Paragon of Sin

Despite her inner thoughts, Empress Xiaocheng performed her hosting duties flawlessly. Her every smile, gesture, and gaze siphoned the attention.

"This Spiritual Network World, the World of Eden, has three main functions..." Empress Xiaocheng began to explain. They were divided into three links: Proximity Link, Positional Link, and Projected Link. Each Link described a unique connection each cultivator had with the Spiritual Network World and was the primary cause for any dissonance experienced.

"The three P's are..." Her explanation was extremely simple and clearly curated to be understood by the children present.

The Proximity Link's primary function was the core procedure of interaction that each individual within the World of Eden could experience. By merely thinking of the individual with a specific intent, one could enter their 'proximity', hearing and sensing them at any time.

The Positional Link's primary function allowed physical interaction by changing the viewpoint of each individual. By wanting it, the user could change their location and perspective at will without changing their proximity to others. Some keen individuals instantly tested this idea, trying to gain a high vantage view of Empress Xiaocheng, and they were rewarded for their ingenuity by an astonishing sight of a heavenly valley. Heavy gulps resounded incessantly.

Of course, this only lasted for a short period before Empress Xiaocheng noticed this change and went silent for a moment. After a while, the area directly above her was prohibited from being accessed. Then and only then did she continue with a serene smile. Clearly, she was unwilling to be subjected to such humiliation and was about to flip the entire table regardless of the consequences. Everyone had a bottom line.

The Projection Link was the visual avatar of each individual. They were forged into a replica of each individual's cultivation base. And while most felt that their entire cultivation base was present, the feeling was false as they could only grasp about a tenth of their original strength in this world. This, however, was the same for everyone, so there was very little difference between the original strength of the individuals present and their power in the World of Eden.

As she neared the end of her explanation, detailing other intricate ways to utilize the three linking functions in unison, theImperial Clan's area was quite heated. Tian Shangyang's eyes blazed with unrestrained fury.

"He's humiliating us!" Tian Shangyang gnashed his teeth as he stared at the gorgeous figure of his grandaunt, who was also his glorious Empress and his idol. The others near him had a change of expression, but they were equally helpless!

Tian Muyang's brows furrowed slightly, but he didn't say what he was thinking. In truth, he found this quite humorous and relieving. He feared that Wei Wuyin would kick off this expo by alluding to the Empress' untimely death due to an 'accident' or something of that nature. It was clear to most of the Imperial Clan, even Tian Xiaolu, that Wei Wuyin was gearing up for war.

In a way, he was conducting similar procedures that Trueborn had taken. If before he was loose sand that had no place to call home, now he had an established base of operations that could be reinforced and enhanced over time. Just the Neo- Dawn Defiant Star defied their every expectation! What could it be if this wasn't a preparation for becoming a force to be reckoned with?

Sky Monarch Bai sighed, giving the Empress a few glances. Whenever her leg peeked through the slit, he felt a heat rise in his heart. She was simply too beautiful! He had to restrain his urge to lick his lips.

Yang Chaoyue, however, had none of Tian Muyang's restraint. "At least she wasn't executed or violated publicly," she made sure to inform them that things could've been worse. This only spurred Tian Shangyang's rage as he fiercely glared at Yang Chaoyue. His Mystic Aura tethered on the verge of eruption. While he didn't have his full cultivation base, he was still an Earthly Saint!

"Oh?" Yang Chaoyue was briefly shocked, but her eyes flashed with ridicule. "Try me," she fearlessly challenged. "Or better yet, show your usefulness by 'saving' your Empress and not showing your impotent rage to the bystanders simply speaking the truth. Or have you forgotten that the Imperial Clan has been discussing war tactics for the last few months?"

"..." The others of the Imperial Clan were stumped. How could they possibly react to that?

"She's your Empress, and it's our clan," Tian Lingyu shot Yang Chaoyue a sidelong glance, correcting her form of address on both counts. Yang Chaoyue had used 'your Empress' and 'the Imperial Clan' instead.

Yang Chaoyue grinned, not responding to her.

''...''

Tian Shangyang didn't want to admit it, but Yang Chaoyue was right! This move was rather tame in comparison to what could've been done to the Empress, so he could only swallow his anger and accept it. As for trying to 'save' the Empress, he wasn't stupid enough to be the cause of the ignition of the war or simply dying a pointless death. He coldly snorted, and his Mystic Aura receded.

Empress Xiaocheng's eyes glinted as she noticed the familiar aura. Her eyes flashed with discreet light as she found the Imperial Clan's group, and she could see their heated expressions or strange gazes. However, she didn't feel any rage due to this. After seeing that they were healthy and rowdy, she sighed with relief in her heart. At the very least, they came for her. To enter the Neo-Dawn Starfield amid discussions of conflict was brave beyond measure, especially given Wei Wuyin's frightening power and unpredictable nature.

