I just reached the maximum level, and you want me to be a puppet emperor?

Chapter 488 So this is the treasure you were talking about? (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
This wasn't the first time a concubine had asked Li Chen about this matter.

Fairy Youlan, Wu Nanzhi, and Jiang Rong all asked this question before.

Li Chen would patiently explain, because he knew that once these concubines asked such questions, it proved that they were completely devoted to him and were afraid that he would neglect state affairs.

In other words, Fairy Yunya has been completely conquered by Li Chen, inside and out.

Upon reaching a certain spot, Fairy Yunya pointed to the shimmering sea in the distance: "Young Master Li, look quickly, that is the South China Sea."

As Li Chen walked up a high slope, he looked out and saw the azure sea meeting the sky, with several sailboats dotting the landscape like white seagulls.

Fishing boats shuttle back and forth near the shore, and the fishing nets drying on the masts gleam silver in the sunlight.

The invasion of the sea creatures has been repelled, and now only some areas are still inhabited by them.

The cultivators of the Tian Ce Dynasty are no longer satisfied with simply farming the sea creatures at these 'fixed locations'; most have ventured into the deep sea to explore.

It can be said that the balance of power between offense and defense has shifted.

Just as Fairy Yunya was about to express her admiration, she suddenly heard a whooshing sound behind her.

A streak of purple light streaked across the sky and landed steadily in front of Li Chen.

Xuan Ji, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, with lingering sword energy still clinging to her hair, knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty."

Li Chen helped her up and asked, "Are you done with your work?"

When Xuanji looked up, her eyes seemed to sparkle like stars: "Thank you for your permission, Your Majesty. I have taken care of my personal matters and can now serve Your Majesty with peace of mind."

In fact, Xuanji's so-called private matter was simply returning to her cave to organize the things she needed, and then writing a letter to Jun Zhantian and his son.

While writing, she was still thinking: What if Jun Wu Hui worries about her whereabouts?
But thinking about this, Xuanji herself laughed.

She had long realized that she was just a pawn of Jun Wu Hui, who was obsessed with becoming an immortal and wouldn't care about her.

I doubt Jun Wu Hui was even significantly affected when she died.

Li Chen gently ruffled her hair: "It's so good to have you."

These four simple words made Xuanji tremble all over, and her eyes instantly reddened.

At this moment, he wished he could lay bare all his loyalty to His Majesty, so he could only bury his head even lower, afraid that someone would see the tears welling up in his eyes.

This is the difference between Li Chen and Jun Wuhui.

Xuanji truly felt that she was needed.

That night, the three of them stayed overnight in a coastal town.

Xuanji seemed to want to make up for the days they had been apart, doing everything herself, from bathing and changing clothes to making the bed and burning incense.

As Li Chen leaned against the edge of the bathtub and closed his eyes to rest, she actually helped him relieve stress in the water.

This relentless service left Fairy Yunya speechless, and she thought sourly: "Some people are trying to outdo us."

No, I have to work even harder tonight. I can't let her be His Majesty's sole favorite!
Five days later, Lin Yuan City, the largest city on the coast of the South China Sea, was already in sight.

This magnificent city was built against the mountains and by the sea. The twelve-zhang-high city walls were made entirely of seabed black iron stone, which gleamed with a bluish-black luster under the sunlight.

The two characters “Lin Yuan” on the city gate tower are said to have been carved by a sword immortal with sword energy three hundred years ago, and a chilling sword intent still flows between them to this day.

Even before entering the city, one could already feel the rich spiritual energy in the air, clearly indicating an astonishing number of cultivators within the city.

"It truly lives up to its reputation." Li Chen stood on the official road in front of the city gate, watching the endless stream of people.

There were cultivators carrying sword cases, merchants leading exotic beasts, and even merchants from other countries.

The sixteen guards at the city gate are formidable and are using spirit-detecting mirrors to check those entering the city.

Once inside the city, the sights were even more dazzling.

The main street was twenty zhang wide, and the ground was paved with star sand that could automatically remove dust.

