Although he wasn't well-acquainted with Tong Mingshan, he did recognize him. The crowd shouting Tong Mingshan's name, then suddenly falling silent—could it have something to do with Tong Mingshan?

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he did was glance at Tong Mingshan's position. With just one look, he understood the reason behind the exclamations and sudden silence.

He saw that the bottom of the refining material in Tong Mingshan's hands, near his palm, was similarly emitting a hazy glow of twilight—a sign laden with meaning.

Could it be that Tong Mingshan was also refining the True Exquisite Heart?

How was that even possible?

Judging by Tong Mingshan's seamless method, could he possibly be using the same refining technique? He immediately rejected the idea; he couldn't sense Tong Mingshan harnessing the mysterious power that he himself commanded, nor did Tong Mingshan's techniques resemble his own.

But the glow emanating from the materials was undeniable proof that the refractive spaces within the refined artifact had reached a certain level of complexity and transparency—otherwise, it would be impossible for this specific material to emit seven-colored twilight.

As the surrounding spectators turned their gazes toward the overhead mirror projection, seemingly captivated by something, he couldn't resist looking up as well. He then discovered the narrow perspective from the audience's position made it difficult to see properly. Meanwhile, the Heavenly Mirror projection above was constantly shifting angles out of curiosity, observing Tong Mingshan's artifact from all directions, leaving only the bottom side and the portion obscured by Tong Mingshan's hand unseen.

Because of this sweeping observation, Li Hongjiu was alarmed to find that if Tong Mingshan truly was refining the True Exquisite Heart, his methodology was completely different from everyone else's. The common approach divided the artifact into segments, refining one region at a time.

Even for Li Hongjiu himself, despite achieving a seamless result, his method was rooted in crafting intertwined primary conduits one at a time. To fully sketch the entire True Heart's structure in one cohesive effort before fusing it together… that would take endless effort. By the time he finished the design, the competition would have long ended; he might never be able to complete it in time.

Yet, the twilight glow emanating from Tong Mingshan's refinements was different. It surged upward like a rising tide, expanding uniformly from the entirety of the artifact's base.

Li Hongjiu wasn't the only one astounded by this; all knowledgeable individuals were plunged into profound disbelief.

Even Luo Shengsheng and the other competitors opened their eyes from the commotion, all astonished by this unexpected phenomenon.

"Tong Mingshan can refine the True Exquisite Heart?" The Hundred Refinement Sect's Grand Sect Leader Yan directed this question toward Luo Wan, expecting that the man would know since Tong Mingshan was his disciple.

The members of the Hundred Refinement Sect turned to look at Luo Wan, as did Shi Chun and the group from the Mingshan Sect.

But Luo Wan had no idea. He didn't know whether to shake his head or wave his hand. He finally managed to squeeze out a strained response: "I haven't been able to refine it myself, so I was unable to teach him. Whether he learned it from someone else, I wouldn't know."

Next, the Hundred Refinement Sect members collectively shifted their gazes to Shi Chun. If Tong Mingshan had indeed learned it from someone else, Shi Chun would likely have the answers.

Shi Chun understood their underlying intent, but how was he to respond? He didn't know whether Tong Mingshan had studied under anyone. After all, who knows what influential figures Tong Mingshan might have encountered during his prison time in the Land of Exile?

There were certainly individuals in the Land of Exile known for their extraordinary artifact-refining skills.

Thus, Shi Chun vaguely countered, "Can you confirm he's truly refining the True Exquisite Heart?"

With that, it genuinely became difficult to affirm. Everyone continued to observe in silence.

As the previously quiet scene gradually filled with clamorous chatter, the debate swelled like waves. The audience grew increasingly agitated—they couldn't believe Tong Mingshan possessed such capability. After all, Tong Mingshan's humble background was nothing to boast about; in many people's eyes, he was merely a disciple from a minor sect.

To members of many sects, this reality was hard to swallow. Their discussions were rife with disbelief.

It was one thing for Tong Mingshan to obtain a few Divine Fires through Shi Chun's assistance, something those sects could grudgingly acknowledge. But the notion that Tong Mingshan's artifact-refining expertise surpassed theirs? That struck at their livelihoods—how could they accept that conclusion without seeing definite results?

From Li Hongjiu's perspective, those engaging in idle argument were merely posturing, unaffected by the outcome. However, as someone involved in the competition, he couldn't afford any negligence.

Fixing his attention on the twilight glow within Tong Mingshan's artifact, Li Hongjiu assessed its rate of ascent. His scalp suddenly tingled, overtaken by a wave of intense unease.

No matter whether Tong Mingshan could truly refine the True Exquisite Heart or not, one thing was clear: Tong Mingshan's current momentum was anything but ordinary. For Li Hongjiu, his primary competitor abruptly shifted from Luo Shengsheng to Tong Mingshan. The rapidity of this realization was so jarring, it felt surreal.

However, he no longer had the luxury to dwell on these thoughts. Time was slipping away, and he dared not waste another second. Summoning every ounce of effort, he promptly closed his eyes and focused all his energy.

This time, he discarded any thoughts of eking out an advantage over Luo Shengsheng through calculated exertion. Playing it safe might cost him everything, leaving him unable to answer to the Sect. Now, he was prepared to throw himself into the competition fully.

Observing the twilight's growth velocity within Tong Mingshan's artifact, Luo Shengsheng looked on with heightened disbelief.

His sense of pride, though tested, had kept him from conceding to Li Hongjiu's demonstrated skill. He was determined to fight to the bitter end. Now, with Tong Mingshan emerging out of nowhere, weariness seeped into his spirit.

For a fleeting moment, his state of mind almost collapsed—he nearly considered surrendering.

He had absorbed the most Divine Fires in the venue, ten in total. If he couldn't defeat Li Hongjiu in the end, he would struggle to come to terms with that loss. But to have Tong Mingshan surpass him as well? That would be unbearable.

No—he absolutely would not accept such a result!

Pushing himself to continue channeling his Divine Fires, he closed his eyes once more. Under their illumination, the pallor of his face became increasingly stark.

Meanwhile, Gu Lianni fixed her gaze on the Heavenly Mirror's projection in the sky. A trace of despair flickered in her eyes, and the tangled web of her feelings suddenly unraveled into a pure simplicity. She turned her head to look at Mi Liangmeng, who had now become her final anchor.

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