Paragon Of Sin

Chapter 1776: Three

Young Master Shang's panic was genuine, his emotional state unsettled, and his eyes swirling with-an unsteady fear. Wei Wuyin pinpointed a specific-feeling emanating from him, "What are you afraid of?"

Shang Liu's eyes and mood were flat and icy.

Meanwhile, Shang Wanqing was baffled and curious,-her eyes glinting with questions. Earlier, the three-Shangs had some talk, and Shang Liu had all but-introduced this young man in white who had a penchant for alcohol as her cousin from their familial-lineage from afar. When said, the young man had an-awkward expression as if that wasn't exactly right, but-he didn't outright deny the title after Shang Liu brought-out some of his finest wine.

Young Master Shang tried composing himself with a-serene breathing technique. He failed. In the end, he-only exacerbated his emotions. He said with an unsteady voice, "T-the Council of Yri isn't simple.

They…you see…my—our mother would also refuse that-arrangement. You shouldn't, absolutely, definitely—-YOU just can't take a cavalier approach to this."

"..." Wei Wuyin had immense confidence in himself,-but given what Young Master Shang knew of him, all-his startling feats, great achievements of turning three-galaxies into vassals of his founding empire, alongside-his outstanding comprehension of the Imperial Law, it-was a little unbelievable that Young Master Shang was-now concerned for his life.

Was this rule so impossible to overcome?

Young Master Shang paused briefly, debating internally-about something heavy. However, Shang Liu didn't-have as much consideration, and spoke plainly: "I was-unaware that you had a precious agreement to take-another of our Shang clansmen as a concubine, but-there's a story here that would make that decision a-very fatal one."

Wei Wuyin wasn't interested in this story. He casually-halted Shang Liu from trying to propagate fear while-elevating the Blessed Yri Empire's strength. "All of your-attempts are entirely unnecessary. None of your-opinions matter. Only Miss Wanqing's decision. If she-chooses to accept, then there is no stopping what's to-come."

"..." Young Master Shang.

"..." Shang Liu.

Shang Wanqing's eyes simmered with a wonderful light-of admiration and astonishment. This was domineering! This was tyrannical! And her heart was-pounding fiercely, and her chest was rising and falling,-inducing inner-fire stimulating waves despite the-coverings.

Shang Liu could only silently shake his head, no longer-trying to convince Wei Wuyin of ill-made decisions.

This was why those who pursued the path of Imperial-Law were abnormally troublesome to deal with. Suo-Haoran would agree! He would agree ten thousand-times over!

Young Master Shang could only refill his glass to the-tip, drink it whole, and expel a turbidity and alcoholic-air. "Fine. But don't blame me for not warning you."

"I won't. And don't blame me if the sky doesn't fall,"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Wei Wuyin responded vaguely with an amused smile.

Unbeknownst to Shang Liu or Suo Haoran, Wei Wuyin-wasn't influenced heavily by the Imperial Law or any-Law. The Laws were a source of external power of the-heavens that his Astral Souls had formed, and he-assisted them in cultivating. If King was put into the-situation, its response wouldn't have been more than a-single utterance of 'tch' and a release of total waves of-annihilation and a heaven-splitting saber strike to end-all objections.

Wei Wuyin was far, far, far more reasonable.

Since that was settled, the only remaining decision was-Shang Wanqing. Seeing how starry-eyed and riled up-she was, Shang Liu knew there was no suspense left.

He could only internally sigh with despondent acceptance.

Shang Wanqing, shockingly, looked at her

200,000-year-old father at this moment, and she-turned to Wei Wuyin with steeled resolve. "While I-know that I have little to no bargaining power, and-you're aware that I have no objections and full desire to-become your concubine with this life and body of mine,-may I speak a request?"

In the cultivation world, the term 'concubine' has very-different meanings and importance, and for mortal-kingdoms, concubines, both female and male, were-often considered inferior official wives and husbands,-their children lacking proper induction into the main-familial lineage, their status extremely low, and their-speaking power significantly lacking.

