Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Thinking of this, Li Wudao felt a strange sense of comfort, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up, somewhat resembling the crooked-mouthed dragon king.

Why are you staring at me?

Jiang Churan frowned, took a step back, and stared at him as if he were an idiot.

"Hehe, I was just spacing out, sorry..."

Li Wudao came to his senses and gave an embarrassed smile.

"Nerve~"

Jiang Churan rolled her eyes at him, muttered something, ignored everyone, and turned to leave.

She felt that Li Wudao was even more eccentric now, and she didn't want to stay any longer.

"Hey, you brat, how dare you insult the young master? You've got a death knell!"

The steward rolled up his sleeves, ready to step forward and teach the girl a lesson, but was stopped by Li Wudao.

"Forget it, it's a small matter, no need to get so worked up."

Li Wudao shook his head.

He thought to himself that this manager was only at the late stage of Body Tempering Realm and was no match for Jiang Churan. Instead, he would only embarrass himself.

Gazing at Jiang Churan's beautiful figure, he stroked his chin.

The chosen one is truly extraordinary.

Even though she was living under someone else's roof, even though she was just a maid, she remained neither humble nor arrogant, and possessed extraordinary bearing.

However, with Jiang Churan's current cultivation level, she could easily live a life of comfort even after leaving the Prince's mansion. Why would she...?

In the next instant, Li Wudao had his answer.

The number of positions available for assessment.

As a first-class sect in the Eastern Wilderness, not just anyone is qualified to go to the Xuantian Sect for its assessment; it is either aristocratic dynasties or disciples of powerful clans.

It is extremely difficult for ordinary, independent cultivators to participate.

Even maids in the royal palace can accompany their masters to the sect to participate in the assessment, as long as they are willing.

If successful, one will rise rapidly in rank, and their family will also be protected; it is an excellent path to change one's fate.

As far as he knew, the Xuantian Sect's assessment was in seven days.

Any rational person would not choose to leave the palace at this time.

Just then, a system notification sounded in my mind.

[Ding! Li Dabao's favorability +10, current favorability value 35]

"Affection level? What does this mean, system?"

Li Wudao inquired.

[This system will be linked to investment targets. The host's positive actions will accumulate favorability. When the favorability reaches a certain level, a reward can be randomly drawn.]

[Note: The quality of the prize pool depends on the quality of the investment targets and investment tools.]

Li Wudao suddenly realized that there was a lucky draw part. How great!

Does this also mean that Li Dabao has already made a successful investment?

As he pondered,

A series of hurried footsteps sounded not far away.

"Your Highness, is it...you...who has settled my gambling debts?"

The newcomer was panting heavily, with a stout build and an expression of excitement and disbelief; it was none other than Li Dabao.

The gambling den staff had just come to his door, scaring him so much he almost fainted. He thought they were there to beat him up, but it turned out they were there to settle their debts.

Upon inquiry, he learned that the Crown Prince had resolved the issue for him, and he immediately ran to the inner courtyard to express his gratitude.

"Ah."

Li Wudao nodded slightly.

"This... I don't know what to say... Anyway, thank you, Your Highness. I will never gamble again. I will pay you back slowly when I have money in the future."

Li Dabao scratched his head and thanked him repeatedly.

A while ago, he became addicted to gambling and made some money, but later he lost it all, including interest, and even lost 500 taels of silver.

You should know that his monthly salary was only thirty taels of silver, and it would take him a long time to pay it off even if he didn't eat or drink.

In retrospect, he had previously privately slandered Li Wudao, looking down on the latter's martial arts talent.

Now, the other party has solved his immediate problem, making him feel ashamed.

"No need. Nine out of ten gamblers lose. You have good talent, so practice diligently and don't slack off."

Li Wudao chuckled, turned around, and left.

Watching his dashing figure, Li Dabao looked puzzled and muttered, "Isn't my strength higher than the young master's? Why does this tone feel a bit off..."

inside the room.

Li Wudao had just sat down.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, investment successful. Investment target: Li Dabao. Investment item: 500 taels of silver.]

【Rewards are being distributed...】

[Congratulations, host, you have obtained: Purple Qi Creation Pill x1]

[Purple Qi Creation Pill: Rank 9, refined from over thirty kinds of spiritual herbs, containing a wisp of acquired purple qi, with extremely high spiritual energy. For martial artists, it can increase the purity of their vital energy and solidify their foundation. For mortals, it can cleanse their marrow and reshape their innate talents.]

Li Wudao was surprised; he hadn't expected such a high return on an investment of five hundred taels of silver.

Most of the pills we usually see are of the mortal grade; above that, there are spirit grade pills.

Above the Spirit Pill is the Profound Pill.

