The Shining Star Above The Heaven

Livrin looked at the device in his hand. Known as 'The Information Recording' or 'Information Crystal' by many, the device functions to visualize images, recordings, or information stored in one's mind using their energy. In simpler terms, it can store all kinds of information.

The recording device fits comfortably in one's hand and is shaped like a hexagon with a white crystal in the middle. It is a common device that facilitates the exchange of information between cultivators and is one of the masterpieces invented by the Dwarves. However, many craftsmen from across the continent can now make this device.

Livrin frowned and occasionally massaged his forehead. Seeing the information contained in this recording gave him a headache, and he could already imagine the problems that would come his way.

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An hour ago...

Livrin looked at Aldrian, baffled by his ability to send a voice transmission inside his workspace.

"How did he send the voice transmission from outside of my room? This room has formations that prevent outside transmission." he thought.

 "Did you already know all the specific information, young master?" Livrin asked.

"Yes, mayor, rest assured. Every piece of information I will give you is true and confirmed. You can check it yourself later. By the way, do you have an artifact that records information from memories?"

"Oh, if you are talking about 'The Information Recording,' I have one in my storage ring right now." Livrin then handed the device to Aldrian.

"Uhmm, how do I use this?"

"You don't know how to use the Information Crystal?" Livrin thought. "You just have to insert your energy and create your information in the crystal. It can be an image, something you saw, anything. It's a convenient device for exchanging information." he explained.

Aldrian then inserted his energy into the Information Crystal and transferred all the information he had about his discovery. After he finished and handed the crystal to Livrin, he asked, "Mr. Livrin, what is Golden Swan Commerce? What kind of place is that?"

"That is one of the biggest merchant organizations on the continent, led by the Harris family. Their headquarters is in the Atria Empire. Why?"

"The devils have a connection with that organization, or at least in this city. You will understand what I mean when you see the recording from my observation," Aldrian explained. Livrin trembled when he heard that.

"The Golden Swan Commerce is also involved in this vortex? If this is true, their reputation and image will take a huge hit!" Livrin said, looking at Aldrian.

"I will look into it first, young master. But regarding Golden Swan Commerce, we cannot act carelessly because this concerns the relationship between two countries. Furthermore, if Golden Swan Commerce is indeed connected to the devils, their reputation will be severely damaged, not just by the people, but also by other nations."

Aldrian pondered for a moment. "That's right. In the end, we will need to see if their involvement is limited to this city branch or if their headquarters are aware of this."

"If Golden Swan Commerce is really involved in this infiltration, then we might uncover bigger secrets that could cause an uproar across the entire continent. Let's adjust our plan a little. You should look at the information first."

Livrin then injected his energy into the crystal. He stayed silent for 10 minutes, his expression changing from neutral to frowning, and eventually, he gritted his teeth. He looked into Aldrian's eyes.

"This is big if it's true. 1,032,457 people, with an average cultivation level of Earls. If their purpose is to launch a surprise attack on Balin a few years later, we would suffer tremendous losses, leaving only me and a few great generals at the Grand Duke stage. It would limit the Ivory Empire's movement at the border of the Everlasting Silent Forest," Livrin said.

"Their number has slightly increased since last night due to new arrivals. It will increase again tonight if we keep delaying our action," Aldrian said.

"We might not lack manpower, but their average cultivation level is higher than ours. The situation will change if my generals and I also join the purge. But if some of them are hiding inside Golden Swan Commerce, it will put us in a difficult position until we have solid evidence of their involvement," Livrin said, worried.

"You don't have to worry about those hiding inside Golden Swan Commerce. I will take care of them. You just need to ensure the safety of innocents. When they realize they have been compromised, they might take extreme measures. If you decide to move, make it swift and clear. Their spies surrounding the mansion should be the first you take care of."

"I understand, young master. But how do you plan to deal with those hiding in Golden Swan Commerce? They are all at the Duke stage, after all."

"I have my own ways." Aldrian said with a smile.

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Now,

Livrin still gave Aldrian's plan a go because, despite its ambitious nature, it seemed like a good idea to implement. Although he felt doubtful about Aldrian's methods, something compelled him to agree to the plan and give it a try, even though failure could result in innocent victims.

"Just in case, I will send one of my generals to follow him." Balin had six generals at the Grand Duke stage, each responsible for a different area. They had a few Duke stage subordinates to ensure the security and order of the entire city. This considerable force demonstrated how important Balin was to the elves.

He summoned all of his generals to his workroom to discuss the plan. The six generals guarded the north, east, west, and south sides of the city, as well as the security inside the city and the World Tree area. There were four males and two females, excluding Middle Grand Duke stage cultivators.

Livrin started to explain Aldrian's plan and how they would deal with the infiltrators. As expected, the generals felt doubtful about the plan.

"How does he plan to deal with 12 Duke stage cultivators? Why not send one of us to strike them? We can surprise them when their guard is down and take them out before they can respond," one of the male generals said.

"Yes, this plan sounds absurd. He is just at the Viscount stage. I don't know who he is but it seems like reckless planning to gain more merit" another general added.

"How about I check the Golden Swan Commerce building first to gather intelligence for future movements?" a third general suggested.

Livrin looked at his generals and spoke. "If we make our move later, it will be too late. I'm sure some of them already sensed the missing batch of infiltrators, and they will send a group of devils tonight to investigate. If they find even a hint that we know of their presence, the worst-case scenario is they will run amok in the city. Don't forget we still don't know the extent of Golden Swan Commerce's involvement."

The room fell silent for a moment. The tricky situation involving Golden Swan Commerce limited their options. If the elves took a wrong step, it would strain their relations with the Harris family and even the Atria Empire, even if they had a valid reason for their actions. In the end, they gritted their teeth and decided to follow the plan.

The generals started to disperse and gathered their subordinates to explain the night's operation. Balin's guardian force had an average cultivation level of Viscount stage. Because of their lower cultivation, the only chance for this operation's success was a surprise attack. Even with the blessing of the World Tree, it was still a challenging task to suppress the devils.

Each general gave their subordinates the information they needed to intercept their targets and eliminate them on sight. For the lower cultivation level, their orders were to kill on sight upon reaching their targets. This would undoubtedly cause panic among the people, but it couldn't be helped. As for the Duke and Grand Duke stages, they would try to capture some of them alive for interrogation.

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As the sun set on the horizon, signaling the end of the day for most citizens, the city guardians prepared for their night's activities: the devils' hunt. Thousands of elves in their thin armor made from composite materials stood in formation, presenting a show of force for those who could see it.

Their armor was specially customized to allow agile movement, even when moving from tree branch to tree branch. Most of them carried bows on their backs, a testament to their natural talent in archery. However, some had swords at their waists, usually indicating leaders or unit commanders, as elves relied more on their nature techniques and archery.

Aldrian stood in his room, looking at the sword on his bed, the same sword he had carried since the start of his journey. The sword exuded an aura strong enough to make others at the Viscount stage tremble, let alone withstand a strike from it. Already dressed in his white and black cloak, he imagined the scenario for tonight, where he would face Duke stage cultivators—a seemingly impossible task for a Viscount stage cultivator, but he was prepared to defy those odds.

Knock, knock.

"Young master, it's time." Eleine's voice came from outside the door. He smiled.

"Let's start our hunt."