Reincarnation Divine Body and Asura Divine Body! Avatars Merge, Strength Skyrockets!

"What?" "Such power... A divine body! He has definitely forged a divine body foundation!" "The Ninth Princess actually recruited an expert who forged a divine body foundation?" "Yet our Ouyang family's three young talents just died like that?" For a moment, the members of the Ouyang family were thoroughly shaken. At the same time, their hearts ached terribly. Those were the three most outstanding juniors of the Ouyang family. They had forged spirit body foundations. One must not underestimate a spirit body foundation—even with a divine item, not just anyone could forge one. Most people failed when refining divine items. Only a tiny fraction of people with exceptional talent, or under special circumstances, could successfully forge a spirit body foundation. Take Zhao Shuying, for example. She had luck and destiny on her side, which was why she had been able to refine the Tianhe Heavy Water Bead and forge a spirit body foundation. Otherwise, with Zhao Shuying's ordinary mortal frame, how could she ever have refined the Tianhe Heavy Water Bead to forge the foundation for an Innate Water Spirit Body? It was the same for the Ouyang family. To nurture these three outstanding juniors, the Ouyang family had paid an immense price. Yet now, they were dead just like that. However, they could not blame Lu Changsheng. After all, this had been a fair sparring match. Yet as the dust cleared over the martial arts field, the martial arts field was no more. Where it had once stood was now a swath of ruins. Lu Changsheng's palm strike had pulverized the entire martial arts field into dust, let alone the people standing upon it. Yet everyone clearly saw four figures still standing amidst the ruins of the martial arts field. Yes, four figures. Lu Changsheng's palm hovered just inches above the heads of the three Ouyang youths. It was only inches away from crushing down, yet it had halted in the end. Beneath the feet of the three Ouyang family members, the ground had been reduced to rubble, yet the three of them were completely unharmed. Even so, terror flooded their hearts. What had just occurred terrified them to their core. By a hair's breadth, they would have died. Evidently, Lu Changsheng had shown restraint, holding his hand against the three of them. "Thank you for showing mercy, Master Lu! Why haven't you three thanked Master Lu for sparing your lives?" Ouyang Fu was overjoyed. Recovering first, he barked at the three youths. The three finally snapped back to reality and hurriedly bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Lu, for sparing our lives!" They were the ones who understood the situation best. Just now, if Lu Changsheng had wanted to kill them, it would have been as easy as turning over his hand. They were not on the same level at all. "Patriarch Ouyang, what do you think?" the Ninth Princess said with a smile. She was very satisfied with Lu Changsheng's performance in this battle. In truth, the Ninth Princess knew that Lu Changsheng had refined the Reincarnation Bead and forged a divine body foundation, so he was bound to be extraordinary. However, even she hadn't realized he was this strong. Those three youths were the finest talents the Ouyang family had painstakingly nurtured, certainly no mediocre fools. Yet Lu Changsheng had defeated all three in a single strike—and with overwhelming, crushing dominance that left them incapable of resisting. It spoke volumes of his terrifying strength. On her trip to Xia Province, Lu Changsheng truly was her greatest harvest! Ouyang Fu seemed to contemplate for a moment. But taking a deep look at Lu Changsheng, he gritted his teeth, dropped to his knees before the Ninth Princess in full obeisance, and said solemnly, "The Ouyang family is willing to join the Princess Estate and lend Her Highness our full support!" The Ninth Princess was overjoyed and immediately helped Ouyang Fu up. "Splendid! Patriarch Ouyang, please rise quickly." "Today, receiving the aid of the Ouyang family is truly charcoal in the snow! I shall certainly remember the Ouyang family's assistance!" "If I succeed in the succession struggle one day, the Ouyang family will surely ascend to become the premier great clan in the Divine Capital!" This was her promise to the Ouyang family. Ouyang Fu had staked the lives of over three thousand members of the Ouyang family—wasn't it precisely for words like these? Riches and honor