Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’ Chapter 735: The Terrifying Path of Marriage

The Qingyuan Sect felt remarkably silent as night fell, the day's commotion finally fading away.

An uninvited group arrived at a desolate, long-abandoned peak. They moved like shadows, silent and unnoticed, as if they were merely passing through the darkness without alerting a single soul.

"That is Qunyu Peak, the gateway to the Great Shang Imperial Mausoleum."

Standing with his hands behind his back, Situ Ding’s face was a mask of both shock and skepticism.

"What is the delay, then?" The frail-looking Mo Chaozong attempted to surge forward, only for Situ Ding to block his path.

"It is far too quiet. Why is such a critical location completely unguarded?" Situ Ding shared his doubts aloud.

The Qingyuan Sect was established by the original protectors of the Great Shang Imperial Mausoleum. Yet, at the very entrance of Qunyu Peak, not a single guard could be found.

Had the sect truly abandoned its ancestral duty so carelessly?

"Deputy Sect Leader Situ, you are mistaken; this area is indeed being watched."

"Shang Wu."

"...How can you be certain?"

"See for yourself."

A cult member pointed toward a specific spot. Following the gesture, Situ Ding was stunned to find a wooden sign:

[Shang Wu Inside. No Trespassing.]

Situ Ding: "...."

Yuwen Cuojin: "......"

The situation felt bizarre, yet it explained the lack of patrols. It was essentially no different from a 'Beware of Dog' warning.

Actually, there was a difference. A rabid dog would likely be more dependable and wouldn't desert its post to go drinking, which was undoubtedly what Shang Wu was doing.

Nonetheless, the fact that Shang Wu was the one assigned to protect Qunyu Peak highlighted the severity of the problem.

Furthermore, they had observed the main peak's hall earlier; the Sect Elders were all feasting and drinking, completely caught off guard.

"I never imagined the Qingyuan Sect would be this negligent. Situ, do we strike now?"

Yuwen Cuojin was still recovering from his wounds. While the two deputy leaders usually shared equal status, Situ Ding was the one in command for this operation.

"Do not be reckless. We require absolute certainty. We shall wait for the subordinates of the Upper Immortal to gather first." Situ Ding’s voice trembled slightly with suppressed thrill.

Initially, simply recovering the Cycle of Life and Death Array would have satisfied the Sect Leader’s demands.

However, it now appeared their potential achievements would far surpass that goal.

They had the chance to annihilate the entire Qingyuan Sect in a single night!

At that thought, Situ Ding couldn't suppress a dark smirk.

"Hehehe...."

"What brings such laughter to the Deputy Sect Leader?"

A familiar voice rang out from the rear. The demonic cultists spun around to see a row of figures whose faces were hidden. Based on their garments, they looked like even more professional demonic cultists than the cult members themselves...

"I laugh at the stupidity of Li Mo, the lack of foresight within the Qingyuan Sect, and those Elders who are nothing more than a flock of useless birds."

Situ Ding chuckled, bowing his head in a flattering gesture. "With your help, this is like using a butcher’s blade to slaughter a mere chicken."

Shangguan Wencang: "......"

The Elders: "....."

Qian Bufan: "Watch your tongue! What kind of nonsense is that!"

How insulting!

Then again, they were dealing with a demonic cult; a lack of etiquette was to be expected. It wasn't the time to argue over manners.

Yuwen Cuojin laughed heartily, saying, "Our scouts report that the Qingyuan Sect's elders are all away indulging themselves. Not a single one is on duty."

Mo Chaozong added through gritted teeth, "Even the experts from the other sects have departed for parts unknown. They clearly hold the Qingyuan Sect in contempt. They only showed up out of respect for Li Mo. Ultimately, it’s just a minor sect, destined for nothing great!"

The cultists grew excited at these words, their low laughter echoing through the trees.

I think you're letting your personal grudges show a bit much.

