Warmaisach
i made this comment in the heat of the moment. After reading up to 958, i can clearly see the plan that's set in place for a huge payoff.
Shanka0:The Author has mentioned before that he had a vision for the novel before he really started it. I trust in the Author to keep writing quality chapters and have good reasoning. Things have been going to smooth for Shang for quite a while now. The whole story has had the theme of ups and downs and with the god of the world having the personality that he does, I doubt it would have been smooth for much longer without him interfering in one way or another.
I have 2 theories on how things might proceed. 1.) Shang follows the [Beast Warrior path] where he not only integrates beasts body-parts into his body but also their soul. Making him a host multiple souls. Or he might use abominations instead of beasts. 2.) Or once Shang loses his entire body he passes on his main consciousness to his Sword, which is quite literally himself(his reflection). And proceeds to become the strongest just as a sword.