The Shining Star Above The Heaven

Chapter 403: The Arrival of Thunderous Shadows Pavilion

Chapter 403: The Arrival of Thunderous Shadows PavilionOn the next day, at the western entrance of Caritas City, a group of ten figures stood silently, observing the bustling activities of the people. They did not speak, only turning their heads occasionally to glance at the passersby.

Their gazes then shifted into the distance, where the remains of destroyed flying fortresses lay scattered. Many corpses were being tended to by volunteers, while others

"Oh, you’ve already arrived? Just come to the mayor’s mansion. I’ll be waiting for you there," Aldrian’s reply came through.

"Alright."

After asking for directions from the city’s residents, Arson and the Fingers made their way toward the mansion. It took them nearly an hour of walking before they finally arrived. Upon reaching the entrance, they were immediately greeted by a pair of guards stationed outside.

These guards were survivors of Marquess Parus’s torture, having once captives who had suffered in his torture chamber. After Aldrian had healed them, they had chosen to remain and serve him, determined to assist him for as long as he stayed in the city.

Seeing no issue with this, Aldrian allowed them to stay, even providing them with resources as recognition of their resilience and unwavering loyalty.

"Stop! This is the mayor’s mansion, where the city lord resides. If you have no business here, then please—"

"Let them in."

A sudden voice transmission cut off the guard’s words. Despite the interruption, the guard responded with reverence.

"Yes, my lord."

He then turned to Arson. "My lord has granted you permission to enter."

With that, they were escorted to a guest room, where a lone figure stood by the window, gazing at the scenery outside. From their position, they could only see his back, so they thought nothing unusual of him at first. However, their expressions subtly shifted when their leader, Arson, stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"I have arrived as you ordered, master."

Except for the First and Second Fingers, the rest of the group was shocked by the scene before them. They knew what kind of person their leader was. He had a hard personality, never showed fear, and rarely respected anyone.

Arson was a man who sought entertainment in the thrill of the hunt. As one of the strongest assassins on the continent, with cultivation at the middle Emperor stage, there were only a handful of people capable of evading his assassination.

That was why he never accepted assassination missions again because none of them piqued his interest. However, they had heard that he took on one mission a few years ago, only to return without explaining anything.

Coincidentally or not, ever since that day, their organization’s operations had changed. It now functioned more like a group under a higher authority, with their leader acting as the bridge between them and that unseen force.

Watching their leader now, bowing in such a manner, they couldn’t help but wonder, was this the person giving him orders?

Their eyes shifted toward the figure standing by the window. When he finally turned his head, they involuntarily widened their eyes in shock.

A young man, no older than his early twenties.

Was this the new city lord? The one who obliterated the second prince’s forces? The one that they called the mysterious swordsman?

So young!

"Finally, we meet again, Arson," Aldrian said with a slight smile.

Arson straightened his posture. "Yes, Master. It has been almost three years since we last met."

Aldrian nodded, then shifted his gaze to the group standing behind Arson.

"Are these all the Fingers?" he asked.

"Yes, Master. They are all the Fingers."

Aldrian observed them carefully, noting the unfamiliar faces. He already knew the First and Second Fingers, but the rest were new to him. Each of them was at the low Emperor stage, a truly formidable group. Combined with their King-stage assassins and lower-ranked members, it was no surprise that the Thunderous Shadow Pavilion was one of the strongest assassination organizations on the continent.

"How many people did you bring this time?"

"Reporting to Master, I brought my entire hideout—around 134 assassins. They are entering the city as we speak."

Aldrian nodded. "Good. Once they’ve all arrived, have them blend in with the city’s residents. They can do whatever is necessary to conceal their identities—establish businesses, open entertainment venues—anything to avoid exposure. They should be capable of that much, right?"

"Yes, Master."

"If you lack resources, just let me know. I will provide whatever is necessary."

"Thank you, Master," Arson said with a bow.

"Now then," Aldrian turned his gaze back to the Fingers.

"All of you, follow me."

With that, he walked past them and exited the room.