[{"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-268":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},596978,846,"Chapter 268: Under the Matrimony Tree","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-268",268,"\u003Cp>The Hanging Temple, though grand and ancient in aura, appeared rather modest from the outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each group of demonic tribes followed their respective guiding monks into this millennia-old monastery. The moment they stepped inside, the chanting of sutras enveloped them. Despite the temple's vastness, there were no worshippers to be seen, amplifying its serene atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the Hanging Temple remained secluded year-round, its gates perpetually shut except once every sixty years when the Celestial Jade descended from the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water tribe's guiding monk, clad in patchwork robes and appearing rather young, led the way in silence, never uttering a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With so many different tribes gathered here, won't conflicts arise?\" Li Mo couldn't help but ask curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I suppose... they probably will?\" Murong Xiao replied, glancing ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"See for yourself, Brother Li.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Murong Xiao's finger, Li Mo spotted a confrontation unfolding before the main hall—a group of avian tribesmen and water tribesmen stood in tense opposition, both sides bristling with hostility and numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Crude and ignorant! Since when have avian tribes relied on brute strength? Our goddess moves like a fleeting shadow—your so-called 'Heavenly Flood Dragon' wouldn't even graze a single feather of hers! Oh wait, do you even have feathers?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Personal attacks? You're resorting to personal attacks now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go ahead, hit me! I'll just lie down if you do!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ptooey!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The argument raged fiercely, with the avian tribe's main instigator—a parrot tribesman—spitting out eight insults per second, his verbal barrage relentless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even worse, he taunted while simultaneously preparing to feign injury, making him an unbeatable opponent in a war of words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water tribe, unable to endure, hastily replaced their debater with a spitting toad tribesman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene quickly devolved into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo, the young Heavenly Flood Dragon, covered his face in embarrassment and hurriedly tugged Murong Xiao along, eager to avoid drawing attention from either faction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering a side hall, they were met with an entirely different world—a misty lakeside nestled against mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, it was impossible to tell whether they were still within the Hanging Temple or if the side hall's doorway had transported them to another realm entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Li Mo, who had seen much in the Cloud-Spanning Sword City, was awed by such mystical prowess—a testament to the Hanging Temple's profound heritage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder the Southern Border's demons dared not cause trouble within these walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching the lakeside quarters, they found Murong Feng, his wife Wu Qing, and a familiar elderly monk waiting inside. The guiding monk stepped forward to pay respects as a disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Son, you're here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come greet Master Hengyuan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Xiao froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo glanced at him and spoke first, \"Master Hengyuan, it's been a while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Amitabha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kindly old monk, Hengyuan, smiled in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging greetings, Li Mo fell silent. Through his Heavenly Fate Divine Eye, he had glimpsed Hengyuan's recent endeavors:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[After much deliberation, he seeks to overcome all obstacles and take Murong Xiao as his disciple.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, Wu Qing voiced her wish for her son to remain at the Hanging Temple temporarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I'm already a disciple of the Qingyuan Sect,\" Murong Xiao protested, scratching his bald head and looking at Li Mo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as your sect permits it, joining another school is acceptable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Xiao wrestled with indecision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo considered the matter and said, \"The Hanging Temple is in the Southern Border—you'd be closer to your parents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The temple was a prestigious institution, renowned throughout the land as a bastion of Zen Buddhism. Moreover, temperament-wise, Murong Xiao was better suited to Buddhist martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, his half-demon constitution could benefit from the harmonizing influence of Buddhist teachings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Li Mo would lose a potential investment, he genuinely wished his friend a brighter future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After much internal struggle—having never envisioned joining the Buddhist order—Murong Xiao finally relented upon learning the temple permitted disciples to return to secular life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Qing seemed to exhale in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple, along with Murong Xiao, followed Hengyuan toward the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo, seizing the opportunity, planned to use his Heavenly Fate Divine Eye to gather information before competing for the Celestial Jade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the group departed the water tribe's lakeside sanctuary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, monks bowed to Hengyuan, while demons regarded him with reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo pulled out a notebook and jotted down observations:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Name: Biao Lie]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Age: 47]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Root Bone: A trace of Qiongqi bloodline.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Cultivation: Late-stage Seventh Rank (Observation Spirit Realm).]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Fate: Blue]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Evaluation: Qiongqi tribe, bloodline still dilute.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Recent Events: Failed to endure ancestral spirit trials in the Hanging Temple's Demon Pagoda.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Name: Yu Miao]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Name: Qiu Yu]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Numerous demons crossed their path, some boasting formidable innate bloodlines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked, Li Mo noted those worth future investments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With only one mastered transformation out of seventy-two, acquiring a drop of blood essence from these tribes could grant me countless new forms.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he could assume the guise of a Qingluan, he could infiltrate the avian tribe's domain right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regrettably, transformations were always in short supply when needed most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a tantalizing prospect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Wu Qing paused mid-step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Husband, we're back here again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Decades have passed in the blink of an eye.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The couple gazed wistfully ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo followed their line of sight to an ancient verdant tree, its lush canopy resembling an ornate parasol. Countless embroidered pouches dangled from its branches, fluttering in the breeze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons of all kinds attempted to hang their own pouches upon it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Marriage Tree hasn't changed a bit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Qing had made a wish before this very tree years ago—shortly thereafter, she met Murong Feng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Li Mo, why not try? It's remarkably effective.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Feng turned back, offering a pouch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When we came to fulfill our vow, the pouch my wife hung years ago fell right into my hands. Here, take it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accepting the pouch, Li Mo shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not one for superstitions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grounds lay deserted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shadowy figure slipped out from the water tribe's quarters under cover of darkness, arriving at the Marriage Tree. Finding the area devoid of its daytime bustle, he sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a light leap, he landed on a branch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the many pouches, a new one now hung—unremarkable yet present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pleased with his handiwork, the young Heavenly Flood Dragon dusted his hands and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The freshly hung pouch lay on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Did I not tie it properly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Muttering, Li Mo climbed back up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some time later...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring as the pouch fell for the third time, the baffled young man scratched his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a double knot failed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This defied all logic!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he unworthy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or was the tree malfunctioning?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By all accounts, pouches only fell when vows were fulfilled!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One last try...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Refusing to concede, Li Mo resolved to climb the tree properly this time—using hands and feet, as per local custom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midway up...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar, melodious voice drifted from behind:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What are you doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1174,"2026-05-30T17:19:00.270Z","2026-06-01T04:31:46.889Z",1,"novelbin.me","a42e2eeb175b50a9c409e7de156249b74b9f9cce331d073beeb8cb71a840520f","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-269","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-267",737,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Finvesting-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-cover.jpg"]