Chapter 435: Soul Split
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"I didn't lie to you," Du Ge said. "Boderuna, it's undeniable that you're powerful, but strength alone isn't enough for a true warrior. One must also possess a will that matches their strength.
If you hadn't been sleeping all these years and instead traveled the world, witnessing the deceit and treachery among people, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the common folk, and fighting stronger opponents, your mind would be unshakable. You wouldn't be like a child, having your mental defenses shattered by just a few words from me..."
"..." Boderuna remained silent.
"Think about it. If one day, a more powerful enemy invades this planet, with your current mindset, could you defend this world?" Du Ge looked at the Sun God with pity and said, "Boderuna, your defeat is not unjust. This world doesn't need a Sun God in name only."
The Sun God's expression was complicated, as if he had found relief after understanding his confusion, mixed with other emotions. He finally looked at Du Ge's face, as if to remember him, then slowly closed his eyes. "Don't be too pleased with yourself. I'll be back..."
You'll be back?
Who do you think you are?
The Big Bad Wolf?
Du Ge scoffed and reached out to grab the Sun God's head.He could no longer feel the Sun God's divine power, but the golden blood had already coagulated. However, the head still retained warmth, as if he were still alive.
Will he really come back?
Is this guy dead or not?
Du Ge wondered. Although he would leave after the Alien Star Battlefield, he wanted to leave a backup plan in this world. A resurrected Sun God would only be a thorn in his side.
Eliminate the root.
Since he's already dead, might as well scatter his remains!
Du Ge picked up the Justice Sword and swung it forcefully at the Sun God's head.
Clang!
A crisp sound rang out!
Sparks flew from the Sun God's head, and the Justice Sword was deflected.
What the hell!
Did the ancient god's body become indestructible after death?
Unconvinced, Du Ge slashed several more times, alternating between the Justice Sword and the God-Slaying Sword. As he expected, neither sword could leave a mark on the Sun God's head.
Not just the head.
Even the severed limbs and torso had become hard, indestructible objects.
Miller and the other archangels gathered around, silently watching Du Ge study the Sun God's body, feeling a mix of sadness and fear.
During the battle with the Sun God, they had thought Du Ge would fail. But after the Sun God confessed, the situation reversed in an instant, catching everyone off guard.
Sea God?
God of Judgment?
Every identity Du Ge claimed sounded plausible, but upon closer inspection, none seemed real.
But now, no one cared about Du Ge's true identity. Defeating the Sun God in a one-on-one battle was not something they could challenge. Whatever he said, they would accept.
The archangels didn't even dare to ask how to inherit the Sun God's power and become the new Sun God...
How did things turn out this way?
In this matter, they seemed to have gained nothing.
Especially Fira, whose face was disfigured by the Sun God's divine blood. Even soaking in holy water showed no signs of recovery, likely permanent. For an archangel with a long life, living with such a face was terrifying.
If they hadn't been swayed by Du Ge and had confronted the Sun God directly, maybe the outcome would have been different!
But even if given another chance, they probably wouldn't choose to awaken the Sun God...
Ultimately.
Their selfishness led to this result. The evil god's insight into human nature was too sharp, easily exploiting their weaknesses...
...
Suddenly.
A flame burst from the Sun God's head, startling all the archangels like a firecracker thrown into a chicken coop. They flapped their wings and flew into the sky.
In the blink of an eye.
Only Nobu and Eddie, the Alien Star warriors, remained by Du Ge's side, their faces pale as they sat on the ground.
But soon, everyone realized something was wrong.
The Sun God's head was still in Du Ge's hand, and the blue flame emerging from it didn't burn him. Instead, it gradually spread over his entire body.
Covered in flames, Du Ge showed no signs of pain. Instead, a knowing smile appeared on his face.
"Du Ge, are you okay?" Nobu asked cautiously, so nervous that he forgot to call him King Holly in front of others.
"I'm fine, really good," Du Ge smiled and blinked.
A beam of white light shot from his eyes, hitting a nearby tree and burning a hole through it. Smoke rose from the hole, and the tree caught fire.
"You can control the Sun God's power?" Nobu asked in shock.
"Sort of," Du Ge raised the Sun God's head in his hand and said, "But I need the Sun God's head as a medium."
Du Ge didn't tell the whole truth.
He had tried to use the Power of Poseidon to explore the Sun God's head, and suddenly, a large amount of the Sun God's power emerged from the previously lifeless head.
This power seemed to be activated, and Du Ge felt a strong will being driven by the power, invading his body through his palm.
It felt like when he could freely possess others' bodies, squeezing into someone else's body.
However.
Maybe the Sun God had been weakened too much, or maybe Du Ge's mental power was higher. The strong will was crushed and dissipated silently as soon as it entered his body.
