Chapter 83

"We call the source of magical energy a core, and the magical combat bodies of ancient super beasts are called 'magical bodies.' According to the secret history of the royal family, the previous owners of these magical bodies were super strong beings who were 'one step away from becoming gods.' They could be giant beasts or strange giants. In ancient times, they once allied with the royal family and also once opposed them, and now they have all disappeared or perished. In the royal family's laws, there are strict regulations on the use of magical bodies by those below the noble level. Those who do not follow the laws are considered first-class criminals. Every top-ranked wanted criminal in each star alliance is one of these reckless killers."

"Transforming into a magical body can bring an intense urge to kill. Using it carelessly can lead to a loss of self-control, easily causing the slaughter of civilians. Therefore, the royal family's laws strictly prohibit indiscriminate killing," Gu Shiliu added.

"You have become noble allies and have the right to use magical bodies freely. However, I hope you use them sparingly and try to avoid slaughtering civilians. These things can be suppressed, but I do not like people who disregard life. Moreover, the poorer your control over the magical body, the more likely you are to lose yourself, and you may never be able to return to human form," Gu Shiliu said.

"We won't be controlled by tools," Du Nan said, and the unease of the Silver Leaf Group members dissipated instantly.

That's right.

A magical body is just a tool.

What's the difference between it and a medium-sized mecha that's ten meters tall? It's just another item in your possession.

"Very good. In the records of the nobility, the stronger the ability to stably control a magical body, the greater the power they can unleash. I hope that after you obtain a magical body, you can make significant progress. Here is all the information about magical bodies, including the planets where they might be hidden and descriptions of two types of magical bodies," Gu Luoding said, handing the information to Yin Ling. "In simple terms, the differences between magical bodies are minimal; it depends on the individual's magical energy level and the effects they can produce. According to the nobility, there are only two types: ordinary 'general bodies' and special 'king bodies.'"

"General bodies are the most common and easiest to absorb, and they can also unleash the greatest combat power. Special king bodies are relatively stronger but are harder to absorb and can even backfire on the user. Even if absorbed, it's difficult to unleash their full combat power, making them difficult to control and uncooperative," Gu Shiliu, as a 'successful fusion' senior, warned his allies not to be greedy.

"In my Gu family, there are fourteen 'king bodies' that have always been stored, and no one has been able to use them," Gu Luoding revealed a secret, highlighting the difficulty of using king bodies.

Because you don't have fragments of divine artifacts... Du Nan thought but didn't dare to say it out loud.

Without divine artifact fragments, it's no wonder these 'weak bodies' can't control magical bodies. With divine artifact fragments, I can even drive an elemental dragon from the ancient era. What's the difference between general bodies and king bodies? It's no big deal. With the willpower of the Silver Leaf Group members, subduing a general body shouldn't be too difficult, and a king body might be a bit more troublesome.

Hearing this, Du Nan was also puzzled: The Seven-Eyed Nobles don't know about divine artifact fragments?

Could it be that only the royal family knows?

"Magical bodies can be fused repeatedly, but I do not recommend this suicidal behavior," Gu Shiliu, as a senior, warned again.

"After countless tests by the nobility, having two magical bodies makes it easier to lose oneself, and one will be easily confused by the beast's killing instincts during combat. There is also a worse outcome: when transforming, both magical bodies might appear simultaneously, creating a monster that is neither wolf nor eagle. Once this happens, it is almost impossible to return to human form. Therefore, you should have multiple options and choose the one that suits you best. I do not recommend fusing two magical bodies," Gu Luoding said sternly.

Because you don't have divine artifact fragments... Du Nan thought again but still didn't dare to speak.

Without divine artifact fragments to strengthen your body, of course, you can't 'house' two magical bodies. You should be grateful if you don't get backfired and die, let alone talk about losing yourself.

"Magical bodies are extremely valuable in the black market. A general body can be exchanged for five seven-star cores or one special seven-star core. As allies, I don't need you to earn these resources. If you have no use for a magical body, you can hand it over to me. I will apply to the family for a resource exchange, giving you a 20% premium," Gu Luoding promised.

"What about a king body?" Li Wenfu asked deliberately.

"Not worth much, usually one ordinary seven-star core, or even a special six-star core," Gu Shiliu answered.

"If it can't be used, it has no value, right?" Li Wenfu pondered.

Gu Shiliu nodded, indicating that king bodies are too difficult to use and thus lose their value. After all, they are not decorative items but tools of war.

"Earlier, the family heir mentioned that inner mechas can be used alongside heavy mechas. Is that true?" Lu Sheng, now more relaxed as an ally, asked about another important matter. The term 'inner mecha' alone was enough to make anyone's heart race.

"Of course, mechas are just auxiliary equipment."

Gu Luoding made a 'please' gesture to Gu Shiliu, asking him to explain.

Gu Shiliu activated his magical energy.

Energy veins flowed through his body, and he said, "Inner mechas are like tight-fitting swimsuits, as thick as a layer of skin. There are slight reinforcements on the wrists, shoulders, waist, and shins. Overall, they are thinner than a winter coat. Wearing another simple mecha on top is impossible, but pairing with a heavy human-shaped mecha is not a problem. They were designed for dual mecha use."

Buzz!

Gu Shiliu fired a light energy cannon from his palm, creating a hole in the wall.

After the demonstration, he continued, "In terms of defense, inner mechas are slightly inferior to heavy mechas. In terms of attack, they only have a few light energy cannons on the chest, shoulders, and palms, which are far less powerful than heavy mechas. However, in terms of speed, inner mechas are at least three times faster than heavy mechas. When combined with martial arts, inner mechas are twice as effective as heavy mechas."

