Paragon of Sin

  "Is Wei Wuyin our Chosen?"

A single question. Five words. Just five words were spoken yet the expressions of every individual on the skyship, be it Lin Xianxian, the elders, or the disciples with some status, changed, and it initiated the start of a series of outrageous discoveries, of embarrassing truths, and uncertain fates that even the Heavenly Daos couldn't correct. 

The crowd on the skyship were at first a little confused by such a question being asked. How could a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist be their Chosen? Then, as if a raging flood of realization simultaneously washed over them, one by one, their expressions experienced drastic changes. 

The other two figures standing beside Han Yuhei had calm looks, but the glint in their eyes betrayed their seething emotions. The one to Han Yuhei's right was a young, mature-looking, dark-haired beauty with a hair-raise bun. Her make-up was exquisitely applied. It was clearly the result of her meticulous, careful and particular nature. With straight bangs, those clear brown eyes beneath were quite imposing. 

She wore a white-colored robe with navy blue trim and a thick sash that hugged her slim figure. She wasn't big-breasted or overly curvaceous, but she certainly wasn't lacking in those areas, or any for that matter. With long eyelashes and dark eyeliner, it accentuated her already phoenix eyes, heightening her imperialistic vibes. 

At the back of her robes were the characters for 'Grand Elder' to highlight her position. Shockingly, despite her aura being relatively lacking in comparison to Han Yuhei, she had a certain gravitas that resembled his. Those who were familiar with such aura would discover that she, too, was an Earthly Saint. 

The other to Han Yuhei's left was an average-looking middle-aged man with a heavily greyed beard, lackadaisical posture, and a black baldric at his waist that seemed to hold a dagger that was no longer than 8-inches. Despite his posture, his eyes were ferociously fierce. He gave off a terrifyingly imposing aura without the slightest bit of words or intent.

He was dressed in white sword robes, but his trim was blood crimson and not navy blue. The aura that he exuded contained that exceptional feeling, indicating his existence as an Earthly Saint.

Three Earthly Saints! 

The mature-looking woman was named Zhang Ziyi, Matriarch of the Zhang Clan within the True Element Sect, and leader of the Shattering Element Faction. Her clan had jointly created the Elemental Jade Sect, yet they suffered under the Lin Clan's concessions and oaths by association. This led to thousands of years of bitterness and regret.

The middle-aged man was named Gong Lau, the representative of the True Origin Faction for the special existences beyond Origin. Those who were often referred to as parasites by the Lin Clan and Shattering Element Factions.

All three were astonishing figures that decided various matters throughout the sect, and they stood before the Lin Clan, the supposed leaders of the True Element Sect, without the slightest trace of respect within their bearings. The Sect Leader, Lin Xianxian, who had acted imperiously before, could only bite her tongue and become meek and quiet. A deep, dissatisfied light surged within her eyes that stemmed from her weakness.

The Lin Clan lacked an Earthly Saint. In fact, they even lacked a Demi-Mortal Lord Phase cultivator, those at the Third Stage of the Mystic Ascendant Realm. She was amongst the highest leveled cultivators amongst the Lin Clan, and she was at the Second Stage of the Mystic Ascendant Realm, the Soul of Mysticism Phase. 

Yet if it wasn't for Han Yuhei's relationship with the Bai Clan, and their intimate relationship with the Bai Clan, perhaps they would be only Qi Condensation Realm cultivators bred to maintain their bloodline.

Unable to resist any one of them, she could only reluctantly accept their disrespectful intrusion with a respectful bow of greeting. However, she had now recalled that there was indeed news of a Second Chosen, supposedly one who comprehended Element Heart Intent, that had passed the Elementus Chosen Trial.

Zhang Ziyi's eyes looked at the frustrated and suppressed Lin Xianxian and formed a faint smile, "Are you deaf? The prestigious Guardian of the Elements, Han Yuhei, has asked you a question." Her words were calmly spoken, but it felt scathing and fierce. Before Lin Xianxian's subordinates and fellow clan members, she directly highlighted her puppet-like status and lack of authority.

When they ask a question, she must answer it. There was no alternative, and it should be done at the fastest possible speed.

Lin Xianxian clenched her fist, but she didn't dare glare at Zhang Ziyi or the others. She pushed out a stifled answer, "I do not know, Guardian Han." 

Zhang Ziyi swiftly fired off, "We know you're ignorant and useless, there's no need to remind us. He was asking our Saintess, the Overseer of the Elementus Chosen Trial, not you." It was clear she was deliberately making it difficult for Lin Xianxian.

"..." The stifled atmosphere grew tense as Lin Xianxian felt her breath become stuck in her throat, her cheeks reddened, and her golden-colored eyes simmering with barely contained explosive rage. Humiliating! How humiliating! However, she kept her head down despite it all. The dynamic wasn't just due to their difference in authority, but talent, and strength. 

