Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’ Chapter 729: You Dont Have to Be a Childish Person Today
Previously on Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’...
"Master, have you also arrived to join Young Master Li's wedding festivities?"
"This lowly monk, Zangai, has come to serve as his groomsman."
"...?"
Murong Xiao reached out to snatch the red envelopes being flung through the air. Alongside Xiao Qin and Ouyang, the trio advanced through the crowd, leaving a trail of bewildered expressions in their wake.
Li Mo distributed the final batch of red envelopes. Surrounded by the crackle of firecrackers and the roaring congratulations of the public, the group made their way into the estate.
"Brother Huang sent word. He reports that members of the Demonic Cult and the Lingxi Sect have infiltrated the Qingyuan Sect, though the headcounts aren't adding up."
"I suspect some have snuck into other sects. Junior Brother Li, remain vigilant. An attempt might be made tonight, perhaps..."
Xiao Qin lowered his volume as he spoke.
He continued his earnest warning for several moments before realizing Li Mo’s gaze was vacant. The groom was staring intently toward the inner courtyard’s bridal chamber, appearing completely lost in his own thoughts, seemingly oblivious to the briefing.
"Indeed," Murong Xiao added with a grave nod. "Just a moment ago, Uncle Li privately informed me about the wedding traditions..."
"What was that?"
Young Master Li’s focus returned instantly, his head snapping around with an expression of total concentration.
"......" Xiao Qin had initially doubted that Brother Li would ignore his message, but now those doubts were confirmed.
"Uncle Li just whispered to me that 'the path of true love is never easy.' Gaining entry to Junior Sister Ying’s chambers won't be a simple task. You’ll have to pass the trials of a few people first," Murong Xiao murmured.
"Who are they?"
"Lan Tian."
"She works for me; she's a simple girl. Dealing with her will be easy."
"Aunt Gu."
"My own mother wouldn't actually block my path, would she? Is there anyone else?"
Li Mo felt a wave of relief wash over him.
It sounded like mere tradition. He figured a few red envelopes for the sake of appearances would grant him passage.
"And Senior Martial Aunt Shang."
"......."
Li Mo froze in his tracks, his face suddenly clouding over with dread.
Xiao Qin shifted back, nearly tempted to make an early exit, though he couldn't think of a valid excuse. He even found himself wishing his master would take over his body.
His wish went unfulfilled, as the Thousand Forms Martial Venerable appeared to be in a profound sleep, remaining silent despite his internal calls.
"Brother Li, surely you aren't still intimidated by Senior Martial Aunt Shang? In terms of being a 'fighting king,' you have already surpassed your master," Murong Xiao remarked, rubbing his smooth scalp in confusion.
His confusion stemmed mostly from his lack of familiarity with Shang Wu.
Li Mo replied with a sigh of helplessness, "What am I supposed to do if she collapses on the floor, throws a fit, and starts acting completely shameless?"
"......"
"By the way, Brother Murong, regarding your Indestructible Vajra Body... would you be unharmed if you fell from a great height?" Li Mo inquired suddenly.
"Are you joking? I'd be perfectly fine. When it comes to absorbing impact..."
"Could it endure a thrashing from an expert of the External Scenery realm?"
"As long as they don't intend to kill me, it's no problem. Why do you ask, Brother Li?"
"It’s nothing. Congratulations to you."
While conversing, the three reached the mansion's main hall.
"Hey there, you've come to collect your bride. You'd better show some real sincerity, shouldn't you?" Shang Wu sat there with an imposing air, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips.
"This is for you, Master."
Young Master Li offered a red envelope.
"Hmph." Shang Wu felt the weight of it. Despite her reputation for loving money, she remained unmoved this time.
"This isn't enough. I'm not letting you through this door."
"Master, please don't start this now," Young Master Li said, his anxiety rising.
"You unfilial disciple! Are you trying to defy your master and betray your lineage? Waaah..."
"Hiss..."
Li Mo winced. Shang Wu acting in this manner was far more daunting than when she was merely being aggressive.
Murong Xiao and Xiao Qin finally grasped the source of Li Mo's fear.
