break the cauldrons and sink the boats

The next day, in the Hall of the Imperial Secretariat:

"Have you managed to clean up that mess?" The moment Wu Lingtian heard the door open, he set down his book and immediately questioned his son, Wu Chengqian, who stood before him. Clearly, he had already learned of the incident at Buckingham Hall. As the Emperor of Tianwu, there was little within the city that escaped his scrutiny.

Wu Chengqian forced a painful smile. "I've taken care of it, but the laboratory… it's been completely destroyed."

Wu Lingtian's brows knit together, and a flash of anger briefly lit his gaze. The importance of that laboratory was unparalleled. It was no exaggeration to say that he wouldn't trade it even for a Saint. And yet, such a crucial place had been destroyed—and the culprit still roamed free.

"If we mobilize the entire nation's resources, how long do you estimate it would take to rebuild?"

"About a month."

Wu Lingtian sighed deeply. A month. It was long, but it could have been worse. "By the way, Chengqian, do you have any guesses as to who might be responsible?"

Wu Chengqian fell silent. He had been pondering this question since yesterday, yet the answer eluded him.

Wu Lingtian heaved a sigh of disappointment. "It's rather baffling that you haven't considered the convenient timing of Cao Wenbin's appearance."

Wu Chengqian's eyes widened, his body beginning to tremble with rage as he understood his father's implication.

"Father, do you mean to say that Cao Wenbin didn't come to Buckingham Hall merely to enjoy himself, but rather to divert my attention?"

Wu Lingtian's approving smile softened his expression. His most favored son was, indeed, insightful.

"Isn't it obvious? Remember, your laboratory was guarded by a Quasi-Saint. In Tianwu City, only Cao Wenbin possesses the power to eliminate a Quasi-Saint without a sound."

Wu Lingtian paused before continuing his advice, "Some things are best laid aside, Chengqian. If it's too hard to let go, then bury it for now. When you are strong enough, there will be time to unearth it."

Wu Chengqian understood, but rather than continue this line of conversation, he changed the topic. "What, then, do you suggest we do next?"

It was Wu Lingtian's turn to fall silent. Cao Wenbin's strategy was as transparent as it was maddening—slowly cutting away at them with a drawn-out attrition. With the power of the Cao family behind him, he was nearly untouchable, a formidable opponent they couldn't challenge openly.

But as Emperor, Wu Lingtian would not concede so easily. If there was no path ahead, he would forge one.

"There's only one solution left: cut the knot quickly." He spoke with steely determination, a kingly authority radiating from his stance.

Wu Chengqian's entire frame tensed. "Father, are you suggesting…"

Before he could finish, Wu Lingtian cut him off. "Yes. We're going to take out this so-called 'Young Master' once and for all. But it must be done carefully. Our best option is to lure him into a mystic realm where his power is restricted. Once he's in, he'll be left stranded with no way to call for help."

Wu Chengqian didn't question his father's plan. Instead, he raised his thumb in admiration. It was flawless, simultaneously eliminating the threat without drawing fire upon themselves. After all, in the deadly recesses of a mystic realm, one's demise was hardly unexpected.

"We'll proceed with Father's plan. As it happens, I have just the right mystic realm with restrictions on power at my disposal."

The more they discussed the plan, the more energized the father and son became, as if Cao Wenbin were already meat upon their chopping block.

…

At the same time, in the Empress's palace:

"Mother, with the situation as urgent as it is, how can you still be reading?" Wu Chengfeng paced anxiously. "Don't you realize that in a bid to please the Young Master, Wu Chengqian has already sent him two beauties this week—one of whom is his own mother? If we don't act now, our supposed ally will soon turn into our enemy!"

Pei Luoxue cast a glance at her son, who was pacing in frustration, and shook her head. How had such a scheming woman as herself birthed a son so anxious and brash? Was it a case of faulty genes?

"Rest easy, boy," she chided. "Even if Wu Chengqian sends two hundred women, Cao Wenbin will still choose our side."

"Two hundred women or not," she added with a sly smile, "our offer is simply more appealing."

In her own allure, Pei Luoxue held the utmost confidence. She believed there was no woman whose charms could surpass her own.

"More appealing?" Wu Chengfeng's eyes narrowed. "Mother, what exactly did you promise Cao Wenbin?"

"That's not for you to worry about," Pei Luoxue replied coolly. "Just focus on securing your position as Crown Prince."