Paragon of Sin

In spite of Lin Ming's speechless expression, Lin Xaixen continued with a hint of satisfaction. "Those at the Official Alchemic King level can be considered capable of concocting low-tier, eighth-grade products effectively, yet the disparity between Official and Prime was a huge chasm of difference."

Huge chasm?

The difference went from over three million to five hundred and four! Senior Sister, I think your understanding of a huge chasm should be changed! 

While Lin Ming felt utterly stunned and somewhat appalled, he wasn't slow. Quickly, he followed-up with his own question: "Why is the difference between two tiers so massive? Isn't it just low-tier and high-tier within the same grade?" 

Lin Xianxei nodded in approval, but said: "It's not so simple. There's two core factors for this glaring gap. One, Alchemic Talent. Two, Cultivation. Alchemic Talent, like other forms of innate talent, is divided into the five levels: Null, Standard, Excellence, Overlord, & Chosen. This is further divided by three grades in each, all except Null, which are Earthly, Worldly, and Heavenly.

"To cultivate a Spirit of Cultivation, let's say a Natal Fire Soul, one must have a Heavenly Standard-level of talent. This is relatively simple for basic things, and it can even be improved upon by the birthing of Intent. This is why almost, if not all, cultivators at the Elemental Birth Phase can create Spirits of Cultivation relating to the four elements."

Lin Ming hadn't known that talent was divided in such a clear-cut fashion. While he knew what it meant, which was the body's overall compatibility with certain types of energies, he didn't know the levels were defined. Yet this could even affect the strength of the innate energies one's Spirit of Cultivation produces.

"The reason why there is such a large gap is because a certain control and quality of generated Alchemical Energies is required to consistently concoct high-tier eighth-grade products. This can be overcome by an Alchemic Soul, like that so-called Qingye Ying of your starfield, high level of natural talent towards alchemy, such as Wei Wuyin, or a high cultivation, such as a Mystic Star Phase Cultivator. But most alchemists are unable or unwilling to cultivate an Alchemic Soul, for obvious reasons, or just unable to due to lacking innate talent.

"It can also be completed by abusing others, creating Alchemic Proxies. But the last force that tried to do so was wiped off the face of this world in three days by the Everlore Association. Almost a billion died in that time. And no other force interfered, even offering their approval. Because Alchemists can not be defiled—Remember that."

"..." When Lin Ming heard Wei Wuyin's name, his mood fell and his anger resurged, almost missing out on the next words that were said. While Lin Xianxei hadn't gone too in-depth as to why there was a dividing line between low-tier and high-tier eighth-grade products, he couldn't help but recall Wei Wuyin's outstanding performance and victory over an Alchemic Astral Soul cultivator.

"How high does one's talent need to be to exceed an Alchemic Astral Soul?" Lin Ming asked, feeling a tense, uncomfortable lump in his heart. 

"Alchemic Astral Soul? I don't know, but Alchemic Natal Soul? At least a Heavenly Excellence level. However, that Qingye Ying isn't a true Alchemic Astral Soul Alchemist despite her Alchemic Astral Soul." Lin Xianxei shrugged at Lin Ming's focus on Wei Wuyin. 

"Huh?" 

"That Qingye Ying used an Impure-quality Everlore Ascension Pill, a ninth-grade product, while in the Qi Condensation Realm. The impurities that she consumed on that day ruined her talent, every level of it. Not just her Alchemic Talent, but her talent towards all forms of essences in this world. She lost against Wei Wuyin because she was a tenth of a true alchemist, barely better than a normal Natal Soul, at best. Otherwise, how could she be defeated by Wei Wuyin?" Lin Xianxei had investigated Qingye Ying out of curiosity, noting the formations acting as artificial meridians to upkeep her cultivation base.

"...No wonder." There was an audible sigh from his chest after hearing that. He had thought Wei Wuyin was truly the next King of Everlore! 

As if reading his thoughts, Lin Xianxei revealed another truth. "Becoming a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist is even harder. As I said, it requires two things, but for talent, to become a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist, you NEED to have an Alchemic Astral Soul. That or a 'true' Mystic Ascendant Realm cultivation."

