The re-entering Tong Mingshan appeared again in the mirror image, walking towards the leaders of the three major sects standing on the steps with treasures.
The Sect Master of the Li Huo Sect, standing on one side of the steps, gestured, indicating for Tong Mingshan to co over.
The entire Artifact Refining crowd gazed intently at Tong Mingshan, with countless expressions of envy.
Gu Lianni, who had already awakened, also saw this, full of bitterness, and was surprised by Tong Mingshan's white hair.
Luo Shengsheng and Mi Liangng were convinced in defeat, casting respectful glances.
Reaching the bottom of the steps, Tong Mingshan respectfully saluted the leaders of the three major sects, with a calm expression and an unexpectedly unperturbed deanor, as if he had no emotional energy for fluctuations, reflecting neither humility nor arrogance.
Had it been him ordinarily, he would have been extrely nervous in such a situation.
Don't think that just because he accompanied Shi Chun in selling Secret Technique to several families, he would be at ease; in fact, the esteed figures of such top sects are the high and mighty presence in the Cultivation World, not easily seen by just anyone, and most people may never et them in a lifeti.
This is just such an occasion.
No matter if they were rivals before, at this ti, the sect leaders' gaze at Tong Mingshan was full of undisguised admiration.
The three were connoisseurs, recognizing that this individual, who absorbed four Divine Fires, only used two for the decisive contest, possibly related to so kind of sudden enlightennt, sparking their further interest.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, without any pleasantries or unnecessary words, Luo Yan made a 'please proceed' gesture, and the 'True Fire Ruyi Tower' floating before him drifted lightly towards Tong Mingshan below.
This was both a reward and a bestowal, and it stirred envy among countless people.
Tong Mingshan would not be impolite, receiving it with both hands, and at this mont, Luo Yan's voice transmission echoed in his ears, "Tong Mingshan, there is always a place for you in the Refining Heaven Sect."
From his status, no more words were needed; the aning was clearly conveyed, and anyone not foolish would understand.
Tong Mingshan remained expressionless and unflustered, accepting the treasure and slightly bowing in thanks.
Imdiately after, Gu Yanduo, Sect Leader of Shudao Mountain, with a palm press, sent the Treasure Bead containing the 'Residual Dragon Artifact Spirit' floating towards Tong Mingshan below.
Having accepted the pagoda, Tong Mingshan once again received it with both hands, and Gu Yanduo's voice transmission rang in his ears again, "Shudao Mountain has countless Secret Techniques, and we're in need of a disciple like you to pass them on. I also lack a Closed-door Disciple; you might want to consider it carefully."
Receiving the treasure with both hands, Tong Mingshan once more bowed slightly in acknowledgnt.
Finally, it was the Extre Fire Sect Master Su Qiao, pointing with a finger, sending the arc-shaped blade floating over, and he also reminded via voice transmission: "Extre Fire Sect also has human monks; if you are interested in the Extre Fire Sect, feel free to co at any ti. If you need any assistance from the Extre Fire Sect in the future, just speak up."
Receiving the treasure, Tong Mingshan remained calm as he bowed slightly in thanks.
Seeing the treasures fall into another's hands, especially when the other side had killed Black Tiger, Su Qiao actually felt depressed. However, looking up at the image in the sky, seeing himself alongside Luo Yan and Gu Yanduo being presented jointly, a sense of satisfaction arose in his heart.
Without much elaboration, the Sect Master of the Li Huo Sect gestured for Tong Mingshan to leave the field, and then formally announced loudly, "Divine Fire is eternal, may the Artifact Refining World shine forever!"
"Divine Fire is eternal, may the Artifact Refining World shine forever!"
The entire crowd of Artifact Refining sects suddenly shouted in unison, bringing a sense of reverence and solemnity; the sound reverberated throughout the valley, heard even far beyond the valley.
The sudden shouts startled the unprepared group of Shi Chun, who quickly glanced around, then considered themselves part of the Artifact Refining World, waving fists and shouting a few tis along.
After a mont of resonance, this session of the Divine Fire Covenant ca to an end.
The people within the valley began to disperse, with each sect preparing to return.
