Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’ Chapter 719: Is There a Wedding Night Ritual in Betrothal

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, a crisp autumn wind swept through the area, offering a pleasant chill.

The martial exhibitions held before the Qingyuan Sect's main hall had largely concluded. The true leaders of the various sects, along with renowned heroes and powerful experts who had been invited from the start, were now being guided into the grand hall.

A few visitors who had been to the Qingyuan Sect in the past paused at the entrance. Observing the revitalized spirit and the renewed aura of the sect, they couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

"During its prime, the Qingyuan Sect was at its zenith, possessing the dignity of a great sect capable of stabilizing an entire province. Later, however, they personally petitioned the Emperor, choosing instead to serve as guardians for the imperial tombs in Ziyang Prefecture."

"Looking at it now, it seems they have reclaimed much of the magnificence recorded in the ancient texts."

Surprisingly, the Penglai Sect, which usually remained in seclusion far across the sea, had also dispatched a representative for this occasion.

The history of Penglai was vast, with roots stretching back before the Great Shang Dynasty. Though their heritage was incredibly profound, their beginnings were shrouded in mystery. They had traditionally kept to their oceanic isolation, rarely involving themselves in the conflicts of the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

The speaker was a woman clad in blue Daoist robes. Her eyes possessed a soft blue hue, and her voice carried a notably melodic quality.

She was Bai Jing, the sword attendant to Sect Master Fairy Tantai. Even though she occupied a seat of high honor, none of the other sect members felt it was undeserved.

"Miss Bai is correct. The transformation has been remarkably swift. It has been over a decade since this old man last stepped foot into the Qingyuan Sect."

Elder Xu of Hengyun Sword City looked quite at ease as he gripped his longsword, his expression reflecting a mix of nostalgia and the passage of time.

"What a load of rubbish! You were just here last month. Fairy Bai, pay no mind to his lies. He is merely putting on a performance to try and strike up a longer conversation with you."

An elder representing the Sword Manor let out a cold snort of derision.

It was common knowledge that the Sword City and the Sword Manor were bitter rivals.

Their friction stemmed first from their competing claims over being the ultimate sacred land of the Dao of the sword. Secondly, every swordsman possessed a streak of vanity, and it was clear that one stage was too small for two such egos.

"Watch your mouth!" Elder Xu slammed his teacup onto the table. "You have the audacity to criticize me? I recall a certain someone who, in his youth, swore that if he bested Miss Bai in a duel, she would have to travel the Eastern Sea with him."

"And how did that turn out?"

Li Mo, who had just walked in, inquired with a look of curiosity.

"His blade was shattered, and he went home in tears," Elder Xu replied with a sneer.

Elder Lian of the Sword Manor glared back fiercely. "I might not have won, but you weren't any better. You actually wrote love poems for Miss Bai. Do you want me to recite one for everyone right now?"

"Why bring up ancient history? If you have the courage, let's step outside and settle this man-to-man."

"Settle it? You think I'm intimidated by you?"

The two were at each other's throats, looking ready to start a brawl right then and there.

Bai Jing, who was naturally composed and gentle, could only show a look of mild exasperation. It was evident that this was a recurring scene.

The long-standing feud between Elder Xu and Elder Lian wasn't strictly about their sects.

While Fairy Tantai held the position of Sect Master, she remained at Penglai for her secluded Cultivation. Thus, Bai Jing, as her sword attendant, handled all matters requiring travel through the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

Years ago, Xu and Lian had scheduled a duel. When they reached a dangerous impasse where neither could safely withdraw their techniques, Bai Jing used her zither music to diffuse the tension and save them both.

Afterward, both men convinced themselves they had been the victor and that Miss Bai was smitten with them. Consequently, both began to pursue her.

But as the saying goes...

One spotlight cannot accommodate two people.

"Elders, please lower your anger. If you both wish to test your skills, my master can oversee the match later on."

Li Mo gave a respectful bow to the two seniors.

"Remind me, who is your master?" the Sword Manor elder asked, his temper still simmering.

Elder Xu thought for a moment. "Shang Wu. I heard she recently achieved a breakthrough into a higher realm."

"......" Elder Lian went quiet instantly. "Ahem... where were we? Ah, yes. The Qingyuan Sect truly has a remarkable and unique presence."

The middle-aged man, who had been exploding with rage a second ago, suddenly turned incredibly polite.

Elder Xu sat back down as well. Realizing that Shang Wu might actually show up, he hesitated and decided it was best not to touch his tea again.

"Exactly. It wasn't nearly this impressive when I visited last month. How did it change so drastically in such a short time?"

"There were old rumors that a legacy of the Great Shang was concealed beneath the Qingyuan Sect. Could there be truth to that?"

Bai Jing spoke up, though it was hard to tell if she was just steering the conversation away from the argument or if she was truly interested.

"A Great Shang legacy?" Li Mo looked toward Shangguan Wencang with a questioning expression.

Shangguan Wencang coughed softly, appearing somewhat reluctant to speak.

Bai Jing gave a small smile. "It is perfectly understandable if these are sect secrets that must remain hidden."

"It isn't that," Shangguan Wencang explained with a wave of his hand and a sigh.

"What Great Shang legacy? Such claims have no basis. When a dynasty is on the brink of collapse and its destiny is spent, how could the treasury have anything left? If you really want to say something was left behind..."

Shangguan Wencang shifted his gaze to the side.

Following his lead, the guests from the allied sects spotted Tang Xiaobao sitting nearby, preoccupied with a lollipop. A bit of drool escaped his mouth as he muttered a confusing thought to himself:

"Humans come from human mothers, and demons come from demon mothers... so where do medicinal pills come from?"

"......"

A few people recognized Tang Xiaobao's true nature, but for experts of their caliber, a Nascent Soul level divine pill wasn't enough to cause a massive stir.

"The one beside him is the same," Shangguan Wencang added.

Shang Li came running in from outside the hall, skipping toward Tang Xiaobao and slapping him on the back.

"Brother Xiaobao, let's go catch some frogs!"

"I'm in!"

"......"

The onlookers suddenly felt that Sect Master Shangguan's skepticism was justified.

If a dynasty had fallen millennia ago and left behind a world-shaking treasure, would the Qingyuan Sect really be in its current state?

Even if something did exist, it was likely beyond the reach of normal people and had probably already manifested its fortune through Li Mo and Ying Bing.

Thus, as the chat continued, the focus shifted back to the young talent, Li Mo.

Noticing Li Mo's calm and humble behavior—showing none of the conceit one might expect from the genius ranked first on the Hidden Dragon List—Bai Jing nodded in approval.

"His potential is staggering, but more importantly, his heart is noble; he carries himself like a true gentleman. I have heard many stories of your exploits while traveling here. If the opportunity arises, you should bring Fairy Han to visit Penglai Island."

Penglai Island was not a destination one could simply choose to visit.

Their invitations were rarely based on mere Cultivation strength; they prioritized a person’s integrity and moral character above all else.

Just as Li Mo was preparing to bow and accept the offer, the communication token inside his storage space began to vibrate.

"The Deputy Sect Master of the Summoning Deity Sect, Yuwen Cuojin, along with Situ Ding, requests an audience with the Young Master to discuss urgent matters!"

Li Mo suddenly recalled the primary reason for his arrival.

He had come specifically to consult with the Elders regarding the grave threat posed by the Demonic Sect.