Surrendering To You

Chapter5

As Zhan stood at the edge of the arena, the crisp autumn air filled his lungs, grounding him in the moment. The warmth of the sun on his skin was both comforting and a reminder of the intensity of the competition that awaited him. His heart beat steadily, though faster than usual, a mix of excitement and nerves swirling within him.

This was his first time competing, and the weight of that responsibility pressed on him. He wanted to make his father, King Xiao  Jiang Min , proud and prove to his older brother, Cheng that he was capable of standing alongside the finest warriors. Zhan's hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of his sword, feeling the reassuring grip of the leather-wrapped handle.

Despite the tension, there was a quiet determination in Zhan. He had trained for this, honing his skills in archery and swordsmanship, and now was the time to showcase all he had learned. There was also a thrill in the unknown-how would he fare against the other princes, some of whom were seasoned competitors? The anticipation was electrifying.

But beneath it all, there was a sense of calm. Zhan knew that no matter the outcome, this was just the beginning of his journey. Win or lose, he would learn and grow from the experience. With a deep breath, he centered himself, focusing on the task ahead. Today, he would give it his all and leave no regrets.

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The day of the Archery Competition :

The day of the annual archery and swordsmanship competition dawned with a brilliant sky, the sun casting a golden hue across the sprawling fields where the event would take place. A gentle breeze rustled the banners that adorned the arena, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers from the nearby gardens. The air was crisp and cool, a perfect contrast to the warmth of the sun, making it an ideal day for competition. The anticipation was palpable among the spectators who gathered, eager to witness the display of skill and valor from the princes of the realm.

The arena was set with precision, with targets positioned at varying distances, and a designated area for the archers. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, but also with an undercurrent of tension, as the princes prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. The archery competition would be held first, setting the tone for the day’s events.

The Conditions :

The archery competition is divided into three rounds, each designed to test the archers' skill under different conditions. The competition begins with the targets clearly visible in the bright morning light, but as the day progresses, the challenges become more complex.

Round 1: Target at Dusk

Conditions : Though the competition starts in the morning, by the time Round 1 begins, the sun is beginning its descent toward the horizon. The targets, positioned 150 yards away, become more difficult to see as the light fades, testing the archers' ability to adapt to the changing visibility.

Match 1:Zhan vs.Leo

The competition begins with Zhan facing Prince Leo, a veteran archer. As the sun dips lower, the targets are bathed in a warm glow, but the light is rapidly fading. Zhan narrows his focus, taking a deep breath before drawing his bow. His first arrow flies true, landing close to the center of the target. Leo responds with precision, his arrow hitting the bullseye. The next few shots are a test of adaptability as the light diminishes. Zhan, learning from each shot, adjusts his aim and manages to edge out Xiao with a near-perfect final shot, securing his victory.

Match 2:Cheng vs.Ning

Cheng, Zhan’s older brother, faces Prince Ning in the next match. As the light continues to fade, Cheng’s calm demeanor serves him well. He takes his time, waiting for the right moment before releasing his arrows. Ning, less composed, struggles with the changing light and rushes his shots. Cheng's patience pays off as his arrows consistently find the mark, winning him the match.