They were just above mistresses, and in many cases,-they were treated worse than those mistresses as many-concubines were gifts offered to powerful men and-women, almost dehumanized as goods to be traded-away. This was somewhat similar in the cultivation-world, and why countless refused to refer to Xue Yifei-as a concubine given her abnormal influence and levels-of worship, respect, and authority throughout the-empire and beyond.

It was a wonder why any woman would offer herself as-a concubine personally, and even Wei Wuyin had been-taken aback initially given that Shang Wanqing was a-highly sought-after Catalyst Body that Sages would kill-for, and Resonant Soul Realm experts wouldn't mind-having. Moreover, there was a contest being held to-find a young suitor, albeit Wei Wuyin was younger than-Shang Wanqing by a few thousand years…

Concubines weren't given glorious weddings, and-normally their ceremonies were fronts for gift-giving-exploitation and gatherings of old friends and family to-discuss various topics, their existence took a notable-backseat to everything else. This was both for the-mortal world and the cultivation world throughout-many societies, albeit there were differences between-them.

It would often be that the names of concubines weren't-remembered, and those in the cultivation world often-had an unsettling amount of them, which died off and-were replaced almost yearly. For some, this was a-demoralizing title and identity.

One of the few exceptions was Emperors; Imperial-Concubines were significantly more important,

remembered, recognized, and immortalized by empires.

Their children had the birthright to fight to become the-next Emperor and Empress! They had the imperial-bloodline!

Tian Yinwu was a prime example of this!

Shang Liu's expression shifted as Shang Wanqing's-words flowed, his heart pounding as he held back the-urge to instinctively silence her.

"Of course," Wei Wuyin responded lightly.

Shang Wanqing gathered her courage. Wei Wuyin was,-as all the rumors and rankings suggest, an Exalted-Worldly Saint Alchemist, and she had heard from some-servants that Wei Wuyin hadn't gifted an Arising Sage-Elixir to her father after a conflict arose between them.

"I ask that you…help my father ascend!"

"..." Shang Liu couldn't help but be moved. He hadn't-doted on this daughter of his for nothing! But simultaneously, his heart was rending apart, unable to-accept that she was doing all this, potentially-sacrificing her future happiness for him with someone-her age and cultivation range, the potential to have a-Dao Companion!

Wei Wuyin kept his smile, "What a filial act. But I must-ask: are you intent on becoming my concubine just for-this hope? So that I may use my means to assist your-father in reaching his dreams before his light of life is-snuffed out?"

"..." Shang Wanqing went silent, her eyes lowering to-the table, and her fingers clenching into two tight small-fists.

It was valiant to sacrifice your future and life for your-parents, but in Wei Wuyin's eyes, this was an unnecessary gesture. He lifted his teacup and took a-sip. "How about this: I can give you my word that,-regardless of whether you agree to become my

concubine in this lifetime, I will assist your father in-ascending as a Sage using all my might, means, and-methods. Unless he decided to take his own life, there's-very little chance of him failing to achieve his dream."

Wei Wuyin's eyes focused on the stunned Shang Wanqing and Shang Liu. He clarified, "Arising Sage-Elixir? I'll give him a peak-quality elixir. I'll add-refined Mystic Origin Clay to ensure his life wouldn't-experience any significant danger should he fail. And-I'll…" Wei Wuyin went through a comprehensive list of-things, the most suitable products and materials of-heaven and earth that could assist in a cultivator-becoming a Sage. While there was no guarantee of-success, it would be hard for anyone to fail!

"My word is more solid than a Heaven-Bound Mythical-Oath as an Emperor, no different than an imperial edict-that will be carried out no matter what. So what says-you, Miss Wanqing? Do you still wish to become my-concubine? Or you can strive to become a Dao Companion with someone else out there, seeking out-your happiness. No need to use filial piety as a reason-for your choice or sacrifice.

"There is no foundation of sacrifice any longer. Only-your decision. As for the threat of danger, should you-refuse? I have no reason to harm you or anyone connected to you because of this. After all, I have two-well-known Catalyst Bodies. I can take it a step further,-if you refuse, I'll induct you as a disciple of my-Alchemic Knight, Sage Pakhet, to prevent any

concerning rumors of any implied potential romantic-relationship between us."

