Yan Qufeng immediately realized that this outsider only understood it superficially, so he explained, "'One Orifice True Reaching' is also called 'True Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart,' with the distinction being whether it's one orifice true, two orifices true, three orifices true, and so on, determining the refinement level."

Shi Chun was surprised, "Can 'One Orifice True Reaching' really surpass a Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart?"

Yan Qufeng responded, "Yes, don't underestimate this one orifice. The difficulty of refining 'One Orifice True Reaching' far exceeds the refinement of an ordinary Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart. Its intricacy is hundreds, if not thousands, of times greater. Without cultivation support, among artifact refiners at the Earth Immortal Realm or below, few can refine a True Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart, let alone accomplish it within 15 minutes—which would be an exceptionally rare feat."

So that's how it is. Yet Shi Chun became even more puzzled, "If that's the case, why does Luo Shengsheng still refine a Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart first, only to refine the true version afterward? Wouldn't it be more efficient to directly refine the true version?"

Yan Qufeng thought for a moment and then replied, "First off, Luo Shengsheng likely hasn't attempted to refine a True Exquisite Heart before and wasn't confident in the beginning. At first, he probably only intended to refine an ordinary Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart, but was later pushed to take this risk by Li Hongjiu.

Second, he likely intended to deceive Li Hongjiu—to lull him into delivering his refined product for evaluation first, believing he was done, and then reveal his true objective by transitioning to refine a True Nine-Orifice. This would leave Li Hongjiu no chance for a comeback. Unfortunately, Li Hongjiu is quite clever and was not fooled."

Yan continued, "If Li Hongjiu wants to win, he must also refine a True Exquisite Heart. Judging by the situation, it looks like he's already started."

Elder Jie Lunguang sighed emotionally, "Thinking back on Li Hongjiu's earlier reactions, he must have already sensed something was off but still ended up being maneuvered into a corner by Luo Shengsheng."

Hearing that Li Hongjiu had suffered a setback, Shi Chun's interest was piqued. "Elder, what do you mean by that?"

Sometimes, a single sentence can strike a chord within someone.

Nearby, those from the Mingshan Sect glanced at their Master in awe. It was only now becoming evident—unknowingly, their Master had already reached the level where he could sit and converse as equals with high-level figures from various sects. Though not one of the major sects, their standing was akin to sects they had once respected.

In the past, whenever they encountered leaders at this level within their own sects, they were as timid as mice confronted by cats, utterly fearful.

Elder Jie Lunguang explained, "Brother Shi Chun, didn't you notice Li Hongjiu standing awkwardly for a long time? Luo Shengsheng's move was quite venomous.

As our Sect Master once said, as soon as Li Hongjiu submits his refined product for evaluation, his part in the competition is concluded.

If Li Hongjiu suspects something's wrong and immediately changes his approach, he risks overthinking and wasting his effort unnecessarily. He would find it hard not to hesitate because he may not have refined a Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart before either and naturally wouldn't have absolute confidence. Unless absolutely forced, he wouldn't gamble recklessly.

Once he realizes Luo Shengsheng's intentions, as he does now, he will have no choice but to overthrow all his prior progress and re-melt his finalized product. Starting anew consumes precious time and puts him at a major disadvantage!"

Hearing this explanation, it was indeed a significant setback. Shi Chun couldn't help but grin. His reaction drew suspicious and puzzled looks from Yan Qufeng and the others nearby. Was this what they called brotherly camaraderie?

Noticing their gazes, Shi Chun realized his inappropriate reaction and quickly turned his grin into a display of apparent anguish.

Wu Jinliang cursed outright, "That bald guy really is scheming!"

As cries of 'True Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart' resounded from all directions, the once-exuberant Yanbao Sect group felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over them. Even the Hundred Refinement Sect had uncovered the ploy, so it was obvious to them too. The faces of their leaders became increasingly grim, their hopes dashed halfway.

Even with their vast experience, it was their first time seeing such tactics employed during the final competition of the Divine Fire Covenant.

They now fully grasped Li Hongjiu's earlier predicament.

Meanwhile, the Daming Pavilion benefited greatly and gleefully celebrated. The Pavilion Master's gaze on Luo Shengsheng brimmed with growing appreciation.

Naturally, speculative murmurs filled the air. Could it truly be possible to refine a True Exquisite Heart within just 15 minutes?

Every whispered comment reached Gu Lianni's ears. She raised her eyes, stunned. Had the refinement contest for the Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart escalated directly to the level of refining the True Heart?