are sought through danger! Moreover, he had already thrown his lot in with the Sixth Prince before and was in truth unable to extricate himself. Now that the Sixth Prince was dead, siding with the Ninth Princess was not a bad option. At least Ouyang Fu saw a glimmer of hope in her. The Ninth Princess was ecstatic. Officials, aristocratic families, and powerful experts. Of the three most vital conditions for the succession struggle, she had now secured two: aristocratic families and powerful experts. All that remained were officials. Winning over officials would require different methods. In short, she was no longer as pessimistic as before. She too saw hope for the succession struggle! *** Back at the Princess Estate, Lu Changsheng had just returned. As an honored guest of the Princess Estate, he was given a courtyard of his own. *Knock, knock, knock.* Someone was knocking on the door. Lu Changsheng opened the door and found someone standing outside who surprised him. Ouyang Fu! The dignified head of the Ouyang family was currently standing outside Lu Changsheng's door. "Patriarch Ouyang, do you have business with me?" Lu Changsheng was surprised. He had only just returned from the Ouyang family to the Princess Estate. Why had Ouyang Fu come looking for him so soon? "Master Lu, you showed mercy today and allowed three juniors of my Ouyang family to survive. My Ouyang family has no way to repay you. I heard from Her Highness that you desire a large number of divine items?" "I have a special divine item here. I hope it meets your satisfaction." Saying so, Ouyang Fu handed over the divine item. "Oh? A divine item?" Lu Changsheng was astonished. This truly exceeded his expectations. The first divine item he obtained after arriving in the Divine Capital was not granted by the princess, but presented by the Ouyang family. Was the Ouyang family truly just thanking him for showing mercy? Hardly. They most likely had other motives. Lu Changsheng accepted the divine item and sensed it briefly. Immediately, his expression changed drastically. "This... this is a divine item capable of forging a divine body foundation?" Lu Changsheng's eyes widened in disbelief. A divine body! This divine item could actually forge a divine body foundation? This was a divine body! Even the Ninth Princess had traveled tens of thousands of li to Xia Province merely to obtain the Reincarnation Bead, a divine item for a divine body. Yet Ouyang Fu had casually handed over a divine item for forging a divine body foundation. Was the Ouyang family truly that wealthy? To casually give away a divine-body-grade divine item? "Patriarch Ouyang, this divine item..." Lu Changsheng certainly liked divine items, let alone one for forging a divine body. However, for Ouyang Fu to suddenly offer up such a precious divine item could not be simple. Seeming to anticipate Lu Changsheng's reservations, Ouyang Fu smiled slightly. "Master Lu worries too much. Our Ouyang family naturally knows this divine item can forge a divine body foundation. While our family does possess a certain heritage, it is not deep enough to go around handing out divine items for divine body foundations. The truth is, this item is rather peculiar; successive generations of our ancestors have been unable to make use of it. You are a dragon and phoenix among men, Master Lu; perhaps you can make good use of it. Furthermore, we are both part of the Princess Estate now. In the future, when the succession struggle turns chaotic, if Master Lu could look after the Ouyang family a little more, my family would be thoroughly satisfied." Hearing this, Lu Changsheng understood at once. Look after the Ouyang family! So that was Ouyang Fu's intention. By throwing their full support behind the Ninth Princess, the Ouyang family was inextricably tied to her estate. Yet how perilous was the succession struggle? Anything could happen. Top-tier experts played a tremendous role in chaotic situations. What if other experts targeted the Ouyang family for elimination? Though the Ninth Princess would likely not sit idly by, having the favor and protection of a top-tier powerhouse like Lu Changsheng would bring immense benefits. Moreover, this divine item was likely "peculiar" enough that the Ouyang family was willing to part with it. Regardless, it was a genuinely precious divine item. Lu Changsheng appreciated the gesture! "Patriarch Ouyang is too courteous. I shall accept this divine item. If the Ouyang family ever needs assistance in the future, I will certainly not stand idly by." Lu Changsheng gave his promise. "Excellent! With Master Lu's word, I can rest easy. I shall take my leave." Without hesitation, Ouyang Fu turned and left the Princess Estate. Watching Ouyang Fu's departing back, Lu Changsheng narrowed his eyes and murmured softly, "Ouyang Fu truly has guts and resolve. To give away such a divine item just like that. Even if it is 'peculiar', let me see what is so peculiar about it." Lu Changsheng returned to his room and took out the divine item. Holding the divine item quietly in his hand, he extended his consciousness into it. *Buzz.