Chapter 468: Boiling

Wu Jinliang, who habitually became alert and cooperative whenever Shi Chun was around others, instinctively looked around and saw Li Hongjiu being beaten. He elbowed Shi Chun, signaling him to look.

Shi Chun glanced over, distracted, and asked in surprise, "Even if he didn't achieve anything, he put in the effort. Why are they beating him?"His words drew Yan Qufeng's attention away from Tong Mingshan for a moment. Upon seeing what Shi Chun was looking at, Yan Qufeng followed his gaze and also saw someone being beaten.

Wu Jinliang chuckled, "No surprise there. To save his own skin, he even spilled the beans about his master having an affair with another woman. Isn't it normal for someone like that to get beaten?"

Shi Chun nodded slightly, indicating he found the explanation reasonable. He had no mind to care about Li Hongjiu's fate now and turned his attention back to Tong Mingshan.

Beside them, Yan Qufeng's face showed surprise and suspicion. Li Hongjiu's master was Qu Wuming, the Sect Master of Yanbao Sect, wasn't he? Li Hongjiu's master having an affair with another woman? Which woman?He secretly felt alarmed, realizing he might have just overheard a secret...

The last bit of incense in the censer burned out. The presiding elder of Lihuo Sect stepped forward, used a spell, and loudly declared, "The competition is over!"

The competition had ended, but the results still needed to be finalized.The elders from various sects involved in the adjudication were still taking turns examining the Exquisite Heart refined by Tong Mingshan, and occasionally, thunderous sounds would emanate from it.

All of them were experts, so there was no need to question if there were any issues. Rather than an inspection, it was more an opportunity to appreciate the artifact. To refine a True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart to such a masterful degree was certainly worth observing and studying; perhaps they could learn something from it.

However, with so many people waiting for the results, they couldn't take too long. They eventually gave Tong Mingshan an affirmative answer, and under the joint witness of a group of adjudicators, Tong Mingshan's refinement result was officially recorded in the competition register.

Normally, the audience inside Qi Yun Valley couldn't see the results in the competition register before they were announced. However, the mirror image of the Heavenly Scrutiny Mirror played a different role at this moment: the view rapidly zoomed in, and the words "True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart" recorded in the register clearly appeared in the reflection.

Even the audience in Qi Yun Valley looked up at this scene. They hadn't guessed wrong; it truly was him. A collective "Wow!" erupted in the valley.The people of Mingshan Sect cheered particularly loudly.

Wu Jinliang even threw his arms up and yelled, "Our Sect Master is on the move!"The Mingshan Sect group responded in unison, "Who can contend with him!"

This time, Shi Chun couldn't maintain his composure either; he enthusiastically pumped his fists and shouted along.They were about to get rich, and the group's faces were flushed with excitement.

In the mirrored image, Tong Mingshan appeared, slowly walking back. Amidst the surging cheers, he remained unruffled. It wasn't that he was calm, but rather that his emotions seemed entirely spent, leaving him no energy to express the diverse spectrum of human feeling. Even if he were granted eternal life at that moment, he wouldn't have the energy to rejoice.

Yet, his composure at that moment, combined with his slow, white-haired gait, exuded an aura of supreme elegance and uniqueness—in short, a very sophisticated presence. To put it more colloquially, it was the demeanor of a true master.In reality, his black hair had turned silver, which indeed brought about a significant change in his overall demeanor.Especially his white eyebrows, which appeared to have a faint dark smudge, suppressed the youthful frivolity that might otherwise contradict his white hair, instead conveying a falcon-like chill. His gaze, no matter whom it fell upon, commanded attention.

An Wuzhi and Zhu Xiangxin, waiting at the valley entrance, were so excited they held hands, gripping them tightly, feeling a shared sense of honor.This achievement brought a centripetal force, proving that one could find glory by forging one's own path. They were deeply moved, having just been abandoned by their native sects once again.

A gentle breeze arrived. Mu Lan Jin, standing atop the mountain, turned his head to look at the crowd on the beach outside the valley. He could hear the same fervent commotion there, a restless sea of people.He then cast a sidelong glance at the white-haired man in the mirrored image. He had memorized that face.He knew very well that from then on, countless people across the land would remember that face.This was because he was aware that the mirrored image of this scene was being broadcast in the parade grounds of all four imperial capitals.

