Chapter 003: King Yaksha

As for the nickname "King Yaksha," it is quite interesting

His current physical condition is exceedingly weak, which causes Zhao Chen to shake his head in dismay. It seems that Crown Prince Jingkang has not undergone much training from childhood to adulthood

In Zhao Chen's view, learning martial arts should naturally be based on one's physical condition. Those with good physical fitness should learn more vigorous styles of boxing, akin to the Shaolin Kung Fu of later generations. Conversely, those with poorer physical condition should study softer martial arts, similar to Tai Chi. Therefore, it is reasonable for Wang De to assess his physical condition and teach martial arts accordingly.

For an entire day, Zhao Chen felt as if he were dreaming! Wang De explained the principles of martial arts to Zhao Chen, stating that martial arts are divided into internal and external skills, with internal skills serving as the foundation and external skills as their application! During this time, Wang De inevitably demonstrated his abilities; with a single palm strike, a large rock was shattered into pieces! ... Wang De effortlessly leaped over two zhang high, descending from the ground to the treetop. The branches were delicate, yet Wang De was able to stand upon them, swaying with the wind, leaving Zhao Chen in a state of astonishment...

I have heard that the Imperial Heavenly Formula, secretly passed down within the inner court, was created by Emperor Taizu. It is the foremost martial art of unparalleled strength and dominance! This formula can only be practiced by members of the royal family. I had thought that the Crown Prince had once practiced the Imperial Heavenly Formula, but it seems that is not the case now

He did not know that Wang De was also a famous general in history! During the Jingkang period, the Jurchen army invaded, leading to the fall of the Northern Song dynasty. Zhao Gou ascended to the throne in the south, establishing the Southern Song dynasty. In the early years of the Southern Song, there were four prominent generals known for their military achievements, who upheld the state and were later referred to as the "Four Great Generals of the Southern Song Revival." They were Yue Fei, Han Shizhong, Zhang Jun, and Liu Guangshi. Among them, Yue Fei, Han Shizhong, and Zhang Jun were renowned for their wisdom and bravery, while Liu Guangshi had limited abilities and was even somewhat cowardly in battle. His inclusion among the four great generals of the revival was primarily due to his capable general, Wang De.

Uncertain how much time had passed, Zhao Chen finally returned to normal, only to see Wang De standing ten feet away, his brow furrowed.

Your Highness, Lord Wang is waiting for you in the Gathering View Garden, the middle-aged eunuch who came to announce the imperial decree said

Wang De? Wang Yechai? Zhao Chen gently shook his head; he had not heard of this person.

This is natural; I will impart all my skills to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!" Wang De said with a smile

"Your Highness, have you not practiced internal martial arts?" Wang De said

Lord Wang De, he is the Deputy Officer of the Dragon Command in front of the palace, the foremost martial artist in the Imperial Guard! He is known as Wang Yacha!" said the middle-aged eunuch

Wang De was known as the "One-Man Army," possessing exceptional martial skills. During the late Northern Song Dynasty, when the Jurchen forces invaded for the first time, Wang De led 16 cavalrymen directly into Longde Prefecture, capturing the Jurchen-appointed governor, Taishi Yao. The Jurchen army surrounded them with thousands of troops, and all 16 of Wang De's cavalrymen were killed in battle. Wang De fought his way out from the Jurchen forces, killing hundreds of Jurchen soldiers with his bare hands. The Jurchen army was terrified, and no one dared to continue the pursuit. Taishi Yao was escorted to the court, where Emperor Qinzong of Song inquired about his situation. Taishi Yao replied, "When I was captured, I only saw one night demon." Thus, in addition to the title of "One-Man Army," Wang De also earned the nickname "Wang the Night Demon."

In the blink of an eye, April 15th has arrived, and the weather has become increasingly warm. Emperor Song Qinzong, having learned that Zhao Chen has regained his memory, has decided to allow Zhao Chen to continue his studies. However, during the last session, Li Ruoshui taught the Crown Prince many "inappropriate" things, leading the Crown Prince to utter some absurd statements. Therefore, this time, the selection of the Crown Prince's teacher is exceptionally cautious. In a short period, Emperor Song Qinzong has not yet thought of a suitable candidate. Thus, he decreed that the Crown Prince should temporarily focus on martial arts.

At this time, Wang De was the foremost expert among the Imperial Guards. Among the hundreds of thousands of Imperial Guards, no one could withstand ten of Wang De's moves. It was precisely because of his exceptional martial skills that he was qualified to teach the Crown Prince martial arts

"No need for that. The功法 created by Emperor Taizu can only be practiced by members of the royal family! As a subject, I absolutely dare not even look at it!" Wang De hurriedly said

However, how easy is it to escape from Kaifeng?

The scenery of Jujing Garden is beautiful. Due to the arrival of the Crown Prince, the security here is particularly tight today. Surrounding Jujing Garden, one can see countless guards and eunuchs. They stand at various locations, fearing that any mistakes might occur.

