Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’ Chapter 728: Passing Three Trials, The Boomerang

As the sound of the ice block rustling through her change of clothes reached Li Mo’s ears, his imagination began to run wild.

Just a thin door stood between them. He envisioned her shedding those simple garments to don the crimson robes, appearing like a fiery blossom radiating brilliance under the sun...

The urge to barge in and see for himself was overwhelming.

However, it was a futile desire. Old Li stood guard like an impenetrable fortress, acting with the stubbornness of a future father-in-law and refusing to grant him even the smallest opening.

“Patience is a virtue, do you understand? Seeing her isn't supposed to be this simple for you.”

“Dad, I was only joking before when I said I might have been swapped at birth, but I’m really starting to have my doubts now.”

Li Mo let out a heavy sigh, casting a lingering, mournful look toward the ice block’s room.

Li Dalong waved his hand dismissively. “Off with you, get moving. You’ll see her tomorrow, won’t you? Can’t you hold out for just one more day?”

After successfully driving Li Mo away, Li Dalong let out a snort. He chuckled softly to himself, whispering that back in his own day, he hadn't been allowed a sneak peek either.

The engagement banquet officially commenced as a crisp autumn wind carried the festive atmosphere through the air.

The sheer scale of the feast made even the sprawling Qingyuan Sect feel somewhat congested. Guests who had arrived for the Promotion Ceremony were still present, while those invited for the wedding festivities were already flooding in. Consequently, the organizers had to arrange an open-air, flowing banquet that cascaded from the main hall all the way down to the mountain gate.

Mounted on a stallion, Li Mo rode out through the mountain gate.

It had to be said that the outfit Old Li had worn to claim his own bride years ago fit him to perfection. Combined with the natural aura of the top genius on the Hidden Dragon List, he looked every bit the gallant Young Master, his spirit soaring as his horse galloped with light steps.

“Today, the Qingyuan Sect appears even more vibrant than it did during the Promotion Ceremony,” Elder Xu noted with a touch of sentiment.

“Naturally. The Prince of Zhennan has arrived in person, and he even brought along gifts bestowed by His Majesty.”

Qian Bufan, who was stationed at the entrance to gather offerings, reached out his hand toward the elder.

“Isn't this just an engagement? Are we expected to provide gifts for engagements as well?”

The elder from the Sword Manor was caught off guard, yet he still reached into his robes to produce a red envelope.

“I’ve heard it’s actually a wedding. Word is that Fairy Han has already started addressing Young Master Li’s mother as ‘mother’.”

“This arrangement certainly doesn't look like a mere engagement.”

“Exactly. When I walked past, I noticed the bridal chamber was already prepared. Since when do you need a bridal chamber for an engagement??”

All along the path, various martial artists traded rumors, with some calling it an engagement and others swearing it was a full wedding.

Within the throng of people, Shang Qinqing’s lips twitched as she fought back the urge to erupt into laughter.

However, she restrained herself after catching sight of a new group of riders arriving at the mountain gate out of the corner of her eye.

“So, a bridal chamber is reserved for a wedding and not an engagement?” a voice suddenly inquired from the newly arrived party.

The person being asked looked at the speaker as if they were a fool, only to realize it was the famous Lingxi Sect Master, Mo Chaozong. He quickly gave an awkward nod.

“That is correct. A bridal chamber is unnecessary for an engagement.”

“Then today is undoubtedly a wedding.”

The hidden members of the Demon Sect, disguised within the Lingxi Sect group, nodded to themselves in relief.

That gave us a real scare. For a second, we thought our intelligence was flawed.

“Sect Master Mo, your Lingxi Sect is currently at the height of its prestige. Surely you haven't arrived without a tribute...”

Qian Bufan once again extended his hand, rubbing his stout fingers together expectantly.

“......”

Mo Chaozong fell into a brief silence. He had come to incite chaos; he hadn't planned on paying an entry fee.

Reluctantly, he pulled out a silver ingot and passed it over.

“Gift from the Lingxi Sect: eight taels of silver! Seating is outside the mountain gate!” Elder Qian’s voice thundered.

“Only eight taels? Is Sect Master Mo here to cause trouble?”

