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

Chapter 624 How have you been doing in the North these past few years? (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Seeing Huyan Lan's royal procession slowly approaching, Zhou Meng quickly spurred his horse forward, clasped his hands in the Tian Ce military salute, and said in a deep voice, "This humble general, Zhou Meng, respectfully welcomes the Khan!"

Hu Yanlan was in a terrible mood and didn't give him a friendly look at all. She immediately launched into a tirade: "Zhou Meng! What kind of work have you done? You made my nephew suffer in your Cold Iron Pass prison! Are you just a figurehead as a garrison commander?!"

Zhou Meng had no way to explain his predicament, so he could only bite the bullet and say, "Khan, please calm your anger. There are indeed some hidden reasons behind this matter, and I also have my own difficulties."

"You good-for-nothing!" Huyan Lan interrupted him impatiently, his tone arrogant. "Hmph, I'll go see for myself what kind of powerful background that Captain Cheng Li has. Does he think he can outdo me?! Open the gates and enter the city!"

Zhou Meng dared not disobey, so he had no choice but to order the city gates to be opened to welcome the Khan's army into the city, but he was secretly worried for Commander Cheng.

The group arrived at the military camp in a grand procession. Upon learning that Cheng Li was training soldiers at the drill ground, Hu Yanlan, without saying a word, led a squad of personal guards and headed straight for the drill ground in a menacing manner.

Zhou Meng followed closely behind, his heart pounding in his chest. He made up his mind: no matter what, if a conflict really breaks out, he will protect Commandant Cheng even if it means offending the Khan. This is the rule of Han Tie Pass, and it is also his duty!
On the training ground, the sounds of battle shook the heavens. Soldiers were drilling, their formations shifting, the clash of swords and shields echoing incessantly, a powerful and vigorous aura of masculinity permeating the air, their military might at its peak.

Hu Yanlan's face was gloomy. He strode onto the martial arts stage and scanned the area with lightning speed. Just as he was about to shout "Which one is Cheng Li?", he suddenly saw the profile of the figure standing in front of the formation directing the battle.

With just one glance, Hu Yanlan felt as if he had been struck by lightning! His arrogance vanished instantly, his legs went weak, his knees buckled, and he almost knelt down on the spot!

Huyan Lan's title of Northern Khan was personally bestowed upon him by Li Chen! Back then, after Huyan Lan joined Li Chen, Li Chen swiftly wiped out the Tuoba royal family before supporting him to the throne.

In a sense, he was Li Chen's most loyal subordinate, a fierce dog that His Majesty had personally fed. How could a fierce dog not recognize its master?!

Li Chen didn't even turn to look at him, his gaze remaining fixed on the drilling troops, and said calmly, "Stand still."

The voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable majesty.

Hu Yanlan's legs, which were almost giving way, straightened instantly, forcing him to stand up, though a fine layer of cold sweat had already seeped from his forehead.

Li Chen then turned around and walked towards a secluded armory next to the training ground, leaving behind only the words, "Follow me."

The once arrogant and domineering Northern Khan now resembled a tamed, loyal dog, head bowed, back hunched, barely daring to breathe, following closely behind "Commander Cheng" until they disappeared from the sidelines.

Huyan Lan's guards looked at each other in bewilderment. They had seen the Khan's horrified look and his almost out-of-control reaction just now. Although they didn't understand why, none of them dared to move an inch.

Zhou Meng stood there, feeling his back instantly soaked with cold sweat.

He's no fool! For the past few days, he's been secretly speculating about the true identity of this Commandant Cheng. His boldest guess is that he's the son of some powerful prince.

No matter how noble the prince's son is, he could not possibly make a powerful vassal king like Huyan Lan so afraid!

The fear in that look couldn't be faked; it was almost an instinctive urge to kneel!
Even if the current prime minister and the general who protects the country were to arrive in person, Hu Yanlan might not have lost his composure like this!
There's only one person in the entire world who could make Hu Yanlan almost kneel down at a glance! Cheng Li and Li Chen! So that's how it is!
Zhou Meng's heart pounded with fear. Fortunately, he had been careful and had not offended His Majesty in any way. Otherwise, he could not even imagine the consequences of being held accountable later.