Given the resources of the Prince's Mansion, they couldn't even produce a few bottles of low-grade spirit pills, let alone profound pills, which they had never even heard of.

[Does the host wish to use this now?]

"use."

Li Wudao nodded decisively; he needed something to improve his aptitude right now.

A moment later, a ripple appeared in the space in front of him.

A white jade porcelain bottle appeared out of thin air.

Li Wudao reached out and grasped it, gently opening it, and immediately a pleasant fragrance filled the entire room.

He took a gentle sniff and felt his whole body go limp, every pore on his skin opening up as if bathed in a spring breeze.

Without hesitation, Li Wudao tilted his head back and swallowed it.

The pill entered his throat and instantly transformed into warm currents, silently nourishing and cleansing his internal organs, meridians, and bones.

Two hours later.

Li Wudao slowly opened his eyes.

He stood up, feeling incredibly refreshed, light as a feather, yet full of strength.

At this moment, layers of black substance had seeped through his body, and his body was already soaked with sweat.

Li Wudao was relieved; the cleansing of his essence and marrow should have been successful.

With a thought, he checked his current attributes.

[Name: Li Wudao]

【Age: 16】

[Talent: Mid-grade Profound Level]

[Realm: None]

[Special physique: Haotian Eye (disabled)]

[Qi Luck: Chaos (Unknown)]

"Huh? My talent has actually jumped from the lower Yellow Rank to the middle Profound Rank!"

Li Wudao clicked his tongue in amazement. As expected of a ninth-grade Xuan-level pill, it could be described as defying fate.

Even his luck was forcibly elevated, reaching the Xuan level.

After washing up, Li Wudao changed his clothes.

He stood in the courtyard, his white robes fluttering, his demeanor even more refined than before, his gaze fixed on a side room in the corner.

That was Jiang Churan's room.

"I wonder what good things will come out of investing in this girl?"

Li Wudao's eyes lit up.

Even Li Dabao, with his superior Yellow-grade talent, was able to obtain precious Xuan Dan (mysterious pills).

What amazing equipment will Jiang Churan, with her imperial aura, drop?

Just thinking about it makes me excited.

"Who?"

A cold, clear voice came from inside the room.

Li Wudao responded.

A short while later, the wooden door opened, revealing a pure and flawless face.

Jiang Churan stood at the door, her brows slightly furrowed, and said calmly, "Does the young master have something to say?"

In the past two years, Li Wudao has been obsessed with Sun Qian and can no longer see anyone else.

They paid no attention to her, a mere maid, let alone paid her a visit.

"Hehe, it's nothing. I just heard you've been having some difficulties lately. Take this money and use it first. If you need more, just ask me for it."

Sensing the girl's aloofness, Li Wudao smiled awkwardly and took out a silver note with a face value of one thousand taels.

"What... what does Your Highness mean by this?"

Jiang Churan was stunned for a moment, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion.

Although Li Wudao provided her with food and lodging, he didn't give her any special treatment. Why would he suddenly care about her so much, especially since it was a thousand taels of silver?

You should know that her monthly salary as a first-rank maid was only five taels of silver.

"Uh... after all, you are my personal maid. If you even need to obtain cultivation resources from outside, I would be laughed to death if outsiders found out."

Li Wudao learned that Jiang Churan had been frequently away from the mansion in recent days, apparently going to the mountains to gather herbs.

“I appreciate your kindness, Your Highness, but I cannot accept this money.”

Jiang Churan refused almost without hesitation.

"It's alright, just consider it a loan to you first, and you can pay me back slowly when you are able to."

Li Wudao was not surprised; such a proud and unyielding woman was no less than anyone else.

After saying that, he quickly stuffed the silver note into the girl's hand, turned around and ran away without any hesitation.

The whole process was completed in one go, giving Jiang Churan no time to react.

........

Inside the room, candlelight flickered.

Jiang Churan sat by the window, staring at the banknotes, somewhat lost in thought.

With this money, I won't have to worry about cultivation resources for the Body Tempering Realm.

Tomorrow I'll go to the market to buy some medicinal herbs to temper my physique, so I can break through to the Perfect Body Tempering stage as soon as possible.

That's it,

She stood up, gazing at the moonlight outside the window, a strange light flickering in her clear eyes.

"In the blink of an eye, I have been reborn for seven days. It feels like a dream, unbelievable..."

A weary murmur escaped the lips of a young girl, sounding somewhat incongruous.

At this moment, an invisible aura emanated from the girl, and even though she was dressed simply, she still exuded an indescribable air of nobility and dominance.

In her past life, she was a top-tier prodigy who swept through the world, suppressing countless geniuses. In just over a century, she attained the throne and became the ninth emperor in the world, as well as the only female emperor.

