Paragon Of Sin Chapter 2 - 2: Scarlet Solaris Sect

In the world of cultivation, there existed a nation, and within its borders stood a mountain that gave off a subtle crimson radiance. This light carried a deep, powerful aura, causing any mortal who dared to look upon it to feel their heart race in terror.

During the daylight hours, it loomed massive and tall, reaching for the heavens and obscuring the sun. When night fell, it transformed into a scarlet beacon, providing a sense of direction and purpose to those living in its shadow.

This peak served as the primary headquarters for the renowned Scarlet Solaris Sect.

Dotted along its slopes and carved directly into the stone were numerous structures, creating the appearance of a winding mountain city. Distinct boundaries marked different social tiers; the higher the elevation, the more intense the scarlet shimmer became. Occasionally, legendary birds could be spotted gliding through the air. These were massive white cranes, measuring dozens of meters in length. Riding atop these creatures were individuals radiating powerful auras, traveling between various points on the mountain.

Aboard one such avian beast, a young man made his approach toward the peak. He possessed an almost indescribable handsomeness, characterized by silver eyes, hair as black as ink, and robes of vibrant scarlet. While his frame was not overly bulky, his muscles were clearly defined and toned.

He remained composed on the crane’s back even as the wind whipped against him. Beside him sat a young woman, her fingers buried deep in the bird's feathers as she struggled to maintain her balance, terrified of falling to her doom. Her face was ashen with fear, and her knuckles had turned white from the strain.

As the mountain’s residents spotted the young man, their minds filled with various speculations.

"Senior Brother Wei Wuyin! He has actually returned?" an honorary disciple shouted. This man appeared middle-aged, suggesting he had served the sect for many years without ever earning a promotion.

"Wei Wuyin? Who is he?" a younger, innocent-looking boy asked with genuine interest. The two were working together, along with dozens of other disciples, tending to the local herb gardens.

"Haha, you truly don't know? Sit back and let me educate you!" The older man adopted a scholarly air, his expression full of self-importance as if he took great joy in teaching the uninformed.

"Since you are new here, you wouldn't know. Senior Brother Wei Wuyin is one of our sect's nine Core Disciples! It is rumored that his cultivation has already surpassed the Third Stage of Qi Condensation, Elemental Birth, and he has successfully given form to his Qi!" His voice carried an infectious enthusiasm. Nearby disciples who were listening in turned their heads, giving the man their full attention.

"Is that true?!"

The young boy gasped, his eyes shimmering with awe. Regardless of Wei Wuyin's reputation, the mere fact that he had reached the Third Stage of Qi Condensation made him a legendary figure to be admired.

"Haha! You better believe it! Moreover, he started out just like us. He originated from a minor clan, shattered his limitations, and climbed the ranks from honorary disciple to core disciple, one step at a time!" The man spoke with immense pride, his gaze suggesting that he viewed Wei Wuyin’s successes as his own.

He wasn't the only one. Other long-term disciples felt a similar surge of pride and excitement. They all harbored the dream of leaping through the dragon’s gate just like Wei Wuyin, achieving status and greatness.

"But didn't you say that cultivating without resources was impossible? How did he become a core disciple starting as an honorary disciple, since we don't receive anything?" The boy’s mind buzzed with questions. Within the sect, hierarchy was split into four ranks: Honorary, Outer, Inner, and Core. Rising through these levels was said to be as difficult as climbing to the Nine Heavens.

A middle-aged woman, dressed in the simple attire of a married commoner, cut in, "Cultivating without resources isn't strictly impossible; it is just exceptionally grueling."

In the cultivation world, the path is open to everyone. The world itself provides the most plentiful resource—the Essence of Heaven and Earth. However, one is not considered a genuine cultivator until they successfully enter the Qi Condensation realm.

The middle-aged man shot a glance at the woman and gave a dismissive snort. "Cultivation without resources is impossible, and the Essence of Heaven and Earth is a resource itself." It was evident there was bad blood between them, as he was quick to challenge her words.

The woman pressed her lips together and stayed quiet, clearly not wanting to start a fight.

"Hmph! If you rely solely on that, you might reach Qi Condensation, but the benefits become limited as you progress. The path of cultivation begins with a single realm divided into three phases."

"That is the Foundation Establishment realm, consisting of Physique Tempering, Meridian Awakening, and Dantian Establishment. Only after completing those can one reach the Qi Condensation Realm, using internal strength to harness external forces and create the Metaphysical Energy known as Qi. One day, I will achieve it as well!" The man’s excitement peaked, his voice rising in pitch toward the end of his speech.

