Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’ Chapter 717: Never Feed the Genius

The sun was high in the sky, accompanied by a soft breeze and the sharp, melodic chirping of birds echoing through the air.

Within the main hall’s seating area, the guests from Beifeng had assembled. A middle-aged swordsman, basking in the glory of his nephew’s recent success, was accepting congratulations from the crowd, his expression radiating pride.

"Tang Si, your nephew must have unlocked five Observation Divine apertures by now, hasn't he? Reaching such a level at his age is truly remarkable."

"I’d wager the sixth aperture is just around the corner for him."

"A twenty-three-year-old possessing six Observation Divine apertures... I suspect the future of the Tang family will eventually rest upon his shoulders."

"During today’s sparring, your junior was the star of the show. His mastery of the sword is surely a reflection of your superb mentorship."

"You flatter us too much! The boy simply has decent innate talent and puts in the effort."

Tang Si straightened his posture, his face beaming as he modestly waved off the praise.

Beifeng was a remote land, home to many wandering warriors and brave souls, though few gained true renown throughout the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. However, this hadn't always been the case. Centuries prior, Beifeng was teeming with powerful Sects and countless masters; they had even established a Martial Alliance that saw their influence reach its peak.

Regardless, the region eventually became a place of reclusive Sects and single-lineage legacies, rarely even appearing at major events like the Hidden Dragon Assembly.

Yet, who doesn't crave a bit of reputation and wealth?

Watching his nephew dominate the stage moved Tang Si deeply. Had it not been for the Heaven’s Blade Tang family’s creed of remaining low-profile and staying in harmony with the world, wouldn’t their Heaven’s Blade technique have stunned the world long ago?

It was a shame. The Elders often preached that there is always a higher heaven and someone more skilled, claiming that heroes are as common as fish in a stream and that it wasn't yet time for them to reveal their sharp edge.

Tang Si held the opposite view. He felt the Way of the Heaven’s Blade should foster a spirit capable of swallowing the horizon and a heart of boundless passion. How could a man of the sword not cultivate ambition?

Because of this, he frequently urged the younger generation to pursue their goals with fiery spirits!

"Wait, look. Representatives from Penglai, the Heavenly Mountain Sword Manor, Hengyun Sword City, and the Gangdou Sect are all present. Why hasn't anyone stepped up to trade blows?"

"That’s odd, why did it get so quiet all of a sudden?"

"The Qingyuan Sect has already suffered two defeats. Who is the next opponent for Young Tang?"

"Is it possible that no one dares to take the challenge?"

As the chatter around him died down, Tang Si regained his focus.

He glanced toward the stage and felt a sudden jolt of surprise.

It was no wonder the crowd had gone silent, looking as though they had just encountered a ghost.

Well...

The moment Little Li stepped onto the stage, the entire area in front of the main peak’s hall was plunged into a heavy silence.

The martial artists from various territories and the Sect representatives all fell into deep thought at the same time.

Everyone understood that it was standard practice for the younger generation to spar and share insights. It was a game of mutual respect where everyone helped each other look good. Win or lose, after a spirited battle, polite words would be exchanged. Face was preserved, and friendships were built.

That was the essence of a proper exchange.

But you, the former first place of the Hidden Dragon... who is now ranked in the top ten of the Human Ranking, why are you up there?

Is there a prize for being young? Do you get a trophy for this?

You are already in the Fourth Realm!

"This is a happy event; we wouldn't want anyone actually dying, right?"

"What is Young Master Li thinking? This is just using overwhelming power to bully the weak."

"Actually, if you only look at his age, it technically isn't against the rules."

"But he already won the Hidden Dragon ranking. There’s nothing to gain by winning here. This isn't even a Sect tournament; isn't he just picking on honest people?"

"Young Master Li doesn't seem like the type to be so shameless. Could he be facing some hidden trouble?"

"Considering that Young Master Li’s master is Shang Wu, this behavior actually seems quite possible..."

While they whispered, the crowd remained utterly bewildered.

Even the disciples of the Qingyuan Sect didn't offer any cheers; instead, they looked quite embarrassed.

What were they supposed to say?

Should they shout, "Go for it, Junior Brother Li! You’re in the Inner Scenery Fourth Realm, you have to beat that formidable Observation Divine Realm opponent!"?

But as members of the Qingyuan Sect, they couldn't exactly root for Tang Liu either...

"You... you..."

Tang Liu pointed his finger at Li Mo, his sword-hand trembling slightly.

