Paragon of Sin

While Wei Wuyin's abrupt departure had left many with lingering and unanswered questions, the Elimination Stage of the Saint Cyclic Alchemic Clash proceeded with phenomenal smoothness. 

After a few months of fights, 15 out of 242 Chosen Knights were selected. The Earthly Saints had decided on these top-tier talents based not just on their innate talents or combat ability but how the Mortal Sovereign Alchemists had perfectly nurtured these characteristics using certain curated regimens of alchemical products. 

This type of judgment allowed those who lost matches to prevail, making their way through the rounds, and eventually, a few made through that had only won once or twice. This loudly reminded spectators that the Chosen Knights were not the central focus of the clash, but the alchemist's ability to nurture in a limited amount of time. 

The Elimination Stage lasted three months, two full months earlier than expected. The last stage of the Saint Cyclic Alchemic Clash was soon commencing after a period of rest and recovery. There was a lot of debate on how to handle the next stage, mostly because except for three out of the eighteen Chosen Knights, the rest were at the Qi Condensation Realm.

The Chosen Stage, as proposed by Evergod, was pitting the Chosen Knights against the currently established Chosen or prospective Chosen amongst the top-tier forces. This stage fueled Wei Wuyin's assumption that the Astral Core Realm was bound to be the bare minimum, hence why his goal was set to allow Du Ling a fighting chance. However, this unforeseen circumstance was greatly attributed to the new nature of this type of alchemic clash. 

Either Evergod had grossly overestimated the potential and ability of these Mortal Sovereign Alchemists, there was a hidden intention to disprove Wei Wuyin's statement, or the timing of the Development Stage was always meant to be malleable for this first-time test. And indeed, there was heated discussion amongst Mortal Sovereign Alchemists to alter the allotted time for nurturing. A mere forty-two months felt wholly insufficient to properly nurture and excavate the talents of a cultivator. 

The prevailing correction for this miscalculation, since the top eighteen were selected, was to add a second Development Stage between the Elimination Stage and Chosen Stage. 

"How will this be fair? Alchemic Sovereign Wei isn't here to participate." Ma Zheng voiced his thoughts on the subject. While he wasn't a Mortal Sovereign Alchemist, he was still a throne-sitting figure of great renown. He had already contributed to the alchemic clash by using his insights to determine the fifteen passing Chosen Knights.

"Fair? Who told him to get up and leave without reason or warning?" Xun Yicao was a foremost authority on the Alchemic Dao for the Imperial Clan and was heavily respected despite his overt dislike towards Wei Wuyin. His opinion was heavily respected. Moreover, he was concerned that Du Ling might claim victory solely due to his highly refined cultivation base.

Ten-ringed Soul Idol? From his innately refined spatial energies, the quality was certainly at the nine-ripple level, and he possessed an artificial Worldly Domain that felt as genuine as genuine could be. This was genuinely a Chosen befitting the new standards of the world, only lacking a comprehensive understanding of advanced spells and arts due to the lack of a proper instructor. 

In truth, many were wary of Du Ling. If it wasn't for how the Chosen Stage was formatted, where the final Chosen Knights faced existing prospective or established Chosen to obtain the crown, then these Mortal Sovereign Alchemists would've lost all hope and quit earlier. 

"Alchemic Sovereign Wei was under the assumption that the rules of the Saint Cyclic Alchemic Clash were set. How can we change the rules in the middle of it? We should reflect and better this type of clash after, not during." A Mortal Sovereign Alchemist of the United Source Starfield(11th) argued. This Mortal Sovereign Alchemist's Chosen Knight had failed during the Elimination Stage, so he had no stake in the result any longer.

"Under the assumption? I was not under that assumption, so how can he? You must be a mind-reader." The leading Mortal Sovereign Alchemist of the All-Fury Starfield(8th) sneered. Her Chosen Knight was fortunate enough to pass, and an additional nurturing stage granted her great lee-way.

"Alchemic Sovereign Fu is right; I was under no delusion that rules can change based on circumstances. I'm sure no one here felt that the alchemic clash will be static throughout if a flaw was revealed to bring about fairness after oversight. Moreover, it's been months. Alchemic Sovereign Wei can be alerted of this change, and if he deems the clash worthy enough for his presence, he can simply return, no?" A Mortal Sovereign Alchemist of the Star Sanctum Starfield(7th) sided with the female Alchemic Sovereign. He was also someone who had their Chosen Knight accepted into the top eighteen.

"Hmph! Would either of you even be flapping your lips if Alchemic Sovereign Wei was still here? Would any of you dare suggest this?" The United Source Starfield's(11th) Alchemic Sovereign contemptuously said. A wave of awkward silence was instantly formed amongst the alchemists. 

It would genuinely be difficult to advocate additional time for nurturing if Wei Wuyin was here. It would simply be like giving a newborn tiger with wings, and Du Ling at his current level with proper training would be disgustingly brutal given his age of under eighty. How pointless would it all be? 

However, there's been no news of Wei Wuyin for the last three months, and this likely meant he was pulled away to something urgent and unable to bother with the summit any longer. At least, for the moment. And that was enough! 

If they could fight for a few more years, they could bring out their Chosen Knights' potential further.

