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

Chapter 646 My teacher has some connection with that emperor of Tian Ce! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Upon seeing his master, Sergei immediately knelt down and kowtowed, just like a wronged child seeing his parent.

Lady Catherine quickly followed aristocratic etiquette and gave the mysterious great wizard a standard salute.

Li Chen simply nodded slightly and sat down in the main seat without any hesitation, exuding a powerful yet natural aura.

Sensing that her master and son had important matters to discuss, Lady Catherine tactfully took her leave.

In her view, it was already a great blessing that a highly respected shaman was willing to take her son as a disciple, so there was naturally no danger.

After his mother left, Li Chen spoke in his hoarse voice, "Why did you call for your master? Have you encountered any difficulties?"

Sergei, as if he had found an outlet, immediately recounted in detail how his father had scolded him, confined him to his quarters, and even possibly changed the heir to his younger brother, his tone filled with grievance, resentment, and bitterness.

Li Chen listened quietly, remained silent for a moment, and then said calmly, "This matter is quite simple. You will be the Grand Duke!"

These words struck Sergei like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, instantly exploding in his mind! He looked up sharply, staring at his master in disbelief.

Does Master mean to help him seize power?!

To seize his father's Grand Dukeship?!

This was his own father! Sergei struggled violently inside, but that struggle lasted only a negligible 0.1 seconds before being completely overwhelmed by his extreme desire for power and his resentment towards his father's heartlessness!

A fierce and resolute glint flashed in his eyes as he kowtowed heavily: "I beg you, Master, help me! Since Father is so unkind, don't blame me for being ruthless! If he won't give me the position of Grand Duke, I'll take it myself!"

A barely perceptible smile curved the corners of Li Chen's mouth beneath his mask as he slowly said, "Good. Your father and brother are currently focused on the southern campaign and have no time to spare. This is a golden opportunity."

"You can have your trusted subordinates spread rumors within your father's fiefdom, telling people about the cruelty of war and how it will only cause the people of Da Luo to be displaced and their families to be destroyed. You should cultivate an image of being 'compassionate' and 'yearning for peace,' so that you can gain the support of the people in your fiefdom."

"At the same time, you can try to contact Tian Ce in your private capacity and try to redeem the soldiers who were previously captured. These people and their families will be very grateful to you, and you can place them in key positions in various parts of your fiefdom to cultivate a force loyal to you."

"Secretly win them over and wait for the right opportunity. When you are fully powerful and your father and brother are mired in the war, that will be the day you take their place."

Li Chen's plan was clear and ruthless, leading Sergei step by step into the abyss of betrayal and power grab.

As for why he did this, it was naturally because he felt that Sergei could be used.

Ever since encountering Sergei outside Hantie Pass and learning his identity, Li Chen had begun to plot. Don't underestimate him just because he's an unknown eldest son of a duke, with mediocre abilities and a pretentious attitude.

Even if he's flamboyant and pretentious, that's exactly what Li Chen wants.

Because such people are ambitious, but timid.

Li Chen would embolden him, and he would lose himself.

Now, Sergei completely trusts Li Chen, and listens to whatever Li Chen says.

In Sergei's eyes, his master would never lie to him. As for his father, who actually wanted to cripple him, how could he tolerate that?
Upon hearing his master finish recounting this meticulously planned and interconnected scheme, Sergei's eyes widened, his breathing became rapid, and his eyes were filled with boundless admiration for his master and a frenzied ambition for his future power.

He exclaimed excitedly, "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Master's plan is flawless! If it succeeds, I will surely seize control of the fiefdom and inherit the title of Grand Duke! At that time, let's see who dares to look down on me!"

Li Chen's expression remained impassive beneath his mask, but inwardly he thought: "Fool, inheriting the title of Grand Duke is merely the first step in my plan. My chessboard is far larger than you imagine." However, he naturally wouldn't voice these thoughts aloud.

After his initial excitement, Sergei pondered carefully and suddenly realized a crucial problem. His face showed difficulty as he said, "Master, the plan is good, but there's a difficulty. Even if I wanted to ransom the captured soldiers, the two countries are currently at war, their enemies are irreconcilable."

I don't know any influential figures on Tian Ce's side, so why would they agree to trade with me? Wouldn't that be aiding the enemy and releasing a tiger back into the mountains? How could they possibly agree?

Upon hearing this, Li Chen let out a low, mysterious laugh and slowly said, "Child, you don't need to worry about that. I do have some connections with that emperor of Tian Ce."

These words struck Sergei like a thunderbolt, leaving him utterly stunned. He looked up abruptly, his mouth agape as if he had heard the most unbelievable thing in the world: "Master?! You know Emperor Li Chen of the Heavenly Strategy Dynasty?! How is this possible?!"

Li Chen continued in that unfathomable tone, "When your cultivation reaches the pinnacle of the world, you will naturally understand. At the Saint Realm level, one often encounters secret realms or ancient gatherings unimaginable to ordinary cultivators."
There, you will meet top figures from all corners of the continent, and even from other realms. Having traveled the world for many years, I have not only met the Emperor of Tian Ce several times, but also have some acquaintance with the powerful Sea Emperor of the deep sea and the current Pope of the Southern Eternal Day Empire.

These words were like a bombshell dropped into Sergei's heart, leaving him dizzy and disoriented! The Heavenly Strategy Holy Emperor, the Eternal Day Pope, the Mysterious Sea Emperor—every name his master casually uttered was a colossal figure capable of shaking the entire continent!
Master actually knows them all?! What kind of extraordinary status and power must he possess?!
He had previously guessed that his master might be a Saint, and now that was indirectly confirmed, his status was far more exalted than he had imagined!
This apprenticeship was more than just a huge windfall; it was an incredible stroke of luck! His mentor was practically his second parent!

After the initial shock and elation subsided, Sergei suddenly rubbed his hands together, and said with a somewhat embarrassed smile, "Master, I have another request."

"speak."

"Well, I have very limited funds at my disposal. You see, you have such a good relationship with Emperor Tian Ce, could you please put in a good word for me and give me a discount on the ransom?" Sergei tried to bargain.

Upon hearing this, Li Chen shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of admonition: "No, you're wrong. Not only can you not ask for a discount, you should take the initiative to offer to pay double, or even triple, the ransom!"

"Huh? Why is that?" Sergei was completely dumbfounded. Who would voluntarily raise the price for him?
(End of this chapter)