You don't need 3 topics about this. Basically he gets more souls and that is what keeps his youth and the souls are his source of power.

In the past Shang Tsung was cursed by the gods for committing a hyenious crime, and his punishment was to decay from his world. Being a sorcerer, Shang Tsungs only hope to survive weas to tear the living soul out of people and consume them to retain his youth. Wether the gods gifted him with this as a punishment of never ending hunger, or did he alrweady have the means to kill people such way, is unknow.

Shang Tsung lost his youth when he lost to the great Kung Lao, and fell as unbeaten champion of ortal kombat. However Goro finished the job where his skills weren't enough, and Tsung remained in MK as one of the hosters (after the sudden and mysterious death of one of the organizators of the tournament). Since he did not compete, he could not devour souls frequently and began to age.

When MK2 takes place, the weakened Tsung is granted mercy despite failing to apease Shao kahn. His plan to lure the heroes to Outworld was too good to be left behind, and since Kahn wanted every resource brought up, he restored Tsungs youth. owever he couldn't or woulnd't cure his hun-ger. Ever since Shang Tsung constantly seeks new ways to achieve im-mortality, probably becouse of the consequences of his death ould be quite tormentfull considering his evil.

That makes Shang Tsung the most unique villain of all in MK history.

Quan chi is a better sorcerer though.

Thanks for clearing that up for me. Now I understand it completely :)