The Autumn Water Pavilion was spacious, yet its architectural style was rather compact.
With artificial hills and a winding stream running through it, finding a large open area was no easy task.
Li Mo pondered for a moment before a sudden flash of inspiration struck him.
"If we hollow out the artificial hill, it should be just perfect."
"That way, there’ll be cover too. Master and the Ice Block can soak in it later."
"I’m such a genius."
Little Li silently praised himself in his heart.
No sooner said than done.
He took out the Crimson Sky Sword and the Star Piercer, wielding one in each hand, and began digging away. The excavated stones were tossed directly into his World Seed, to be disposed of elsewhere later.
Efficiency was off the charts.
Clang! Clang! Clang...
Rustle! Rustle! Rustle...
"Hmm?"
"Kid, are you tearing the place apart?"
Watching Li Mo’s busy figure from behind, Shang Wu narrowed her almond-shaped eyes and muttered under her breath.
Ying Bing, meanwhile, was staring intently at the teacup before her.
The commotion in the distance sent ripples through the tea, causing the reflection of her phoenix-like eyes to waver in the liquid.
Disturbed from her peaceful nap, Shang Wu strode over to Li Mo with hands on her hips.
"What are you up to? Did the artificial hill offend you?"
"You could’ve just told me—I’d have smashed it with one punch..."
"Wait!"
Li Mo hurriedly stopped her.
"I want to hollow out the middle of the hill and build a hot spring."
"Then we can all soak in it later."
"Hot spring?"
Shang Wu tilted her head.
"Exactly! Think about it, Master—soaking in warm water while sipping some wine? What could be better?"
Li Mo grinned.
If the Ice Block and Master both used the hot spring, it’d mean another long-term, steady return on his investments.
Now that’s what you call an investment prodigy.
Shang Wu thought for a moment, already picturing herself lounging in the hot spring with a cup of wine in hand.
Pure bliss.
With a pleased smile, she patted Li Mo’s shoulder.
"Hmph, seems like you’ve learned a thing or two from me. Who knew you’d come up with such a luxurious idea?"
"How much of the hill are you planning to dig out?"
She flexed her delicate fist, suddenly energized.
After some quick calculations based on the Mistflower Eternal Spring’s dimensions, Li Mo replied,
"Just an entrance big enough for two people."
"Then hollow out the middle—about thirty feet in diameter should do."
"Easy."
No sooner had the words left her mouth than her dainty fist lightly tapped the artificial hill, sending it trembling violently.
Boom—
The force traveled through the rock, causing a section just large enough for two people to collapse inward.
Li Mo’s heart skipped a beat.
Once he cleared away the rubble, he realized the interior dimensions matched his specifications perfectly.
"Master, you’re amazing!"
"Just a bit of controlled force. It’s no different from hitting a person—nothing difficult."
Shang Wu casually lifted her chin, feigning nonchalance.
Li Mo nodded.
He could deliver a blow that shattered bones and ruptured organs without leaving a mark on the surface.
But pulverizing the core of a hill? That was still beyond him.
"Call me when you’re done."
Yawning, Shang Wu returned to her beauty sleep.
...
Over two hours later,
the "Hot Spring Hill" of the Autumn Water Pavilion was nearly complete.
After clearing the debris, Li Mo dug out a pool roughly thirty feet long and wide.
For added flair, he used the Crimson Sky Sword to carve intricate patterns into the interior walls and embedded luminous pearls into the ceiling for lighting.
With the leftover stone, he crafted a few stools and a table, placing them inside the pool.
"Extract the Mistflower Eternal Spring."
Li Mo silently commanded.
Instantly, a spring welled up at the center of the pool, bubbling with mist-shrouded water.
The depth was perfect—standing would submerge one up to the waist, while sitting would leave only the head above water.
Splash—
Li Mo swirled his hand through the water. The temperature was just right.
"Perfect."
After an afternoon of hard work, Craftsman Li wore a satisfied smile.
"Done?"
Two sets of footsteps approached from behind.
Turning, he saw Shang Wu and Ying Bing had both arrived. The former was practically vibrating with excitement, while the latter frowned slightly, lips pressed together.
"Tonight, we can enjoy the hot spring!"
"And this isn’t just any hot spring—it’s a spiritual spring!"
"Not only does it beautify the skin and detoxify the body, but it’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin!"
"Are you tempted, folks? Order now, and we’ll even throw in a free gift!"
