In this competition to rise above others, using only one Divine Fire out of four was bound to attract attention.

Fortunately, Tong Mingshan wasn't foolish. With so many people watching him, it was impossible for him not to notice something unusual as he looked around, but he wasn't in a hurry to make changes.

He revealed a white flame to refine the Star Sand, which was a calculated move. He wanted to see if using the Samadhi True Fire would expose him. His earlier judgment was that it wouldn't be easily recognized in daylight, but that was merely speculation.

While everyone was observing him, he was also watching them.

Seeing no one react visibly, he then released the Black Fire to test and observe further.

Only at this moment did Shi Chun's face reveal a thoughtful expression, seemingly having guessed Tong Mingshan's intentions.

By the time Tong Mingshan confirmed there were no issues, half the 15-minute window had already elapsed.

Suddenly, someone in the competition extinguished the flame energy in their hands and slowly stepped out, walking toward the host in the center of the field under everyone's gaze.

This person was the first to complete the first round of refining. None other than the dignified yet slightly wicked bald man, Luo Shengsheng, a disciple of Daming Pavilion.

He supported a small red-glowing orb, smaller than a fist, with one open hand, visible with heat waves undulating around it.

At this moment, he was undeniably the center of everyone's attention. Coupled with his appearance and demeanor, his entire being exuded the aura of someone destined to take first place, inspiring admiration.

Many disciples from Daming Pavilion cheered loudly, and Pavilion Master Xiao Youhong, who usually had drooping eyelids due to old age, opened his eyes wide, showing bright and piercing gaze as he gave a subtle nod of approval.

Gu Lianni, who was manipulating Seven-Colored Flame Energy to refine, glanced at Luo Shengsheng, who had risen above the competition, and began to feel anxious.

To her, this wasn't merely a matter of victory or defeat; it was a matter of her sect's reputation. Although her seven Divine Fires were fewer in number than her opponent's ten, being left too far behind would be unbearable. On top of that, she was the daughter of Shudao Mountain's Sect Leader.

Sometimes, status could be a burden. She immediately accelerated the pace of her refining movements with both hands.

Knowing his daughter well, Gu Yanduo furrowed his brow, recognizing that she was becoming impatient and rushing recklessly.

However, to the spectators, the figure they most wanted to compare with and most anticipated watching at this moment was Li Hongjiu.

Recently, everyone had heard Li Hongjiu's bold claim that wherever he was, Luo Shengsheng would not claim the championship. No one knew where he found the confidence to say something like that.

Judging from the current situation, his words seemed somewhat exaggerated. While Luo Shengsheng had already finished, Li Hongjiu was still struggling.

Yanbao Sect wasn't deaf; of course they had heard of their disciple Li Hongjiu's boast. As the saying goes, words must have a basis, and everyone in Yanbao Sect, including Sect Master Qu Wuming, were intensely observing Li Hongjiu's reactions, hoping he would deliver some kind of brilliance—just as he had previously shown his impressive abilities in the Divine Fire Domain.

Everyone hoped Li Hongjiu would surprise them. Yet, observing his current situation, while he wasn't slacking, his actions appeared rather conventional and uninspired. In comparison to his competitor, there was nothing standout about him, especially with the strongest rival seemingly having claimed victory in the first round.

Even the calmest individuals were starting to lose composure. Elder Li Qianqiu asked in a low voice, "Did Hongjiu truly speak with confidence, or was he just joking?"

An elder beside him replied softly, "Even for you and me, we wouldn't have absolute confidence in surpassing the power of ten Divine Fires in refinement. The gap of three Divine Fires is simply too great."

Li Qianqiu wondered aloud, "Then why speak such words? It'll only invite ridicule afterward, and Sect Master will lose face because of him."

Qu Wuming, upon hearing this, gave a calm yet precise assessment: "Winning is out of the question. At that moment, he likely wanted to provoke the opponent into a physical fight."

As soon as the words left his mouth, the members of Yanbao Sect who heard them collectively came to a realization. They now understood the unspoken implication—Li Hongjiu had been scheming to use the opportunity to disqualify Luo Shengsheng from the competition, but the plan had failed.

Li Qianqiu, comprehending the scheme, couldn't help but shake his head with a bitter smile. "Say what you will, but Hongjiu really does have an endless supply of crafty ideas."

Qu Wuming sighed deeply, lamenting, "He's smart, but he's not grounded—always choosing unorthodox methods instead of sticking to the Righteous Path."

An elder nearby consoled him, "It's not entirely his fault. After all, he's done his best. The truth is, this year's competition is full of hidden surprises. In past years, three Divine Fires would already have been enough. Who could have foreseen the clustering of so many talents this year? That said, the ability to fight and hold one's ground is also a valuable skill, one that our Yanbao Sect certainly needs."

Qu Wuming didn't respond, but internally he couldn't help but reflect—he understood this reasoning, yet the real problem was that if someone lacked reliability, they couldn't inherit the position of Sect Master. No matter how capable they were in battle, they would only amount to a mere fighter.

In the audience, the Refining Heaven Sect—the largest faction in the Artifact Refining World—had visibly somber expressions. The strength of this year's competitors was overwhelming, making it clear that Refining Heaven Sect was destined for defeat, completely removed from the competition for first place.

Sect Master Luo Yan displayed no visible expression on his face, but his gaze carried a subtle gloom.

For him, it wasn't just about winning the championship anymore. The biggest concern was the latent potential demonstrated by other sects, which posed a challenge to Refining Heaven Sect's status.

Thus, the Secret Technique for finding Divine Fire would become critically important for Refining Heaven Sect.

Luo Yan's gaze intentionally or unintentionally wandered toward Shi Chun, then drifted to the summit where Mulan Jin was perched, wondering if Shi Chun could deliver something favorable.

On the topic of the competition, Situ Gu appeared half-interested. Occasionally, he would quietly explain things to the novice Zhener who understood nothing.

However, he didn't need to speak aloud to provide explanations. With his cultivation in the Heavenly Immortal Realm, he could transmit his voice discreetly.

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