At this moment, Wang, the military supervisor, ran over breathlessly and asked anxiously, "Zhou, Commandant Zhou! What happened? Did the Khan have a conflict with Commandant Cheng?"

Zhou Meng took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and said in a low voice, "It's alright. I'll tell you the details later."

Li Chen led Hu Yanlan into the secluded armory, the heavy wooden door closing behind them, isolating them from the noise of the training grounds outside.

The warehouse was dimly lit, and the air was filled with the smells of tung oil and iron.

Li Chen turned around and looked calmly at the powerful ruler of the North before him.

Without the slightest hesitation, Huyan Lan knelt down with a thud, his forehead striking the cold ground heavily. His voice trembled slightly with fear: "Your subject Huyan Lan pays his respects to Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! I have failed in my duty to educate my clan, and my nephew Huyan Xun has been audacious enough to offend Your Majesty. I deserve to die a thousand deaths. I beg Your Majesty to punish me severely!"

"Get up and speak." Li Chen's tone was unreadable.

Huyan Lan dared not rise, remaining prostrate on the ground, saying, "Your subject dares not! My wretched nephew..."

"I tell you to get up." Li Chen's voice rose slightly, carrying an unquestionable authority.

Hu Yanlan shuddered and only then dared to stand up tremblingly, but he still kept his head deeply bowed, not daring to look directly at the emperor's face. His heart was already filled with fear and thoughts of admitting guilt.

However, Li Chen did not unleash his fury as he had expected. Instead, he asked in a gentle tone, "Huyan, how have you been these past few years in the north?"

Hu Yanlan was taken aback, almost thinking he had misheard, and subconsciously replied, "Thanks to... thanks to Your Majesty's blessings, I... I am doing well."

"How are the various tribes doing now? Are they still getting along well? I remember when I helped you ascend the throne, there were a few tribal leaders who were quite resentful. Are they all behaving themselves now? If you have any difficulties or need the court's support, please don't hesitate to ask," Li Chen continued, his tone as concerned as if he were a caring old minister.

Huyan Lan was flattered and quickly replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, thank you for your concern! The northern tribes are generally peaceful now. Although there are a few small tribes like the Black Wind Tribe and the Vulture Clan that are still restless, they have been properly suppressed by me and cannot cause any major trouble. Your Majesty, rest assured, as long as I am here in the north, I will ensure the peace and tranquility of the border and would never dare to trouble Your Majesty and the court!"

Li Chen nodded, then asked casually, "Well, that's good. How about your cultivation? I observe that your aura is more powerful than it was a few years ago. Have you made any breakthroughs?"

Hu Yanlan felt a surge of warmth in his heart and was moved to tears. His Majesty not only did not blame him, but even cared about his cultivation progress! He said excitedly, "Thanks to Your Majesty's inquiry, I dare not slack off. I have been cultivating diligently day and night. Last year, I was fortunate enough to break through to the mid-stage of the Heavenly Abyss Realm. I only hope to share Your Majesty's burdens and serve the dynasty!"

Li Chen nodded approvingly, "Indeed, the North is bitterly cold, it is truly remarkable that you have achieved your current level of cultivation."

At this moment, Hu Yanlan's blood boiled, and he wished he could tear out his heart to show his loyalty. He suddenly clasped his hands and said in a firm voice, "Your Majesty's grace is something I can never repay even if I die ten thousand times! I assure Your Majesty that the northern border will be as solid as a rock!"
"If those barbarians of the Great Luo Dynasty dare to make the slightest move, defying the might and majesty of my Heavenly Strategy, I will personally lead my northern cavalry to trample their mountains and rivers, storm their royal city, and surely behead the Great Luo King, presenting his head before Your Majesty!"

(End of this chapter)