Duan Xiangmei covered her mouth with both hands amidst the cheering crowd, filled with disbelief and pleasant surprise. She couldn't believe Tong Mingshan had actually taken first place. He was her accomplice, and she felt equally honored.Although many around her were cursing.They were all people who had placed bets, meticulously calculating before, never expecting Tong Mingshan to emerge out of nowhere. It was over; their money was gone.

Outside the crowd, Feng Chi also covered her mouth with both hands, but hers was from crying tears of joy. With tears streaming down her face, she shook her head and sobbed, "I knew it, I just knew he could do it."Her sobs carried pride, like drinking sweet nectar, flowing straight to her heart, dispelling despair, bringing a joy like spring returning to withered trees, a revival from death.

Had he really won? The man in green and Xiang Lan'er were still somewhat dazed from the shock. After recovering, they looked at Feng Chi again and thought, "This works too? It feels a bit uncanny."Looking at the mirrored image again, Xiang Lan'er found it hard to believe. Was this still the Tong Mingshan she knew? Both his displayed strength and his current appearance were completely different.While other things were uncertain, one thing she was sure of: with such a figure by her side, she might once again benefit from his prominence. Her role would become more significant, and naturally, the higher-ups would value her more. However, the prerequisite was that they could escape the predicament with the Stargazer Pavilion this time.

She turned to the man in green and asked, "Can they receive the champion's reward?"The man in green hesitated, "Normally, with so many people watching, the artifact-refining world wouldn't go back on its word. But now that the Stargazer Pavilion has intervened, the outcome is likely uncertain."

To their surprise, Feng Chi wiped away a tear and declared, "He will definitely be able to handle the Stargazer Pavilion."The man in green and Xiang Lan'er stared speechlessly. They found her confidence in Shi Chun utterly unreasonable. This involved demonic cultivators; could the Stargazer Pavilion truly be handled so easily just because she said so?However, with an example of her predictions coming true right before their eyes, the two found it hard to argue.

Standing among the crowd, Mu Lan Qingqing remained in her snow-white robes, as quiet as a pristine orchid, regardless of the surrounding clamor or curses. Her bright eyes were fixed motionlessly on the person in the mirrored image.The surprise in her gaze was so thick it was almost palpable. Was that fellow going to take first place again?

"Beautiful!"Gong Yuanzhi, standing up on the terrace again, actually applauded while watching the mirrored image.He then turned to Lan Qiaoyan and praised, "Madam Miao truly has discerning eyes. Among all those people in the land of exile, Madam Miao favored no one but him."Lan Qiaoyan also stood up, shaking her head with a sigh. "What discerning eyes do I have? He's just good at flattery. But this guy really does always manage to surprise people."Her daughter, Miao Yilan, was feeling that surprise at this moment, her gaze fixed on the mirrored image with delight.Beside them, Gong Shaoci looked from one to the other. He was quite surprised that even his father expressed admiration for Shi Chun, but he felt it was an overstatement. He believed that their ability to bravely compete for first place was thanks to Tong Mingshan's exceptional refining skill; without that craftsmanship, nothing would have mattered.However, it wasn't appropriate to openly contradict his father, but he couldn't help but interject, "I think they should first consider how to get past Mu Lan Jin."His words were like a basin of cold water, and the others exchanged glances.A flicker of worry crossed Lan Qiaoyan's brows. Her husband and Mu Lan Jin were indeed on the same side, but regarding matters involving demonic cultivators, she dared not interfere...

On the stands of the Sheng Shen Continent's imperial parade ground, the three from Wukang Mountain stared at the mirrored image with extremely complex expressions.After Wei Mo clicked his tongue a few times, the man in luxurious clothes next to him turned to the Wukang Mountain group and said indifferently, "Wukang Mountain lacks judgment in recognizing talent. It's a bit regrettable that Shi Chun left. Doesn't he still have some kind of master in Wukang Mountain? If there's a way, bring him back."The Wukang Mountain group was speechless. When Shi Chun was still at Wukang Mountain, he and Wu Jinliang would beat up the Sect Master's disciples even if it meant going to jail. Given their personalities, it would be strange if Elder Ke, their nominal cheap master, took it seriously.Bian Weiying, however, had a thought: if she were to speak up, would Shi Chun return to Wukang Mountain for her?