Her title was "Empress Qingyao".

Over the course of ten years, she drove away demons and monsters, pacified forbidden zones, and the name of Empress Qingyao resounded throughout the continent, winning the hearts of the people. She was showing signs of becoming the supreme emperor.

However, it seems that the Empress's talent and combat prowess aroused the jealousy of other emperors, who then harbored murderous intentions.

Thousands of years ago, during the great war between humans, demons, and monsters, and amidst the chaotic battle of the nine Great Emperors, the Empress was ambushed by several Great Emperors and died with resentment.

Those who attacked her included not only demons and monsters, but also a human martial emperor!

"Soul Emperor, Demon Emperor, Monster Emperor, and Bright Emperor... you despicable villains, just you wait!"

Jiang Churan recalled the past, her face filled with murderous intent.

For some reason, she unexpectedly returned to the year she was 15, before she went to the Xuantian Sect.

Reborn with the memories of Emperor Wu, Jiang Churan is consumed by a fierce rage for revenge.

In this life, she will not only prove herself as an emperor as quickly as possible and kill all those hypocritical and hateful enemies, but also wipe out the alien races and create a golden age for the human race!

"The entrance examination for the Xuantian Sect is imminent. In my previous life, I only began to awaken the Azure Phoenix bloodline a year after joining the sect. In this life, I must speed up my pace and build an unparalleled foundation as soon as possible."

Jiang Churan fell into thought, revealing a depth and maturity beyond her years.

"As for that kid Li Wudao, although I don't know what his purpose is, I still owe him a favor. I'll settle it many times over when I have the chance in the future."

Jiang Churan remained calm.

Empress Qingyao's favors are not something just anyone can owe.

In her previous life, Li Wudao saved her life on the street and raised her as a maid for two years.

Later, when the Xuantian Sect prospered, she did not forget Li Wudao's kindness.

They found a way to move him from a menial disciple to an outer disciple, where no one dared to bully him.

When the Li family was on the verge of extinction, it was she who stepped in to protect them, allowing the Li family to continue for another hundred years.

Today, Li Wudao gave her a thousand taels of silver notes, and she will repay him tenfold or a hundredfold in the future.

........

at the same time.

As soon as Li Wudao returned to his room, a system notification sounded.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, investment successful. Investment target: Jiang Churan. Investment item: 1,000 taels of silver.]

[The investment target is the Chosen One; the initial reward stacking mechanism is triggered, resulting in a massive rebate.]

[Rewards being processed...]

[Congratulations, host! Reward: One scroll of the Great Shouyang True Scripture]

[The Great Shouyang True Scripture: The perfect mental cultivation method of the Martial Emperor, extremely pure and yang. Refining it to its peak offers a chance to touch the realm of human immortals.]

The reward has been sent to the system warehouse. Please check.

"System repository?"

Li Wudao was puzzled, so he symbolically opened it with his mind.

A moment later, an old, yellowed book appeared in his hand.

"Wow, that's awesome."

Li Wudao exclaimed in surprise, he hadn't expected that the system would have a built-in storage function.

That would be incredibly convenient if I needed to carry anything with me in the future.

"Could this be the Imperial Scripture?!"

Li Wudao flipped through the ancient book, his expression one of shock.

According to the system display, the skill levels are divided as follows:

Martial arts, martial skills, imperial techniques, immortal arts...

Among them, martial arts are divided into Yellow Rank and Black Rank, which are relatively common and of average power.

Above the Xuan rank are called "Martial Arts", which include the Earth rank, Heaven rank, King rank, Emperor rank, and Saint rank.

The quality can be divided into four grades: lower, middle, upper, and top.

From this perspective, the cultivation techniques of the Prince's Mansion are only at the beginner level.

Even so, among the dozens of counties surrounding the area, only the Prince's Mansion possesses martial arts of the Yellow Rank.

Li Wudao clutched the ancient book, his body trembling slightly, his breathing rapid.

Although this Imperial Scripture is not a technique for attacking and killing, but only a basic mental cultivation method, it still has the word "Emperor" in it.

Moreover, judging from the system description, the potential is very high, and there is a chance to touch the legendary "immortal".

"The rebates from the Chosen One are outrageous! They're giving away Emperor Scriptures right off the bat..."

[Ding! Jiang Churan's favorability +5, current favorability value 3]

Suddenly, a delayed system announcement popped into my mind.

Li Wudao looked bitter.

Li Dabao's favorability increased by 10 points, while Jiang Churan's only increased by 5 points?

The Chosen One is so hard to win over!

Moreover, why is his favorability rating always only 3? Did the little maid dislike him that much before?

It now seems that repairing their relationship will be a long and arduous task.