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

Chapter 638 I am willing to follow the master and cultivate the shamanic path! I beg the master to grant my request! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
Li Chen paused slightly, but did not turn around. He simply uttered a hoarse and low voice, as if he hadn't spoken in a long time: "Just passing by."

Having said that, he made a move to leave.

Sergei was alarmed upon seeing this. He was seriously injured, his personal guards were all dead, and he was in the middle of nowhere. Without help, he would have no chance of returning to the camp alive.

He hurriedly limped after him, his tone incredibly sincere, even pleading: "My lord! My lord, please wait! I am Sergei, son of Grand Duke Andrei of the Great Luo Dynasty! Please allow me to express my sincerest gratitude! If it weren't for your intervention, I would surely be dead today!"

Seemingly afraid the other party wouldn't believe him, he hurriedly pulled out a talisman carved from an unknown black animal bone and inlaid with sapphires from his robes, presenting it with both hands: "My lord, please look, this was a gift from a high-ranking shaman who has been on good terms with my family for generations. My family has always held the shamanic lineage in high esteem! This is no exaggeration! I humbly beg your mercy, my lord, to help me return to the camp. My family will surely repay you handsomely!"

Li Chen's gaze lingered on the amulet for a moment, as if confirming something, before he slowly said in his hoarse voice, "I see. Since you are a person who respects shamans, I will see you off."

Sergei was overjoyed upon hearing this and repeatedly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!"

Along the way, Sergei, enduring his injuries, tried to strike up a conversation with his savior. He asked curiously, "May I ask your honorable name, sir? On which sacred mountain do you practice? I am truly grateful to you today."

Li Chen remained aloof throughout, only occasionally responding with brief, vague words: "Secluded cultivation in the deep mountains is nothing to mention," or "Sensing the intense fluctuations of natural spiritual energy here, I came to investigate."

The more mysterious and aloof he seemed, the more convinced Sergei became of him, believing that the other party must be a high-ranking shaman who lived in seclusion and was ignorant of worldly affairs, and that he was truly saved by chance. He had no doubts whatsoever.

In this way, Li Chen, with his superb acting skills and the few shamanic auras he had temporarily learned, easily blended into Sergei's camp without anyone noticing anything amiss.

Seeing that Sergei's so-called "vanguard" was hiding in a valley and woodland so close to Hantie Pass, yet with relatively flat terrain and lacking depth and cover, Li Chen's lips, hidden under his camouflage and hood, couldn't help but twitch slightly.

He thought to himself, "This kid is either a military genius or a complete idiot! How can he possibly defeat a formidable pass like Han Tie Guan with just ten thousand men, all of them cavalry?"
"Not even enough to fill a tooth gap! Even if this is just the vanguard, with the follow-up troops, facing the treacherous terrain of Han Tie Pass and the Tian Ce garrison that can quickly provide support from the surrounding areas, they'll be nothing more than lambs to the slaughter."

Just as Li Chen was secretly assessing the threat posed by this army, several generals and a shaman accompanying the army rushed over upon hearing the news.

They were shocked to see Sergei covered in blood and in such a disheveled state, and quickly stepped forward to ask with concern, "General! What happened? What's wrong?"

The shaman accompanying the army immediately turned his gaze to Li Chen, who was standing next to Sergei and dressed in strange attire.

He sensed the deep, obscure, yet incredibly pure and powerful natural spiritual pressure emanating from Li Chen, and was slightly taken aback. He subconsciously performed a special salute between shamans to show respect to Li Chen, placing his right hand on his chest and bowing slightly.

Li Chen merely glanced at him indifferently, nodded slightly, and did not return the same courtesy.

Although the shaman felt strange and somewhat embarrassed, he dared not say anything more, sensing the unfathomable strength of the other party. He could only comfort himself by saying that strong people often have quirks, and silently retreated to the side.

At this moment, Sergei began to excitedly recount to everyone how he encountered a powerful monster, how his entire guard was wiped out, and how he was finally rescued by a mysterious shaman who happened to be passing by.

On the surface, the generals exclaimed in surprise, expressing their concern and lingering fear, but inwardly they were cursing: "Fools! Do you think you can just wander around the outskirts of Cold Iron Pass? There are plenty of high-level demonic beasts there!"
You courted death and dragged your brothers down with you! Why didn't you just die out there? What a pity for all those soldiers who died in battle!

They increasingly felt that Sergei's plan to attack Han Tie Pass was utterly delusional and suicidal. One of the lieutenants cautiously looked at Li Chen and asked, "General, may I ask who this gentleman is?"

Sergei, needing to elevate his savior to highlight his own "importance," hurriedly explained, "This is Master Urge, an ascetic from the 'Silent Snow Mountain' in the north! He is a true high-ranking shaman! If the master hadn't happened to be traveling here, I would surely be dead today!"

Ulger was a name Li Chen made up on the spot; anyway, with that makeup, no one could tell his identity.

Upon hearing that this mysterious shaman could easily defeat the Icefield Giant Rhinoceros at the mid-stage of the Heavenly Abyss Realm, everyone's strength must be terrifying. Their gazes toward Li Chen were immediately filled with awe, and their attitudes became extremely respectful, with everyone bowing in greeting.

This respect for the strong is heartfelt, and completely different from the superficial compliance shown towards Sergei.

Sergei saw all this and felt very uncomfortable, but then a thought popped into his head: These soldiers don't respect me, and Tuoba Zhen looks down on me, isn't it because I'm not strong enough and lack prestige?

If I could keep this powerful Master Urge by my side, wouldn't I have the confidence to challenge Tuoba Zhen?

He even fantasized that since Tuoba Zhen's strength was obvious to all, perhaps this master could restrain Tuoba Zhen as much as possible.

In fact, he was right about this. Tuoba Zhen's strength was indeed terrifying, but the "Master Ulge" beside him could deal with Tuoba Zhen with ease.

Li Chen was pondering what suitable excuse to stay and spy on military intelligence when Sergei unexpectedly offered himself up.

That evening, Sergei ordered a lavish banquet to be prepared, firstly to welcome Li Chen back and calm his nerves, and secondly to express his gratitude.

After several rounds of drinks, when the atmosphere was lively, Sergei suddenly stood up, holding his wine glass, walked up to Li Chen, and said in an extremely sincere tone, "Master Urge! I will never forget your life-saving grace!"
With war imminent between our two nations, this is the time for men to distinguish themselves and achieve great deeds! I, Sergei, though unworthy, humbly request that you, Master, remain in my army as my military advisor! When I have achieved fame and success, I will surely honor you as my national teacher and share in my riches and glory!

Li Chen sneered inwardly. Work for him? Dream on.

He maintained his aloof demeanor, refusing indifferently with a hoarse voice: "I am a man of the mountains and fields, only seeking to cultivate myself and comprehend the great Dao of nature. I have no interest in worldly wars, power, wealth, or status."

Sergei became somewhat anxious after being rejected.

His eyes darted around, and he did something that surprised everyone.

Suddenly, he knelt down in front of Li Chen with a "plop"!

"Master!" Sergei looked up, his voice trembling with emotion, almost on the verge of tears. "Since you do not wish to be entangled in worldly affairs, please accept me as your disciple! I am willing to follow you on the path of shamanism! Please grant my request!"

(End of this chapter)