Paragon Of Sin Chapter 4 - 4: Competition

Resource distribution within the Scarlet Solaris Sect was determined through disciple competitions, which were categorized into Outer, Inner, and Core tiers. While the Outer and Inner ranks consisted of tens of thousands of cultivators, the elite core disciples numbered only nine.

These events served as the primary gateway for promotion and rewards. For instance, the ten highest-ranking outer disciples earned a spot in the Inner Rank, while the top three inner disciples were granted the opportunity to challenge for Core Rank status. The pinnacle of these rewards was reserved for the top core disciple, who earned seven days within the Mystic Scarlet Pond.

The Mystic Scarlet Pond was a natural reservoir of accumulated Scarlet Qi, a terrestrial energy capable of tempering a cultivator's innate Yin, Yang, and elemental energies. Furthermore, it facilitated the evolution of a standard Heart of Qi into a Heart of Scarlet Qi—a superior form of material qi.

Compared to the pond, the diluted Scarlet Qi found throughout the mountain was less than a thousandth as potent. Consequently, a single day of cultivation in the pond was nearly equal to three years of standard effort. Such an extraordinary advantage made the competition within the sect incredibly fierce.

Having previously secured third and second place in the Outer and Inner Competitions respectively, Wei Wuyin had successfully claimed his current position as a core disciple. However, rising from the Inner Rank required more than just a high standing; one had to actively defeat and replace an existing core disciple.

Because of this, Wei Wuyin remained vigilant against challengers from both the Inner and Core ranks, as a top-tier rival could violently seize his hard-won status.

Had the recent assassination attempt succeeded in wounding him, he was certain his position—and the protections it afforded—would have been stolen. As an inner disciple, he would be far more vulnerable to direct confrontation from those wishing him harm.

Swoosh!

Mounted upon his crane, Wei Wuyin cut through the clouds. The sky was crowded with inner disciples riding eagle-like spirit birds, some of which carried multiple passengers. Despite the casual appearance of some, a palpable tension hung in the air.

This was the season for the shifting of power. Every core disciple commanded a faction composed of inner and outer disciples. Since inner disciple slots were finite, a core disciple who could dominate those ranks would see their faction’s influence and resources grow exponentially.

Fortunately, power was not entirely centralized, as each core disciple maintained their own following. Even Wei Wuyin, despite being the most recent addition, controlled about seven percent of the inner disciples and possessed several high-potential outer disciples.

The path of cultivation was notoriously grueling. Many individuals spent their entire lives unable to progress beyond the Foundation Establishment Realm or even its initial phase, Physique Tempering.

The difficulty was often soul-crushing, as the resource requirements far exceeded what most disciples could acquire alone. To overcome this hurdle, core disciples utilized these factional structures to pool resources and accelerate their collective growth.

As he approached the stadium, Wei Wuyin observed the arriving inner disciples, his spiritual sense gauging their cultivation levels. He recalled Li Yin, the woman from the Violet Moon Sect who was at the Meridian Awakening stage, yet she had only been an outer disciple in her home sect.

In contrast, the Scarlet Solaris Sect—one of the Nine Great Sects—required a minimum of Dantian Establishment for inner disciples, with the Qi Condensation Realm being the standard target. However, the process of merging mind, spirit, matter, and essence to condense a Heart of Qi was a monumental task.

This difficulty meant that roughly eighty percent of inner disciples remained at the Dantian Establishment Phase of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Even with sect resources, the struggle to advance was evident.

To break into the top three of the Inner Disciple Competition, reaching the Second Stage of Qi Condensation, known as the External Flow Phase, was essential. This was the very reason Wei Wuyin had managed to take second place during his time in that rank.

Qi Condensation consisted of Nine Stages, defined by Nine Phases of Qi. The initial stage was the Qi Creation Phase, where the fusion of spirit, mind, essence, and matter produced Metaphysical Qi and the Heart of Qi.

While those at the Dantian Establishment stage possessed superhuman strength, those who reached the Qi Creation Phase were true monsters. They could shatter boulders with their hands and slay massive bears with a single, bone-crushing strike. Their power was truly fearsome.

The Second Stage, External Flow, allowed a cultivator to project their fully developed Qi outside the body in basic forms, such as pulses or shockwaves. This stage also birthed Spiritual Sense, the vital sixth sense of a cultivator.

Each subsequent stage and phase provided massive enhancements to the physical body and all senses, including the spiritual sense.

During his hunt for the Violet Moon Sect survivors, Wei Wuyin had experienced a stroke of luck by discovering a Steel Essence Source. This rare liquid, formed from elemental metal essence over a millennium, was a treasure few would ever see.

By utilizing it, he had fortified his qi and manifested the four basic elements—earth, fire, wind, and water—while also condensing metal qi as a rare bonus. This resulted in a physical body and qi that were more resilient to temperature, easier to manipulate, and far more durable and sharp.