Li Mo’s theatrical side took over as he launched into a lively sales pitch.
"Ooh, there’s a gift too?"
Shang Wu, in high spirits, played along enthusiastically.
"Absolutely!"
With a mysterious grin, Li Mo pulled three garments from his system space—hand-sewn by his mother and the maids at home.
That’s right!
Anticipating the possibility of shared soaking sessions, he’d asked his mother to prepare high-quality bathrobes in advance.
"With these, we can all enjoy the hot spring together!"
"Good thinking! My precious disciple never disappoints."
Shang Wu snatched one robe and handed another to Ying Bing.
Ying Bing stared at the hot spring and the robe, unmoving.
The warm mist swirled.
Something unreadable flickered in her eyes...
"I won’t be joining."
"Huh?"
Li Mo blinked in confusion.
Shang Wu, equally puzzled, asked,
"Why not? It’s so relaxing!"
"Not my preference."
Ying Bing shook her head and walked away.
"Alright... Well, you’re welcome to come alone later if you change your mind."
Li Mo shrugged.
If the Ice Block didn’t participate, he’d lose out on a long-term investment return.
Who doesn’t love a good soak?
Surely no one could resist once they tried it...
Maybe she’d come around after experiencing the joy firsthand.
...
Night fell.
[Congratulations, Host! Investment in Shang Wu’s "Exotic Beast Cuisine" successful.]
[Investment Reward: Purple Mist Ink of the Pine-Patterned Beast.]
[Congratulations, Host! Investment in Ying Bing’s "Exotic Beast Cuisine" successful.]
[Investment Reward: Fragrant Qilin Inkstone.]
Dinner had just concluded at the Autumn Water Pavilion.
Li Mo had acquired two premium pieces of scholar’s paraphernalia.
Lately, why was he always getting these kinds of rewards? It wasn’t like he was preparing for imperial exams...
Shang Wu had already changed into her bathrobe.
Well...
His mother had underestimated the grandeur of the beautiful master’s proportions. If not for the high-quality fabric, the seams might’ve given way.
To avoid disaster, Shang Wu undid two buttons and asked again,
"Little Ice, sure you won’t join?"
"No."
Ying Bing shook her head softly and headed to the kitchen to wash dishes.
Shang Wu pouted.
She’d been hoping for a splash fight with her icy companion.
Soon, master and disciple were submerged in the pool.
"Mmm~"
Shang Wu let out a contented hum, her peony-like face flushed a delicate pink, blooming even more vibrantly.
She glanced at Li Mo and said,
"Don’t soak too long, though. You’ve got training later."
"The Cloud Province Martial Arts Summit is counting on you and Little Ice to bring glory to our sect."
Wiping water from his face, Li Mo chuckled.
"Don't worry, Master, I won’t waste a moment."
He retrieved a vial of Earth Vein Spirit Milk from his system space.
Then, while Shang Wu was still stunned, he poured half of it into the bath.
Leaning back against the edge of the pool, he sighed in contentment, savoring the tingling warmth.
"So extravagant."
Even Shang Wu, who was often criticized by other elders for her lavish spending, couldn’t help but mutter under her breath.
Using such a precious treasure for a bath?
Li Mo smiled modestly.
"Your disciple has modest savings."
Shang Wu rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a smirk.
"If Old Man Xue were here, he’d probably faint on the spot."
Not that Old Man Xue was present—but no matter.
She could always tell him about it herself next time!
After enjoying the bath for a while, Li Mo spoke up again.
"By the way, Master, does Jade Cluster Peak have any preserved Divine Observation Charts or Fundamental Diagrams?"
