Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’ Chapter 709: The Surprise of the Ice Lump

Upon seeing where Li Mo was gesturing, Shangguan Wencang’s hand twitched, nearly unleashing a palm strike to end him right there. It wouldn't have been a simple case of purging evil or upholding the Dao; it would have been a necessary cleansing of the sect's own ranks.

The Heart's Echo Sect and the Summoning Demons Cult were both nests of malice, birds of a feather in their wickedness.

How could you, the designated future of our Qingyuan Sect, be the very reinforcements they called upon?

“Sect Master, please, you haven’t heard the whole story yet...”

Li Mo coughed softly, trying to get the agitated old man to settle down.

“Just what in the world is happening here?” Shangguan Wencang asked, rubbing his temples to soothe a growing headache.

“Initially, my hands were tied. To collect the Power of the Multitude, I took on the persona of the ‘Heitu Immortal’ while preaching in the Southern Border. I even arranged for the local demon tribes to put on a bit of a performance with me.”

“But isn't the Southern Border the primary territory where the Summoning Demons Cult gathers their Power of the Multitude?” Shangguan Wencang’s confusion only intensified his migraine.

The Power of the Multitude served as the very lifeblood of the Summoning Demons Cult.

Since the dawn of time, ideological clashes between orthodox and unorthodox paths have been matters of life and death. To preach right under their noses—your courage is truly boundless.

“That is correct.”

“Wait, so they didn't immediately try to kill you?”

“At the start, my only goal was to gain the confidence of the Southern Border’s common folk. I didn't anticipate that the Summoning Demons Cult would fall for the act as well.”

Li Mo shrugged, his expression one of feigned helplessness:

“I was backed into a corner, so I claimed to be an immortal representing the Myriad Phenomena Immortal Sect. I even gave them a tour of the Myriad Phenomena Immortal Sect’s treasury... though, in truth, it was just my own personal stash.”

“......”

Shangguan Wencang fell into a long silence, absentmindedly scratching his head with the stem of his pipe.

I was well aware of your wealth.

I just didn't realize you were such a world-class bullshitter.

Even more shocking was the fact that the Summoning Demons Cult actually bought into the lie.

“Honestly, after witnessing this boy's fortune with my own eyes, I’d probably believe any tall tale he told me,” Qian Bufan remarked, wiping a bit of drool from his lip.

“So, what is the plan? How are we supposed to navigate this?”

Since the Summoning Demons Cult’s supposed trump card was sitting right in front of him, Shangguan Wencang had no choice but to seek his counsel.

“A prideful army is destined for ruin. To ensure their destruction, we must first let their egos swell.”

“Spouting proverbs now? Where exactly did you pick that up?”

The phrase sounded familiar to Shangguan Wencang, yet he couldn't quite place the source.

Li Mo replied, “The Essence of the King of Fights. It’s quite practical. You should give it a read sometime, Sect Master.”

The memory suddenly clicked for Shangguan Wencang.

He hadn't just read it; he had been a victim of it.

“......” After another brief silence, Shangguan Wencang sighed, “You had better explain the specifics of your scheme.”

“To make them overconfident, I need to convince them that I am an invaluable ally. However, I am just one person, and my demon tribe associates from the Southern Border stand out too much.”

“And your point is?”

“Therefore, I need the Elders of the Qingyuan Sect to pose as my followers. We must lead the enemy to believe they hold every advantage, making them think that toppling the Qingyuan Sect will be an effortless task.”

Shangguan Wencang stared at him: “?”

Wait, wouldn't that just be like them coming home?

“I need time to process this. Go on, get out of here.”

Shangguan Wencang dismissed him with a wave, resting his head in his hand.

Once Li Mo had departed, the Sect Master sat in deep thought for a long time.

“Little Mo’s schemes are always wild. They seem completely unorthodox, but if you look at the big picture, they tend to yield incredible results...” Elder Qian noted, finding the idea plausible.

Besides, it wasn't as if they hadn't played parts before. He’d already played the role of an assassin; this wouldn't be much different.

“I understand that, but...”

Shangguan Wencang let out a heavy sigh: “I’m just wondering how someone ranked first on the Jade Tree and Orchid Ranking can lack even a shred of ‘jade-like’ elegance or ‘orchid-like’ grace?”

......

Two days passed.

The release of the Jade Tree and Orchid Ranking sent shockwaves through the cultivation world.

