Chapter 009: Military Exercises

Is it really impossible? The old gentleman is usually quite reserved; what has happened today? Shall we go take a look?

When Jia Ke arrived in front of Li Wenbin, Li Wenbin had already responded. Without waiting for Jia Ke to speak, Li Wenbin took the initiative to say: "You truly live up to the reputation of a general's son. I have agreed to your request, and I will explain it to Lord Jia in the near future. However, before that, we still have lessons to attend to. Let us go to the study now." After saying this, he stroked his beard and walked into the study.

Jia Ke said helplessly: "I practiced aimlessly, originally intending to let the teacher see, hoping to say a few good words in front of my father, but I didn't expect so many people to come."

What unusual events have occurred? Please tell me about them," Jia Lian inquired.

"Quick, make way! Lord Jia Ke is back!" Someone with sharp eyes spotted Jia Ke and shouted.

After Jia Ke sat down, he looked around and saw two weapon racks nearby, which held various weapons including knives, guns, swords, halberds, axes, polearms, hooks, forks, whips, flails, hammers, claws, staves, spears, clubs, crutches, and meteor-like weapons, totaling eighteen types of weaponry.

When Jia Ke arrived at the guardhouse, he saw several martial artists inside practicing their punches. They appeared vigorous and imposing, but from Jia Ke's battlefield experience, he noticed flaws everywhere; their movements were merely for show, lacking substance and effectiveness.

I said Wei San'er, you can just talk nonsense. The one in charge will deal with you soon; how dare you slander the master, are you courting death

The crowd parted to make way for Jia Ke, who looked bewildered and did not understand why there were so many people. He then saw Jia Lian in the crowd making faces at him. Jia Ke hurried over to ask him: "What is going on? Why are all these people here with us?"

As Jia Ke walked towards Li Wenbin, he passed by people who instinctively made way for him, the terror in their hearts still not having dissipated

"I see him every day, but I haven't heard anything about it?" Jia Zhu also wore a look of frustration.

How could the leader dare to let a child of merely over ten years take away a weapon? If someone were to get hurt, he, as the chief martial arts instructor, would certainly face severe consequences. In a moment of urgency, he cleverly said: "This halberd is quite heavy; I will call a few people to help the young master deliver it." Without waiting for Jia Ke's response, he took the large halberd from Jia Ke's hands, summoned a few martial arts instructors to carry the halberd, and assist Jia Ke in delivering it to the designated location. He also secretly resolved to be extremely cautious and ensure that no incidents occurred.

"Old Man Lin, do not be angry, there is something unusual, everyone come and take a look."

After finishing his practice, Jia Ke felt that his breath was somewhat unstable, realizing that his body was still too weak. If he wanted to become a reincarnation of Lü Bu, or even surpass him, he needed to engage in continuous training. It seemed that he had been too optimistic in the past, thinking that he could become invincible in the world simply by waiting for three years. Now it appeared that if he did not put in the effort, he might forever fall short of Lü Bu by a slight margin

Jia Zhu also came over to ask: "Elder brother, when did you learn martial arts?"

When Jia Ke went to borrow weapons, it was unclear who let the cat out of the bag, and the news spread among the people around. Everyone knew that the elder of the second house was going to perform martial arts, and discussions ensued.

He said to the leader, "Lend me this spear for a while, and I will return it to you later"

As soon as Jia Ke entered, someone noticed his attire and immediately recognized him as a young master from the manor. One of the leaders, thinking it was yet another young master come to watch the commotion, hurried over to pay his respects to Jia Ke and cautiously said: "May I ask which household this young master belongs to, and what instructions he has for us? Here, weapons are unpredictable, and if any harm were to come to the young master, it would be our fault."

The leader, knowing that Jia Ke is the eldest son of Jia Zheng, did not dare to be negligent and quickly brought over a chair for him to sit down

I have heard that you are going to demonstrate your martial skills in front of the gentleman, and everyone is coming to watch the excitement

The demonstration of the spear technique was completed, and the surroundings fell into a profound silence. Everyone was stunned by Jia Ke's spear skills. The astonishment was secondary; the primary feeling was fear. Especially the leader Tao, who was particularly taken aback, as the saying goes, an expert reveals their skill, and one can immediately discern the difference. The martial arts displayed by Jia Ke just now were several times more impressive than his own. Not to mention just him alone, even if he were to join forces with the other ten or so martial artists from the Jia family, they would likely not be a match for Jia Ke. If this were to occur on the battlefield, he would at least be considered a valiant general.