* His consciousness vibrated slightly. Immediately, a piece of information surfaced in his mind: "Divine item: Asura Bead! Through the Asura purgatory, if the mind does not collapse, one may forge the Asura Divine Body!" The information in his mind instantly made him understand its origin. The Asura Bead! And it could forge the Asura Divine Body. Yet why was the Asura Divine Body something the Ouyang family could not cultivate, to the point they were willing to give it away? Most likely, the Ouyang family felt no one could cultivate the Asura Divine Body—not even getting past the doorstep. With a thought, Lu Changsheng understood. Killing intent! Cultivating the Asura Divine Body required endless killing intent. And the Asura Bead contained killing intent. Lu Changsheng manifested another avatar, an Earth Saint level avatar. By now, Lu Changsheng had grasped the pattern: To forge a spirit body foundation, a Martial Saint avatar was sufficient. To forge a divine body foundation, an Earth Saint avatar was required. As for an immortal body... So far, Lu Changsheng had not found any method or divine item to forge an immortal body, so he did not know for sure. But by extrapolation, it would require at least a Heavenly Saint body. Of course, that was just his hypothesis. He would only know once he acquired an immortal body method or divine item. "Asura Bead." Lu Changsheng immediately had the avatar begin refining the Asura Bead to lay the foundation for the Asura Divine Body as soon as possible. However, as the avatar began refining the Asura Bead... *Boom.* The consciousness in Lu Changsheng's avatar suffered a violent shockwave. Even with Lu Changsheng's avatar consciousness, it was battered into disarray. "What?" "What terrifying killing intent!" "With killing intent so horrifying that even my avatar's consciousness struggles to endure it, who could possibly cultivate the Asura Divine Body?" Lu Changsheng was shocked. He hadn't anticipated this turn of events. Now he finally understood why Ouyang Fu had gifted this divine item to him. This Asura Bead simply could not be refined. At least for ordinary people in the Kunwu World, it was impossible. The killing intent within the Asura Bead could easily obliterate an ordinary person's consciousness. How could anyone cultivate it? This was the "peculiarity" of the Asura Bead. Thus, even though it was a divine item capable of forging a divine body foundation, it was practically a decorative ornament. No one was destined to succeed with it. Hence, Ouyang Fu had used it to curry favor. However, once in Lu Changsheng's hands, things were different. He was no ordinary cultivator. He was a top-tier Limit Realm powerhouse! Beneath the Heavenly Saint level, Lu Changsheng believed he had virtually no weaknesses. Take consciousness, for instance. His consciousness was exceptionally formidable. Just now, his avatar's consciousness had been battered into disarray, but it had not shattered. It only needed some time to recover. Lu Changsheng also had countermeasures. He manifested another Earth Saint avatar. This time, Lu Changsheng infused a greater portion of consciousness into the avatar. Moreover, he cast a secret method in advance to protect his consciousness. As long as his consciousness could hold out, he could slowly refine the Asura Bead and forge the foundation of the Asura Divine Body. Lu Changsheng attempted it again. *Boom.