Chapter 461: Competition Upgrade

"He has completed the seventh aperture and is now refining the eighth. If it weren't for an extraordinary talent like Li Hongjiu, Luo Shengsheng would undoubtedly be the top contender this year!" Elder Jielun Guang remarked with emotion, feeling his eyes truly opened by the sheer number of young talents emerging in this competition.

"The Golden Aspect Hall disciple has reached the fifth aperture, surpassing Sect Leader Gu's daughter!" Someone from a certain sect behind Shi Chun's group exclaimed loudly. It was indeed a cause for excitement, as a four-divine-flame refiner surpassing a seven-divine-flame refiner was different from Li Hongjiu's multidimensional refining technique outperforming Luo Shengsheng. This performance offered a more thrilling and inspiring feeling.

The strength displayed by someone like Mi Liangmeng instilled hope and the aspiration to strive. In contrast, the power shown by Li Hongjiu could induce despair.

"Lian Ni has also reached the fifth aperture!" Elder Jin Guiqi of Shudao Mountain let out a breath, unsure if it was a sigh of relief or resignation. Gu Yanduo's brows furrowed deeply. Inside the arena, Gu Lianni was truly disturbed by the voices outside. Upon realizing Mi Liangmeng had surpassed her, she became genuinely anxious.

Competing against Luo Shengsheng and Li Hongjiu had a deeper meaning for her beyond just the contest. She didn't want just anyone who was stronger than her to acknowledge her. She certainly didn't want Mi Liangmeng to look at her as an equal, feeling he wasn't worthy, as her eyes were set only on top-tier talents like Luo Shengsheng and Li Hongjiu. Her anxiety stemmed from the reputation of Shudao Mountain and her own prestige. To absorb seven divine flames yet be outdone by someone with four would make her a laughingstock, if not a complete failure. Top talents like Luo Shengsheng would never truly regard her. This time, she was genuinely spurred to push herself.

"Tong Mingshan has begun refining the fourth aperture!" Yan Qufeng, stroking his beard in approval, specifically reminded Shi Chun, fearing he might not understand. Shi Chun smiled calmly and said, "Very good, very good." When one's mind is troubled to a certain extent, such an unperturbed tone is impossible. Since he held no hope, he merely treated it as a spectator sport and an opportunity to gain knowledge. And indeed, he gained much insight; without being present, he couldn't have understood these matters. Some things, when heard from others, don't leave a deep impression until personally experienced.

As Luo Shengsheng once again drew attention while working on the ninth aperture, the entire Yanbao Sect became puzzled, all eyes on Li Hongjiu, wondering what he was doing. Li Hongjiu merely held the refined Exquisite Heart, which had clearly cooled, yet showed no intention of submitting it for judgment.

Submitting it earlier to the relevant officials would confirm him as the first to successfully refine the Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart. His delay and unwavering gaze at Luo Shengsheng were puzzling. Did he intend to wait for Luo Shengsheng to submit his as well? If they were submitted simultaneously, determining who was first would be difficult. If Luo Shengsheng submitted his first, and his Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart was also successfully refined, then according to the submission order, Luo Shengsheng would undoubtedly be declared the winner. Qu Wuming, the Sect Master of Yanbao, whose heavy breathing was audible, was so anxious he wanted to shout. He once again experienced how troublesome his disciple could be, always coming up with infuriating tricks. Couldn't he just be normal?

"Why is Li Hongjiu not claiming first place after finishing, but instead staring at Luo Shengsheng?" Yan Qufeng also voiced his surprise. Da Ming Pavilion was also taken aback, unsure of Li Hongjiu's intentions. Surely, he wouldn't attack Luo Shengsheng after winning, would he? Only someone insane would do that. Could it be that his refining failed, and it wasn't successful? Such a possibility wasn't out of the question, which led to their unsettling thoughts. The prominent figures of Da Ming Pavilion exchanged glances, their vigilance heightening once more. While they wouldn't be this wary of others, they regarded Li Hongjiu as if he were a thief.

Shi Chun also noticed something was amiss. He didn't need to guess; he could genuinely see it. His right eye's ability clearly showed that the spell rotating above Li Hongjiu had not dissipated, meaning Li Hongjiu had not truly finished refining. He was very curious what this fellow intended to do. Based on whom Li Hongjiu was focused on, almost everyone present guessed it involved Luo Shengsheng, but no one could fathom the reason.

When Luo Shengsheng exceeded the typical time for refining the ninth aperture, surpassing the time he'd spent on previous apertures, the astute among them realized that Luo Shengsheng was also behaving unusually. "Ah, Li Hongjiu has started refining again!" Elder Pan Gongying exclaimed in surprise. A commotion erupted throughout the arena. Li Hongjiu, staring at Luo Shengsheng, sneered. In his outstretched palm, blazing flames once again surged, furiously heating the refined Exquisite Heart. The dominant high-temperature Vermillion Flame gave the impression he was pouring all his energy into it.