The Hundred Flowers and Peerless Beauty Ranking was an annual event, and unlike the Hidden Dragon Ranking, it rarely saw major upsets. Since Ying Bing had claimed the top spot, the rankings below her felt predictable.

The Jade Tree and Orchid Ranking, however, was a brand-new development.

In all honesty.

While young Li Mo was certainly not unattractive, when compared to the elites of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, he appeared somewhat unremarkable.

“Li Mo actually secured the number one spot?”

Inside the Autumn Water Pavilion, Shang Qinqing stared at the latest Nine Heavens and Ten Earths Chronicle, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“I’ve always felt that the boss looks a bit different in person compared to this portrait...” Qin Yuzhi commented, scrutinizing the booklet.

The illustration in the chronicle was significantly more handsome than the man himself.

It looked like it had been heavily edited.

Yet, the concept of being ‘photogenic’ didn't really exist for these hand-drawn booklets...

“That’s because Ouyang was the artist.”

A familiar voice drifted in from the entrance, accompanied by the soft tinkling of golden bells.

Tian Miao had arrived.

She was accompanied by a girl in a bright yellow dress. The newcomer had sparkling, intelligent eyes and a scholarly aura, appearing slightly younger than Tian Miao.

“No wonder he looks like the lead from ‘The Overbearing Empress Falls in Love with Me’...”

Shang Qinqing suddenly realized the truth: “That explains why he looks better in print than in reality.”

“Hero Li is definitely more handsome in person than in some drawing!” the young girl interjected defensively.

Tian Miao sighed, “I tried to tell you on the way, but you wouldn't listen. These two see Li Mo every day. How can you still doubt them?”

“Senior Sister, you don't get it. It’s all about ‘aura’.”

“As the top of the Hidden Dragon Ranking and the most dashing figure in the mortal realm, his physical features are secondary. Even if he were a common butcher, he would still radiate elegance and poise...”

Tian Miao was at a loss for words.

To be fair, her junior sister was the one primarily responsible for Li Mo being ranked first in the first place.

“Oh?”

Observing the girl’s blatant hero-worship, Shang Qinqing and Qin Yuzhi both grew wary.

The girl rattled on, “And despite clearly bringing immense luck to his wife, he remains completely faithful. He and the Cold Immortal share a legendary bond, both ready to die for the other. The top of the Jade Tree and Orchid Ranking must be the ‘Number One Devoted Man in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths’. Who else could possibly take that spot but Hero Li?”

Hearing this, Shang Qinqing and Tian Miao relaxed, smiles returning to their faces.

Since she was a fellow fan, she was one of them.

“Little Tian Miao, is this your junior sister?”

“Her Daoist name is Tian Xun.”

“Welcome, little girl. Have some specialty melon seeds from the Southern Border. Make yourself comfortable.”

Tian Xun was clearly straightforward and innocent. Though initially overwhelmed by the hospitality, she quickly warmed up to the group.

After a quick look around, she inquired:

“Don't Hero Li and the Cold Immortal reside here?”

“Them? They recently purchased a family home in Purple Sun Prefecture. I can take you there if you’d like.”

Shang Qinqing licked her lips.

Since they were living as a family now, she couldn't exactly hang around their house all day, and she was bursting with gossip.

Just then.

Ying Bing appeared at the door. She had come to update Shang Qinqing and Qin Yuzhi regarding Li Mo’s latest plan.

She was surprised to find Tian Miao and Tian Xun already there.

Tian Xun’s eyes sparkled. Gripping her Nine Heavens and Ten Earths Chronicle tightly, she rushed over to the newcomer.

“Cold Immortal, may I interview you for your thoughts on the Jade Tree and Orchid Ranking?”

“Mmm... very well,” Ying Bing replied with a nod.

“Do you find this man handsome?” Tian Xun asked, flipping through the portraits of the ranked men one by one.

“Ordinary.”

Ying Bing’s expression remained frosty as she dismissed them, occasionally even scowling at the images.

When they reached the first page, she looked at the portrait. It seemed familiar, though she didn't recognize it at first glance.

“This one... is acceptable.”

“That is Li Mo.”

“Then this man is exceptionally handsome,” Ying Bing corrected herself with total sincerity.

Tian Xun shot a triumphant look at Tian Miao, her eyes screaming, ‘See? The Cold Immortal herself has officially certified it.’

“......” Tian Miao’s lip twitched.

What kind of objective opinion did she expect to get from her?