* A massive surge of killing intent poured from the Asura Bead, relentlessly battering the avatar's consciousness. This time, however, was different. While his consciousness took a massive beating and teetered on the brink, the avatar held firm. Though the consciousness seemed defenseless, it was not dispersed. Furthermore, the avatar operated the method of the Asura Divine Body and began absorbing the killing intent within the Asura Bead. One day, two days, three days... This time, Lu Changsheng's progress in cultivating the Asura Divine Body was exceedingly slow. He had to endure the constant onslaught of massive killing intent at every moment to refine the Asura Bead bit by bit. Fortunately, after roughly a month, Lu Changsheng's avatar finally refined the Asura Bead. At the same time, his avatar had finally forged the foundation of the Asura Divine Body. "The Asura Divine Body..." Lu Changsheng sensed the terrifying killing intent within the avatar. He was extremely satisfied with the Asura Divine Body. After all, the Asura Divine Body was a pure combat divine body tailored for slaughter. With the prowess of the Asura Divine Body at this moment, it was undoubtedly the strongest combat force among Lu Changsheng's current avatars—surpassing even the Reincarnation Divine Body. "Although the Asura Divine Body is temporarily my strongest avatar in combat, it is still inconvenient to reveal in the Divine Capital." In truth, Lu Changsheng didn't want to hide having avatars; there was no inherent need. However, he had misgivings. After all, the Divine Capital harbored a national divine item. Once outside the Divine Capital, Lu Changsheng would fear nothing. Then, if his avatars were exposed, so what? No one could do anything to him. The Divine Capital was different. The national divine item in the capital hung overhead like a sharp sword that could strike down at any moment. What if the imperial family wanted to pry into the secret of his avatars and deployed the national divine item? At that point, even the Ninth Princess's protection would be useless. Therefore, in the Divine Capital, Lu Changsheng still intended to keep his Asura Divine Body avatar concealed. Hiding a person was simple enough. Lu Changsheng casually had the Asura Divine Body avatar alter its appearance and leave the Divine Capital. Once outside the city, his true body naturally met with it. Lu Changsheng continued familiarizing himself with the Asura Divine Body. He even had the Asura Divine Body spar with the Reincarnation Divine Body. Yet during the spar, Lu Changsheng suddenly felt a palpitation in his heart. It seemed there was an indescribable, subtle connection between the two divine bodies. "These two divine bodies are connected?" Lu Changsheng was puzzled. However, he had originally had an idea—or rather, a cultivation plan: In the future, when attempting to attain an immortal body, he could recall all his divine body avatars and fuse them into one. Perhaps an earth-shattering transformation would occur then—a quantitative change inducing a qualitative leap. It was just that Lu Changsheng's plan looked too far ahead. Right now, he had merely forged divine body foundations. Cultivating them to completion was still a long way off. Yet now, his Reincarnation Divine Body avatar and Asura Divine Body avatar exhibited a peculiar resonance. This gave Lu Changsheng an idea. Perhaps he could test it out now? "These avatars share the same origin as me. The two avatars have the same essence, so they can fuse. "However, each avatar has forged a distinct divine body foundation. "What will happen when they merge?" Many thoughts flashed through Lu Changsheng's mind. In the end, he decided to give it a try. Thus, Lu Changsheng directed both avatars. "Merge." Instantly, the two avatars fused into one. *Boom.* The two avatars merged seamlessly without the slightest rejection or conflict. However, since they cultivated two distinct divine bodies and had forged different divine body foundations, the two foundations inevitably fused together as well. "Nothing went wrong...?" "Not only is it fine, but with the two avatars and two divine bodies merging, a peculiar transformation occurred—the divine body's power surged drastically!" "Is the power multiplied by two, three, or even five times? "This... It seems the path of merging divine bodies is truly viable..." Surges of excitement welled up within Lu Changsheng's heart. He felt the formidable power brought about by the fusion of the two avatars. It was far stronger than the strength of a single avatar or a single divine body. In fact, it could serve as a trump card. There were still two spirit bodies that hadn't fused. What if the two spirit body avatars merged as well? Earlier, Lu Changsheng had felt coming to the Divine Capital was somewhat risky. Now, it appeared taking a slight risk was completely worth it. "Wait." "When my two avatars fuse and only display