Paragon of Sin

"A Seven-Ringed Soul Idol! Such a rare talent and potential, where did she come from?!" An avid and attentive viewer of the Grand Spirit Trials exclaimed. These words that were drenched with surprise and excitement echoed continuously throughout the thousands of continents and dozens of planets allowed to view this grand event.

These seniors with knowledge of cultivation and its wonders were incredibly invested in the showing of the younger generation, either for a form of entertainment or curiosity. So when they witnessed the battle between Da Shan and Han Yunxi, many were at the edge of their seats.

Da Shan pressed to advantage with overwhelming momentum. She displayed forceful strength and explosive speed, yet Han Yunxi calmly defended with a seemingly impregnable ward. They howled in excitement as each dash, fist, and twirl occurred. This was especially so as the projections were slowed down considerably for their viewing pleasure.

But when Da Shan was trapped, isolated from the world by a sea of needles that seemed to wish to penetrate her in the most thorough fashion, she unleashed an unfathomable and unexpected power—A Seven-Ringed Soul Idol.

This sent their minds into a whirl and those old foxes nearly foamed at the mouths at this reveal. Some even revealed fanatical displays of excitement.

A SEVEN-RINGED SOUL IDOL!

To emphasize its importance and justify such an exaggerated reaction, it was rumored to the less knowledgeable, but confirmed by those who were well-informed, that to have an iota of a chance to reach the Realm World Phase, one must, I emphasize on the 'must', possess a Seven-Ringed Soul Idol. 

Furthermore, they required a Seven-Ripple Spatial Resonance. These two puzzle pieces were absolutely necessary to challenge the Seventh Astral Tribulation and survive. Without it, death was an absolute certainty.

But to return to the most crucial point, the reason why these experts of all walks of life revealed such fanatical interest wasn't simply because of a single Seven-Ringed Soul Idol. No, it was when the possessor of this Soul Idol was hugged tightly and lovingly by Wei Wuyin! The Prince of Everlore himself!

While their relationship wasn't entirely clear, what was…

What was made so abundantly clear…

Was that she had reached the Seven-Ringed Soul Idol.

When Zuhei had revealed his Nine-Ringed Soul Idol, not everyone was watching, and the reveal of which was incredibly brief, hard to accurately determine, and the shock and impossibility of it all forced down their reactions. Most hadn't even mentioned it, finding it repressed by their very own minds. It was a strange oddity. 

Nevertheless, it was simply too impossible in their minds. In the entire starfield, the greatest Soul Idol was at the Seven-Ringed state. This achievement belonged solely to Purists who forego all else but their foundation. Even Tuo Bihan, a Purist and Alchemic Emperor, had only reached the Six-Ring Soul Idol.

But Da Shan, who was she?

She was a demonic cultivator. She was a normal disciple. She was ordinary before, unnoticed by everyone, but now she revealed an achievement that even some extreme Purists are unable to accomplish. So...how?

And that is where the excitement, the foam-at-the-mouth excitement originated from! This meant one thing and one thing only…

Wei Wuyin, this Alchemic King who concocted an Eighth-Grade Pill, already had the absolute ability to nurture a cultivator's foundation to rival Purists in a short period! This was a sign! A sign of a new era!!

The mere revealment of this would soon cascade into even more prestige and the hope of cultivators everywhere! If the King of Everlore can turn three untalented cultivators who were his slaves into Star Lords that had the power of a star within them, then even they had hope of touching untold limits! Limits that they had never believed were possible to overcome! 

This era might truly be one that rivals or exceeds the King of Everlore's era! Why? Because they didn't just have one Prince of Everlore, but a legitimate successor to the King of Everlore legacy in the Princess of Everlore in the Alchemist Association!

Glorious! 

A glorious new era!!

-----

While the world viewing went into an uproar over this reveal, Wei Wuyin simply quietly held Da Shan. He understood every single emotion she felt, perhaps even more and deeper than she did. Like her, he suffered the loss of his family. His mother and father had vanished into the unknown, while his older brother had raised him diligently and with love.

