At this moment, right in front of the upper echelons of the Hundred Refinement Sect, breaking the conversation and asking Shi Chun to focus on Zhener proves that Wu Jinliang no longer holds sects of this level in high regard.

Though it hasn't been long since his release from the Land of Exile, his life has undergone an upheaval. Even before entering the Divine Fire Domain, Wu Jinliang wouldn't have dared to adopt such an attitude.

And it's not just Wu Jinliang and Shi Chun. Chu Jingtang's group is no different—they don't take the Hundred Refinement Sect seriously either, focusing more on Zhener's situation.

They may not even realize this shift in mindset.

However, what really piqued their curiosity was how Zhener, who frequently shared flirtations and embraces with the Master, ended up mingling with Situ Gu.

Zhener, sweeping her gaze across the scene, quickly locked eyes with Shi Chun's group. Upon spotting Shi Chun, joy lit up her face, but her delight was immediately restrained by Shi Chun's stern, warning glare.

Shi Chun had instructed her: in front of outsiders, she must refrain from displaying closeness and keep her distance.

Situ Gu had been paying close attention to Zhener's behavior, as he needed to constantly remind and guide her, given her lack of worldly experience, to prevent unforeseen troubles.

Noticing her gaze's direction, Situ Gu followed it and saw Shi Chun's group. He couldn't help but let out a quiet sigh.

He wasn't clueless, and besides, Zhener had never masked her feelings for Shi Chun before him—even mentioning wanting to bear Shi Chun's children, leaving him utterly stunned at the time.

Originally, Situ Gu didn't want Zhener to be in the limelight, but Zhener insisted on coming out, claiming it would be the last time. Unable to resist, he reluctantly yielded.

For the Artifact Refining World, Situ Gu himself was the brightest star. His appearance immediately sparked whispers and discussions among members from various sects.

The high-ranking members of the Extreme Fire Sect occasionally cast inspecting glances at Zhener. Alerted by the intel Black Tiger provided before his death, they already had their considerations in mind.

The Sect Master Luo Yan of the Refining Heaven Sect and others also observed Zhener now and then, unsure of her origins.

Situ Gu claimed she was his disciple, but the Refining Heaven Sect didn't recognize her as one of their own. How absurd and laughable was that?

Regarding this disciple's origins, Situ Gu's explanation was also ambiguous—he said he took her in outside the sect, and with the help of another sect as intermediary, smuggled her disguised as a man into the Divine Fire Domain. Now, he intended to formally induct her into the Refining Heaven Sect. Would they agree to such a request?

If it had been anyone else, the leaders of the Refining Heaven Sect would certainly have told them to leave and never return. How could they accept someone with such unclear origins?

But this was Situ Gu—they couldn't be bothered to argue further. His actions were straightforward and unsubtle: if they didn't agree, he could easily leave with his disciple. He wouldn't inconvenience them; plenty of other sects would welcome them. What could they do? Ultimately, the Refining Heaven Sect's leaders had no choice but to grudgingly acknowledge the situation and clean up after him.

Some elders even secretly murmured whether Zhener might be Situ Gu's illegitimate daughter.

The group from the Hundred Refinement Sect standing near the Mingshan Sect couldn't help but glance in the direction Shi Chun and his team were observing, feeling somewhat puzzled yet undeniably aware of the sense of being disregarded.

This realization brought a subtle unease to Yan Sect Master, but he promptly returned to the topic at hand, saying, "Brother Shi Chun, may I ask—can the Mingshan Sect sustain itself like this?"

It was clear to all that the Mingshan Sect was established in direct response to this year's Divine Fire Domain opening. Yan Sect Master had also uncovered deeper purposes related to the ongoing wagers —specifically connected to Young Master Nan.

His question wasn't just for Shi Chun but intended for Tong Mingshan to hear. The personnel makeup of the Mingshan Sect was chaotic, with only one person skilled in Artifact Refining—could such a sect even be considered legitimate? Chances were high it would dissolve soon, and Tong Mingshan would need to make long-term plans.

Before entering the Divine Fire Domain, the sect had approached Tong Mingshan but was rebuffed. After leaving the domain, they visited again, only to find themselves turned away. Yan Sect Master could only strategize through indirect means.

Call it pragmatism or ambition—either way, for the sake of sect development, the number of Divine Fires Tong Mingshan had absorbed was enough for Yan Sect Master to lower his stature.

Shi Chun chuckled and replied, "Yan Sect Master, discussing this with me is futile; Tong Mingshan is the Mingshan Sect Master. It's his call whether to stay or leave."

Yan Qufeng let out a soft sigh and said, "Brother Shi, let's not deceive ourselves here. We all know Tong Mingshan's current accomplishments wouldn't exist without your guidance."

The implication was clear—everyone knew who really made the decisions in the Mingshan Sect.

Shi Chun shook his head slightly and said, "You're overthinking it. Whether the Mingshan Sect exists or not is up to him. Whether to return with you is his choice—I wouldn't force his hand in any way."

Immediately, all eyes landed on Tong Mingshan, whose face was rigid with suppressed emotions.

Yan Qufeng, staring at Tong Mingshan, hesitated, then signaled to his master Luo Wan.

Unable to hold back any longer, Luo Wan directly berated Tong Mingshan, "What are you thinking? Yes, even if the Mingshan Sect dissolves, with the Divine Fires you've absorbed there'll be plenty of sects wanting you. But understand one thing—wherever you go, you'll always be an outsider in their eyes. Only by returning to the Hundred Refinement Sect can you truly come home. Do you even know what sets insiders apart from outsiders? Human hearts are deceitful—some things can't be controlled merely by absorbing a few Divine Fires."