Shi Chun was unsure if they could leave, as it was said the Stargazing Pavilion intended to seize them.
Whether they would or not, the priority was to secure the item first. Shi Chun exchanged a glance with Wu Jinliang, who understood and imdiately rushed to the Li Huo Sect, the host of the event.
The process involved so twists and turns; the item was not with the Li Huo Sect but had been taken by the Daming Pavilion. Wu Jinliang disregarded the complications and directly went to the Daming Pavilion to demand it.
Regarding Mingshan Sect, the Daming Pavilion also felt resentnt and wished to take the Exquisite Heart back for research, expressing surprise at the notion that the crafted product should belong to whoever produced it during the contest?
Well, Wu Jinliang was not inclined to reason calmly and politely. His voice was loud, and the scene was chaotic, with many people present. He was shaless, but the Daming Pavilion still wanted its dignity, so it eventually returned the item to him, making the process rather smooth.
He easily retrieved the Exquisite Heart refined by Tong Mingshan and casually tossed it to Shi Chun, completing the task.
Young Master Nan happily descended from the mountainside, found the group, and repeatedly expressed congratulations, grinning so widely that his eyes and nose nearly scrunched together, appearing elated.
In the chaotic shadows around, Shi Chun exchanged discreet glances with several probing gazes from the Ten Great Sects, then turned to the Mingshan Sect group and said, "The Sect Master is too tired, there's no rush to leave. Let's take a break where we are and let the Sect Master recuperate."
But wasn't it said the Stargazing Pavilion people are waiting? Can you really rest? Chu Jingtang and others exchanged concerned glances.
They naturally believed there could be no connection between them and the Demon Path, but falling into the hands of the Stargazing Pavilion ant being at the rcy of others.
Decisive matters were left to Shi Chun to decide, as gathered from past experiences. When he said not to leave imdiately, the group followed him back to their quarters.
Young Master Nan also left a few people by his side, following Shi Chun and the others back.
It seed there was no intention to linger among the Ten Great Sects, and, except for the Refining Heaven Sect, the other nine sects left directly after greeting the Sect Master of the Li Huo Sect.
At the entrance of the temporary lodging for the Refining Heaven Sect, just as Luo Yan arrived, a disciple hurried over and reported in a low voice, "Sect Master, the nine major sects have all left."
Luo Yan paused, "In such haste?"
The young man responded affirmatively, "Indeed, there was a sense of urgency, as they left imdiately after the event."
Standing in front of the courtyard gate on the mountainside, Luo Yan turned back, gazing at the fading multitude in the valley, his voice heavy, "The urgency of the Nine Sects is unlikely a coincidence; it seems inseparable from Shi Chun's previous collusion." Then he turned his head and asked, "What's the situation with Xuanji Token Master?"
An elderly nearby reported quietly, "Still at the mountain top, no reaction for now."
Luo Yan pondered briefly, "I shall pay a visit to the mountain top, ensure everything else is on watch."
"Understood." His companions gradually responded.
Luo Yan then departed with only one elder.
In a pavilion on the mountain, Mulan Jin observed both sides of the mountain, one side showing the dispersal in the valley as he perceived it, the other the diverse happenings outside the valley, and the distant vast green sea.
Outside the pavilion, a subordinate with a Mother-child Talisman made contact with soone, then hurried into the pavilion to report, "The Ten Major Sects, except for the Refining Heaven Sect, have all left, though several sent ssages saying their Sect Masters have departed."
Mulan Jin slightly tilted his head, questioning, "The ssage-receiving ones, their Sect Masters all left?"
The subordinate replied, "Yes, summarized, it's simultaneous; it doesn't seem coincidental. The departure of those nine may be shrouded in mystery."
Mulan Jin: "And Shi Chun and his group?"
The subordinate replied, "Surprisingly steady, haven't left, heading back to their lodgings."
Saying this, he pulled out another Mother-child Talisman, glanced at it, and said, "Token Master, Luo Yan has ascended, likely to see you."
Mulan Jin paced a few steps, looking down the mountain, already spotting the ascending figures.
