Chapter 88 - Collaboration

Silence descended like a heavy curtain. Once Yi Qing'er, who was bound intricately with ropes that seemed to crisscross in a complex web, became aware of Cao Wenbin's intention to turn her into armor, she fell into a profound silence. Clearly, this was her covert way of expressing refusal. However, her stoic demeanor was not to last long. For soon enough, Cao Wenbin's large hand began its menacing approach towards her."What are you doing?" Yi Qing'er's voice was filled with a sense of horrified astonishment. But in response, all that greeted her was a strange, eerie cackle of "Jie Jie Jie," a sound that seemed to echo with an air of malevolence. Only when the large hand had finally reached its intended destination did Cao Wenbin open his mouth and speak. "Excellent. It is precisely as comfortable as I had envisioned.""As a result, I am even more resolute in not letting you go. After all, it would be an arduous task to find a second piece of armor as flawless and perfect as this one." These words had a dual effect on Yi Qing'er. On one hand, they flattered her, yet on the other hand, they filled her with a sense of despair. But being an empress, she was not one to be easily defeated. Swiftly, she formulated a plan to extricate herself from this precarious situation."Friend, you truly display a remarkable lack of knowledge and experience. To be completely honest with you, within our illustrious Qingling Dynasty, there exist numerous armors that are far more comfortable than I. Without even delving into those that are distant and far away, let us take my mother, the empress dowager, as an example. She is infinitely more comfortable than I could ever be. Moreover, she is highly proficient and skilled in the art of transforming into armor, a feat that I, unfortunately, am completely ignorant of. By the way, my mother is an extraordinary beauty. She is known as the most beautiful flower in the entire Qingling Dynasty. In comparison to her, I am but an insignificant and plain ugly duckling, completely unworthy of mention."Cao Wenbin's eyes widened in an instant, as if in shock. They were filled with an expression of utter disbelief. After a long and drawn-out pause, he finally spoke while raising his thumb in admiration. "You are truly remarkable. This ploy of diverting the trouble is truly astonishing and almost earth-shattering.""Nevertheless, I am filled with curiosity. Aren't you afraid that your father will reprimand and chastise you for this act?" Yi Qing'er raised her neck with an air of haughty pride and arrogance. "This is called sacrificing others to save oneself. After all, since my mother can already transform into armor, then for whom she does so hardly matters. As for my father... In our imperial family, men hold no real power or say. As long as my mother gives her consent, he might even be compelled to assist in keeping watch. Moreover, I can clearly perceive that you have grand and lofty aspirations. Thus, my mother is undoubtedly the best choice for you. After all, her authority far surpasses mine."This statement immediately kindled Cao Wenbin's interest. There was no denying it. He was Cao, after all, and the ancestral aspiration could not be forsaken so easily. Yet, while intrigued, his vigilance remained as high as ever. "Your proposal is indeed enticing, but I cannot help but feel a sense of unease. What if you are leading me into a trap? To whom can I turn for justice and redress?" This concern was indeed a valid one.Thus, the two of them immediately engaged in a fierce tug-of-war, a battle of wits and wills. But ultimately, it was Yi Qing'er who emerged defeated. It was not because she lacked eloquence or the ability to persuade. Rather, it was because Cao Wenbin was unprincipled and unscrupulous. At the slightest hint of dissatisfaction, he would immediately disrupt the situation and throw caution to the wind. If you don't agree to my plan, then I'll make do with you instead of seeking your mother.Therefore... "I'll allow you to plant a soul mark. Will that suffice? But let us be clear. At no time in the future may you force me. This holds true unless I surrender of my own volition." Without a moment's hesitation, Cao Wenbin nodded immediately. His speed was astonishingly fast, as if he were afraid that Yi Qing'er would have second thoughts. Well, he was right in his thinking. Once the soul mark was planted, everything would be within his control. As for oaths... What were they? Since he was prepared to defy the heavens and challenge the very order of things, why would he care about a mere oath?"Very well. Let's begin." The process of planting the mark was highly smooth and seamless. In total, it took no more than a minute. After everything was completed, Yi Qing'er immediately hastened towards the empress dowager's bedchamber with the Swallowing Heaven Pagoda.