young master of the Shen family—a figure of immense power and wealth beyond measure—and awakened the "Destined Ultimate Villain System"! His starting scenario? Running into his icy fiancée who shows up with a mountain-descending divine doctor to break off their engagement. The divine doctor arrogantly taunts: "What does your Shen family have besides a bit of stinking money? You're not even worthy of tying Qingxue's shoelaces!" Shen Fei just smiled. He completely defied the usual script: "Fine, I agree to break off the engagement. Also, notify the finance department to withdraw all investments from the Su family." Minutes later, with its capital chain severed, the Su Group teetered on the brink of bankruptcy! The once aloof and proud ice queen CEO was thrown into utter panic. That very night, she went to Shen Fei's villa, casting aside all dignity to beg and plead desperately... From then on, in this world teeming with Sons of Destiny, Shen Fei embarked on a path of extreme dimensional suppression! A mountain-descending divine doctor? Peerless medical skills? Shen Fei: "Reporting you for practicing medicine without a license! I'll gladly take your ancient medicinal cauldron and twin sister assassins." The Crooked-Smiling Dragon King? Commanding a hundred thousand soldiers with a single order? Shen Fei: "Illegal assembly and suspected treason! Let a fleet of attack helicopters sanitize the area and teach you what the state apparatus really means!" A reborn tycoon? Knows all the golden opportunities of the next decade? Shen Fei: "A trillion in capital to reverse and pump the stock market, making you blow your margin and jump on the very first day of your rebirth!" What Chosen Ones? What bearers of Heavenly Fortune? In Shen Fei's eyes, they're all just chives (i.e., suckers/marks) waiting to be harvested! Shen Fei: "Sorry, but as the Destined Ultimate Villain, I don't play by the rules of honor. I only play the game of dimensional suppression."
ive and Ruthless] Before his transmigration, Ye Xuan was playing a game called "Severing Emotions to Attain the Dao." The game's core wasn't about leveling up by fighting monsters, but about conquering various "bad women" with wicked personalities and cold, fickle natures. There was only one method to conquer them: stay unwaveringly by their side, then die at a critical moment, driving them to madness after losing the protagonist. The higher their level of regret, the higher the player's score. To dominate the server, Ye Xuan conquered all the bad women. In the early stages, he showered them with boundless tenderness, only to choose to sacrifice himself for them later, making them weep bitterly and drown in regret. Among them were: Xia Lengyue, the unfaithful immortal wife who chased after powerful men and discarded her husband like trash. Ye Qingcheng, the Demonic Venerable of the Joyous Union Sect, who appeared pure and innocent but was, in reality, promiscuous. Wu Lingxiao, the Empress of the Great Xia Dynasty, who lusted after men and loved maintaining a harem. Bai Qiangu of the Endless Demonic Sect: a bloodthirsty mass murderer. However, when the protagonist transmigrated into the game world, he made a horrifying discovery. Eight hundred years had already passed. The bad women he had conquered had now each become deities and revered ancestors. Faced with the endless stream of toxic women coming for him, Ye Xuan could only rely on his god-tier acting skills to carve a path of survival through this world of treacherous women.
rowess are unmatched, commanding a million-strong army! Yet, the Emperor wants to depose him for the sake of a false prince? Hold on, are you throwing me into some female-oriented romance plot? How can I tolerate this? With a grand wave of his hand—the Nine Clan Extraction Technique! Slander the Emperor? Very well, all of you shall die! ... The False Prince: "Although I am not the biological son, Father and Mother love me more. The throne should be mine!" The Female Lead: "Qin Xiao, you are the Emperor, and I am a commoner. If you wish to marry me, you must abdicate. Otherwise, you will never have me!" The Empress: "After we divorce, you must give me half the empire!" The Transmigrator Consort: "You worthless Emperor, why should I kneel to you? All men are equal—I advise you to be kind!" The Great General: "The enemy general is my childhood sweetheart. For her sake, I willingly abandon the frontier defenses!" The Retired Emperor: "Although Yu'er was adopted, I prefer him. Qin Xiao, you should abdicate and let him become Emperor!" ... Very well! So this is how you want to play? Facing this twisted world of female-oriented tropes, Qin Xiao grins and raises his hand to unleash—the Nine Clan Extraction Technique! I am the Emperor. Why would I bother reasoning with you? Seal the gates! Leave none alive!
close your eyes and open them again, only to find yourself transmigrated into the role of a villainous male supporting character. Readers familiar with urban wish-fulfillment novels know that it is only through the relentless antics of the villainous male supporting character that the plot between the male and female leads can progress. As the villainous male supporting character, Long Aotian not only has to bully the female lead, harass the second female lead, and flirt with the third female lead, but he also has to go all out to antagonize the male lead. In the end, when his body is discovered, he is still clutching half a moldy fried dough stick in his hand. Fully aware of the plot, Long Aotian is determined to change his fate, starting with the female lead! In the beginning, the female lead lacks confidence: "Big brother, I hope I didn't scare you?" In the middle, the female lead treads carefully: "Brother Long, please don't hit me, okay?" Later on, the female lead becomes coquettishly clingy: "Aotian, it's time to pay the 'public grain' tonight." Long Aotian's legs go weak, and he feels like crying: "I taught you to be thick-skinned, not shameless!"