Han Yuhei didn't even bother caring about this petty exchange of women, asking the ashen-faced Lin Xianxei, "Is Wei Wuyin our Chosen? The one who comprehended Element Heart Intent? The Second Chosen of the Elementus Chosen Trial?" 

Everyone's ears perked. Some found the name Wei Wuyin familiar, like Lin Xianxian, but they didn't link a Grand Alchemic Sovereign with a youthful Chosen. Even though Ma Sujiang had mentioned that the person in question were born from the Everlore Starfield, being under fifty at the time they became a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist, they didn't connect that with the talented junior who was rumored to have comprehended Element Heart Intent.

It was a strange, almost surreal disconnect. Even at the moment, they couldn't understand why they had refused to make that connection. But it only took a moment for them to realize why! Element Heart Intent was outrageously difficult to comprehend, yet the Alchemic Dao was even more terrifyingly difficult to touch at high levels. The sheer amount of time they assumed was needed went beyond the status of a junior. Instead, it seemed to need thousands of years as an established Ascended.

If these two figures were the same, then wouldn't their talent be a little too unreal? No, not unreal, but utterly impossible! 

Lin Xianxei felt her heart pulse erratically. This was one of her greatest concerns and her most terrifying nightmare: Wei Wuyin's status being focused upon. However, it was much worse than she could ever imagine. Wei Wuyin wasn't just a talented junior, if the Golden Life Pavilion was to be trusted, he was a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist! And not just a normal one!

There was a rumor spread about a Second Chosen by those Ascended, including the details of the Elementus Cache, but it wasn't too focused on before. She had decided to downplay its significance in her report, leaving it a little open for interpretation. It was why very few instantly recalled Wei Wuyin's name when it was mentioned. It was a measly rumor at most, she wanted it that way, and no one really cared about verifying it.

Not as if they could. The Everlore Starfield was completely devastated, the Devil War Realm was destroyed alongside the Primary Overseer, at least in most of their assumptions. Only a few were aware of Wang Yutian's multi-connected state, linked to several secret realms and locations of inheritances. 

The only one that should be more aware of the details was Han Yuhei, as he participated in its eventual creation and establishment alongside his cousin, the Divine King Han Xei. However, he was an Earthly Saint. This matter was beneath him to personally investigate or pay any attention to. After all, it's not like there's a lack of prospective Chosen to select from, to develop fully.

She couldn't speak; she had no idea how to respond without knowing of the consequences that'll follow—for her and Lin Ming. 

She was aware that the two must be the same, or someone was playing a disgusting and tasteless joke on her. After all, the title of Ascendant Emperor of Neo-Dawn was outrageously popular while she resided in the Everlore Starfield in its last years. They referred to only a single person who achieved outstanding feat after feat.

She couldn't help but recall the Grand Seer's words in her light-headed state. Unfortunately, her current state was unable to alleviate any issues.

In the end, Lin Ming had decided to step forward in front of Lin Xianxei protectively, once more shielding her with his presence. While facing three Earthly Saints was heart-palpitating, he had to retain his cool at all costs. He answered coolly, "The two could be the same, but we're not sure."

Gong Lau's left brow lifted, "And you are?" 

Seeing this grey-eyed youth step forward and speak when he wasn't spoken to was quite amusing to Gong Lau. This young man needed to be taught a lesson in regards to status. Then, he'll learn to mind his status and only speak when spoken to. In his next life, of course. 

"You're the Archaic Chosen?" Zhang Ziyi intervened at this moment, clearly knowledgeable in Gong Lau's tactics. No matter how Lin Ming answered, Gong Lau would likely cripple him after he spoke, then give him a sternly delivered idiom like a teacher before ending his life as an example to others. However, she couldn't allow that to happen.

Gong Lau's left brow lifted higher, "Archaic Chosen?" He gave Lin Ming a once-over, his eyes didn't emit any spiritual light but one could tell an ocular spell of an outrageous level was being performed. 

"You took the Neo-Dawn Eclipse Pill?" Gong Lau was shocked at his discovery, both eyebrows lifted. This prompted Zhang Ziyi to give Lin Ming another look. She, too, was astonished at her discovery. 

Han Yuhei didn't react to this. He had already learned all he needed from Bai Yuxi in regards to why and how she suffered damage to her soul, including their deceptive plans to make Lin Ming a Chosen via the Archaic Elementus Chosen Trial. Clearly, this was a desperate ploy to break the Lin Clan free from their predicament. However, this child wasn't much in his opinion.

If it wasn't for his granddaughter's sacrifice and her willingness to do so, he would've already killed this brat. If it wasn't for his granddaughter's plea, he wouldn't have given Lin Ming a chance to fight for his right as a Chosen, especially against the unanimous disagreements that occurred.

