THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

Emperor Li Wei's Request

Emperor Zhu Feng nodded. He was also confident that conquering the Shang Dynasty would be within reach—especially now that the infamous Demon Finger Warriors had joined their cause. Their terrifying reputation among the martial artists of the Ying Dynasty made them valuable allies.

"General, why haven’t the soldiers you sent to kill Wang Yihan returned yet?" Emperor Zhu Feng asked as he shifted in his seat, seeking a more comfortable position. "I have a feeling they failed."

"It’s very likely they haven’t failed, Your Majesty. Perhaps they are just resting after a long march," Cai Rui offered a convenient excuse, though he himself harbored the same uneasy feeling.

"But isn’t this the only quickest route to reach the capital of the Shang Dynasty?" Emperor Zhu Feng asked, gently nodding his head while pondering.

"Yes, Your Majesty. But I doubt Wang Yihan would take this road—he’s with his wife and child. If he chooses another path, it would take longer but still ends at the other side of this mountain, specifically at the barren hill."

If the assassination attempt on Wang Yihan had failed and the former Grand Commander reached the Shang Dynasty’s palace, their chance of victory would diminish. Wang Yihan would surely inform Emperor Li Wei of the Ying Dynasty's attack plans, giving them ample time to prepare, Cai Rui thought.

This war was also a critical test for Cai Rui as the newly appointed Grand Commander. If he could lead the Ying Dynasty to victory and conquer the Shang Dynasty, his achievements would match, or even surpass, those of Wang Yihan.

The following morning, the massive army of the Ying Dynasty resumed their march toward the Shang Dynasty's capital. Thirty thousand soldiers pushed forward with determination, despite the two-month journey ahead.

Meanwhile, within the great hall of the Shang Dynasty’s palace, discussions were in full swing to develop the best strategy to face the incoming invasion.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty... I may not be skilled at devising brilliant strategies, but last night I came up with a plan to keep the battle away from the capital and prevent civilian casualties," Fang An suddenly said amid the meeting.

All the officials turned their attention toward him, their expressions revealing doubt. Though they recognized Fang An’s formidable martial prowess, they were skeptical of his ability to plan a war.

Emperor Li Wei, however, reacted differently. He believed it was worth listening to Fang An's idea—whether or not they would use it could be decided later.

"Speak your mind. What is your plan?"

Fang An bowed slightly. "Does Your Majesty remember the barren hill where I trained recently?"

Emperor Li Wei furrowed his brow. "Wait... Don’t tell me your plan involves using that barren hill, Fang An."

"That is exactly what I have in mind, Your Majesty," Fang An replied calmly.

"Do you want to kill our soldiers by fighting there? That hill has no water source and the heat is extreme," said Lu Han.

"But won’t the Ying Dynasty troops be in the same place, General?" Fang An asked, his smile widening.

Emperor Li Wei became even more intrigued. He wanted to know what was truly on the young warrior’s mind.

"If the battle takes place at that barren hill, then yes, their troops will be there as well," Lu Han conceded.

"Allow me to explain. First, both sides will face the same harsh conditions—scorching heat and lack of water. However, if we arrive there first, we can choose a strategic and advantageous position."

Fang An laid out his thoughts with remarkable composure.

Wang Yihan, who had been silently listening, finally understood the plan—and found himself deeply impressed by Fang An’s insight.

"I now see Fang An’s intent, Your Majesty. Forgive me for interrupting, but I believe this plan is both logical and practical. As for water and supplies, we can carry them from here or gather them along the way. Isn’t that right, Fang An?"

"Exactly, Uncle. Our advantage lies in being better prepared than they are. The natural fortifications of the hill also allow us to secure better positions for launching attacks."

"And we’ll lure them into the valley, then bombard them from above?" Wang Yihan asked with a broad smile.

"That’s the idea, Uncle. I’ve trained there for over a month—I know every corner of that hill and where our strengths lie," Fang An responded confidently.

Emperor Li Wei smiled with satisfaction. The collaboration of two minds from different generations and levels of experience had produced a sound strategy.

"We will go with Fang An’s plan. Prepare the troops and send them there immediately. It should take no more than ten days to arrive."

All palace officials immediately stood up after Emperor Li Wei issued his decree.

"We are ready to carry out Your Majesty’s command!" they said in unison.

"In the upcoming war, Fang An and Wang Yihan will lead the army. Everyone must obey their every word!" Emperor Li Wei continued. It seemed the ruler of the Shang Dynasty recognized that the strategy proposed by Fang An was far more advantageous than those offered by the other ministers.

On the other hand, Wang Yihan was fully convinced to follow his wife's guidance on nationalism and her unwavering loyalty, which had been betrayed by Zhu Feng.

That very day, twenty thousand troops already stationed in the capital city were deployed to the barren hills. Meanwhile, five thousand reinforcements from nearby provinces would follow in the days to come.

Before the army’s departure, Emperor Li Wei delivered a rousing speech to ignite the soldiers' spirits. In his address, Emperor Li Wei reminded them that they were not fighting for him as their ruler, but for sovereignty and the people of the Shang Dynasty.

The large expedition from the Shang Dynasty was led directly by Wang Yihan, Lu Han, and Feng Shu. Fang An was scheduled to join them a few days later.

Once the troops of the Shang Dynasty had departed for the battlefield, only Fang An, Emperor Li Wei, and Princess Xian Lie remained in the royal hall. A temporary silence filled the room.

Seizing the quiet moment, Emperor Li Wei voiced the thoughts he had long kept to himself regarding the relationship between Fang An and Princess Xian Lie. He harbored a deep hope that the two would marry before he passed away.

"Fang An, you know well that I am old, and my mind has grown a little slow in carrying the burden of leadership. Since this hall is quiet and only the three of us are present, may I ask you something?" said Emperor Li Wei.

Fang An smiled and nodded respectfully. "Please do, Your Majesty."

"Tell me, Fang An... what are your true feelings toward my daughter Xian Lie? Do you feel the same way about her as she feels about you?"

Fang An was stunned. His breath caught in his chest as his ears absorbed the emperor’s question. His eyes darted, and his mind raced, searching for the right answer.