His second windfall came from a woman of the Violet Moon Sect who possessed a hidden Three-Point Yin Body. By utilizing her as a cauldron and absorbing her Primal Yin through dual cultivation, he had rapidly progressed to the Yin Form Phase, the Fourth Stage of Qi Condensation.

This advancement was the reason he had survived the plots against him. At his current level, he already surpassed the other Core Disciples. Not only could he condense metal qi, but he could also give physical form to his energy.

Reaching this level finally unlocked the true potential of spiritual spells and qi arts. These techniques had allowed him to effortlessly eliminate two expert assassins and escape with ease.

In this upcoming competition, he was destined to be the center of attention.

Extending his spiritual sense, his silver eyes glowed as he activated a spiritual spell: Iron Core Eyes. This technique deepened his spiritual perception and acted as a shield against the spiritual spells of others.

He had prudently gathered various arts and spells before his last mission, a decision that was proving more valuable than anticipated. Without these techniques, his high cultivation would be as clumsy as a man swinging a massive sword without any training.

Fortunately, the sect allowed core disciples unrestricted access to any qi arts and spells not specifically reserved for the highest elders.

"The general quality of cultivation has declined..." Wei Wuyin noted with a frown. He sensed that several Inner Disciples had only recently reached the Dantian Establishment Phase, suggesting a lower overall standard.

"Did something occur during my absence?" he wondered, reviewing the reports from Du Ling. Nothing explained the drop in quality. Logically, the destruction of the Violet Moon Sect and the subsequent influx of resources should have strengthened the survivors through combat and wealth.

And yet, the opposite seemed true.

"Lord Wuyin!" a sharp, feminine voice called out, interrupting his musings.

He turned to see the cold, stoic woman he had encountered on the battlefield. This was Su Mei, an Outer Disciple in his faction whom he had tasked with watching over Li Yin.

She approached on an eagle-like bird, accompanied by an inner disciple and four other outer disciples. Recognizing them as his subordinates, Wei Wuyin scanned their cultivation and was pleasantly surprised.

Su Mei had successfully reached the First Stage of Qi Condensation, the Qi Creation Phase. She now possessed Metaphysical Qi and a Heart of Qi, allowing her to control her energy and passively replenish it using the Essence of Heaven and Earth.

The others had all achieved Dantian Establishment. Even though an inner disciple was present, Su Mei’s superior cultivation level clearly made her the de facto leader of the group.

He took a moment to observe the young woman. In her early twenties, she had short black hair and piercing dark eyes. While her jade-like skin was remarkable, her facial features and figure were merely above average. She was attractive, but she didn't possess the world-shaking beauty of the highest-tier cultivators.

Her physical attributes were modest, perhaps even slightly below average.

As Su Mei and her group hovered their mount beneath Wei Wuyin’s crane to pay their respects, he gave a small nod.

Under his gaze, Su Mei felt a slight tremor. Having condensed her qi and sharpened her spirit, her senses were highly refined. She felt as though Wei Wuyin’s eyes could see through everything, leaving her feeling exposed.

A faint blush crept onto her usually indifferent face, adding a touch of charm to her cold demeanor.

Wei Wuyin smiled faintly. He was well aware of his own reputation for being strikingly handsome, particularly his captivating silver eyes. However, he maintained a professional distance and had no current intention of pursuing his subordinates.

"Since the Outer Disciple Competition begins first, I think I'll join you. Any objections?" Wei Wuyin asked.

The competitions were held sequentially. This allowed the top outer disciples to test themselves in the inner bracket, and the best of those to eventually challenge the core disciples.

While core disciples usually only appeared when it was their turn to fight, Wei Wuyin preferred to watch from the start. This arena was where his rise to power had begun, and it held personal significance for him.

Though surprised by his request, Su Mei and the others quickly recovered. As their Faction Leader and the source of their influence, they would never refuse him.

He followed them toward the arena. As they flew, an inner disciple in his mid-twenties spoke up, "Lord Wei, rumors are spreading that you have reached the fourth stage of Qi Condensation and can give form to your qi."

Wei Wuyin’s eyes narrowed slightly. He hadn't publicized his full strength, having only used basic elemental qi during his mission against the Violet Moon Sect remnants. He had kept his metal qi entirely hidden.

Since he had only just returned, these rumors must have been circulating for some time. He suspected someone had leaked this information to spark jealousy or to imply he had found a cultivation treasure, hoping to incite others to move against him while he was away.

Someone was trying to use others as a weapon to eliminate him. It was an irritating realization, especially since the rumor wasn't even true at the time it started.

He realized Chu Yan was likely just one of the tools being manipulated for this purpose. Maintaining a mask of calm indifference, he knew the young man beside him was likely testing him for the truth.

He was well aware that even among his subordinates, many were ambitious enough to betray him if it meant their own advancement.

"I am aware of the rumors," he replied simply, offering no further detail. The young man didn't dare push further and focused on steering the eagle, acting as though he were merely a loyal servant warning his master.

Shortly thereafter, the group arrived at the massive stadium.