However, as was widely known, Young Master Li was a man of great ingenuity.
He nonchalantly produced two bottles and shoved them into Murong Xiao's arms. Then, while Master Zangai looked on in utter confusion, he ensnared him within his Somersault Cloud.
"Huh?"
Whoosh! A bald head shot into the sky, corkscrewing into the clouds.
"Little Mo, what kind of stunt is this? Your master has seen every trick in the book. You think a little distraction like this can—"
"Those were the final two bottles of Immortal's Brew."
Before the sentence could even finish, Shang Wu—who had been standing there just a second ago—bolted out of the hall like a hound unleashed.
"Murong Xiao, you truly are my most loyal brother. Such devotion," Li Mo said with deep emotion, shielding his eyes as he watched two streaks fly away from Ziyang Prefecture City.
Xiao Qin: "......"
But Brother Li, you don't seem particularly loyal yourself.
At the very least, today he couldn't be called the 'Sword Hero Who Benefits the Group'—the title 'Sword Hero Who Forgets His Roots' seemed far more appropriate.
The two quickly pushed open the doors to the main hall while Shang Wu was occupied.
At the entrance to the inner courtyard, Lan Tian gave them a wave.
"Boss."
"Yes, you've done well. I'll see to it you get a bonus."
Li Mo handed her a red envelope, gave her a pat on the shoulder, and attempted to brush past her on the left.
Lan Tian silently stepped to the left to block him.
Li Mo tried to move to the right, only to find Lan Tian had blocked him there as well.
"?"
Had this girl turned against him?
"Um, about the test... I don't want a bonus."
Young Master Li’s wide-eyed, intimidating glare caused Lan Tian to flinch slightly, yet some hidden resolve kept her rooted in place.
"Then what is it you want?"
"I want... to go on a date with Brother Dahuang."
Li Mo and Xiao Qin traded a look, both of them reflecting pure bewilderment.
"Brother Dahuang? Could that be..."
"Old Huang?!"
Li Mo activated his Heavenly Destiny Divine Eye. Seeing the phrase 'love at first sight' written in Lan Tian's recent fate, his expression became truly remarkable.
Xiao Qin’s expression was even more stunned.
Among their circle of brothers, his talent was mediocre, his looks were plain, his wealth was average, and he possessed no unique skills. Setting all that aside...
Now even Old Huang had a girl pining for him? Did women simply dislike normal men?
"It's a bit of a task, but manageable. However, I must warn you, Old Huang is the type of man who..."
"I'm aware! I just happen to like the mature and steady type."
"Fine, I'll assist you when the time comes... Wait, Senior Brother Xiao, why do you look so miserable?"
"It's nothing. Let's keep moving."
Young Master Li successfully cleared yet another obstacle.
At last, they stood before the bridal chamber. This time, no one stood in their path, only the firmly shut doors.
The world around them seemed to fall silent. Li Mo could hear nothing but his own breath and the pounding of his heart. He reached out and gave the door a gentle push.
Hmm?
He tried pushing again with a bit more force...
It remained locked.
"Ice Block, I've arrived," Li Mo called out softly.
"I'm aware you're here," a voice replied from behind the door. It was his mother.
"Mother, please open the door quickly. We mustn't miss the auspicious hour."
"I am Little Bing'er's mother right now. Don't try to use our relationship to get your way."
"????"
Li Mo recoiled slightly.
Was it possible that the most difficult challenge to overcome was actually his own mother?
Then, a different voice echoed from inside the room:
"If you want this door opened, you must first retrieve something."
"Retrieve what?"
"The garments you crafted for Little Bing'er in the past, the ones made of sea silk. Little Bing'er mentioned she had tucked them away..."
Whether Ice Block had hidden them specifically to challenge Li Mo or out of genuine embarrassment was a mystery.
They were simply too mortifying. She had planned to tell Li Mo they were lost if he ever asked about them later.
She hadn't expected Madam Gu to have spotted them.
And so, it became the final trial for Li Mo.
Young Master Li never anticipated that a seductive boomerang of his own creation would one day come back to hit him right in the face.