“The Lingxi Sect was the frontrunner to become the Provincial Sect, after all. Perhaps they are nursing a grudge for being passed over?”

“Or maybe the Lingxi Sect is just broke, hence the cheapness?”

Hearing the whispers, Mo Chaozong squeezed his fist tight. As a prominent sect master, he had never been the target of such mockery.

“Great plans require patience. Do not jeopardize everything,” Situ Ding’s voice echoed in his mind via a secret transmission.

Being relegated to the area outside the gate would make their later strike far more difficult.

“Hmph.”

Mo Chaozong let out a cold snort and produced two thick stacks of silver notes. “Is this enough?”

He handed over the money and stepped inside, only to realize the followers he brought were missing.

They had been intercepted by Qian Bufan.

“Did our Sect Master not just pay the gift money?” the disguised Situ Ding asked in a low tone.

“He only paid for himself.”

“You little....”

“Hmm?”

“...cutie.”

Thus, the Demon Sect operatives were forced to line up and pay, their already thin wallets taking a further beating.

It wasn't a total loss, though. They each received a return gift—a pair of dolls fashioned after Young Master Li and Fairy Han.

Riding his horse, the young Li Mo remained oblivious to Elder Qian’s success in fleecing even the Demon Sect.

As Li Mo entered Ziyang Prefecture City, the citizens watched him with eyes full of respect and awe. They had no idea that the ‘Little Overlord of Wife-Prospering’ had essentially lost all ability to think straight.

The trek felt like it lasted forever, yet it also seemed to fly by in an instant.

His limbs felt heavy, yet he felt as though he were floating on the clouds.

At the same time.

The bride-to-be was seated at her dressing table while Gu Xueqin styled her hair. She gazed absently at her own image in the mirror, her eyes shimmering with gentle ripples.

She had never imagined that the scenes from her dreams would manifest so vividly in the real world.

She thought back to the beginning: the Li family had been kind to her, so she had ventured into the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths with the intent of protecting that immature boy.

After all, she was the elder sister, having lived through two lifetimes.

But while she was busy looking after him, this ‘older sister’ found her debts to him growing larger and larger.

It seemed, perhaps, likely...

The only thing she had left to repay him with was her own self.

Just then.

“This red envelope seems to be packed with silver notes...”

Lan Tian entered the room, clutching a red envelope.

“Hmm? Is that boy already passing out red envelopes?”

Shang Wu had accompanied Lan Tian to serve as a bridesmaid. Initially, Li Mo had been against the idea.

It was common knowledge that before whisking the bride away, the groom had to pass various trials to enter the room, with the bridesmaids acting as obstacles. Having Shang Wu as a gatekeeper would be a total nightmare for him.

However, the ice block had few friends. Aside from Lan Tian, the only other person in Ziyang Prefecture was the ‘Fighting Queen’ of the Qingyuan Sect.

“Mhm, are red envelopes given for engagements as well?” Lan Tian asked with a nod.

“Probably... they should be.”

Shang Wu stood with her arms crossed. Surprisingly, she didn't bolt out to squeeze her student for more money, instead narrowing her eyes with a rare, steady composure.

“......”

Ying Bing pressed her lips together, knowing full well that red envelopes were strictly for weddings.

But since she had already been outmaneuvered by that immature boy so many times, one more trick wouldn't hurt. She would simply act as if she didn't know.

“Sister Bing is so stunning.”

Lan Tian completely forgot about the envelope, staring at Ying Bing. With her hair elegantly pinned and wearing her phoenix-patterned crimson robes, Lan Tian couldn't help but wipe a bit of drool from her lip.

Gu Xueqin had intended to offer a compliment, but as she looked at the girl in the mirror, she felt that any praise would fall short.

She opened her mouth, but the emotions in her heart made her voice catch and her eyes turn red.

She had raised this girl since she was a child; she was no different from her own flesh and blood.

“That brat is getting her far too easily.”

“Mother, what time is it?”

“Don't be in such a rush. We can't let him take you away without a fight.”

Madam Gu, Li Mo’s mother, spoke with the protective tone of someone guarding a precious treasure as she walked toward the door.

She searched for a moment before finally locating the door bolt.

How strange, doesn't Little Bing’er usually keep her door locked?