The Conspiracy of the Church!

The exchange between Cao Wenbin and the others was indeed lively.

At the same moment, several high-ranking members of the Church were holding a meeting. The topic? None other than this ongoing spectacle.

"Your Holiness, that Cao family boy has grown far too insolent!" spoke Judge Zhang Zongze, a powerhouse in his own right, revered as a First-Rank Emperor. "Although we all understand what the Saintess is up to, he has no right to reveal it so blatantly. Perhaps a little lesson is in order, a reminder to curb his audacity."

Yet, the Pope merely cast a disdainful glance his way.

"Teach Cao Wenbin a lesson?" he scoffed, his voice thick with irony. "Do you truly think that if you moved against him, his family's Emperors wouldn't be here in an instant, standing at our doors?"

Then, his voice took on a hint of intrigue. "I should tell you—our own Supreme had his eye on an artifact in that boy's possession. And even after directly confronting him, he was still met with a resolute refusal. In the end, we had no choice but to try more... subtle methods. So tell me now, who here still thinks we should 'teach him a lesson'?"

At this, every council member shivered slightly, Zhang Zongze included. The Supreme's influence was unmatched, and yet even he couldn't sway the boy. Was this the level of importance the young man held in the Cao family?

As realization dawned, a collective gleam of ambition began to light in their eyes. This boy possesses an item so valuable that even our Supreme desires it? Imagine the rewards if we could secure it ourselves.

"Your Holiness..." someone began.

But the Pope cut them off with a raised hand. "I know your thoughts already. It is the bird on his person that caught the Supreme's interest. You are welcome to try your hand, but remember—no force is to be used. Such are the rules, unbreakable by anyone."

The Pope's expression softened as he shifted his gaze, contemplatively. "As for the matter of Fang Zhihua… my view is that she should continue stringing along these prominent youths. Do not accept them, nor outright refuse. With the Path of Ascension soon to open, if she can hold Cao Wenbin at bay for a year, then the ultimate victory will surely be ours."

He added, "Of course, to maximize our gain, we must spread word of this. We want to draw as many young talents to our cause as possible."

The council members exchanged glances, admiration clear in their expressions. Wisdom indeed comes with age, and the Pope's plan had left no stone unturned.

As for whether Fang Zhihua could maintain her control over Cao Wenbin—that was hardly a concern. The Saintesses were well-versed in the arts of seduction and mastery over men's hearts; they were trained in tea ceremonies and subtlety from the beginning. If they were second to none in the Celestial Domain, no one would dare claim first.

Yet, there was one critical oversight, one facet they all failed to consider: Cao Wenbin's temperament.

With the meeting adjourned, rumors began to surge across the continent like wildfire.

"Have you heard? The Church's Saintess is publicly seeking a husband! Eligible bachelors aged twenty to thirty-five are invited to compete for her hand in Light City. If you pass the trials, you might just win the heart of a goddess!"

"Utter nonsense! The Saintess is pure, destined to serve the gods. Marriage is unthinkable, let alone a public suitor search!"

"Chongda, sounds like the brainwashing worked on you. If you don't believe it, why not join me for a trip to Light City? It's not far, after all."

"Count me in!" another chimed in. "To even glimpse the Saintess—it would be worth boasting of for a lifetime!"

"Keep dreaming," someone scoffed. "When the Saintess travels, she wears a veil. You'd be lucky even to catch a shadow."

"And besides, I heard the Cao family's Young Master also has his eye on the Saintess. Imagine the thrill of winning her over him!"

Conversations like these echoed through every corner of the Celestial Domain, and within days, Light City became a bustling sea of eager young men.

Unbeknownst to these hopefuls, while they still dreamed of winning her hand, Cao Wenbin had already managed to secure a meeting with their beloved Saintess by delivering a single invitation.

They met at the Star Pavilion, Light City's grandest inn, a masterpiece towering ninety-nine floors into the heavens. Those seated at its summit felt as though they could brush the stars with their fingertips, hence the establishment's name.

There, at the highest level, Cao Wenbin and Fang Zhihua sat in warm conversation. Her laughter, bright and musical, rippled through the air continuously.

"Cao Gongzi, you're too much!" she chuckled. "There's no way I could guess the answer!"

"But I'm catching onto your tricks. Give me another riddle, and I'll solve it in seconds!"

An amused gleam flashed in his eyes. "Since the Saintess is so confident, why not make a little wager?"

Though her smile never faltered, her posture grew noticeably tense. She sensed his underlying intent.

"Of course, I'm happy to oblige," she replied sweetly, "but let's keep the stakes light. I'm not nearly as wealthy as you, Gongzi."

To no one's surprise, Cao Wenbin had ulterior motives.

"Who plays for money these days?" he scoffed. "How tacky. All I want is that little item on your leg if I win. Not such a steep price, is it?"

Her face flushed instantly. No, it wasn't a large wager, but it was certainly a bold one. Still, she couldn't deny her relief. At least it wasn't a demand she couldn't meet.

Suppressing her embarrassment, she managed a nod. She couldn't afford to decline—the orders from the council were to keep this man within reach, even if that meant putting a bit of bait on the line.

"Very well, Gongzi," she replied. "If I can't guess your answer, I'll willingly hand over what you desire."

With a pleased grin, he began, "It's a short riddle—only six words in all. The answer, a common four-word saying."

"Listen closely," he continued, his voice dropping low. "Two cows, standing on their heads."