THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

The Debate

Reading the name of the third technique, Fang An furrowed his brow slightly. His curiosity compelled him to turn to the chapter discussing the third technique.

According to its description, the Flaming Sword Whip could be used for both close and long-range combat. Moreover, mastering the technique required complete mastery of the first two techniques.

Fang An flipped back to the first page. He nodded repeatedly, trying to absorb every sentence written in the Flame Whip Manual, committing it all to memory.

Just like Fang Yun, Fang An possessed a sharp memory. So internalizing the contents of the book was no great challenge for him.

After a while, having memorized every movement of the first technique, the Demon-Slaying Flame Whip, Fang An rose to his feet and concentrated on recalling the memorized moves.

Meanwhile, Tang Fei hurriedly entered the royal hall to attend the special meeting convened by Emperor Li Wei, concerning the upcoming tournament scheduled for less than three months from now. Inside the grand hall, all the ministers were already seated in their designated places, and only Tang Fei arrived late.

After Emperor Li Wei opened the meeting, the ruler of the Shang Dynasty invited his officials to give suggestions, ensuring that the upcoming tournament would run smoothly.

At that moment, Tang Fei didn’t offer any logistical suggestions about the tournament itself—but his proposal left many officials puzzled, including Emperor Li Wei.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I actually already have a strong candidate in mind to fill the vacant Deputy General position. However, judging by his martial prowess, I believe the title of Deputy General is far beneath his capabilities, Your Majesty. He is more suited to become a General—or even Prime Minister—for our kingdom. But I don’t know if he would even be willing to serve in the palace."

Two officials immediately stood up, clearly offended.

"What are you implying, Tang Fei!?" shouted a broad-shouldered man.

"What do you mean by saying such things, Tang Fei? Are you saying you dislike the two of us?" snapped the other.

Tang Fei remained calm and smiled at both men. "That’s not what I meant, Minister Shen Wei, General Lu Han. I harbor no ill will toward either of you. What’s wrong with offering such a suggestion? In fact, if this candidate wanted my position as Your Majesty’s advisor, I would willingly hand it over. Everything I do is for the future of the Shang Dynasty."

Emperor Li Wei was intrigued by Tang Fei’s proposal—not because he wanted to replace his current General and Prime Minister, but because he wanted to know who this exceptional candidate was.

"Then why did you mention our positions if you say you aren’t envious of us?" asked General Lu Han.

"Minister Shen Wei is right, Tang Fei. Now tell us why you mentioned our titles specifically and not others as examples?"

"Didn’t I just say, even if he wanted my own position as the royal advisor, I would gladly give it up? But that post demands more brains than brawn. He’s still young and possesses immense martial power, so I used your positions as a point of comparison."

"Did I hear you right, Tang Fei? You said he’s still young? Are you mocking us by comparing our strength to a boy’s?" Minister Shen Wei’s face flushed with emotion.

"I don’t mean to belittle your abilities. But in my opinion, that young man’s martial prowess far exceeds both of yours—even if your strengths were combined, I doubt you could defeat him," Tang Fei replied.

"Watch your words, Tang Fei! I’ve served this kingdom for decades and fought in numerous wars. How could you compare my skill to a youngster’s?"

Emperor Li Wei let the debate unfold. He was still deeply curious about the man his advisor claimed could surpass his top commanders. Tang Fei’s confidence surely had a strong foundation.

"Have you ever heard of the leader of the Masked Serpent Sect, Lung Wei, also known as the Warrior of the Serpent Valley, Minister Shen Wei?"

"Of course I’ve heard of that dark sect leader. But what does she have to do with this young man you’re talking about?"

"If you fought Lung Wei, what are the chances you’d win?"

Shen Wei went silent. Even if he claimed he could defeat Lung Wei in battle, no one would believe it. But if he stayed silent, it would be an admission that his chances were slim.

"And what about you, General? If you fought Lung Wei, do you think you could win?"

General Lu Han also fell quiet. He knew there was no realistic way he could triumph over the leader of the Masked Serpent Sect.

Tang Fei gave a thin smile, not intending to insult them.

"Now it’s clear that neither of you could defeat Lung Wei. Which means your abilities are beneath that of the young man I’m referring to. Because I—and my men—personally saw Lung Wei fall at his hands."

The entire hall went silent. The murmurs from earlier vanished like wind.

Minister Shen Wei and General Lu Han were still struggling to believe what Tang Fei had said. Yet they dared not refute him either, for Tang Fei was not the only one who had witnessed the young man defeat Lung Wei.

Emperor Li Wei broke into a wide smile. He imagined having a court official with such extraordinary martial skills. His eyes focused on Tang Fei, who appeared so sure of his words.

"Now tell me, where is this young man, Tang Fei? I cannot wait to meet him."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. He has been within the palace since yesterday. I brought him here after he saved me from the members of the Masked Serpent Sect."

"Is that so? Then summon him at once!" Emperor Li Wei’s eyes lit up.

"Forgive me again, Your Majesty. But he is currently training. He asked not to be disturbed. If it pleases you, I can bring him before you once he’s done."

Though slightly disappointed, Emperor Li Wei nodded in agreement.

Time passed swiftly. As the afternoon drew near, Fang An concluded his training. He still struggled to control the Flame Whip, which clearly required time and patience to master.

At the same time, Tang Fei entered Fang An’s training area. The white-haired young man smiled broadly at his arrival.

"Have you finished training, Fang An?" Tang Fei asked.

"Yes, Uncle," Fang An replied, cracking his neck from side to side to loosen his stiff joints.

"Then come with me. I’m taking you to meet His Majesty, the Emperor."

Fang An frowned slightly. He hadn’t expected Tang Fei to introduce him to the Emperor. Not because he was unwilling—but out of humility. He knew he was merely a commoner, and hardly worthy of standing before the ruler of a mighty kingdom.