Paragon of Sin

"It's time." Lin Xianxei's verbal cadence was slow, solemn, and heavy, emphasizing her state of mind. This single day would define the future of their Lin Clan, and certainly the future of Lin Ming himself. While the True Element Sect was struggling, it was not a force to be underestimated, and there were many things Lin Ming could obtain from its support.

Furthermore, for him, other alternatives were unfavorable. If he failed to prove himself today, grasp the title of Chosen with his own two hands, his life and potential might forever be limited. He wouldn't pass the basic requirement to become his disciple. However, she believed in Lin Ming. She had to. This left her heart in turmoil, unable to do much besides stand by him.

Her heart was further stirred by the Golden Gate Pavilion's Grand Seer's words. She was well-aware of Lin Ming's developing feelings and intentions towards her, and even she had felt uncertain feelings towards him in her heart, but those words were like an echo.

"You should not want to find this man. He is everything you seek, foolish girl. All your dreams turned into reality, aspirations fulfilled, and even your future will be abundantly rich in happiness as long as you're with him; there is nothing you can't achieve. But...

"But the man before you will suffer from his astonishing brilliance. And if you side with the False Chosen, your dreams will be like ash in your mouth, your aspirations will shatter in the most destructive way, and your future will be led down a bleak and uncertain path."

Lin Xianxei's hands clenched into a tightly-formed fist and her eyes flickered. While she was aware that the Grand Seer had ill-intentions when she spoke, there was a stabbing feeling in her heart that provoked the unquenchable question of: What if...

She wasn't ignorant of Wei Wuyin's existence either. During the course of her stay in the Everlore Starfield, she had followed his feats and further delved into his personal history.

When she was on the Myriad Yore Continent, just before they left the continent, she felt a pair of eyes observing her. She had been injured at the time, still recovering, so her concealment spell wasn't completely established. She felt her true self was seen, and she recalled those radiant silver eyes and otherworldly visage. A man that was finer than most, with a disposition that was impeccably irreproachable.

She had observed all the events surrounding him during the gathering of the Myriad Yore Continent's talents, from his conflict with that Long Chen character, his interactions with the several women by that person's side, and how dashingly heroic he was when facing foes and handling his matters.

When facing Wu Jiao, a cultivator within the Astral Core Realm, he was fearless and even acted directly, claiming the arm of an expert beyond his realm and sending him fearfully away. At the time, she didn't consider it much of a feat. After all, Wu Jiao could be considered an incredibly weak Astral Core Realm cultivator.

But it didn't stop there; his ascension was unstoppable as he proved himself an outstanding alchemist, leader, and navigator of political affairs. He had, in just a few years, become renowned as having incredible influence over his sect, commanding the utmost level of respect, and admired by even the developing youths, utterly idolized. While he didn't display outstanding combat prowess during this time, he displayed exceptional cultivation talent, comprehending Elemental Origin Intent, progressing deeply as an Alchemist, and breaking into the Soul Idol Phase before fifty.

He was then heralded as an era-defining character. While she never believed his future would eclipse Lin Ming's, believing that Wei Wuyin was lacking in comparison, those words from the Grand Seer called into question her resolve on this belief. The entire Starfield was renamed in his honor, and he had only been active in the starfield for less than a decade.

This accomplishment was absolutely astonishing, unable to be refuted away with any argument. Furthermore, he wasn't an independent character, having numerous capable followers and subordinates. There were numerous members of the Ascendants that she had observed quietly while awaiting for Lin Ming's results from the trial. Every last one of them was outstanding, especially the women in the faction. They were talented, innately gifted, and breathtakingly beautiful. They were making leaps and bounds in their cultivation efforts in merely a few years.

It was unbelievable for such a barren starfield.

If it wasn't for the Tiangou's arrival, the starfield surely would've been taken over by the Myriad Monarch Sect and the Ascendants.

To terrifyingly add, she learned that not only did Wei Wuyin qualify as a Chosen by special exemption, comprehending the legendary and terrifying Element Heart Intent, but he had snatched the Elementus Cache from Lin Ming, proving his superiority over him, not once, but twice. While Lin Ming and Bai Yuxi's accounts that Wei Wuyin used self-harming methods to claim victory, she was skeptical.

What caused her much turmoil was a single question: Was the Grand Seer right?

Was she?

She slightly bit her lower lip tensely.

Creak!

The door that housed her hope slowly opened. A gushing surge of worldly air expelled from it, sending her hair fluttering about. Her eyes widened as she turned to see the strapping young man with grey eyes, dashingly handsome looks, and an unfathomable glint within his eyes.

