Paragon of Sin

"If I'm putting up the Neo-Dawn Eclipse Pill to this single winner, then shouldn't everyone else who wishes to participate in this challenge do so as well?"

Everyone else?

Wei Wuyin's words induced a strong reaction from those with keen minds. Since the exchange between the majestic voice that was Evergod and Wei Wuyin was done openly, the over a million amongst the crowd were subconsciously tethered to each syllable spoken.

When mentioning 'those' who wish to participate, the eyes of the Earthly Saints all swept over the Mortal Sovereign Alchemists in their thrones. Evergod was clearly indicating that Wei Wuyin should prove himself through a challenge; furthermore, this included all those who Wei Wuyin suggested carried the only rights to decide Chosen standards!

"Are they trying to pick the next King of Everlore? To decide the era's upcoming standards using alchemy?" A few Earthly Saints frowned at the notion. Unfortunately, they were unable to justify any refusal. What Wei Wuyin said about alchemists having the ability to transform any of those present below the age of five hundred into Chosen material felt hard to disprove without challenging the ability of all these Alchemic Sovereigns.

A few of these peak powerhouses were about to try, but their leaders sent transmissions that caused their expressions to dramatically change. They wore stifled and darkened expressions, yet they remained silent despite their tremendous status and authority.

"You're right," Evergod spoke out, openly admitting. He still hadn't shown himself. "It would be unfair, but the Neo-Dawn Eclipse Pill Concoction Method is difficult to estimate in value, and few could casually match it in the limited time we have for the summit. How about this: You once said that you wanted to challenge all those present in All-Alchemic Clash Royale for the concoction method, let's change the date and challenge to now. That way, everyone can participate and you won't be inconvenienced having to face them all later."

"..." Wei Wuyin frowned slightly. This did little to address their wagers, but clearly Evergod wanted to avoid playing into Wei Wuyin's hands. If a wager of equivalence had to be offered, it was very likely to eliminate 99% of Alchemic Sovereigns, and the Evergod similarly refused to pay such a price in the slightest possibility of losing.

While alchemists were some of the wealthiest cultivators in the stellar region, especially Mortal Sovereign Alchemists, this wasn't so excessive to match the value of an era-changing concoction method with ease. Evergod refused to fall for Wei Wuyin's bait, suggesting an alternative.

First, the Evergod elevated the value of Wei Wuyin's pill method, used the summit's estimated timeline as an excuse, and then brought up the All-Alchemic Clash Royale. This move was quite ingenious with many unseen layers.

Wei Wuyin revealed a knowing smile, "If that's the case, since the All-Alchemic Clash Royale will be used as the basis for this alternative, then it'll be unfair for Alchemic Saints to be allowed into this clash where I, a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist, is wagering one of my greatest creations, right?"

A few Earthly Saint's eyes brightened. It seemed that Evergod was willing to sacrifice his participation, eliminating the other Alchemic Saints from entering as well, all by suggesting this alternative! This was both beneficial and detrimental to him. After all, Alchemic Saints were genuine Earthly Saint Alchemists of the Mystic Dao, capable of concocting Mystic-Earth grade products and possessing methods far exceeding typical Mortal Sovereign Alchemists.

In truth, Wei Wuyin had assumed that the Vice-President of the Everlore Association, the Evergod Pill Alchemic Saint, would shamelessly participate! He was ready for this possibility, not fearing it at all. After all, there's no way this illustrious figure would be so shameless to contest him in a battle of Mystic-Earth Products.

It would be extremely easy to veer the conversation to transcendent-quality products, and he was greatly confident in his victory in this category, and the Evergod would have no way to refuse without openly admitting his inferiority to a junior. Yet the Evergod was willing to change the topic of the challenge, using the All-Alchemic Clash Royale as the reason to exclude himself and the other Alchemic Saints, while still leaving room for discussion.

It was hard for Wei Wuyin to refuse without being seen as unreasonable, deliberately attempting to grasp an advantage and exclude certain Mortal Sovereign Alchemists with little financial spontaneity and liquidity. Many of these alchemists might be rich, but their assets were invested into their clans, organizations, Alchemic Knights, or kept in land. As for placing them all into debt, why would they agree to such unreasonable conditions?

"You're right; it'll be unfair. We can keep this challenge to Alchemic Sovereigns, changing the premise and conditions of the challenge to accommodate for this unique circumstance. What do you think?"

What do you think? What do you think! What do you think?!

The Evergod kept repeatedly laying the initiative at Wei Wuyin's feet, but anyone with a semblance of intellect and shrewdness would see the barbed traps left in those four words. A bottomless chasm that could invalid his words should he be given the opportunity, turning the excluded Alchemic Sovereigns against him, rendering him a foolish youth without the ability to adapt or take a step back.

"If the Alchemic Sovereigns present have no objections, neither do I. It'll be better if everyone can participate. But Alchemic Saint Evergod, you've been flirting around with the idea of a different challenge than an Alchemic Clash, yet you haven't suggested anything for me to prove my statement." Wei Wuyin said.

"An Alchemic Clash can not prove Alchemic Sovereign Wei's statement," the Twilight Alchemic Sovereign, Mu Yura, echoed. Her beauty was on full display as she eyed Wei Wuyin. It wasn't long before a clamorous discussion of the recently awakened Mortal Sovereign Alchemists and the rest began. They consisted mostly of agreements with Mu Yura's words.

