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

Chapter 604 The First in Line to the Pope! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Li Chen's technique was exceptionally good, with just the right amount of force. His fingertips seemed to carry a strange electric current as he massaged the acupoints on her shoulders and neck with just the right amount of pressure, relieving her fatigue and bringing waves of indescribable tingling sensation.

It made her hum softly involuntarily, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes gradually became hazy and watery.

The bedchamber was filled with a fragrant aroma, creating an extremely ambiguous atmosphere.

She could feel the young emperor's hot breath and powerful masculine aura behind her, and her heart began to race involuntarily.

However, Li Chen's massage remained proper and limited to the shoulders, without any overstepping of boundaries.

After pressing the Empress Dowager until she was completely relaxed and her face was flushed, he withdrew his hand at the opportune moment, said a few more words of concern in his usual tone, and then took his leave.

As the Empress Dowager watched his departing figure, she let out a soft sigh, a strange sense of loss rising in her heart that she herself had not even noticed.

On the way back, Li Chen felt that the Empress Dowager's test was too great; from his angle just now, he could see a lot.

It's not fun to just take it over like that. Li Chen noticed last time that the Empress Dowager was indeed lonely.

But while the Empress Dowager was exceptionally beautiful, she was also an extremely virtuous woman.

She appears alluring, but her personality is conservative.

Li Chen was thinking about what he could do to make her lose her temper and kneel down to beg him.

It was fortunate that he had just come from Consort Yi's palace, otherwise Li Chen might not have been able to resist the temptation.

That night, in Li Chen's new floating palace atop the clouds, a completely different and extremely erotic scene unfolded.

Fairy Youlan, Princess Zhennan, and He Ying seemed to have received some tacit instruction, and all of them changed into gorgeous nightgowns that were very similar to the velvet bathrobe that the Empress Dowager often wore after her bath.

These three equally voluptuous and alluring figures, each with their own unique charm, were tightly wrapped in soft fabric under the dim palace lanterns, outlining breathtaking curves.

They giggled and imitated the Empress Dowager's demeanor, surrounding Li Chen and beginning a unique and thrilling "role-playing" game for the night.

In the Everlasting Empire, Charles's decision to appoint the "Cardinal's Guard" as Grand Tutor was like pouring a ladle of cold water into a boiling oil pan, instantly causing a huge shock and uproar.

The entire empire's structure seemed to be loosening. The Holy Family, traditional nobles, and even commoners were all privately and enthusiastically discussing a core issue: would His Holiness the Pope make concessions to the royal family this time?

After all, the Papacy has suppressed the royal family for nearly a thousand years, and this situation is unprecedented.

Meanwhile, Li Chen's disguise as a "cardinal's personal guard" was also widely spread and amplified during this storm.

In the Holy City of Eternal Daylight, Li Chen's most loyal henchman, Carlos, was anxiously reporting to Li Chen through that special "cell phone," his voice trembling with unease: "Sir, Holy City is in complete chaos! All the various forces are secretly vying for power, trying to find out your attitude. What... what should we do next?"

Carlos knew perfectly well that his background as a member of the Blood Demon Society couldn't be investigated, and his only way out and future depended on Li Chen.

In contrast, the orthodox descendants of the Holy Ones, such as Old Castro and his son Alfred, were much more cautious. Although they had also received favors from Li Chen, they preferred to observe for the time being, fearing that taking sides too early would make them targets for elimination, regardless of which side ultimately prevailed. Li Chen's reply came quickly, his tone calm and indifferent: "Hold your positions for now, there's no need for any major actions. Your primary task is to improve your own strength and conceal yourself. If anyone discovers your past identity, simply claim that you are a spy I planted in the Blood Demon Society, and that all actions are carried out on my orders."

Carlos felt reassured and immediately replied, "Yes, sir! I understand!"

However, just a few days later, an even more explosive piece of news, which completely stunned almost every level of the Eternal Day Empire, fell like a meteor.

The Pope himself issued a decree formally declaring the Cardinals' Guard as the first in line to the papacy!
When the news broke, the whole country was in an uproar and completely exploded!

"What...what's going on?!"

"Didn't that guard just accept the position of Imperial Preceptor? Doesn't that count as betraying the Papacy? How did he become the Papal Heir in the blink of an eye?!"

"What exactly is His Holiness the Pope's intention? There are so many senior cardinals within the Vatican, who isn't eyeing that position? Why was he suddenly chosen? And as the sole heir!"

The situation in the Eternal Day Empire has changed dramatically once again, becoming even more unpredictable. Everyone feels lost and completely unable to understand how this pinnacle of the game is headed.

Inside the Imperial Study of the Tian Ce Imperial Palace.

Li Chen was lounging on the soft couch, enjoying the gentle and considerate service of the blonde beauty, Ophelia.

When Xuanji quietly reported this latest intelligence from Yongzhou, even Li Chen raised an eyebrow slightly.

Ophelia was kneeling at Li Chen's feet. Upon hearing this, she subconsciously raised her charming face, a hint of confusion flashing in her azure eyes. She couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, the Pope's actions... are quite strange. Is there some deeper meaning behind them?"

The moment the words left her mouth, she realized she had overstepped her bounds. Interference in politics within the inner palace was a grave taboo. Terrified, her face paled, and she hurriedly prostrated herself, begging for forgiveness: "This servant has spoken out of turn! This servant deserves to die! Please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

Li Chen, however, didn't seem to care, casually waving his hand: "It's alright, get up. The Pope's actions are nothing more than a power play with Charles from afar."
In this way, he told everyone, including Charles, that my identity as a 'Cardinal's Guard' ultimately meant I was a member of the Papacy, and the most central heir.

This means that ultimately, the direction of the Eternal Day Empire may still be determined by the Papacy, not the royal family. My inclination will determine which side truly gains dominance.

With just a few simple words, he saw through the Pope's deep scheme.

Ophelia seemed to understand but not quite, but seeing that Li Chen didn't blame her, she breathed a sigh of relief and carefully stood up.

However, Li Chen changed the subject, his gaze landing on her voluptuous and alluring body with a hint of mockery: "However, even so, the rules cannot be disregarded. You were indeed too talkative just now, and the punishment you deserve... still cannot be waived."

Ophelia's cheeks flushed instantly. She naturally understood what the "punishment" Li Chen mentioned meant. It must be some kind of embarrassing, shameful, yet irresistible tricks.

Her heart raced, a mixture of shyness and anticipation washing over her. She lowered her head meekly, her voice barely a whisper: "It is all at Your Majesty's disposal."

Tonight, Li Chen held a rope in her hand, and a naked figure walked around the palace beside her. She was afraid of being seen, feeling both nervous and excited.

(End of this chapter)