Soon, Luo Yan, accompanied by an elder, reached the mountain top, taking a mont to view the valley's external situation and the aerial imagery.
After performing the courtesy, the accompanying elder remained outside the pavilion while Luo Yan stepped inside, expressing so dissatisfaction, "That Young Master Nan, relying on so background to cause chaos, is truly unreasonable."
Mulan Jin stood with his hands behind, glancing at him without responding to this nonsense, as it wasn't worth his pretense.
Unable to open the conversation, Luo Yan didn't appear embarrassed, knowing the other's displeasure, and instead cut straight to the point, "May I inquire when the Token Master intends to take away Shi Chun and his group?"
Mulan Jin responded indifferently, "Will the timing also require your guidance?"
Luo Yan promptly bowed, "The Token Master has misunderstood. I have an impertinent request, hoping the Token Master would grant it."
Mulan Jin glanced back at him without responding.
Luo Yan had no choice but to be more direct, "Could the Token Master delay fetching the individuals, granting half a two-hour period with Shi Chun?"
Mulan Jin gazed into the distance, lost in thought.
The courteous Luo Yan watched his hands clasped behind his back, waiting silently for his answer.
Suddenly, Mulan Jin made a startling remark, "Thinking of eliminating witnesses?"
Luo Yan's expression stiffened, but as the head of the top sect in the Artifact Refining World, he wasn't easily intimidated and quickly apologized, "The Token Master has misunderstood; where did that co from? My Refining Heaven Sect is only interested in the Secret Technique for finding Divine Fire that Shi Chun possesses. Before the contest, all other nine sects colluded with Shi Chun; now they have all hurriedly departed, likely already aware of the secret. How can my Refining Heaven Sect be willing to fall behind?"
Mulan Jin: "What does it have to do with ? Do you think the affairs between your sects are more significant than those of the Heavenly Court?"
Luo Yan slightly frowned, yet remained respectful, bowing again sincerely, "Just half a two-hour period, and regardless of whether we obtain the desired outco, we will retreat imdiately, and I will ensure that batch of Magic Artifacts for the Heavenly Court is completed to the utmost effort, hoping the Token Master will grant this."
Mulan Jin turned his head sideways, casting a sidelong glance with a profound gaze.
Luo Yan remained in a bowing position, not rising.
After a period of stalemated silence between the two, Mulan Jin suddenly inquired, "Are you certain Shi Chun would tell you?"
Luo Yan: "It's worth a try."
Mulan Jin slowly turned his head, instructing the subordinate nearby, "Shi Chun isn't familiar with the Refining Heaven Sect's people. Arrange for two people, change them into the Refining Heaven Sect's disciples' attire, and accompany Sect Master Luo for a visit. Sect Master Luo, I'm also interested in that Secret Technique. You don't mind, do you?"
Luo Yan was montarily stunned, then wryly smiled, "If those nine have already learned, an additional person aware from the Token Master doesn't matter."
Returning to the temporary lodging of Mingshan Sect, after leading the group leisurely back, Shi Chun first instructed to close the doors to visitors, then arranged for Tong Mingshan to rest in a side room, and stopped others from following them to the main hall, allowing everyone to rest in the courtyard, including Young Master Nan's group.
Young Master Nan was puzzled, noticing how often this rascal appeared sneaky, but rembering how he helped him profit again, he chose not to interfere, taking out a Mother-child Talisman to contact his external people, checking on the preparation of the betting pool payouts.
However, Wu Jinliang followed Shi Chun up the steps directly to the main hall, and when they reached the door, Shi Chun gave him a glance, making Wu Jinliang stop imdiately. Once Shi Chun entered alone, he promptly closed the door, positioning himself to guard it.
Once closed, the lighting dimd inside the hall. Shi Chun glanced around the hall, walked to a side room, pressing on the door, slowly, gradually pushing it open, peeking inside, where several turning figures were looking back at him.
The light inside wasn't good, dim, but the light passing through the window allowed him to make out the obscure and indistinct faces of the few inside.
Nine individuals, none other than the departing Nine Major Sect Masters, sohow arrived here, all with traces of disguise, with their clothes changed.
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