While others might feel differently, Tong Mingshan couldn't maintain composure under his master's admonishment. A mix of complex emotions flashed across his face as he struggled to respond, "Master, I can't return, I truly can't return."

He wasn't lying—he had personally tallied the countless Artifact Refining Materials the Master had procured for him from the Ten Great Sects. Even pooling all the Hundred Refinement Sect's resources couldn't compare.

Plus, he had witnessed firsthand the secret dealings between the Master and Situ Gu. The mere thought of getting guidance from Situ Gu set his heart racing.

All of this was beyond the Hundred Refinement Sect's current abilities—it simply couldn't deliver.

Luo Wan blew his beard in anger, exclaiming, "What now, you want me to kneel and beg you? If that's what it takes, I'll give you that respect!"

With that, he flung his robe aside, preparing to kneel.

The act startled Tong Mingshan, who quickly stepped forward to stop him, "Master…"

Even Yan Qufeng was shocked, never expecting Luo Wan to act so resolutely. He, too, intervened to stop this display. If Luo Wan truly knelt, Tong Mingshan would become an object of ridicule, a man marked for life—it would seal his inability to ever return.

Although the physical act was prevented, no one stopped Luo Wan's words. "You miscreant! Still not waking up? Do you think I would ever harm you?"

Yan Qufeng added, "Tong Mingshan, whether or not you return is ultimately your choice. But have you considered your master's position? If you don't return, he will become the laughingstock of the Artifact Refining World and a joke across the land. He has poured years into meticulously mentoring you—do you truly wish to see him face such humiliation?"

Their words, one after another, seemed so reasonable that Tong Mingshan was visibly overwhelmed, torn as he faced his master.

The matter had already been decided, and Shi Chun had intended to let Tong Mingshan handle it independently. Yet, seeing that Tong Mingshan couldn't withstand the elder's relentless coercion, Shi Chun stepped in, displeased.

"Yan Sect Master, there's no need for force here. Our Sect Master still has a competition to prepare for. Your interference now would disrupt his focus—how is he supposed to concentrate on the match later? Let me make the call; after the competition, if you still feel it's necessary, then take your time to discuss it thoroughly. Sound fair?"

Wu Jinliang chimed in, "Exactly, now's not the time to disturb him."

Shi Chun turned to Tong Mingshan and said, "Sect Master, let's talk after the competition, shall we?"

Tong Mingshan, dull and wooden, nodded.

Shi Chun immediately gestured toward the Hundred Refinement Sect group to step back.

Yan Qufeng, choosing not to push further, signaled his team to temporarily retreat. However, before leaving, he sighed to Shi Chun, "Brother Shi, you may not be aware—some contestants have absorbed seven Divine Fires, and others ten. He has absorbed only four—honestly…" His gaze landed on Tong Mingshan, shaking his head faintly.

He implied that the odds were unfavorable.

Shi Chun casually teased, "No wonder your sect expelled him. Clearly, your sect has absolutely no understanding of your own disciples' refining talent!"

The Master feigned playfulness, and Wu Jinliang couldn't help a burst of sinister laughter. "Heh heh heh…"

Chu Jingtang and the others looked at the Hundred Refinement Sect as if observing some peculiar freak show, their eyes filled with inexplicable intrigue.

Four Divine Fires? Though Chu and the group weren't clear on how Tong Mingshan passed the Divine Fire assessment or obtained qualification for the competition, they knew very well how many fires he had absorbed. Four? Fourteen wouldn't suffice. Absorbing ten fires—how audacious would anyone even be to brag before their Sect Master?

Yan Qufeng's party dismissed Shi Chun's remarks as utterly uninformed. Regardless of refining talent, the difference between ten and four fires was insurmountable—it couldn't simply be bridged by innate ability.

Previously, they had heard Yanbao Sect disciple Li Hongjiu boast arrogantly that even ten-fire absorber Luo Shengsheng couldn't defeat him; they had laughed it off as a joke. Now, yet another absurd claim was circulating.

Enough—Yan Qufeng mustered a restrained smile, nodded in greeting, and returned to his place, declining further argument. It was pointless debating with outsiders.

Shi Chun couldn't be bothered to engage in further verbal sparring. If not for considering Tong Mingshan's emotions, he would have directly called someone to expel the Hundred Refinement Sect members. For now, he leaned in and whispered into Tong Mingshan's ear, "Don't lose focus. Everyone risked so much to reach this point. With fortune in sight, don't let their efforts go to waste."

Recalling the risks the team had taken to support him in the Divine Fire Domain, Tong Mingshan took a deep breath and nodded. Yet, his ears still picked up the mockery and ridicule from sects watching nearby. "The Hundred Refinement Sect is unbelievable—first they cast someone out, then want them back when they see potential. Truly shameless, no dignity at all…"

Some voices were so loud they didn't shy away from the Hundred Refinement Sect, but Yan Qufeng kept his composure, signaling his team to let it pass. People just couldn't stand seeing others succeed where they failed.

At the mountainside, Young Master Nan's group lacked the qualifications to enter the venue and watched the commotion from afar. He couldn't make out what the Hundred Refinement Sect members were discussing with the Mingshan Sect nor recognize the sect itself.

Similarly, Mulan Jin sat atop the mountain, unable to enter either. Seated comfortably within a pavilion, she occasionally glanced at the mirrored image floating in the sky and then down toward the valley below.

After the Ten Great Sects had assembled, the competition awaited no longer. In the clearing of the valley, disciples of the Li Huo Sect began unloading crate after crate of Artifact Refining Materials onto the stage.

A Li Huo Sect elder, serving as host, strode forth and proclaimed loudly, "All sect representatives participating in the competition, step forward immediately!"

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