The Shining Star Above The Heaven-Chapter 401: Planning Another Trick

The others turned their heads toward Wilmar and remained silent as they awaited his decision.

"I have decided to hold our operation on the eastern side and withdraw any troops stationed there. We will temporarily abandon the eastern region of the empire and consolidate our forces from the rest of the empire after they successfully subdue the remaining rebels. It is better for us to focus on suppressing the rebels first; only then can we consider a solution, even if it means confronting that man," he said, a flash in his eyes.

After thinking it over, he might have a chance to face that man if they gathered their troops and devised a proper strategy. He wouldn’t have to sacrifice many soldiers if they could set a trap to lure that man in.

The first step he needed to take was to eliminate the rebellion on the other side of the empire, as long as it didn’t encroach on that man’s territory.

The only thing that still worried him was how much that man would involve himself in the civil war. What if he was truly supporting the rebels? What if he didn’t allow him to eliminate them? He could simply cross to the other side of the empire and slaughter his army—that would be disastrous!

However, he did not have many choices. In the end, he was still reluctant to hand Cardinal Carsius over to that man. If Cardinal Carsius revealed his connection to the devils, he would be as good as dead, given that swordsman’s reputation for killing devils and anything related to them.

For him, this was the best choice for now, even if it was a gamble. His only hope was to swiftly eliminate the rebels on the other side of the empire and then shift his focus back to that man. In his mind, this plan had a much higher chance of ensuring his survival.

Hearing their emperor’s decision, most of them wore nervous expressions. It was merely postponing the inevitable confrontation, and they still hadn’t found a direct solution. However, they also agreed that eliminating the rebels as quickly as possible would be a significant advantage before they had to face that man.

"Your Majesty, may I suggest something?" a voice suddenly rang out. Everyone immediately recognized it as the voice of Grand Duke Donovan.

Grand Duke Donovan was one of the empire’s grand dukes and ruled a territory in the north. Having successfully subdued the rebellion in his domain, he had come to the imperial palace upon hearing the news and to report directly to second prince about his victory.

Wilmar looked at the middle-aged man with a burnt battle scar on his face. He was one of the most important nobles supporting him. Wilmar appreciated the man’s quick thinking and experience, both of which had helped him make crucial decisions.

"What is it, Grand Duke Donovan?" he asked.

"I just want to add that Your Majesty’s decision to retreat from the eastern front is a wise one, as we don’t want to suffer another major loss. Given that man’s temperament that always seems to keep his word—he has a habit of following through on every warning he gives, according to the testimonies we’ve heard." Grand Duke Donovan said.

"From what we understand, that mysterious swordsman or rather, that young man is looking for Cardinal Carsius, correct? We could lure him onto our turf and trap him to the point where he’s completely powerless. "

Wilmar frowned at the suggestion.

"That is a good idea, but it’s easier said than done. With his tremendous power, I don’t think trapping him will be easy," he said.

"We can use the same artifact we used on the late Emperor Tacson to trap him. As Your Majesty said, that artifact could even affect a peak Emperor Stage cultivator, right? Then we can use it against that man. No matter how strong he is, there’s no way he surpasses a peak Emperor Stage cultivator."

Wilmar slightly raised his eyebrows but still found the suggestion lacking. He shook his head.

"How do we ask someone we tried to kill to come to the imperial palace? I don’t think he’s foolish enough to just walk in because we say, ’we will hand over the traitor.’ The moment he hears he has to travel here, he’ll immediately suspect it’s a trap prepared for him," he replied.

"Besides, that artifact can’t be used for another month, and I’m afraid that by then, he might do something detrimental to us. If he wants to, he could help the rebels win this civil war."

"That is true. However, what if we persuade him using one of the imperial family’s artifacts? For someone of his caliber, we need a significant bait to lure him in. We can offer it to him first as a show of goodwill and then invite him here to receive additional compensation. We will present ourselves as regretful of our past actions and intent on repairing our relationship with him," Grand Duke Donovan said.

"As for the time we need before we can use the artifact again, we can keep him occupied until then. We still have two weeks until next month, and I have an idea to delay him. We can manipulate those trying to move toward Caritas or the Weilmar Barony, using a plague to divert his attention and prevent him from attacking our forces elsewhere."

"Plague?" Wilmar was momentarily confused before his eyes widened.

"I see, I see. That is quite a good plan, Grand Duke Donovan! Although I didn’t want to resort to ’that,’ with that man’s appearance, I believe there is no other way. Well done! I will greatly reward you once all of this is over," he said, his expression appreciative.

"Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty. I merely did what I could to assist you," Grand Duke Donovan replied with a slight bow.

The others who overheard their conversation still didn’t fully understand the details of Grand Duke Donovan’s plan. However, they chose to go along with it, admiring his brilliant mind and beginning to offer their congratulations and praise.

Wilmar sighed as he finally found another way to handle the situation. With the new plan taking shape in his mind, he could execute it immediately. He grinned at the thought, what they were about to do could also be detrimental to his own faction, but he had no other choice. It was the only way he could think of to buy time until they could use the artifact again.

"Let’s see if you can still run rampant in my territory after this."

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The sun had already begun to sink toward the western horizon, but Aldrian and Baek Jimin were still in Weilmar. Right now, they sat atop a hill outside the city, where they could see its sprawling streets and buildings. The large city stretched before them, bathed in the golden hues of dusk. The serene atmosphere, combined with the gentle breeze refreshing their spirits, made them reluctant to leave.

They had come here after spending hours strolling through the city, enjoying the various entertainments Weilmar had to offer. Although this city was not as large as those capital city within the grand duchy or the empire’s capital, it still provided many new experiences such as local food and drink, beautiful scenery, and unique specialties.

Without realizing it, they had already spent hours together, and now the sun was about to set. To end their day, Aldrian had decided to bring Baek Jimin here. Although today’s activities wasn’t part of his promise to take her on vacation, he still wanted to give her a memorable experience.

They sat in silence, watching the sunset over the vast city below. Yet, the silence was not awkward, it was filled with tranquility and quiet enjoyment.

Baek Jimin reflected on the day’s events with Aldrian. Whenever she was by his side, she felt safe, and the negative emotions weighing on her seemed to fade. Ever since the incident with the Envy Devil, a lingering sense of envy had been buried deep within her heart.

An envy directed toward Sylphia because she could spend more time with Aldrian. Envy that Sylphia had met him earlier than she had. Envy that they could openly express their love for each other, something Baek Jimin hadn’t thought about seriously until she saw them acting lovey-dovey.

At the time, she had always considered Aldrian a friend, she interested in him because of his unique being’s essence. But if that was truly all it was, then why did she feel envious when she saw him in love with another woman? Why did being by his side feel so different—so comforting? She even found herself wishing that time would slow down whenever she was with him.

Baek Jimin thought about it carefully and came to a conclusion that made her heart pound erratically. She didn’t want to admit it, but she had no choice, this was a new feeling, one she had never experienced before.

She stole a glance at Aldrian’s side profile, which, at this moment, looked unbelievably handsome in her eyes. Her face flushed deep red, and she quickly lowered her head.

"Is this what they call love? Is this what it feels like to be in love?"