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

Chapter 680 How did he get here?! And he's even become the Ancestor of Witches?! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
As Sergei spoke the honorifics, he subconsciously looked up, wanting to catch a glimpse of the legendary shaman ancestor.

However, when his gaze fell upon the face on the throne, covered in mysterious paint yet still with its general outline discernible, he was struck dumb, frozen instantly, his mind going completely blank!
Master! My master?!

Master Ulger?! What's he doing here?! And he's even become the Ancestor of Wizards?!

The shock was so great that he almost blurted out the word "Master"!

Fortunately, he reacted quickly and swallowed the words that were about to come out. His heart was pounding and his back was instantly soaked with cold sweat.

He quickly lowered his head even further, forcing his trembling voice to steady himself, and continued to complete the worship:

"May the holy light of the Ancestor of the Witch shine eternally, bringing blessings to all living beings! Junior Sergei pays respects to the Ancestor of the Witch!"

On the throne, Li Chen took in Sergei's shock and panic in that instant, and a satisfied smile curved his lips beneath the mask.

Very good. This disciple is quick-witted and didn't give himself away on the spot. He's a promising talent.

He spoke softly, his voice coming through the mask, carrying a grand yet indifferent tone:

"Rise. Sergei, I already know why you've come."

Sergei was so excited he was almost trembling. It was his master! What was there to worry about?
This was an incredible surprise! However, he still had to keep up the act, so he quickly signaled his men to present the generous gifts that had been prepared beforehand.

These are all rare and precious treasures, medicinal herbs and minerals that are uncommon in the North.

Li Chen nodded slightly in agreement, signaling to the "Saintess" Oksana beside him to accept the gift. The scene was perfectly staged, and everyone was happy.

Li Chen's voice was majestic, coming through the mask: "Guests from afar, you must be tired from your journey. I have prepared a banquet to welcome you and wash away the dust of your travels."

At the grand banquet, there was fine wine and delicious food, and singing and dancing.

Sergei and Li Chen toasted each other and chatted happily, as if they were allies meeting for the first time and getting to know each other.

After the banquet, Li Chen offered to take Sergei to visit the sacred site of the Witch Ancestor.

Sergei's lieutenant was somewhat worried and secretly warned him to be careful of a trap.

Sergei waved his hand dismissively and said seriously, "What kind of status does the Ancestor of the Witch have? He is upright and honorable, how could he do such a despicable thing? You are overthinking it!"

He thought to himself that his true identity must not be revealed, otherwise the Great Luo royal family would seize the opportunity to accuse him of "colluding with the Witch Ancestor and disrupting the court," which would greatly diminish all his previous efforts.

What does it take to rebel? A reason, of course. I have a good reason now, so there's no need to expose any flaws to the Great Luo royal family.

Arriving at a secluded cedar forest on the back mountain of the holy site, and confirming that no one else was around, Sergei knelt down with a thud, his face filled with excitement and confusion, and said in a low voice:

"Master! How did you suddenly become the ancestral witch of this northern land? This is unbelievable!"

Li Chen chuckled lightly and said casually, "It's nothing. Katrissa just mentioned that my bloodline seems to have some connection with their ancestors, so I came here with her to take a look."
To everyone's surprise, once they arrived, the tribal shamans insisted that their master was the chosen one prophesied by their ancestral shaman, of pure blood, and demanded that he be hailed as the ancestral shaman.
I declined several times, but they were so enthusiastic and I couldn't refuse their hospitality. So I reluctantly agreed to take on the role for the time being.

The nonchalant tone made it sound as if he were simply saying the weather was nice today.

Sergei was utterly speechless with astonishment at this display of arrogance. No wonder he was his master; he was simply unbeatable. The position of the Ancestor of the Witch, which others dreamed of and even fought to the death for, was now just something he "couldn't refuse" or "reluctantly accepted"?

He swallowed hard, then asked cautiously, "Master, is it true that you killed Vladimir of the royal family?"

This is just a rumor; Sergei has only heard about it, but cannot confirm it.

Li Chen waved his hand, as if brushing off dust: "It was just a small thing."

Sergei: "!!!"

His heart was in turmoil, and his respect for his master was like a surging river.

He "casually" eliminated a renowned Saint Realm expert?
That was such a smooth and effortless display of skill!
Just how terrifying is Master's strength?
However, despite his shock, Sergei became somewhat embarrassed and scratched his head, saying, "Master, what should we do now? Actually, I didn't want to trouble you, thinking I would report back to you after I achieved something, and I would never dare to disgrace the sect. I never expected that the ancestor of witchcraft is you."

He recalled his bold words when they parted last time, vowing to carve out his own path, and his face flushed slightly.

Li Chen didn't seem to mind, patting him on the shoulder: "It's alright, just a coincidence. The fact that you thought of coming here to seek cooperation shows that you have vision and know how to leverage resources, which are essential qualities for those who succeed."

Hearing that his master not only did not blame him but also praised him, Sergei felt a great weight lifted from his heart and a warm feeling welled up inside him.

With his master, a great figure, behind him, he felt more confident than ever before!

Originally, he was wary of the mysterious power of the Witch Ancestor, but now that he has discovered that it is his own master, what else is there to say? He will follow his master's arrangements in everything!
Li Chen offered him a few more words of encouragement, affirming his strategy of making full use of the situation, taking steady steps, and occupying many cities without being reckless, and praising him for having the potential to become a great commander.

These words were like sweet rain, nourishing Sergei's once-insecure heart and boosting his confidence. He felt that with his master by his side, there was nothing in the world he couldn't do!
Before parting, Li Chen returned to the cave and casually took some "resources" to give to Sergei.

Looking at the mountain of rare cultivation materials, radiating rich spiritual energy and precious light, it was enough to build a huge army.

Sergei's eyes widened in disbelief! These rare treasures, any one of which would cause a bloodbath outside, were treated like ordinary local products by his master!
He was so moved that he knelt down again and kowtowed repeatedly in gratitude.

Li Chen simply smiled faintly, telling him to make good use of the situation.

In fact, these things are just the "grass roots," "soil," and "ore" in the cave. They are things that have been nourished for thousands of years. They are worthless in Li Chen's eyes, but they are priceless in the eyes of others.

After Li Chen left, Sergei was about to compose himself and leave when he saw a familiar figure emerge from a side hall.

Sergei exclaimed in surprise, "Mother, what are you doing here?"

Lady Catherine smiled slightly, her elegance captivating: "Have you forgotten? Your master is new to the North and unfamiliar with the place, so I've come to be his guide. Besides, being by your master's side means I can often speak up for you, lest he forget about you, right?"

Upon hearing this, Sergei found it reasonable and even thought his mother's move was brilliant. He quickly said, "Mother, you must find a way to stay by Master's side! This is crucial to our important matter!"

A blush rose on Ekaterina's face. She gave her son a reproachful look, but her tone was firm: "Do you need to tell me that? Don't worry, I know what's important."

Given her current relationship with Li Chen, this "no problem" is indeed not a problem.

The following day, in the imperial palace of the Great Luo Dynasty's capital.

(End of this chapter)