Take the opportunity to blackmail!
"No! I absolutely cannot allow the High Inquisitor to barge in! Otherwise, everything is truly over!"
In a swift motion, Lin Wanchen rose to her feet, determination flashing in her eyes. But just as she prepared to take her first step, she was halted by the sudden, piercing question from Cao Wenbin, who had appeared entirely absorbed in the dance just moments ago.
"And where do you think you're going?"
Her mind raced. Almost instinctively, she considered saying she needed to use the restroom. But in a flash of intuition, she realized that if she mentioned such a secluded place, this insufferable man might insist on accompanying her. With an exasperated sigh, she replied instead:
"I'm going to change into something more suitable. This dress… it doesn't quite fit the mood, wouldn't you agree? Don't worry, Young Master Cao, I assure you that you'll not be disappointed."
With that, she exchanged a subtle glance with her two companions, signaling them to cover for her. Yet before they could react, Cao Wenbin reached out, firmly grasping her arm.
"You're not going anywhere."
The words were few, but his tone was laced with undeniable authority. In that instant, all three women understood — he had seen through their act from the very beginning. What a terrifying man, they thought, wondering how he had deciphered their meticulously planned scheme.
Unperturbed, Bai Rushuang finally stepped forward, ready to break free and call for backup if needed. But it was too late.
A thunderous crash sounded, and an entire troupe burst into the room. Leading them was Zhang Zongze, who shouted, "You, Cao Wenbin, have gone too far! How dare you conduct… an unholy revelry… within the sacred halls of our Saintess Temple?"
But as he took in the scene, his words trailed off, bewilderment washing over him. Instead of finding Cao Wenbin in a compromising position, he saw him seated with a sly smile, observing him with amused eyes.
"Impossible!" Zhang Zongze's mind raced, his plan clearly foiled. The intended incriminating evidence was nowhere to be found, yet his followers remained oblivious, pushing him further toward Cao Wenbin.
"Master Cao…" Zhang Zongze stammered, barely containing his panic. "I… I've brought everyone here to… to celebrate with you! You believe me, don't you?"
Yet Cao Wenbin's face twisted in a dark scowl, his voice rising in anger.
"Do you take me for a fool? 'Celebrate'? You call this ambush 'celebrating'? Go, call your Pope. I won't speak to anyone of lesser rank!"
With an air of disdain, Cao Wenbin drew a jade pendant given to him by Zhao Yu'er, its aura unmistakably powerful, filling the room.
"Wait… please…" Zhang Zongze's face went ashen as he realized his blunder. Seeing the jade, he knew that resisting would only lead to further disgrace, as everyone present recognized the authority of the renowned Zhao Yu'er.
Gritting his teeth, Zhang Zongze turned and signaled for the Pope's arrival. Only moments later, the Pope materialized, his aged face calm yet unreadable.
"Young Master Cao, I have heard the situation in full. It seems that the fault lies with us," the Pope declared, his voice steady. "Speak your terms, and we shall accept them."
Cao Wenbin's expression remained as cool as ice. "You used your saintesses to lure me, so as compensation, I demand them in return. Not one, not two — I want every single one of them from your temple."
"Out of the question!" Zhang Zongze's voice cracked with indignation, his face red with fury. Yet, before he could continue, the Pope's icy gaze silenced him, sending him retreating like a scolded child.
The Pope spoke once more, his voice even. "Master Cao, while I understand your grievances, I cannot grant your request in its entirety. The Saintess Temple is integral to our faith. However, there may be a… compromise."
Intrigued, Cao Wenbin gestured for him to continue. The Pope smiled faintly, revealing a recording crystal in his hand. With a soft incantation, he activated it, casting an ethereal figure into the air.
The image revealed a woman draped in a flowing white gown, her aura radiating purity. Behind her, two white wings unfurled, their brilliance illuminating the room. Cao Wenbin's eyes widened as he recognized her instantly — an angel, the church's most venerated symbol.
In that moment, his interest piqued, and his heart quickened with a mixture of awe and avarice.