Vahn listened to the Ghost King's story of exile and revenge. The connection to the Great Central Empire was alarming, but the offer of a military commander with centuries of experience was too valuable to pass up.

​"Very well," Vahn said, cutting off the Ghost King's pleas. "I don't need your worship; I need your loyalty and your skill. My Queen, Seraphina, will not obliterate you."

​Vahn imposed his condition immediately. "You will not merely swear allegiance. You will swear a Soul Pact directly to the Necrotic Dynasty."

​"This pact requires you to be eternally bound to the welfare of my family and this kingdom. In exchange, Seraphina will use the smallest amount of Holy Light required to cleanse the curse that prevents your soul from moving on, but you will remain spectral, serving as the first commander of my army. Do you accept this eternal service?"

​The Ghost King, desperate for freedom from his ancient curse and recognizing the mysterious power of this young man, immediately bowed lower.

"I accept! I swear by the Eternal Dao to serve the Necrotic Dynasty!"

​

​Vahn nodded, satisfied. "Your title is now Commander of the Imperial Guard. Your first mission: Ezekiel, my Chancellor, will arrived with the first vassals of the Dynasty. You will take your legion of Ghost Soldiers and immediately begin training them. Turn those raw recruits into a formidable Imperial Guard."

​The Ghost King's spectral form solidified slightly, a shadow of pride returning to his regal bearing. He now had a purpose.

​When the sun finally dipped below the horizon, Vahn sensed Ezekiel's arrival at the perimeter of the Great Concealment Barrier.

​He usually wore comfortable, casual clothes for ease of movement and combat. However, to receive his first contingent of vassals and maintain the proper demeanour of a Ruler, Vahn knew he had to dress the part.

​Vahn quickly went to the Fourth Chamber (Treasures and Artifacts) within the Dragon Pearl. He didn't choose heavy armor, but selected attire that projected authority, mystery, and immense power.

His new attire was a simple, yet exquisitely tailored black Robe lined with dragon silk that made him look powerful and mysterious.

And the Obsidian crown over his head had drastically added more to his Ruler's regality.

Next, under the awestruck eyes of the fifty clansmen, Vahn entered the Royal Court. The interior of the Palace was vast and imposing, fitting for the Ruler he yearned to be.

​His back was straight, his composure unshaken. His eyes, now possessing the depth of ancient knowledge and the cold certainty of the Imperial Decree of Submission, left the clansmen speechless.

He moved with regal grace to the throne which was carved from toughest metal and inlaid with faint gold runes. He settled down onto the throne without any courtesy at all.

​His gaze then fixed onto the nervous clan leaders and expectant clansmen below, and his Imperial Aura pressing down on them silently.

​Ezekiel stepped forward with a deep, respectful bow.

​"Your Majesty, these are the two clans who have initially agreed to become your subjects. One is the Exelcrest Clan, and the other is the Westlake Clan."

​Following the introduction, Ezekiel's father, Ascalon Exelcrest, and Golka Westlake stepped forward and bowed low.

​"It is a great honor to meet you, Your Majesty. My name is Ascalon Exelcrest."

​"And my name is Golka Westlake," Golka added quickly. "We are honored to serve such a young and powerful Ruler as you."

​They were already entirely convinced of Vahn's power. They had seen the massive Royal Palace appear in the notorious Misty Valley overnight, shielded by a barrier that defied their comprehension. Not to mention, along the way, they had noticed the assembly of terrifying Ghost Soldiers who were obviously subdued by this young, unfathomable King.

After staying silent for a while, Vahn's voice echoed with absolute authority:

​"You have chosen wisely. In the Necrotic Dynasty, loyalty is rewarded with absolute power. Disloyalty is met with oblivion."

​He gestured to the two Saintesses flanking his throne. "Seraphina, my Queen, and Lilith, my Grand Minister, will oversee the growth of your clans. They possess the knowledge and resources to turn your warriors into an Imperial Army capable of conquering this continent."

​Vahn then focused his attention directly on the two Clan Leaders.

​"Ascalon, Golka. Your first duty is not battle, but loyalty. Your loyalty must be proven by your ambition."

​Vahn issued his first true Imperial Mandate to his vassals.

​"You will return to your territories. You will gather all able-bodied, talented youth, regardless of their current clan status. You will tell them this: The Necrotic Dynasty promises the highest-grade cultivation resources, Saint-Grade arts, and the power to break the limits placed upon them by this primitive continent."

​Vahn rested his hand on the armrest.

​"In ten days, you will bring those recruits back here. In exchange for your initial fealty, your clans will be the first to receive the Pills of Absolute Loyalty and the Saint Grade Techniques necessary to forge my Royal Guard. But if you fail to deliver the recruits, the Ghost Commander will deliver your clans to the Void."

The two Clan Leaders broke into a cold sweat. Nevertheless, they agreed to the conditions without delay.

"We will do as you command, My King."

They did not depart immediately. Instead, they wandered around the Royal Palace, admiring its beauty and craftsmanship.

They instructed their clansmen to remain respectful and obedient to the Clan, unless they wished to be devoured by the Ghost Commander.

The clansmen nodded like chickens pecking at rice. They swore to be obedient and work diligently during their upcoming training.

With matters settled, Vahn turned his focus toward his own cultivation.

--

[ Status ]

[ Name: Vahn Necrotis ]

[ Title: The Rebellious One ]

[ Lifespan: 17 / 500 ]

[ Physique: Void Refining Physique ]

[ Cultivation Level: Golden Core Stage 9 ]

[ Cultivation Arts: Art of Healing (Verse 1), Nine Heavens Lightning Swords, Dream Manipulation Art, Shadow Transformation Art, Ancient Shadow Summoning Art, Infernal Spirit Summoning Art, Fire Phoenix Wings, Dragon Phoenix Union Art ]

[ Elemental Affinities: Light (Bonded), Darkness (Innate), Lightning (Merged), Fire (Bonded) ]

[ Special Skills: Divine Cook, Saber Mastery, Curse Monarch's Halo, Grandmaster Weapon Craftsman ]

--

For the past seven days, he had been cultivating relentlessly. He was so immersed in his training that he forgot his beautiful wife Seraphina waited for him in her chambers each night, hoping to dual cultivate with him again.

Tonight, however, Seraphina decided to take the initiative.

After lulling Eterna to sleep, she quietly slipped out of her room and headed toward the Royal Bedchamber under the quiet veil of night.

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