Lin Ming's eyes lit. "Are there Mortal Sovereign Alchemists in the Aeternal Sky Starfield?" The King of Everlore had been the only one in the history of the Everlore Starfield to have reached that level. He defined eras for thousands of years! 

Lin Xianxei's expression became solemn, and she nodded heavily, wistfully gazing at the Mystic Radiance Belt. "There are. Thirty-four, in fact."

Thirty-four?!

"That's..." Lin Ming couldn't help but feel like there was something strange with Lin Xianxei's answer. Instead of provoking awe, it provoked curiosity. Why so many? How so many? The sheer unbelievable aspect of it caused him to not have any extreme reaction. 

"However, don't get your expectations high or fall into delusions of acquiring their help on your path of cultivation without tremendous fortune. Mortal Sovereign Alchemists are highly regarded figures, and insufferably arrogant. The title 'Mortal Sovereign' fits them perfectly. All thirty-four Mortal Sovereign Alchemists belong to one of the sixteen greatest established forces. They all have a minimum of one, with the Everlore Association having a total of twelve."

"The Eight Noble Clans, Three World Sects, Two Golden Pavilions, and Two Mystic Associations?" Lin Ming asked.

Lin Xianxei looked surprised by Lin Ming's knowledge of the subject. She could only attribute it to Bai Yuxi. "The eight Noble Clans consist of the Tang Clan, Ming Clan, He Clan, Liu Clan, Chen Clan, Bing Clan, Yu Clan, and Jian Clan. They each are like rulers of their own dynasties, controlling planets, numerous World Realms, and hundreds of billions of lifeforms.

"The Three World Sects are our very own True Element Sect, the tyrannical Boundless Martial Sect, and the incredibly elusive Void Voyage Sect. In truth, the Void Voyage Sect doesn't own any planets or space in our Aeternal Sky Starfield, but they have World Realms embedded in the folds of space. World Realms that are said to be constantly moving about everywhere. But the fact they're considered a World Sect should be a strong indicator of their reputation and strength.

"The Two Golden Pavilions are the Golden Life Pavilion, the most business oriented force, and the most widespread. They have bases and dealings in almost every domain with most forces, excluding the Imperial Sky Domain and Nine Worlds Domain, which belong to the Imperial Clan and Golden Gate Pavilion respectively.

"As for the Golden Gate Pavilion, they are extremely mysterious, but they focus on information gathering, establishing rankings, and organizing events, but dabble in goods. They're one of the most feared forces, simply because their intelligence network is utterly terrifying. The Imperial Clan, at one point, even wanted to remove them after they released a Ranking List that detailed information about their secretly cultivated geniuses. They failed, of course."

Lin Ming mused. Nine Worlds Domain? Reminded him of something, yet he couldn't quite recall. 

"Lastly, the two Mystic Associations. They are the renowned Everlore Association and the Godforge Association! The former needs no explanation, and the latter specializes in the Dao of Forging. They create nearly 90% of all Mystic-level tools in the starfield. Such as Bai Yuxi's veil..."

While Lin Ming was aware of this information thanks to Tang Xingyun, he frowned slightly.

However, Lin Xianxei abruptly jolted upright without warning!

Lin Ming started, taking a step back. "What's wrong?"

Lin Xianxei brightly smiled and her sudden movements caused her proud and ample twin peaks to bounce, and if it wasn't for her current disguise, perhaps the entire Solar Star would pale in comparison to this alluring sight. "I know how we can find where beasts and beastmen were taken!"

After saying that with boisterous excitement, she took the helm of the ship and activated its movement formations. With a steady shift, it started to fly through the Dark Void.

Lin Ming's heart continuously shook. Wherever the beasts went, it likely indicated where Wei Wuyin was! If they could find Wei Wuyin, wouldn't they solve all these pesky issues?! After all, he had the Elementus Cache! 

As they moved, following closely behind them was the large-sized Voidship with 'Spiritwalker' on its hull.