Wei Wuyin was not holding back! Even Young Master-Shang's eyes widened in incredible disbelief. It was as-if Wei Wuyin was ensuring that he was checking off any-boxes that could suggest that Shang Wanqing's choice-to be his concubine was not affected by any temptation-or familial obligation!

This was…kind of brilliant and quite ruthless!

Young Master Shang had heard of and seen situations-like this all the time, and the person in Wei Wuyin's-position always agreed, almost as if they were purchasing a concubine by exchanging goods or worth.

There were situations where women and men were forced as concubines to assist their families or even-former lovers.

Shang Liu's mouth was agape with shock. What in the-absolute freaking heavens?!

If Shang Liu was like this, Shang Wanqing would be-shaken even further! In truth, she was largely seeking-to become a concubine of a Resonant Soul Realm expert-or an Exalted Worldly Saint Alchemist because of her-father. She felt a strong obligation to do so, especially-since she was a Catalyst Body desired by all. She had-value.

Yet Wei Wuyin had flipped the table and rewrote the-script that she had buried in her heart. She was-currently in an extremely awkward position!

Wei Wuyin took additional sips of his tea, enjoying its-rich flavor. It was enhanced by drops of honey. He-wondered if there were Genesis Beast bees that were-reared or something else, enriched through a specific-process. As he enjoyed his tea, the silence in the air was-palpable.

After fifteen minutes, Shang Wanqing's eyes focused on-Wei Wuyin with a searing intensity. "I wish to become-your concubine, World-Saint Wei." She bowed deeply,-showcasing her earnest and complete desire to go-through with this!

This took both Young Master Shang and Shang Liu-aback. If she just refused, she would have a great life-without any issues! This was especially true since Wei-Wuyin genuinely didn't see her as special, possessing-both Yue Songli and Xi Ning!

Wei Wuyin stared at this enchantingly and exceedingly-beautiful girl who exuded an irresistible aura that-beckoned one's desire with her every breath, smile, and-movement. He had originally thought Shang Wanqing-was hoping for this so-called Council of Yri to dissuade-him, but her mental fluctuations were genuine and-lacked the slightest falsehood.

Wei Wuyin nodded in acceptance, placing down his-teacup.

"Then, as long as you, Shang Wanqing wills for it and-exist, you'll be the Concubine of I, the Ascendant-Emperor of the Neo-Dawn Empire." A heaven-shaking-pulse of Imperial Law surged forth from between the-two, causing Shang Liu and Young Master Shang's-expressions to violently change.

This was a binding of Law!

Much akin to how the spoils of war of the Law of War-can take effect, this was an Imperial Edict imbued with-the Law of Heaven! It was inviolable!

However, Wei Wuyin's brows suddenly furrowed. The-binding had taken effect, yet only a single one of her-three souls was affected. If there were colors representative of her souls, they were black, white, and-gold, matching with the colorings of her natural hair.

The soul entwined by the Imperial Law was the Black-Soul of the three.

The execution of the Imperial Law was a test, and it-had all but verified a few of his theories. This Shang-Wanqing, the daughter of Shang Liu, had three different souls! Moreover, the other two souls were-dormant!

Fortunately, Wei Wuyin wasn't the fearful type. Shang-Wanqing seemed to relax greatly after feeling the-warmth of the Imperial Law enter her soul. Moreover,-she knew that this was a very loose binding, completely-attuned to her desire to be Wei Wuyin's concubine,-contingent on her will, without any punishment upon-breaking.

Her alluring eyes softened considerably as she looked at-Wei Wuyin, the early seeds of love were already born.

The earlier conduct of Wei Wuyin hadn't just gained her-complete admiration, but gained her respect, allowing-her to realize that Wei Wuyin was unlike any other-man, not seeking her for just her Catalyst Body. She-much rather be desired for her beauty and demeanor-than such a fickle, insulting thing.

