72 - Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’

# Chapter 72: The Commencement of the Nine Peaks Martial Gathering, Old Xiao's First Battle Today's weather is beautiful, with the sun shining brightly. Beneath the main peak of Qingyuan, various teams of carriages flow like rivers, heading toward the mountain as stewards maintain order everywhere. It's a grand scene. Everywhere, the atmosphere highlights the dominance of Ziyang Prefecture's top three sects. "So lively?" Li Mo lifted the carriage curtain, observing the lively scene outside. He had only descended from the mountain once for a mission and hadn't truly stepped into the world of martial arts. Old Ba, who was driving the carriage, chuckled and said, "The Nine Peaks Martial Gathering of our Qingyuan Sect is a stage for the next generation of our sect to showcase their strength. Naturally, the smaller sects around us and the other two major sects will send people to witness it." "I see." Li Mo nodded, understanding the reason for the excitement at the Nine Peaks Martial Gathering. Newcomers replace the old; the new generation will eventually become the mainstay within the sect. They represent the sect’s future strength. Strength signifies status, indicating how other sects should position themselves in the future. Moreover, not long ago, an enormous anomaly appeared in Qingyuan Sect, radiant and heavenly. Many have come holding a mindset of probing the truth. Old Ba pointed ahead, "That's the team from Burning Jade Forest, led by one of their six leaders." Li Mo looked in the direction he pointed. There weren't many people from Burning Jade Forest, just over ten, but their presence was notable. The disciples were well-dressed, and their weapons were renowned, markedly different from those from the smaller sects around them. A white-clothed disciple stood at the front with his hands behind his back, showing a faint arrogance in his expression. "Burning Jade Forest is to the west of Ziyang Prefecture, with part of the sect bordering Central Divine State. Hence, some disciples have exceptional backgrounds," Old Ba explained. "And over there?" Li Mo inquired. Old Ba glanced over and smiled, "That's the Red Whale Gang." "It's the largest gang in Ziyang Prefecture, well-ranked even in the Eastern Desolate Region. Although they are listed at the bottom in open strength among the three sects, it's a mixed bag with deep waters." The atmosphere around the Red Whale Gang was much livelier. They have connections with the smaller sects, inevitably leading to huddled conversations and greetings. Upon hearing this, Li Mo nodded slightly. He squinted his eyes. The leader was a host from the Red Whale Gang, but what caught Li Mo's attention wasn't him—the young man in blood-red clothing beside him gave off an odd feeling. But before he could activate his Heavenly Destiny Divine Eye, a familiar figure blocked his sight. It was the Lord of Ziyang Prefecture. The Lord, whom he had met once, was conversing with the leading host. The carriage moved onward. After a short while, they arrived at the halfway point of Qingyuan’s main peak. "Good luck, dear disciple." Shang Wu yawned as she rose, lightly leaping onto the high platform. There, the peak elders were already seated, and some additional seats were prepared for those from external sects who came to watch. Shangguan Wencang sat in the center, casting a glance. Seeing Ying Bing, a strong sense of expectation flashed in his eyes. Not only the Sect Master was looking over. Many eyes in the arena turned their attention at this moment. Shangguan Wencang's only disciple, widely recognized as the next Qingyuan Sect Master, and someone with outstanding talent among peers. With numerous enviable auras, coupled with her lone-wolf, high-mountain-snow-lotus demeanor, it was hard to ignore her presence. "?" Xiao Li frowned. His sensitivity naturally let him perceive numerous hostile glances, seeing him as an eyesore. After all, he was the only one standing beside Ying Bing. Moreover, he had the Chixiao Sword that matched with Tianshuang. Confronted by those glances, Xiao Li's lips curled with a smirk: "Ying Bing, I've brought some tea. Fancy a cup?" "Sure." Ying Bing adored drinking tea, regardless of its grade. With a graceful hand, she accepted the tea set, skillfully brewing it. Her swift and pleasing moves were a sight to behold, captivating many onlookers. "Tsk." Li Mo picked up a small cup of Longjing tea. Those glances grew even more hostile; if looks could kill, he'd instantly be riddled with holes. He savored a sip with a smile, praising, "It tastes better when you brew it." At that moment, the voice of Master Qingyuan rang out: "Today marks the commencement of the Nine Peaks Martial Gathering. I'll keep it brief." "Fellow colleagues, heroes, and eminent figures, Qingyuan Sect is holding this gathering mainly for the following reasons..." ... An hour later. The elderly voice on the platform finally eased down, though it seemed reluctant to end. The Master was usually quiet, likely because he saved all his words for this moment. "Alright, let’s end it here." Shangguan Wencang nodded gently, indicating they could move on to the next stage. Mainly because if he continued, few would be listening; most would doze off. The next step was the draw. Qian Bufan instructed the stewards to collect all participating disciples' waist credentials, placing them into a bronze bull. Then, utilizing inner energy, he struck the bull's back. A sound of metal clashing ensued, and the bronze beast spat out two waist credentials. He glanced at them, announcing loudly, "Xiao Qin versus Xie Lan Ai." The first bout is Brother Xiao's? Li Mo looked towards the platform. Old Xiao's aura was stronger than the last time he saw him, suggesting recent breakthroughs in his martial arts. He carried a broken sword on his back, his expression resolute, exuding an air of tenacity and determination. His opponent was no simple person either. A woman with striking features, her high cheekbones adding a sharp edge to her already indifferent demeanor. Li Mo activated his Heavenly Destiny Divine Eye to examine her. **[Name: Xie Lan Ai]** **[Age: 23]** **[Talent: Broken Plum Hand]** **[Realm: Inner Breath Jade Liquid Stage]** **[Fate: Green with Grey]** **[Evaluation: A true disciple of Luoxia Peak, with prospects to lead a peak. Her fate involves an emotional tribulation; her personality leads to intense emotions, potentially causing harm from affection.]** **[Recent Events: Learned her favored senior, Yin Hua Cheng, desires the Chixiao Sword, planning to scheme for Tianshuang.]** Old Xiao's luck wasn't looking great. "Yin Hua Cheng wants my Chixiao?" Li Mo raised an eyebrow. He remembered the peak elder of the Rare Beasts Peak had a surname of Yin Hua. A call to begin one battle sounded, indicating the start of the duel. Xiao Qin clearly knew not to prolong the fight against a higher-level opponent. Whish— As he grasped his giant sword, every strike seemed to mend the sword's broken sections, enlarging its aura. With a first-move dominance. The overwhelming sword aura descended. Xie Lan Ai's eyes showed a hint of surprise, yet she didn't dodge or evade. Her waist's soft sword coiled around her arm like a silver serpent. Instead of backing off or drawing her sword, she closed in on Xiao Qin. Xiao Qin's pupils contracted. He didn't understand this move. Even if she was one level higher, charging in against a sword strike with her body seemed reckless, right? However, the next moment... Xie Lan Ai's form suddenly became supple, akin to a leaf drifting with the wind, elusive. Xiao Qin's giant sword, striking as if into a plume of cotton, found no substance. Then, a frigid gleam approached. As Xiao Qin's vision blurred, the soft sword, with its serpent-like trajectory, suddenly appeared before him! In her hands, the flexible sword seemed to come alive. Amazed looks appeared across the crowd's faces. It was evidently Luoxia Peak's renowned **"Spirit Snake Sword Technique,"** a superior martial art. Moreover, Xie Lan Ai had mastered it to perfection.