At that moment, Du Ge finally understood why the Sun God said he would come back. The divine body was eternal, and possession and rebirth were his backup plans. Of course, his will might also gradually revive...
But no matter what, the Sun God was dead. When the Sun God's will dissipated, Du Ge immediately felt his soul change, similar to when he received the Sea God's inheritance in the Simulation Field.
The Sun God's power directly permeated his soul, even stronger than the Sea God's inheritance.
After all, the Sea God's inheritance was in the Simulation Field, shared with Janice. Here, in the real Alien Star Battlefield, he alone took the Sun God's inheritance.
After that, Du Ge felt he could control light and heat. The ability Nobu and others saw him display was actually his own doing, with the Sun God's head merely serving as a medium.
Of course.
Du Ge wasn't lying. The Sun God's body still contained divine power, like a battery, and the power hadn't disappeared with the Sun God's death.
However, the Power of Poseidon had already been exposed, and Du Ge didn't plan to reveal the Sun God's power.
The archangels descended from the sky, enviously looking at Du Ge, who was covered in flames, too afraid to speak. Clearly, Du Ge's actions gave them hope of obtaining the Sun God's inheritance from his body.
Du Ge set the Sun God's head aside, and the flames on his body disappeared.
Then he picked up the limbs and torso one by one, feeling the divine power within, but the torso lacked the Sun God's will.
Whenever Du Ge let go of the Sun God's body, the Sun God's power disappeared, giving the archangels the impression that Du Ge was indeed using the Sun God's body to wield the power.
"Fira, come here," Du Ge called to Fira, who looked like a charred chicken, smiling. "You made the greatest sacrifice in the battle against the Sun God, so you can choose a part of his body to feel the Sun God's power..."
Fira was stunned. "Really?"
"Of course," Du Ge smiled. "Without you, I wouldn't have won this battle so easily. I won't let a hero go unrewarded. You know, I already have the Power of Poseidon. Two divine powers would conflict, so I can't wield the Sun God's power. Since someone has to become the new Sun God, why not choose a warrior?"
"King Holly..." Tears welled up in Fira's eyes, his voice choked, "I..."
"Don't betray my trust," Du Ge nodded sincerely. "Fira, don't worry about your appearance. For a warrior, scars are badges of honor. You don't want to be like the Sun God, with great power but no matching will, do you?"
"God King, I won't," Du Ge's words reignited Fira's confidence. He knelt on one knee, solemnly saluting Du Ge. "God King, you are a worthy ruler. From this moment, Fira will be your most loyal warrior, your sword. Where your blade points, my heart will follow."
"Good," Du Ge helped him up, smiling. "Fira, I hope you always uphold your integrity."
"Yes, God King," Fira stood tall, his eyes shining, no longer feeling inferior. He looked at the Sun God's head.
"Fira, the head is not an option for now," Du Ge shook his head, seeing his gaze.
"..." Fira was stunned.
"Boderuna said before he died that he would come back. A person's soul and will reside in their head. I'm worried your willpower isn't strong enough to resist his invasion," Du Ge shook his head. "Once I'm sure there's no trace of Boderuna left in the head, I'll give it to you. Besides, we need the Sun God's head to use his power in our next battles against the other ancient gods."
"Thank you, God King," Fira's doubts vanished. He even felt ashamed of his selfish thoughts. "God King, I'll choose the Sun God's torso then!"
"Alright."
Du Ge nodded, waving his hand. A stream of water lifted the Sun God's torso and delivered it to Fira.
Fira reached out with trembling hands, holding the Sun God's torso, holding his hope.
The other archangels looked envious.
"Reliel, my most loyal guide, you can also choose a part. Without you, I wouldn't be here today," Du Ge said, looking at Reliel.
"God King, Reliel swears eternal loyalty to you," Reliel was overjoyed, quickly pledging his loyalty, then choosing the Sun God's right hand.
"Stow, you can also choose a part," Du Ge said, looking at the God of Craftsmen.
The dwarf was surprised. "Me?"
"Yes, your God-Slaying Sword played a crucial role in the battle," Du Ge smiled. "Besides, I think the Sun God's fire might enhance your forging insights."
Stow was stunned. He looked at Du Ge and slowly knelt. "God King, your wisdom shines upon the world. Stow will forge the most glorious throne for you."
Then he chose the Sun God's left hand.
The Forest God looked at Du Ge expectantly, eager to try.
"Wilda, your poison was also crucial, but the Sun God's power conflicts with yours. It's not suitable for you," Du Ge said, shaking his head. "When we defeat the Elemental God or the Sea God, you can choose from their remains."
"Thank you, God King," Wilda thought for a moment, realizing Du Ge was right, and nodded in agreement.
Du Ge, you slipped up!
