Dong, dong, dong...

Daybreak arrived, and the morning light shimmered like floating radiance on the far-off sea. Reverberating bell chimes echoed long and deep within Qi Yun Valley.

The outsiders instinctively turned their gaze toward the valley, fixating on the glowing curtain above. With mounting excitement, some shouted, "The final competition is about to begin!"

Those who had gathered early positioned themselves at the prime spots, much like Duan Xiangmei.

Most were drawn from their inns by the commotion, and they shuffled into open ground to gaze up at the mirrored images overhead.

Among the crowd, Xiang Laner and Feng Chi carried heavy hearts. Almost reflexively, their eyes darted about, wary of everyone as if suspecting anyone might be a Stargazing Pavilion spy sent to monitor them.

Dressed in snowy white, Mulan Qingqing wasn't accustomed to blending into the throng, but even she had no choice but to suppress her discomfort and navigate through the increasingly dense, chaotic crowd.

Meanwhile, Lan Qiaoyan and her mother remained on the inn's terrace, sipping tea leisurely. Benefiting from Gong Shaoci's intel, they had known since the previous night that the competition would only begin at daybreak, affording them a restful sleep. Now, their spirits shone radiantly.

Outside the Royal Capital Arena of Shengshen Continent, Bian Weiyin and his two companions approached the gate guards and presented Wei Mo's name. After verifying the credentials, the guards asked them to wait briefly.

Of course, they had come not out of concern for Shi Chun but purely to see what kind of future Shi Chun could carve out for himself after leaving Wukang Mountain.

They bore no genuine concern for Shi Chun, nor did they harbor goodwill toward him. Even Bian Weiyin himself had no expectations of Shi Chun's success.

Even Bian Weiyin wished that Shi Chun understood there weren't many opportunities in this world to showcase one's talents. Leaving Wukang Mountain wouldn't necessarily promise a brighter path.

Yi Huachun wanted Shi Chun to grasp one truth—Wukang Mountain had molded him!

Back during the upheaval at Wukang Mountain, Yi Huachun had a chance to ascend as its leader. It was Shi Chun who had disrupted his plans, leaving him dissatisfied and resentful.

Yin Huixin, too, wished nothing good for Shi Chun. She had accidentally discovered the illicit relationship between her daughter Laner and him. Knowing of their secret bond, she hoped Shi Chun would face setbacks, awaken to reality, and perhaps lower himself to beseech a return.

In short, the so-called Mingshan Sect faction led by Wei Mo had performed remarkably in the Divine Fire Domain, leaving these onlookers markedly uneasy. Skeptical, they questioned how Artifact Refining feats could truly dazzle on ground belonging to the Artifact Refining World.

Soon, someone arrived to personally escort the trio inside.

What took them aback was the reception's sheer grandeur—this wasn't merely standard admission to the arena's stands but to the VIP viewing platforms situated among the pavilion towers that encircled the grounds. Specifically, this was the platform reserved for eminent figures.

The arena was already a sea of people, and the other pavilions and towers were filled to capacity, leaving only their own designated platform curiously desolate.

So empty, in fact, it housed no one else but their trio, rendering their position somewhat uncomfortable.

Yi Huachun couldn't help but question the escort, "Are we truly the only spectators here? No one else?"

The escort smiled and replied, "That's hard to say. This area is exclusively reserved for distinguished guests, and whether they come or not is never announced ahead of time. They may arrive on a whim, but even then, rarely in advance." Gesturing at the mirrored images provided by the Heavenly Mirror outside, he added, "See? The competition hasn't officially started yet."

Bian Weiyin pressed further, "Will Lord Wei be attending?"

The escort shook his head, "I truly wouldn't know. Whether he comes or not, it's impossible for us to receive prior notice." He promptly clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. Please make yourselves comfortable."

"Ah, thank you for your trouble," Yi Huachun responded politely, with Bian Weiyin and their companion following suit.

After the escort departed, Yi Huachun turned toward the railing, placing his hand upon it as he scanned the surroundings. Observing the packed crowd of ticket-holders below, he remarked emotionally, "I never imagined we'd find ourselves watching from such a vantage point one day."

Yin Huixin also approached the railing for a view, musing, "I hadn't expected so many spectators."

Yi Huachun turned his gaze to the mirrored images in the sky and sighed, "It is, after all, a competition held once every few centuries."

Bian Weiyin's attention, however, lingered on the figures within the mirrored images…

Within the images, Qi Yun Valley buzzed with activity as members from various sects and factions assembled, creating a lively and celebratory scene.

At a higher altitude within a pavilion, Mulan Jin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, surveying the valley below, surrounded by attendants and guards stationed around him.

In the main hall of the valley's administration, a procession emerged—disciples from various sects undergoing the final inspections for the number of Divine Fire units absorbed prior to the grand competition.

Following them were the higher-ups of each major sect, a notable portion of whom wore grim expressions, most prominently the Sect Leader of Shudao Mountain, Gu Yanduo, and his faction.

All eyes were focused on a young man descending the stairs. He wore a black silk brocade vest over his bare torso, his gleaming bald head and towering, muscular physique making him instantly recognizable. His strong, defined chest and bulging arm muscles betrayed his rigorous training in wielding heavy hammers. His features were handsome and upright, though his bronze skin lent him an enigmatic aura.

His aloof demeanor and steady gaze ahead gave an impression of untouchable pride.

On either side of him stood two elders from Daming Pavilion, personally accompanying him.

This bald and strikingly handsome man was none other than Luo Shengsheng, the competing disciple of Daming Pavilion.

Among all participating disciples, he had just been revealed to have absorbed the highest amount of Divine Fire—ten full flames.

Imagine Shudao Mountain's Sect Leader Gu Yanduo's expression under such circumstances. His already grim visage took on an even darker shade. He had believed his daughter had a strong chance of securing victory, diligently guarding against threats like Shi Chun. Yet no one could anticipate this formidable contender stealing the spotlight, rendering all their precautions futile and ultimately playing into someone else's hands.

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