Chapter 605

Li Chen's speed at clearing missions was too fast; after all, he was max-level, and many tasks could be resolved with ease.

Take the previous mission, "Initial Understanding of the Sect," for example. If Li Chen's cultivation base had been low, the normal progression would have taken at least half a year, if not one or two years, to complete.

The Eight Gates Tilting Heaven Palace was a hidden sect; it wasn't easy to find, and even if one did, how to enter their library was a major ordeal.

Normally, it would require Li Chen to grind favor with some of the Eight Gates Tilting Heaven Palace's elders before he could enter.

The benefit of completing this mission was gaining recognition from a hidden sect, which could serve as a backer.

That would have provided a certain advantage in the struggle for the throne.

After all, according to the system's progression at the time, his rival, the Second Imperial Prince Li Xian, was backed by a major sect; without one of his own, Li Chen would have been suppressed quickly.

Unfortunately, Li Chen had already ascended to the throne, and his former rival, the Second Imperial Prince Li Xian, had long since hidden away in some corner, struggling to survive. The struggle for the throne had already been settled.

He leisurely summoned the system interface and browsed the new mission prompts.

【System Mission: Sharpening the Blade in the North】

Mission Background: Friction at the northern border is intensifying daily. The First Army Group is stationed in a bitter, cold land, and the morale of the troops needs to be stabilized and their prestige boosted.

The Imperial family personally undergoing training can greatly boost morale.

Mission Requirements: Travel to the Empire's northern border and join the First Army Group as an ordinary officer for training.

Must earn no less than 10,000 military merit points (slaying enemy generals, seizing strategic locations, completing high-difficulty reconnaissance missions, etc., all yield different points) and win the sincere recognition of at least three veteran generals.

Mission Reward: Training secret method for the special unit "Northern Dragon Cavalry" (can significantly increase the mobility and impact force of cavalry).

Li Chen looked at the mission description and nodded slightly.

The situation in the North was indeed tense; this trip would be a perfect opportunity to personally inspect the border combat situation and tour the assimilation and construction efforts of the northern tribes.

Of course, he had also heard that the northern tribes were home to many beauties with toned figures and fiery temperaments, so he could take the opportunity to appreciate some exotic customs.

With a thought, Li Chen arrived at the palace complex in the Northern Garden of the Imperial Capital, reserved exclusively for concubines from the northern tribes.

This area was managed by his aunt, Li Xueying, and was grand in scale, housing over a hundred concubines from various northern tribes, all kept orderly and obedient under Li Xueying's management.

The palace architecture blended Central Plains and northern tribal styles, with towering domes, fur rugs covering the floors, and a mix of gold and animal bone decorations, full of a rugged yet luxurious exotic atmosphere.

Seeing Li Chen arrive, Li Xueying immediately greeted him warmly, directing several tall northern concubines with deep-set eyes and high noses to serve Li Chen steaming hot milk tea and exquisite snacks.

Li Chen enjoyed their attentive service, and after resting for a while, he said to Li Xueying, "Aunt, I intend to travel north incognito to personally inspect the border. Would you like to come along?"

Although a look of reluctance flashed in Li Xueying's eyes, she still politely declined, "Your Majesty, the North is bitter and cold, and the sandstorms are fierce. I prefer to stay in the palace and help you manage these girls."

She wanted to go, but she had some unpleasant memories of that place.

Li Xueying changed the subject, a hint of cunning flashing in her eyes, "However, if you feel lonely on the journey, why not take Tuoba Anyu? She has a steady temperament, is familiar with the northern customs, and can serve you while acting as a guide."

Tuoba Anyu was the birth mother of the former northern Khan, Tuoba Zhen, and a truly beautiful, mature woman.

Her figure was full and voluptuous, which Li Chen favored greatly. More importantly, her constitution was unique; she could perfectly accommodate Li Chen's intensity, and she seemed to harbor a hidden streak of masochism, which Li Chen found quite satisfying.

Hearing this, Li Chen's lips curled up, "Very well. Summon her."

When Tuoba Anyu was summoned, the look in her eyes when she saw Li Chen was already tinged with a hint of confusion and longing.