The Sea God is already dead!
Nobu complained in his heart, but seeing the archangels pretending not to notice, he swallowed his words. Indeed, the strong can do as they please; no one cares about their mistakes!
Du Ge waved his hand, storing the Sun God's head and remaining legs in his storage ring.
The archangels who didn't get anything were in an uproar.
"God King, we..." Avery said urgently.
"Rewards for merit, punishment for faults, that's justice," Du Ge glanced at them. "What were you doing during my battle with the Sun God? You didn't even dare to step forward. How could I entrust the Sun God's body to you?"
Miller and the others blushed.
Miller said, "God King, we..."
"Yes, you still have a chance," Du Ge interrupted, waving his hand. "We still have four ancient gods to deal with. Those with strength, use it. Those with strategies, use them. Show me your efforts, and everyone will have a divine body.
If you can't become the Sun God, you can become the Moon God. If not the Moon God, then the Earth God. There's a place for everyone. Opportunities are fair for all..."
"Yes, God King."
The archangels' spirits were instantly lifted, once again swayed by Du Ge.
Of course.
It wasn't just manipulation; Du Ge genuinely shared the spoils!
...
Under Du Ge's direction, Fira and Reliel demonstrated the Sun God's remaining power before the archangels.
Sure enough.
As long as they held the Sun God's remains, they could wield his power without being harmed by his flames, just like Du Ge.
Even the God of Craftsmen Stow could ignite the Sun God's fire with his left hand...
This sight stimulated the archangels who hadn't received any spoils.
With the hope of becoming gods before them, the archangels quickly took action.
Reliel and his brother first sealed off Boderuna, preventing news of the Sun God's fall from spreading.
The Forest God returned to his domain to prepare more poison;
The God of Craftsmen Stow stayed in Boderuna, studying Du Ge's Justice Sword...
The other archangels set out to locate the other ancient gods' resting places.
Some angels even went to the mortal world to find exceptional Alien Star warriors.
The battle with the Sun God made Du Ge aware of the ancient gods' terror. He couldn't take risks every time. If possible, finding suitable skills was more reliable.
Without the Iron-Faced Impartial skill, he wouldn't have defeated the Sun God so easily.
...
Though the archangels were enthusiastic, Du Ge knew they would only play minor roles in battles.
In a real fight, they were useless.
Without suitable Alien Star warriors' skills, he would have to rely on himself to fight the ancient gods.
From his battle with the Sun God, Du Ge knew his attributes had almost maxed out his physical enhancement.
So, Du Ge soaked in the Holy Pool, contemplating awakening a second martial soul. Martial souls could significantly enhance combat power with immediate effect.
Previously, Du Ge hadn't awakened a second martial soul, fearing it might be useless and embarrassing.
But now, with the Sun God's power.
He felt confident in awakening a Sun God martial soul.
To find a suitable reason, he brought the Sun God's head into the Holy Pool with him...
Du Ge sat cross-legged at the bottom of the Holy Pool, suppressing the urge of the Sea God martial soul to emerge, and repeated the steps to awaken a martial soul.
Moments later.
A sun slowly rose above his head.
Beneath the sun, Holly's flaming martial soul appeared, similar in size to the Sea God martial soul but more imposing with its flames.
Martial souls subtly altered a warrior's physique.
So.
When the Sun God martial soul formed, Du Ge's physique further strengthened.
The effect was far greater than one plus one equals two, at least three times the enhancement of just the Sea God martial soul.
...
Nobu and Eddie each held a leg of the Sun God, trying various methods to activate the Sun God's power.
In Du Ge's plan, Eddie's transformation and Nobu's alliance would allow them to impersonate the Sun God.
In battles with other gods, they could suddenly appear to distract the ancient gods.
But without divine power, they tried everything and couldn't ignite the Sun God's fire. Mental power couldn't drive divine power...
This result made Du Ge sigh.
Indeed, not everything could go his way.
But Nobu and Eddie didn't give up. Seeing Du Ge grow stronger, they knew they had to keep up or risk losing resources.
Having finally found a powerful ally, they had to seize the opportunity!
When Du Ge's second martial soul emerged, they were stunned.
Nobu asked, "Du Ge, how did you do that?"
"I don't know," Du Ge said, emerging from the Holy Pool, looking at the martial soul above his head in confusion. "I was exploring the Sun God's head with my mental power, hoping to find something, and suddenly a new martial soul appeared..."
As he spoke.
He revealed the Sea God martial soul.
Sea God Paul and Sun God Holly stood side by side on the sea, like two true gods...
When Du Ge revealed both martial souls, his personal interface flashed. He reached out and clicked it, and a new skill appeared on the skill list:
Soul Split: You can freely split and combine your soul, and each soul retains your thoughts and consciousness.
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