The pavilions on both sides are at least five stories high, and the bronze wind chimes hanging from the eaves create their own rhythm as the spiritual energy fluctuates.

Most striking are the ten-person-tall puppet guards that stand every hundred feet, each said to possess peak Heavenly Abyss Realm combat power. These puppets were personally crafted by the founding emperor of the Tian Ce Dynasty, and they remain imposing even after so many years.

"Let's find a place to stay first." Li Chen led the two women through the bustling streets.

Along the way, we saw many exotic treasures from overseas, including singing seashells, crystal balls that could predict storms, and even pet animals kept in cages.

The cries of vendors rose and fell in waves:
"East Sea Dragon Tendon, a top-grade material for forging magical artifacts!"

"Map of the South China Sea's Hidden Realms - Guaranteed to help you find the ancient cave!"

"Freshly extracted Thunder Essence Pills, buying them is a sure win!"

In the end, Li Chen and his two companions chose to rest for a while at the Guanhai Tower, the tallest building in the city.

This nine-story wooden pagoda is constructed entirely of ancient ironwood, and the top-floor guest rooms offer panoramic views of the entire South China Sea.

At midday, the port was bustling with activity as merchant ships from all over the world came and went, their calls for cargo handling mingling with the cries of seagulls to create a unique rhythm.

"According to Fairy Shuyu, the disciples of the Eight Gates Heaven-Shattering Palace should be active in this area." Li Chen stood by the window, his gaze sweeping over the various cultivators dressed in different styles at the port.

The clothes and swords worn by the Eight Gates Heaven-Shattering Hall members will bear the sect's insignia; just find them.

Just as he was pondering, a familiar voice came from behind him.

Dai Xiaoyao walked over excitedly: "Young Master Li, I didn't expect to meet you here."

Seeing that Li Chen was traveling incognito, he realized his mistake and stopped addressing Li Chen by his usual title.

Dai Xiaoyao is the king of Xingluo Kingdom, but he is not qualified here and can only stand next to Li Chen.

Li Chen nodded to indicate that he was qualified to sit at the table.

Li Chen asked, "You haven't returned to China yet?"

Dai Xiaoyao explained, "I have already returned. That day, I was fortunate enough to see His Majesty's face and feel His Majesty's grace. I was so restless that I couldn't sleep. Now I've come across a treasure that I'm preparing to offer to you."

Li Chen, as always, didn't interrupt his flattery, letting him finish before discussing serious matters.

Upon hearing about the treasure, Li Chen became interested, because Dai Xiaoyao knew his identity and ordinary treasures would certainly not catch his eye.

The person who can make the ruler of a country so mysterious must be no ordinary being.

"Tell me about it." Li Chen put down his teacup and looked at the Journey to the West.

Dai Xiaoyao rubbed his hands together, his eyes darting around as he lowered his voice and said, "Young Master Li, may I have a word with you in private?"

His expression was both obsequious and mysterious, like a lapdog trying to please its master.

Li Chen raised an eyebrow and got up to follow him to the private room behind the screen.

Xuanji and Fairy Yunya exchanged a glance and silently stood guard, not daring to eavesdrop.

"Your Majesty," Dai Xiaoyao said, making sure no one was around, before kneeling down and saying slyly, "I have a godmother who is an absolute beauty, incomparably gorgeous, living in a small mountain village not far away. I implore Your Majesty to come with me; I guarantee you'll like her!"

After saying that, he winked and made faces, looking just like a pimp.

Li Chen was taken aback, then chuckled: "So this is the treasure you were talking about?"

He recalled Dai Xiaoyao's mother, who was quite favored in the palace and still retained her charm.

If this godmother has seven-tenths of her mother's looks, it wouldn't be a bad thing.

“Exactly!” Dai Xiaoyao replied respectfully.

A hint of amusement flashed in Li Chen's eyes: "Then lead the way."

If it were some rare and precious treasure, Li Chen wouldn't bother setting off. But if you're talking about this, then it suits his taste perfectly.

Dai Xiaoyao was overjoyed, thinking to himself: Godmother, my future depends on you!

(End of this chapter)