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

# Chapter 81: Princess Xiao Jiang's Interests, Transcending Divine Arts, Is It the Karma Red Lotus? "Tonight's moon seems much brighter than usual?" In the side room, Li Mo had just finished making the bed. After a brief contemplation, he could vaguely guess that Ying Bing didn't want him to stay next door due to her peculiar constitution. Is it something that recurs periodically, similar to those few days each month, or does it happen only occasionally? "The Taiyin Moon Phoenix Body is extraordinarily unique with its phenomena." "My own celestial body is so low-key. Now, even breakthrough has become a challenge." Li Mo merely uttered a couple of complaints. The system had never provided him with anything useless, especially the spoils gained from Ying Bing. Yet, as for constitutions... Those are things that martial artists with special constitutions have explored and unraveled through generations. Like Lin Jiang, who clearly understands that practicing spear techniques can fully harness the strengths of his constitution. Li Mo had no one to reference. He can only rely on himself to inch forward, step by step... Thinking so. Li Mo opened the two newly acquired supreme swordsmanship books and began to study them intently. Gradually, night deepened. Suddenly, the Seed of the World stirred. "Chu Long this early today?" ... Inside the Seed of the World. Jiang Chu Long clutched a branch, her small head drooping. She had just demonstrated her achievements, her eyes cautiously peering at the figure across from her. Biting her lip, she hesitated before carefully asking, "Teacher... I... I didn't let you... down, did I?" She was unsure. The 'Heavenly Venerable' nearly gasped and was ready to utter how fearsome this girl was. A mere blade of grass slicing through the sun, moon, and stars, this was something mentioned offhandedly to inspire Princess Xiao Jiang. But Princess Xiao Jiang truly pursued this path earnestly! Earlier, when she drew her sword, she unexpectedly encapsulated the boundless intent of 'wildfires cannot die—rekindled by spring winds.' It was momentum. Without formally learning any swordsmanship books, she comprehended her own momentum! "Mm, not bad. You must've worked hard during this time." "Not... not really." Jiang Chu Long blushed at the praise, waving her small hands dismissively. "I just... just..." "When I wake up early... when I'm eating... when I go outside... I practice a little, and then at night... I practice with you a bit more..." Princess Xiao Jiang's day is simple. Eat, sleep, pick up discarded items, and practice swordsmanship while doing these three things. Li Mo: "..." Practicing for a mere twelve hours a day, right? Besides, wasn't the Murong family supposed to take good care of her? Why does she still have to collect scraps? "Are you facing any difficulties in life?" "I used to be often hungry, but since Brother Li visited, I've never felt that way again." Jiang Chu Long suddenly stopped stuttering, speaking in a soft voice. When 'Brother Li' was mentioned, her voice grew quieter... "Then why do you go out every day to pick up those items?" When the Heavenly Venerable Teacher asked this, Jiang Chu Long tilted her head. Right, why indeed? She didn't quite understand herself. All she knew was that whenever she brought back discarded items from outside, such as broken kites or chipped bottles, and arranged them neatly, she felt very satisfied, accomplished, and happy... "Interest... hobby?" Jiang Chu Long blinked, tentatively proposing. Li Mo: "..." Such a niche interest. Alright, as long as you're happy. "Oh... Teacher... Brother Li... how has he been lately?" The timid voice inquired further. Jiang Chu Long's gray eyes shone even brighter than before. She thought, the teacher is so formidable, knowing the minutest details of ancient events. Surely he knows how Brother Li has been doing lately? The little girl was quite concerned about me. I did say I'd go back to visit her, but haven't sent a message back yet. Li Mo found himself smiling inwardly. Clearing his throat, he replied, "Li Mo, right? He's doing fine." "He recently achieved prominence as one of the top three at the Nine Peaks Martial Tournament of Qingyuan Sect, gaining admiration across Ziyang Mansion." "As a mere bystander, speaking honestly, his swordsmanship isn't bad." Listening, Jiang Chu Long's eyes sparkled, seemingly envisioning Brother Li's gallant figure on stage. She chuckled naively, "Brother Li is amazing." "Yes, he should be returning to the town to see you soon." "Really?" "Alright, back to