here might subdue it,” the envoy declared.

This was a provocation. Everyone present understood that the Uighur sought both to test the might of the Sui and to demonstrate their own strength, laying groundwork to eventually shake off their vassal status.

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However, they miscalculated.

“Your Majesty, Chengdu is willing to give it a try.”

Without hesitation, Yuwen Chengdu stepped forward. Confronted with such an insult to his country, he could not remain silent. Moreover, he felt no fear of the beast.

The boy was indeed proud and ambitious, just as the rumors said.

Yang Jian, curious to witness Chengdu’s prowess, nodded approvingly. “Very well, Yuwen Chengdu, young hero, your courage pleases me greatly. Go forth and tame it.”

“Chengdu obeys,” Yuwen Chengdu said, bowing to the emperor, then moved to the side and approached the lion step by step.

Yuwen Huaji, somewhat uneasy, whispered, “Be careful.”

“Father, do not worry,” Yuwen Chengdu replied without the slightest hesitation, soon standing beside the cage.

“This brave man must tame the divine beast without any weapons,” the Uighur envoy reminded him.

“Understood,” Yuwen Chengdu nodded.

The cage door was opened, and the overwhelming presence of the giant beast engulfed Yuwen Chengdu. Though tall and sturdy himself, he seemed small and fragile beside the lion.

Yang Jian summoned the imperial guards to the hall’s entrance, prepared to protect Yuwen Chengdu at all costs should anything go wrong. This youth, risking himself to uphold the nation’s honor, was the sole brave soul in the entire court to step forward. Such boldness must be safeguarded.

Yuwen Chengdu bent slightly, planting one hand lightly on the ground, channeling power through his calves and ankles. With a burst of energy, he leapt onto the lion’s back, his hands never ceasing their movements.

He struck the lion’s back with a series of powerful punches.

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During his earlier training in the mountains, he had read about such creatures—male lions. His studies were diligent in every discipline, and now his knowledge was proving useful; he knew precisely where the vital points lay.

Seizing the moment, Yuwen Chengdu delivered two heavy punches to the lion’s neck. Each blow struck as hard as stone. Thanks to his keen senses, he had almost pinpointed the lion’s weak spot.

For the third strike, he opened his palm and struck the lion’s neck with a palm strike. The beast staggered, nearly collapsing.

On the second assault, he clenched his fists again, targeting a soft spot below the neck. From a single probe, he knew most of the nerves were concentrated there. Compared to the lion’s tough back, this was the only vulnerable point.

Finding the exact spot, he struck precisely and rapidly. The lion’s mouth twisted, and its body swayed to one side. Riding this advantage, Yuwen Chengdu followed with several more punches. Having trained in martial arts for years, his body was filled with robust qi and internal power. Without pause, he pressed the attack. Soon, the lion could no longer stand upright.

The final punch was delivered with nearly all his strength. The massive beast collapsed with a thunderous crash, its eyes losing their killing intent and instead flickering with a plea for mercy.

Yuwen Chengdu reacted swiftly, leaping off before the lion could topple him. He landed steadily, glanced sideways at the beast, and confirmed it was tamed.

Turning to face the grandstand at the opposite end, he saluted crisply: “Your Majesty, Chengdu has tamed the lion! Long live the emperor, long live, long live forever!”

The entire process was executed cleanly and efficiently, without a trace of hesitation. His movements flowed like a river, maintaining the upper hand throughout. Though the lion lay near death, he emerged unscathed, his heroic spirit undiminished.

The rumors were true—Yuwen Chengdu was truly extraordinary and brave.

The emperor, amazed and delighted, could hardly contain his joy. “Ha ha, excellent! Excellent! I have indeed not misjudged this young man. Master Yuwen is a peerless hero—not only undefeated but also a master at taming wild beasts. Well done! Envoy from Uighur, do you see now? This is a warrior of the Great Sui. What say you?”

The Uighur envoy hastily knelt. “I have offended; may Your Majesty forgive me. Master Yuwen’s bravery is unmatched even in Uighur. I am truly impressed. My kingdom is honored to present rare treasures as tribute to Your Majesty of the Great Sui, to show our loyalty.”