Still shocked as she absorbed this revelation, Yanbao Sect disciple Mi Liangmeng drastically altered his flame technique. The eight floating refining materials suddenly plummeted to the ground, while all the Divine Fire energy streams converged on a single piece of equipment for focused refinement.

This unexpected move stunned both Yanbao Sect's leaders and key figures from every major participating faction.

"Is he aiming to refine the 'True Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart' as well?"

"Only half the time remains, and he intends to refine a 'True Heart' with just four Divine Fires?"

"He's abandoned everything else—this is an all-or-nothing gambit!"

"What's with this year's competition? Why have so many recklessly reached such extremes?" scoffed Luo Yan, Sect Master of Refining Heaven Sect.

Those removed from the unfolding scene couldn't comprehend the influence of witnessing the relentless struggle of those around them.

Gu Lianni was now deeply swept up in these emotions. Luo Shengsheng and Li Hongjiu aside, even Mi Liangmeng was attempting this daring act with his four Divine Fires. How could she bear to accept being left behind? Without hesitation, her eight refining materials fell to the ground, and she concentrated her Divine Fires on a single material as well.

Gu Yanduo was visibly anxious. Attempting to do too much beyond one's capacity could lead to disastrous consequences.

He transmitted a message urging his daughter not to push herself. However, Gu Lianni, at this juncture, was determined. She wouldn't back down even if it meant facing public disgrace. Ignoring her father's warnings, her attitude screamed that she was prepared to stake everything.

This bold decision triggered uproarious reactions throughout the crowd.

Everyone focused on those switching to refine the 'True Heart,' failing to notice Tong Mingshan's utterly dumbfounded expression.

The situation around him had transformed dramatically. Suddenly, discussions about refining the 'True Nine-Orifice Exquisite Heart' surged everywhere. Observing briefly, his heart sank. Everyone had shifted to that refinement level; no matter how much effort he poured in at his current level, it was now futile.

Just moments ago, he'd felt increasingly faster in his refining and regained some confidence, only to see circumstances turn brutally against him.

Distracted by this shift, he messed up the refinement of his fourth material entirely.

The repercussions of this mistake were catastrophic. The interconnected veins of the nine materials had been intricately aligned—if one material was ruined, the interfaces between its veins and the other eight would no longer match up. Repairing the damaged piece to fit seamlessly with the rest was almost impossible.

Now, Tong Mingshan faced two choices: abandon the ruined material and settle for refining an Eight-Orifice Exquisite Heart, or start over entirely if he hoped to refine nine orifices.

His gaze grew blank as he slowly turned toward the Mingshan Sect group. This time, no one noticed him—no one paid attention to his predicament, as they were all focused on the excitement of others.

Seeing the progress of the other refiners, the corners of his mouth twitched bitterly.

Some realizations only dawn through comparison. Over the course of the contest, Tong Mingshan began to grasp certain truths: his Hundred Refinement Sect was far less glorified than they'd claimed. The gulf between them and the Ten Great Sects was immense, meaning the teachings passed to their disciples were likewise vastly inferior.

No matter how sharp his Divine Fire or how high his ambition soared, it was akin to using a treasure blade to carve patterns on tofu—impressive but ultimately meaningless. The techniques he had learned from the Hundred Refinement Sect were fundamentally limited. Following their methods step by step, no matter how quick he appeared to be, he was only living in his own bubble of perceived competence. Compared to true disciples of illustrious sects, his foundational skills were woefully lacking.

Shi Chun paused, suddenly sensing something amiss. When his gaze swept past Tong Mingshan, he noticed that he seemed to have stopped refining. What was happening?

Then, as Tong Mingshan occasionally glanced up and their eyes met, Shi Chun saw the doubt etching itself across Tong Mingshan's face.

Embarrassed, Tong Mingshan couldn't bring himself to hold Shi Chun's gaze. He lowered his head.

Was this the point to concede and walk away?

What else was there to do?

To continue in the same pattern would achieve nothing...

In this moment of inner turmoil, a flash of insight struck Tong Mingshan. He suddenly lifted his gaze toward Li Hongjiu.

Logically speaking, Li Hongjiu shouldn't have had any chance of defeating Luo Shengsheng, to the extent of perhaps not even being worthy of competing on the same level. The main reason was that Li Hongjiu hadn't followed conventional methods.

Tong Mingshan likewise wanted to blaze his own path. However, outside of the refinement techniques taught by the Hundred Refinement Sect, he knew no alternate methods.

Rumors claimed that Li Hongjiu had crafted his own cultivation method.

Looking down at the black-and-white flames flickering in his own hands, Tong Mingshan questioned himself deeply—could he devise his own refinement technique?

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