There's Still a Master

"Does getting engaged require a wedding night?"

"......"

Li Mo really wanted to say with a straight face that yes, engagement does require a wedding night. If you don't believe me, ask Shang Qinqing, the authority on marriages across the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, the Green Luan who oversees all weddings.

Patriarch Shang, who was practically desperate to see some sweet romance, would definitely go along with his words and help him spin the tale...

"Yes!" Shang Qinqing said, super loud.

Then she looked at Li Mo, her eyes signaling him to follow her lead and keep up the ruse...

"Really? You said you wouldn't lie to me."

The ice block's eyes were clear and deep, her tone gentle.

Li Mo suddenly found his usually silver tongue failing him. A voice inside his heart said, 'You'd even lie to an ice block like this? You really deserve to die.'

"This matter is quite controversial, but strictly speaking, no, it doesn't."

Shang Qinqing: "?"

The candy she had almost gotten her hands on just flew away? What's wrong with you, kid?

Aren't you the little overlord who brings luck to his wife? The top of the Hidden Dragon rankings? You dared to ascend the throne, so what are you afraid of now?

"Good." Only then did Ying Bing let go of the big-headed doll.

Li Mo glanced at Shang Qinqing, who looked at him with utter disappointment, and waved his hand with a serious expression:

"Forget it, let's talk business. Old Huang just sent me a message."

"Are the Summoning Demons Cult making a move?"

Shang Qinqing had no choice but to drop it for now. If the Clear Abyss Sect was gone, what would she have to 'ship' in the future?

"Correct, they are planning to act." Li Mo nodded.

"Ah..." Qin Yuzhi's expression was complicated.

Seeing her look troubled, Li Mo said, "Sect Leader Qin, after all, they are your successors from generations later. If you can't bring yourself to take action..."

"That's not it."

"Then why the sigh?"

"I won't be able to get a good night's sleep again tonight."

Qin Yuzhi snorted, "They haven't awakened me for thousands of years. They clearly have no regard for me, their sect leader. What kind of successors are they? The Divine Summoning Sect... is ultimately no more."

"......"

Li Mo thought it very likely wasn't the disciples' fault.

Considering the kind of things she knew about, each one was a heavyweight. Releasing her was no different from unleashing a great terror.

"Fortunately, we hold the initiative."

Ying Bing put down the book scroll and asked, "When do they plan to act?"

"During our wedding night."

Ying Bing: "?"

"What you said earlier is right. Since we have anticipated the enemy's move, we must make full use of it."

Li Mo said with a solemn face, immediately steering the serious discussion off course again: "That's why I came to discuss it with you."

"Could it be that the demon cultists don't know..."

"Probably... they really don't know."

Shang Qinqing silently gave Li Mo a thumbs up in her heart. So this kid was waiting here all along. She chimed in:

"When I was still serving as a totem, because we had to make offerings to the deities, holding a position in the Divine Sect forbade marriage. Only after the term ended and one stepped down would they come to me to seek a marriage fate."

"But... surely they wouldn't be completely ignorant of this, right?"

Qin Yuzhi naturally knew the rules Shang Qinqing mentioned, but she was still puzzled.

Li Mo pondered briefly and asked, "Is it possible the demon cult doesn't allow anyone to leave?"

"......"

They found the reason why demon cultists seem to have no emotions.

Turns out they are utterly clueless about these matters.

"We need to wait for the rabbit by the tree stump, but we don't have the conditions. Little Bing'er said engagement doesn't require a wedding night."

"If conditions don't exist, we can create them."

Li Mo puffed out his chest, speaking righteously and solemnly: "Ice block, you wouldn't want to alert the enemy, would you? We'll just be putting on a show for them when the time comes."

"Right, right, right. When the time comes, I will definitely go all out to capture them."

Shang Qinqing couldn't help but give a thumbs up, apologizing to her earlier self.

Too hasty. It has to be you, Little Li. Turns out sincerity is the ultimate weapon.

