The night was restless for Luo Fanchun; sleep remained elusive. Each time he shut his eyes, images of the items in the cloth pouch appeared vividly in his mind. At dawn's first light, he sprinted towards Fang Zhihua's residence, his resolve hardened. From now on, he would stay close to his aunt, ensuring no miscreant could exploit an opportunity.
Yet, dreams are often generous, while reality, by contrast, reveals its uncompromising form. As he approached the Palace of the Holy Maiden, he found his path abruptly blocked by an old woman, her face creased with wrinkles. He hadn't even set foot within the courtyard.
"Stop!" she barked. "Ahead lies the Palace of the Holy Maiden, where no male creature is permitted to set foot. Of course," she sneered, "if you're willing to rid yourself of certain parts, I might make an exception."
Whether from sheer boredom or her knowledge of Luo Fanchun's harmlessness, the old woman seemed to delight in taunting him. But Luo Fanchun was in no mood for games.
"Please, elder, allow me to pass. After all, Fang Zhihua is my aunt," he implored. "Given our relationship, there's no cause for concern."
Confident his appeal would sway her, he was caught off-guard by her response.
"Daydream all you want!" she scoffed. "I'm old, but hardly a fool. Men like you only have one rule when it comes to pretty women: 'If I didn't give her life, then she's fair game.' Besides, your aunt isn't the sole inhabitant here. Every living Holy Maiden, past and present, resides within these walls."
His face darkened, tinged with the frustration of a child caught red-handed. Yet, just as he prepared to retort, a hearty laugh echoed from behind.
"Madam Sun, up so early?" a voice called. "Here, I brought a gift for you! See if it pleases you."
In an instant, the old woman's stern expression melted into a beaming smile. "Young Master Cao, you're too kind! Please, come in!" she urged warmly, ushering him through the palace gates with cheerful gusto. "I imagine Zhihua must be up by now, but be cautious. Word of your escorting her home last night has spread among the maidens. I wouldn't be surprised if you face some...challenges before reaching her quarters."
As for Luo Fanchun, he had long since turned his back, striving to minimize his presence. In that moment, he became acutely aware of Cao Wenbin's influence. Thanks to his aunt's insights, he had come to understand the terrifying power of the Cao family. He knew that if Cao Wenbin recognized him, things could swiftly turn perilous—even if his aunt was a Holy Maiden.
"Don't see me… Don't see me…" he murmured, as though the words might grant him invisibility. Whether by luck or Cao Wenbin's preoccupation with Fang Zhihua, the danger passed, and he escaped unscathed.
"My luck truly is second to none!" he muttered with exhilaration, though his elation was short-lived. Madam Sun's words lingered in his mind.
"So Aunt was with Cao Wenbin all night? Could that stocking… Did he send it to me?"
"No, that can't be right," he mused. "Given our feud, if Cao knew my identity and found me, he wouldn't waste time with petty gestures—he'd have sent men to take me down by now."
As this realization settled, he breathed a sigh of relief, though his frown deepened. "That Cao Wenbin… useless as he is, can't even keep an eye on his own woman! And Aunt—two-timing?"
Yet, as he pondered the possibilities, a wry smile crept onto his face. "If she doesn't mind another, she might not mind me either. A little persistence, and maybe…"
Decision made, Luo Fanchun turned and strode away without a moment's hesitation. Even if Madam Sun allowed him entry now, he wouldn't go. The idea of lingering as an idle eavesdropper had no appeal; he had no wish to endure that sort of torture.
Yet he had scarcely taken a few steps before Madam Sun's voice called out behind him. "Boy, don't forget to prepare something festive to wear!"
His brow furrowed. "Why would I need that?"
"Oh? You haven't heard?" she replied with a hint of amusement. "The Church has decreed a public tournament in three days, with the prize being your aunt's hand in marriage. The victor will become your uncle."
For a moment, he stood dumbstruck before fury surged through him. "A tournament? My uncle? How dare they?" he fumed. "By their own doctrine, isn't the Holy Maiden supposed to be pure, untouched, waiting for divine call?"
Madam Sun sneered, eyeing him with a patronizing gaze, as if pitying his naïveté. "Oh, you still believe that nonsense?" she cackled. "That's for the masses. The truth is, no Holy Maiden has ever remained untouched. And those rumored to have 'passed on' have simply been claimed by powerful suitors."
Luo Fanchun quickly grasped the hidden motives. "I understand. The 'Holy Maiden' title is little more than a guise, a veil of purity for display. When profitable, she's auctioned off—even to an old, decrepit bidder if need be."
Though he saw the truth, anger still burned within him. He glared at Madam Sun with unspoken defiance. "If the Church intends to hold such a tournament, why let that man enter? Isn't it unfair to other participants?"
His question was not without reason, for he had already decided to participate. As for concealing his identity, that was easily arranged; he could purchase a disguise through his system.
Madam Sun's response, however, nearly sent him reeling. "Young Master Cao is the favored candidate! Why shouldn't they give him a head start? Besides, even if he somehow loses, it won't matter. Taking his place would be a privilege, an honor to one's family."
"You…" His gaze burned with resentment as he glared at her before storming off. He could see clearly now—she had been bought by Cao Wenbin. Staying any longer would be futile.
As for his choice of carriage… secondhand it might be, but it would suffice. In any case, his future did not permit a long-term commitment. "To hell with it. Once I have her, I'll drive her till she's mine."
It's remarkable how adaptable people are; only moments ago, he had balked at the thought. Now, with a change in perspective, his spirits lifted.
Meanwhile, as he disappeared into the distance, an unexpected figure materialized at the palace gates, watching his retreat.
"Excellent. His fortune is finally waning. Still, we need something bigger to break him down."