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

Chapter 748 Don't say he's just a 'suspected' Saint Realm expert! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)
The trunk is silvery-white, and the branches and leaves are as green and translucent as jade. Countless points of light, like fireflies, dance and flow among the canopy, exuding an extremely rich life force, as if it is nurturing endless vitality.

This is the sacred object of the Wind Whisperer family, an important branch of the Tree of Life.

Around the ancient tree, countless exotic flowers and herbs grow, emitting an alluring fragrance and spiritual light.

Some rare minerals are scattered on the grass like stars; you can even see a few ancient magical artifacts that are enshrined on stone platforms and are gleaming with precious light!
Sylph was dazzled by the sight and her breathing became rapid.

Any one of these things, if it were to fall into the wrong hands, would be enough to cause a bloodbath; they were treasures she never dared to dream of possessing!
Li Chen took in her longing and shock.

As a leader who was adept at managing subordinates, he knew that to get his subordinates to work hard willingly, intimidation alone was not enough; he also had to offer them tangible benefits.

With a casual wave of his hand, a "Moonlight Orchid" that could nourish the soul and enhance elemental affinity, along with several "Wind-Splitting Crystals" containing pure wind attribute energy, flew to Sylph's front.

"This is a reward for you," Li Chen said calmly.

Since it wasn't his anyway, the reward was just something he gave away casually.

Sylph could hardly believe her eyes. Trembling, she accepted the treasures, so overwhelmed with emotion she nearly fainted. "Thank you so much for your kindness, my lord!"

Li Chen knew very well that once Sylph accepted these treasures, which belonged to the family's forbidden area, it would be tantamount to paying a "pledge of allegiance."

She stole the family's treasure without permission; if discovered, her fate would be worse than death.

From then on, she would have no choice but to be firmly bound to Li Chen's chariot.

With the guidance and support that Li Chen promised or actually provided, her stance will be completely changed, transforming her from an insignificant stepdaughter of the Wind Whisperer family into a key pawn that Li Chen planted here.

Li Chen carefully explored this forbidden secret realm, his divine sense sweeping over every corner like mercury flowing across the ground.

The branches of that ancient tree of life do indeed contain a vast life force, making it a rare treasure of heaven and earth. However, while its effect on extending lifespan may be significant for ordinary people, it can only be considered a negligible supplement for powerful figures like the Pope.

Apart from these rare and precious materials and that ancient tree, there was nothing else special about the entire secret realm, and there was nothing that could pose a threat or trap to the Pope.

What was the Pope's purpose in coming here in secret? Li Chen had no clue at the moment.

Since there were no more clues here, Li Chen quietly left the forbidden area with Sylph.

His next stop was to investigate the vicinity of Chief Lorthema's room.

Just approaching the core area where the clan chief resided made Sylph turn pale with fright, and she even slowed her breathing considerably.

She cautiously tugged at Li Chen's sleeve, hiding behind a stone pillar, her voice barely audible, filled with barely concealed fear:
"My lord, the residence of Chief Losema is just ahead. His strength is terrifying; many say he is a Saint Realm expert. Even if he isn't, he is definitely much stronger than a typical peak Heavenly Abyss Realm expert! Moreover, he is elusive; no one knows where he will be next."

At this point, she wisely shut her mouth, but this was already a very clear hint—this place was extremely dangerous and should not be trespassed.

A barely audible chuckle came from beneath the cloak, a laugh filled with an arrogant disdain for the world: "Heh, don't even mention that he's just a 'suspected' Saint Realm expert. Even if he were the real deal, he wouldn't dare to be the slightest bit presumptuous in front of me."

A seemingly casual remark, yet it struck Sylph like a thunderclap!

She stared wide-eyed at the figure shrouded in a cloak beside her, her amethyst eyes wide with disbelief.

That tone... that's clearly the tone of someone of the same or even stronger level! This mysterious "Cleric" is actually a Saint Realm expert! One of the top experts on the continent!
After the initial shock, an indescribable excitement and a deeper sense of awe welled up within him. Indeed, given the Pope's disappearance—an event that shook the entire continent—it was perfectly reasonable for the Holy See to dispatch a Saint-level expert to investigate in secret.

It's incredibly lucky that I survived against such a being!
Thinking back on her previous little schemes and actions, she couldn't help but feel a wave of fear. At the same time, her sense of "loyalty" deepened involuntarily.

After all, the bigger and more secure your backing, the better. Who wouldn't want to rely on someone?

Having suffered endless bullying in the Wind Whisperer family, and with his mother living a miserable life, if he could somehow latch onto this powerful Saint-level figure from the Holy See, wouldn't his future be bright?
Once this idea takes hold, it grows wildly like weeds.

Of course, all of this is predicated on surviving first.

At her core, she was still a timid, fearful girl who longed for protection.

Since Li Chen was so confident, Sylph no longer hesitated and continued to lead the way, moving even more lightly and cautiously.

Chief Lorsemar lived in a detached three-story house, a stark contrast to the dilapidated courtyard where Sylph and her daughter lived.

The building was still brightly lit at that moment.

The two stealthily made their way to the window of the master bedroom. Through the gap in the heavy velvet curtains that were not fully closed, they could see what was inside.

The elderly but vigorous chieftain of Lor'tema was engaged in deep conversation with his three beautiful wives.

Despite his advanced age, Lor'themar was still vigorous and had a variety of innovative ways of playing. His three wives were also very charming and did their best to please him.

Li Chen watched from outside the window and was quite amazed. For a moment, he even thought it wouldn't be bad to switch places with the old man.

However, judging from the situation, Lor'themar clearly doesn't have time to do anything else tonight. If you want to wait for him to leave or secretly investigate his room, you'll probably have to find another opportunity.

It was already late. Although Li Chen was a powerful figure, he was feeling somewhat tired after traveling a long distance to infiltrate the Eternal Day and continuously using his energy.

He decided to rest for the night and recharge his energy.

He gestured for Sylph to return to her humble abode, where she intended to spend the night.

However, as he passed by his mother's room, the faint sound of water and the hazy figure coming from that window once again caught Li Chen's attention.

Through the window paper, one can see a slender figure taking a bath, the steam outlining her alluring curves.

Li Chen was already somewhat agitated by what he had just witnessed, and now he felt even more unable to sleep.

Sylph keenly noticed the lingering of Li Chen's gaze and the subtle change in his aura.

Her mind raced, and she made a decision immediately. She lowered her voice and said to Li Chen, "My lord, my room is far too simple and I'm afraid it will be inconvenient for you. Why don't you sleep in this room tonight?"

She pointed to her mother's bedroom door and then added, "I'll go in and talk to my mother."

Li Chen was curious to see how she would "persuade" her mother, so he nodded and acquiesced.

(End of this chapter)