Volume 1, Chapter 20: Nangong’s Probing, Disparities in Cultivation Techniques

"Your Majesty—"

"I have practiced martial arts since childhood under my godfather, the old eunuch Cao. However, I have only learned some rudimentary skills, and I have only just managed to reach the Grandmaster realm," Cao Mo said with a humble expression.

"Grandmaster?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress arched her brows slightly. As far as she knew, Cao Mo was the same age as her—only eighteen. In the world of martial arts, anyone who could step into the Grandmaster realm before the age of twenty could be considered a genius. Yet, even among geniuses, there were distinctions. A genius from a prestigious clan and a genius who was a wandering cultivator were clearly not on the same level. After all, geniuses from great clans were guided by renowned masters from a young age and supplemented with all sorts of spiritual elixirs, so it was normal for their cultivation to far exceed their peers. A lone cultivator clearly did not have such luxuries. If one could reach the ranks of genius solely through their own efforts, the inherent value was significantly higher. With proper cultivation, their future would be boundless.

Cao Mo’s situation clearly belonged to the latter. After all, although the old eunuch Cao could barely be considered a renowned master, he had passed away over two years ago, and his guidance to Cao Mo had been limited. It would be no exaggeration to say that Cao Mo’s current cultivation was entirely due to his own efforts.

Thinking of this, the Empress’s gaze toward Cao Mo softened with a hint of curiosity. She had originally thought that this fake eunuch left behind by her late father was merely a pawn to help her maintain her cover during the wedding ceremony. But now, it seemed this fake eunuch had given her a pleasant surprise. Not only was he clever and quick-witted, but his martial talent was also exceptional, meaning he could be used in many different ways.

"Why is it that I cannot see through your cultivation?"

Beside them, Nangong Li spoke in a cold, clear voice. Her long, slender, and alluring phoenix eyes fell upon Cao Mo, scrutinizing him once more. She had felt something off about him this morning; logically, if Cao Mo truly possessed Grandmaster-level cultivation, she should have been able to see through it at a glance. Yet, all she had seen that morning was the cultivation of a Postnatal realm practitioner.

"Because I possess a rather unique method for concealing my aura..." A look of reminiscence crossed Cao Mo’s face. "This technique was taught to me by my godfather himself. Before he passed, he repeatedly urged me to use it to protect myself, telling me never to reveal my true strength unless it was an absolute last resort." Since the old eunuch was already dead and there were no witnesses, Cao Mo could spin whatever tale he wanted.

"Then why did you choose to reveal it just now?" Nangong Li pressed further.

"Are you stupid?" Cao Mo gave her a look as if she were an idiot, then turned to the Empress with a look of unwavering loyalty. "Just now, Your Majesty was in danger. If I had stood by and watched, would that not have been a betrayal of the grace and favor you have shown me? Besides, the reason my godfather gave me those instructions was so that I could preserve my life to serve you, Your Majesty!"

He then shot a glance at the "White Fox-Face": "If I didn't reveal my strength just now, when would be the right time?"

...

Nangong Li remained calm, unbothered by Cao Mo’s sarcastic tone. Instead, with a crisp metallic ring, her long sword left its sheath. Instantly, a piercing intent surged toward Cao Mo.

*Damn it! You old hag!*

Cao Mo’s eyelids twitched. He hadn't expected her to draw her sword just because he called her stupid. How unsportsmanlike! Before he could overthink it, Cao Mo had to hurriedly mobilize his cultivation to defend himself, his internal energy coalescing into a protective barrier before him. In the next instant, a cracking sound echoed as his protective barrier shattered completely. He was sent flying backward, landing heavily on the ground. Fortunately, he wasn't injured, though his chest felt tight from the impact.

"Your Majesty, he is at the sixth level of the Grandmaster realm," Nangong Li said as she sheathed her sword.

...

Cao Mo stood up and rubbed his chest, his heart filled with resentment. *Good for you, White Fox-Face! Drawing your sword at the slightest provocation, are we? Sooner or later, I, Cao, will make you taste my own blade! And I’ll make you beg for mercy, and you'll scream it at the top of your lungs. If I don't make you hoarse, I won't be named Cao!*

However... hearing her mention the "sixth level of the Grandmaster realm," Cao Mo was momentarily puzzled. He had clearly controlled his aura to appear at the second level, so why did she claim it was the sixth? *Could it be...*

In an instant, he realized the truth. Different martial arts manuals had different grades. Naturally, even at the same realm, the strength displayed by those practicing different arts would vary. The White Fox-Face was likely measuring him against her own standards. Since the *Kuiyuan Inner Classic* he practiced was a Heaven-grade supreme manual, the power he possessed at the second level was already equivalent to her strength at the sixth level.

With this thought, Cao Mo felt a surge of excitement. At this rate, it wouldn't take long before he could pin her down and teach her a lesson. He just needed to complete a few more tasks. After all, the White Fox-Face didn't look that old; at most, she was a Great Grandmaster. Surely she wasn't a Celestial Being?

"Do not do that again." Seeing Nangong Li attack Cao Mo without warning, the Empress frowned and reprimanded her in a cold, indifferent tone. Cao Mo’s value to her had increased significantly. Since she intended to make good use of him, she naturally couldn't allow him to harbor resentment toward her.

"Understood," Nangong Li nodded.

...

The Empress’s gaze turned back to Cao Mo, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne. Cao Mo was so young, yet he truly possessed Grandmaster-level cultivation—specifically, strength equivalent to the sixth level of a Grandmaster. She had stumbled upon an unexpected treasure and held his martial talent in even higher regard.

She cut straight to the point regarding why he had come to see her in the middle of the night: "I know you came to see me tonight because you want me to intervene on your behalf. Very well, hand over the body of that palace maid. I will speak with the Empress Dowager myself later."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for standing up for me!" Cao Mo put on a look of profound gratitude, wishing he could immediately embrace the Empress’s long legs to show his loyalty.

"You may withdraw now. Nangong Li will accompany you." The Empress waved her hand dismissively.

"Yes, your servant takes his leave." Cao Mo nodded and bowed as he departed. With the Empress stepping in personally, he hoped the Empress Dowager, that charming widow, would show some restraint. Otherwise, he, Cao, would have no choice but to play the role of Lao Ai!

"Mother, oh mother, you really are small-minded..." Watching Cao Mo leave, Xiao Rulong’s expression turned cold as she murmured to herself. Regardless of everything, Cao Mo was now her person, and she had shown him exceptional favor today. Even if he hadn't revealed his genius-level martial talent, she would have protected him anyway. After all, the only reason the Empress Dowager wanted to kill Cao Mo was to undermine her authority. If she couldn't even protect those closest to her, who would be willing to lay down their lives for her?

...

Soon, Cao Mo and Nangong Li returned to his small courtyard. After handing over the body of the brown-clad maid hidden in his room, he watched as the White Fox-Face prepared to leave. Feeling a lack of security, he immediately stopped her. "I was thinking, perhaps I should share your room tonight? Don't worry, I’m just a eunuch; I can't do anything to you."

...

Nangong Li gave him a cold, icy look and ignored him entirely. With a swift movement, she hoisted the maid’s corpse and disappeared from Cao Mo’s sight in the blink of an eye.

"Hey—"

"What’s with the cold and aloof act?!"

"Just you wait!"

"Wait for me, Cao!"

"If I don't make you call me 'Daddy', I, Cao Mo, won't be a man!"

Cao Mo was still muttering to himself when, suddenly, Nangong Li returned, still carrying the corpse of the brown-clad maid, and appeared before him once more.