Since Wei Wuyin had two other Catalyst Bodies, he-certainly didn't care about her body's unique properties. She was already thinking of taking the time-to probe his thoughts on why he liked her.

Her whimsical thoughts aside, Wei Wuyin asked directly to Shang Liu: "So why does Wanqing have two-other souls inside her?"

"!!!" Shang Liu initially was baffled, but after recalling-the Soul Perception of Supreme Sages, his eyes widened-in abject shock!

"Hm?" Shang Wanqing blinked, confused. Then, as if-ignited by a mystical power, her turquoise eyes shone-with a fascinating and unexpected glow! It was as if-those words had triggered thoughts she had long-suppressed and suspicions that always hung around her-heart!

"Hm," Wei Wuyin observed this reaction with interest.

Furthermore, when Shang Liu asked a few questions-regarding what exactly Wei Wuyin sensed, and Wei-Wuyin told him without the slightest omission, he grew-pale with realization.

Young Master Shang drank with anticipation, not-expecting this juicy twist.

"You can speak freely. Shang Wanqing deserves to-know," Wei Wuyin could sense Shang Liu's

reservations regarding exposing certain details of-Shang Wanqing's life. Wei Wuyin wasn't in the habit of-keeping things unless it was necessary to do so, such as-keeping the properties of the Catalyst Body from Yue-Songli until she was ready.

The answer was far simpler than Wei Wuyin expected.

Shang Wanqing had a very complicated birth.

Unbeknownst to how, when she was born, she caught-an extremely rare illness that was devouring her body-and would eventually reach her soul. The illness had-tainted her mother, causing her to die in childbirth.

Shang Liu sought out solutions, but not even the Seers-or Medicinal Sages had any idea what this was or could-determine.

In his desperation, he sought out a Supreme Seer's-advice. He received an immediate response from Supreme Mortaldust, one of the Supreme Seers of the-greater galaxies. The response he received was disastrous. According to Supreme Mortaldust, a shard-of one of the Three Thousand Heavenly Realms, the-Realm of Decay, had fragmented and imbued into her-soul, somehow bypassing the cleansing of samsara.

There was a chance that her former life was besieged by-a wielder of the Major Authority of Decay or stronger.

It was too profound for Shang Liu to understand, but-the solution was exceedingly difficult. Firstly, he-needed to find a Nascent Decay Soul to infuse into her-soul, allowing her to gain immunity to its effects.

Secondly, she needed a body that could withstand the-effects of a Law—a body like a Catalyst Body. Lastly,-this needed to be completed before her 1st year in this-world was completed.

It wasn't as if Shang Liu hadn't heard of these difficult-complications at birth, and many times, strange-illnesses, conditions, or mutations would lead to the-death of the infant, not just the mother. This was the-last daughter of his life; he had sworn an unretractable-oath on it.

Filled with desperation, he did all he could to find a-Nascent Decay Soul, and he traded it with the Arachnids in a secret deal. Just as time was running-out, desperation overwhelmed his soul as he watched-his daughter's body on the verge of true decay, almost-reaching her soul. Then, as if by heaven's will, he-received a strange message from someone informing-him of a recently born infant that had a Catalyst Body-in a nearby stellar region.

The infant, shockingly, was the same age and gender as-his daughter. In fact, if closely compared, they looked-almost like twins when she was healthy. He learned-this child had the Shang Clan bloodline too, making-their souls and body extremely compatible! It was as if-this was destiny!

The next sequence of events was to be expected. Shang-Liu had completed the fusion of Nascent Decay Soul-and his daughter's soul, eradicated the soul of the-infant with a painless spell, and replaced her with his-daughter's.

At least, he thought he eradicated the infant's soul!

Shang Wanqing was ashen pale from listening to the-story, learning all this left her visibly distraught,-unable to do anything but unblinkingly stare at her-palms.

Wei Wuyin thoughtfully considered all this.

There was still a mystery here.

If one of the souls was Shang Wanqing's original soul,-and the other was the failed-to-be-eradicated infant's-soul, then what about the third one?!