[{"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-76":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},596449,846,"Chapter 76: Li Mo vs. Wang Hao","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-76",76,"\u003Cp>Qingyuan Main Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the mountain path not far from the council hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master, Sect Master Shangguan has summoned us for a meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Helmsman bowed his head and spoke in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qingyuan Sect... how times have changed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood-Robed Young Master of the Crimson Whale Gang gazed at the mist-shrouded Qingyuan mountain range and sighed as if struck by a sudden realization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What aspect do you mean, Young Master?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Helmsman was slightly puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gang leader had only instructed him to treat this mysterious young master with utmost respect, without revealing much else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the sound of it, had the Young Master visited Qingyuan Sect before?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every aspect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Blood-Robed Young Master walked ahead with his hands behind his back. He seemed to be in a good mood today, willing to chat a little more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you think of the current state of the Crimson Whale Gang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our gang has numerous disciples, with eyes and ears spread across Purple Sun Prefecture. Wherever the Crimson Whale sails, its commands shake the martial world. We are thriving without question.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trace of pride seeped into the Helmsman's tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Master neither agreed nor disagreed before casually asking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And how does it compare to Qingyuan Sect today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not far behind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Helmsman was straightforward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of influence in the martial world, Qingyuan Sect couldn't hold a candle to the Crimson Whale Gang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after witnessing the abundance of talent at the Nine Peaks Tournament today, he gave a modest evaluation—otherwise, he would have called it a close match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if I told you that in its prime, even a single peak of Qingyuan Sect could effortlessly crush the Crimson Whale Gang?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Helmsman was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had heard of Qingyuan Sect's former glory, but never imagined it to such an extent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for his reply, the Young Master pointed casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at these nine peaks of Qingyuan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forging weapons, alchemy, beast taming, compiling scriptures, enforcing discipline, commerce, cultivation—every facet is covered.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell me, what other sect in this world is so self-sufficient?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Helmsman pondered deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most sects in the world specialize—those known for alchemy excel in it, those famed for forging weapons rely on that craft. Each has its own unique expertise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But one like Qingyuan Sect, dabbling in every field, is indeed rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was the Young Master revealing the secret to Qingyuan Sect's enduring prosperity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your esteemed presence honors us. Forgive our lack of preparation in welcoming you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahead stood a towering giant of a man, clasping his hands in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Fu Tu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him stood the Lord of Ziyang Prefecture and Yin Huaxuan, elder of the Rare Beasts Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To have such distinguished figures greet us is an honor for the Crimson Whale Gang. There is no need for apologies,\" the Helmsman returned the courtesy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was flattered but quickly understood when he noticed the Lord of Ziyang Prefecture among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group proceeded toward the council hall together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering, they saw representatives from various sects already gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shangguan Wencang sat at the head, still dressed like a simple farmer. He puffed on his long pipe, his gaze sweeping through the smoke with an imposing, unshakable presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everyone had arrived, he spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All of you must be familiar with the Rain Pavilion's Trial of Shadows.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not long ago, disciples of our sect retrieved an Iron Swallow during a mission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, a small iron swallow landed on the long table with a crisp clink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many in the hall frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every Trial of Shadows inevitably stirs chaos. Though it is the Rain Pavilion's method of selecting and training assassins, it always brings trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those seeking to exploit the turmoil are never in short supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter was reported by me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The prefectural capital is the lifeline of the region—it must not descend into disorder. Thus, I ask for your assistance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lord of Ziyang Prefecture stood and declared firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone nodded in agreement, willing to lend their aid, then turned their eyes back to the head seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shangguan Wencang tapped his pipe slowly before speaking again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qingyuan Sect will dispatch several core disciples and one elder to assist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This... isn't the number a bit too small?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which disciples and which elder does Sect Master Shangguan intend to send?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scholarly middle-aged man from the Blazing Jade Forest spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shangguan Wencang glanced at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For disciples, we'll select the top performers from the Nine Peaks Tournament. As for the elder...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shang Wu has volunteered.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiss—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A collective intake of cold breath filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lord of Ziyang Prefecture's expression froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shang Wu was far more terrifying than the Trial of Shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Nine Peaks Tournament resumed as scheduled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo had run into Wang Hao in the dining hall earlier. The details need not be elaborated—it was a rather typical encounter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ever seen a black hand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we meet on the stage, I swear I'll yank that Crimson Sky Sword right off you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the gist of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo noticed that Wang Hao seemed particularly eager to obtain the Crimson Sky Sword, despite not being a swordsman himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And guess what?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the afternoon's drawing of lots, the two were paired in the very first match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Inner disciple Wang Hao versus Jade Cluster Peak core disciple Li Mo!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Bufan announced loudly, holding up two name plaques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Hao was among the top eight, arguably the closest to the historical standards of the Nine Peaks Tournament, and his cultivation level was among the highest in the competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most disciples who reached the Observation Divine Realm had already aged out of eligibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Mystic Core Realm was a rarity in the tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Hao landed heavily on the stage, his aura surging at the peak of the Jade Marrow Realm, brimming with arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His icy gaze locked onto Li Mo, fists clenched so tightly they creaked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opposite him, Li Mo stepped onto the platform as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere in the arena grew heated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Hao's expression, it seemed he wanted to devour Li Mo alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, there was no room for backdoor dealings, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After three consecutive forfeits, the famed \"Li the Unchallenged\" would finally have to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And to outsiders, the difference was stark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Hao: Jade Marrow Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mo: mere Qi-Blood Realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gap in cultivation was simply too vast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the high platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders also turned their attention downward, deep in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no doubts about Li Mo's combat prowess, but Wang Hao was a full generation older.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This bordered on bullying the young.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This won't be easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ying Bing could fight at the Jade Marrow Realm while still at Qi-Blood perfection, thanks to her extraordinary bloodline.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the elders discussed, Shang Wu's gaze lingered on Li Mo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn't paid much attention to her disciple's progress in a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for some inexplicable reason, she felt an odd confidence—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her precious disciple had the upper hand here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Li Junior Brother is amazing! Li Junior Brother, go for it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin shouted at the top of his lungs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Lin Jiang and Murong Xiao flushed with embarrassment. Xiao Qin's outburst had made the trio the center of attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin even turned to ask,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why aren't you two cheering?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Li will definitely win, so... no need for us to cheer, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jiang lowered his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is too conspicuous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Murong Xiao wished he could vanish into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But if we don't cheer, how will everyone know we didn't throw our matches?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Qin's words struck like lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two jolted, realization dawning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Li, you're unstoppable!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Li, victory is yours!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouting together, the three of them felt it was far less embarrassing than doing it alone.\u003C\u002Fp>",1319,"2026-05-30T17:19:00.269Z","2026-06-01T04:31:46.286Z",1,"novelbin.me","d5ac9d4c86887dcd2568efd22fd44d15e2682bc7617a3a2fec024262c11d302e","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-77","investing-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-chapter-75",737,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Finvesting-in-the-reborn-empress-she-actually-cal-cover.jpg"]