THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

Awaiting Guidance

Princess Xian Lie never expected that her father would ask such a question to Fang An. It was true that she wished to be with him, but the young man had already told her that he would leave the palace once the war was over. Fang An had a journey to continue — one that had not yet reached its end.

"I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. May I answer your question after the war has ended?" Fang An was clearly struggling to respond to Emperor Li Wei's inquiry.

It wasn’t that he lacked interest in Princess Xian Lie, whose beauty surpassed the average, but rather because he still didn’t know where his path would take him after the war. Moreover, he still had to meet his parents to discuss the matter further.

"Why must you wait until after the war?"

Fang An looked even more bewildered by the relentless questions. Fortunately, Princess Xian Lie stepped in to offer some help.

"Why are you asking him such a question when our dynasty is on the brink of war? Do you want Fang An’s focus divided, so he cannot lead the army of the Shang Dynasty properly?"

Princess Xian Lie was aware that Fang An had never shown any clear signs of affection toward her. She had long tried to gain his sympathy, but the young man’s attitude had never matched her hopes.

Still, the beautiful princess refused to give up. For the first time in her life, she had fallen for someone, and she intended to fight for him until the end.

Now it was Emperor Li Wei who looked confused. His intentions were sincere — he only wished for his daughter to stand beside Fang An.

"My dear, I meant no harm. You know I am old and will not live forever. I need someone to take my place in leading this dynasty."

“Is it not possible for a woman to rule a dynasty?” Fang An asked suddenly.

“No one forbids a woman from becoming a ruler, Fang An. But her legitimacy is often questioned — whether she has the capacity to lead or not. Besides, it invites the risk of rebellion and betrayal,” Emperor Li Wei replied.

“Your Majesty, it’s not that I lack interest in women — especially a lady as beautiful as Princess Xian Lie,” Fang An glanced at her briefly before continuing. The lovely princess bowed her head, her face turning white.

“I am still waiting for guidance — to know which direction I must take to continue my path. Perhaps Your Majesty has forgotten, but the power I was granted surely comes with a great responsibility. Just like you once had the duty to bring peace to the earth and vanquish the Dark Emperor.”

Emperor Li Wei was not disappointed with Fang An’s answer. In fact, he began to sense that the young man shared his daughter’s feelings.

“Does this mean you're asking my daughter to wait for you to complete your journey?”

Fang An exhaled deeply, trapped by his own response.

Without waiting for him to answer, Emperor Li Wei turned to his daughter. “My daughter, are you willing to wait for Fang An until he returns?”

“I will wait forever if I must, Father. But matters of the heart cannot be forced. Do you remember when you offered several princes for me to choose from?”

Emperor Li Wei nodded.

“They may have liked me, Father… but I had no feelings for them. The same could be true now. You cannot — and must not — force Fang An to accept me,” she continued.

Tears welled up in the beautiful princess’s eyes. Suddenly, she ran out of the hall toward her chamber, tears streaming down her flawless cheeks.

Fang An and Emperor Li Wei stood in silence, confused by her sudden reaction. They exchanged glances before Fang An asked permission to follow her to her room.

Arriving at her door, Fang An gently knocked while calling softly, “It’s me, Princess… please open the door.”

When there was no reply, Fang An opened the door — it was unlocked. He found Princess Xian Lie lying face down on the bed, her quiet sobs filling the room.

Slowly, Fang An approached and sat on the edge of the bed. His hand gently stroked her long black hair as it spilled across the soft mattress.

“Princess, I know how you feel about me. If you want to know how I feel about you… then rise, and wipe away your tears,” he whispered.

Princess Xian Lie wiped the tears clinging to the corners of her beautiful eyes. She then sat up, facing him, though her gaze remained lowered.

Fang An gently held her chin and lifted her face. Even with swollen, tearful eyes, her beauty remained undiminished.

“Princess… I don’t fully understand my own feelings for you. But when I’m far from you, I feel like you are my strength — the reason I must finish what I’ve started and return to your side. But… I know our stations are worlds apart. Also, as a warrior entrusted with the sacred duty of spreading and preserving my martial arts, I cannot remain in one place for long. There’s still so much I must do to help those in need.”

“Then answer me, Fang An… if I am willing to wait until your journey is complete, can you promise me that you will return to find me, and swear a lifelong vow, as your parents once did before they withdrew from the martial world?”

Fang An stared deeply into her eyes before offering a gentle smile that melted the heart of the beautiful girl before him.

A small nod from Fang An made Princess Xian Lie unable to resist embracing the man who had now officially become her beloved.

Fang An held her tightly, letting her bury her face in his chest, which became damp with her tears of overwhelming joy.

“I promise I will return, no matter how many years it takes. During my absence, learn to become a wise ruler. Do not let arrogance cloud your heart, whether toward your officials or the people. And if I never return—”

Princess Xian Lie released the embrace and placed her index finger gently across his lips. She shook her head slowly and said, “I believe you will return — for me, for the people of the Shang Dynasty, and for everyone you hold dear.”

A soft kiss on her forehead made the princess feel like she was floating beyond the seventh heaven. Her passion surged, desiring more — yet her heart remained a guard, keeping her from falling into the valley of sin.

---

Two Days Later

A middle-aged man with a handsome face walked into the capital. His footsteps were firm, scattering the dust along the road. His eyes were calm, but sharp — like an eagle ready to strike.

Strapped to his back was a green sword that radiated a cold, calming aura — the opposite of the tense atmosphere gripping the capital city.

Dozens of eyes followed him with suspicion and curiosity. Who was this stranger who dared to pass through the capital of the Shang Dynasty?

“May I see His Majesty, Emperor Li Wei?” he asked the palace guard at the gate.