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

Chapter 86: Li Mo: "Am I Really This Impressive?" from "The Empress Returns?" Today's combat training session had concluded, but according to his master's instructions, it was to continue the next day. "More fighting tomorrow," Li Mo mumbled blankly as he walked into the kitchen. Life like this was unbearable. "Using the power of the World Seed is indeed too taxing..." "Wait, my internal energy?" Just as he was about to light the stove to start cooking, Li Mo noticed a change in his body. His internal energy was stronger than it had been before the fight. But all he did was get beaten up. "Starting to see the benefits?" "Hmph, not just anyone qualifies to be beaten by me," Shang Wu's languid voice sounded from behind. She leaned casually against the doorframe with her hands behind her back. Li Mo contemplated. A domain? It seemed his beautiful master didn’t unleash her domain for no reason. He had been consuming Earth Vein Spirit Milk regularly; the essence naturally lingered, unable to be fully absorbed. His master's domain must have further helped him refine that essence, enhancing his physique and even smoothing out hidden combative forces. It was somewhat like... An image of Sun Wukong jumping into the Eight Trigrams Furnace floated to Li Mo's mind. "Thank you, Master." "I'll treat you to some excellent wine tonight, very fine wine," Li Mo earnestly expressed his gratitude. "At least you have a conscience," his beautiful master snorted softly. In the sleeve behind her back, she released the rolling pin she was holding. "Eh? Where’s my rolling pin?" Li Mo was puzzled, as he had planned to make dumplings that evening. After a spell of bustling activity, the evening meal at Qiushui Pavilion was finally laid out on the table. True to his word, Li Mo presented the fine wine he'd mentioned—Immortal Drunk. According to the system, it was among the best, having appeared only twice as a reward among all types of liquor. "You have such a treasure!" "I always knew you were Master’s best and most obedient disciple," Shang Wu embraced the wine jar, taking in its aroma with blissful delight. "Tonight, I'll impart to you my second specialty—never getting drunk after a thousand cups!" "..." Li Mo wasn't exactly eager to learn this. Hearing approaching footsteps, he turned back: "You finally came down... Are you alright?" "I'm fine," Ying Bing shook her head. Her eyes were complex, with a hint of weakness. Her face was as pale as it had been before she opened her meridians, and her voice was a bit hoarse. Li Mo poured her tea, pondering. Something was definitely off. Ice Cube was his top investment prospect; he couldn't let anything happen to her. But if she wouldn't speak, then how could he... Wait. I have a cheat, why am I guessing here? Destiny's Eye—activate! [Name: Ying Bing] [Age: 16] [Physique: Taiyin Moon Phoenix Body.] [Realm: Internal Energy Condensation Realm.] [Fate: Red (Bearing imperial bones, destiny of profound ice, divine autumn water, possessing the phoenix's destiny).] [Commentary: Her destiny is fraught with tribulations, yet she navigates peril successfully. While her feathers aren't fully grown now, she is destined to rise at the convergence of storms—to reign over heaven and earth.] [Recent Encounter: She foresaw an unbeatable existence, struggling to accept defeat, resulting in a mental void, casting doubt over her martial path. Her Taiyin power surged uncontrollably, leaving her weak.] Li Mo: "??" Who could make Ice Cube feel defeated? What kind of formidable being is this? "You... became much stronger than yesterday." Ying Bing's voice, tinged with weariness, gently reached him. "Me?" Li Mo pointed to himself, startled. "Yes," she affirmed. "Beyond wielding divine weapons, your internal energy is also extraordinary." Her voice reiterated with quiet conviction as she sat at the stone table, her slender figure seeming frail. Her mind was indeed in turmoil, not just because of the surprising young man the system had foisted upon her. More importantly, she dreamt of returning to Xugui last night, causing her to question her path and doubt her sole resolve. She queried if she was still enduring tribulations on the path to immortality, confused between reality and her perception. "...Me?" Li Mo was momentarily at a loss. Could he have caused Ice Cube's introspection? How unlikely, he thought, waving his hands. Ying Bing remained silent. Shang Wu pondered seriously: "My obedient disciple, you're quite formidable." "If I were to suppress my realm and fight you, it would be a fifty-fifty. In a life-or-death fight, your chances would be greater—maybe seventy to thirty in your favor." Being acknowledged by the number one combatant of Qingyuan Sect carried immense weight. Li Mo was taken aback. In his past life, he had resigned to his mediocrity, accepting his ordinariness. Yet, within this short span, he had changed to an extent even he found unfamiliar. If his temporary setbacks seemed hardly worth questioning your potential or life, to someone like Ice Cube—the fated heroine—this adversity was mere trifles. Yet, as he thought about this, he realized it was a case of projecting his own experience. Despite being unable to cope with sudden success, he somewhat understood Ice Cube's challenge, given her inherently cold and proud nature... "The wine... amazing," Shang Wu said with flushed cheeks, quickly finding herself tipsy. She began to mutter with laughter: "Recalling the days of wandering the Jianghu, there's always a storyteller in taverns... recounting tales of the martial world." "The stories are intriguing, albeit with a penchant for embellishment and slander," she continued, punching her fist lightly on the table. Li Mo's eyes brightened at the mention of storytelling. "You've heard storytelling before?" Shang Wu asked, resting her chin on her hand and tilting her head. He'd heard more than just storytelling! Li Mo donned a mysterious smile: "Modestly, I've listened to countless tales, and I know many you've certainly never heard of." "Bragging," Shang Wu scoffed. "I've read more books than you've used sheets of paper." Seeing her disbelief, Li Mo glanced at Ice Cube with a sly smile and cleared his throat: "Don't believe me? Then let me tell you a story." "Go ahead," Shang Wu urged enthusiastically. Though Ying Bing hadn't fully regained her senses, she was somewhat intrigued. Given the extraordinary nature of his inheritance, it might contain arcane chronicles lost to time. Slap—Li Mo slapped the table, akin to the vigor of a storyteller. "Dignified patrons," he said with theatrical flair, "I'm parched beyond words, may I have a drink?" Li Mo's penchant for theatrics wasn't new; Shang Wu and Ying Bing, over time, grew accustomed to it. "Ah, there's some authenticity!" "Speak well, and there might be a reward," Shang Wu teased, handing him a cup of the Immortal Drunk. Sipping it, Li Mo felt warmth surge through him, clearing his mind, and his thoughts crystallized. In his past life, novels differed from the world’s storytelling—but it wasn't a challenge for him. With a bit of editing, he could adapt content suitable for the audience's taste, especially tales containing romantic elements... "Today, I bring you the story, 'The Empress Returns'." Ying Bing: "?" Shang Wu: "Intriguing." Li Mo's clear voice resonated: "This tale begins with a verse." "In the desolate valley, cold winds blow, autumn cicadas sing so... a girl returns!"