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

Chapter 513 What if Li Chen gets angry after such an outrageous demand? (Please subscribe and vote!)

The appearance of Venerable Yinyue was actually quite unexpected for the cultivators present.

The cultivators who can attend this meeting are all from sects that have a certain influence within the region.

It can be said that they are all names that the Tian Ce Dynasty could name.

This is the first National Symposium on the Development of Cultivators, and it may well be a symposium that will be recorded in history.

Many cultivators are eager for a good reputation, so they'll fight tooth and nail to get it.

All three major alliances would give Li Chen face, but Venerable Yin Yue's identity was special; he was the sect leader of a hidden sect, and his level was even higher.

In the secular cultivation world, even the larger sects cannot compare to the hidden sects.

This is the prestige of a reclusive sect. They had never heard of anyone from a reclusive sect attending a meeting of the secular royal family, let alone the sect leader.

Therefore, the appearance of Venerable Yinyue did indeed cause those present to whisper among themselves and speculate about the purpose of this meeting.

"Sect Leader Wang, who are we waiting for? Are we waiting for that little girl?"

"Shh, Lao Hu, you should just shut up if you don't want to say certain things. You're really bold to call Minister Lin's little girl like that."

"Why wouldn't I dare? Minister Lin and I are from the same place, and his uncle and I are buddies."

"No wonder your sect has been doing so well lately. It turns out you've pulled some strings. When will you introduce me to them?"

Tian Ce has been enjoying many benefits lately, with abundant resources available in the northern snow mountains, western rainforests, and eastern seas.

In the past, sects would fight tooth and nail with other forces to develop; whoever got what they wanted, got it.

Now there's another option: go to the Department of Religious Affairs to pick up the mission.

Basically, every major city has a branch of the Department of Sect Affairs. Many sect cultivators and independent cultivators will go on missions to exchange for a large amount of cultivation resources.

Even some special small towns have places where you can accept quests.

This perfectly resolves the chaos caused by cultivators fighting each other over cultivation resources.

When Li Chen first set this up, many people were not optimistic about it, and those major sects were just responding to the policy.

Later, everyone felt that the rewards for the mission were indeed good. Many disciples had nothing to do anyway, so it was better to send them out on missions, which would also be a form of training.

Because a sect has limited tasks, the entire country has many more.

Li Chen did this only to pave the way for a larger multi-race dungeon in the future. As long as these people get used to doing quests, they will definitely do their part when asked to.

You need to let them know that you are doing the task for yourselves, not for others, then they will work hard.

Besides, Tian Ce is such a large territory, if you don't do it, there are plenty of others who will.

As long as cultivators think this way, then the people in the Department of Sect Affairs will be very popular.

Lin Yue'e has become quite well-known in the cultivation world. Sometimes she thinks that if she hadn't met His Majesty back then, she might have had to seek refuge with a sect to survive.

I never imagined that I would be able to manage so many sects now.

The National Cultivator Development Symposium was announced by Lin Yue'e, and Lin Yue'e will definitely attend.

However, many people knew perfectly well that even Venerable Yinyue didn't dare to set up a stage, so the only one who would come was the Emperor of Tian Ce.

Many cultivators present had seen Li Chen, but most had only seen the emperor in plain clothes.

As a resounding bell rang outside, the gilded doors of the Great Hall slowly opened.

"Your Majesty is here!"

The announcement was like a thunderclap. When Li Chen, dressed in a dragon robe, stepped into the venue, the entire space trembled.

His body was radiant with light, and the brilliance of the Great Dao shone forth. With each step he took, golden lotuses emerged.

Behind him, golden light shone brightly, and nine divine rings descended from the sky, like nine blazing suns surrounding him, illuminating the entire hall as if a divine kingdom had descended!

"This...this is..." An old cultivator from the Western Regions trembled with fear.

"Peak of the Saint Realm?!" The elder in charge of the Purple Cloud Heavenly Palace exclaimed in shock.

The cultivators who were seeing Li Chen for the first time finally understood why a powerful figure like Venerable Yinyue would come in person, and why the three major alliances were so disciplined.

Those cultivators who had seen Li Chen before were even more shocked. The last time they met, His Majesty was only imposing, but now he was like a god descending to earth!

"See Your Majesty!"

All the cultivators in the room stood up in unison, and thunderous applause lasted for a long time.

Li Chen walked slowly toward the main seat, each step seemingly touching the hearts of everyone present.

Only after he waved his hand did these usually unruly cultivators dare to sit down tremblingly, not even daring to fill the chairs completely.

"Everyone," Li Chen's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, "The purpose of this conference today is to promote the common development of the Tian Ce cultivation community."

The entire venue was completely silent.

Those sect leaders who were usually arrogant and haughty all straightened their backs at this moment, and some even took out jade slips to start taking notes.

In the corner, a young monk, so nervous, snapped his pen in half with a "crack," nearly making him jump.

Li Chen's gaze swept across the entire hall: "I hope that all factions will hold more regional martial arts tournaments to select talents. This era belongs to you."

