Destroy
"Has the Third Prince truly unraveled two of the Three Mysteries of Tianwu?"
"Indeed, it seems that heaven has favored our dynasty! Under the illustrious leadership of the Third Prince, the Tianwu Empire shall undoubtedly advance to even greater heights!"
"The former emperors can now rest in peace with smiles upon their faces!"
"Do you think the Master has any possibility of deciphering the third mystery?"
"Absolutely impossible! The Master may possess high status, but his intellect is lacking!"
"Indeed! If the Third Prince cannot unlock it, then it stands to reason that the third mystery is an insolvable enigma!"
Listening to the discussions among the ministers, Wu Chengqian found himself nearly laughing uncontrollably!
However, when he turned to witness the anticipated folly of Cao Wenbin, he was left utterly stunned!
"No!"
His alarm stemmed from a sudden realization that Cao Wenbin had somehow produced a gleaming sword!
From Cao Wenbin's posture, it was evident he intended to strike at the intricate knot!
To be frank, had anyone else attempted such an act, Wu Chengqian would have remained unfazed!
After all, the ancestors of the Tianwu Empire had previously tested this celestial knot, finding it remarkably robust!
Ordinary weapons could not so much as scratch its surface!
Yet now, the one poised to deliver the blow was none other than Cao Wenbin!
His sword was certainly no mere blade!
"Master, this object can only be untied by hand!"
"If it is severed, the hidden realm shall never reveal itself!"
It was evident that Wu Chengqian was genuinely anxious!
Not only he; Wu Ling Tian shared in his urgency!
In truth, with his near-Saint level cultivation, Wu Ling Tian possessed the ability to thwart Cao Wenbin!
Yet he dared not intervene!
From the moment Cao Wenbin brandished his sword, he had been targeted!
Any sign of movement would undoubtedly invite catastrophic consequences!
Thus, this ambitious father-son duo could only watch helplessly as the sword descended upon the intricate knot!
As for the outcome…
Wu Chengqian's suspicions were indeed accurate!
Cao Wenbin's sword was far from ordinary!
What they perceived as an invulnerable knot was effortlessly cleaved in twain!
"Crack!"
Overwhelmed by the harsh reality, Wu Chengqian collapsed to the ground!
Simultaneously, an indescribable sensation began to wash over him!
It felt as if something of immense significance was slipping away from his grasp!
"Master, why did you do this?"
After a prolonged silence, Wu Chengqian, having collected himself, inquired with a face full of sorrow!
Initially, he expected Cao Wenbin to provide an explanation!
At the very least, he anticipated an excuse!
But to his astonishment…
"I detest things I cannot control!"
"If it cannot serve my purpose, then it is better off destroyed!"
A chill ran through the hearts of all present!
"How tyrannical!"
The ministers' reactions were akin to pouring salt into Wu Chengqian's wounds, intensifying his anguish!
"What a foolish miscalculation!"
…
On the path leading to the Cao family palace, Cao Wenbin ambled along, humming a cheerful tune!
It was abundantly clear that he was in high spirits!
"Who would have imagined that merely attending a banquet could diminish Wu Chengqian's fortune by a tenth?"
"However, that treasure within the hidden realm would have provided substantial assistance to Wu Chengqian!"
"Without it, his power will undoubtedly suffer greatly!"
The more he pondered, the more exhilarated he became!
His pace quickened!
"Hmph, not only will I sabotage your opportunities, but I shall also…"
"Qin Yunmeng's assistance to you, Wu Chengqian, seems no less significant than that of the imperial weapon!"
"Just wait; tonight, I shall sever your arm!"
Coincidentally, just as Cao Wenbin resolved to take action, he arrived before the palace!
"Greetings, Master!"
The seven waiting dancers immediately bowed deeply before him!
In an instant, Cao Wenbin was dazzled by the sight before him!
Yet the most captivating of all was Qin Yunmeng!
"No wonder that fellow Wu Chengqian risks so much to return home each day!"
With a wicked smile, Cao Wenbin led the seven into the palace!
Throughout this process, Qin Yunmeng found herself enveloped in his embrace!
"Master, there are others present!"
"What does it matter? None of you can escape!"
"If they mock you, you can always return the jest later!"
Observing Cao Wenbin's unbroken stride toward the bedroom, Qin Yunmeng realized she had no means of escape today!
In her desperation, she exchanged a knowing glance with the other six dancers.
She was reminding her companions not to forget their eavesdropping!
Since sacrifice was inevitable, they might as well reap some benefits!
She intended to extract valuable information while Cao Wenbin's awareness was dulled!
This way, her son's odds would significantly improve!
After all, knowing oneself and one's enemy ensures victory in every battle!
"Rest assured, my son, I shall not be led astray!"
"The future of the Tianwu Empire is destined for you to command!"