It's fake for now, but what about turning the fake play into reality later?

At this moment, Shang Qinqing wished she could ascend one heavenly realm with each step, rushing straight to the Transcendence Realm, so she could keep all the demon cultists out when the time came.

Ying Bing narrowed her eyes and remained silent for a long while: "I feel like you're trying to trick me, but big sister has no evidence."

"Everything I said is true."

"Then... go make some preparations."

Ying Bing said expressionlessly, then turned and went downstairs, putting on a strictly business-like manner.

Walking down the stairs of the Archives Pavilion, her cool and aloof demeanor drew gazes from many disciples and admirers from the martial world, who then instinctively lowered their heads.

This was the Cold Fairy indeed, living up to her name—both icy and ethereal. Even facing her made one feel inexplicably guilty.

It was hard to imagine such a seemingly emotionless person, much like the demon cultists, was about to get engaged, even if the other party was Young Hero Li.

But the further she walked out, the redder her tightly controlled face became. By the time she stepped out of the Archives Pavilion, the sunlight illuminated her clear, deep eyes.

"Hey, Disciple-niece Ying, wait a moment."

The Archives Pavilion Elder suddenly chased after her from behind, holding a box in hand:

"You've been working hard lately compiling and revising martial arts manuals. Our Archives Pavilion doesn't have many good items, but take these few Bright Light Candles. They have the effect of clearing the mind and calming the spirit. Being illuminated by their light over time can also improve eyesight..."

"No need, Elder. Please keep them for yourself."

Ying Bing's steps faltered slightly, then she walked even faster, as if something was chasing her.

The Archives Pavilion Elder was puzzled, scratching his head: "Perhaps Disciple-niece Ying has better ones?"

Probably no one could imagine that she, who had compiled the Archives Pavilion, now saw candles and thought of things having absolutely nothing to do with martial arts.

.........

Time passed quietly.

Evening approached, the air filled with a damp sweetness. A light rain fell with a gentle patter, threads of rain stretching from the dark clouds, shrouding the world in a vast, hazy blur.

The Joyful Hotpot Restaurant was brightly lit and bustling with business. This kind of weather was perfect for warming up with some hotpot.

A group of people wearing hoods, their faces unclear, walked into the shop.

"Honored guests, how many in your party?"

Meng Can, once the little kid from Mud Corner Alley, had now grown taller and sturdier. Seeing customers, he immediately came forward to greet them.

"Little Jiang isn't back yet? She'll probably be kept in the Imperial Capital by her father for a while."

Li Mo glanced around the shop, actually feeling somewhat relieved.

After all, demon cultists were lurking in the shop. Others might be fine, but Little Jiang's identity could easily be recognized by the Summoning Demons Cult, leading to who knows what complications.

"Five."

"Alrighty! Might I suggest you order two pots—one tomato base, one 'Truly Fragrant' base, our shop's signature..."

"No need to bring food. We're here on business."

Li Mo had just waved his hand.

Gurgle...

"Um... honored guests, are you sure you're not hungry? Our shop's sesame paste is also top-notch. Dipping lamb in it is soft, delicious, mouth-wateringly..."

Slurp!

"......"

Li Mo glanced sideways at Elder Qian, whose short and stout figure was evident even under the cloak. How reliable were these elders as teammates?

But he also knew Elder Qian couldn't help it; it was purely an instinctive reaction. He said helplessly:

"Then bring some beef and lamb. The pots as you suggested."

Elder Qian nodded, emphasizing: "Normal amount of scallions and garlic, extra sesame paste. Put the bill on..."

As he spoke, Elder Qian paused, unsure which room housed the members of the Summoning Demons Sect.

Just then, everyone heard a loud 'bang' from upstairs—the sound of a door being flung open forcefully.

Luo Yexian bounded out with great enthusiasm:

"Who's playing mahjong? I'll join in for a couple of rounds too!"

Li Mo: "..."

It seemed the other side was even more unreliable.