the Reincarnation Divine Body avatar, it seems completely indistinguishable. Even the aura is merely that of the Reincarnation Divine Body. I can seamlessly switch between the Reincarnation Divine Body, the Asura Divine Body, or even both merged. "In that case, the Asura Divine Body avatar doesn't need to leave. It can simply remain merged with the Reincarnation Divine Body! "There is no need to separate even while cultivating. If a divine body can do this, what about a spirit body? Can it also fuse completely, leaving outsiders unable to tell?" A thought struck Lu Changsheng. He immediately had his Innate Wood Spirit Body avatar return to the Divine Capital. This was not difficult; all it required was a disguise. As for the Innate Water Spirit Body avatar, since it had not even stepped across the threshold or forged a spirit body foundation, there was no need to merge it into the divine body avatar, lest unforeseen complications arise. Soon, the Innate Wood Spirit Body avatar quietly entered the Princess Estate. With a thought, Lu Changsheng willed: "Merge." Then, the Innate Wood Spirit Body avatar instantly fused into the divine body avatar as well. Lu Changsheng remained vigilant throughout. Yet after the avatar merged, no unpredictable changes took place; instead, everything remained perfectly calm. Lu Changsheng examined his avatar closely. It was exceptionally peculiar inside. On the outside, it still appeared to be a single avatar. In reality, Lu Changsheng now had three avatars in one! On the surface was the Reincarnation Divine Body avatar, but inside lay the Asura Divine Body avatar and the Innate Wood Spirit Body avatar. Within the Reincarnation Divine Body, the other two avatars were like masses of flesh and blood, occupying only a tiny portion. They did not interfere with one another at all. Whenever Lu Changsheng needed, the spirit body and divine body avatars could merge instantly, unleashing unimaginable, terrifying power. In ordinary times, anyone looking at him would only see his Reincarnation Divine Body avatar, completely unaware of the multiple avatars nested within. Lu Changsheng was very pleased with this. "Good. Who knew a flesh avatar possessed such wonderful utility?" With this method of concealment, Lu Changsheng no longer had to worry about cultivating various avatars. Moreover, he gained a trump card. No matter what unexpected event arose, he wouldn't lack a backup plan. The fusion of avatars was his hidden reserve! Or rather, his trump card! "The more avatars, the stronger the divine body! "Therefore, whether spirit bodies or divine bodies, I need to cultivate as many as possible. "I still need to find divine items as soon as possible." Lu Changsheng pondered. Should he approach the Ouyang family again? He didn't need a divine body; a spirit body item would do as well. On second thought, he dismissed the idea. Ouyang Fu had been willing to part with the Asura Divine Body item only because the Ouyang family could not cultivate it. If it were a spirit body item, members of the Ouyang family could cultivate it themselves, so they would never hand it over. Every divine item represented the bedrock heritage of an aristocratic family. Thinking of aristocratic families' heritage, an idea struck Lu Changsheng. If the Ouyang family wouldn't offer divine items, what about other aristocratic families? Especially those opposing the Ninth Princess or backing other princes. Since they were life-and-death rivals anyway, couldn't he take a knife to those families? Just as Lu Changsheng was scheming, trouble seemed to find the Ninth Princess. "Master Lu, Her Highness requests your presence." Lu Changsheng nodded, left his courtyard, and headed toward the main hall of the Princess Estate. Upon arriving at the hall, he found many people already gathered inside. Among them was Ouyang Fu, who even nodded in greeting toward him. With so many people present, these were likely all the Ninth Princess's confidants. It seemed something significant had indeed occurred today, or the Ninth Princess would not have assembled all her inner circle to deliberate. "Greetings, Your Highness." Lu Changsheng bowed only to the Ninth Princess. His status in the Princess Estate was transcendent. Aside from the Ninth Princess, his standing was inferior to none. Thus, only the Ninth Princess was worthy of his bow. "Master Lu has arrived." "Everyone, you have likely heard of Master Lu, though many of you haven't met him in person." "This