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

# Chapter 76: Li Mo vs. Wang Hao On the main peak of the Qingyuan Sect, not far from the Hall of Affairs, a stone path meandered. “Master Wang, Sect Leader Shangguan has summoned us to the meeting,” the helmsman murmured respectfully, bowing his head. "The Qingyuan Sect, how times have changed..." mused the Blood-Robed Young Master of the Red Whale Sect as he gazed upon the vast expanse of mountains, this sentiment appearing to strike a personal chord with him. “What exactly are you referring to, Master?” the helmsman queried, puzzled. The sect leader had instructed him to show absolute respect to this mysterious young master but had revealed little else. Presumably, this young man hailed from a major family in the Eastern Wilderness or was the offspring of some other influential power from another prefecture. But judging from his words, did he have a prior connection to the Qingyuan Sect? “In every aspect,” the Blood-Robed Young Master replied, his mood seemingly lifted, indulging in conversation. “What do you think of the Red Whale Sect nowadays?” “With our numerous disciples and extensive influence throughout Ziyang Prefecture, wherever the Red Whale sails, we command the martial world. Our growth is undeniable,” the helmsman answered with barely concealed pride. A slight chuckle escaped the Blood-Robed Young Master who responded nonchalantly, “And how does it compare to the Qingyuan Sect?” “Not very far behind,” the helmsman replied straightforwardly. In terms of influence in the martial world, the Qingyuan Sect couldn't catch up with the Red Whale Sect. However, witnessing the talents showcased at today's Nine Peaks Martial Competition offered some grounds for near-equal comparison. “And if I were to say that any one peak of the Qingyuan Sect could effortlessly surpass the entire Red Whale Sect in the past?” he raised an eyebrow. “This...” The helmsman was taken aback. He had heard tales of the Qingyuan Sect’s former glory but had not imagined it to this extent. Without waiting for a response, the Blood-Robed Young Master gestured broadly. “Look at the Nine Peaks of Qingyuan,” he said. “Weapons forging, alchemy, beast-taming, scholarly works, discipline, commerce, cultivation – they have strengths in every area. What other sect under the heavens can claim such completeness?” The helmsman pondered this. Most sects specialize in an area, like alchemy or weapon forging, and become renowned for that single skill. A sect like Qingyuan, which dabbled in all paths, was indeed rare. Was that the secret to Qingyuan's longstanding prosperity? It seemed to be more profound than simple diversity. Ahead, a towering man like an iron tower stood and bowed courteously. It was Futuo, accompanied by the Ziyang Prefecture Lord and Elder Yin Huacheng from the Beast Peak. “We are honored by your visit, allow us to escort you,” they greeted, with respect. The helmsman reciprocated the gesture, a bit overwhelmed but understanding once he noticed the presence of the Prefecture Lord. Together, they moved towards the Hall of Affairs where members of the sects were assembled. High above, Shangguan Wencang, the sect master, presided with his usual farmer's attire, rigorously puffing on his pipe amidst a cloud of smoke. His presence dominated the room, carrying an undeniable authority. Once everyone settled, he began. “You all should be familiar with the Unbroken Trials of Drizzle Tower. Recently, one of our disciples secured an Iron Swallow token during patrol.” With a crisp clang, an Iron Swallow landed upon the long table, drawing frowns across the audience. Every Unbroken Trial caused chaos as Drizzle Tower scouted for prospective assassins, invariably leaving disorder in its wake. There was never any shortage of opportunists. “This matter has been reported by me. The Prefecture City is of great strategic importance and must remain stable. Thus, I ask for everyone's assistance,” announced the Prefecture Lord, his voice resonating through the hall. Nods circled the room as many pledged their support, turning their views to the sect leader. Shangguan Wencang tapped his pipe thoughtfully, “Our Qingyuan Sect will dispatch several core disciples and one elder to aid.” “Isn’t that number too few?” came a query from Fen Yulin, a middle-aged scholar. “Who will you be sending, Sect Leader?” Shangguan Wencang gave him a steady look. “The disciples from our Nine Peaks Martial Competition who ranked at the top. As for elders... Shang Wu just volunteered.” A collective intake of breath chilled the room; even the Ziyang Prefecture Lord stiffened. Shang Wu was far more intimidating than any trial Drizzle Tower could conjure. --- By afternoon, the Nine Peaks Martial Competition resumed. Li Mo had encountered Wang Hao earlier in the cafeteria. Though the details were scarce, a few things were clear. “Have you met the black hand?” Wang Hao had taunted. “If we cross paths in the ring, you won’t stand a chance against my Chixiao Sword.” Come afternoon’s draw, fate sealed their face-off as the first pairing. “In the first match: Inner Sect disciple Wang Hao against Jade Peak’s core disciple Li Mo!” rang out the officiant, Qian Bufan, ensuring all heard. Wang Hao easily ranked among the top eight, close to the historical heights of the Nine Peaks Contests. His standing among the fighters was unparalleled. Externally, many disciples in the Mind Envisaging Realm had graduated beyond the contest’s age restrictions. Even those in the Xuan Dan realm were rare in this competition. With a heavy landing, Wang Hao stood on the stage, exuding the power of the Internal Breath Jade Liquid Realm, his focus chillingly fixed upon Li Mo, his fists audibly tense. Li Mo steadily stepped into the ring, the atmosphere brewing with anticipation and intensity. Wang Hao’s demeanor suggested a desire to devour Li Mo whole. This matchup would surely silence any talk of favoritism, couldn’t it? After three successive forfeitures by Li Mo’s opponents, he should act this time. Most believed— With Wang Hao’s robust Internal Breath Jade Liquid Realm pitted against Li Mo’s mere Qi Blood Realm, the disparity in strength felt formidable. From the elders' pavilion, the overseers met the stage with contemplative gazes. Li Mo’s capability was not doubted, but Wang Hao’s maturity posed an evident mismatch. "It will be a difficult challenge," mused one. “Ying Bing, using her extraordinary bloodline, could contest Internal Breath from a filled Qi Blood.” As discussions continued among the elders, Shang Wu’s gaze was fixed on Li Mo. Though it had been some time since she evaluated her disciple’s progress, an inexplicable certainty lingered—her precious apprentice held an incredible advantage. “Li Mo, you’ve got this! Go, Li Mo!” cheered Xiao Qin enthusiastically. Nearby, Lin Jiang and Murong Xiao felt shy with Xiao Qin’s outburst turning them into sudden attention magnets. Xiao Qin turned, puzzled, “Why aren’t you guys shouting?” “Li Mo will definitely win, so... cheering might be redundant,” murmured Lin Jiang. “This kind of exposure is... too attention-seeking,” murmured Murong Xiao, yearning to vanish. “But if we don’t shout, how will others know we’re not fixing the match?” Xiao Qin's logic struck a chord with them. Both leaned back, epiphanies blazing through their minds. Thus, they joined in unison: “Go, Li Mo! Victory is yours!” In chorus, even the embarrassing became camaraderie.