Tao Jue eyed this young man with surprise from the above mountain peak.
'To think that the first person to stumble on my mountain was a prince! Is it fate? No, have I invented fate? Do I need to invent fate?' He started to confuse himself.
'Well, this kid truly has luck. To meet me is his greatest fortune!'
He began to walk down the mountain as a mortal towards the third prince.
—
Tao An could feel his heartbeat slow as he tried to meditate and calm his nerves. The silence of the mountain was unnatural, and it unsettled him. He opened his eyes and looked around again, trying to shake the feeling of being watched.
"Who goes there?" he called out, standing abruptly.
From the shadows of the mountain peak, a figure emerged. Tao An squinted, trying to make out the form of the stranger approaching him. The man looked ordinary, yet there was an undeniable aura of authority about him. His presence demanded respect.
"I am Tao Jue," the man said, his voice steady and calm. "You seem lost, young prince."
Tao An's eyes widened in disbelief. How did this stranger know who he was? And what was he doing here, in this desolate place?
"Who are you?" Tao An demanded, taking a step back. "How do you know who I am?"
Tao Jue smiled faintly. "I know many things, Tao An. And I can see that you are in need of guidance."
Tao An's mind raced. This man seemed to know everything about him, yet he had never seen him before. Could he be an ally? Or was he another enemy sent by his brother?
"Why should I trust you?" Tao An asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
Tao Jue raised an eyebrow. "Because I have no interest in the petty squabbles of mortal princes. My concerns are far greater. But I see potential in you, Tao An. Potential that can be nurtured."
'Not really, you just happened to walk towards my mountain. But do I look mysterious enough?' Tao Jue mused
Tao An's curiosity was piqued. This man spoke with such confidence, such certainty. And if he truly had no interest in the throne, then perhaps he could be trusted.
"What do you want from me?" Tao An asked, his tone more cautious now.
"To offer you a choice," Tao Jue replied. "Stay here and learn from me, or return to your life of turmoil and danger. The path you choose is yours to decide."
Tao An hesitated. He had always heard the stories of secluded masters on remote mountaintops, and yearned to have a master of his own, but the timing was too bad!.The prospect of learning from someone as mysterious and seemly powerful as Tao Jue was tempting. But he couldn't ignore his responsibilities, his duty to his people.
"I can't just abandon my kingdom," Tao An said, his resolve firming. "They need me."
Tao Jue nodded, as if he had expected this answer. "Very well. But know this, Tao An. The path you choose will not be easy. Your enemies are numerous, and the challenges ahead will be great. But if you ever need guidance, you know where to find me."
With that, Tao Jue turned and began to walk back up the mountain, leaving Tao An standing there, deep in thought. The silence of the mountain seemed to grow heavier, as if the very air was waiting for his decision.
Tao An watched Tao Jue's retreating form, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He knew he couldn't stay, but the encounter had left a mark on him. He would remember the man's words, and perhaps, one day, he would seek out Tao Jue again.
For now, he had a kingdom to protect, and enemies to face. With renewed determination, Tao An turned and made his way down the mountain.
As for Tao Jue, he could actually sense his thoughts. After all, all beings in this universe were his creation, and nothing could be hidden from him. After watching him return down the mountain, he smirked.
Tao Jue muttered under his breath 'With your meagre strength, can you help your kingdom? Let's see how long you last'.
It's not that Tao Jue wanted him to fail, but he respected the young prince's decision, even if he understood it was the incorrect one.
The journey back to the borders of the Yao Dynasty was arduous. Tao An had to navigate through dense forests, cross treacherous rivers, and avoid the patrols of his brother's lackeys. Each step he took was heavy with the weight of his responsibilities and the looming threat of invasion. The memory of his encounter with Tao Jue lingered in his mind, giving him a strange sense of reassurance and urgency. After weeks of travelling, he finally arrived at his destination.
As he neared the eastern borders, the atmosphere grew tense. Soldiers were fortifying defenses, and the sound of training drills filled the air. The looming threat of the Hydra and their monstrous army had everyone on edge. Tao An knew he had to act swiftly to prepare his people for what was to come.
