THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

Zhao Wen's Plan

Meanwhile, on a barren hill, Fang An and Zhao Wen gathered all the Shang Dynasty officials who had joined the war.

Inside the largest tent, Zhao Wen recounted the battle he had fought earlier at the edge of the forest.

"Tomorrow morning, all troops must be on full alert all day. I’m certain the Ying Dynasty's army is hiding in that forest. If they don’t attack by tomorrow, then tomorrow night or the next morning, Fang An and I will lure them out. Once they’ve taken the bait, the archers must be ready to unleash their arrows!"

Wang Yihan was shocked by Zhao Wen's plan. So were Jaya, Lu Han, and Feng Shu.

"Elder, isn’t it too risky for just you and Fang An to lure them out?"

"Do you know who I am and what I’ve accomplished in the past? Together with Fang An’s father, I traveled across the archipelago and even to the Chinese mainland..." Zhao Wen suddenly realized he had revealed Fang An’s secret. He stopped mid-sentence.

But it was too late. Everyone in the tent had already heard him. They were now curious about what Zhao Wen had said.

Jaya was the most surprised. When Zhao Wen and Fang Yun first entered the Shang Dynasty palace and took care of the corrupt officials, he was already serving in the court, albeit in a low position.

"Elder, are you saying that Fang An’s father is Lord Fang Yun, the legendary warrior respected by all sects?"

"Forget it! I misspoke," Zhao Wen replied, trying to dismiss it.

But Jaya didn’t believe him. It was hard to imagine the head of the Temple of Eternity misspeaking.

"There’s no doubt. I’m sure Fang An is Lord Fang Yun’s son. No wonder His Majesty once told me I knew Fang An’s father," Jaya thought.

"I know war strategy very well. I’ve faced more battles than any of you here. So we’re changing the plan, as I said!"

"Are you certain they’ll chase you out of the forest?" Wang Yihan asked.

"I’m not sure they’ll come out. But if they stay in the forest, their risk of death will only grow."

Wang Yihan could no longer argue. He knew Zhao Wen’s strength was unquestionable, and he had seen Fang An’s power with his own eyes.

That night, security was tightened. Every point that could be breached was guarded by at least twenty soldiers. No one let their guard down. They knew that carelessness could lead to disaster at any moment.

Meanwhile, the two soldiers Hou Jun had ordered to report the deaths of Qiu Liang and Zeng Kun finally arrived at the command center.

After saluting Emperor Zhu Feng, one of the soldiers spoke, "Forgive us, Your Majesty. We bring urgent news about Elders Qiu Liang and Zeng Kun. Both have been killed. We found their bodies at the edge of the forest."

"What!? How could that happen? Didn’t you see who did it?" Emperor Zhu Feng asked.

"We didn’t see the attacker, Your Majesty. But the condition of their bodies was horrifying. Elder Qiu Liang was frozen like a statue, and Elder Zeng Kun was cut in half."

Emperor Zhu Feng furrowed his brows. Shock and confusion filled his mind. His already weary face now looked even more drained.

The ruler of the Ying Dynasty leaned back against his cushioned seat. His eyes were vacant. His thoughts a mess. He couldn’t think clearly after hearing the news.

"Where is Commander Hou Jun? Why hasn’t he returned?" he asked.

"Commander Hou Jun is guarding the forest’s edge with a hundred soldiers, Your Majesty."

Emperor Zhu Feng narrowed his eyes, then turned to Cai Rui. "Did you order him to stand guard there?"

"I gave no such command, Your Majesty. It might have been his initiative after discovering the deaths of Qiu Liang and Zeng Kun," Cai Rui replied.

Emperor Zhu Feng’s doubts about Cai Rui's capabilities deepened. The two warriors Cai Rui had boasted about were now dead before the war even began.

Moreover, Cai Rui’s information about the Shang Dynasty's strength was wrong. He claimed they had no skilled warriors. Yet two hired warriors had already died. Clearly, the Shang Dynasty had powerful defenders.

For a while, the tent was silent. Not a single sound was heard. Cai Rui even had to control his breathing so it wouldn’t disturb the emperor.

Night passed quickly. The next morning, Wang Yihan inspected the troops’ readiness. Each division had taken their positions. Jaya and the archers were prepared. So were the other regiments.

There were no jokes or laughter. The atmosphere was tense. The Shang Dynasty hadn’t seen war in nearly forty years. Most soldiers had never set foot on a battlefield.

Elsewhere in the forest, the soldiers guarding the edge decided to return after Hou Jun disappeared without a trace.

Two soldiers entered Emperor Zhu Feng’s tent to report.

"Forgive us, Your Majesty. Commander Hou Jun vanished last night and hasn’t returned."

"Did you search for him?" the emperor asked.

"Yes, around the forest’s edge. If he were dead, we would have found his body. But he’s gone, Your Majesty," one soldier replied.

Another blow struck Emperor Zhu Feng’s mind. After Qiu Liang and Zeng Kun, now Commander Hou Jun had also disappeared.

"Do you think Commander Hou Jun fled?" Cai Rui suddenly asked.

"Why would you think that, Commander?" asked the emperor. The frown on his face made him look older than he was.

"I don’t know, Your Majesty. Just a feeling."

"Let’s hope you’re wrong, Commander," Emperor Zhu Feng replied.

Up on the barren hill, the scorching noon slowly turned cool. Thick clouds veiled the sun. Everyone on the hill silently hoped for rain to quench their thirst.

By late afternoon, there was still no sign of an attack from the Ying Dynasty. Though somewhat relieved, the Shang troops remained vigilant.

Inside the tent, they discussed the enemy’s continued silence. As planned, Zhao Wen and Fang An would infiltrate the forest that night to locate the enemy’s position.

If the conditions were favorable, they would strike immediately. If not, they would launch a surprise attack before dawn and lure the enemy out.

After the discussion, Fang An and Zhao Wen walked down the barren hill to inspect and motivate their troops while waiting for nightfall.

"How are your preparations?" Zhao Wen asked the head of the 3,000-strong archery division.

"We’re ready, Elder. Just waiting for your signal."

Zhao Wen gazed at the open field before the forest. "I’ll lure them to that field. Once they’re out and gathered, release your arrows without waiting for my command."

"But how can we shoot if you and Lord Fang An are there?"

"Don’t worry about that. Your arrows won’t hit us. Trust me," Zhao Wen said with a slight smile, then looked westward.

"We’ll enter the forest soon, Fang An. Remember, you must have the courage and spirit your father had!"

Fang An nodded. "Yes, Uncle. I’ll make sure of it."

Not long after, the sun vanished, replaced by the moon. Stars sparkled above, lighting up the silent night sky, as if competing to shine the brightest.

In the darkness, the two warriors from different generations darted into the forest. They used the large trees for cover, aware that spies could be watching.

After venturing deep enough, they sensed several energies above the trees. They knew they were Ying Dynasty scouts.

Fang An nodded. Having Zhao Wen with him taught him how important instincts and awareness were for a warrior.

"Their base isn’t far. There are eight scouts in the trees we must quietly take out," Zhao Wen whispered.