Indeed, there are martial arts in the world; the ability to leap over rooftops is not merely a legend! Oh my, could it be that those renowned generals of ancient times were masters of the martial arts? As the sun gradually sets, Zhao Chen finally regains a semblance of normalcy, and his heart is continuously shouting!

Good! Zhao Chen nodded.

"And which Lord Wang is it in the illustrated book?" Zhao Chen asked.

"Your Highness, I need to check your health first!" Wang De spoke again at this moment

"Are you General Wang De?" Zhao Chen asked

"Inner strength? Ah!" Zhao Chen was taken aback. Isn't this something only found in martial arts novels? He immediately shook his head

He thought to himself that Wang De was indeed a rough man, lacking even the most basic understanding of reason! The Crown Prince does not need your skills at all

The Royal Heaven Technique? Ever since arriving in this era, Zhao Chen has once again felt his mind in a state of confusion! Internal power? The Royal Heaven Technique? What do these even mean?

Zhao Chen and the middle-aged eunuch walked forward, arriving at the center of Ju Jing Garden, where there was an open space. A tall young man was standing there! Dressed in a blue robe, he stood there like a green pine, exceptionally straight.

"Father has instructed me to learn martial arts from you. From now on, you shall be my teacher, and I kindly ask you to teach me with great care!" Zhao Chen said

At that moment, Wang De approached Zhao Chen and suddenly grasped Zhao Chen's shoulders. Zhao Chen felt a warm current surge into his body. His body stiffened, and he wanted to speak, but found himself unable to utter a word.

The young man stood up, and only then did Zhao Chen carefully examine him. He noticed that the young man's eyes were clear, he had a short beard, and he exuded a sense of strength, ruggedness, and integrity.

At that moment, the middle-aged eunuch who had been standing to the side spoke up in a sharp voice: "Your Majesty has said that if the Crown Prince is willing, he may study the Imperial Heavenly Technique and the Great Justice Swordsmanship! I have already brought the secret manuals for the Imperial Heavenly Technique and the Great Justice Swordsmanship. General Wang, would you like to take a look?"

At this moment, the young man has respectfully knelt down and said: "This humble official pays his respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince"

It is precisely the general!" Wang De said.

In his impression, the purpose of martial arts is merely to strengthen the body and maintain health

Jujing Garden is a garden within the palace, rarely visited by anyone on ordinary days. Occasionally, some guards practice martial arts there, and Zhao Chen has indeed heard of this place

Although Zhao Chen had studied the history of the Song Dynasty and was familiar with many figures from the Jingkang period, especially the most famous ones like Yue Fei and Han Shizhong, he had no impression of Wang De at all

As for "martial arts," Zhao Chen is certainly well-acquainted with the term! When he was still a senior in high school, he had read numerous martial arts novels. In those stories, the martial arts masters could leap across rooftops and pluck flowers mid-air, almost like deities! However, Zhao Chen also understood that these were merely fictional tales; true martial arts are not nearly as formidable! In the park, one often sees elderly gentlemen and ladies practicing Tai Chi, those soft, almost gymnastic movements that seem to have little practical effect—now that is the true essence of martial arts

Jujing Garden is located to the northeast of the palace, only two li away from the East Palace. However, by the time Zhao Chen arrived at Jujing Garden, he was already out of breath

Martial arts? Upon hearing this decree, Zhao Chen was taken aback

You still understand the rules www.hetushu.com. The middle-aged eunuch said with a cold smile

The young man's eyes were exceptionally bright; when his gaze swept over, Zhao Chen felt a chill in his heart, as if he were being stared at by a fierce tiger or beast. For a moment, he found it difficult to move his feet and involuntarily came to a halt

The middle-aged attendant beside him frowned secretly after listening. The Emperor had the Crown Prince practice martial arts merely to keep him occupied, to prevent him from "talking nonsense" again. The Emperor did not intend for the Crown Prince to become a "martial arts master." As the Crown Prince, the heir to the throne, he is surrounded by countless protectors; why would he need to become a master? Moreover, why should Wang De impart all his skills to His Highness the Crown Prince?

"General Wang, is there a problem?" Zhao Chen asked with a look of confusion

For an ordinary citizen, one can simply leave Kaifeng by walking out of the city gates. For a minister, one can find a way to be reassigned from Kaifeng; if that fails, one can resign from office and leave Kaifeng without hesitation. However, Zhao Chen, as the Crown Prince and merely a ten-year-old child, is at a loss and cannot think of a way to leave Kaifeng. Emperor Qinzong would never tolerate his ten-year-old Crown Prince leaving the city, and the ministers in the court would also not permit a young Crown Prince to leave the capital without permission. Surrounded at all times by countless guards, eunuchs, and palace maids, it is impossible for Zhao Chen to escape secretly.

"Practicing martial arts is good! I, the Crown Prince Jingkang, have been pampered since childhood and my health is weak; it is time for me to exercise!" Zhao Chen thought for a moment and said

Please rise quickly! Zhao Chen suppressed his surprise and said