The middle-aged woman rolled her eyes. "Even building a foundation is incredibly hard; sometimes an entire century isn't enough to establish a dantian. Don't let this old fool mislead you. Cultivation is anything but simple, and he hasn't even finished Physique Tempering after thirty years."

"Oh?!" The boy was stunned. Despite being in a sect for so long, the man hadn't even cleared the first phase of cultivation? Thinking back on their earlier talks, the boy’s expression soured as he realized he had been fed a pack of lies.

"Hmph!" The older man flicked his sleeves in irritation.

Realizing the conversation had strayed, the crowd tried to gather more details about cultivation and Wei Wuyin, but they only walked away with basic rumors and stories about his youth.

Before long, everyone dispersed to continue their chores.

-----

Thud.

The crane touched down in a courtyard. Though its landing was gentle, the young woman scrambled off in a panic. She felt blessed to have her feet on solid ground again, nearly tempted to kiss the earth in gratitude.

Wei Wuyin stepped down from the bird, landing with a grace the woman lacked. The air here was noticeably richer with the Essence of Heaven and Earth compared to other parts of the sect—a perk reserved for core disciples, making it an ideal spot for cultivation.

The Scarlet Solaris Sect lived up to its reputation. The area was infused with Scarlet Qi, generated by the Scarlet Spirit Vine that threaded through the mountain. This specific qi was the sect's trademark and was integrated into many of their techniques to enhance a practitioner's power.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from a distance. A middle-aged man with a goatee soon appeared, his breathing heavy. He was somewhat stout with bronze skin and a rather disheveled appearance.

He carried the scent of recent intimacy, and his robe’s belt was tied haphazardly, clearly done in a great rush.

Wei Wuyin remained unbothered.

"M-master! You have returned!" the man cried out with joy. This was Du Ling, Wei Wuyin’s butler and an acquaintance from before his time in the sect.

"Oh? It seems you have established your Dantian," Wei Wuyin noted calmly. Du Ling’s aura had shifted; it was no longer just physical strength, as a faint trace of the Essence of Heaven and Earth now lingered within him. This was a sign of a formed qi center. Had he only been at the Meridian Awakening Phase, the Essence would not stay trapped but would circulate freely through his body.

Du Ling was startled for a moment before nodding vigorously. "Yes, yes! It was all possible because of Master’s help."

Wei Wuyin gave a slight nod. He then turned his gaze toward the young woman. He had spared this girl, Li Yin, who was originally an outer disciple of the Violet Moon Sect and came from a minor, unremarkable clan.

Her cultivation level was close to Du Ling’s, though she was still in the Meridian Awakening Phase of the Foundation Establishment Realm. In that realm, the Essence of Heaven and Earth bolsters the body, granting superhuman power.

"Locate a room for her. Find her some suitable work for the time being," he commanded. Du Ling nodded obediently and approached Li Yin with a smile that was kind yet somehow felt slightly lecherous.

Li Yin stood there, dazed. The very air of the courtyard had stunned her. Having been part of the Violet Moon Sect since age eight, she had never experienced an environment so luxurious. The concentrated Essence of Heaven and Earth felt like a revitalizing balm to her skin.

Wei Wuyin did not linger. He exited the courtyard and headed toward the entrance of his private residence. He overheard hushed voices nearby; two women were around a corner, gossiping about various matters.

He scowled. They were honorary disciples and Du Ling’s concubines. Gripping the wound on his neck, he winced and went inside, choosing to pay the women no mind.

Entering his quarters, he found a room that was meticulously maintained—perhaps even too clean. It contained only a bed, a table, and a lone chair. Although the room was far larger than any other in the building, its sparse furnishing reflected his preference for minimalism. The only exceptions were the organized shelves of scrolls and books, and a pill cauldron.

The cauldron was a small, verdant green vessel that gave off a light herbal scent. Its condition showed it was both frequently used and highly valued.

He collapsed onto the bed, feeling mentally and physically drained. Ever since his encounter with that silver-haired, black-eyed youth, he felt as if a heavy weight was constantly pressing down on him. At first, he feared the bite was infected or poisoned, but there were no symptoms, and the injury was mending well.

In fact, the wound had nearly vanished, mostly healed over.

It was natural to be exhausted after leading the mission to wipe out the last of the Violet Moon Sect.

Raising his hand before his eyes, he let out a sigh. "The assassin who tried to ambush me was at the Third Stage of Qi Condensation, Elemental Birth. If I hadn't recently reached the Fourth Stage, I might have fallen victim to Chu Yan’s plots." Thinking of the woman he once liked and eventually killed—along with her stubborn lover—he clenched his hand into a fist.

