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

Chapter 635 Li Chen almost forgot who Tuoba Zhen was! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Tuoba Zhen was seething with anger, almost unable to contain himself, but he had to force a smile and patted Sergei on the shoulder, saying, "Brother Sergei is right! It was my oversight! Here's what we'll do: you will first lead a cavalry unit to familiarize yourself with our army's fighting style. You will definitely be put to good use in the future!"

He had already planned in his mind that he would send this team to an unimportant flank or to carry out some harassment missions, and he would never let it get close to the core area of ​​the main battlefield, lest one bad apple spoil the whole bunch.

After gaining some military power, Sergei left Kaituo Bazhen's camp with a sense of pride and satisfaction.

Although it was only a 10,000-strong cavalry unit, far from meeting his expectations, he believed that with his own abilities and the support of the Andrei family, he could use this as a basis to expand his recruitment and cultivate trusted confidants.

He was full of ambition and determined to shine in the upcoming southern expedition, to impress his father, and to make the entire Great Luo Dynasty remember his name, Sergei!

If he could help his father ascend to the highest throne, he would be the undisputed crown prince!
At that time, those powerful and influential figures in the capital who once looked down on him will all have to grovel at his feet.

As for Tuoba Zhen, hmph, he's nothing more than a slightly more formidable dog that my father keeps!

If his strength wasn't terrifyingly strong, making him one of the world's best, how could he, as a defeated dog, be qualified to sit on equal footing with me?

Sergei was filled with contempt for Tuoba Zhen, but due to the other party's unfathomable martial prowess, he could only keep his disdain hidden in his heart and maintain a facade of polite farewell before leaving.

Meanwhile, in Beiyue City, where the Northern Army Command of the Tian Ce Dynasty was located, the atmosphere was heavy and somber.

Commander Han Wu was in front of a huge sand table, discussing countermeasures with several core generals under his command and important generals from the northern homeland.

An old general, whose temples were slightly gray, pointed to the Han Tie Pass and its surrounding area on the sand table and said with a solemn expression, "General, I have fought against Tuoba Zhen many times. He is cunning and fierce in his use of troops, especially skilled in night raids and long-distance raids. He is accustomed to using elite troops for decapitation strikes."
In my humble opinion, before the great battle even begins, his primary target is most likely our command center, Beiyue City! He intends to wipe out our army in one fell swoop.”

Another general added, "General Sun is absolutely right. According to the latest intelligence, Tuoba Zhen not only did not decline after his defeat and escape, but instead had a series of fortuitous encounters, further enhancing his strength to an unfathomable level."
His troops, all veterans of countless battles, are fearless and incredibly powerful. Beiyue City is the heart of our army; we must be on guard!

Several generals who had fought against Tuoba Zhen echoed his sentiments, mentioning that Tuoba Zhen's military tactics were often unconventional, audacious, and he was extremely fond of taking risks, which often proved effective.

Han Wu remained calm and nodded slowly.

He was well aware of all this. The reason he set up his command post in Beiyue City, a place teeming with troops and skilled warriors, was precisely because of this consideration.

Now, the city is not only filled with hundreds of thousands of elite troops, but also with cultivators from various sects of Tian Ce, and even several sect leaders at the Saint Realm who have been summoned by the imperial court.

Even if Tuoba Zhen were arrogant, he would never dare to launch a direct attack on Beiyue City.

"What we need to guard against now is assassination, poisoning, and infiltration and sabotage by small elite forces," Han Wu said in a deep voice. "In addition, I and all the important generals should not leave the city unless absolutely necessary, and we should not rashly lead small groups of troops forward, so as not to give Tuoba Zhen an opportunity to take advantage of us."

Although it may seem somewhat frustrating, this is the safest course of action when facing Tuoba Zhen's unpredictable decapitation tactics.

At this moment, another general spoke up with a worried expression: "General, shouldn't the defenses at Han Tie Pass be strengthened? After all..."

Although he didn't say it explicitly, everyone understood that he was worried about Li Chen's safety.

Upon hearing this, Han Wu pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "No need. His Majesty's information at Han Tie Pass is highly confidential, and His Majesty has his own arrangements. If we suddenly and significantly increase the defenses of Han Tie Pass at this moment, it may arouse Tuoba Zhen's suspicion and alert him. We should just proceed as usual."

Upon hearing this, the generals in the tent who had witnessed Li Chen's prowess were first slightly taken aback, then their faces showed a strange yet relaxed expression, and some even couldn't help but raise the corners of their mouths slightly.

Yes, what are they worrying about? If Tuoba really goes on a reckless attack on Hantie Pass, he'll be walking into a trap, like an old man hanging himself—he's tired of living!
Just then, a guard came to report: "General! General Helan Xuan of the Northern Dragon Army has arrived!"

The people inside the tent perked up as the tent flap opened, and a tall, imposing young general, clad in heavy black armor embroidered with dragon patterns, entered with a commanding presence. His aura was as deep as the ocean, carrying a chilling dragon's might; he was none other than Helan Xuan, a powerful member of the Northern Sun and Moon Dragon Clan, personally bestowed the title of "Great General of the Northern Dragon" by Li Chen!

Several powerful Sun and Moon Dragon Clan generals followed behind him.

Helan Xuan and Tuoba Zhen are old rivals, and their grudges have been brewing for a long time.

The fact that he could be Tuoba Zhen's adversary proves that he is one of the few people whose strength is roughly equal to Tuoba Zhen's.

After joining Li Chen's forces, He Lanxuan also became a general under the Tian Ce government.

It is most appropriate for him to be in charge of dealing with Tuoba Zhen this time.

Even if no one invites him, he will definitely come on his own.

Han Wu immediately stepped forward, his attitude extremely polite: "General Helan, you must have had a long journey! Your timely arrival is a great help to our army!"

Helan Xuan returned the greeting with clasped hands, his voice booming: "General Han, you are too kind! Protecting the northern border is Helan's duty! I heard that Tuoba Zhen is stirring again. Last time he managed to escape by luck, but this time, if he dares to show his face, this general will make sure he never returns!"

A sharp killing intent flashed in his eyes.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two commanders immediately immersed themselves in the intense tactical deployment.

With the addition of Helan Xuan, a powerful ally, and his elite Sun and Moon Dragon Clan troops, the confidence of the generals in the tent increased dramatically.

There were actually quite a few surrendered generals in the north, and they were all extremely warlike. They were all highly motivated to participate in this war, and everyone wanted to gain a higher status.

The newly appointed Khan, Huyanlan, was also among those fighting here.

Hu Yanlan's identity is somewhat special; he wields considerable power in the north.

Just as the commander of the Southern Army of Tian Ce could not command the Prince of Zhennan, Hu Yanlan was of that level.

Han Wu can discuss cooperation with Hu Yanlan, but he cannot command Hu Yanlan.

Of course, Hu Yanlan couldn't command Han Wu either, as their systems were different.

However, neither of them wanted to be defeated, so the two maintained close contact.

You could say their relationship wasn't good, but it wasn't that bad either; they were both just completing the tasks Li Chen gave them.

Li Chen didn't have much of a feeling about fighting. He had personally participated in quite a few wars. Tian Ce was now having more and more talented people. If Tuoba really wanted to force Li Chen out, he would have to have some skills.

Perhaps Tuoba Zhen always regarded Li Chen as his greatest rival in this life, a feeling of love and hate.

But in Li Chen's eyes, Tuoba Zhen was just some nobody on the roadside. If it weren't for her mother, Tuoba Anyu, serving her so well, Li Chen would have almost forgotten who Tuoba Zhen was.

(End of this chapter)