Witnessing this, combined with Luo Shengsheng's unusually prolonged refining time, Sect Master Qu Wuming of Yanbao Sect gradually showed a look of alarm and suspicion, his gaze fixed on Luo Shengsheng's refining progress. Gradually, many began to discern the implication. Yan Qufeng also caught on, murmuring deeply to himself, "Luo Shengsheng intends to refine a True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart!"

Hearing the intermittent exclamations of 'refining a True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart' around them, the Mingshan Sect group exchanged bewildered glances. Shi Chun couldn't help but inquire again, "Sect Master Yan, forgive my limited understanding, but as far as I know, this amount of time is likely insufficient to refine a True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart, even if he possesses ten divine flames. It's said that refining a True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart is extremely complex and utterly impossible to complete within the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Can Luo Shengsheng really achieve this?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Qufeng knew Shi Chun's understanding was superficial. He explained, "'One Aperture to Truth' is also called a 'True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart.' The difference lies in whether one aperture is 'true,' or two, or three, or four, and so on, determining the refining level." Shi Chun was surprised. "Can just 'One Aperture to Truth' really surpass a standard Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart?" Yan Qufeng replied, "Yes. Don't underestimate that single aperture. The difficulty of refining one 'true' aperture far exceeds that of refining a regular Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart; its intricacy is hundreds, even thousands of times greater. Without cultivation enhancement, few artifact refiners at or below the Earth Immortal realm can refine a True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart, let alone complete one within the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Those who can are truly rare."

"I see," Shi Chun said, growing more puzzled. "If that's the case, why would Luo Shengsheng refine a Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart first, and then a 'true' one? Wouldn't it be simpler to refine a 'true' one directly?" Yan Qufeng considered for a moment. "Firstly, Luo Shengsheng probably hasn't refined a True Exquisite Heart before and wasn't confident at the start. He initially just wanted to refine a standard Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart, but it seems Li Hongjiu forced him to go all out. Secondly, he likely intended to lull Li Hongjiu into a false sense of security, wanting Li Hongjiu to submit his work first for judgment, and then reveal his true intention of refining a 'true' Nine-Aperture, thereby denying Li Hongjiu any chance of a comeback. Unfortunately, Li Hongjiu is quite astute and wasn't fooled. For Li Hongjiu to win, he must also refine a True Exquisite Heart, and by the looks of it, he has already begun."

Elder Jielun Guang, who was beside them, sighed, "Now, looking back at Li Hongjiu's previous reaction, he must have sensed something was wrong much earlier, but Luo Shengsheng effectively cornered him." Hearing that Li Hongjiu had suffered a hidden disadvantage, Shi Chun's interest was immediately piqued. "Elder, what do you mean by that?"

Sometimes a single sentence can deeply resonate. The Mingshan Sect group beside them looked at their leader with admiration, gradually realizing that he had, without them noticing, begun to converse confidently and as an equal with high-ranking officials of various sects. Though these weren't major sects, they were comparable to their former sect. Previously, when they encountered such high-ranking figures within their own sect, they would cower like mice before a cat.

Jielun Guang explained, "Didn't you see how long Li Hongjiu was in an awkward position, my brother Shi Chun? Luo Shengsheng's move was quite cunning. As our Sect Leader said, if Li Hongjiu had submitted his work for judgment first, his participation in the competition would have concluded. If Li Hongjiu had immediately changed his refining method upon sensing something was wrong, he might have been overthinking it and wasted his efforts. It would have been difficult for Li Hongjiu not to hesitate, as he might not have refined a Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart before and lacked absolute confidence, so he wouldn't have taken that risk unless absolutely forced. By the time he confirmed Luo Shengsheng's intention, as is happening now, he had to completely abandon his previous refined product, melt down the solidified result, and start over from scratch. He has already suffered a huge time disadvantage!"

Hearing this, it truly dawned on Shi Chun that Li Hongjiu had taken a massive, quiet loss. Shi Chun couldn't help but grin, causing Yan Qufeng and others nearby to look at him with suspicion and confusion. Was this truly a bond of brotherhood? Realizing his inappropriate reaction, Shi Chun quickly changed his expression to one of profound regret. Wu Jinliang, on the other hand, genuinely cursed, "That bald fellow is truly cunning!"

As cries of 'True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart' rose one after another, the Yanbao Sect group, who had been elated, felt as if cold water had been thrown over them. Even the Hundred Refinements Sect had noticed the trickery, and they were certainly not foolish. The expressions of their high-ranking members grew increasingly grim, their hearts sinking halfway. Despite their vast experience, this was the first time they had witnessed such tactics in the final grand competition of the Divine Flame Covenant. They also now understood Li Hongjiu's difficult predicament.

