Chereads / The Nineteenth Prince of the Dynasty / Chapter 3 - Muscle Refinement and Purification

Chapter 3 - Muscle Refinement and Purification

The Golden Dragon Palace was where the emperor resided, while the Xingqing Hall housed the underage princes.

Zhao Letian, alone in the vast palace, lived there without siblings or companions. His mother had passed away giving birth to him—a beauty with a tragic fate. Besides the palace maids and eunuchs, Zhao Letian was utterly solitary. After receiving the Emperor's gift of the Marrow-Washing Pill, he hurried back to the Xingqing Hall with Eunuch Cao Jingyan.

On the way, Zhao Letian asked, "Eunuch Cao, do you know my father's intentions in sending me to the Dali Temple?"

Cao Jingyan replied, "Five days ago, the Shangqing Sect delivered a message. Their Celestial Master, after observing the stars, performed a divination: 'A demonic star descends, heretical sects cause chaos, and the Child of Destiny emerges.'"

Hearing the words 'demonic star descends,' Zhao Letian's heart skipped a beat.

Five days ago, he had just transmigrated to this world. Could he be that ominous star?

"Then… what does this have to do with the Dali Temple?"

"The Dali Temple specializes in subduing demons and resolving supernatural disputes. Surely, you're aware of its unique role?"

The Dali Temple in the Great Kang Dynasty was different from Zhao Letian's understanding. Beyond handling criminal cases, it was a government office dedicated to managing demonic disturbances and sectarian conflicts.

Zhao Letian, who had just felt some relief, tensed up again.

"Have they located the demonic star?"

"The Emperor's focus is on identifying the Child of Destiny."

So, his father wanted him to secretly investigate the Child of Destiny?

While they conversed, the two arrived at Xingqing Hall. The hall, in disrepair, had a dilapidated courtyard. The residence of a fallen prince held no unnecessary luxuries.

Without inviting Cao Jingyan to sit, Zhao Letian eagerly asked, "Eunuch Cao, I have the pill now. When can I start practicing martial arts?"

Cao Jingyan responded unhurriedly, "The Marrow-Washing Pill refines and transforms the body. It works wonders for seasoned martial artists, but for a weak and untrained body like yours, using it recklessly carries risks. Allow me to make preparations."

Zhao Letian was startled. "There are risks?"

"Most martial artists spend ten years strengthening their blood before even starting to temper their skin. You lack any foundation and aim to skip ten years of effort—there's bound to be a cost. Moreover, the Marrow-Washing Pill isn't omnipotent. It's fortunate you're under eighteen. Once your body fully matures, the pill would be ineffective."

"I see…" Zhao Letian had thought the pill was like candy, something that could instantly grant unparalleled strength. Reality was clearly different.

"The pill isn't ingested but dissolved into medicinal wine for you to soak in. Its power seeps through your skin into your blood, altering your constitution and expanding your meridians. The final stage washes your spinal cord and essence. The pain is beyond what ordinary people can bear. Do you still wish to proceed?"

"I do!" Zhao Letian answered without hesitation.

In this chaotic world, a powerless prince could only secure his future through strength and martial prowess. Practicing martial arts was his sole path to survival and defying fate.

Cao Jingyan studied Zhao Letian's determined expression, noting the fiery resolve in his eyes.

His previously impassive tone softened slightly. "Your Highness, it would be best to rest early tonight. Tomorrow, I will make the necessary preparations for your purification."

Zhao Letian nodded and thanked him. "I'll trouble you, Eunuch Cao."

Cao Jingyan did not return the gesture and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Zhao Letian uncertain whether he had truly departed.

The Next Morning

A large wooden tub appeared in the courtyard, filled halfway with steaming medicinal wine. The Marrow-Washing Pill had dissolved within, emitting a fragrant medicinal aroma.

At Cao Jingyan's signal, Zhao Letian stripped down, revealing his scrawny frame, and stepped into the tub.

The warm liquid enveloped him. Initially, it felt soothing, like soaking in a hot spring.

But then, the sensation shifted. The pill's power surged through his skin, turning the warmth into searing heat. It felt as if his blood was boiling and his skin being flayed. The excruciating pain penetrated his entire being, seeping into his bones and organs. Within moments, Zhao Letian was overwhelmed.

Suddenly, a firm hand pressed against his back. A surge of pure Yang energy stabilized his heart meridian, significantly easing the pain.

The old eunuch had entered the tub!

Zhao Letian's thoughts spiraled. Sharing a bath with another man? This was unprecedented!

"Focus your mind, clear distractions, and follow the path of the energy," Cao Jingyan commanded, his voice like a thunderclap.

Shaking off his scattered thoughts, Zhao Letian obeyed, tracing the flow of the energy.

The pure Yang energy protected his heart and then slowly coursed outward, circulating through his limbs and body. Each pass alleviated a portion of the pain.

Despite the relief, the agony persisted, leaving Zhao Letian clenching his teeth and grimacing. Yet, throughout the ordeal, he did not utter a single cry.

It wasn't that he didn't want to. The idea of groaning or screaming while sharing a tub with another man was unbearable.

Cao Jingyan noted Zhao Letian's resilience with silent approval. The boy's determination made his efforts worthwhile.

Hours passed. The Marrow-Washing Pill's effects were finally absorbed. Numb from the pain, Zhao Letian noticed a strange comfort spreading through his body.

Examining himself, he saw his skin had become translucent and supple, like polished jade. His once frail appearance now exuded vitality and strength.

This pill… it's incredible, Zhao Letian thought.

Cao Jingyan, already out of the tub and fully dressed, stood quietly nearby.

"Have you memorized the energy's path? Your twelve standard meridians and eight extraordinary vessels have undergone a fundamental transformation. By circulating your energy through twelve full cycles, you will officially enter the first martial realm: Skin Tempering."

"Of course, I memorized it!" Zhao Letian replied confidently. Forgetting the path would have made the ordeal unbearable. He realized that the old eunuch had not only protected him but also imparted a foundational martial technique. Despite his initial misgivings about Cao Jingyan, the eunuch's actions had won his trust.

Standing abruptly, Zhao Letian bowed deeply. "Thank you, Eunuch Cao, for your guidance!"

Bare-skinned, his fair complexion glowed under the sunlight. The sudden movement revealed his body's transformation, but the sight also startled Cao Jingyan, who quickly turned away with a cough.

"Your Highness, remember to complete the twelve cycles. I'll leave you to rest." With that, he vanished from sight.

Realizing his state, Zhao Letian hastily dressed. The breeze against his skin highlighted his newfound strength. His once-weak frame now carried defined muscles, brimming with energy.

This is the power of purification and transformation! Truly extraordinary.

Sitting cross-legged, he began circulating his energy. Following the path he had memorized, the pure Yang energy coursed through his body, refining and nourishing his muscles and skin.

By the twelfth cycle, his muscles grew robust, his skin resilient. He had officially entered the first martial realm: Skin Tempering.

Reflecting on the past days, Zhao Letian noted the subtle dangers surrounding him—his ambitious eighth brother, his cunning father, and the enigmatic eunuch Cao Jingyan. The Dali Temple, though seemingly distant from the court's power struggles, might be the perfect place for him to bide his time.

Leaving the palace's gilded cage could mark the start of his journey. Hidden potential, ready to awaken.