[{"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-67":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},596440,846,"Chapter 67: Business Dance: \"Hmph, You Rebellious Disciple...\", The Perplexed Xiao Qin","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-67",67,"\u003Cp>\"Master, truth be told, you’re a bit late. I’ve been back for a few days already.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... you ate it?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Wu froze in place, staring at her precious disciple as he nodded with a melancholic expression, then clasped his hands behind his back and sighed softly at the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qiushui Pavilion fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s wind seemed unusually boisterous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his beautiful master cover her mouth, her almond-shaped eyes trembling intensely, Li Mo didn’t feel particularly great about the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze felt downright disrespectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered when he was a child, bragging with other kids and blurting out, \"My brother dares to eat poop!\"—the other kid had looked at him the exact same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I get it, no need to say more. The fact that you’re back and alive is already a double blessing. Let’s toast to that—it’s all in the wine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Wu uncorked her small gourd and took a celebratory sip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she casually handed it to Li Mo, patting his shoulder heavily:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"......\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did things escalate to us sharing a drink?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the crisis averted, Shang Wu happily reclined back into her rocking chair, almond eyes narrowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun was blazing today, and as she lay down, the light outlined a picturesque scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the poem goes: \"Viewed head-on, a mountain range; viewed sideways, a towering peak...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing Li Mo heading out, she turned her head and asked drowsily:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, by the way, my dear disciple, what’s for dinner tonight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meaning: Since you’re going out anyway, I might as well place my order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo couldn’t help but grin:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Leftovers. As you know, the Nine Peaks Tournament is coming up, and I’ve been busy training.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t finish last time. There’s still some Braised Intestines, spicy stir-fried pork...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his master’s drowsiness vanish instantly, Li Mo suppressed a laugh and slipped away like greased lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his footsteps faded, Shang Wu glanced at the spot by the water vat where the vegetable basket usually sat—now empty—and muttered softly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph, rebellious disciple...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outer Affairs Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Verification complete.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Inner disciple Xiao Qin, successfully hunted down a Qi-Blood Realm peak criminal. Reward: 1,000 contribution points!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Outer Affairs Hall steward carefully examined the proof before smiling and nodding at the young man across from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For an inner disciple who had just entered the sect to kill a peak Qi-Blood Realm criminal in actual combat—this lad was clearly promising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the other disciples submitting tasks also cast curious glances his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bounty missions offered rich rewards but came with high failure rates and significant danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, few disciples took them on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most who did were seeking to temper themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"1,000 contribution points...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May I ask, steward, how many contribution points are needed for rare treasures beneficial to the soul?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin showed little joy on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Soul-nourishing treasures?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward paused, then shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t even need to check for this. Nothing costs less than 30,000 contribution points.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those are items meant for the Observation Divine Realm. It’s too early for you to be concerning yourself with them. Don’t aim too high too soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’d advise you to exchange for some healing items first, lest you leave hidden injuries.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steward had taken a liking to him and thus offered extra advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My thanks!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin cupped his hands in gratitude but couldn’t help sighing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he’d expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he’d gone down the mountain for missions, he’d also inquired about similar items—but they were either unavailable or priced beyond imagination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using contribution points in the sect was indeed cheaper, yet still far beyond his means...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t fret, lad. This old man is just a bit weakened, not on the verge of dissipating yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice of Thousand Forms Martial Venerable sounded, though far feebler than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s my fault for being careless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin’s face darkened with guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While capturing that criminal, he’d failed to uncover the man’s connections and ended up ambushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His master had expended much of his soul energy to save him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone makes mistakes in their youth. For your first life-and-death battle, you did remarkably well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve reached the peak of the Qi-Blood Realm, but alas, I lack the strength to refine the Tiger Tendon Qi-Condensing Pill for you now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though weak, Thousand Forms Martial Venerable’s tone carried pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Nine Peaks Tournament approaching, $2iao Qin had hoped to break through to the Inner Breath Realm beforehand and secure a decent ranking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, this setback...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother Xiao? You’re here too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he stepped outside, someone called out to him. Xiao Qin turned instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Li Mo, who had arrived unnoticed, smiling at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother Li, here to submit a mission too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mn. I also took a bounty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo nodded, noticing Xiao Qin’s injuries—clearly fresh from battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three days apart, a whole new appraisal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin couldn’t help but marvel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by Li Mo’s demeanor, he’d completed the mission with ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bounty targets were, at minimum, peak Qi-Blood Realm—anything weaker was handled by local authorities, never reaching Qingyuan Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back when they’d first met, Li Mo had only just opened his meridians. Now, he could casually slay peak Qi-Blood Realm foes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I got lucky. The criminal was injured, fighting at maybe 60-70% strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xiao Qin relaxed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, Senior Brother Xiao, I looked for you yesterday.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What’s the matter, Junior Brother Li? If it’s within my power...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I came across something by chance but don’t know its exact use. Given your reputation for vast knowledge, I hoped you could identify it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, Li Mo reached into his sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out a small block—neither quite wood nor stone—and handed it to Xiao Qin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m afraid I might not...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin smiled wryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, he’d consult his master for such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after their earlier exchange, his master had fallen into deep slumber...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s Soul-Nourishing Ebony!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hoarse voice suddenly rang in his mind, unusually agitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t master supposed to be resting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did he sound like he’d just bolted upright?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Thousand Forms Martial Venerable continued rapidly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a rare treasure for nurturing the soul. It forms when a rare spirit wood is struck by lightning, sinks into an aquatic vein, and undergoes years of refinement—wood turning to stone, stone to jade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many experts, finding no path to further breakthroughs, use this wood to craft coffins, sealing their bodies to nourish their souls until they awaken in another era.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This piece has reached the wood-to-stone stage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His master meant this item was precious—and immensely useful to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it belonged to Junior Brother Li...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin took a deep breath and spoke solemnly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Brother, this is Soul-Nourishing Ebony, a treasure for nurturing the soul. It’s extremely valuable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep it safe. When you reach the Observation Divine Realm, it’ll be of great use.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Xiao, if you'd just said this thing was worthless, I would've tossed it to you without a second thought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But then again, that wouldn’t be like him...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo could only ask again:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this is meant for the Observation Divine Realm, something to nurture the Intent Soul, why do I sense some interest from Senior Brother Xiao Qin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To be honest, I do indeed need something like this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin scratched his head awkwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, his master was probably cursing him inwardly as a rebellious disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of contemplation, Li Mo said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How about this—I’ll lend it to you for now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1270,"2026-05-30T17:19:00.269Z","2026-06-01T04:31:46.286Z",1,"novelbin.me","eccfaf4304532d7c16ed2ff27b442c3cf43e417d16ed18cedd56b6f435e5ce35","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-68","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-66",737,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Finvesting-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-cover.jpg"]