Because he was talented and had seen much of the world, he was painfully aware of the danger he was in.

The heightened senses provided by his Observation Divine Realm soul were screaming at him... he was going to die!

He was paralyzed with fear!

"......"

Li Mo took a soft breath, finally sensing that the atmosphere was wrong.

Geniuses fighting, taking on those at higher levels...

If anyone asked about the duel later, couldn't he claim that he, an Inner Scenery cultivator, had battled an Observation Divine Realm foe? Wasn't that technically a challenge against a higher level?

Wait, how did he even get up here?

Li Mo stole a glance back. Ouyang was pretending to be deeply focused on a picture book, though he was holding it upside down.

That guy was truly useless.

Little Li inhaled deeply. Luckily, he was a quick thinker:

"Your sword skills are decent, but they require more refinement."

"Oh?"

Tang Liu was stunned.

"Is Li Mo on stage just to offer Tang Liu some guidance?"

"I'm not sure. I wasn't aware that Young Master Li was a practitioner of the sword."

"Perhaps his Cultivation has reached a point where understanding one path allows him to see through all others?"

The crowd’s guesses aligned with what Tang Liu was thinking.

His face became dead serious.

"What do you believe is the most vital trait for a swordsman?" Li Mo questioned.

Tang Liu paused, eventually shaking his head. "I do not know."

He had several theories, but he couldn't pick the most important one.

"It is the courage to draw your blade against any foe!"

Little Li stood with his hands behind his back, speaking with gravity, "The blade is the most fearless of weapons. No matter the odds, you must not falter. You must face it head-on!"

"Your techniques are skilled, but your heart lacks bravery. Any technique you use is already thirty percent weaker because of it!"

Tang Liu’s face turned scarlet at the rebuke. "I..."

"Your hand was shaking just a moment ago," Li Mo pointed out flatly.

"......" Tang Liu was speechless. To be honest, he wasn't just shaking; he had nearly wet himself.

"A true genius must always test themselves against the strong, even fighting those above their level. If you are terrified simply because an opponent's realm is a bit higher, then martial arts competitions are pointless. The person with the lower realm should just give up immediately."

"That obviously cannot be the way."

"Then I am merely one realm above you. Why do you fear?"

Below the stage, Tang Si’s eyes lit up, filling with deep respect.

He was right! It wasn't just Tang Liu; the entire Tang family had lost their aggressive, forward-moving drive. If they stayed this discouraged, the legendary Heaven’s Blade technique would vanish!

It was no wonder he was the Hidden Dragon leader, the young master who brought luck to his wife! Even at his age, his wisdom matched Tang Si's own!

"My Fourth Uncle has said the same thing..."

Tang Liu felt as if a great bell had been struck in his mind, leading to a sudden epiphany.

The same words carried different weight depending on who said them. Furthermore, experiencing it in person gave him a unique perspective.

"Attack!" Li Mo commanded sternly.

"Understood!"

A fierce light returned to Tang Liu’s gaze. He finally understood.

Clang—

A brilliant long sword was unsheathed, sounding like the roar of a tiger. This was a prized weapon his fourth uncle had used in his youth, a legendary blade that had tasted the blood of thousands in Beifeng, dripping with intent to kill.

He had always cared for this sword as if it were his own wife.

"Please excuse my lack of skill!"

Explosive flashes of light erupted, the sharp glow reflecting off the faces of everyone watching. The strike truly seemed as if the sky itself was being sliced open, a holy light accompanied by surging saber Qi!

Look at that.

Tang Liu attacked again, and his strike was indeed thirty percent more aggressive and determined than before, touching upon the true spirit of the Heavenly Saber!

"Very good!"

Li Mo looked on with a sense of relief and nodded in approval.

This was much better.

They would swap a few hits for the sake of appearances, and then he would compliment the other's technique. Everyone would keep their dignity, and the awkward situation would be resolved.

And as a bonus, Tang Liu seemed to have actually learned something, making the whole act even more believable.

With that thought, Li Mo lifted his hand, intending to intercept the blow. It was a simple, plain palm strike. If anyone asked, he’d just say that the Great Dao eventually returns to simplicity.

Clang... Crack.

That ordinary palm collided with the precious saber, which emitted a mournful cry.

Tang Liu’s arms went completely numb from the impact. He watched in horror as his world fell apart.

His cherished sword was fractured, cracks spreading like a web until, before his very eyes, it crumbled into a pile of worthless metal scraps.

"NO!!!"