The morning sun rose over the royal palace, casting a warm golden glow on the elegant buildings and well-manicured gardens 0f the Royal palace. As the guests prepared to depart, the atmosphere was a mix of fear and relief.
The previous night's events had left a lingering sense of unease, but they were relieved to be alive and hoped that the mastermind behind the attack would be captured soon.
Asura and the other disciples also returned to the Xiao Sect with the Head Master. The Head Master told the king he would return after escorting the disciples and help him to deal with the culprit behind this incident.
Sir Aric, the Head of Knights, had been working tirelessly through the night with his team of skilled investigators. The shattered remnants of the intruders' equipment, as well as the traces of the explosion, were meticulously examined. After hours of careful analysis, they managed to recover some fragments that seemed to bear a unique emblem—an intricate design of intertwining cobras.
Aric examined the emblem closely, his brows furrowing as he tried to recall any information about it. He called in his most trusted lieutenant, Captain Elara, a resourceful and intelligent officer with a knack for deciphering clues.
"Captain Elara," Aric said with a serious tone, "I need you to research this emblem. It might be a clue that leads us to the group responsible for the attacks."
Elara nodded, taking the emblem and leaving to consult the kingdom's extensive archives and intelligence sources. She delved into old records, historical texts, and even reached out to informants who had their ears to the ground in the criminal underworld.
Hours turned into days as Elara tirelessly pursued every lead. Finally, she discovered a connection. The emblem was associated with a secretive and notorious organization known as the "Crimson Cobera Syndicate." This group had a reputation for orchestrating covert operations, assassinations, and acts of terror across various regions.
Elara rushed to inform Sir Aric about her findings. The Head of Knights listened intently, his expression growing grimmer as he absorbed the information. He knew that dealing with such an organization would require more than just brute force; it would necessitate strategy and careful planning.
"Thank you, Captain," Aric said, his voice heavy with determination. "We now have a target to focus on. The Crimson Cobera Syndicate. We need to gather more information about their operations, their leaders, and their motives."
Elara nodded, sharing her thoughts, "Based on what I've learned, the Crimson Cobera Syndicate is known for their intricate web of connections and layers of secrecy. We might need to employ some unconventional methods to get closer to them."
Aric agreed. "We have allies who possess unique skills and knowledge. Let's reach out to the elders of the Xiao Sect and other trusted advisors. We need to assemble a team that can infiltrate and disrupt the Syndicate's operations."
In the following days, Aric, Elara, and the assembled team worked relentlessly to formulate a plan. They consulted the headmaster of the Xiao Sect, who brought forth skilled disciples well-versed in subterfuge and intelligence gathering. Alongside them were the kingdom's best trackers, diplomats skilled in undercover work, and individuals with expertise in deciphering the Syndicate's intricate codes and symbols.
As the team prepared for their mission, the tension in the palace grew. The king, though eager for swift action, recognized the need for patience and precision. He addressed the team before their departure, his voice a mixture of gratitude and urgency.
"You are embarking on a dangerous mission, one that carries the hopes of our kingdom," the king said. "Your dedication and courage are our greatest assets. Uncover the truth behind these attacks and bring those responsible to justice."
With their resolve strengthened by the king's words, the team departed, each member embracing their role with a sense of purpose. Disguised and armed with both skills and determination, they ventured into the shadows, determined to dismantle the Crimson Cobera Syndicate from within.
There were two leaders in the team: one was Sir Aric, and the other was the Vice Headmaster of the Xiao Sect. Both of them were seventh-stage Sky Realm cultivators. Even the weakest members of the team still held the cultivation level of the fifth stage of the Spiritual Realm. Basically, the weakest ones were the common knights of the Royal Palace or the senior disciples of the Xiao sect who comes with the elders of the Xiao sect to help the royal family.
Upon reaching the Sky Realm, one could become an elder in the Xiao Sect. Before that, they were called senior disciples, typically over the age of eighteen. They were usually assigned to deal with situations like these, which could help them grow faster and mature mentally.
One could become a knight by joining the royal palace, but the minimum requirement was to be at least a Spiritual Realm cultivator. For positions such as Lieutenant and Head of the Knights, only cultivators at the Sky Realm level were eligible. Additionally, it required a significant contribution to the Xiao Kingdom.
The journey ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but they were united by a common goal—to protect their kingdom, restore honor to the Xiao kingdom, and ensure that justice prevailed.