The night air was thick with the scent of burning wood and damp earth. Lin Tian's campfire crackled low, casting long shadows across the clearing. Li Xue still slept fitfully, the golden mark of the Loyalty Contract pulsing gently on her chest like a living brand.
Lin Tian sat cross-legged, his eyes half-closed as he communed with the System.
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[Divine Fortune System Interface]
[Host: Lin Tian]
— Loyalty Contracts: 1
— Wealth: 15,000 gold coins
— Skill Points: 5
— Divine Credits: 500
──────────────────────────────
"System," he whispered, voice low but firm. "Show me the Ritual Upgrades."
A new panel slid into view, lines of ancient script glowing like embers.
──────────────────────────────
[Loyalty Contract Ritual: Tier I Upgrade Available]
— Soul-Forged Contract: Strengthens the bond by entwining the follower's soul with the Sovereign's.
Effect: Loyalty gain rate +20%, Loyalty decay rate -50%, and Loyalty 100% permanently seals betrayal.
— Flesh-Linked Bond: Ritual deepens physical submission, binding the follower's body to the Sovereign's will.
Effect: Physical abilities enhanced, obedience triggered by direct command, Loyalty 100% triggers automatic skill transfer to the host.
Cost: 300 Divine Credits
──────────────────────────────
Lin Tian's eyes glinted coldly. "Flesh-Linked Bond," he said. "Purchase and apply to Li Xue."
A pulse of golden light erupted from the panel, forming a searing sigil in the air. Lin Tian stood, striding toward the sleeping girl. She stirred at his presence, eyes fluttering open.
"Master…" Her voice trembled, uncertainty and fear battling with a growing spark of devotion.
"Li Xue," he intoned, his voice like a knife in the night. "The ritual is ready."
She shivered, her eyes drawn to the glowing sigil. "I… I am yours," she whispered.
Lin Tian knelt, his fingers brushing her cheek. "Offer me your body and soul, and in return, I grant you a place at my side—unshakable, unbreakable."
Li Xue nodded, her breath ragged. "Yes… Master."
The sigil flared, its light wrapping around her like chains of fire. She cried out, her body arching as the bond seared itself into her flesh. The mark on her chest expanded, veins of gold spreading like a network of roots.
──────────────────────────────
[Loyalty Contract Upgraded: Flesh-Linked Bond Applied]
Loyalty: 45% → 65% (increased rate of gain)
Physical Abilities: +15%
Betrayal at 100% Loyalty: Impossible
──────────────────────────────
Li Xue collapsed, panting, her eyes glazed with newfound devotion. Lin Tian caressed her hair, his expression unreadable.
"You are mine now—body, mind, and soul," he murmured. "Serve me well, and you will live in luxury beyond your wildest dreams. Betray me, and you will know a pain no blade can match."
"Yes, Master," she whispered, her voice soft but unwavering.
Lin Tian rose, his gaze hardening as he turned to the System panel once more.
"System," he said. "Unlock Loyalty Contract Management."
──────────────────────────────
[Loyalty Contract Management]
— Tier I Contracts: 1
— Contract Capacity: 5 (Upgrade available at 5,000 gold coins)
— Tier II Contracts: Locked
— Contract Enforcement: On
— Punishment Settings:
• Curse Mark: Moderate pain, disables abilities temporarily.
• Soul Burn: Severe pain, partial soul destruction.
• Death: Instantaneous.
──────────────────────────────
He smiled coldly. "Soon," he murmured. "An empire of loyalty, bought with wealth and forged in blood."
The wind shifted, carrying the scent of battle on the horizon. Lin Tian's eyes narrowed. He would gather more followers—wealth and loyalty would be his weapons, and no one would stand in his way.
As the night deepened, the System glowed faintly, as if approving of his plans.
──────────────────────────────
[System Alert]
New Mission Available:
— Recruit a second follower using Loyalty Contract Ritual.
Reward: Divine Credits x300, Skill Points x2.
──────────────────────────────
Lin Tian's lips curved into a predatory grin. Let the world kneel.
---
End of Chapter 3