THE HUNTER OF DARKNESS

Zhao Wen

Two palace guards standing by the gate observed the man from head to toe. His handsome appearance and calm demeanor conveyed no sign of hostility, prompting the guards to show him friendly smiles before one of them asked,

"May we ask who you are, Sir, and what business brings you to His Majesty?" asked a guard in his mid-thirties.

"Just tell His Majesty that a guest from the Temple of Immortality has come to visit."

The guards were stunned. They took a closer look at the man.

"Forgive us, Lord Zhao Wen. We did not realize it was you," one of them said after confirming the identity of the Temple of Immortality’s leader—recognizable by his striking features and the green sword on his back.

"It's alright. I understand you have to be selective in allowing guests through," Zhao Wen replied with a serene smile.

"Please follow me, Lord Zhao Wen. His Majesty is in the audience hall."

Zhao Wen nodded. Since becoming the head of the Temple of Immortality, the temperament of Fang Yun’s closest companion had changed drastically. He was calmer, his gaze more focused, and his previously mischievous side seemed to have faded—likely due to the absence of an equal like Fang Yun.

Upon reaching the audience hall, the guard entered first to announce Zhao Wen’s arrival.

"Quickly bring him in! I haven’t seen him in ages. Oh, and summon Fang An as well!" Emperor Li Wei’s eyes sparkled with joy. It was unclear whether the joy stemmed from the visit itself or something else, but Zhao Wen’s arrival was like an oasis in a dry desert.

Zhao Wen entered the hall while the guard rushed off to call Fang An.

"My respects, Your Majesty," Zhao Wen said, bowing.

"Don’t be so formal, Brother Zhao Wen. Come, sit!"

So warm was Emperor Li Wei’s welcome that he stepped down from the throne and sat beside Zhao Wen.

"How is Elder Zhao Jian?"

"Grandfather is doing well. Since he appointed me as the head of the Temple of Immortality, he spends most of his time meditating. Occasionally, he plays with my children, Your Majesty," Zhao Wen replied.

He noticed how eerily quiet the palace and hall were. He had never seen the Shang Dynasty’s court so silent.

Before he could ask about it, the hall’s doors opened wide. Zhao Wen’s eyes widened in surprise as he saw a young man and woman entering. It felt like he was seeing Fang Yun walking toward him.

"Fang An, greet your uncle Zhao Wen," Emperor Li Wei said with a smile.

Fang An furrowed his brow. He had only heard stories of his father’s friend but had never been told much about him directly.

"My respects, Uncle Zhao Wen," Fang An said, bowing.

Zhao Wen scratched his head gently. Fang An’s mannerisms and speech were strikingly similar to Fang Yun’s. But he kept his assumptions to himself.

"Who is this young man, Your Majesty?" Zhao Wen asked.

"Hahaha... Fang An is the son of your old friend Fang Yun," Emperor Li Wei replied.

Zhao Wen immediately stood and grasped Fang An’s shoulders, staring at his face.

"No doubt about it—you truly are the son of my dear friend!" Zhao Wen’s eyes welled up with emotion. Embracing Fang An, he finally released years of longing for Fang Yun and Mei Hwa.

"You’ve grown so much, my nephew. How are your parents?"

"I don’t know, Uncle. I’ve been on the land of Jawadwipa for over two years now."

"Over two years? Why didn’t you visit me on Mount Arjuno?"

"I didn’t know, Uncle. Father and Mother never mentioned that you lived on Mount Arjuno. Perhaps they didn’t want to burden you."

Zhao Wen shook his head. "Your father was always like that, Fang An. He never wanted to owe anyone. Of all the people I’ve known, your father was the most humble. Fang Yun despised luxury, though many dynasties would have gladly welcomed him. After all, you carry imperial blood from China. Your mother was the daughter of the late Emperor Feng Yu, ruler of the Yuan Dynasty."

Zhao Wen turned his gaze to Princess Xian Lie. "And this young lady—is she the same Princess Xian Lie I heard of long ago, Your Majesty?"

"You are correct, Zhao Wen. This is my daughter Xian Lie. And there’s something you should know—they are in a special relationship," Emperor Li Wei said with a broad smile.

It was true. Last night, Princess Xian Lie had spoken to her father about her relationship with Fang An. She had vowed to wait for him until he returned from his journey.

"You’re just like your father, Fang An—not exactly handsome, yet adored by beautiful women. I always lost out to your father. Every beautiful woman would choose him. I’ve never understood what charm he had that could attract them all. But truthfully—you’re more handsome than he was!" Zhao Wen laughed heartily at the memories.

A warm, cheerful atmosphere filled the hall as Zhao Wen shared stories of his past adventures with Fang Yun, especially the ones before Fang Yun retreated from the world.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I must ask—why is the palace so quiet? Where are the court officials?"

"You haven’t heard then, Zhao Wen. The new ruler of the Ying Dynasty harbors dark intentions of conquering the Shang Dynasty. I’ve deployed all of our soldiers to the Barren Hills to intercept them."

Zhao Wen furrowed his brow. "Then what my two disciples reported must be true. Two days ago, they informed me of a large force moving near the base of Mount Arjuno."

"Then they’re taking the eastern route—possibly climbing Mount Arjuno to reach faster. I assumed they would circle around from the south."

"Indeed, it saves time, Your Majesty. But their strength will be drained by the time they reach the Barren Hills," Zhao Wen replied.

"It was Fang An’s strategy to intercept them there, and he will lead the Shang Dynasty’s army into battle."

Zhao Wen looked at Fang An intently, trying to sense the energy within him. He frowned, puzzled. He couldn’t feel any power emanating from the young man.

"How can this be? Has Fang Yun’s power passed to him in a way I cannot perceive?" Zhao Wen silently questioned.

"I will join the war, Your Majesty. As a citizen of the Shang Dynasty, it is my duty to defend my homeland!"

Emperor Li Wei was taken aback. His tongue felt heavy with disbelief at Zhao Wen’s declaration.

"Did I hear you correctly?" the Emperor asked.