Fang Zhihua, who has become highly sought after.

Time passed by, and no one knew for how long. Finally, Cao Wenbin, standing before the Heavenly Dao Monument, slowly opened his eyes. In an instant, the entire space seemed to hold its breath.

"All that's lacking for the Saint Realm is energy!" Cao Wenbin exclaimed with excitement as he waved his arm vigorously. But soon, his attention shifted to Lin Dong, who had also just woken up. Of course, he wasn't interested in his cousin per se. Instead, he was burning with curiosity to discover the identity of the so - called Chosen One.

"Cousin," he asked, "do you know the fellow you fought with earlier?" Lin Dong was taken aback. Clearly, he hadn't anticipated such a question from his cousin. After a moment of recollection, he replied, "No, I don't. But before entering this place, I saw him being very intimate with a woman. And that woman, most likely, is the Saintess of the Church in this generation."

"Is he your enemy? Do you need my help, cousin?" Without a moment's hesitation, a sly smile spread across Cao Wenbin's face. Intimate with a woman? Perfect! This was just the opportunity he needed to execute his plan. As for Lin Dong... well, bringing him along wouldn't be a bad idea. He didn't expect Lin Dong to contribute much strength, but at the very least, he could boost the morale. After all, the title of the Young Master of the Lin Family was not to be taken lightly. Moreover, Lin Dong was also a Chosen One in his own right. With him around, there might be some unexpected windfalls.

"Then, cousin, accompany me to the Church headquarters," Cao Wenbin said. "Oh, by the way, was the technique I taught you useful, cousin?" Initially, Lin Dong had a big smile on his face. But as soon as Cao Wenbin uttered those words, he exploded with rage.

"How dare you mention it? Do you know that as soon as I told that riddle you gave me, the old ancestor's face changed drastically? Then I was hung upside down at the entrance of the ancestral house, and people were sent to whip me every day. Seven days! Do you have any idea how I endured those seven days?" As he spoke, he subconsciously rubbed his buttocks. It was evident that this poor young man had been deeply traumatized.

"Haha..."

"How dare you laugh? I'll fight you!"

...

Since he didn't obtain anything in the secret realm, Luo Fanchen didn't mention revenge after emerging. Instead, he directly followed Fang Zhihua back to the Church and immediately chose to go into seclusion. He was determined to convert his blood into various trump cards as quickly as possible. He had grown weary of being manipulated by others through petty means.

"Just give me a month. After that, I'll make the scions of these great families understand the meaning of 'never bully the young for their poverty'."

"System, I want to sacrifice my blood to exchange for an imperial - level cultivation technique."

"By the way, once my blood recovers, help me obtain a suitable weapon..."

His plan was perfect. However, what he didn't know was that as soon as he began his seclusion, a group of rich second - generation heirs swarmed into the Church headquarters right after. As for their purpose... it was all for Fang Zhihua.

It must be said that peerless beauties are scarce resources wherever they are. Just like this, after merely taking a stroll outside, Fang Zhihua was immediately targeted by the wolves from various families.

"The Saintess is mine!" declared Qian Mingxuan, the young master of the Qian family. "The Pope himself promised it."

"As the saying goes, there are two great hatreds - killing one's father and seizing one's wife."

"If you dare to cause any more trouble, I'll never let you off!" Qian Mingxuan was the heir of a first - class power. Logically speaking, someone of his status was not worthy of vying for the Saintess, such a high - level prize. However, there are no absolutes. The Qian family was a staunch supporter of the Church, and Qian Mingxuan had achieved great success at a young age, becoming the head of the Church's Knight Order. Therefore, he could indeed be considered a strong contender for the Saintess.

Of course, as soon as he made this statement, it immediately sparked public outrage. Especially Yuan Shijie, the young master of the Yuan family, jumped out at once.

"Qian, is there no water in your house? If not, you can just pee and take a look at yourself. How dare you claim the Saintess as yours? Are you worthy?"

"If I remember correctly, the Pope's original words were to let you get in touch with the Saintess, not making any promise. How did it change in your mouth?"

"As for your threat of 'never letting us off'... I'm standing right here. I'd like to see how you're going to make good on it!" Yuan Shijie's tone was extremely arrogant. But none of the other suitors found it inappropriate. After all, the Yuan family was an immortal power. Although Yuan Shijie was only a young master of a collateral branch, an immortal power was an immortal power, and they had the capital to be arrogant. If you don't submit, they'll fight you.

But this time, his bravado didn't work. Because...

"Well said. This fellow dressed in white, looking as if he's going to a funeral, truly doesn't deserve the Saintess. But you, you don't seem to be qualified either."

"Who is it?" Yuan Shijie roared with anger. Immediately, being used to being haughty since childhood, he turned around. He was eager to see who had the audacity to undermine his dignity. But when he saw who it was, his anger dissipated by more than half. The two leaders among the newcomers truly had the ability to disregard him.

"Cao Wenbin, are you also here to compete for the Saintess? Don't forget, you're already engaged."

"Aren't you afraid your fiancée will be furious?"

Cao Wenbin nonchalantly waved his hand. "Sowing discord won't work on me. Zhiyan doesn't care about this at all. She once said that I can have as many as I like. As long as I bring them home, she'll treat them like sisters."

Hearing this, everyone present, without exception, was filled with envy. Even Lin Dong was no exception. At the same time, the image of Zhang Zhiyan's stunning beauty involuntarily emerged in Lin Dong's mind.

"Damn it. Why can't I meet such a perfect woman?"

"If only..."

"Pah, pah, pah. Lin Dong, you're really despicable. She's your sister - in - law. How could you have such thoughts?" But little did he know that having such thoughts was normal. Because Zhang Zhiyan was originally meant for him. Unfortunately, she was snatched away.

While Lin Dong was lost in his thoughts, Yuan Shijie, who had been choked, spoke again.

"Young Master Cao, I must admit, you're really a credit to men. However, you still have no chance with the Saintess."

"I think you may have forgotten. The Church has a rule that the Saintess can only be a wife. Not even a concubine is allowed, let alone a mistress."

Cao Wenbin remained nonchalant. "Where there's a will, there's a way. I believe the Church will give me face. If not, well, I can just have the Saintess's first time. After all, as the saying goes, 'better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all'."

In an instant, the faces of the others turned dark. What do you mean, kid? Do you expect us to marry the leftovers? Spend a fortune to be a cuckold?