"..." Lin Ming didn't know how to respond to that question. He looked at Han Yuhei. If he told the truth, the secret of his power would be told before everyone. This was incredibly detrimental to him and his reputation. After all, the Tang Clan, Bai Yuxi, and a young woman's entire life was affected by this. Even if that was disregarded, this trump card of his would be openly revealed to everyone.

Han Yuhei was uncaring of those consequences, but he wouldn't highlight his own granddaughter's stupidity or create rumors regarding their potential relationship unless necessary. That'll just lead to further issues down the line. But he didn't intervene, allowing Lin Ming to handle the questioning himself.

Fortunately for Lin Ming, Lin Xianxei finally regained her calm after seeing Lin Ming bravely face the incoming storm for her. She took several breaths before walking ahead of Lin Ming, bowing respectfully. "Saintess greets Lord Guardian, Grand Elder Zhang, and Elder Gong." 

She used this greeting time to realign her mentality, with a firm expression, she answered: "The one that is named Wei Wuyin is likely the same youth that had passed the Elementus Chosen Trial by fulfilling one of the special conditions, comprehending Element Heart Intent."

Gong Lau's expression changed slightly, "How old is he?" 

Lin Xianxei didn't hesitate to continue, "While I'm unaware of his exact age, I do know he isn't fifty yet, but is in his late-forties. He also has a stellar reputation in the Everlore Starfield towards the Alchemic Dao, defeating an Alchemic Astral Soul alchemist in an All-Alchemic Clash. However, I was unaware that he was a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist."

"..." There was a long, tense silence. They were all staring at Lin Xianxei with varied expressions.

Zhang Ziyi broke this silence, her voice somewhat urgent, "Why is he not with you? As the assigned Overseer of the trial, given permission by the council to do so, you are tasked with bringing any Chosen that have overcome the trial here." 

Wei Wuyin was a heaven-sent talent. Just from the pill that broke conventions, likely about to realign the entire Grand Cyclic Stellar Region's cultivation standard, he was already paving the way to become the second King of Everlore. If he was brought to the sect, wouldn't he have joined them?! 

Lin Xianxei's eyes glinted with mysterious light, but she calmly explained: "I was injured and was unable to act as an Overseer after being assaulted by unknown assassins en route to the Everlore Starfield." She paused for a moment and stared at Zhang Ziyi. Her Shattered Element Faction had launched an attack on her, leaving her nearly crippled and without support.

If it wasn't for the Aegis of the Elements and Lin Ming who later helped her recover her strength, she would've been dead or worse. 

Yet Zhang Ziyi was unbothered by her deliberate staredown. There was not a single hint of awkwardness or guilt within her expression of eyes. It was as if she was entirely unaware of Lin Xianxei's assault.

Lin Xianxei continued after seeing Zhang Ziyi's shamelessness, "Bai Yuxi had taken my position as Overseer. I could only wait until the Elementus Chosen Trial was completed. However, I had not seen Wei Wuyin, only Lin Ming at the time. Shortly after arriving back, I went to the Golden Gate Pavilion to seek details on his current whereabouts. They informed me that he was not in the Aeternal Sky Starfield. However, this information is several months old, so I'm unsure now."

Her words were concise and clear for all to hear. While she deliberately forgot to mention that Lin Ming and Bai Yuxi had kept her ignorant of Wei Wuyin's status until after they left the Everlore Starfield, the rest was truthful without any holes. To others, it was clear she tried yet even the Golden Gate Pavilion was little help.

Han Yuhei frowned beneath his hood. He didn't ask Bai Yuxi about the exact details of the Elementus Chosen Trial. He didn't see the need to care about such insignificant details. As for the Element Heart Intent, word of a Second Chosen, he didn't believe that news after finding Bai Yuxi with only Lin Ming present.

It felt like a rumor meant to further worsen the True Element Sect's position in the Aeternal Sky Starfield, not legitimate facts. He just never felt the need to verify this information.

"We need to know everything that happened in the Elementus Chosen Trial. Everything." Zhang Ziyi emphasized, looking at Gong Lau who nodded in return. They both looked to Han Yuhei. The only one who could truly answer any and all questions without any glaring holes would be Bai Yuxi.

Han Yuhei stayed silent.

With a wave of his hand, a veiled young woman shimmered into existence as if transported through space. She yelped slightly after discovering the abrupt shift in scenery. Her soul aura was quite stable, almost completely healed. It was clear that Han Yuhei had done everything he could to restore his granddaughter's soul state.

"Yuxi'er, tell us all that happened in the Elementus Trial, from beginning to end. The full report, including details about the one named Wei Wuyin." Han Yuhei said, his voice calm and warm. This caused a few to feel shocked at the difference in manners. Even his voice was controlled, gentle and normal. 

Bai Yuxi looked at Lin Xianxei, Lin Ming, and the others. So it was time? While she knew it was bound to happen, she didn't think it'd be this fast. With a soft sigh, she nodded. 

She proceeded to tell them everything.