The Scarlet Solaris Sect was among the Five Great Sects of Wu Country, alongside the Aqua Echo, Earthly Titan, Sky Sword, and Jade Lotus sects. They held massive influence within the nation, enough to command the elements. Even the royalty had to treat each sect with significant respect.

The rivalries between the sects were tangled with deception, but the internal politics were even more dangerous. Chu Yan had merely been a tool in a larger game. Wei Wuyin’s position and history made many people jealous and resentful, and some even suspected he possessed a secret cultivation technique. There were far too many people who wanted him dead.

"Jiu Lang was the one who assigned me that mission... I will have to settle things with her eventually." As he thought of the beauty whose looks could start wars, a dark, murderous intent flickered in his eyes.

While he lost track of time in his thoughts, a gentle knock came from the door. "Master, it is Du Ling. I have an invitation for you."

Wei Wuyin took a deep breath. He had barely returned and already an invitation had arrived. He wasn't surprised by the sender. He forced his tired body up and went to the door. As his hand touched the wood, his eyes narrowed.

Instantly, he threw himself backward. A blade pierced through the door, lunging for him. The force of the strike caused the wooden door to burst into splinters.

Before he could identify his foe, a shadow loomed behind him like the coming of death. Rather than turning or moving forward, he quickly formed a handseal and slammed his palm toward the floor.

Elemental Wind Art: Wind Wall!

A loud boom signaled the creation of a chaotic wind barrier that surrounded him. The shadow wielded a razor-sharp weapon designed for cutting, but even as it tried to slice through the turbulent air, it was repelled.

With the enemy’s momentum broken, Wei Wuyin pushed his cultivation further. He formed a two-handed seal, stepped forward, and exhaled toward his first attacker.

Elemental Fire Art: Serpent’s Breath!

A massive plume of fire, large enough to consume a man, erupted from his mouth. The flames took the vague shape of a snake as intense heat filled the room. A cry of shock rang out as the initial attacker scrambled to retreat.

His eyes glowed with a deadly scarlet light as he gave chase. Passing through his own flames unharmed, he finally saw his assailant: a small, fit woman dressed in black.

"Du Ling’s women?" he realized instantly. A coldness settled in his gaze. Both attackers were at the Second Stage of Qi Condensation, External Flow, and were clearly trained in stealth and killing. Had his qi not yet manifested the elements, those coordinated strikes would have likely killed him or left him mangled.

The Elemental Birth Phase allows Qi to generate the four natural elements—Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water—but they are usually formless and hard to manage. Without refined control, they aren't very effective in a real fight.

Most use it simply to temper the body and increase qi fluidity and resilience. However, the Fourth Stage of Qi Condensation, Yin Form, allows a cultivator to use internal yin energy to shape their Metaphysical Qi. This allows for the creation of wind walls, fire serpents, and water structures. It is a massive leap in power that makes a cultivator nearly invincible against anyone at a lower stage.

His enemies hadn't expected him to have reached that level—a stage notoriously difficult for men due to their lack of natural yin energy—nor did they expect him to be so skilled. The assassin's surprised cry made that clear. He would not give them a second chance.

With a flick of his wrist, a silver saber appeared. A sharp, lethal gleam of silver qi gathered at the edge. He gave a shout and swung the blade. A beam of silver qi shot out, striking the shadow with violent force.

"Metal qi?!" a voice gasped from behind him in disbelief. Metal qi was not one of the four basic elements, and manifesting it was incredibly taxing.

Thud!

A fresh corpse hit the floor. A spray of blood painted the wall, a grim testament to the kill.

"Ah!" The shadow behind him saw her partner fall and immediately tried to flee. She dived through a nearby window, the glass shattering as she went.

"Since you came here, you might as well stay!" Wei Wuyin snarled, surging his qi. He launched himself forward like a projectile. Following a brief clashing of blades, a heavy silence returned to the room.

A moment later, Wei Wuyin climbed back through the broken window, carrying a severed head and a headless corpse. The woman had been beautiful and delicate, her mask now sliced open. Her eyes were glazed and unfocused, her death sudden and bitter.

"I am so exhausted," Wei Wuyin whispered, looking at his ruined cauldron. He dropped the remains on the floor and pulled out a transmission crystal to message Du Ling. Soon, the stout man arrived, looking terrified. He had clearly heard the fight but stayed away for safety, knowing he would only be a hindrance if his Master couldn't win.

"Get this cleaned up. I am going to bathe." With that, he walked away. Du Ling trembled as he looked at the burn marks, the wreckage, and the bodies. He recognized the two women; they were the ones he had spent many nights with.

A wave of guilt hit him as he realized he had been an accidental pawn in an assassination plot. He wanted to curse his own stupidity, but he forced himself to stay calm. Without another word, he began the grim task of cleaning the room.