Luo Shengsheng only glanced at Gu Lianni due to the commotion but didn't pay her any mind, his aloof nature on full display.

"Good job, Martial Uncle!"

A group of disciples from Shudao Mountain cheered loudly, their excitement palpable.

On the competition grounds, Yuan Yao and Pang Hou, who had taken a moment to glance over, felt a tinge of unease. The two of them had a fair understanding of Gu Lianni's artifact refining talent. Though she had the support of seven Divine Flames, they were doubtful whether she could strike a decisive blow and craft the Nine Orifices in one go.

It wasn't just them; the higher-ups of Shudao Mountain, particularly Sect Leader Gu Yanduo, subconsciously pursed his lips, harboring tension. None of them had experience with seven Divine Flames either, and thus couldn't tell if Gu Lianni's actions were within her capabilities.

While no one questioned Gu Lianni's ability to craft the Nine Orifices, the time limit was an issue. To finish refining within the span of a single incense burning, even with the benefits of seven Divine Flames—was it truly feasible?

Gu Lianni's actions unexpectedly brought a measure of relief to Shi Chun. If even Gu Lianni could manage with seven Divine Flames, then Tong Mingshan with his twenty-six should have no problem, right?

Previously, Tong Mingshan had expressed self-doubt about whether he could refine the Nine Orifices within the allotted time. He hadn't tried before and lacked confidence.

"To have the confidence to craft the Nine Orifices within a single incense burning—remarkable, truly remarkable. It seems Sect Leader Gu has truly taught his daughter well!"

Yan Qufeng couldn't help but marvel aloud.

As soon as he finished speaking, his gaze froze at the competition grounds, widening slightly.

A fresh wave of astonishment erupted.

"Ah, another Nine Orifices!"

"It's from Golden Appearance Hall!"

"How many Divine Flames did he absorb?"

"Can someone produce the Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart within one hour with only four Divine Flames?"

All eyes turned toward Mi Liangmeng, the disciple from Golden Appearance Hall. Just as the crowd exclaimed, this seemingly unassuming and dour young man had already split his equipment into nine sections and begun tackling them one by one.

The members of Golden Appearance Hall in the stands had become as still as statues, staring closely, even their own disbelief evident.

"Is one hour truly enough?" an elder of Golden Appearance Hall asked the Sect Leader beside him.

The Sect Leader replied with a worried expression, "His talent and refining skills are beyond doubt, but one hour is indeed tight. If he's going to attempt crafting the Nine Orifices, he could gradually try step-by-step. Setting up the framework all at once—if one segment fails, the entire effort would be wasted, and the time cannot be recovered."

The elder echoed concerns, "It's still early; it might not be too late for him to reconsider. Should we think of a way to advise him?"

The Sect Leader pondered, "This kid is taciturn yet perceptive, reliable in character. Let's hope he truly has confidence."

No matter how steady his temperament, Mi Liangmeng couldn't escape the reality of being young—and a young man accustomed to being seen as exceptional within a Sect.

As for whether he should attempt the Nine Orifices, he himself felt uncertain or perhaps lacked confidence. Yet the reality of the situation had inevitably provoked his youthful boldness. If Luo Shengsheng could succeed with ten Divine Flames, so be it—but then Gu Lianni, with seven Divine Flames, also started her work on the Nine Orifices. This undeniably spurred him on.

The three Divine Flame difference between his four and her seven created a critical juncture, a bottleneck fraught with suppression yet leaving some lingering possibility.

But Gu Lianni's capability was plainly evident. As the daughter of Shudao Mountain's Sect Leader, she was too conspicuous. Other sects had long scrutinized her thoroughly, and their evaluations deemed her refining talent inferior to his.

Moreover, Gu Lianni was a woman—how could he be surpassed by a woman with allegedly lesser talent?

With his spirit ignited, what reason was there not to gamble? Anyhow, the odds of winning were slim, losing wouldn't impact him much.

Besides, not attempting the Nine Orifices outright obliterated any sliver of hope for victory. Pursuing it, at least, left the faintest trace of possibility.