Upon reaching the main camp, Tao An was greeted with surprise and suspicion. The soldiers recognized him but were wary of his sudden appearance.
"Prince Tao An, what brings you here?" General Lu, a seasoned warrior with a scarred face, asked as he approached. He also knew the general situation in the royal court, and the royal family. This prince didn't have a good chance to inherit the throne and had no interest getting to know him, nor did the general want to be viewed as an ally of this prince.
"I've come to help defend our lands," Tao An replied, his voice firm. "The invasion from the East is coming, and we have to be ready."
General Lu studied him for a moment, scrutinising him up and down before nodding. "We can use all the help we can get. Follow me, and I'll fill you in on what's happening."
Tao An followed General Lu through the bustling camp. He saw soldiers sparring, reinforcing barricades, and tending to the wounded. The atmosphere was thick with tension, but also with determination. These were men and women ready to defend their homes, no matter the cost.
Inside the command tent, a large map of the eastern border was spread across a table. Various markers indicated enemy movements and defensive positions. Tao An's eyes were immediately drawn to the red markers, representing the advancing Hydra army.
"We've fortified the main pass, but our scouts report that the Hydra are using their strength to clear paths through the mountains," General Lu explained. "It's only a matter of time before they reach us."
Tao An nodded, his mind racing with strategies. "We need to use the terrain to our advantage. Set traps along the narrow paths they're attempting to break through and focus our forces on key chokepoints. We can slow them down and thin their numbers before they reach our main defenses."
General Lu looked impressed but also cautious. "My thoughts were also trapping the enemy, Prince Tao An. But it's going to take careful coordination and strong leadership to pull off."
Tao An met his gaze. "General, I know the risks. I don't expect to lead the army, but I want to help in any way I can. I know the terrain well, and I can assist with reconnaissance and planning."
General Lu considered his words before nodding. "Alright, Prince Tao An. You'll help with setting up traps and planning the ambushes. Your knowledge of the land will be invaluable."
With their roles defined, preparations for the battle continued. Tao An worked tirelessly alongside the soldiers, setting traps and planning ambushes. He proved himself to be a capable strategist, earning the respect of those around him.
Days passed in a blur of preparations and skirmishes. Tao An led his men with a newfound resolve, inspired by the words of Tao Jue. He fought alongside his soldiers, earning their respect and loyalty. Despite the overwhelming odds, he refused to give in to despair.
The first major clash with the Hydra army came at dawn. The ground trembled as the monstrous creatures advanced, their roars echoing through the mountains. The sight of the Hydra, with their multiple heads and massive frames, was enough to strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest warriors.
Tao An stood at the forefront, his sword gleaming in the early light. "Hold the line!" he shouted, rallying his men. "For the Yao Dynasty!"
The battle was fierce and brutal. The Hydra's strength was unmatched, but Tao An's forces fought with tenacity and courage. They used the terrain to their advantage, setting traps and ambushes that caught the invaders off guard. Despite the heavy casualties, they managed to hold their ground.
Deathly shrieks, scattered corpses and wailing injured soldiers covered the ground.
As the sun set, the battlefield was littered with the bodies of the fallen. Tao An surveyed the scene, his heart heavy with loss but filled with pride for his men. They had fought valiantly, buying precious time for their people. One Hydra was exterminated with the price of over 4,000 cavalry and spear throwers, which was a loss the kingdom couldn't bear. Another two Hydras were slightly injured and retreated.
Exhausted but undeterred, Tao An knew this was only the beginning. The Hydra were relentless, and the battle for the Yao Dynasty was far from over. But with the memory of Tao Jue's words and the support of his people, he felt a glimmer of hope.
As night fell, Tao An found a quiet moment to reflect. He thought of Tao Jue and the promise of guidance. He vowed to seek out the mysterious man again, once the immediate threat had passed. For now, he would continue to lead his people with strength and determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a pale glow over the battlefield. Fires burned in the distance as soldiers tended to the wounded and gathered the fallen. Tao An walked among them, offering words of encouragement and support. His presence was a beacon of hope for his weary men.