My Celestial Ascension Chapter 913: Yuan’s Proposition

Rhex inhaled deeply, striving to steady his nerves before laying everything bare to Yuan. Hiding the truth any longer served no purpose, especially since Yuan could potentially lend his support during this dire predicament.

"We dispatched our finest scouts to monitor the undead right after they started showing up close to our borders. We suspected they were scheming something," Rhex started to elaborate.

He went on, "And at last, word came back from them... and it's far from encouraging. This threat endangers all life across the continent, extending beyond just my Demonic Empire."

"Our scouts uncovered a terrifying sight deep in the desert's heart. More than a million undead beings are advancing on our borders, led by the Undead King—their supreme ruler."

"Beyond that, they're slaughtering every living thing in their path and converting them into more undead, swelling their ranks relentlessly. Their horde expands day by day."

"Sadly, we lack the power to confront an army of such magnitude, with only around one hundred thousand troops at our command. Worse still, their ruler possesses the ability to resurrect the fallen as undead minions."

"Should they cross the border, it'll spell doom for us all. Resistance will crumble under their assault, and their might and numbers will swell with every life they claim."

"I'm truly worried we won't make it through this ordeal... I've already dispatched messengers to spread the word to all our empire's people, urging them to brace for the gravest fate imaginable," he uttered with a heavy sigh while detailing the peril, the burden etched plainly across his features.

"I understand... I never anticipated the situation worsening so rapidly..." Yuan murmured, briefly taken aback by the revelation.

Anna Grace and her companions stood equally stunned, yet they held their tongues throughout, grappling with the overwhelming severity of the matter.

As Emperor Rhex had warned, defending the empire against such an overwhelming horde proved impossible. Moreover, every loss in combat would merely bolster the undead's power.

Each fallen soul would reanimate as a soulless husk, turning against the living without mercy. Bonds of friendship or blood meant nothing—they'd strike at any breathing creature in sight.

"Don't they possess some vulnerability we could exploit?" Valeria inquired, arching her eyebrows a touch.

"They do. Fire alone can eradicate them for good, yet facing numbers so immense, even a modest blaze falls short," Rhex answered, shaking his head in resignation, defeat etched on his face.

Following a brief hush, Valeria posed another question, "How much time do you estimate before they reach the border?"

"No more than two weeks, at the latest. Though certainty eludes us, as they never tire. That's their most formidable edge," Rhex responded with a strained, uneasy grin.

After pondering briefly, Yuan suggested, "Wouldn't it make sense to alert the neighboring realms? They'd surely rally to your side, given their own peril."

"Nerith has shouldered that duty," Rhex affirmed. "She'll set out for the Vampire Kingdom at dawn tomorrow to alert them and secure their alliance."

He added, "After concluding matters there, she'll journey onward to the remaining nations with the warning. We have to band together against this existential threat, much like we did facing the Holy Church and the Heroes in the past."

"I get it... So she's already mapped out a strategy. She really embodies a true fighter's spirit," Yuan remarked with a gentle smile.

'Perhaps I should impart a couple of sword arts to her? I possess plenty of mortal-grade techniques; sharing a few won't make a difference,' Yuan mused silently.

"Yuan, with her heading to the Vampire Kingdom, why not accompany her?" Mireya proposed, her face alight with intrigue.

At these words, Rhex grew noticeably rigid, his features tightening as fresh concerns surfaced.

'As I dreaded... He won't step in to help during this catastrophe... Such a pity. His assistance could have turned the tide,' Rhex lamented to himself.

"Hmm. That's not a terrible notion. It'd cut down on travel time," Yuan agreed, nodding with a pleased expression.

He then directed his gaze toward the Emperor once more and declared, "Emperor Rhex, I've got a deal to propose. I trust you'll want to hear it out."

"Oh? What sort of deal? By all means, speak. I'm all ears," Emperor Rhex's gaze lit up instantly upon hearing this, a surge of hope easing his tension.

Flashing a broad smile, Yuan stated, "In exchange for mobilizing your forces to support my campaign against the High Heaven and toppling the Divine Throne of those false deities when the moment arrives."

"We'll stand with you against these monstrosities—the Undead King and his million-strong legion in return."

"What?! Are you serious about this?" Emperor Rhex's eyes bulged in astonishment.

He elaborated, "Hear me out—the Undead King isn't a foe to challenge lightly. His power dwarfs anything we can muster. Plus, he leads an enormous host."

"On top of that, countless lives will be lost in this conflict. Victory over the Undead King and his forces, if even possible, would leave our ranks severely depleted."

"I know full well what I'm proposing, Emperor Rhex," Yuan replied, fixing him with an intensely grave look before questioning, "So, do you agree to this alliance or not?"

"Take whatever time you require to decide. But don't squander it—reach a verdict swiftly," Yuan continued, reclining against the couch.

The Undead Army? It posed no real challenge to him. He could obliterate their entire ranks in mere moments if he chose. Yet he required this bargaining chip to secure Emperor Rhex's commitment.

Without Rhex's assent, Yuan intended to stay out of the fray entirely. And should the emperor yield, Yuan still wouldn't charge into the front lines himself.

Rather, he envisioned deploying the undead horde as a training ground for his wives—particularly Aisha, Vanessa, Angela, and the rest.

Admittedly, this approach might cost the Demon Army some lives, but no victory came without sacrifice. A measure of loss was essential to forge loyalty among the people.

Unveiling his utmost power would breed terror alone, and he sought no needless friction with the demons, whose future aid would prove invaluable.

After a short deliberation, Emperor Rhex resolved to embrace the offer. Desperate times demanded every possible ally.

'No alternative remains but to take his terms... This serves my people's ultimate welfare. I'll seal the pact—and perhaps claim our overdue vengeance too!' the emperor reflected, clenching his jaw, determination hardening his visage.

Drawing in a steadying breath, he delivered his response. "I accept your terms, Yuan. When the hour strikes, I'll furnish every resource you demand. In exchange, lend your strength to vanquish the Undead King and his colossal army."