Investing in the Reborn Empress, She Actually Calls Me ‘Husband’

Chapter 9: Li Mo: “I Must Be a Fake Disciple” and Living with the Ice Doll

The entrance test had concluded.

Two prodigies ascending the Stairway to Heaven was an unprecedented event in the history of the Qingyuan Sect.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the sect.

At the Internal Affairs Hall on the main peak of Qingyuan Mountain:

“We’ve gained four new true disciples this year.”

“I heard that the Sect master hasn’t accepted a disciple in fifty years. Could it be that he’s now thinking of nurturing a successor?”

“You weren’t there – that girl was breathtakingly beautiful… Ahem, but that’s not the point. The main thing is she climbed the Stairway to Heaven in just a few breaths! A true prodigy.”

“Wasn’t there another person who made it to the top?”

“Ah yes, that one became Elder Shang Wu’s disciple.”

“Hiss!”

The inner disciples in the hall were engrossed in gossip over tea.

When they heard someone had joined the Ninth Peak, they all leaned back with strange expressions, their eyes revealing a hint of pity.

This kid is doomed.

“Sigh, if he had become a legacy disciple alongside that girl, he might have been groomed as a potential sect leader.”

“He has good talent, but bad luck.”

Someone sighed.

The other inner disciples nodded in agreement.

Just then, they all suddenly put down their teacups and stood up straight, respectfully calling out:

“Greetings, Elder Qian.”

The short, plump elder nodded:

“I’m bringing the new true disciples to collect their items. Also, give them their first month’s allowance in advance, according to the standards set by each peak.”

The short elder was named Qian Wufan, the Internal Affairs Elder of Qingyuan Sect.

He was one of the highest-ranking elders within the sect.

After all, internal affairs included finances.

‘This seems like a favor, mainly because of Ying Bing…’ Li Mo understood inwardly, but still bowed to Elder Qian:

“Thank you, Elder.”

“Ah, no need for thanks.”

Elder Qian turned sideways, not accepting the bow.

Li Mo was puzzled.

But he soon learned the reason.

The entrance items were quickly distributed: two sets of exquisite cloud-patterned robes and a red copper waist token. These were uniformly issued by the sect.

The monthly allowances were more particular.

“Murong Xiao, residing at the Divine Weapon Peak, 500 taels of silver monthly, one Hundred-Fold Refined Forging Hammer, two bottles of Bone Strengthening Pills.”

“Lin Ye, residing at the Ruyi Peak, 300 taels of silver monthly, two bottles of Mind Calming Pills.”

An Internal Affairs disciple brought over two trays.

Then he turned to Ying Bing, his expression becoming much more respectful:

“Ying Bing, residing on Qingyuan Sect Main Peak, 800 taels of silver monthly, one high-grade Cold Iron Sword, two bottles of Pure Yang Pills, three stalks of Meridian Cleansing Herb…”

The Internal Affairs disciple rattled off a long list.

Other disciples passing by listened enviously.

Just hearing about the treatment of the Sect Master’s legacy disciple made their mouths water.

But there was more.

The disciple continued:

“By order of the Sect Master, you may also choose a private residence, exclusively for your use. Please select one yourself.”

A private residence!

This was a privilege reserved for Deacons.

And not just any deacons, but those who had made contributions to the sect.

Besides having an excellent environment for cultivation, it was also a symbol of status.

“Autumn Water Pavilion,” Ying Bing said without hesitation.

“Ah, very well. I’ll record that for you, junior sister,” the Internal Affairs disciple nodded after a moment of surprise.

“What about me?” Li Mo pointed at himself, thinking he had been forgotten.

“Junior brother is from the Myriad Heavens Peak. Um, here’s what your peak has prepared for true disciples…” The Internal Affairs disciple handed over a thick ledger.

‘Could it be secret manuals or something? It’s so thick…’ 

Li Mo curiously opened it, only to see written inside:

「Year 162 of Jingtai, February: Myriad Heavens Peak borrowed 3000 taels of silver in advance.」

「Year 162 of Jingtai, March: Myriad Heavens Peak borrowed 10 jars of apricot blossom wine in advance.」

「Year 164 of Jingtai, September: Demolished beast cages on Rare Beast Peak, causing 52 rare beasts to escape. Total loss…」

The pages were densely packed with accounts and IOUs.

Li Mo: “?”

A bunch of question marks popped up over his head.

“You didn’t give me the wrong thing, did you?”

“No mistake.”

Elder Qian Wufan sighed and explained: “The resources for true disciples of each peak are provided by the peaks themselves, not uniformly distributed by the sect.”

“Myriad Heavens Peak does not provide any resources to true disciples.”

“Not only that, but Master Shang Wu has borrowed many things from the Internal Affairs Hall in advance. When you have time, take this ledger over and ask her to fill in the deficits as soon as possible.”

“This whole thick book is full of bills?”

Li Mo’s mouth twitched slightly.

So while others were receiving resources, he was saddled with debt?**

Elder Qian nodded and offered some friendly advice: “By the way, there’s probably no place for you to stay on Myriad Heavens Peak. You’d better make plans early and build yourself a thatched cottage or something. For materials… you can request them from the Internal Affairs Hall.”

“A thatched cottage?”

Li Mo fell into deep thought.

He never imagined that after joining Qingyuan Sect and becoming a true disciple, he would end up homeless.

I must be a fake disciple!

“You can stay with me,” Ying Bing suddenly spoke, her red lips parting slightly.

Li Mo’s body shook, and he turned back in shock, unable to discern any emotion on that cold face.

