Public and Private Enemies

Prince Duan also knew martial arts. Though his cultivation was profound, it had been piled up entirely with pills. He was not skilled in combat techniques and was likely not even as accomplished as his own son.

It was understandable when one thought about it. The martial path was full of hardship, monotony, and bitterness. Most people practiced martial arts in hopes of gaining a better future—the so-called learning both letters and martial skills, then selling them to the emperor's household.

Prince Duan had been born into the imperial clan. From the moment he was born, his starting point had already stood heaven knows how many times higher than that of ordinary people. There was no need to mention wealth and honor; spiritual medicines could prolong his life, and if killing was needed, he had no shortage of hawks and hounds beneath his command.

Thus, his understanding of martial artists and the martial path was rather personal, and narrower as well.

Unlike Prince Duan, Xia Shu knew that some martial artists could cultivate to a realm that shook heaven and earth. They might not be able to stand alone against an entire nation, but an imperial dynasty would at least not dare oppress such experts. If one reached the immortal and Buddha-like realms of Bodhidharma or Zhang Sanfeng, then even an imperial dynasty would amount to nothing.

Of course, these thoughts merely flickered through his mind a few times. He did not voice them.

"Then, Father, I actually have another question. What exactly was King of Zhenbei's purpose in pushing Duàn Yì into the position of Heir Apparent? Could it be that he was truly willing to let the throne pass into another's hands rather than be inherited by his own descendants?"

Xia Shu's question struck straight into Prince Duan's