Besides those like Yang Chaoyue and Tian Muyang, who had ties with Wei Wuyin, the rest were risking their lives to be present. And seeing Tian Shangyang's suppressed rage, she felt validated for her sacrifice and some guilt for her instigating intentions that caused all this. Unfortunately for them, if she were given the same choice, she would do it again.

"These are the three principles of the World of Eden's functions, and it'll take some time for you all to grasp an understanding of it and acclimate to the changes. As such, the Neo-Dawn Alchemic Expo launched by the Alchemic Sovereign Wei will officially begin in one hour. During this period, and so that the world and your avatars can stabilize, we'll be giving out the first fortune planned as thanks to those who were courageous enough to brave the Void-Blank Space and come here from across the stars!" Empress Xiaocheng's voice grew with rising excitement, and this caused the hearts of those listening to begin to rise with equal intensity.

"Fortune?" The ears of quintillions perked!

What was the most anticipated event of an Alchemic Expo? The good fortune given out by the hosting Alchemist! Given the scale of the Neo-Dawn Alchemic Expo and the sheer quality of the environment they received simply from the starfield itself, they could only discuss expectantly.

"It's here!" In the True Element Sect's group, Lin Ming stood beside Lin Xianxei as he was in utter awe of the World of Edenand those seven dragons! However, the voice in his mind seemed a little discontent because they were unable to view the World of Eden without exposing themselves! Still, they could interact with Lin Ming and gather a picture of happenings.

"Whatever it is, don't hold back!" The voice warned, holding in their emotions.

"Don't be complacent about this opportunity, okay?" Lin Xianxei promptly advised. Despite the distance in their relationship recently, she was still the mentor that taught him from his earliest years to now and sought to see him grow at every opportunity. She cared for him, and those feelings wouldn't vanish without a strong trigger.

Lin Ming nodded to them both, realizing they deeply valued this opportunity despite only being one hour long!

"This will set the tone for the true fortune of the Neo-Dawn Alchemic Expo!" Seniors from across the World of Eden advised their juniors with serious gazes. The initial bout of good fortune would only allude to the following ones, ultimately signifying the main benefit.

Why did Alchemic Expos have such astounding significance and hype? Because they were ego stages for Alchemists! And they were opportunities for everyone who arrived!

The 'theme' of this good fortune was typically divided into seven events, each better than the last.

"All of you, get ready!" Tian Lingyu shouted to the princes and princesses of the Imperial Clan. They instantly went stern and focused. They were deeply educated and experienced in Alchemic Expos, and despite their age, most of them had been a part of at least one. This was the benefit of being a part of the Imperial Clan's royal lineage! They were always invited.

Tian Muyang faintly smiled. Tian Lingyu cared about the juniors of the clan more than anyone else. This didn't only extend to those in her Bloodline lineage, but she prioritized the safety and lives of others, even willing to sacrifice for them. She had done so for the crew earlier, and seeing how she was reacting to this so seriously, one could see she had a good heart. To her, the little guys mattered.

Empress Xiaocheng internally nodded after seeing how the Imperial Clan was readying themselves. Then, she announced: "It is my utmost pleasure to introduce the Astralis Dawn Mist to you!" Suddenly, the solar light that cascaded upon each individual's real body began to pour richly golden mist into whoever it enveloped.

In the World of Eden, everyone could see an illusory golden mist surrounding them. It was replicated from their interconnected senses of both worlds.

"Astralis Dawn Mist is a uniquely cultivated and thoroughly refined material of the Neo-Dawn Defiant Star, containing quintessential essences of the Mortal Realms and traces of Mystic Intent. I won't speak more about its miraculous properties, so cultivate! Experience it for yourselves." Empress Xiaocheng said excitedly as she looked at the golden mist surging about. She had gotten to experience it before, and her heart howled with greed.

"Astralis Dawn Mist?" Tian Muyang was taken aback, but when he sensed the golden mist surrounding him, his heart shook violently! He didn't hesitate to enter a cultivation state and swallow a handful of Astralis Dawn Mist. His Mystic Soul roared in utter delight as his Mystic Core began to glow vibrantly.

Within mere seconds, several lower-phase Qi Condensation Realm youths began to make breakthroughs instantly! They entered the External Flow Phase! They entered the Elemental Birth Phase! They started to birth elemental qi! Some immediately gave rise to the basic elements, while others birthed advanced ones! It was sporadic and incessant!

"I can...I can feel the Mystic Way of Time!" Sky Monarch Bai shouted in disbelief as he began to absorb the mist. The various profundities of the Ways of Mysticism's Temporal Rune started to become clearer to him!

The first day of fortune had begun, and no one was excluded!