Chapter Thirteen: Becoming an Apprentice

"Your Highness, the martial artists you requested have arrived."

Long Yu was practicing his Mountain-Splitting Palm in the training arena when a guard approached to report.

"Very well, bring them to see me," Long Yu said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Soon, an elderly-looking man and a robust middle-aged man stood before Long Yu.

"Your Highness, these two are the renowned masters of the capital’s martial arts halls," the guard introduced. "This is Master Su," he said, pointing to the older man. "And this is Master Liu," gesturing to the other.

"Greetings, Fourth Prince," both masters bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities," Long Yu replied. "I have summoned you today to ask for your guidance in the martial arts."

The two masters exchanged troubled glances. They were well aware of the ongoing conflicts among the princes and had no desire to become embroiled in their power struggles.

"If there is a problem, speak plainly. There is no need to hide anything," Long Yu said, noticing their hesitation.

"His Majesty has long decreed that civilian martial artists must not become too close with the princes..." Master Su began.

Long Yu immediately understood their reluctance—none wished to be swept into the chaos of the princes' rivalry.

"You need not worry, masters. Though Father forbids close personal relationships between princes and civilians, he never said princes cannot apprentice themselves to martial artists and learn from them. Besides, who would know you have taught me if you do not speak of it? And should I gain the succession, you will be the teachers of the future ruler."

He added, "Bring out the ten thousand taels of gold I prepared for my masters. Consider it a deposit for my tuition; I will reward you generously in the future."

Hearing the sum—ten thousand taels—the two masters were stunned. Five thousand taels each, when their monthly income was but a few thousand taels of silver. And from the Fourth Prince’s words, there would surely be more rewards to come.

At last, after Long Yu’s assurances and the allure of wealth, the two exchanged determined glances. "Very well, we’ll risk it," they said, unable to resist the temptation.

An hour later, in the training arena, the two masters observed Long Yu, who lay exhausted on the ground, and offered their assessment.

"Your Highness, your foundations are solid—you possess the strength of a thousand catties. But your combat skills are sorely lacking. You rely solely on brute force, without technique or martial arts."

Long Yu listened quietly, acknowledging this was indeed his greatest weakness.

But he could hardly be blamed. Living on Earth, he had never practiced martial arts, and his newfound strength had only just been acquired. How could he compare with those who had trained for decades?

"You are right, masters. I ask you to teach me diligently," he replied humbly.

Seeing Long Yu’s modesty and respect, the two nodded in approval.

After some discussion, it was decided: Master Su would teach Long Yu footwork and movement in the mornings, while Master Liu would instruct him in combat in the afternoons.

…

Days later, in the training arena, Long Yu was dodging stones thrown by Master Su from atop pillars. Though he managed to evade most, he was still struck from time to time. His once-handsome face was now bruised and swollen.

"Your Highness, you must work harder. It’s been days and you still cannot dodge all my attacks. How will you ever master the Nine-Star Stepping Technique at this rate?"

The Nine-Star Stepping Technique, a grade C martial skill, could be used for both offense and evasion. It was Master Su’s signature skill, though not unique to him. He had received it as a reward for great achievements in his youth from the ruler of the Song Kingdom. Unless a martial skill was self-created, it could always be found in the royal archives, accessible to the princes.

Thus, Master Su had no reason to withhold it from Long Yu.

"I am doing my best, Master. Your stones seem to have eyes," Long Yu complained, though inwardly he was pleased. The training these days had greatly developed his abilities. He was still far from his masters’ level, but compared to his former self, the difference was vast.

After finishing his morning training, Long Yu soaked himself in medicinal baths to heal his wounds and prepare for the afternoon session.

In the afternoons, he studied another martial skill with Master Liu: the grade C Battle Fist, a fierce and aggressive technique.

Learning martial skills depended on individual talent. Master Liu had not expected Long Yu to progress quickly. Yet, to his surprise, after just two days, Long Yu could already perform the basic form of the Battle Fist. Master Liu still remembered his own shock and delight at that moment, astonished by Long Yu’s talent. He had truly found a treasure.

"When striking, you must be fierce and ruthless, with the resolve that either your enemy dies or you do," Master Liu instructed as Long Yu practiced.

"Your punches look impressive, but they are only form without intent—mere flashy moves," Master Liu continued, stopping Long Yu.

He stood beside a large tree and struck it with a powerful punch. The tree shook violently, and where he had hit, a deep crater appeared.

Watching the demonstration, Long Yu sensed a deadly determination in Master Liu’s punch.

Master Liu smiled with satisfaction at his handiwork and turned to Long Yu. "What did you perceive from my punch?"

Long Yu replied honestly, "A kind of reckless, life-or-death fierceness."

Master Liu nodded in agreement. "You are correct, but not entirely. To deliver a punch with true power, you must have the resolve that either your enemy dies or you do at the moment you strike. In battle, you must use all your strength, without hesitation, without concern for life or death. If you win, you live; if you lose, you die. Think of nothing else—just focus on how to kill your enemy. This is the resolve you need, not only in punching, but in all martial arts."

"Master, you are right," Long Yu nodded, fully agreeing.

"There is another important aspect," Master Liu continued. "When you punch, you must mobilize the energy within your body. Do not rely solely on physical strength. Energy is the foundation of a person. Without channeling it, your Battle Fist will have no true power."

"Energy?" Long Yu pondered. Master Liu must be referring to the power he had felt within himself ever since consuming the rock crystal.

"Master, how does one draw upon this energy?" Long Yu asked, genuinely ignorant.

Master Liu was astonished. "The Fourth Prince does not know how to channel his energy?"

Princes were supposed to be taught such basics from the age of eight. This Fourth Prince was indeed peculiar—though blessed with remarkable talent, he lacked so many fundamental skills. He had impressive strength, yet knew no martial arts…