How can Wei Wuyin's words be proven by who can concoct the products the fastest and of the highest quality? It showed skill and talent, but it did little to justify them possessing this so-called 'sole voice' that carried the same deciding power as all the Earthly Saints present. Moreover, there was a huge discrepancy between alchemists, with most being Official-rank and others having Prime-rank, and especially the difference in specializations. Since Alchemic Saints were excluded, this greatly leveled out the playing field but not enough.

"Before that, I must ask the Earthly Saints of our Grand Cyclic Stellar Region whether this method of deciding Chosen standards is acceptable?" Evergod didn't immediately explain, his voice erupting as the Earthly Saints were brought to the discussion. It would be pointless to continue if the Earthly Saints unanimously agreed that this challenge was deliberately exclusive and thus invalid in the long-run.

"..." A long, tense-filled silence formed. It was quite apparent that these Earthly Saints were dissatisfied with the ongoing discussions. Unfortunately, it was hard to argue because they were cultivators at the peak of their power, and many relied on the Alchemic Dao to establish their legendary feats as youths. Some were nothing until an alchemist showed them exceptional favor, and denouncing that Alchemists can determine Chosen standards would similarly invalidate the King of Everlore's existence.

A difficult situation to navigate.

Not even the Imperial Clan wanted to argue their position for relevance. Everyone knew they were relevant, possessed the power to determine the standards of the upcoming era, but the foundation of the Saint Cyclic Renewal Summit was established by the Neo-Dawn Eclipse Pill and Ever-Domain Pill. How ridiculous would it be to belittle them and suggest their mighty fist was comparable, enough to determine their youths future?

Many of these Earthly Saints had descendants unable to reach the Mystic Ascendant Realm, failing and dying of old age or from their Mystic Ascension. However, if data was to be compiled, Alchemic Knights or forces with Mortal Sovereign Alchemists had the greatest percentage of successful Mystic Ascensions amongst the entire populace of the Grand Cyclic Stellar Region.

"Alchemic Saint Evergod, we see the logic in this option, and have very little reason to reject it." Empress Xiaocheng interfered, shattering the silence, and giving these Earthly Saints a sigh of relief. They needed an expert amongst Earthly Saints to act as their representative! However, who amongst them could do so? Who had the status?

The empress to the strongest Imperial Clan in recorded history and married to the undisputed strongest expert of the Grand Cyclic Stellar Region was the best choice! It was the only choice present, barring the Soul Saint King!

She continued: "That said, while we have no opinions on the matter of deciding who can determine the preliminary standards for our Chosen, as long as their position is justified, we must be involved in the finalizing of these Chosen standards to ensure fairness amongst all parties without unreasonable bias." Her words accepted the challenge but kept the Earthly Saints included in the process.

Those below were satisfied, but those in these thrones all knew it was a load of air. If this revised All-Alchemic Clash Royale was perfectly done, there would be no room for later discussions! It was a formality—an empty voice!

"I see." Evergod's voice swept the Main Hall. The tone of his voice contained something special within it. "Then, I'll offer my idea to change the All-Alchemic Clash Royale's rules and victory conditions to suit the Saint Cyclic Renewal Summit."

Finally! The ears of everyone perked up at this moment, wanting to know what this competition would entail!

Evergod explained, "This All-Alchemic Clash will be changed to test the validity of Wei Wuyin's statement that anyone of those observing the summit can become Chosen with an alchemist's effort, regardless of age or talent. As such, we'll incorporate them into the clash."

What?! Evergod was going to include those spectating from below? This didn't just shock the spectators, but those Earthly Saints expressions changed.

"All Alchemic Sovereigns present will select one mortal below, beneath the age of five hundred, and limited to those at or beneath the Sixth Stage of the Qi Condensation Realm, where they have yet to establish their Natal Souls and greatly solidified their qi foundation, to freely develop and cultivate as they chose with a time limit of three years and six months.

"There will be three stages of this challenge: the Development Stage, Elimination Stage, and Chosen Stage. During the development stage, all Alchemical Products used to nurture those selected must be freshly cultivated by the alchemists themselves, without any external support, excluding cauldrons."

"..."

"..."

"..."

The eyes of almost everyone present widened! A contest to see who can nurture the best cultivator! Selected from those amongst the crowd! That could be them!

"The Elimination Stage will pit those cultivated by their respective alchemists against each other in a battle, and determine the superiority. However, at the end of each battle, it'll be the Earthly Saints' decision as to who won, justifying their agreements."

Those Earthly Saints all had varied reactions, none of which lacked amazement. This meant that even if one lost the fight, the Earthly Saint could still choose the weaker combatant as the winner! This gave them substantial deciding power. Furthermore, an out was carved out to state that age, innate talent, initial cultivation and other factors would still be rightfully considered with the utmost fairness!

The fresh type of challenge caused all of them to feel intrigued, involved, and curious about what this will bring about.

"After only eighteen participants are left, the last stage will begin. The Chosen Stage will next test them against the current Chosen or prospective Chosen of similar cultivation amongst the top forces. If there is none, then they'll fight in accordance with the previous Chosen standards, facing the Three Chosen Aspects Tribulations. If they can defeat them, then they'll move on, facing a Chosen or prospective Chosen a stage higher than their cultivation base or considered as one stage higher in their tribulation. This will continue until only one remains."

The Evergod explained everything in an easily understood manner where everyone could clearly understand how this would prove Wei Wuyin's statement!

It was Wei Wuyin's statement!

How could they not realize this?

But could it really be done in forty-two months?

"What do you think, Alchemic Sovereign Wei?" Evergod's voice resounded once more!

Wei Wuyin was silent for a while, attracting the gazes of everyone present, and then he revealed a confident smile: "I like it."