THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

Punishment for Zhang Wuji

A surge of anger filled the mind of the leader of the White Eagle Sect toward his son, Zhang Wuji. He believed that because of his son, Fang An had left the sect he had built with such care.

"Summon Zhang Wuji here and order all the sect’s disciples to go out and search for Fang An!" he commanded his student. Yun Xia let out a heavy sigh the moment the student left the room.

Emperor Li Wei caught the distress in Yun Xia’s mind. He knew that the leader of the White Eagle Sect was deeply regretful over Fang An’s disappearance.

As time passed, the ruler of the Shang Dynasty bid farewell to return to the palace.

Meanwhile...

Far beyond the White Eagle Sect, Fang An continued walking without a clear direction or destination. Wherever there was a path, he followed it with light steps, whistling a disorganized tune. Though it may have sounded unpleasant to others—or even nauseating—at least, for now, the whistle was his only companion.

Deep inside Fang An's heart, he felt a tinge of loss. Although he hadn’t experienced much joy during the two years he had stayed at the sect, Yun Xia’s fatherly nature had made him feel at home.

However, strangely, the sense of relief he felt after leaving the White Eagle Sect was even greater. He was like a caged bird finally free to fly.

The young man with white-tinged hair was fully aware that the challenges awaiting him in the outside world would be far more varied and difficult. Fortunately, the foundation his parents had instilled in him was firmly rooted in both his mind and heart. With his martial arts skills and broad thinking, Fang An was confident he could survive in the harshness of this new world.

Inside Yun Xia’s private chamber, Zhang Wuji bowed his head in fear under the searing gaze of his father's anger. In all his 22 years of life, never had he seen how terrifying the man who raised him could truly be.

"You're lucky Fang An didn't kill you, Zhang Wuji! If he wanted to, he could have ended your life in a single strike. Not just you—even I wouldn't be able to face him!" Yun Xia’s voice roared throughout the room, seeping through the wooden planks.

Several disciples outside who heard their master's fury were shocked to the core. They never imagined that Fang An, whom they had seen as so weak, was actually someone with such high martial prowess. If it hadn’t come from their master’s own lips, they wouldn’t have believed it.

Only now did the disciples realize the truth in the saying: never judge a book by its cover.

Zhang Wuji didn’t try to defend himself like he usually did. He was afraid his father would grow even angrier if he dared to argue.

"As punishment, you are to take care of the stables, fetch water for the baths, and collect firewood for the next two months. Don’t think I can’t be strict with you, Zhang Wuji."

The young man swallowed hard. The tasks felt incredibly heavy in his mind, as he had never done any of them before. His position as the sect leader’s son had always granted him privilege.

"And one more thing—if you want to make me proud, there will be a tournament three months from now, held by His Majesty Emperor Li Wei, to recruit officials who will soon retire. One of the positions is Deputy Commander. If you train harder, you’ll have a fair chance."

Zhang Wuji nodded. He knew that the Deputy Commander role was a highly prestigious position in the royal court. If he could achieve it, it would be a way to prove to his father that he wasn’t as worthless as he seemed.

"Treat the work I’ve given you as a foundation to train and strengthen your body," Yun Xia added.

Time crept step by step through the silent sea of night. Every warm-blooded creature lay fast asleep, embraced by dreams that stroked the strings of the soul.

Only the glimmering eyes of nocturnal beasts blinked in the darkness, ruling the stillness.

In a forest not too dense, Fang An had no choice but to spend the night sleeping on a large tree branch until morning came. It was his first time facing such a situation, but he had no regrets whatsoever about his decision.

Fang An was forced to wake up early. His ears picked up the clanging of metal and the sound of piercing cries echoing not far from where he had slept.