Chapter 728: Do I Not Know He

This cavernous realm, as Romanoval’s most important hideout and stronghold, naturally held the bulk of his accumulated wealth.

Although the Romanov imperial family’s millennia-long reserves could not all be here, the wealth Romanoval had plundered during his reign and retirement was enough to make any faction envious.

Rare alchemical materials, mountains of spiritual crystals, ancient jade slips radiating primordial energy, and dozens of magical weapons glowing with radiant aura—every kind of treasure filled the side hall, dazzling and abundant.

Li Chen was no stingy master; this successful ambush owed much to the five Holy Ones.

He waved his hand and directly ordered the five to choose and divide most of the spoils first. “You have all worked hard—your merit in this battle is recorded. Take what you need.”

Upon hearing this, though all five were Holy Ones with unshakable composure, a flicker of delight crossed their faces.

They were wise enough to know the finest or most crucial treasures would be reserved for Li Chen; merely selecting items suited to themselves or their sects was already a tremendous gain.

Any single item could elevate their sect’s strength significantly.

They bowed respectfully in thanks before beginning their careful selection.

After handling this, Li Chen instructed the five: “I must return to the imperial palace to arrange the next phase. You may decide whether to remain secretly within the Romanov realm to observe the situation, or return to TianCe first.”

“We understand and humbly obey Your Majesty’s decree,” the five replied in unison.

Li Chen nodded, his figure flickering, then vanished from the cavernous realm.

Deep night settled; the Romanov Sacred Palace stood serene and solemn beneath the starlight.

The guards at the palace gate, seeing the “Ancestor of Witchcraft” return, immediately bowed low, their eyes filled with awe.

Li Chen had intended to rest in any concubine’s chamber, but noticed the imperial study still lit brightly.

He strolled in and saw the young new emperor, Marvett, hunched over a vast dragon desk, frowning deeply as he stared at piles of memorials.

Hearing footsteps, Marvett looked up, rose immediately upon seeing Li Chen, and forced a tired smile: “Master, you’ve come? It’s so late—haven’t you rested yet? Is there something urgent?”

Li Chen stepped forward, glancing over the memorials, and asked calmly: “Still awake? What state affairs trouble you?”

Marvett, as if finding a confidant, poured out his grievances: “Master, you don’t know—these ministers have grown increasingly insolent! My edicts are obeyed in name only, delayed and obstructed at every turn.”

Reports from the provinces are all superficial and evasive. I feel they’re acting under someone’s orders, uniting to sideline me! Being emperor is truly suffocating!”

His tone brimmed with helplessness and fury.

Moreover, Marvett’s speech had grown more skillful—he called himself “your son,” treating Li Chen, the Ancestor of Witchcraft, as his father.

In truth, Li Chen was not much older than him.

Yet in aura and depth, the difference was immense.

Li Chen listened silently, then suddenly smiled with an inscrutable expression. He patted Marvett’s shoulder and spoke calmly, yet with undeniable authority:

“From now on, you will never have this problem again.”

At this moment, Marvett still could not fully grasp the bloodshed and earth-shattering change hidden behind Li Chen’s words: “From now on, you will never have this problem again.”

He merely sensed vaguely that his master hinted he would soon assume true imperial power.

Part of him longed for it, part trembled with fear—but gazing into Li Chen’s calm, unruffled eyes, he dared not ask further, only bowed respectfully in reply.

Li Chen said no more, patted his shoulder once more, and turned to leave the imperial study, his figure dissolving into the night as if he had merely come for a casual chat.