"The most important thing is that they are easy to wear," Li Wenfu smiled.

This full-body 'swimsuit' can be worn normally without any inconvenience.

"Exactly, that's the key. Another design intention of inner mechas is for convenience. Nobles often wear them when traveling, and they are even used in cities. Inner mechas are made of soft materials, and the headpiece can be folded and worn on the back like a cap, only to be put on during combat," Gu Shiliu explained in detail.

"Speaking of mechas, I almost forgot something."

Gu Luoding took out a video recording and played a segment showing the manufacturing of a mecha. Inside, a giant beast was clearly visible.

A slightly smaller wolf-shaped giant beast.

"This is a mecha specifically designed for a magical body, made for me three years ago. Now that my level has improved, my magical body has grown larger, making it unsuitable. If you find a magical body, we can also prepare a custom mecha for you. If you are about to advance, there's no need to rush. After your magical energy advances, your magical body will definitely grow larger, requiring a second custom mecha."

"Does this mean that a magical body can fully utilize magical combat techniques?" Lu Sheng asked, an academic question.

"Yes, it can. It is perfectly compatible with mechas," Gu Luoding replied.

Hearing this, everyone turned to look at Du Nan.

This guy has a pure blue technique, the terrifying 'Pure Blue Burst.' If combined with a magical body, he could easily wipe out a large group of enemies with a single wave. Unless facing a general-level strongman, any number of soldiers would just be cannon fodder.

"Now you understand why I value General Qin Zhong so much. People with ultra-rare techniques are not to be trifled with. If Miss Li Yinzhu's earthquake technique can be perfected, it would be a technique capable of wiping out a small army in one strike. Magical energy warriors grow quickly, and with your talents, trying to obtain a rare technique is a positive self-challenge."

Gu Luoding finished explaining everything.

He needed allies.

He needed to win the succession of the family head.

He needed a group of powerful allies to win the succession... To achieve this goal, he put aside his noble demeanor; to achieve this goal, he came to the 'lower' areas of the citizen layer, far from the noble circles. After more than a hundred years of effort, spending a fifth of his life, he had waited so long and finally saw a bright light at the end of the tunnel.

"I wish you all a smooth journey. The time to compete for the family head is limited. Within ten years, I hope you can lend me a hand. After ten years, the opportunity will be gone, and it will be useless," Gu Luoding said, bidding everyone farewell after explaining and deploying everything.

In his plan, the Silver Leaf Group was an unexpected ally. They were very important but could not influence the ten-year plan for the family head succession.

"Wait and see, we won't disappoint you, and we won't waste our time," Li Wenfu promised.

Leaving the Iron Wall Fortress command reception room.

Outside, a group of magical energy warriors were receiving mission deployments. Seeing the Silver Leaf Group, everyone showed a mix of respect and fear. Many wanted to join the group but hesitated after seeing the real members. Face-to-face, feeling the 'strong' aura, they felt small, like children looking up at a giant.

They lacked the courage and qualifications to join this group.

Li Wenfu didn't understand everyone's thoughts and asked softly, "Brother Du, there was someone else in the room, right?"

Du Nan nodded.

Yin Ling said, "It was probably the old man, a fire-type."

Li Yinzhu added, "He stood in the corner the whole time, not moving a step."

Lu Sheng also said, "I couldn't tell if he was old, but I suspect he was a strategist. Gu Shiliu is too straightforward to be the one making all these plans. And Family Heir Gu Luoding, while his magical energy is strong and his martial arts are good, he's not very cunning. His arbitrary suppression of the Red Dragon and Blue Sea shows he's not a cold, calculating strategist."

"Who cares, we are allies now, right?" Li Wenfu was satisfied with Gu Luoding, at least he wasn't as cold as the aristocrats.

"I only care about my own strength," Du Nan said.

Everyone fell silent.

Whether to cooperate or be allies, it all depends on one's own strength. If they remain at their current level for ten years, Gu Luoding won't need the Silver Leaf Group. Both sides of the alliance are only aiming for one goal: to enhance combat power.

In the command room.

An old man slowly revealed himself, smiling. Gu Luoding bowed and called, "Teacher."

The old man returned the bow and said, "After so many years, you are still so polite."

"It's only right. You are my lifelong guide," Gu Luoding, without any noble airs, looked like a student and asked, "Following your advice, I have allied with the Silver Leaf Group. However, I am a bit puzzled. Is it really worth it for us to invest so much? In the future, I will have to provide a lot of resources for their explorations. If given to others, there would be more guarantees."

"Honest, good. Doubting my plans is also a sign of progress. You have improved," the old man smiled.

After sitting down.

Gu Luoding and Gu Shiliu slowly took their seats.

The old man took out a fine needle made of ice and placed it in front of them, saying, "The Silver Leaf Group is not yet strong, but they are solid. They noticed my presence. If my guess is correct, all six of them detected me. This ice needle is a gift from the young Du Nan. You didn't notice when he made his move, did you?"

Hearing this, both were extremely shocked.

Sitting face-to-face, Du Nan not only noticed the hidden 'third person' but also made a move? More shockingly, they didn't feel a thing. If he had targeted them, they wouldn't even know how they died.

"Surprised? Everything is 70% calculation and 30% luck. Luoding, if the Silver Leaf Group returns with a bountiful harvest, your path to becoming the family head will be at least halfway clear."