This sentence was like a drop of water falling into a hot oil pan, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of the entire audience.

Cultivators fear strict control the most, but His Majesty not only did not restrict them, but also encouraged them to develop their talents!
"Your Majesty is wise!" The envoy from the Nine Abyss Sacred Domain stood up excitedly and bowed.

But what's even more shocking is yet to come.

Li Chen suddenly changed the subject: "In addition, I can reveal that ancient cultivation resources will appear in the future."

"Ancient resources?! Your Majesty means... an unexplored ancient secret realm?" Venerable Yinyue could no longer sit still; even his Saint-level composure couldn't suppress his shock.

The room erupted in commotion. What did these ancient resources mean?
It could be a lost cultivation technique, a rare elixir, or even the key to becoming an immortal!
Li Chen said no more, but said meaningfully, "If your cultivation is insufficient, you may not even be qualified to participate."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone's heads.

Yes, if such an opportunity truly exists, it will surely attract a gathering of powerful figures. Representatives from many smaller sects have already begun planning how to improve their disciples' cultivation upon returning.

"The Department of Sect Affairs will notify you of the specific details in due course. I hope you will all continue your cultivation diligently and live up to this prosperous era." Li Chen stood up, and the Nine Divine Rings reappeared.

Li Chen only came to offer some words of encouragement this time, without setting too many formalities.

Every time Li Chen finished speaking, applause erupted from the audience.

This made Li Chen feel like he was back in his old 'work unit'.

There's no way around it; cultivators only respect those who are stronger than them, and Li Chen is indeed stronger than them.

As Li Chen left, the oppressive atmosphere in the venue gradually dissipated. The cultivators gathered in twos and threes, excitedly discussing the news they had just heard.

Sect Master Wang grabbed Patriarch Hu's sleeve and said excitedly, "Old Hu, did you hear that? Ancient resources! According to the records of my Yuhu Sect, there was a 'Dragon Tiger Pill' in ancient times, which was made by combining true dragon blood and divine tiger inner core. It could allow a person to break through a major realm directly! It could allow one to break through directly to the Saint Realm."

An elder from the Purple Cloud Heavenly Palace interjected, "Tch, what's that? Our ancient records state that in ancient times there was a 'Platform of Ascension,' and those who reached the top could attain immortality!"

Venerable Yinyue and Holy Lord Li exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.

They originally just came to water ski and make an appearance, but they never expected Li Chen to reveal such a shocking secret. This trip was definitely worthwhile.

The conference continued after Li Chen left.

Lin Yue'e, dressed in formal attire, stepped onto the stage and began to give a work report on the Department of Religious Affairs.

Her voice was clear and bright as she explained the completion status of each sect's tasks and the details of resource allocation in a well-organized manner.

"According to statistics, this year the various sects completed a total of 372 Class A missions and 1,000 Class B missions."

Whispers could be heard from the audience from time to time.

When the topic of resource allocation came up, the representatives from several sects clearly became restless.

"Minister Lin!" A burly man with a thick beard suddenly stood up. "Why should the Azure Cloud Sect get 30% of the cold iron ore that my Iron Sword Sect discovered last month?"

The elder of Qingxia Sect immediately retorted, "That mine is located at the border between the two factions! According to the 'Tian Ce Resource Law'..."

Seeing that the argument was about to escalate, Lin Yue'e lightly tapped the jade chime: "Everyone, today there are three major alliances and hidden sects present. Why don't we ask them to judge the matter?"

Upon hearing this, both sides of the argument immediately fell silent.

They wouldn't dare to act wildly in front of so many big shots.

The meeting lasted until evening and resolved dozens of sect disputes.

Some sects that had harbored grudges for many years had no choice but to shake hands and make peace under pressure from all sides.

After all, no one wants to be seen as lacking common sense in front of heroes.

Normally, if it's just mediation, these sects might not listen. But now, all the major sects of Tian Ce are voting together. Anyone who doesn't listen is disrespecting everyone.

After the afternoon meeting, other practitioners either toured the capital or went to the Department of Religious Affairs to complete formalities.

Venerable Yinyue and Saint Lord Li came to the palace together to see Li Chen.

Li Shengzhu also had a personal purpose for this trip: to visit his daughter, Li Meng.

Led by a palace maid, he arrived at the palace where Li Meng lived.

Wearing a light purple dress, Li Meng greeted him with delight: "Father! What brings you here?"

Lord Li affectionately patted his daughter's head: "I brought you some specialties from Miao territory."

As she spoke, she took out an exquisitely wrapped bundle: "These are pastries made by your mother, and your favorite pecans."

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Lord Li lowered his voice and asked, "Meng'er, have you heard about the ancient secret realm while you were in the palace?"

Li Meng blinked: "Father is concerned about this too? His Majesty mentioned it a few days ago, saying that he wanted to lift some kind of heavenly restriction?"

This was actually Li Chen giving everyone a heads-up; the news would gradually spread out of the palace.

"A restriction on heaven and earth?!" Lord Li's pupils shrank.