The number of Divine Flames was an undeniable advantage, but their first-time integration and use—who could wield them most adeptly—remained to be seen until the finish.

Thus, he decisively laid out his plan to refine the Nine Orifices, determined to compete and prove himself.

Similarly, Luo Shengsheng gave him nothing more than a brief glance before withdrawing his gaze, even taking a moment to look across at Li Hongjiu on the opposite side. To his surprise, their eyes met; Li Hongjiu wore an expression of detached amusement, as if viewing a farce, treating his efforts as a joke.

Focus! Stay focused!

Mi Liangmeng incessantly reminded himself, stabilizing the Dao Heart that had been nearly shaken.

At this point, he had no spare energy left to guard against others. Were someone to launch a surprise attack in the competition arena, he could do nothing; he could only count on the Sect for protection now.

Li Hongjiu, despite his casual demeanor, was indeed exerting effort—the kind of effort afforded by absorbing just three Divine Flames. His pace of refining matched what was possible with those three; he was doing his best within those limits.

Yet expecting him to charge ahead fearlessly like Gu Lianni or Mi Liangmeng? That wasn't his style. He was a rather easygoing person, devoid of the aggressive competitiveness that drove others. Unless genuinely pushed to the brink, he wasn't one to fight tooth and nail. From his perspective, the current circumstances weren't yet worth that kind of desperation.

Still, his carefree, playfully detached attitude provoked soft sighs from many in Yanbao Sect. Even disciples like Guang Haoyou couldn't help but lament that their Martial Uncle had reverted to his indifferent tendencies.

Sect Master Qu Wuming's lips quirked repeatedly as he glanced at his disciple with a look of smoldering irritation, clearly ready to demand why everyone else was giving their all, yet he seemed so unconcerned.

To be fair, the Sect Master understood Li Hongjiu's priorities: unable to win, he didn't intend to make artifact refining his primary pursuit or build a reputation on it.

However, the problem was clear—this competition still required a basic display of effort. At the very least, show the number of orifices he aimed to refine, instead of roving around observing others like a casual spectator.

If there was ever a prime example of "iron turning to rust," Sect Master Qu Wuming felt it deeply. He'd broken more than a few sticks over this matter.

Even Mi Liangmeng's boldness sparked greater confidence in Shi Chun. He locked gazes with Tong Mingshan and subtly nodded, signaling him to let go of restraint and give his all—this was his defining moment.

Tong Mingshan understood and immediately invoked his technique, carefully controlling his actions as he publicly split his equipment into nine fiery sections.

The moment he did, the crowd erupted in astonishment.

"Another Nine Orifices!"

"It's from Mingshan Sect's provisional Sect Leader!"

"But where does he find the audacity to attempt crafting the Nine Orifices? Does he assume he's received the Ten Great Sects' true teachings?"

Even outsiders were stunned; members of the Hundred Refinement Sect were no exception. Tong Mingshan's mentor, Luo Wan, was utterly dumbfounded.

Meanwhile, only the disciples of Mingshan Sect were in high spirits, rubbing their hands eagerly, as though watching an anticipated spectacle unfold.

If not for Shi Chun's controlling gaze, Wu Jinliang would have already been shouting with raised fists.

On the Shengshen Continent Royal Capital Arena's viewing platform, a richly dressed man conversing with Wei Mo paused in surprise at the mirrored projection, turning to Wei Mo bewildered, "Brother Wei, am I seeing this wrong? Or is Mingshan Sect actually attempting to compete in crafting the Nine Orifices?"

Wei Mo, confident in his broader insight, hesitated before replying, "It seems so."

Bian Weiyin and his companions exchanged puzzled looks.

At the pavilion atop the peak, Gong Yuanzhi, who had been leisurely observing, exclaimed in disbelief, "He's trying to craft the Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart too?"

None in attendance could answer this question; all eyes remained fixed on the mirrored projection.

Guarding the mountain pass, An Wuzhi and Zhu Xiangxin were already beside themselves with excitement. They knew their Sect Leader's hidden strength was finally about to be revealed. In their minds, this was the moment Tong Mingshan's name would reverberate throughout the land!

