"If I'm not mistaken, this must be the First Saintess of the Church," Cao Wenbin mused with a slight smile. "Is the Pope offering her as my recompense? If that's the case, I have no objections whatsoever."
His words caused the church members present to exchange disdainful glances. *Did he think someone like him could actually win Dame Dakis's favor? Only an ancestor of the Supreme Realm would be remotely worthy.*
But to everyone's shock, the Pope himself nodded calmly. "You're absolutely right, Young Master Cao. I indeed intend to offer Dakis to you, but there is one condition. Two days from now, we will hold a matchmaking competition. If you emerge victorious, then Dakis shall be yours. Moreover, you may take Lady Zhi Hua and the other two maidens as well. But if you should lose—even by a margin, if you only secure second place—then…"
The Pope's intent was clear, and a collective gasp filled the hall. Even Zhang Zhongze instinctively began to protest, only to silence himself when he caught the Pope's cold, calculating gaze.
As for Cao Wenbin, he leaped to his feet, eyes flashing with excitement. "It's a deal! You can't go back on your word."
The Pope smiled faintly. "Worry not. My word is my bond." With a final nod, he turned to depart, adding, "However, I would advise you, Young Master Cao, to waste no time in preparation. Remember, small losses can lead to greater downfalls." And with that, he strode out of the palace, his steps steady yet swift.
The silence barely settled before Zhang Zhongze could no longer hold his tongue. "Your Eminence—"
A raised hand silenced him. The Pope interrupted, "I know what you wish to ask, but sometimes it's better to remain deliberately ignorant. Suffice it to say, this decision came directly from the Supreme." Moments later, a secret message echoed in Zhang Zhongze's mind, *The matter of Dakis was something the Supreme and I devised together. Do not forget—this angel is a master of captivating the soul. Cao Wenbin desires the Saintess's Palace, so let us take advantage of his ambition to manipulate his entire family.*
Stunned, Zhang Zhongze nodded, though not without a trace of reluctance. "Still, could not an ordinary saintess accomplish the same goal? Assigning an angel seems an extravagant gesture. After all, we have only three angels, and they are essential to gathering followers."
The Pope shot him an exasperated look. "You don't understand the cost of ensnaring a wolf," he replied. "Given Cao Wenbin's stature, do you believe an ordinary saintess would garner his devotion? He might scarcely notice her all year! But Dakis? Her allure alone could hold him captive for a long time."
With a curt nod, the Pope dismissed him. "Now go make the necessary arrangements for the matchmaking competition. Ensure he wins—though it must not appear too obvious. Remember, if you succeed, your position shall advance."
Overwhelmed by this promise, Zhang Zhongze departed with a glimmer of zeal. *What's a mere woman compared to one's career?* he thought with resolve. *Besides, it's not as if she's mine to worry over.*
Time passed swiftly, and the much-anticipated day of the competition arrived. The influence of the Saintess was unmistakable; by the day prior, the vast city of Radiance was already filled to overflowing. Inns had no vacancy, and even barns were being rented at exorbitant prices.
Originally, the city's governor had planned to control the influx, but he was soon deterred by a chorus of voices from the elite, who insisted, "This, too, is a test. The impoverished do not deserve to seek the Saintess's favor." And so, he held his peace.
At dawn, the streets were already packed. Reaching the central square required no sense of direction; the crowd would carry you along. Any hope of deviating was futile—unless you possessed strength enough to defy the masses.
"Why are there so many people?" grumbled Luo Fancheng, one of the many hopefuls, though he dared not speak the thought aloud for fear of provoking a deluge of disdain from those around him. But his irritation soon gave way to excitement as the crowd surged him nearer to the square, and he caught sight of his aunt, Zhi Hua.
*Stunning!* was the unanimous thought. Though Zhi Hua wore the traditional robes of the Saintess, her elegance outshone all, her beauty more radiant than ever.
"She's mine," Luo Fancheng muttered with fierce conviction. "I'll let no one stand in my way." Fueled by both his own prowess and his system's abilities, he felt unstoppable. *No matter how extraordinary that Cao scion might be, I have the advantage of...*
His musings were cut short as he finally reached the entrance stone and noticed a peculiar detail: "Huh? Why is the number of participants limited to exactly 9,986? Why such a specific count?"
His loud exclamation drew chuckles from those around him.
"Brother, have you been living under a rock?" someone jeered. "If you're so poorly connected, you should probably head home. Staying here is just a waste of time!"
"That's right!" another laughed. "Doesn't this fool realize that gatherings like these always have some 'back doors'? Clearly, those missing fourteen slots were gifted as favors to certain families."
"Have you heard of the Cao family's Young Master? Rumor has it he'll only need to join for the last three rounds. Must be nice!"
At these words, Luo Fancheng's face darkened. His resentment wasn't for these random strangers—it was for Cao Wenbin. *Why should that man receive such preferential treatment while I have to fight every inch of the way? This is outrageous!*