Reborn As A Ghost: Time To Build My Undead Army!-Chapter 1764: Lord Xarion’s Decision

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It didn’t take long for news of Archduchess Veloria’s failure—and the deaths of the three Heavenly Saints—to reach the High Heavens. Both the Vampire Sect and the Heavenly Palace were shaken by the report.

"Family Head!"

"Family Head, Lord Xarion!"

"Lord Xarion!"

"The Archduchess! She’s dead!"

"Archduchess Veloria has fallen!"

"She’s dead! The Archduchess is dead!"

"Aahhh! How could this happen?!"

"I know, I know," Xarion sighed, slumping on his throne with his chin resting on his fist. "I’m exhausted right now, so keep your voices down."

"We apologize..."

The vampires who had rushed to deliver the news were startled by his calm reaction. After all, his own daughter had been killed in cold blood.

Yet he appeared utterly unaffected, as if he had never formed any attachment to Veloria—let alone felt anything resembling love.

For vampires, love was a foreign concept. They were cold-hearted creatures driven primarily by greed and selfishness, much like demons. Compassion, affection, and genuine bonds did not come naturally to them. Such emotions were merely tools to manipulate weaker beings who still felt them.

Even if every one of his children died before his eyes, Xarion would feel only irritation, never true grief.

"I’m quite angry, actually," he muttered, tapping his temple with a sigh. His gaze fell on the orb brimming with souls before him, a faint frustration breaking through his usual lazy demeanor. "This heat in my chest... it’s been a while since I felt real anger."

He glanced at a portrait of himself and Veloria. Both stared back with blank, expressionless faces—cold and calculating. Vampires only smiled at the sight of bloodshed, when primal instincts to devour flesh and drink blood took over.

"Hmmm." He sipped from a goblet of fresh blood, relaxing slightly. "Well, I suppose I should go myself now. No... wait."

After a moment of thought, realization dawned.

"That woman, Maria, must be extraordinarily strong. Leviathan was summoned there—an Archdemon who grants us potent curses through envy," he said with another sigh. "And yet he’s gone too, Saintess?"

"Indeed, Master Xarion." From the shadows stepped a vampiress with long red hair and piercing blue eyes. A third demonic eye adorned her forehead, flanked by small black horns—marks of her selection as a Demonic Saint by the Archdemonic Patrons. "It’s frankly baffling. Leviathan embodies Envy itself. I cannot fathom how he was defeated... not just his vessel, but his true form in Hell."

"Is that so?" Xarion massaged his temples. "This is troublesome. Have we ever faced anyone of this caliber?"

"Not that I recall," she replied. "At least no one who has harmed, let alone killed, an Archdemon."

"An Archdemon Slayer," Xarion mused. "This will make waves up there. The other Families will grow restless. What do you suggest?"

"We should retreat immediately and avoid engaging her. If she truly slew an Archdemon and bound him as Undead, she wields power capable of defying god-like entities," the Saintess advised. "We must regroup, forge an alliance of Family Heads, and then hunt her down together. You could divide the spoils and gain immense strength by devouring her soul and blood."

"Hm, play it safe, as always?" Xarion nodded slowly. "But we can’t do that, you know."

"Eh?"

TRUUUM!

"Guuh!"

The Saintess coughed up blood as an overwhelming force seized her soul, wracking her body with agony.

"The Crimson Emperor would be disappointed, and I would lose face before the other Family Heads—something I despise," Xarion said coolly. "I can’t return empty-handed. Not until I deliver the next tribute, or he’ll torture me... or worse, replace me."

"I understand, Your Eminence!" she gasped, voice trembling.

"Good. You always grasp things quickly, Veli," Xarion said with a gentle, yet unmistakably forced smile. "Is the Church of Leviathan furious?"

"Extremely," Veli replied. "As both a Demonic Saint and one of your Archduchesses, if you wish..."

"Yes, summon them here," Xarion commanded. "The entire Church of Envy. I’ve heard you have powerful assets... and some intriguing projects underway."

"That’s correct." Veli’s lips curled into a vicious smile. "But will that suffice?"

"No. That’s why we’ll involve the other Archdukes as well. And I believe I can persuade at least one more Family Head to join us," Xarion said. "One owes me a substantial debt. The other—that woman with the mirrors—was Veloria’s mother. She’ll have something to say, even if Veloria never inherited her powers, which disappointed her greatly. I ended up raising the girl myself... or rather, my servants did. I’ve never raised a child personally. Can you imagine? Hah."

"You mean... with your influence, you can bring two Family Heads here?" Veli asked, stunned.

"Yes. Along with their Dukes and Archdukes. That woman may be strong, but three of our families united can shatter entire pantheons," Xarion declared. "That’s how we conquered ten worlds. No Divine Spirit, God, or Heavenly Being could stand against us when we worked together. Though I loathe it, cooperation is necessary—just as we raise the young to become useful tools. An annoyance, but vital for our survival, growth, and fresh meat shields."

"I understand completely, Master. You are brilliant," Veliade nodded. "I can prepare everything within a day. As for the Family Heads..."

"Already contacted. Both agreed," Xarion said. "They arrive tomorrow morning. Ensure everyone greets them properly."

"Yes, Master."

"We are honored to host three Family Heads!"

"We will receive them with utmost respect!"

"Good," Xarion nodded, scratching his nose. "Now leave. I need solitude. I’m going to unseal my power. Stay far away if you value your lives."

"Yes!"

The vampires fled swiftly as Xarion exhaled deeply.

Hundreds of Vampiric Runes across his body ignited.

His slender frame began to transform, swelling with immense muscle.

His aura surged outward, vast and overwhelming.

Flowers and plants nearby withered instantly, their life force and souls devoured the moment his power touched them.

"Hmm. I haven’t felt this thrilled in ages. Finally, an opponent worth my full strength. We’re going to savor this." He thought for a moment. "I should probably inform that ’Heavenly Emperor’ of my plans."

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