As a Saint Realm expert, he understood all too well what this meant; it was very likely a passage connecting to the Upper Realm!

Seeing her father's solemn expression, Li Meng comforted him, "Father, don't worry. His Majesty said that he will give priority to meritorious officials when the time comes."

This message was also spread by Li Chen, simply meaning: If you listen to me, I'll take you with me when we run the Myriad Races dungeon.

Meanwhile, Venerable Yinyue was waiting outside the Imperial Study.

He held a jade box in his hands, inside which was the "Immortal Destiny Gem," which the Ten Netherworld Palace could only condense once every two hundred years.

"Please come in, Your Excellency." Eunuch Cui respectfully pushed open the palace door.

Inside the Imperial Study, Li Chen was reviewing memorials.

Upon seeing Venerable Yinyue enter, he put down his vermilion brush: "What else is there, Sect Master Yinyue?"

Venerable Yinyue bowed deeply: "I have come here to present the treasure of the Ten Netherworld Palace, the Immortal Affinity Gem."

He carefully opened the jade box, and a crystal-clear gemstone emitted a soft glow: "This item can help a Saint-level cultivator break through a bottleneck."

Li Chen had long heard of the legendary Immortal Gem, which was said to greatly increase the success rate of breakthroughs.

This gift is indeed valuable; even if I don't need it, I can still accept it.

After all, they've traveled a long way to deliver this gift, and they've put on such a show, so we should at least give them some face.

"Sect Master Hidden Moon is very kind." Li Chen gestured for Eunuch Cui to take the jade box.

When Venerable Yinyue saw that Li Chen was willing to accept the Immortal Affinity Gem, a hint of joy flashed across his usually dignified face. He immediately said with gratitude, "Your Majesty is a wise ruler unseen throughout the ages. Although my Yinyue Sect is hidden in the world and its reputation is not well known, we have been deeply indebted to Your Majesty's grace. This mere external gift is not enough to express our gratitude for the various policies Your Majesty has promulgated, which have brought convenience to my Yinyue Sect."

It must be said that Venerable Yinyue is a cunning old fox who knows how to flatter. He bases all his compliments on facts, making them neither exaggerated nor offensive.

Li Chen nodded slightly. As a favorite of Li Chen who had always been by his side, Eunuch Cui naturally understood that His Majesty appreciated this and also knew that Venerable Yin Yue must have some value in His Majesty's eyes, and that he should try to win him over.

He immediately smiled and said, "Immortal Venerable, there is no need to take it to heart. Although His Majesty's actions in governing the cultivators of the Heavenly Strategy Empire are unprecedented, the purpose is simply to enable all the cultivators of the Heavenly Strategy Empire to reach a higher level."

Eunuch Cui's hint was quite obvious: His Majesty was very pleased with your flattery. While His Majesty was in a good mood, continue speaking. Perhaps His Majesty will agree if he is pleased!

How could an old man like Venerable Yinyue not understand? He had come here to ask for a favor, and while secretly casting a grateful glance at Eunuch Cui, he solemnly shook his head and said, "My Yinyue Sect has lived in the Tiance Dynasty for generations, and is ashamed to be one of the top sects within the Tiance territory. Your Majesty is so dedicated to the benefit of cultivators all over the world. I only regret that my sect has just been embroiled in internal strife, and less than one-tenth of our sect's treasures remain. Even if we exhaust all the strength of the sect, we can only offer this one Immortal Fate Stone, which is far from enough to express our gratitude for Your Majesty's concern for the cultivators of the world!"

This is how a master speaks—using an indirect method to express the need for support after internal strife within the sect.

You can't exactly say, "Your Majesty, our sect has suffered countless casualties in this bloody battle, please give us some resources."

Li Chen understood what Venerable Hidden Moon was saying, but he needed to figure out what Venerable Hidden Moon needed—whether it was dealing with the traitor or resources. So he asked, "Oh? The Hidden Moon Sect has just gone through internal strife? Is it stable now?"

The best way to win people's hearts is naturally to use both kindness and severity. With Li Chen's strength and control over the Tian Ce Empire, he naturally does not need to show his power, but kindness needs to be occasionally bestowed upon those in lower positions.

The Hidden Moon Sect does indeed need support. This is to show all cultivators in the world that the imperial court not only controls them and provides them with some small conveniences, but will also lend a helping hand when they are in danger.

Upon seeing the situation, Venerable Yinyue sighed and said, "Well, I have personally dealt with the traitor. Now, my Yinyue Sect is running out of resources and it is difficult to maintain our daily expenses. I have come here because I want to shamelessly ask His Majesty for a way out."

The Hidden Moon Venerable was unaware of Li Chen's bottom line, so they tested each other.

He wanted to know what Li Chen could offer, rather than making unreasonable demands for whatever he wanted, in case Li Chen got angry.
If it were anyone else, even Yuan Tianhe, Venerable Yinyue would have simply asked for it, with no take-it-or-leave-it attitude.

He had to carefully consider every word he said when facing Li Chen. This was because Li Chen's status and strength made him so respectful and cautious.

(End of this chapter)