[{"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-70":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},596443,846,"Chapter 70: The Pact with the Ice Block: See You in the Finals","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-70",70,"\u003Cp>\"My dear disciple has been looking exhausted lately, never staying home these days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder what he's been so busy with.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Wu muttered as she watched the busy figure in the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The venerable master remained oblivious to Li Mo's recent progress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He must be practicing his swordsmanship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing withdrew her gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These days, she grew increasingly certain that Li Mo's insightful questions last time were no coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every day, he raised new questions about the sword path—many of them deepening the inquiries from the day before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did this mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he left early and returned late each day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's working that hard?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Wu blinked, slightly bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very hard indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of admiration passed through the beautiful eyes reflected in the teacup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If asked what had carried her to the pinnacle of the heavens in her past life—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it her transcendent physique?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or her unparalleled talent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No. For those truly qualified to contend for the summit of martial arts, such things were merely embellishments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only indispensable quality was perseverance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the most easily obtained, yet most easily lost treasure for all who dared swim against the current of the martial path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah! Then he must have improved a lot recently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Wu's cheeks flushed pink as her almond-shaped eyes sparkled. \"This time, our Jade Cluster Peak will finally make everyone take notice at the Nine Peaks Tournament!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, \"take notice\" wasn’t quite accurate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jade Cluster Peak hadn’t even participated in years...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Wu had long coveted the tournament’s rewards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on their disciples' rankings, the sect bestowed generous resources—martial techniques, elixirs, rare treasures, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder what the top prize for this tournament will be.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Wu’s imagination ran wild.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tournament champion would be recognized as Qingyuan Sect’s current top disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rewards for that were even more extravagant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rewards...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing refilled her tea, her thoughts drifting far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t recall most of the prizes clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one had always been granted to the top three finishers:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The right to select a supreme martial art.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this thought, Ying Bing gently stroked the Frostblade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The swordplay of the Frostblade’s first master was among those supreme arts—as was that of the Vermilion Dawn Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sword techniques complemented each other, resonating and mutually reinforcing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strictly speaking, they were one and the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"Sun-Moon Crossed Swords Manual,\" originating from the Heavenly Mountain Sword Manor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, it was a martial art designed for two practitioners to refine their skills together through synchronized swordsmanship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many in Qingyuan Sect’s history had attempted to recreate the combined might of the twin swords, yet all failed—because they had missed the essence while chasing the superficial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Almost time to eat. Come help, will you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the voice of Head Chef Li echoed from the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing set down the Frostblade and stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight’s meal was hotpot. The broth was ready, and Li Mo stood with his back to the door, diligently chopping ingredients.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Li Mo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm? Oh, right—you’re not eating spicy these days, are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo, absorbed in his task, didn’t turn around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No. What’s your current realm?\" Ying Bing asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo paused, then ventured cautiously:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Late-stage Qi-Blood Realm peak perfection supreme culmination?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing: \"?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Couldn’t he just say \"Qi-Blood Realm perfection\"? What was with all the extra words?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the young man had his reasons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary Qi-Blood Realm perfection meant opening twelve meridians. He, however, had unlocked thirty-five.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, this wasn’t your average \"perfection.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we’ll skip the chili. Clear broth tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Curious himself, Li Mo asked, \"How about you? How’s your progress?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll reach Internal Breath tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"On second thought, let’s add some spice. Hotpot isn’t hotpot without chili.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing’s tone was matter-of-fact, as if failure to break through was inconceivable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo wasn’t surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just the ice block’s usual standard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Figured you wouldn’t linger in the Internal Breath Realm long. How’s your prep for the Nine Peaks Tournament? Extra garlic for me—I love garlic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will take first place in the tournament.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can make yourself a garlic dipping sauce.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scene was slightly surreal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earth-shattering declarations interspersed with debates over chili and garlic in hotpot—yet neither participant found it odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ve improved greatly as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing’s voice softened as she levitated minced garlic into a small bowl with a shimmer of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nothing compared to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, Li Mo upheld the traditional virtue of humility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need for modesty. I can sense your progress.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing’s eyes reflected Li Mo’s busy silhouette as she murmured, \"Among your peers, your swordsmanship is second only to mine. You could contend for a high ranking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo’s hands stilled briefly before he chuckled dismissively:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why bother with rankings?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t tell me you want to face me in the finals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truthfully, Li Mo had little interest in competing for rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sect rewards held no allure for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want you to make the top three.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, her voice rang clear as jade striking stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo froze, then turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl stood at the doorway holding the hotpot, moonlight casting an ethereal glow over her jade-like skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night breeze stirred the hem of her mother-sewn robes, rippling like water...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright. See you in the finals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ying Bing lowered her eyes in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to her footsteps fade, Li Mo finally looked down at the chipped kitchen knife in his hand and sighed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asking why right then would’ve killed the mood, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, regardless of why the ice block had such expectations of him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A promise was a promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His swordsmanship might not be as refined as she believed, but if push came to shove...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could always pull out the hammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dinner at Autumn Water Pavilion ended pleasantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone retired to their rooms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo, however, slipped out under cover of darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exhausted as he was, he intended to train extra tonight. With the Internal Breath Realm so close, he couldn’t suppress his excitement to glimpse that new horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gurgle, gurgle—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stone pool’s water abruptly boiled as the ten-thousand-year earth vein spirit milk’s energy, shimmering like starlight, flowed rhythmically into his body with each breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within his dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nourished by the concentrated earth essence, the final lotus seed took root.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All thirty-six seeds now glowed with perfection, radiating treasure light as they churned with draconic surges of qi and blood energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo didn’t stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Harnessing the residual earth essence, he began his assault on the Internal Breath Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the \"Lotus Blossoms from Fire Heart\" method—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Success came when the lotus seeds cracked, took root, and transformed qi-blood into internal breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for the first time, Li Mo—who’d never encountered bottlenecks—frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can’t convert qi-blood into internal breath?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is the earth vein essence ineffective? No... that’s not it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes snapped open, ember-like sparks flashing briefly in his pupils as he analyzed the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The earth vein essence remained potent; the issue lay elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His qi-blood was too vast to condense into internal breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thirty-six meridians’ worth of qi-blood was simply too immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the creator of the Blazing Heart Lotus Technique could never have anticipated the emergence of a freak capable of condensing thirty-six lotus seeds, hence never accounting for such a scenario.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Superior cultivation techniques are insufficient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the Ancient Bronze Scripture Seals, I still have one left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo pondered for a moment before retrieving an Ancient Bronze Scripture Seal he had obtained from Princess Xiao Jiang.\u003C\u002Fp>",1270,"2026-05-30T17:19:00.269Z","2026-06-01T04:31:46.286Z",1,"novelbin.me","3e61a203ecbb05d6ff9dacb05c0b5ee2a43475c2eeff662000d67fbb7c356752","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-71","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-69",737,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Finvesting-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-cover.jpg"]