Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’ Chapter 9: Li Mo: "I Might Be a Fake Inheritor"—Coexisting with an Ice Block

The entrance trials reached their conclusion.

The rise of two prodigies who both conquered the summit of the Heavenly Steps was an unprecedented milestone in the annals of the Qingyuan Sect. News of this feat spread like a wildfire, rapidly circulating through every corner of the sect grounds.

At the Internal Affairs Hall on the Qingyuan Main Peak.

"Four new core disciples have joined our ranks this year."

"I’ve heard the Sect Master hasn't accepted a personal pupil in half a century. Do you think he’s finally emerged from seclusion to train a successor?"

"You missed the sight—that girl possesses the beauty of a celestial maiden... but more importantly, she reached the peak of the Heavenly Steps in a heartbeat! Her talent is truly monstrous."

"Wasn't there a second person who made it to the top?"

"Indeed... but that one was claimed by Elder Shang Wu."

"Tsk!"

Inside the hall, inner disciples shared tea and gossip. However, when the topic shifted to the genius assigned to the Ninth Peak, they all recoiled, their faces twisting into expressions of deep pity.

That poor fellow is finished.

"What a shame. If he hadn't been overshadowed by that girl, he might have been considered a candidate for the next Sect Master."

"Incredible talent, but wretched luck."

A sigh echoed through the room.

The surrounding disciples nodded in solemn agreement.

Suddenly, the group set down their cups and stood straight, offering a respectful greeting:

"Greetings, Elder Qian."

A stout, short elder gave a brief nod.

"I have brought the new core disciples to collect their gear. Also, issue their first month's stipend early, following the specific rates of their assigned peaks."

This was Elder Qian Bufan, the man in charge of the Internal Affairs Hall. He held immense influence among the elders, primarily because he controlled the sect's treasury.

‘He is doing me a favor, likely because of Ying Bing...’ Li Mo recognized the underlying meaning and bowed toward Qian Bufan.

"Many thanks, Elder."

"Ah, there is no need for you to thank me."

Qian Bufan shifted his weight, avoiding the bow entirely.

Li Mo felt a flash of confusion.

The reason, however, became clear very quickly.

The basic supplies were distributed first: two sets of high-quality cloud-patterned robes and a bronze waist token, which were standard for all disciples.

The stipends were where the similarities ended.

"Murong Xiao of the Divine Arms Peak: five hundred silver taels per month, one tempered forging hammer, and two bottles of Jade Bone Pills."

"Lin Ye of the Ruyi Peak: three hundred silver taels per month and two bottles of Serenity Pills."

The clerk at the Internal Affairs Hall set out two trays.

When he turned to Ying Bing, his tone became noticeably more humble:

"Ying Bing of the Qingyuan Main Peak: one thousand silver taels per month, a top-tier Frost Iron Sword, two bottles of Pure Yang Pills, and ten stalks of Meridian-Cleansing Grass..."

The clerk continued reading from a massive list.

Nearby disciples could only watch with burning envy.

The benefits of being the Sect Master's direct disciple were enough to make anyone's mouth water.

But the clerk wasn't done.

"By order of the Sect Master, you are also granted a private residence for your personal use. You may select any available location."

A private residence!

This was a luxury usually reserved for stewards who had provided years of exceptional service.

Aside from the superior Cultivation environment, it was a massive status symbol.

"Autumn Water Pavilion."

Ying Bing answered instantly.

"Understood—I shall record it immediately." The clerk paused for a second before nodding.

"What about my share?"

Li Mo pointed to himself, worried he had been overlooked.

"Junior Brother, you are at Jade Cluster Peak. The resources for core disciples there are..."

The clerk slid a heavy book across the counter.

‘Is this some kind of secret manual? It’s incredibly heavy...’

Li Mo opened it, only to find entries like:

"Jingtai Year 162, 2nd Month: Jade Cluster Peak took an advance of 3,000 silver taels."

"Jingtai Year 162, 3rd Month: Jade Cluster Peak took 10 jars of apricot blossom wine on credit."

"Jingtai Year 164, 9th Month: Destruction of Rare Beast Peak’s pens, 52 beasts escaped..."

Every page was filled with nothing but debts.

Li Mo: "?"

A series of mental question marks flashed through his mind.

"Are you sure this is the right book?"

"It is correct," Elder Qian Bufan said with a heavy sigh. "Core disciple resources are provided by the peaks themselves, not the central sect. Jade Cluster Peak... currently provides no resources to its disciples."

"Furthermore, Elder Shang Wu owes a great deal to the Internal Affairs Hall. When you have a moment, please bring this ledger to her and ask her to pay back these debts."

"This whole book is just... IOUs?"

Li Mo's mouth hung open slightly.

So everyone else gets a salary, but I get a debt collection job?