"Should we extend the summit further? The Main Hall is filled with cultivators and youths where a few years could heavily impact their future cultivation. The Main Hall's environment is good, but it'll harm them if we continue extending this to perfect this alchemic clash." Those words caused attention to shift, and a few had changes of expression.

The Rainbow World Starfield's(5th) sole Earthly Saint had spoken! Despite only possessing a single Earthly Saint, it was enough for the starfield to be unquestionably accepted as the fifth strongest starfield throughout the entire stellar region. The strength of the Rainbow World Alliance was clear. 

Despite the appearance of the Earthly Saint being roughly at the age of sixteen and her humbly homely countenance that could cause one to lower their guard, sweet and innocent, there wasn't a single member amongst the throne-sitting cultivators to show any disrespect. When she spoke, everyone listened! 

Wei Wuyin had pegged her as a Blessed through his Bloodline of Sin's reaction, so she was definitely not simple. Furthermore, she was by no means as her age suggested, being far, far older than she appeared. After all, she was the second cultivator to become an Earthly Saint throughout the entire stellar region! 

And that was over ten thousand years ago! 

"Continuous extensions will certainly cause harm to those we've invited to spectate the summit." Besides the Rainbow World Alliance's Earthly Saint was a dull grey-robed, skinny elderly male that had a gravelly voice. This was someone they also commanded respect and an undistracted ear! The Great Desolate Starfield's(6th) leading Earthly Saint—Great Desolate Drought King!

"..." The uncharacteristic caring attitude of the Great Desolate Drought King caused many to sneer in their hearts with disdain. This brutal, vicious cultivator was only obedient and agreeable when the Rainbow World Alliance's Earthly Saint was involved. Otherwise, he was worse than the Boundless Martial High King.

A seething grudge emerged in the gazes of a few Earthly Saints of the stellar region. If given the opportunity, they would unhesitatingly join an operation to slay this person with extreme prejudice. However, they contained their desires solely due to the strength he possessed alongside the other Earthly Saints of his starfield. 

"...Couldn't we simply let those who wish to leave, just freely leave? If their cultivation would be affected, the choice is enough. The reason we brought all these cultivators inside the Main Hall was solely due to Wei Wuyin's desire, and he's no longer here." An Alchemic Sovereign of Verdant Paradise Starfield(19th), the sole Mortal Sovereign Alchemist of his starfield, pointed out as a solution. His suggestion caused a few to ponder. Wei Wuyin's absence had changed the situation again.

Xun Yicao's attitude was much better after Wei Wuyin's departure, regaining the visage of a calm sage that was wise and knowledgeable. He chimed in with a calm voice, "No need; we can simply provide these cultivators here with products or resources to ensure their cultivation doesn't suffer. It'll give us leeway to modify the clash's rules without harming others." His words immediately took a few off guard, shocking them into disbelief.

But then, a thoughtful silence later, everyone began to like the idea. Xun Yicao was right; they could easily use their wealth to either buy products from the Everlore Association or provide them with products themselves. Moreover, this will greatly benefit those lucky enough to be here. 

Most importantly, an audience was necessary! Just the Elimination Stage was greatly entertaining to see. It was only a little over a million—not enough to harm their pockets if the cost was shared.

"Hmph! If so, then only those with Chosen Knights in the competition should foot this bill," someone coldly said. They didn't want to invest in an extension that wouldn't benefit them. This person was a renowned miser, so it made sense he refused to spare a cent.

After another round of heated discussions, a conclusion was made despite Wei Wuyin's absence—create a 2nd Development Stage! The Mortal Sovereign Alchemists of this stage will provide resources or products needed by cultivators depending on their age and cultivation base, excluding Mystic Ascendant cultivators. These cultivators could waste a decade or so, with their 10,000 years minimum lifespans, and their needs were too expensive to upkeep. 

However, the allotted time was still a difficult topic to settle on. There were only eighteen Chosen Knights, but this was meant to be breathing room to develop these Chosen Knights to elevate to prospective Chosen or established Chosen standards, at the very least. 

Numbers floated about chaotically, from a year to five. After a lot of spittle and sighs, it was agreed to allow eighteen months as the time for this next stage. This would make the total development of these Chosen Knights equate to five years(sixty months). 

When the announcement was made, it shook the crowd, but when they explained that those in the audience can request certain materials or alchemical products restricted solely by their cultivation base and not their age; they roared with excitement! This Saint Cyclic Renewal Summit was becoming a heaven-defying cultivation opportunity! 

Luo Ning's brows were tightly knitted. She wasn't privy to the major discussions above, so she only heard the announcement, not the process. She felt deeply aggrieved by this decision, clearly made to undermine her outstanding work. With an extra eighteen months, these Alchemists will go full throttle with a goal in mind, and these Chosen Knights will certainly receive explosively terrifying products that could only dream of. 

Du Ling wasn't too frustrated by this announcement. At the moment, he was cultivating with his sons—a great bonding experience. This was something he was unable to do before, but now, as an Astral Core Realm cultivator, he could guide them. A feeling of immense satisfaction emerged in his heart. No wonder parents loved having higher cultivation bases than their children, the feeling of respect, admiration, awe, and being helpful was indescribably euphoric.

The added stage of the Saint Cyclic Alchemic Clash was officially named the Excavation Stage! And it began now.