[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal":3,"chapter-investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-18":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},596541,846,"Chapter 18: Divine Edge Cave: Murong Xiao Possessed by Killing Intent","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-18",18,"\u003Cp>Before the Divine Edge Cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peering into the cave entrance, one could see various weapons displayed within—some gleaming coldly, others rusted and worn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A palpable sense of blades pressing against the skin washed over visitors, making their bodies tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Numerous martial artists came and went, all exuding formidable auras.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were blacksmiths, while others were inner disciples from other peaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is your purpose for entering the Divine Edge Cave, and how long do you intend to stay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An inner sect steward sat at the entrance, recording the comings and goings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when he looked up, he froze slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youth before him was far too young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward blinked, then waved impatiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve just entered the Qi-Blood Realm—what business do you have here? Scram!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his Observation Divine Realm insight, he could tell Li Mo had only recently broken through to the Qi-Blood Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Hanhe has already granted permission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo paid no mind to the man’s attitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward’s gruffness wasn’t malicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Hanhe...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward’s expression shifted to suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which peak do you belong to?\" he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo answered, \"Jade Cluster Peak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jade Cluster Peak doesn’t have any disciples—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway through his sentence, the steward suddenly remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This year, Elder Shangwu had indeed taken in a true disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just any disciple—one with exceptional talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he recalled correctly, this disciple had ascended the Heavenly Steps alongside Ying Bing, the sect leader’s true heir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was his name again...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the life of him, he couldn’t recall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hand over your waist token for registration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo removed his waist token.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After recording the details, the steward nodded, his tone softening as he offered advice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you’re here to train, remember to know your limits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first layer houses sharp weapons—many of which have never tasted blood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the second layer, those are genuine killing tools. Heh, I once slew a notorious bandit, and his blade now rests there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this was a true disciple, perhaps he had some hidden means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, Elder Hanhe’s new true disciple possessed an unimaginably sturdy physique and could already venture into the second layer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t mind explaining a bit more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What about the third layer?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young man, don’t aim too high. The third layer stores named weapons—each with a spirit of its own. Unless you’ve reached the Observation Divine Realm, you’d best stay away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward shook his head, emphasizing the warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo retrieved his waist token, clasped his hands in salute, and stepped into the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the sensation of blades prickling his back intensified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first layer was crowded, and some recognized him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Li Mo?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah, it really is that True Disciple Li!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s he doing here? Training?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk... With skin that delicate, he doesn’t seem like a body tempering expert. And since he hasn’t reached the Inner Breath Realm, why would he need to refine his energy with metallic qi?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd buzzed with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Mo ignored them, walking forward fifty paces without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whew... Can’t go any further.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo exhaled deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, his skin was already stinging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his own, fifty paces into the first layer was his limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pushing further would cause irreversible damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ten years of martial insights remain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s start by mastering the Extreme Arms Tempering Body.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo steeled himself and focused inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ten years of martial insights successfully infused.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Year One: You studied the Extreme Arms Tempering Body, learning to harness the killing edge of weapons to refine your body.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Year Three: Through deeper practice, you discovered that with precise control, you could temper your internal organs as well.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Year Five: Your Extreme Arms Tempering Body reached initial proficiency.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Year Ten: Your control became meticulous, allowing you to resonate with weapons on a profound level, even tempering your meridians.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Insights complete.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have mastered the Extreme Arms Tempering Body to the Great Achievement stage!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, enlightenment struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo felt as if he’d stepped into a new world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the pervasive killing edge was like water, then before, he’d been a drowning man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with the Extreme Arms Tempering Body at Great Achievement, he was a skilled swimmer—unshaken unless by raging storms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Temper!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo sat cross-legged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding killing edge was drawn into his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though dangerous, under his precise guidance, the sharp qi didn’t harm him. Instead, it sculpted and refined his physique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jade must be carved to become a treasure!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s actually cultivating?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How long do you think he’ll last?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I bet he won’t make it past an incense stick’s time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An incense stick? He’ll be lucky to last a hundred breaths.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t you all have your own training to do? Why fuss over others?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m a blacksmith, thank you very much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Li Mo sat motionless like a meditating monk, some couldn’t resist gossiping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few even started betting on how long the True Disciple Li could endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before the wagers could be settled—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo suddenly stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn, that wasn’t even thirty breaths! He’s really weak!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bets are final! Haha, thanks, True Disciple Li, for the free silver!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait a minute, he's not turning back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shout snapped everyone out of their daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, this Li Mo, the true disciple, showed no intention of retreating. Instead, he continued deeper into the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, he was about to descend to the second level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he out of his mind?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hold on... he seems completely fine?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hiss... this is unnatural.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn, he actually went down to the second level!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd was utterly baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man moved with light steps, passing through the portal at the end of the first level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His figure soon vanished into the depths of the stairway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they placed their bets, no one had anticipated something like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How were they supposed to settle this now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, even many at the Qi-Blood Realm could only endure staying on the first level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet here was Li Mo, strolling around as if it were his own backyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This murderous, razor-sharp intent... it doesn’t seem to come solely from the weapons stored in the Divine Edge Cave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could there be something deeper in the lowest level of the Divine Edge Cave?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo had picked up on something unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others might not have noticed, but perhaps due to his Profound Womb Immortal Physique, he was exceptionally sensitive to such energies. If he ever took up blacksmithing, he’d undoubtedly excel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought only fueled his desire to venture further down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he stepped onto the second level, $2he number of weapons in sight dwindled, though the variety remained—eighteen types, each accounted for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many bore chips and cracks, clear signs of past battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden heaviness pressed against his mind, his thoughts growing muddled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if a cold, invasive force had seeped into his core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Killing intent...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo retrieved a Clear Heart Pill, placing one beneath his tongue. Only then did the unsettling sensation fade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause to steady himself,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can still go further.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo pressed on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another hundred steps forward, $2nd abruptly, he spotted a figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another young man, clad in the white cloud-patterned robes of a true disciple, adorned with a violet-gold crown. The skin around his neck bore faint, scale-like markings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His delicate features were twisted in struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Xiao?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name surfaced in Li Mo’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He activated his Heavenly Destiny Eye to observe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Name: Murong Xiao.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Age: 16.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Root Bone: Roaring Flood Dragon Physique.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Realm: Qi-Blood Realm, Five Meridians.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Destiny: Blue tinged with Black.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Evaluation: Born of a human father and a shape-shifting flood dragon mother. Though inherently kind-hearted, he is tormented by his bloodline. If he harmonizes the strengths of both lineages, his future is boundless; if he succumbs to their flaws, he will bring calamity.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Recent Circumstance: Afflicted by the weapon’s killing intent, his draconic nature is awakening. If not withdrawn soon, his temperament may darken irreversibly!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Killing intent possession?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last time Li Mo had observed Murong Xiao’s destiny, it was blue tinged with violet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, it was blue tinged with black!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This half-dragon true disciple was teetering on the edge of life and death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One thought could lead to salvation; another, to damnation.\u003C\u002Fp>",1395,"2026-05-30T17:18:59.992Z","2026-06-01T04:31:46.286Z",1,"novelbin.me","cfc13f5b5f256693cace3793b8a8e6413f73ef9c25d5acd091923157884e4aa6","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-19","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-17",737,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Finvesting-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-cover.jpg"]