Qian Bufan gave him a pitying look. "Also, there is likely no place for you to sleep on Jade Cluster Peak. You should probably plan on building a thatched hut. You can request the building materials from us."

"A thatched hut?"

Li Mo stood there in stunned silence.

He never imagined that becoming a core disciple of the Qingyuan Sect would involve being homeless.

Am I even supposed to be here?

"You can stay with me."

Ying Bing’s cold voice suddenly broke the silence.

Li Mo turned to her, startled, but her face remained as emotionless as ever.

Since when was this ice queen so helpful?

"The Autumn Water Pavilion is a beautiful place. You two would look like a perfect immortal couple there." Qian Bufan patted his stomach, wearing a knowing, gossipy grin.

It seemed Elder Qian enjoyed a good romance story.

"Elder Qian, you've got the wrong idea."

Li Mo shook his head.

"Oh? You two aren't a couple?"

The elder blinked in surprise.

The rumors said they were childhood friends who joined together. Now, Ying Bing was inviting him to live with her—which was basically moving in together!

In this world, no man and woman shared a house unless they were involved.

"Well..."

Before Li Mo could explain, Ying Bing spoke again:

"No."

Her voice was flat, but it carried a coldness that chilled the room.

"It's just a misunderstanding," Li Mo added quickly, waving his hands.

Then, dead silence.

The air in the hall became incredibly awkward.

"Excuse an old man for being nosy." Qian Bufan laughed, though he seemed disappointed.

Li Mo gave a wry smile and glanced at Ying Bing before looking away.

Was she beautiful? Absolutely. Calling her a legendary beauty was an understatement.

But she was freezing.

Li Mo sighed to himself.

He felt more pity for his childhood friend than anything else. She hadn't always been so distant; a tragedy in her past had hardened her. If he were in her position, he probably wouldn't be very cheerful either.

Opposite him, Ying Bing gave a tiny, nearly invisible shake of her head.

The heavens were heartless, and the path of the Dao was long. In her previous life, many geniuses had chased her. If she hadn't cut off her emotions to focus entirely on Cultivation, she never would have reached the summit. In this life, her goal remained the same.

The Autumn Water Pavilion was located near Jade Cluster Peak.

It was a stunning spot, tucked between the mountains and a flowing river. The three-story building and its courtyard, complete with a bubbling stream, looked elegant and natural.

The front gate creaked open.

The two of them walked in, with Li Mo carrying their bags.

"This is a nice place," Li Mo said, feeling a bit nostalgic. Once, Ying Bing had lived at his family's estate. Now, the roles were reversed.

He saw Ying Bing staring blankly at the courtyard.

"It looks like it hasn't been used in a while. We should clean up," Li Mo suggested.

He looked around for a broom but couldn't find one.

Ying Bing suddenly said, "The broom is under the stone bench near the flowers."

Li Mo checked, and sure enough, there it was.

"Go boil some water," Ying Bing commanded, tying her hair back with a ribbon.

She acted as though she had lived there for years, naturally taking charge of the house. It wasn't that she was trying to be bossy; she just had an aura of authority, like someone used to being in control.

I guess I'm the servant now.

Li Mo smirked and gave a mock bow. "As you wish, Your Highness."

He knew she was like this, but a small part of him felt a bit annoyed. It was only natural for a guy with some pride.

Li Mo soon finished boiling the water and poured it into a large wooden tub.

[Congratulations! You have successfully invested in a tub of bathwater, helping your target cleanse herself.]

[Reward: One gold bar.]

The system’s gold bars were always heavy and valuable.

After a moment, Li Mo shouted toward the courtyard:

"One tub might not be enough—I'll boil another one for you!"

Night passed.

The following morning, Li Mo woke up and checked the freezing cold room next door before heading to the kitchen. His various investments had given him a lot of different foods that just needed to be warmed up.

By sunrise, he brought out soy milk and buns to find the ice queen already at the table. Her face was pale and her lips had no color, looking like a beautiful statue made of ice.

Soon after breakfast, a loud voice came from the gate:

"Disciple Ying Bing, are you there?"

They opened the door to find an old man sitting on a magnificent, ancient carriage decorated with carvings of celestial beasts.

"I am the Sect Master's driver," the man said kindly. "The Sect Master ordered me to take you up the mountain. I will be your transport from now on. The Main Peak is huge, and we don't want you getting lost."

The Sect Master's own carriage. Li Mo was impressed. That was some high-level treatment. He, on the other hand, would probably have to walk.

"Thank you," Ying Bing said. She climbed into the carriage, then pulled the curtain back to look at Li Mo.

"Li Mo, before you go to Jade Cluster Peak, you should get some good wine."

With that, the carriage took off, leaving nothing but a cloud of dust.