Wu Jinliang chuckled, "Our Sect Master's cultivation may not be as high as yours, but when you were at our Sect Master's level, you probably weren't his match either. When he was in the Hundred Refinement Sect, he was recognized as the number one in artifact refining talent among his peers!"

A person who can boast so shamelessly for themselves will, of course, not hold back when doing it for others, but given the limited knowledge, he wasn't sure exactly how to explain this 'number one' status. But saying 'number one' was enough.

Tong Mingshan's face was expressionless, but inside he was feeling extremely awkward. Such words should not reach the ears of those from the Hundred Refinement Sect.

Feng Yaoyang couldn't help but laugh, "Merely being acclaimed as the best within the Hundred Refinement Sect, truly remarkable!"

Alright then, seeing that the discussion had started, Chu Jingtang also spoke up, "I know about this, it's not just within the Hundred Refinement Sect. Even across Xuan State, our Sect Master's artifact refining talent is publicly acknowledged by all Artifact Refining Sects as the top among those of the same realm."

Lao Changtai said, "You may look down on our cultivation, but you can't underestimate our Sect Master's talent for refining. The top artifact refiner, Situ Gu, personally visited the Hundred Refinement Sect to give guidance to our Sect Master. If he were mediocre, why would he receive such favoritism?"

Upon hearing this, everyone from the Four Cauldron Sect was shocked, and even Feng Yaoyang began to reassess Tong Mingshan. Still defiant, he said, "Anyway, we aren't seeing Senior Situ here, so you can keep boasting."

Chen Wuji said, "What's the point in boasting? Does it benefit us in any way? If it weren't for Senior Situ's silent endorsement and protection, do you think we could have entered the Divine Fire Domain so easily?"

These were people who had been chosen by various sects to lead at the Sky Rain Meteor Conference; their words were not to be taken lightly.

Members of the Four Cauldron Sect showed looks of sudden understanding; no wonder.

Xu Anzhang and You Mu looked incredulous; they hadn't heard anything about this from their superiors.

But how could their superiors have mentioned something that didn't exist? His superiors hadn't expected someone could boast to such an extent.

Seeing their reactions, Wu Jinliang chuckled on the side.

However, Tong Mingshan inwardly felt so embarrassed that he desperately hoped these words wouldn't spread, lest he lose face in the future.

Who knew that Shi Chun would then say to him, "Sect Master, facing such doubts, aren't you going to say anything?"

This was like forcing a duck onto a perch, but also a hope that Tong Mingshan could blow a little reality into his boasts, as they could only cheer and proclaim 'number one,' which felt quite hollow, especially since they knew nothing about Artifact Refining and dared not make random claims.

Tong Mingshan had no choice but to speak up, "Brother Feng, when I first broke through to the High Martial Upper Realm, I refined a 'Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart' within half a day. I would like to ask Brother Feng at what level and in how long you managed to refine one."

Upon hearing this, the Four Cauldron Sect felt another wave of shock. Only their fellow peers understood what it meant to refine a Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart within half a day at the High Martial Upper Realm.

Refining the Exquisite Heart is a method of testing an artifact refiner's skill; the more orifices crafted, the more skilled the refiner is considered, and to a certain extent, it also implies a higher talent for Artifact Refining.

Feng Yaoyang was staring at Tong Mingshan, the shock in his eyes clear. Although his cultivation had reached Great Success, he could only refine a Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart within a day. In contrast, the other party had refined a Nine-Orifice version in half a day. The difference was huge, not to mention the compounded disparity caused by the difference in their cultivation realms.

Xu Anzhang was knowledgeable, so he looked at Shi Chun for confirmation.

Shi Chun nodded slightly, confirming the truth of the matter.

Xu Anzhang's expression became solemn.

Of course, Feng Yaoyang still stubbornly retorted, "I don't believe that someone in the High Martial Upper Realm can refine a Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart within half a day."

Tong Mingshan replied calmly, "Simple, we just have to compare. Theoretical wins and losses are pointless. I, Tong, am willing to compete with Brother Feng right here to see who can refine a 'Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart' in the shortest time. If I lose, do with me as you please. If Brother Feng loses, I won't take advantage. To avoid accusations of ulterior motives, Brother Feng only needs to promise his fellow sect members that if he finds the Divine Fire, he will not touch it and will let his sect brothers have it. Is that fair?"

His words first shocked Shi Chun and his group. Really? Can you actually refine it? Then why do we get the feeling from the reaction of the Four Cauldron Sect that it's very difficult?

Little did they know that Tong Mingshan was betting that the Four Cauldron Sect didn't have enough materials to refine it, as some materials might not be carried on one's person.

Having been deeply shaken, the group from the Four Cauldron Sect exchanged glances. Sure enough, Feng Yaoyang grunted, "Let's talk about it after we get out alive, since I don't have all the necessary materials for refining here."

Tong Mingshan remained calm, "No problem. I am a Sect Master, after all. If you don't have the materials, I do. I can give you a set. Today, I will witness Brother Feng's superb skills."

Shi Chun's group was shocked again; they hadn't expected him to have such hidden depths.

Backed into a corner, the Four Cauldron Sect was also shocked, realizing they were dealing with a prodigy of the Artifact Refining World. It was no wonder he dared to start a sect.

Of course, several disciples of the Four Cauldron Sect were secretly delighted. If Senior Brother Feng lost, according to the wager, they would benefit from the Divine Fire.

Feng Yaoyang's Adam's apple bobbed repeatedly, and he was genuinely intimidated, unable to utter a single word. His pride wouldn't allow him to refuse, yet he knew he couldn't refine the Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart, and he couldn't bear to give up the Divine Fire.

At that moment, Tong Mingshan turned to Wu Jinliang and reached out, "Wu Jinliang, hand me the Qiankun Bag to get my refining materials!"

Wu Jinliang was startled. You've got to be kidding, right?

But he quickly realized that the Sect Master was actually bluffing someone.

Shi Chun also caught on, knowing that Wu Jinliang's bag didn't hold any refining materials. If he still didn't understand Tong Mingshan's intention and how to cooperate, he should have died in the Land of Exile a long time ago.

He immediately gestured with his hand for Wu Jinliang to stop and bowing to Tong Mingshan, he implored, "Sect Master, there's really no need for this standoff. We still have to travel together; there's no point in dividing winners and losers."

Then, turning his head, he signaled with his eyes to Xu Anzhang, "Brother Xu, doesn't refining take a long time? Time is precious. Isn't it a loss if we delay our search for the Divine Fire because of a competition?"

"Ah? Oh…" Xu Anzhang also grasped Shi Chun's intention. He was to cooperate with this side to complete the mission above, not allowing Feng Yaoyang to miss out on the Divine Fire, quickly echoing, "That's right, this is no place for internal strife. Everyone, let's get ready to set off. Finding the Divine Fire is what matters."

Feng Yaoyang was proud, but now he fell silent, quietly backing down the slope.

A group of Four Cauldron Sect disciples sighed in secret, seeing the haughty encountering one who truly had talent.

Shi Chun turned back and smiled as he persuaded Tong Mingshan, "Sect Master, no one really questions your artifact refining skills. If you were not one of the sect's elite, would the entire Hundred Refinement Sect have let you lead the sect's forces in the Sky Rain Meteor Conference?"

Upon hearing these words, a group from the Four Cauldron Sect glanced back from time to time.

Meanwhile, Chu Jingtang's group was whispering among themselves, wondering what exactly the Master was playing at.

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