Is this really the ice doll I know?

“The environment at Autumn Water Pavilion is excellent. You two can be like immortal lovers there.” Elder Qian rubbed his belly, a hint of an indulgent smile on his face.

Our Elder Qian is actually a shipper.

“Uh, Elder Qian, you’re overthinking it,” Li Mo shook his head.

“Huh? You two aren’t a couple?” Old Qian was taken aback.

He had heard they were childhood sweethearts, and now they had both entered Qingyuan Sect as true disciples. Ying Bing had even specifically said she wanted Li Mo to live with her. They were already cohabiting.

These days, what ordinary relationship involved living together?

“Um…” Li Mo hadn’t finished speaking.

Ying Bing’s voice already sounded from beside him:

“We’re not.”

Her tone was casual, but it somehow made people feel cold.

“You’ve misunderstood,” Li Mo waved his hands repeatedly.

Then both of them fell silent.

The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat awkward.

“I’m getting old and tend to gossip. Please forgive me,” Elder Qian laughed it off, smacking his lips, looking a bit disappointed.

Li Mo smiled bitterly and shifted his gaze from Ying Bing.

Was the ice doll beautiful?

Describing her as capable of toppling cities and kingdoms wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

But… she was too cold.

Both in personality and body temperature.

Thinking of this, Li Mo couldn’t help but sigh.

His feelings for this childhood friend, this cold young woman, were more akin to pity than love.

In his memories, she wasn’t originally like this. It was only after her family suffered misfortune that she became this way.

If their positions were reversed, Li Mo didn’t think he could maintain such optimism and warmth either.

Across from him, Ying Bing shook her head almost imperceptibly.

Heaven and Earth are indifferent; the path of martial arts is long.

In her previous life, countless outstanding individuals had pursued her.

But if she hadn’t cut off all emotions and desires, focusing entirely on swimming upstream in the river of martial arts, she wouldn’t have been able to reach the pinnacle.

In this life, she maintained the same firm determination towards the Dao.

…

…

Autumn Water Pavilion was located not far from Myriad Heavens Peak.

Nestled against the mountain and overlooking water, the scenery was beautiful.

The pavilion was three stories high, with an adjoining courtyard. A clear spring flowed through the middle, creating an atmosphere both ancient and elegant without losing its natural beauty. It stood out among the other pavilions like a crane among chickens.

Now, the main gate of Autumn Water Pavilion opened.

Two people walked in one after another, the young man carrying large bags.

“This residence is not bad,” Li Mo said, quite satisfied with the new living environment, but also feeling somewhat emotional.

In the past, it was Ying Bing who had lived at the Li family home, dependent on others.

Now the situation was reversed.

He turned back to see Ying Bing staring at the courtyard, lost in thought.

“It seems no one has lived here for a long time. Let’s clean up first,” Li Mo said, looking around.

He walked around but couldn’t find any cleaning tools.

Suddenly, Ying Bing said, “The broom is under the stone bench by the flower bed.”

Li Mo bent down and indeed found a broom there.

“You go boil some hot water,” Ying Bing said naturally as she tied up her black hair with a ribbon.

She seamlessly stepped into the role of mistress of Autumn Water Pavilion, as if she had lived there for a long time.

She wasn’t doing it on purpose.

But in her movements as she swept the floor, there was a sense of calm self-assurance, as if she were long accustomed to being in charge.

Fine. looks like I’ve officially become the maid now.

Li Mo shrugged, saluted, and joked, “At your service, my lady.”

Although he knew the ice doll had always been like this, a part of him still found it hard to fully accept it.

Perhaps this was just his male pride kicking in.

…

The steaming hot water was ready, and Li Mo poured it into a large redwood tub.

[Congratulations, host. You have successfully invested in a tub of bath water, helping the investment target clean her body.]

[Investment return received: One gold bar.]

The gold bar rewarded by the system was quite substantial.

Li Mo remained silent for a moment, then called out to the courtyard:

“One tub of bathwater isn’t enough, is it? I’ll heat some more for you!”

…

…

Night fell.

The next day.

Li Mo woke up as usual. Glancing at the neighboring room, which was frozen solid, he slipped into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

His recent widespread investments had yielded a variety of strange returns, including an odd assortment of food—ready to eat with just a bit of heating.

By the time the sun had fully risen, Li Mo came out carrying soy milk and steamed buns. The ice doll was already sitting there.

Her lips were still bloodless, and her face was as white as snow.

The description ‘cold beauty’ couldn’t have been more fitting for her.

Not long after breakfast, an energetic voice echoed from outside:

“Is Disciple Ying Bing here?”

Li Mo opened the door.

An elderly man sat atop an ancient yet imposing horse-drawn carriage. The four corners of the carriage were intricately carved with representations of the four symbols, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

“I am the Sect Leader’s coachman,” the old man said with a beaming smile. “By the Sect Leader’s order, I’m here to escort you up the mountain. I’ll be picking you up from now on, as there are many buildings on Qingyuan Peak, and we fear you might not find the exact location.”

Wow, the Sect Leader’s carriage.

Li Mo thought to himself, no wonder it looked so impressive.

Now that’s the treatment a true disciple deserves.

As for him, he’d probably have to walk up the mountain.

“Thank you,” Ying Bing nodded. After boarding the carriage, she lifted the curtain and said:

“Li Mo, when you go to Myriad heavens Peak, make sure to bring a few jugs of good wine.”

With that, the carriage sped off, leaving a trail of dust behind.