Darth Malthael opened his eyes again, then raised his hands and examined them. They were as normal as ever, even more delicate than an ordinary person's, with far fewer calluses.
He sensed the power within his body. The Death Force remained, but it had weakened considerably. At present, his strength was roughly on the level of an ordinary Jedi Knight.
This was a new body, created by transferring his consciousness and soul through Essence Transfer.
And now, as his Death Force fused and awakened, he was able to bring some of his power with him during the Essence Transfer process. It was not all of it, but more than enough for self-defense.
His original body was currently deep within the flagship, in a secret chamber, sitting in silent meditation. He needed time to gradually calm and digest the incomparably powerful force within that original body.
Before that, however, he still had much to do.
After mastering the Death Force, he was capable of doing more things. This time, for instance, he had cut off a portion of his soul and left it in his original body.
That fragment of soul possessed no consciousness, not even the ability to think. It could only maintain that body's meditation.
This allowed him to focus on two things at once.
One body would continue meditating and calming his power, while the other would continue ruling the Fourth Civilization under the identity of Tang Xiao.
But...
Darth Malthael's expression darkened. He sat up from the bed, stared at his hands, and said nothing.
The ritual had not been completed!
To be precise, it had only been half completed!
Because of Darth Sidious's interference, he had failed to complete the final ritual in the Valley of the Dark Lords and ascend the throne as king.
Since