Volume One, Chapter 14: Monk Yunkong

“I have taken note of all these matters. Thank you for your efforts, Master,” Li Tianqing’s voice was slightly hoarse as he rose to his feet and walked to the window.

Standing with his back to Monk Yun Kong, hands clasped behind him, Li Tianqing lingered there for a long while without moving.

Yun Kong approached and spoke softly, “Recently, I have observed the heavens at night. The imperial star grows dim; I fear calamity is imminent.”

“Ah! The grand edifice is about to collapse, and a single beam cannot hold it up,” Li Tianqing sighed deeply.

“The Northern Yan envoy will arrive soon—sooner than I had expected. It seems we must make haste,” Li Tianqing rubbed his brow, his tone tinged with fatigue.

“By the way, Your Highness,” Yun Kong seemed to recall something.

“Speak, Master,” Li Tianqing turned to face him.

“I have found that there are quite a number of covert guards within the residence... and it appears they belong to more than one faction,” Yun Kong said.

“Oh?” Li Tianqing raised an eyebrow, a playful smile appearing on his face.

So, aside from the Emperor’s men, others are watching me as well. Fascinating, truly fascinating.

“It seems I am quite the ‘hot commodity,’ with multiple forces keeping me in their sights,” Li Tianqing chuckled lightly, seemingly unconcerned.

“Your Highness, the situation is complex and perilous at every turn. It would be wise to exercise caution in all things,” Yun Kong warned, his expression grave.

“The greatest hermit hides in the city. Now that I am caught in the midst of it, I have no fear of them!” Li Tianqing’s lips curled into a smile.

“Master, prepare yourself. There are several performances yet to come in the days ahead.”

Li Tianqing rolled his neck and straightened his robes, as if he were a performer eager to step onto the stage.

He pinched his arm with mild distaste, unimpressed by its lack of muscle.

In his previous life, Li Tianqing had been a coach in sanda and fitness. This frail body was hardly satisfactory!

He must train properly; this weakness would never do!

“Master, I’ll need you to keep an eye out over the next few days,” Li Tianqing said, flexing his wrist.

He resolved to start by building his strength.

He had no intention of exhausting himself before even beginning his plans in Northern Yan.

“Master Yun Kong, I’ve already grasped the basics of the Iron Palm technique you taught me last time.”

“Your Highness is truly gifted, to achieve such progress in so short a time!” Yun Kong nodded in approval.

As Yun Kong spoke, Li Tianqing’s thoughts wandered. The mention of Iron Palm brought to mind videos he’d seen in his previous life on Bilibili...

There had been those so obsessed with training Iron Palm that their hands became charred and resembled bear paws...

Li Tianqing couldn’t help but glance at Yun Kong’s hands.

Yun Kong seemed to read Li Tianqing’s mind. He smiled and extended his hands from his robes.

His hands were slender and fair, the skin delicate—nothing like those of someone who had trained for years.

Li Tianqing felt a surge of relief. “I’ve heard of people whose hands become like bear paws from practicing Iron Palm. How does that happen?”

Yun Kong explained, “Now that Your Highness has begun, you’ll need certain special herbs. What you may not know is that Iron Palm requires daily soaking in medicinal solutions, supplemented with specially made ointments.”

“If one trains only with ordinary iron sand, without medicinal baths or ointments, the hands will inevitably be injured.”

Yun Kong smiled, “What Your Highness described is likely a crude method that has trickled down among the common folk.”

“The true Iron Palm requires both internal and external cultivation: practicing specialized techniques in conjunction with herbal baths and ointments. Only then can its formidable power be achieved.”

“Though known as a palm technique, it does not focus solely on the hands; rather, one must harmonize the entire body’s meridians so that inner strength gathers in the palm, unleashing its true force. You have already mastered this step.”

Yun Kong’s explanation was thorough, and Li Tianqing listened with keen interest.

“The Iron Palm I practice is an internal art, requiring specially formulated medicinal sand and unique internal techniques. Only then can its power become unmatched, and the more proficient one becomes, the fairer and more refined the hands.”

“If one merely trains the hands without understanding the method of channeling energy, the meridians will suffer, and the hands will be deformed,” Yun Kong concluded.

“I see. I am enlightened,” Li Tianqing nodded thoughtfully.

In truth, in his previous life, Li Tianqing had often scoffed at Iron Palm: if the result was always a pair of bear paws...

Wouldn’t that just announce to your opponent,

“See? I practice Iron Palm. I’m about to hit you now...”

Li Tianqing shook his head, banishing these strange thoughts.

“Master, please write down the herbs I’ll need later. I’ll have them prepared,” Li Tianqing said with a bow.

Yun Kong nodded. Li Tianqing rolled his neck again, his joints cracking audibly. “Master, you’ve worked hard today. Go and rest.”

Yun Kong pressed his palms together in salute, then withdrew.

Li Tianqing closed his eyes and massaged his temples.

“Now, it’s time to consider how to deal with those fiends and monsters,” he murmured to himself.

He lay down for a brief nap...

He didn’t know how much time had passed before he awoke, stretching lazily, feeling refreshed.

It was already midday. Rubbing his stomach, Li Tianqing realized he was hungry and rose to head outside.

As he reached the doorway, Steward Lin was already waiting for him.

“Your Highness, what would you like for lunch?” Lin asked respectfully.

“Anything will do—whatever’s available,” Li Tianqing replied indifferently.

“Wait!” Suddenly remembering something, Li Tianqing ordered, “Invite Master Yun Kong, Xue Tai, and Lu Chuan to join me for lunch. Make sure the meal is plentiful.”

Steward Lin went to carry out the order, while Li Tianqing waited in the main hall. Soon enough, Yun Kong, Xue Tai, and Lu Chuan arrived.

After some pleasantries, the dishes began to appear on the table.

“Come now, don’t be shy—eat as much as you like!” Li Tianqing beckoned.

Yun Kong was composed, but Xue Tai and Lu Chuan were visibly nervous and stiff.

Li Tianqing noticed and smiled, saying, “You two needn’t be so tense. There are no outsiders here.”

Hearing this, Xue Tai and Lu Chuan relaxed a little.

To ease the atmosphere, Li Tianqing changed the subject, “Are either of you skilled in archery and horsemanship? Might I trouble you to give me some pointers?”

Xue Tai scratched his head, embarrassed. “Your Highness flatters me. I only know a little.”

“Archery and horsemanship are but minor skills. If Your Highness wishes to learn, I will share everything I know.”

Lu Chuan quickly added, “I am the same.”

Li Tianqing’s interest was piqued. He had learned some riding and archery in his previous life;

Yet compared to the Imperial Guards, what he’d learned in the modern world was little more than flashy tricks—not fit for the real battlefield.