Da Ming Pavilion, having gained an advantage, was naturally much more delighted. The old Pavilion Master's gaze towards Luo Shengsheng grew increasingly appreciative. Of course, many whispers also circulated, debating: could a True Exquisite Heart truly be refined within the time it takes an incense stick to burn?

Gu Lianni, whose ears caught the rising commotions, looked up and was also astonished. Had the Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart refining competition escalated directly to the level of refining a 'True Heart'? While she was still in shock, the flames in Mi Liangmeng's hands, the Golden Aspect Hall disciple, suddenly changed. He abruptly altered his previous refining method, and the other eight floating refining materials clattered to the ground. All of his divine flame energy intensely focused on the single piece of material before him.

The moment this situation unfolded, the high-ranking members of Golden Aspect Hall were stunned, as were all the major sects. "Is he also going to refine a 'True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart'?" "There's only half an incense stick left, and he intends to refine a 'True Heart' with only four divine flames in that time." "He's abandoned everything else; this is an all-or-nothing gamble." "What is wrong with this year's participants? Why are they all so frenzied and overestimating themselves!" Sect Master Luo Yan of Laintian Sect scoffed.

Those not directly involved could not understand the profound impact of seeing everyone around them striving relentlessly. Gu Lianni was now fully experiencing this. Luo Shengsheng and Li Hongjiu were one thing, but even Mi Liangmeng, with his four divine flames, was attempting this. How could she concede? Immediately, her eight refining materials also dropped to the ground, and she likewise focused all her divine flame energy on a single piece. Gu Yanduo was somewhat alarmed, thinking of a small horse trying to pull a large cart—overexertion could lead to death. He immediately sent a telepathic message to his daughter, urging her not to push herself. However, at that moment, Gu Lianni could not turn back; she would never give up, or she would lose face forever. She ignored her father's message, her resolve simply to fight with all she had! This action also caused gasps of astonishment to erupt.

Everyone was focused on those who had switched to refining 'True Hearts,' but no one noticed Tong Mingshan's dumbfounded expression. The changes around him were too drastic. Suddenly, a flurry of discussions about refining 'True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Hearts' emerged. After a brief observation, his heart sank. With everyone competing at that level, his struggle at his current level was utterly meaningless. He had just started to feel his refining speed increase, even regaining a shred of confidence, but who knew the turn of events would be so cruel.

This distraction caused him to ruin the fourth piece of material he was refining. The consequences would be even more severe. The integrated internal network of the material was divided into nine sections; if one was destroyed, it meant that reconnecting it with the other eight sections' interfaces would be impossible. Separately refining the ruined piece and then perfectly rejoining it with the other eight sections' incisions was practically unattainable. Now, he had only two choices: either abandon the ruined piece and refine an Eight-Aperture Exquisite Heart, or dismantle everything and start over to refine a nine-aperture one.

His eyes were glazed over. He slowly turned to look at the Mingshan Sect group. This time, the Mingshan Sect members were watching others' excitement, no one was looking at him, and no one around was paying him any attention. He looked at the refining progress of others, and a bitter smile appeared on his lips. Many things remain unknown without comparison. After this competition, he understood some fundamental issues: his sect, the Hundred Refinements Sect, was not as great as they proclaimed to their disciples. The gap between them and the Ten Great Sects was truly vast, meaning there was a significant disparity in what they taught their disciples.

No matter how potent his divine flames or how ambitious he was, it was like carving a flower on tofu with a treasured blade. His foundational refining skills were simply inadequate. Refining systematically with the techniques learned from the Hundred Refinements Sect, any speed he achieved was merely 'fast' in his own perception. Compared to the true disciples of renowned sects, his foundation was truly lacking.

Shi Chun suddenly paused. As his gaze swept over Tong Mingshan, he noticed that Tong Mingshan seemed to have stopped refining. What was happening? Then, Tong Mingshan, who occasionally looked up, met his gaze. He saw the confusion on Shi Chun's face. Feeling ashamed, he somewhat dared not meet Shi Chun's eyes and lowered his head.

Should he just concede and give up now? What else was there to do? Continuing to refine in this methodical way was pointless... As this thought crossed his mind, a flash of inspiration struck him, and he suddenly looked up at Li Hongjiu.

Logically, Li Hongjiu shouldn't be able to win against Luo Shengsheng, perhaps not even truly qualify to compete, primarily because Li Hongjiu did not follow conventional methods. Tong Mingshan, too, wished to find an alternative path, but he understood no refining methods other than those taught by the Hundred Refinements Sect. It was rumored that Li Hongjiu had created his own cultivation technique. His gaze fell upon the black and white flames in his hands as he asked himself, "Creating my own refining method, can I do it?"