Talk:White/@comment-26854521-20151227151304/@comment-26484417-20151227204026

This might actually be an explanation, though it's really just one of the many at this point.

Consider: On the one hand, there is the proper merging process. This requires individuals' consent, but converts their entire beings (body included) into a "spiritual form" in order to become one. When the components of this merger are separated, they regain their individuality while their bodies merely re-materialise (i.e., as it was prior to the merger). On the other hand, there is the option to eat the souls alone. This process seemingly leaves the empty husk of a body behind, and likely promises far lesser power boost, but it doesn't require consent of the target.

Seeing as Vincent / Vicente and whomever was inside Ja Wangnan weren't exactly cooperating anymore, Hoaqin might have recognised that the merger with him at the helm was no longer a possibility, so he opted for eating instead... =)