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

The Qingyuan Sect fell into a profound silence as the day's commotion faded into the night.

An uninvited group arrived stealthily at a long-abandoned, desolate peak. They moved with such quiet precision that they appeared to be mere shadows passing through, drawing no attention from the sect.

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

Standing with his hands tucked behind him, Situ Ding’s face reflected a mixture of skepticism and amazement.

"What is the delay then?" The frail-looking Mo Chaozong attempted to surge forward, but Situ Ding quickly blocked his path.

"It is far too quiet. Why would a site of such magnitude be left unguarded?" Situ Ding asked, voicing his apprehension.

The Qingyuan Sect was established by the original guardians of the Great Shang Imperial Mausoleum. Yet, the entrance to Qunyu Peak was completely deserted.

Had the Qingyuan Sect truly abandoned its sacred duty so carelessly?

"Deputy Sect Leader Situ, you might be unaware, but this area is indeed being watched."

"By whom?"

"Shang Wu."

"...How are you certain?"

"Observe."

A cult member gestured toward a specific spot. Situ Ding looked over and was stunned to find a wooden sign:

[Shang Wu Inside. No Trespassing.]

Situ Ding: "...."

Yuwen Cuojin: "......"

The situation felt absurd, yet it provided an explanation for the lack of sentries. It was essentially no different from a 'Beware of Dog' warning.

Actually, a fierce dog would likely be more dependable; it wouldn't abandon its post to go on a drinking binge like Shang Wu usually did.

However, the fact that Shang Wu was the one tasked with protecting Qunyu Peak was a clear indicator of the sect's decline.

Furthermore, they had witnessed the scene at the main hall earlier, where the Sect Elders were drinking and celebrating, completely off their guard.

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

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

"Patience. We cannot afford mistakes. We must wait for the Upper Immortal’s subordinates to gather first." Situ Ding’s voice trembled slightly with suppressed thrill.

Initially, their only goal was to retrieve the Cycle of Life and Death Array to satisfy the Sect Leader’s demands.

Now, however, the opportunity before them was far greater.

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

At that thought, Situ Ding let out a quiet, sinister laugh.

"Hehehe..."

"What does the Deputy Sect Leader find so amusing?"

A familiar voice rang out from behind them. The cultists turned to see a row of figures whose faces were obscured. Based on their dark clothing, they looked even more like professional demonic cultists than the actual cult members did.

"I am laughing at the foolishness of Li Mo and the lack of foresight within the Qingyuan Sect. Their Elders are nothing more than a flock of useless birds."

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

Shangguan Wencang: "......"

The Elders: "....."

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

How insulting!

Then again, they were dealing with a demonic cult; a lack of etiquette was to be expected. It was better to ignore the slight for now.

Yuwen Cuojin laughed heartily, adding, "Our scouting reports confirm the Qingyuan Sect Elders have disappeared to seek their own pleasures. Not a single one is on duty."

Mo Chaozong gritted his teeth and snarled, "Even the experts from the other sects have vanished. They likely view the Qingyuan Sect with contempt and only showed up to save face for Li Mo. Ultimately, it’s just a petty Sect, incapable of achieving anything great!"

The cultists grew more excited, their muffled laughter echoing through the trees.

I suspect there is a bit of personal grudge in your words.

Shangguan Wencang’s lip twitched, but he remained silent. Currently posing as a subordinate of the Black Earth Upper Immortal, he looked toward Qin Yuzhi for direction.

"Hmph, staying calm and waiting for us despite the opportunity shows you have a steady heart."

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

"It is only because you, venerable one, established the Divine Cult's foundation. Our respect for you flows like a never-ending river..."

Situ Ding showered the legendary figure with extravagant praise.

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

She dismissed his flattery with a wave of her hand.

"Enough chatter. It is time to move."

Situ Ding agreed, but Yuwen Cuojin interrupted:

"That brat Li Mo has ruined our plans time and again. Since Senior Qin is here to handle the imperial mausoleum, why don't I pay a personal visit to the Autumn Water Pavilion?"

"That... is a sound plan." Situ Ding nodded. Even a lion must use its full power when hunting a rabbit.

Despite his injuries, 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 a Martial Emperor were to be reborn, he would surely fall!

"Then we shall divide our forces."

With those words, Yuwen Cuojin departed.

"I'll accompany Sect Leader Yuwen." Mo Chaozong was less interested in the Cycle of Life and Death Array and more focused on finding Li Mo.

The artifact was destined for the Demon-Summoning Cult anyway, so he stood to gain nothing from it personally.

With that, the two 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 asked curiously, "Whatever happened to 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, at another location.

"Has someone been training here?"

Yuwen Cuojin arrived near the Autumn Water Pavilion. Gazing at the nearby waterfall, he could immediately tell that someone had been practicing external Cultivation there.

The marks left behind suggested it had been less than two years.

It wasn't hard to guess who was responsible.

"In under two years, he climbed 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.

It was fortunate they had acted early. With him personally involved, he was certain the boy wouldn't be able to cause any more trouble.

"You've arrived quite early."

"Who goes there?"

Yuwen Cuojin spun around, only to let out a breath of relief.

It was 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 close without him detecting her?

Could her Dao be focused on the art of 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 paled in shock.

Across from him, Shang Qinqing let out a piercing cry. The space around them lit up as an ancient Marriage Fate Tree manifested. It looked weathered and old, yet it possessed a divine, immortal beauty.

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

But suddenly, its limbs began to sway, glowing with a golden amber light as fresh green leaves sprouted. The tree was reviving at an incredible speed, and the powerful aura of the Seventh Realm surged forth once more.

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

Yuwen Cuojin realized the truth with a jolt of terror.

"Sugar, come!"

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