Li Yuanba said, "L-lifting lions... I just saw two golden lions outside the hall. Whoever can lift them wins."
"Fine. You first, or me?" Yuwen Chengdu asked.
Li Yuanba's little eyes darted around. "You first."
Without another word, Yuwen Chengdu strode outside, bent down before a golden lion, and lifted it with ease. Then he carried it back into the hall.
The civil and military officials were already used to such sights.
Yuwen Chengdu set the golden lion down before Li Yuanba. "Your turn, brat."
"Oh, not bad, big fellow. You're pretty strong," Li Yuanba said.
Then he bent down, lifted the golden lion as well, gave it a few shakes and sways, and set it back down.
The officials were all startled. None had expected such a little fellow to lift the golden lion too.
"That wasn't satisfying enough. Wait here, big fellow," Li Yuanba said.
With that, he went outside and carried the other golden lion into the hall. He placed the two together, bound them tightly with the iron chain he wore, then bent down and slowly hoisted both lions into the air.
The officials, and even Yang Guang, stared in stunned disbelief.
Yuwen Chengdu was startled too. Luckily, King Pingliao helped me and gave me the Mighty Tiger-Subduing Pill. Otherwise, I might not be able to lift both golden lions so easily.
Li Yuanba put the golden lions down and called to Yuwen Chengdu, "Your turn, big fellow."
"Well, brat, you really do have some ability. Just watch," Yuwen Chengdu said.
"Great General Tianbao, do not push beyond your limits," Yang Guang said.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. I am no longer the man I once was," Yuwen Chengdu replied.
Then he bent down, grasped one lion's ankle with one hand, thrust the other into a lion's