THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

Zhao Wen's Aid

"You heard correctly, Your Majesty. I truly intend to assist in the upcoming war. If necessary, I will summon my disciples to join us," Zhao Wen replied earnestly.

"That won't be necessary, Uncle. Let your disciples continue training at the temple. Once the troops from the provinces arrive, you and I will head to the barren hill together," Fang An interjected.

Zhao Wen studied the sword on Fang An's back carefully. "Is that the Heaven Sword you're carrying?"

"Yes, Uncle… My mother gave it to me. She said I must protect it well."

"You must indeed. The Heaven Sword was once the most coveted treasure among martial heroes across China. Before your grandmaster acquired the Thunder Sword, the Heaven Sword was the strongest weapon on the continent."

"Understood, Uncle."

Time passed swiftly. Before long, Zhao Wen had been at the palace for two days. Meanwhile, five thousand troops from nearby provinces had arrived and gathered in the capital.

As planned, Fang An and Zhao Wen led the five thousand troops toward the barren hill, taking a shortcut route rather than the usual path to save time.

Zhao Wen knew the barren hill in detail, as it was part of Mount Xuebaoding where he was born and raised. He was well aware of a shortcut that would help them reach their destination more quickly.

On the fifth day of the journey, the Shang Dynasty army halted outside a large village to rest.

Unexpectedly, the villagers flocked to greet the massive military contingent, bringing with them various types of food. Several ox-drawn carts also arrived, carrying large jars filled with water.

Wang Yihan was deeply moved by the villagers' warm reception. Emperor Li Wei had explicitly instructed his troops not to burden any of the villages they passed.

However, news of the impending war with the Ying Dynasty had spread quickly. Though not directly involved in battle, the people of the Shang Dynasty wanted to contribute by offering food and water.

In one of his speeches, Wang Yihan reminded his soldiers of the people’s hope and trust placed upon them:

"The donations these villagers have made show just how deeply they love their homeland. We must not let their hopes be in vain. Remember, the fate of this dynasty rests on our shoulders. The lives of our people are in our hands. Do not let your spirit waver—not even for a moment—until the war is won! Our families are waiting for us back home. Let us make them proud with victory!"

As a former Grand Commander of the Ying Dynasty, Wang Yihan understood how to rally his troops. He also knew morale could rise and fall, and that was where his role as a war commander became crucial.

Lu Han and Feng Shu were impressed by Wang Yihan’s charisma and leadership. As distant cousins of Emperor Li Wei, they learned a great deal about leadership from him.

After a full day of rest, the army resumed its march. Their departure was cheered on by enthusiastic villagers.

On the eighth day, Wang Yihan’s massive army finally reached the barren hill. The scorching heat did not dampen their spirits. The soldiers worked diligently to pitch tents for rest.

Following Fang An’s strategy, they chose a location surrounded by towering rocks—hidden from view and perfect for surveillance. The natural rock formations also served as a defensive barrier.

A day later, the five thousand troops led by Fang An and Zhao Wen arrived to join Wang Yihan’s forces.

As Emperor Li Wei’s advisor, Jaya—who was not supposed to participate in the war—had secretly joined the troops led by Fang An and Zhao Wen. He wished to be involved in the battle personally. Moreover, Zhao Wen’s involvement inspired him to fight on the frontlines.

Inside a large tent, a serious yet relaxed strategy meeting took place. Wang Yihan divided his twenty-five thousand soldiers into several regiments.

Jaya was in charge of three thousand archers who would launch the first attack once the enemy entered the valley. Feng Shu would lead ten thousand soldiers to confront the enemy head-on, while Lu Han commanded ten thousand troops to block their escape from behind.

Zhao Wen and Fang An only required two thousand soldiers to launch an initial strike after the archers’ assault. Given their formidable skills, Wang Yihan deemed them perfect for this frontline role.

Elsewhere, a day's journey from the barren hill, the massive Ying Dynasty army was camped in a dense forest.

Zhu Feng’s growing suspicion that the soldiers he had tasked with killing Wang Yihan had failed was becoming more and more apparent.

"Commander, we should come up with a new plan. I have a feeling the troops you sent to kill Wang Yihan did not succeed. If Wang Yihan manages to warn Emperor Li Wei, our army will be easy prey before reaching the capital."

Cai Rui felt trapped by the situation. In the past, the Ying Dynasty had always relied on Wang Yihan’s expertise. Now the responsibility rested solely on his shoulders.

The problem was, Cai Rui lacked the experience to create effective battle strategies. The strategy he was currently using had been handed down to him by Wang Yihan.

His inexperience became even more apparent when Zhu Feng ordered a sudden change of plans. Cai Rui was unsure how to proceed in unfamiliar terrain. Had Wang Yihan still been with them, the problem would have been easily resolved.

"It would be best to send scouts ahead, Your Majesty. The more intelligence we gather, the better our position. We still have time to adjust our plans while continuing to advance," Cai Rui suggested.

"Very well. I will follow your advice for now—but if it fails, you know what fate awaits you!" Zhu Feng warned. He now realized he had made a grave mistake in letting Wang Yihan go. He should have punished him immediately after his resignation, just as he had done with Zeng Kun.

Cai Rui left the tent fuming. He immediately dispatched ten scouts to gather intelligence along the route to the Shang Dynasty capital.