Chapter 1

Chang'an City, Shunwang Palace.

Li Heng looked at the handsome face in the bronze mirror with a mix of shock and doubt, his heart surging with tumultuous waves.

"I've traveled through time and come to the Tang Dynasty, becoming Li Shimin's fifteenth son, Li Heng?

"No, that's not right. This isn't the Tang Dynasty of history. Historically, Li Shimin didn't have a fifteenth son, nor would he still be fighting the Turks ten years after ascending the throne.

"Moreover, the top generals in this Tang Dynasty can fight against thousands, roar to break rivers, and move the clouds with their swords. They are practically superhumans!

"Is this actually a high-martial Tang Dynasty?"

Through the memories he inherited from his predecessor, Li Heng made a basic judgment about this world.

This is the Tang Dynasty, but it's not quite the same. There are significant differences in the details.

Not only are the martial arts levels off the charts, but many historical events and figures don't match up.

Can you believe that Li Bai actually exists during the Zhenguan era?

And he's already a famous poet known throughout the land, with sword skills that rival the top generals.

"My predecessor was always considered dull, and his mother was just an ordinary palace maid with no powerful relatives to support her, so she had a low status and wasn't favored by Li Shimin.

"Even though I was granted the title of Shunwang at the young age of eighteen, the palace is quite ordinary, and I have no real duties. Essentially, it's a life of being pensioned off until death."

Li Heng quickly assessed his current situation and frowned. "The current situation seems relaxed, but it's actually fraught with danger.

"Throughout history, the imperial family has always been ruthless, and the struggle for power is a matter of life and death, especially in this Tang Dynasty where the competition among princes is extremely intense. Even if I appear to be a 'waste,' I probably won't be spared. There will definitely be 'brothers' who will try to deal with me.

"Moreover, the Tang Dynasty is not stable. The war with the Turks has been ongoing for nearly twenty years without any significant progress. Recently, there have been reports of major movements from the Turks, with plans to invade Chang'an..."

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but shiver.

In history, the Turks once reached the outskirts of Chang'an, with hundreds of thousands of troops stationed less than forty miles from the city at the Weishui Bridge.

Even though this high-martial Tang Dynasty has many differences, the Turks' strength remains incredibly powerful.

Such a situation is not impossible.

They might even cross the Weishui River and invade Chang'an!

At that time, I, as Shunwang and a prince of the Tang Dynasty, will surely die!

"I must find a way to become stronger or build my own base of power." Li Heng thought, but he couldn't come up with any immediate solutions.

A prince who is not favored by Li Shimin and has no powerful relatives to support him.

It's almost impossible to build any significant power, and even recruiting a few advisors would be extremely difficult.

What should I do?

【Congratulations, host, you have successfully activated the Check-in System!】

【Would you like to check in at 'Shunwang Palace Main Bedroom'?】

...

Li Heng's eyes widened, and he stood there in shock.

First, he was stunned, then came overwhelming joy!

The Check-in System!

Is this my golden finger?

"Check in!"

Without hesitation, Li Heng issued the command to the system in his mind.

【Congratulations, host, check-in successful. Reward: Martial Art 'Sleeping Immortal Fist'.】

Sleeping Immortal Fist?

A fist technique specifically for sleeping with immortals?

This is too frivolous.

Li Heng, with mixed feelings, checked the information about this martial art.

Only then did he realize he had misunderstood.

The "sleep" here really just means sleeping, a method to improve his fist technique and strengthen his mental will through sleep.

It's not about doing intimate things with immortals.

"Not bad, but I wonder how much it will help me become stronger." Li Heng was anxious. "Learn 'Sleeping Immortal Fist'!"

In an instant, a large amount of information about the 'Sleeping Immortal Fist' appeared in his mind, followed by a wealth of practical combat experience.

In no time, Li Heng had mastered the 'Sleeping Immortal Fist'.

...

A moment later, Li Heng opened his eyes, his face full of surprise.

He now felt a surge of power within him, and a warm current rose from his dantian, flowing through his limbs and nourishing his body.

This is internal strength!

This is the hallmark of a Ninth Rank martial artist!

In this high-martial Tang Dynasty, martial arts are divided into nine ranks.

Ninth Rank is the lowest, and First Rank is the highest.

Above First Rank, there is the Super Rank, which includes the most elite martial artists of the era.

Such as: Li Jing, Qin Qiong, Cheng Yaojin, and Chai Shao.

They are all Super Rank martial artists.

These Super Rank martial artists are incredibly powerful, capable of fighting against thousands and breaking through armies, truly martial gods!

"My predecessor was always dull and lazy, and he didn't understand martial arts. At the age of eighteen, he wasn't even a Ninth Rank martial artist. No wonder Li Shimin didn't bother to pay attention to him." Li Heng evaluated his predecessor.

"However, this is also a good thing. At least for the short term, I won't attract attention. With the system, as long as I have suitable check-in locations, I can quickly become stronger. Reaching the Super Rank is just a matter of time.

"I will be a Shunwang who doesn't seek conflict, keeping my strength hidden, striving to check in at better places, and quietly becoming stronger until I am invincible."

The system has requirements for check-in locations.

Li Heng knew this when he obtained the system, which can be summarized in four points.

【① You can check in once a day.】

【② Only places with special qi can be checked in.】

【③ The same place can be checked in repeatedly, with rewards varying randomly.】

【④ After receiving the best reward from a place, you cannot check in there again.】

"The special qi of this Shunwang Palace is likely the Tang Dynasty's imperial aura that comes with my position as Shunwang. However, since the check-in location was just an ordinary bedroom, the reward wasn't particularly good.

"Next, I should try to check in at the palace, where the Tang Dynasty's imperial aura converges. The rewards will definitely be better!"

Li Heng formulated his next check-in plan.

Bang bang!

At that moment, a knock came from outside.

"Your Highness, Master Qin has arrived."

A gentle and humble female voice came from outside. It was Li Heng's personal attendant, Xiaohuan, who was only fifteen years old.

"Is the prince awake?" A deep male voice followed. "It's already noon. Surely you're not still asleep?"

"Master Qin?" Li Heng was taken aback but quickly recalled his predecessor's memories.

The person who arrived should be Qin Huaidao, the son of Qin Qiong, currently a Qian Niu Bei Shen, a high-ranking guard in the imperial guard, responsible for the safety of the crown prince.

He is the same age as Li Heng, and they grew up together, with a very close relationship.

He is already a Seventh Rank martial artist at a young age, with great potential.

"Come in." Li Heng sat up on the bed.

As soon as he spoke, a tall, rugged-looking teenager pushed open the bedroom door and walked in.

Qin Huaidao had a smile on his face. "Your Highness is awake. Do you remember our agreement from yesterday?"

"Huh?" Li Heng blinked, pretending to be half-asleep. "What agreement?"

In reality, he was still gradually digesting the predecessor's memories, and some details were still unclear.

"We agreed to go to Zuihuayin to enjoy the flowers and grass." Qin Huaidao gave a knowing smile.

"Flowers and grass?" Li Heng was genuinely confused.

"Oh, it means spending money and having fun..." Qin Huaidao whispered.