Jia Lian waved his hand to dismiss the formalities, then beckoned the young servant who had just been speaking. The servant had already noticed Jia Zhu's arrival and, eager to please the two young masters, had just said those words. Now, seeing Jia Lian summon him, he immediately approached to pay his respects to Jia Zhu and Jia Lian

Jia Ke asked the leader to bring the halberd, and after taking it in hand, he weighed it, estimating it to be around twenty or so pounds. It felt just about right in his hands

Although Jia Ke spoke to him with deference, his words implied that he wanted him to leave

After Jia Ke finished speaking, he walked towards Li Wenbin. Upon reaching him, he first bowed and then said: "Sir, I have brought the weapons. Please wait here while I demonstrate for a moment."

His thoughts stem from the earlier demonstration, where he discovered that his experience and martial skills could not yet perfectly integrate with his body, especially since those skills were developed by Lü Bu based on his own physique. If he wishes to advance further, he must engage in continuous practice, allowing Lü Bu's martial arts experience to fully assimilate into himself and become a habit

Lin Zhixiao was about to scold the young servant in front of him, who usually appeared quite clever, but today seemed to be challenging him by daring to refute his words. However, before he could speak, laughter came from the side

Upon arriving in front of the study, I noticed that quite a few people had already gathered there

Jia Ke came out of Mr. Li's room and arrived in the courtyard. He called over a few young servants and instructed them to move all the obstacles in the courtyard aside

Gentlemen, you may not be aware, but Lord Ke is going to perform martial arts. Everyone has come to cheer for Lord Ke.

Jia Ke personally went to the courtyard where the guards were stationed to borrow a few weapons

Jia Ke stood in the arena with a halberd in hand, taking a deep breath. Although Jia Ke was still young, under the influence of Lü Bu's bravery, his strength surpassed that of ordinary martial artists. Now, as he assumed his stance, he exuded an imposing demeanor.

As Jia Ke wielded the halberd, it instantly transformed into a dragon, with its head able to strike, its mouth able to bite, its body able to twist and lean, its claws able to grasp, and its tail able to sway. There were movements reminiscent of the Azure Dragon probing its claws, the Black Dragon entering the cave, the Lazy Dragon rolling over, and the Wulong swaying its tail. The momentum was fierce, blending strength and gentleness, swift as iron cavalry breaking through, and slow as winding waters flowing gently. In the fervor of his dance, Jia Ke forgot his surroundings, unconsciously unleashing the experience and the aura of slaughter inherent in Lü Bu's bravery.

What unusual events are there? Let me, the second master, hear about them

Although Li Wenbin did not understand martial arts, he had just witnessed Jia Ke wielding a large halberd, its cold light flashing. Li Wenbin felt as if he were on a battlefield, with waves of murderous intent rolling around him, causing his hair to stand on end in fear

Jia Ke requested a halberd from the martial arts master, but the master went to consult their leader. This leader, whose surname is Tao, is also a renowned martial artist and has served the Jia family for four generations, which grants him a high level of prestige. Without his consent, the master would not dare to give the halberd to Jia Ke.

I said, brother, have you heard? The elder is going to practice martial arts in front of the study

Chief Tao saw that Jia Ke merely wanted to put on a performance and did not intend to harm anyone, so he nodded. It was only then that the martial artist handed the halberd to Jia Ke. In his view, Jia Ke was merely a child playing house, lacking any real martial skills.

Brother, even if I had the greatest courage, I would not dare to speak ill of the master. This is true. Just now, the master asked us to tidy up the courtyard, moving the flower pots and water tanks from the study, saying that they would take up space during the drill. Now he has gone to borrow weapons.

In this way, one person passed the word to ten, and ten to a hundred, and before long, nearly a hundred people had gathered in front of the study. The noise was all from onlookers. At this moment, one of the stewards, Lin Zhixiao, rushed over with a report. Seeing so many people gathered at the door of the study, he angrily said: "Aren't you all supposed to be working? What are you doing here? If the lady finds out, you better watch your backs"

Lin Zhixiao turned around to see that Jia Lian and Jia Zhu had arrived. Lin Zhixiao hurriedly paid his respects

"Martial Arts?" Jia Lian exclaimed in surprise, turning to ask Jia Zhu, "Second Brother Zhu, does Brother Ke have this skill as well"

Therefore, Jia Ke did not waste any words with him and directly revealed his identity: "I am Jia Ke from the second branch, and I have matters for you to attend to"

Jia Ke was pleased to see someone helping him carry the spear, so he walked ahead while several martial artists followed behind him

Elder brother, you go ahead; I will inform Xiao Li.