The Shining Star Above The Heaven-Chapter 400: Trapped Between Rock and Hard Place

Aldrian looked at the destruction caused by his heavenly lightning and sighed as he felt the power of faith begin to gather from the city’s populace. It was still not as strong as Caritas, but it had started pouring in. He could see a small number of the second prince’s troops, perhaps a hundred or so, who had survived because they were quick to escape the lightning storm ground. After all, they had been positioned at the outermost area.

He watched as they frantically ran or even flew in the opposite direction of the city, trying to get as far away as possible. These people would also spread his fame, further increasing his power of faith.

Fortunately, he had arrived in time. If not, the city would have lost all of its high-ranking cultivators, as Vasco was practically unstoppable without Baroness Weilmar here.

Earlier, they had intended to enter the teleportation portal to this city, but suddenly, a soldier emerged from it. The baroness immediately recognized him as someone from Weilmar. That soldier was one of the few who knew about the baroness’s departure and had gone to Caritas to call her back.

Long story short, they learned about the situation from the soldier and wasted no time stepping into the teleportation portal to this city. Upon arrival, he asked for the location of the mayor’s mansion, where the city populace’s faith or in Weilmar city’s case, possibly the faith of the entire barony was concentrated. Without hesitation, he established his domain. His first priority was to make the entire Weilmar barony as his domain to make things easier.

The rest unfolded as everyone had witnessed, a figure who became their game-changer. No, it would be more accurate to say that he was their savior.

Aldrian slowly descended, before he came here, he already put on his mask to conceal his face. On the ground, Baek Jimin was waiting for him. She smiled at him, feeling an odd sense of pride. She wasn’t sure why, but everything Aldrian did seemed to affect her ever since their conversation earlier. Even when he unleashed his terrifying heavenly lightning, it had appeared beautiful in her eyes.

Aldrian finally landed beside her. They were now within the mansion’s grounds, where only a few people were present. Each one looked at Aldrian as if gazing upon a divine being, their eyes filled with reverence and worship.

Before long, Baroness Weilmar and her guardian knight arrived. Without hesitation, they bowed deeply to him.

"Thank you, Your Excellency. We will never forget your help," she said.

Seeing their master bow to this figure, the few people nearby followed suit, lowering their heads in gratitude.

Aldrian smiled and gave a small nod.

"My purpose here is complete," he said, then turned to look at Baek Jimin.

"What do you think? Do you want to go back? Or...?"

"Let’s stay here for a while. It would be a shame to leave without experiencing the city’s entertainment," she replied.

Hearing Baek Jimin’s response, the baroness’s face lit up with a pleased expression.

"Yes, miss, you can definitely enjoy this city to the fullest. This is the capital of my barony. Even now, in the midst of war, the city still offers many attractions for travelers. This place is famous for—" The baroness began enthusiastically explaining Weilmar City, sounding like a tour guide.

Baek Jimin listened attentively, taking note of the places she wanted to visit. Aldrian simply smiled at her, her curiosity about new places reminded him of Sylphia. It was no surprise, like Sylphia, she had never traveled far beyond her own territory. She had spent most of her time in the Thorny Flower Garden territory or within her sect.

Watching her enjoy the new surroundings gave him a sense of satisfaction. At the very least, this trip allowed him to indulge her curiosity while taking care of business.

For the next few hours, Aldrian and Baek Jimin strolled through the city, just the two of them. He had already changed his attire to avoid recognition. After all, some people had already seen what he was wearing, even though he had hidden his face.

Following Baroness Weilmar’s recommendations, they enjoyed everything the city had to offer.

Baek Jimin was truly enjoying her time with Aldrian, and he had never seen this side of her before. He also took this opportunity, while it was just the two of them to sort through his own feelings and consider his course of action for their relationship. Since he now understood how Baek Jimin felt, he would start trying to develop his own feelings as well. However, he knew he still needed to talk to Sylphia once they returned to Caritas.