Lin Ming exited his room, his breathing steady, his back upright and stable as if it could carry the sky, weather any storm, and his aura was firm and steady. Lin Xianxei felt her heart had unnaturally sped up a little, feeling slightly overwhelmed.

Lin Ming looked at her, a confident smile plastered on his face. "Senior Sister Lin, let's go."

Lin Xianxei's eyes brightened. Lin Ming's current state was evidence of his control with his Domain Seed and Worldly Domain. That air of worldly air was the same feeling a cultivator would have facing a Realmlord. It suffused into space, affected the spirit, and infected the mind.

Her confidence was renewed, and her emotions and thoughts towards the Grand Seer and Wei Wuyin were pushed to the depths of her heart, buried and locked away. Her heart was defiant, and she would never allow a Grand Seer to dictate her fate. Even if she met Wei Wuyin, even if he was outstanding beyond comprehension, this man before her was who she believed in, who she was betting everything on.

Whatever struggles they faced, she made her choice; she would live with her choice. He had forged his Domain Seed before the Seventh Stage of the Astral Core Realm, the Realm World Phase, and could be considered invincible and an unprecedented marvel amongst his cultivation. When this fact was revealed to the world, those sly and despicable fogies would have to accept his potential.

She, however, hastily reminded Lin Ming: "This is your moment. Don't grow careless."

Lin Ming slightly started for a moment, the confidence in his eyes reined in, and he grew a little more serious. "I understand; I won't be careless." Lin Ming assured her heavily. He knew how important this event was, it was a time to prove himself before a greater world.

With a satisfied nod, Lin Xianxei walked through the hall, heading towards the exit. Lin Ming deeply inhaled and slowly exhaled, dispersing all the tension and ill-thoughts within his mind.

Memories of his past floated to the forefront of his thoughts. When he was young, he was poor, unruly, and self-destructive. He fought with all sorts of people, from gangs to the local authority. There was always a gnawing sense of absence in his heart, a lack of a purpose or goal. Cultivation was difficult, and it was the only thing that brought him solace, yet his background was non-existent, so his path was seemingly destined to be uneventful and short.

Therefore, he was unable to get the treatment, methods, arts, and spells of those more fortunate. He hated them, despised their luck and fortune. This all changed on a single day. A young girl that he befriended, a gentle soul with a kind heart, was abused by a local young master. He used his authority, family, and strength to take advantage of her.

When he learned of this, he, who was already a violent individual, went ballistic. Without care for his own well-being, he challenged that young master, goading him into accepting a fight. He had ferociously fought, trying to give a life for a life, but he could only use his teeth to rip off the other party's left ear.

With a mouth of blood and reddened eyes of madness, those who followed the young master were stunned, frozen by such a display of animalistic behavior. Using this opportunity, he stomped on the blood-curdling screaming young master's neck with all his might, directly killing him.

With that, he roared, causing the others to retreat. He left in haste, but he was chased down. He heard an unfamiliar voice, the voice of his Senior Sister Lin, to take certain directions and he was capable of avoiding their pursuit, escaping and arriving at the Myriad Dao Palace in Golden Milk City.

His journey towards cultivating, gaining strength, and finding purpose was ignited. His entirety changed, as he pursued the peak of cultivation and to help his Senior Sister Lin's ambitions. She saved his life, and he wanted to repay her with his.

And this was the moment where he'll be able to prove himself worthy of fulfilling her ambitions, the accumulation of all his efforts bearing fruit.

Lin Ming followed after her with a focused gaze.

The coliseum set to house the Three Chosen Aspects Tribulation was utterly massive, seating roughly ten million individuals, all of which were reserved for those with some influence.

Lin Ming and Lin Xianxei were riding a white-colored Skyship, a vehicle designed like a slimmer, longer-version of a standard sailboat, but there were large wing-like structures sticking out of its hull. The wings were energy-based constructs, not metallic, and they were animated in their movements. They flapped like realistic bird wings, propelling the Skyship through the world.

It was a majestically exquisite sight to behold.

The two flew towards the coliseum, looking ahead with calm expressions while standing side-by-side. The Saintess of the True Element Sect and the Archaic Chosen, the two may very well define the future of the True Element Sect.

The three factions would surely be avidly watching with interest, wanting to see how these two will perform. The two soon arrived at the coliseum, expecting a low-rumbling verbal commotion and discussions to ensue. Instead, they looked upon the massive platform at the center stage and the cavea was...

Empty?