The beach teemed with clamorous chatter. The Green-clothed Man and Xiang Laner turned their heads toward Feng Chi, both noticing its radiant eyes gleaming with clenched fists, brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation.

The two then looked back at the projection, filled with curiosity and doubt. Had this woman truly predicted everything, and did she really believe that victory was within reach?

In the mountaintop pavilion, Mulan Jin had come to a halt in her pacing, standing transfixed at the mirrored scene.

Halfway up the mountain, Young Master Nan instinctively stood up, leaning forward with wide eyes glued to the competition field, his mouth agape.

"Ah, that's acting on impulse."

In the audience, Yan Sect Master Yan Qufeng eventually sighed aloud.

Shi Chun blinked curiously and turned back to ask him, "Sect Master Yan, why say such a thing?"

Yan Qufeng hesitated to elaborate, finally shaking his head slightly without comment.

"Ah," Luo Wan also sighed heavily.

Feeling both bemused and slightly displeased by such pessimism, Shi Chun pressed further, asking, "Senior Luo, during Tong Mingshan's time at the Hundred Refinement Sect, would you say his artifact refining talent was the best?"

Luo Wan harbored no particular goodwill toward him. After all, the messy teacher-student relationship leading to Tong Mingshan's current situation had been orchestrated by Shi Chun himself. Hence, Luo Wan's response came with cool detachment, "Moderate, I suppose."

In other words, Tong Mingshan's artifact refining talent was not exceptional.

Yan Qufeng added a kinder note, "His ability is still quite outstanding."

Shi Chun understood this dynamic. Talent undoubtedly mattered, but those with the greatest aptitude wouldn't be sent to events like the Sky Rain Meteor Conference for such grueling competition. Thus, with a faintly mocking gaze, he scrutinized the Hundred Refinement Sect's entourage: "Just 'moderate'? It seems Tong Mingshan did well to leave your Sect since you clearly never truly valued him."

Wu Jinliang chuckled softly at these words, while the Mingshan Sect members exchanged peculiar looks directed at the Hundred Refinement Sect.

Unsurprisingly, Luo Wan bristled, snapping, "No one has the right to say such words in front of me!"

"Hey!" Yan Qufeng quickly raised his hand to signal restraint, frowning and lightly shaking his head, urging Luo Wan not to pick fights unnecessarily in the current moment.

Meanwhile, on the competition field, Jingyang Palace disciple Xu Mang halted his movements with visible hesitation. After thoroughly observing Luo Shengsheng, Gu Lianni, and Mi Liangmeng, he ultimately resisted temptation. Confronting reality, he decided to split his equipment into seven sections.

Many nodded in acknowledgment, considering this a sensible display of self-awareness.

Next, Fuming Valley disciple Huang Chunzhu underwent similar deliberation and ultimately opted to divide his equipment into seven parts as well.

Unhurried and at ease, Yuan Yao followed suit without pressure.

All of them had absorbed three Divine Flames, and Yanbao Sect's Sect Master Qu Wuming directed his gaze toward another individual who had done the same—his own disciple. His frustration was transparent as his clenched teeth glinted; he regarded his disciple's talent as far superior, yet the latter refused to aim higher.

If this persisted, what was the point of competing? Was there no end to the embarrassment?

Turning to the elder beside him, Qu Wuming grumbled, "Forget it. Don't let him compete further; have him withdraw."

Unable to bear watching any longer for fear of losing his temper, he prepared to act.

However, the elder froze abruptly, staring intently at the field without answering.

Qu Wuming turned his head to follow the elder's gaze, only to see Li Hongjiu slowly withdraw his hands, raising his palm to hold a heart-shaped piece of equipment. His figure became still as water, staring at the distant horizon.

He showed no intention of dividing the equipment for refining.

The implication was plain: the man appeared to enter some sort of state or realm, calming even Qu Wuming's agitation.

Suddenly, the wind stirred Li Hongjiu's robes as if of its own accord.

His left hand reached skyward, its fingers twisting in delicate gestures like a flower, as he muttered softly to himself: "A fragment of heaven's strength, endlessly traversing thousands of ancient worlds..."

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