This figure that was undeniably the most important figure in his heart had sacrificed his life for him, for his actions, and shielded him. He ran away as his brother was killed, and all he could do was run. To continue running until his feet brought him to the Scarlet Solaris Sect. His first step to revenge was then and there.

He had committed atrocities unspeakable to fully avenge his brother, and claimed the lives of everyone responsible with his own hands. In those days, there wasn't a moment where his hands weren't drenched in blood. 

Unfortunately, his brother didn't come back. His teachings, his embrace, his smile, and the sound of his voice…

They would never come back.

He, too, was lost and felt an indescribable coldness of nothingness within his heart. What else was there after revenge had overtaken everything you are? And so, he found a motivation to live: to enjoy this life that his brother had given everything for. He wanted strength to claim everything he wanted in the world. Whether it is fame, women, wealth, or adventure...

Even today, facing the Calamities of Hell, he sought to strive to do his brother's sacrifice justify by fighting for his survival. Be it Hell or Heaven, he was unwilling to accept his fate or allow anyone to claim his life! This wasn't a life they had the right to claim!

As these thoughts surfaced within his mind, he hugged Da Shan closer. Her hot tears poured onto his chest. He could feel the quivering of her lips, but she stifled her sobbing. Caressing her head softly, he felt her noticeably calm down, much to his relief.

This scene lasted for a while, and while the others hadn't known her story nor felt her emotions, their silence was much appreciated. When Da Shan finally regained some strength, she wiped her reddened eyes, and walked off, standing tall and strong once more. She went towards an isolated area and sat there.

Wei Wuyun let her go. He swept his gaze across everyone and calmly said, "I apologize for the delay. In return for your respect, for any that wishes, I'll provide a single seventh-grade product of your choice after the trial. As long as I can concoct it."

The onlookers were immediately shocked by his words. A seventh-grade product...just like that? Just because they remained silent? Many hadn't spoken for fear of offending Wei Wuyin or simply because they had nothing to say, and now they benefited? 

The eyes of many shone with excitement. 

Wei Wuyin nodded. He turned towards Zuhei, "You can go." 

Zuhei's closed eyes opened slowly. A formless and immeasurable presence was conjured simply by this action. Those scarlet eyes embodied the essence of slaughter and battle will, so when they opened, this essence coalesced into an atmospheric tension that everyone felt within the depths of their hearts.

"Finally." 

Crack. Crack.

Zuhei cracked his neck to the side, lifting his body in a leisurely and lazy fashion. With his bare feet, he slowly walked towards the platform with a gait that defined what it meant to be relaxed.

Su Mei watched as Zuhei moved with a little bit of a pout. Since she had made a recent breakthrough in her cultivation, she became slightly competitive. She didn't feel she was inferior to Zuhei, but Zuhei was Lord Wei's claws and fangs. She didn't dare to interfere with Wei Wuyin's plans.

From the beginning, Zuhei was assigned to become the winner of this competition. Wei Wuyin and her participation was mostly due to an impulse after the bet with the Alchemist Association, including a back-up plan in the event of a variable emerging. 

If Wei Wuyin hadn't held Zuhei back during the beginning of the Trial of Combat, perhaps this entire trial would've ended already. After all, only Da Shan was the reason for him being put on the sidelines. 

When Zuhei stepped onto the platform, his information was cleanly displayed. 

Zuhei.

Myriad Monarch Participant.

Soul Idol Cultivation.

Spirit Points: 3,750.

-

# of Continuous Victories: 0.

His points caused an uproar amongst the crowd! So much! And as a Soul Idol Cultivator?! This…

An abject sensation of fear emerged in the hearts of most, as they involuntarily gulped a wad of saliva at the implication. To earn so many points, one had to subjugate an incredible number of beasts or overcome numerous high-level trials in the Trial of Light. 

"Finally!" Another voice loudly sounded as a figure waltzed onto the stage. When that figure arrived on the stage, their information was similarly revealed like all the others.

Lin Ming.

Elemental Heaven Participant.

Soul Idol Cultivation.

Spirit Points: 3,625.

-

# of Continuous Victories: 0.