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

Chapter 647 Possessing the strongest trump card on this continent! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
Li Chen patiently "instructed" him: "Think about it carefully. If you pay a huge ransom that far exceeds expectations, will Tian Ce think you are very sincere and release the person more readily?"
And what about those soldiers who were redeemed and their families? When they learn that you paid such a huge price to save them, will they be grateful to you and feel that you gave them their lives?
At that time, how unbreakable will their loyalty be? Wouldn't this investment be worthwhile?

Sergei suddenly realized, and slapped his thigh: "Brilliant! Master is truly brilliant! This disciple is foolish! But this doubled ransom is a huge amount, and this disciple really cannot come up with it." His face showed embarrassment again.

Li Chen's tone turned cold, carrying a hint of seduction: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Mobilize all the resources at your disposal to borrow, to dig, and even secretly 'temporarily borrow' some of the wealth from your father's fiefdom's treasury."
Don't worry about your father finding out. Once you successfully ascend to the throne of Grand Duke, the entire fiefdom will be yours. What will you need to explain to him then? All of this is a necessary investment for the future!

A ruthless glint flashed in Sergei's eyes, and he nodded heavily: "Master is right! Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles! This disciple will go and find a way to raise funds! As for the matter of redeeming the prisoners, I entrust it all to you, Master, to communicate with Emperor Tian Ce on my behalf!"

"Yes, you can leave this to me," Li Chen replied calmly.

Sergei knelt down and kowtowed again, overwhelmed with gratitude. His gratitude and admiration for his master had reached an unparalleled level.

He felt incredibly lucky to have met such a master who was not only incredibly powerful but also so considerate and devoted to him!

Little did he know that his "all-powerful" master was none other than Emperor Tian Ce himself.

The so-called "communication" was nothing more than Li Chen nodding to himself.

After making this move, Li Chen found a secluded spot, took out a specially made communication crystal (a mobile phone), and directly contacted Han Wu, the commander of the Northern Army.

"Han Wu, listen up. If a nobleman named Sergei from the Great Luo Dynasty comes to negotiate on behalf of Grand Duke Andrei's faction, wanting to redeem his captured soldiers, do not refuse. But set a high price and fleece him handsomely, then release them," Li Chen instructed succinctly.

Although Han Wu on the other end of the communication crystal was full of doubts and did not understand why His Majesty would suddenly make this deal of "aiding the enemy," he still replied without hesitation: "This subordinate obeys! I will handle it properly!"

After making the arrangements, Li Chen did not leave Winterhold.

He needs to stay here to ensure that Sergei, this pawn, doesn't collapse prematurely, and more importantly, to guarantee his safety.

With his "mentor" in charge, Sergei had enough confidence to carry out those crazy plans.

In fact, Sergei did indeed regard Li Chen as his greatest and only reliance and trump card.

Li Chen temporarily resided deep within Sergei's private residence.

His presence was extremely secretive. Apart from Sergei and his mother, Catherine, everyone else in the mansion thought he was just another ordinary shaman whom the young master had invited from somewhere.

In the Grand Duke's mansion, it was perfectly normal for the eldest son to support one or two wizards, and it did not arouse any additional suspicion.

After Sergei hurriedly left to raise the "ransom," Lady Catherine gently knocked on the door and personally brought in a plate of exquisite pastries and a pot of fine wine.

She had just witnessed her son transform from despondency and despair into a radiant and energetic man, and her heart was filled with gratitude and awe for this mysterious great wizard.

"Master, please forgive my poor hospitality. These are just some small snacks and wine, nothing more." Lady Catherine gently placed the tray on the table, gave an elegant bow, and spoke with a tone that was respectful yet slightly ingratiating.

She could tell from her son's attitude toward the wizard that this man was no ordinary person, especially since he had saved her son's life.

Li Chen nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Ekaterina. He had come here only to further control Sergei, but he hadn't expected this "unexpected discovery."

Although the beautiful woman in front of me was wearing a heavy fur dress that covered her body completely, her voluptuous and graceful figure was still hard to conceal. Her mature and beautiful face was even more charming under the soft indoor light.

Based on Li Chen's experience and keen intuition, he could almost certainly conclude that beneath these luxurious clothes lay an astonishing "big-ticket item".

"Helping Sergei seize the title of Grand Duke is a long process. It doesn't seem unreasonable to collect some interest in advance?" Li Chen thought to himself, a subtle smile curving his lips.

He exchanged a few pleasantries with Ekaterina in a calm tone and thanked her for her hospitality.

During the conversation, his sharp gaze suddenly noticed a faint red mark on the side of Ekaterina's fair neck, as if it had been scratched by something sharp.

"Madam, what is that scar on your neck?" Li Chen asked, feigning concern.

Ekaterina subconsciously touched the red mark, a hint of panic and grievance flashing in her eyes. She forced a smile and said, "It's nothing, I just accidentally scratched myself with my jewelry. Thank you for your concern, Master."

Li Chen understood; this wasn't a scratch, it was a bruise, but he didn't say it aloud.

He stretched out his hand, and a soft, vibrant emerald-green light emanated from his palm, radiating a pure, natural life force—this was a little trick he had created to imitate shamanic healing techniques.

“It’s just a minor injury, why leave it there? Let me take care of it for you.” As he spoke, before Ekaterina could refuse, the warm life energy gently enveloped her neck.

Ekaterina felt a cool and comfortable sensation at the wound site. The slight stinging sensation disappeared instantly, and the red mark faded and healed at a visible speed. In the end, her skin was smooth as before, even more delicate than the surrounding skin.

She was flattered and quickly thanked him, saying, "Thank you so much, Master! I can't accept this."

She never expected that this seemingly mysterious and venerable high priest would treat such a trivial injury so kindly, and an indescribable sense of gratitude and goodwill welled up in her heart.

In this rigidly hierarchical country, powerful wizards hold a transcendent status, and even ordinary nobles find it difficult to persuade them to take action, let alone offer such considerate care.

That evening, Sergei returned in a flurry of activity, his face beaming with excitement at the progress he had made in raising funds.

Catherine pulled her son aside and asked in a low voice, "My son, what is the background of your master? I think he is no ordinary wizard."

Sergei now blindly worshipped his master. He lowered his voice and said to his mother with immense pride, "Mother, you can rest assured! My master's strength is unfathomable!"

Do you know the giant ice rhinoceros that attacked me the other day? It was a powerful demonic beast at the mid-stage of the Heavenly Abyss Realm! My master casually slapped it, and it was sent flying dozens of meters away, completely powerless to resist!

Moreover, when my master traveled across the continent, he befriended the most outstanding figures, such as the Emperor of Tian Ce, the Sea Emperor of the Endless Sea, and the Pope of the Eternal Day Empire.

As long as we firmly follow our master, respect him, and gain his support, we will possess the strongest trump card on this continent!

(End of this chapter)