is the Chief Consecrated Elder of the Princess Estate, Master Lu!" Following the Ninth Princess's introduction, everyone stood and bowed to him one by one. Chief Consecrated Elder! That was Lu Changsheng's current position within the Princess Estate. Apart from those nurtured by the estate itself, the experts serving the Ninth Princess were all consecrated elders. The Chief Consecrated Elder was the pinnacle among them, serving as the figurehead for the estate's combat power. He held authority over all the consecrated elders and enjoyed a completely transcendent status. This alone showed how much the Ninth Princess valued and trusted Lu Changsheng. The Ninth Princess then introduced each person's identity to Lu Changsheng. Some held official positions in the imperial court. The people in this hall practically represented the entirety of the Princess Estate, serving as the Ninth Princess's greatest reliance in the succession struggle. They were all grasshoppers on the same rope, tied to the Princess Estate—sharing glory and ruin together. Once everyone was acquainted, the Ninth Princess took a deep breath and spoke with a grave expression: "Everyone, the Sixth Prince is dead, and his faction has been carved up almost entirely. While this is nominally good, his death has disrupted the delicate balance." "Previously, thirteen princes and princesses contended in the succession struggle, but now only twelve remain." "Moreover, the disparities in strength among these twelve contenders are vast. Currently, the most powerful factions, led by the First Prince and the Third Prince, are preparing to clear the field." "They will first set out to eliminate a batch of the weakest princes and princesses. To our Princess Estate, this is a dangerous signal, but also an opportunity." "We must seize this moment to suppress and carve up the factions under the weaker contenders. We must bolster the Princess Estate's strength as much as possible so that we can have a chance against the First Prince, the Third Prince, and the others." Her words sent a chill through the crowd. Clearly, the leisurely days were over. What lay ahead for the Princess Estate would be blood and storms. Originally, the Princess Estate had been prey. However, after securing the aid of Lu Changsheng and the Ouyang family recently, they had transformed from prey into hunters. Yet if they did not seize the time to expand their influence, they would ultimately become prey once more. "Your Highness, we understand." "Then whom should we target next?" "Please give us your instructions, Your Highness." Everyone understood that with the peaceful days behind them, it was time to pull their weight. At this juncture, no one could shrink back. They could only brace themselves and press forward. "The Thirteenth Prince." "The experts under the Thirteenth Prince are being dealt with or recruited by the First Prince and the Third Prince, and the officials are also being courted by them." "We will not compete on those two fronts." "What we must vie for is the aristocratic families! Under the Thirteenth Prince lies the Sun family. Although their business does not rank among the Divine Capital's ten great merchant guilds, their commercial footprints span the length and breadth of the divine dynasty. If we can bring the Sun family under our control, we can leverage their business to form a vast intelligence network." "When that time comes, I will know everything that happens across the Divine Capital and the world! Therefore, the Sun family is our primary target." "However, we are not the only ones with eyes on the Sun family. Other princes, not daring to contest officials and experts against the First and Third Princes, have likewise set their sights on them. Furthermore, the Sun family's own strength is not to be underestimated; thoroughly subjugating them will not be easy." "Everyone, who among you can secure the Sun family for me?" As the Ninth Princess's voice faded, her gaze swept across everyone in the hall. However, they merely exchanged glances with troubled expressions. One by one, they kept their eyes on their noses and their noses over their mouths, remaining completely motionless. The Ninth Princess's expression remained steady, but disappointment stirred in her heart. "Allow me to go." Just then, a calm voice rang out. The crowd could not help but turn their heads in surprise. The speaker was none other than the Chief Consecrated Elder of the Princess Estate, Lu Changsheng!