The corner of Shangguan Wencang’s mouth twitched, but he remained silent. Since he was currently posing as a subordinate of the Black Earth Upper Immortal, he looked toward Qin Yuzhi for direction.

"Hmm, to realize this and still wait for us shows you have a calm temperament."

Qin Yuzhi gave a nod of approval. "With disciples like you, how could our Divine Cult fail to thrive?"

"It is only because you, venerable one, established the foundation of our Divine Cult. Our devotion to you flows like an eternal, endless river..."

Situ Ding poured on the praise for this legendary, forbidden figure.

Qin Yuzhi thought to herself, What a load of rubbish. If you're so devoted, why haven't you set me free?

She dismissed him with a wave of her hand:

"Enough flattery. We move out now."

Situ Ding agreed, but Yuwen Cuojin interrupted:

"That brat Li Mo has ruined our cult’s plans time and again. Since Senior Qin is handling the imperial tomb mission, why don't I pay a personal visit to the Autumn Water Pavilion?"

"That... is a good idea." Situ Ding agreed. Even a lion must use its full power to hunt a rabbit.

Even if he wasn't at his peak, Yuwen Cuojin was still a master of the Seventh Realm.

A Seventh Realm expert against a Fourth Realm boy—it was a guaranteed victory. Even if the Martial Emperor himself returned to life, he would still perish!

"Then we shall divide our forces."

With that decided, Yuwen Cuojin departed.

"I shall accompany Sect Leader Yuwen." Mo Chaozong was more interested in finding Li Mo than the Cycle of Life and Death Array.

Besides, that artifact was the prize of the Demon-Summoning Cult; he had no use for it himself.

Thus, the two of them set off toward the Autumn Water Pavilion.

Once they were gone, the remaining group began their ascent of Qunyu Peak.

As they walked, Situ Ding suddenly asked, "By the way, where is the Right Protector? Why is she not with us?"

"She is occupied with other vital matters."

Situ Ding was confused by the clear note of jealousy in Qin Yuzhi’s voice.

.......

Meanwhile, in another location.

"Was someone training in martial arts here?"

Yuwen Cuojin moved with great speed and soon reached the vicinity of the Autumn Water Pavilion. Glancing at the nearby waterfall, he could tell immediately that someone had been practicing external techniques there.

Judging by the marks left behind, it had happened within the last two years.

It didn't take a genius to figure out who had left those scars on the landscape.

"In less than two years, he rose from the Blood and Qi Realm to his current state. If we allow him a few more years..."

Yuwen Cuojin realized with chilling clarity that the boy had to be eliminated.

Fortunately, they had caught on early, and he was here to finish it. He doubted the kid could cause any trouble now.

"You've arrived quite early."

Yuwen Cuojin turned, exhaling in relief when he saw the newcomer.

It was only the Right Protector.

However, it struck him as odd—though her cultivation was between the Sixth and Seventh Realm, lower than his own, how had she managed to appear so suddenly without him sensing her presence?

Was the Dao she mastered perhaps related to stealth or concealment?

"My presence here is enough, Right Protector. You should probably head to Qunyu Peak."

"No, I was actually here waiting for you."

Shang Qinqing’s voice was cold. "If I wasn't waiting for you, I would be watching rivers of blood flow by now."

Yuwen Cuojin: "?"

Before he could ask what she meant, his face twisted in shock.

Across from him, Shang Qinqing let out a piercing cry. The space around them ignited with light as an ancient Marriage Fate Tree appeared, looking weathered yet radiating an immortal elegance.

Upon closer inspection, the tree appeared withered and broken, its beauty clashing with a sense of decay.

But then, its limbs began to sway, shimmering with an amber light as fresh, emerald leaves sprouted. It was reviving at an incredible speed, once again pulsing with the power of the Seventh Realm.

"The Dao of Marriage Fate? You are..."

The realization hit Yuwen Cuojin like a physical blow.

"Sugar, come!"

Shang Qinqing stepped forward, once again entering the Palm Mystique Realm.