[{"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-204":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},596327,846,"Chapter 204: It must be me, the day the hidden dragon rises to the list","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-204",204,"\u003Cp>\"To leave such marks on the Sword Scar Stone—how utterly outrageous!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zhaoliu clenched her fists, trembling with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo cleared his throat lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it possible... he didn’t mean to?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Perhaps he simply gained some insight while studying it and inadvertently left his mark.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zhaoliu froze at his words, her lips parting briefly before she pressed them together and lowered her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been studying the mystical stone since childhood, yet couldn’t so much as scratch its surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that person—on his very first attempt—had reshaped the stone to his will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gap between them was nothing short of despair-inducing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sword scar was like the will of heaven itself—how could it yield so easily...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing her teetering on the edge of another breakdown, Li Mo spoke earnestly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Sister Wei, your swordsmanship talent is extraordinary. One day, you’ll comprehend an even greater sword technique. Won’t you be able to restore the stone then?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The combination of his soothing spiritual influence and gentle words worked wonders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right... I just need to work harder...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zhaoliu nodded firmly. \"Thank you for the reminder, Junior Brother! If you ever struggle with sword techniques, feel free to ask me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Helping others is its own reward—no need for thanks.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo blinked calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zhaoliu sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That guy’s practically a monster.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In what way?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every way imaginable. Forget his talent—who in their right mind practices with hammers?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She grumbled indignantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo fell silent for a few seconds before responding with shared sympathy:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If given the choice, who’d willingly... Though hammer users aren’t necessarily bad people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Zhaoliu frowned. \"Junior Brother, why are you empathizing with him? Are you two acquainted?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be blunt, he and I are sworn enemies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fair. You definitely don’t have that... aura about you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mention of hammers conjured an image of a hulking, ferocious brute who could devour three children in one sitting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This junior brother, with his refined and gentle demeanor, clearly wouldn’t associate with such a person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he’d just helped her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed like a decent fellow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Descending from the Sword Tower, he didn’t return to Yunzhou City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, the \"Ice Block\" was lecturing at the Sword Pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sword Pool—where the Hengyun Sword City stored its blades—was akin to the Divine Edge Cave: a vast open plaza.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At its center lay a crystal-clear pond, its waters cradling countless swords of every description.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The area was now packed shoulder-to-shoulder, crowds layered three deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No wonder Ying Bing was chosen as this generation’s Sword Prodigy. Her insights surpass even my Outer Realm master’s teachings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If only she were a disciple of our Sword City.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Were that the case, our Eldest Senior Sister might soon be dethroned.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pity we missed Young Hero Li’s lecture. With his Sword Immortal potential, his perspective must be extraordinary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the attentive silence, hushed discussions occasionally surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the crowd and realizing the lecture was nearly over, Li Mo decided against squeezing in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After lingering briefly, his gaze drifted—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, not far away, a small figure with a bamboo basket on her back was poking at the ground with a peach branch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a deft flick, a broken sword fragment arced into her basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The humid air clung to her neck, strands of hair sticking to her skin, yet she worked with undimmed enthusiasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chu Long, why aren’t you at the Sword Pool?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing the faint dimples that appeared as she smiled, Li Mo approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I already... already listened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Bing’s lecture... sounded a lot like Teacher’s...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could it be... Sister Bing also... received Teacher’s guidance?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Chulong tilted her head, perplexed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not necessarily. Swordsmanship principles often converge—their similarities might just stem from shared understanding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mhm... that makes sense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little princess found Li Mo’s logic impeccable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her unearth yet another broken sword with uncanny precision, Li Mo asked curiously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chu Long, how do you know where these are buried?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because... I can hear them... and there’s... so many more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With time to spare, Li Mo happily joined her in gathering \"treasures.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the fact they were collecting shattered blades, the scene might’ve resembled a spring outing—foraging for wild greens or mushrooms...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, her basket was nearly full.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why is it all swords...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Odd.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo realized the soil here was systematically packed with nothing but broken weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course it’s odd.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice cut in, its tone straining to suppress irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking up, Li Mo saw Elder Zeng glowering at them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those swords have been buried around the Sword Pool for years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never thought you’d dig them all up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Years?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo’s interest piqued. If they’d remained hidden this long, these blades must be remarkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without Jiang Chulong’s innate Sword Embryo physique, they’d likely have stayed undiscovered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were they placed as a test for gifted disciples?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elder Zeng’s expression darkened further:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed. I arranged them in an esoteric formation to nurture their spirit. Now you’ve uprooted everything!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo: \"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to explain to Jiang Chulong that these weren’t abandoned trash and needed reburying—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the girl hung her head, her slight frame dwarfed by the overloaded basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a tiny voice, she murmured, \"But... these swords... they’re crying...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cough. \"Elder Zeng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could your sect... adopt an alternative method for sword nurturing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Using damaged blades is cost-effective! Who’ll cover the expenses? You?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Naturally, I will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Congratulations, Host. You’ve successfully invested in a Gold-Stone Sword Nurturing Array.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Investment return: 100 years of martial insights.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trading wealth for enlightenment was an absolute bargain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Li happened to need vast amounts of martial wisdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had four more Profound Pills to condense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, he needed to master four additional cultivation techniques, advance them to the Profound Pill realm, and integrate them as stars within his Zhou Heavenly Star Pill Scripture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this stage, no amount of insight was excessive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Elder Zeng enhanced the Sword Pool’s spiritual energy, Jiang Chulong secured her hard-won \"junk,\" and Li Mo gained invaluable comprehension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A triple victory!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders en route had yet to arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the latest Hidden Dragon Ranking was due for release.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Li had forgone sleep the previous night, devoting himself to deciphering the Eight Treasures Metal Devouring Art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With rare materials and his prior experience in the Profound Pill realm, progress was smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, condensing another pill remained just out of reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At this rate, it'll probably take two months to gather all seven stars...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, the members of the Qingyuan Sect had all assembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The elders should arrive soon. I wonder if they’ll make it in time to see the rankings right away.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yunfei smiled. \"Let’s head out as well!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was rare for disciples of the Qingyuan Sect to make the list.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, two were practically guaranteed a spot—only their exact rankings remained uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, his gaze drifted to a nearby figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, a young man and a young woman had just stepped out of the courtyard together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them trailed the little girl with cloth wrapped around her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Shen Yunfei felt an odd sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just a few days, their auras... had grown stronger?\u003C\u002Fp>",1215,"2026-05-30T17:19:00.270Z","2026-06-01T04:31:46.286Z",1,"novelbin.me","bb727f48709a43d86186cbae4ae4830c69204ddcd760d4872091e01417e89bcd","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-205","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-203",737,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Finvesting-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-cover.jpg"]