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

Chapter 702 Romanov's Warning, Li Chen's Test! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

Romanov stopped and stood outside the palace gate, his gaze trying to pierce through the mist, but to no avail.

He suppressed a hint of displeasure and said loudly, "Your Excellency the Witch Ancestor is indeed cautious. I have come here with no other intention than to express my gratitude in person for your great assistance to the Great Luo Dynasty, especially for your careful guidance to His Majesty."

I almost blurted out: "What have you done to my puppet emperor?"
Moreover, the fact that the shaman set up this special barrier made Romanov subconsciously feel that the shaman might be afraid of him, which was why he dared not show his face.

After all, the Witch Ancestor knew that the royal family of the Great Luo Dynasty wanted to kill him.

Thinking of this, Romanov's pride grew even stronger.

The voice from within the mist remained completely calm: "It is my duty, no need for thanks. Since Your Majesty is my disciple, I will naturally protect you and help you grow."

Romanov changed the subject, his tone becoming slightly meaningful: "However, it is now widely rumored in and around the Holy Capital that His Excellency the Witch Ancestor has a very close relationship with the harem of our dynasty. Hehe, I am not a pedantic person, but I must know that gossip can be a fearsome thing. Your Excellency is above worldly affairs, why bother getting involved in these worldly disputes and damaging your reputation for no reason?"

This is a test, and also a veiled warning.

It means that few people know about this matter, and I've suppressed it. If you, the ancestor of witchcraft, still want a good reputation, you'd better be more discreet.

Li Chen naturally discerned the probing and warning in Romanov's words. His voice, transmitted through the barrier, carried an undeniable air of authority and challenge:
"Reputation? Why should I, your ancestor, explain my actions to the world? Heaven and earth are natural, all things have spirits, and the harmony of yin and yang is the great way. On the contrary, you and Ivan keep telling him to issue an edict of self-reproach and abdicate in favor of the new emperor, to show repentance and rebirth."
But why do you still firmly hold onto the reins of power, treating the new emperor as if he were nothing? Do you really think I'm blind and incompetent, unable to see through your underhanded tricks?

These were the questions Li Chen had wanted to ask these two old foxes for a long time, but one of them was "resting quietly" and the other was "in seclusion," hiding away and leaving him with no way to exert his strength.

Now that Romanov has delivered himself to Li Chen's doorstep, how could Li Chen let this opportunity to give him a warning slip by?

Romanov was momentarily speechless at this pointed question, a shadow crossing his eyes, but he quickly recovered and chuckled, saying:
"Your Excellency, you are mistaken. The new emperor has just ascended the throne, his foundation is not yet stable, and he is not yet familiar with the workings of the court and matters of state. What Ivan and I have done is out of necessity."

Our aim is to provide assistance and prevent political turmoil, not to seize power. Once Your Majesty is capable of handling affairs independently, we will naturally relinquish our responsibilities.

He made no mention of having met Ivan, but continued to question me as the Great Luo Ancestor: "As for you, Your Excellency, you have wreaked havoc in the harem and tarnished the royal family's reputation. Is this too much? Is this the behavior of someone who is detached from worldly affairs?"

The two old foxes, inside and outside the misty barrier, exchanged words, their conversations laced with hidden wit, each testing the other's limits and tolerance.

Li Chen knew perfectly well that as long as the Tian Ce army did not retreat, Romanov and Ivan would never dare to really attack him. They could not withstand the triple pressure of facing Tian Ce, Wu Zu, and the possible resurgence of the Sergei rebels.

Romanov's warning at this moment clearly draws a line: I'll tolerate the harem matters for now, but don't go too far, this is almost at my bottom line.

However, what Romanov didn't know was why the response from within the barrier was always delayed by a fraction of a second after he spoke. Was this a normal delay in sound passing through the barrier?
Actually, that's not the case! Behind that thick fog, the so-called meditation room was actually a luxuriously and comfortably furnished warm pavilion.

Li Chen leaned lazily against the soft couch, with a petite yet voluptuous beauty lying in front of him like a docile cat, diligently serving him.

While enjoying the services of the beauties, Li Chen listened casually to Romanov's words outside the barrier. Only when he was in a critical moment or when his interest waned did he take the time to use his internal energy to change his voice and respond.

That brief delay was merely evidence that he was taking a break from his busy schedule.

Romanov realized he was gaining no advantage in the verbal exchange and was instead being outmaneuvered by his opponent. He knew he couldn't uncover any more information today. He had already conveyed his bottom line, and although the other side remained firm, they would likely have some reservations.

He gazed intently at the still thick, all-encompassing mist, as if trying to see through it, and finally could only cup his hands in a gesture of respect, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger: "In that case, I will not disturb your cultivation any longer. Farewell."

After saying this, he turned and left, his expression heavy with worry and doubt that he had failed to see through his opponent.

Inside the side hall, only after sensing that Romanov's aura had completely disappeared did Li Chen wave his hand to dispel the barrier mist.

A playful smile curved his lips. This exchange, though conducted remotely, had resulted in gains and losses for both sides, and they had managed to get through it with difficulty.

But Romanov's personal arrival did serve as a wake-up call for him; the waters of the Holy City were deeper than he had imagined, and Ivan and Romanov's patience was nearing its limit.

"We can't provoke Matvey any further for now."

Li Chen stroked Lyudmila's sweat-dampened hair as he pondered.

"It seems we need to get Sergei to make some moves. There are some things that Matvi can't do, or that would immediately provoke a backlash if he did, that we can let Sergei, this 'internal force,' do."

At the same time, he was also secretly on guard against the possibility that Romanov might resort to desperate measures when cornered.

This old guy's strength is unfathomable. If he really launches a thunderous attack regardless of everything, even if I can handle it, it will disrupt the entire plan.

Once he was sure Romanov had gone far away, Li Chen glanced at Lyudmila beside him, who was extremely exhausted.

This petite yet stunningly beautiful woman has recently won his heart.

After staying in the palace for so long, it's time to go out and get some fresh air, to give Ivan a chance to catch his breath, lest he really go crazy and do something irrational.

Once Lyudmila had slowly recovered, her beautiful eyes still misty with tears, Li Chen reached out and lifted her chin, asking seemingly casually, "Lyudmila, how long have you been in the Holy Capital?"

Lyudmila is now one of Li Chen's most devout followers. Upon hearing this, she immediately replied respectfully, "Reporting to the Witch Ancestor, I have been in the Holy Capital for twelve years."

She wasn't a concubine here, but she had considerable influence behind her.

“Twelve years is not a short time.” Li Chen nodded and continued to ask, “Where is your family located? I observe that your bloodline is exceptional and you have great potential. Your family may have the opportunity to receive more blessings from the Witch God.”

Upon hearing this, Lyudmila's eyes lit up with surprise! The Witch Ancestor actually valued her family!
This is an incredible blessing for a family that entered the Holy City for power!
Her voice trembled with excitement as she quickly replied, "My family is located in Maple Leaf Territory in the eastern border of the empire. We are just a small family. If we can be favored by the Witch Ancestor and receive divine grace, our entire clan will be grateful and worship the Witch Ancestor for eternity!"

"I've noted that down." Li Chen smiled faintly, already having made up his mind.

(End of this chapter)