Wei Mo interjected, "I offered him a chance to join me, but he refused. Instead, he got involved with people like Nan Wuyu. To cause such a stir over a mere bet... it seems now that him staying might not have been a good thing, and him leaving might not be a bad thing."

On the stands of the Jambudvīpa imperial parade ground.A cheerful Qian She clapped the armrest and stood up, looking at the mirrored image and laughing, "Four divine flames leading to victory! That Master Nan is truly cunning. I knew he wouldn't bet on Mingshan Sect winning by mere chance."Others also stood up, laughing and cursing, "That fellow is indeed underhanded, always eyeing what's in the pot while eating from his bowl."At this moment, Master Nan was unaware that people were discussing him behind his back. He was busy contacting the outside world with his talismans, instructing those managing the gambling dens to prepare for payouts.

The mirrored image tracking Tong Mingshan suddenly skipped away as soon as it reached the vicinity of Mingshan Sect and their group. The scene of Shi Chun and the others appearing also flashed away rapidly.There was no other way; the person operating the Heavenly Scrutiny Mirror had received instructions from Master Nan to try and avoid showing Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang in the mirrored images.The chaos at the Heavenly Meteor Shower Assembly had caused Shi Chun to lose his beloved, and Master Nan had always felt guilty, having learned a painful lesson.

Back with Shi Chun and the others, Tong Mingshan said, tired yet calmly, "I believe I did my best."After speaking, he noticed everyone seemed to be staring at his hair.The competition had stopped, the divine fire's heat dissipated, and a refreshing breeze arrived, blowing his long hair forward. Each silver strand fluttered. Tong Mingshan paused slightly, then reached up to grasp it, only then realizing it was his own hair.He then raised his hand to unbind his hair, examining the shoulder-length strands, and only then did he realize his hair had turned white.However, he felt no emotional fluctuation, nor did he have the energy to muster any emotion.

"You worked hard," Shi Chun patted his arm. Beyond that, he didn't know what else to say for a moment.Wu Jinliang also came over and said, "What's wrong with a man getting some white hair? Women will still like you if you've made money. Your white hair looks better than black. Doesn't everyone agree?""Yes, white hair looks better.""You've worked hard.""You must be tired. Do you want to rest?"

The people of Mingshan Sect came over one by one to greet him, with excitement, laughter, comfort, and even hugs.However, the people from other sects looked at Tong Mingshan differently, because they understood the true value of the True Nine-Aperture Exquisite Heart Tong Mingshan had refined in this competition. The Mingshan Sect group, like a bunch of clueless idiots, understood nothing.

The group from Bailian Sect also approached, their eyes exceptionally complex.Sect Master Yan Qufeng took a deep breath and extended an invitation directly to Tong Mingshan, "If you return, the sect will make an exception and grant you the position of elder!"A group of nearby gazes immediately turned to Tong Mingshan.

Tong Mingshan paused briefly, thought with effort, and, too weary for elaborate words, calmly replied, "I can't go back."His words were concise, and he truly couldn't go back. Ever since he had comprehended his own refining method, he knew that, with Bailian Sect's capabilities, there was nothing truly valuable left for them to teach him.As for related resources, the Boss had clearly acquired many from the Ten Great Sects.

Luo Wan grew anxious and was about to speak when Shi Chun, with a furrowed brow, raised a hand to stop him.Shi Chun had dealt with him before and knew that Luo Wan would immediately start asserting a master's authority over a disciple, which he disliked. He also saw how truly exhausted Tong Mingshan was. Since Tong Mingshan had already made his stance clear, Shi Chun naturally stepped in, interrupting, "Sect Master Yan, there's something you might not know. People from the Stargazer Pavilion have arrived. Commander Xuanji, Mu Lan Jin, is personally present right here in the valley. Somehow, they've misunderstood that we're colluding with demonic cultivators and are waiting for the competition to end to apprehend us. Are you certain you want Tong Mingshan to return to Bailian Sect?"