business. These two swordsmanship manuals are for you to study. Next time, I will assess you. Practice in private; don't show them to others." With a wave of the Celestial Master's sleeve, two sword manuals appeared on the table. Jiang Chu Long carefully stored them away. Then, clutching her stomach, she looked puzzled. "Teacher, I... I feel like there's a... little mouse... in my stomach lately." A little mouse? Under the mask, Li Mo raised an eyebrow, placing a hand on her wrist. After sensing, he breathed a sigh of relief, though somewhat puzzled. "That's not your stomach; it's your dantian." "You're about to open your meridians." "Open meridians?" Jiang Chu Long knew little about martial arts and didn't quite grasp the concept of opening meridians. Li Mo hadn't had the chance to explain. He planned to help her condense her vitality once her body recovered sufficiently, but didn't expect she'd manage to find the right path on her own. "In that case, I'll give you some pills to protect your meridians." ... The night grew darker. The bright moon hung high in the sky, drenching the entire Qiushui Pavilion in silver, casting snow-like reflections on the ground. The sound of the small stream in the courtyard ceased. "Whoo..." Li Mo exhaled a breath of white mist, glancing outside. Unknowingly, the entire stream had frozen solid, exuding a ghostly blue glow under the night sky. The small Qiushui Pavilion had turned icily cold, even chillier than the depths of winter. "Ying Bing... she should be alright, right?" As he pondered this, a system prompt chimed in his ears: [Congratulations to the host on successfully investing in Jiang Chu Long, aiding her in opening her meridians.] [Investment Feedback: One Secret Silver Celestial Book Seal.] [Secret Silver Celestial Book Seal: Can optimize and enhance any martial art at or below supreme level, elevating it by one grade!] "Finally!" Li Mo's eyes gleamed bright. With just one Secret Silver Celestial Book Seal, he could elevate a supreme art to divine art and then use the Aureate Celestial Book Seal. This meant he could acquire a martial art above divine arts! Moreover, an opportunity to break through to the Inner Breath Realm! If Princess Xiao Jiang were here, he would definitely hug and smother her with kisses! Without hesitation. A small, mercury-like seal appeared in his hand, its tadpole script seemingly alive. He retrieved the "Fire Lotus Extreme Yang Strength," marking it with the seal. The text fluidly morphed, appearing as if countless fish swam within. "Sacred Phoenix Blood Lotus Sun-Replacement Divine Technique." Divine arts! In the realms of heaven and earth, it was something countless aspired for, now gently resting on the table. A single divine art could lead to the downfall of countless powerful beings, steer unforeseeable forces' rise and fall, and incite storms of bloodshed and chaos. Having perused the "Moonlight Sword Canon" and "Solar Blade Canon," Li Mo understood that while these sword techniques were intricate, they ultimately ranked as low-tier supreme arts. Having reviewed the "Moonlight Sword Canon" and "Solar Blade Canon," Li Mo understood that while both sword techniques were intricate, they were ultimately just low-tier supreme arts. No matter how these two swords combined, they could never rival genuine divine arts. This discrepancy was likely due to the tales growing more exaggerated over time. "Divine arts remain beyond imagination, the pinnacle of martial prowess." "But what exists beyond that?" Li Mo's heart stirred uncontrollably with anticipation. The Aureate Celestial Book Seal, nestled in his hand, slowly descended upon the page. In that moment, golden mystical script burst forth, like a hundred rivers converging into the sea, merging seamlessly. The premium blue floral paper gradually began to dissolve, as if what was inscribed exceeded its capacity. "Darn, I didn't get a clear look..." Alarmed, Li Mo focused his gaze. Yet the characters appeared cryptic and profound, continuously shifting, eluding comprehension. These weren't any letters Li Mo had encountered before. In fact, they hardly seemed like letters at all. Buzz— The paper eventually disintegrated entirely. It transformed into a petal of intricate aura, which, before Li Mo realized, slipped into his brow. Boom— A magnificent scene flashed through his mind. As if witnessing the dawn of the world, the chaos of creation, where countless things vanished and rebirthed in an instant, far grander than the small world's commotion. A red lotus quietly bloomed. Its petals stirred, unleashing boundless karmic fire to blaze across the sky.