They continued enjoying their time together, filled with happiness. Their joy was also shared by the people of Weilmar City, who were relieved that their home had been saved from destruction. Many celebrated, and the city took on a festive atmosphere, as if a grand festival were taking place. Almost everyone spoke about the mysterious figure who had become their savior—the being who wielded the power of heavenly lightning. He would remain the topic of conversation for a long time to come.

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On the other side, while Weilmar City was filled with happiness, the same could not be said for the opposition.

At the imperial palace in the capital city of Losaris, the atmosphere was tense. The second prince, Wilmar Losaris, had just received news that made his expression turn cold and dark.

Seated on his throne, he listened as his supporters from noble families gathered before him, discussing their next move. They needed to find a way to turn the situation around after hearing the latest report—a report so ridiculous and unbelievable that it was almost impossible to accept.

Yet, the evidence was undeniable. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

The life sign of Duke Alikin had gone dark, meaning he was dead. Soon after, the life signs of several more figures vanished, each of them soldiers from the troops he had sent to Caritas and Weilmar City.

Then came another blow. A report confirmed that the forces attacking both cities had been annihilated and only small number can escape. Even worse, the four flying fortresses he had deployed were destroyed.

Wilmar gritted his teeth. The most frustrating and unsettling thing was the identity of the person who had taken Caritas from him. That man was the mysterious swordsman, a figure shrouded in mystery and possessing overwhelming strength.

He had heard of him before, his many achievements in recent years making waves throughout the continent. But to think that this legendary figure was not only a young man but also someone standing in direct opposition to him?

Frustration boiled within him, and for the first time, a sliver of nervousness crept in. That man’s appearance always sent shockwaves wherever he went, and his strength was so great that even high Emperor-stage beasts were nothing more than playthings to him.

"So that’s why he’s so arrogant and dares to challenge the entire empire’s factions," Wilmar thought.

Of all the times and all the people, why did it have to be now, just as he was assuming the throne? And why did it have to be that mysterious swordsman?

"And those devil bastards really cut off their connection with us. I will surely destroy you all in the future!"

He kept trying to contact them, but he had already come to terms with the fact that they had indeed severed ties with him.

He sighed inwardly, trying to calm himself down. Nervousness and anger swirled within him, making him desperate to place blame on everything. But he knew that wouldn’t help.

He needed to turn this situation around. How could he face that monster? He struggled to come up with a plan, but then his thoughts drifted to Cardinal Carsius.

"He asked Cardinal Carsius to be handed over to him."

If that mysterious swordsman was truly from the church, why did he seem more like an adventurer, leaving his achievements scattered everywhere? It was as if he purposely leave a legendary tale in nearly every territory.

What would the church even gain from this if he really was one of them? Even the populace didn’t know his true origins, and they wouldn’t be able to tell whether he was from the church or not. That was why Wilmar still doubted whether the mysterious swordsman was truly a member of the church.

He couldn’t think of any solution other than giving the mysterious swordsman what he demanded—Cardinal Carsius, the traitor. However, the problem was that the bastard was in the same carriage as him. They were all accomplices of the devils, having built their own network in the shadows.

That traitor from the church had even threatened him, if he betrayed him and handed him over to the church, that church’s traitor would expose his involvement with the devils.

That was something that could never happen. Although he still needed Cardinal Carsius for his strength, the most important thing was ensuring he kept his mouth shut and didn’t expose the truth.

But now, with the appearance of the mysterious swordsman who could turn the tide in favor of the rebels, he had to make a difficult decision.

He was faced with a choice—betray Cardinal Carsius and risk tarnishing his name, or worse, be killed by unknown hands or even the mysterious swordsman himself.

Or he could fight until the end, resisting the swordsman at the cost of countless resources. But if the rebels won the war, he would still end up dead.

Calling upon the devils for support was no longer an option; their connection had been severed.

Trapped between a rock and a hard place, he searched for a solution.

After a few minutes of deep thought, he finally reached a decision. Looking at his supporters, he spoke.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have made my decision."