THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

A Sinister Plan

The beautiful girl beamed with joy upon seeing Fang An already present in the palace of the Shang Dynasty. Her lips, soft and white, bloomed into a sweet smile so enchanting and alluring.

But suddenly, her lovely expression shifted rapidly into one of intense anger.

"Why did you run away from the sect back then?"

Fang An was stunned into silence. He was taken aback and confused by the sudden change on the girl’s face.

Emperor Li Wei himself was also puzzled as to why his daughter was suddenly angry at Fang An. All this time, her temperament had never been like this. His mind wandered, wondering if perhaps his daughter was experiencing love at first sight, just as he had fallen in love with his wife the moment they met—back when he was founding the Shang Dynasty.

Unlike other emperors who usually married princesses from neighboring kingdoms, his wife had been a native girl from the village of Shang, which he later named the kingdom after.

For some reason, Fang An felt awkward facing Princess Xian Lie’s sudden outburst. The white-haired young man lowered his head and dared not look into the eyes of the beautiful girl, who had suddenly turned fierce like a queen of the wild.

“U-uh… back then, it was because…” Fang An stammered, trying to answer her question.

“Why are you scolding Fang An, my daughter? Shouldn’t you be thanking him instead, for saving your life?” Emperor Li Wei interrupted.

Princess Xian Lie seemed to awaken from a bad dream. Her lovely face flushed with embarrassment. She realized she had gone too far and confused Fang An with her reaction.

“I’m sorry, Fang An. I was wrong to yell at you. I shouldn’t have acted like that,” she murmured, her voice low with shame, afraid her father would notice the feelings she was trying to hide.

Fang An sighed in relief. At least he didn’t have to struggle to answer her earlier question.

“There’s nothing to forgive, even though I still don’t know why Her Highness got upset with me,” Fang An replied.

The blush on Princess Xian Lie’s flawless face deepened. She couldn’t understand her own thoughts. But one feeling was clear—she didn’t want to be away from the young man who had saved her life and future.

Not wanting to feel any more embarrassed, Princess Xian Lie quickly excused herself and left the room without another word.

Emperor Li Wei smiled inwardly. He had just realized his daughter had fallen for Fang An. Even now, at twenty years old, it was the first time he had seen his daughter truly interested in a man. He had offered her the names of several noble princes before, hoping she’d choose one as her husband, but she always refused, citing incompatibility.

As was tradition, a ruler would often marry off their children to royals of other kingdoms to strengthen alliances. Emperor Li Wei had tried that too, but Xian Lie had always declined.

“I have a request for you, Fang An, and I hope you’ll agree to it,” Emperor Li Wei said.

“If Your Majesty is asking me to become a court official, I’m afraid I must decline. But if it is something else, I will consider it.”

“No, Fang An. I knew you would refuse if I offered you a position,” Emperor Li Wei smiled warmly. “Here’s the situation—less than three months from now, a tournament will be held to select a new Deputy General. I’d like you to remain in the palace until the tournament is over. What do you say?”

There was a reason the ruler of the Shang Dynasty asked Fang An to stay longer. Besides hoping he would serve as a judge during the tournament, he also wished that frequent interactions with his daughter would eventually spark love in Fang An’s heart.

Emperor Li Wei suspected Fang An shared traits with his father Fang Yun—both seemed emotionally distant toward women. So, the only way to bring them closer was to keep Fang An around longer.

Fang An felt slightly relieved. He had planned to leave the palace soon. But since he needed time to complete his training with the Flaming Whip technique from the manual, the offer was too good to pass up. The palace provided food and shelter, allowing him to focus solely on his training.

Besides, training out in the open wasn't without risks. If any dark sect warriors caught wind of his presence, he would be hunted constantly—especially if they found out he was the son of Fang Yun.

After pondering for a while, Fang An finally agreed to the Emperor’s request to stay for the next few months.

“I will remain, Your Majesty. But if I may, I have one request. I need a private training space—no one is allowed to enter except for Your Majesty, the Princess, and Master Tang Fei.”

“I grant your request. The place you used to train earlier will be kept off-limits to others,” the Emperor replied without hesitation.

Emperor Li Wei could barely contain his joy. Gratitude lit up his dignified face. One goal had been met. Now he just had to find a way for Fang An and his daughter to unite in marriage before he passed.

He was getting old, and longed to one day hold a grandchild who would brighten his remaining days.

When she learned from her father that Fang An would be staying longer, Princess Xian Lie was overjoyed. Her wish to be near him had come true. After reflecting deeply, she realized she had developed special feelings for Fang An.

Day by day, Fang An spent his time training diligently in the palace. Whenever he had free time, he used it to study and perfect the techniques he had learned.

One morning, Princess Xian Lie came to his room before he began his training. A gentle knock sounded at the door, prompting Fang An to open it.

“Your Highness…”

“May I come in?” Princess Xian Lie asked, flashing her sweetest smile—hoping to capture Fang An’s heart.

“But… I fear Your Majesty would be angry if he knew we were alone in this room,” Fang An replied hesitantly.

“My father won’t be angry. Trust me,” she said quickly.

Though reluctant, Fang An couldn’t bring himself to deny her request. He nodded in surrender and stepped aside, letting the beautiful girl enter.

“Aren’t you training today?”

Fang An shook his head slightly. “I’m taking the day off to rest.”

“Then will you come with me for a walk around the capital?” Princess Xian Lie asked hopefully.

“But… shouldn’t Your Highness—”

“Don’t worry! I’ve already asked my father for permission,” she interrupted.

“He gave you his blessing?” Fang An asked, surprised.

She nodded.

“But why me? Why not someone else? Doesn’t it embarrass you to be seen walking beside a vagabond like me?”

“If I hear anyone insult you while we’re out, I’ll sew their lips shut so they can’t speak again! Enough questions—hurry up and change!” she snapped playfully.

Fang An was startled by the fierce tone of her voice.

“Why are you just standing there?”

“Does Your Highness not feel embarrassed… or perhaps wishes to watch me change?”

Princess Xian Lie’s face turned beet red. She quickly turned and walked out of the room. “Don’t take too long!” she said before closing the door.

Once dressed in his best outfit, Fang An stepped out. Princess Xian Lie greeted him with a frown.

“What took you so long?”

Fang An could only chuckle and scratch his head. He had changed as fast as he could.

As they walked side by side out of the palace, the looks they received were a mix of shock, disbelief, and condescension.

Even though Fang An thought he wore his finest clothes, compared to the regal elegance of Princess Xian Lie’s attire, it was like day and night.

Unbeknownst to them, two pairs of eyes watched from the shadows as they left the palace.

“That’s the boy Tang Fei keeps talking about, the one he wants to take our place, my Lord,” said General Lu Han.

Chancellor Shen Wei nodded slowly. A sinister plan began forming in his mind to eliminate Fang An.