"Do you mean to imply that you wish to serve as the bridge between me and Wu Chengqian?"
Cao Wenbin first let out a derisive laugh before responding coolly, "Do you really believe you are worthy?"
"If memory serves me correctly, your illegitimate son has already made several requests to obliterate his origins, has he not?"
"Given his intentions, how could you possibly consider yourself significant?"
Qin Yunmeng fell silent, a wave of fear washing over her!
The man before her seemed to know even the most clandestine matters.
Did this mean that her status as an undercover agent…
Just as her mind spun with confusion, Cao Wenbin delivered another crushing blow.
"Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention!"
"Your illegitimate son, in essence, is no longer your son!"
"Though his body remains unchanged, his soul has been completely replaced!"
"Otherwise, how could he exhibit such drastic changes?"
"That's all I can say!"
"Now, the path you choose is for you to ponder!"
With that, Cao Wenbin strode out, leaving Qin Yunmeng alone, bewildered, kneeling in the vast hall!
Of course, hidden in the shadows, Xue Rou was watching intently!
She had received orders to eliminate Qin Yunmeng without hesitation should she dare to take even a single step outside the palace!
…
"Master, what is your intention…"
With a wave of his hand, Cao Wenbin cut off Wu Lingtian mid-sentence.
"Take me to the library; I wish to have a look!"
Initially, Wu Lingtian wore an obsequious expression, but upon hearing this request, a flash of anger flickered in his eyes!
The library?
That place was of paramount importance to any faction!
Even as the young master, such an excessive demand was unacceptable!
Yet, Wu Lingtian dared not refuse!
His eyes darted as he sought a way out of this predicament.
"Master, you know the significance of the library; it is managed by my family's ancestor!"
"Perhaps you could consider…"
Casting a knowing glance at Wu Lingtian, Cao Wenbin replied nonchalantly, "Just lead me there; the rest I will handle myself!"
Thinking to use the ancestor as leverage? What a far-fetched dream!
Even if the Wu family's ancestor was formidable, could he rival the six grandmasters?
"Very well, this way, Master!"
Thus, the two of them proceeded deeper into the royal palace, one leading and the other following.
Cao Wenbin initially believed they would arrive shortly, but to his surprise, they wandered for over ten minutes!
"Is Wu Lingtian trying to lead me in circles?"
Considering this possibility, Cao Wenbin's expression darkened!
However, before he could unleash his fury, a tower-like structure came into view!
Moments later, an old man appeared before them, emaciated and bearing a ghastly visage, yet emanating an aura of dread!
"Master, may I ask what brings you here?"
Ignoring Wu Lingtian entirely, the elder directed his attention solely at Cao Wenbin.
"I wish to enter and have a look!"
"After all, knowledge from another's experience can be invaluable!"
"Feel free, Master; the books within are yours to peruse!"
Contrary to his expectations, the anticipated confrontation did not arise!
The Wu family's ancestor was surprisingly more accommodating than Wu Lingtian!
"Excellent!"
"If I find anything of value inside, you shall be generously rewarded upon my return!"
Although puzzled by the elder's agreeable demeanor, Cao Wenbin seized the opportunity without further hesitation!
After exchanging a few courteous words, he dashed into the library!
"Ancestor, is this not a bit reckless of you?"
Not only was Cao Wenbin perplexed, but Wu Lingtian was equally baffled!
Once Cao Wenbin's figure had completely vanished, Wu Lingtian voiced his frustrations.
"Alas, we are powerless to stop him!"
"I sensed an aura of imperial might within this young man!"
"My instincts tell me that if we dare impede him, dire consequences will follow!"
"But fret not; he is unlikely to gain anything substantial!"
As he uttered these words, a knowing smile spread across the elder's face.
"Does the ancestor have a backup plan?"
Nodding lightly, the elder replied, "After you sent me a message, I began making arrangements immediately!"
"The important texts within the library have all been relocated!"
"As for the remaining volumes, they are mere trivialities!"
It must be said, experience does yield wisdom!
In this manner, they managed to silence Cao Wenbin while incurring minimal loss!
However, unbeknownst to them, Cao Wenbin's true intent in visiting was not to examine the Cao family texts!
Rather, he aimed to seize Wu Chengqian's opportunity!
According to the records in the "Otherworldly Dragon King," there existed a tattered book atop the library's highest floor, long neglected and used merely as a prop!
For centuries, it had gone unnoticed!
Yet, it was a relic of the Devouring Heaven Emperor!
Within its pages lay the secrets of the Devouring Magic Arts!
A technique designed to enhance one's abilities by consuming others!
While the two from the Wu family reveled in their perceived cleverness, exchanging foolish smiles, Cao Wenbin had already claimed the tome for himself and commenced his cultivation!