Chapter 1640: Rankings Announced
The last of the four great refining prodigies of Flame Gold City, Sima Nan, had also successfully refined his wings. Gale winds howled through the void as the wings flapped, emitting terrifying azure light. If one could don these imperial-grade feathered wings and soar through the sky, their speed would likely skyrocket. However, these imperial wings ultimately failed to break through to the fourth-grade imperial artifact level, remaining at the peak of the third-grade imperial artifact tier.
Among the four prodigies, only Yan Feng had managed to refine a fourth-grade imperial artifact. This was rather unexpected. Yan Feng's Nine Transformations Refining Art was indeed unique; in the end, he used his own blood to perform a blood transformation on the imperial artifact, allowing a fourth-grade artifact to be born.
"It seems the champion of this refining competition has already been decided," the crowd thought as they stared at the fourth-grade imperial artifact above Yan Feng. Even if Lin Feng and Mu Linxue's refined spear produced an artifact cloud, its quality would likely struggle to surpass the sword Yan Feng had forged.
As for Hen Changtian, Ge Qingfeng, and Sima Nan, it was difficult to determine who was stronger. The imperial artifacts they had refined were all peak third-grade: a golden pagoda, a feathered fan, and a pair of wings.
"There's still suspense for the top three spots. It depends on whether Lin Feng and Mu Linxue's final refined artifacts can reach the fourth-grade level," the crowd mused. Nearly two hours had passed, leaving Mu Qingying quite speechless. She had thought four hours would be enough for Mu Linxue and Lin Feng to attempt three refinements, but it seemed even two were tight. One failure would put them in danger.
Among the refiners, some had failed and started over, but they only did so when they made a clear mistake, wasting no time. If they succeeded on the first try, they stuck with it to the end, unwilling to start again due to lack of energy. For instance, Hen Changtian and the others—if they refined again, they couldn't surpass the level of the artifacts they had already created.
"Congratulations, Patriarch Yan," the Sword Mountain experts began congratulating the Yan family patriarch. In their eyes, Yan Feng had already secured victory in this refining competition. The Yan family and Yan Feng would be the biggest winners of the Flame Gold Tower's refining competition.
"Heh, this was expected. Yan Feng hasn't let our hopes down," the Yan patriarch said with a beaming smile. Yan Feng winning the championship was a glory for the entire Yan family, and he was naturally overjoyed.
"I didn't expect the champion of this refining competition to be Yan Feng. Quite surprising," Yan Feng's quasi-master said with a faint smile. Though his words suggested surprise, his tone implied it was only natural. Everyone nearby knew what he was thinking.
"The refining competition isn't over yet. Jumping to conclusions is a bit rash," said the purple-robed refining master who favored Lin Feng, speaking coldly.
"I'd love to see him create a miracle," Yan Feng's quasi-master sneered, his gaze fixed on Lin Feng and Mu Linxue. At that moment, Mu Linxue and Lin Feng were finally nearing the completion of their imperial spear refinement. They hadn't managed to create any more surprises, steadily working on the nearly formed artifact. If successful, it might yield a fourth-grade imperial artifact, securing second place in the competition—a dazzling achievement.
Moreover, no one had initially expected Lin Feng and Mu Linxue to reach this level. It was a pity, though—their combination seemed destined to fall short of Yan Feng. What would happen to the bet between the Yan family and the Wood Estate? Would Mu Linxue really be married off to Yan Feng?
The situation seemed increasingly uncertain. If Lin Feng and Mu Linxue refined a fourth-grade imperial artifact, would the Wood Estate be willing to let Mu Linxue enter the Yan family? Of course, the crowd still didn't know who the young man assisting Mu Linxue was.
"Linxue, solidify the artifact," Lin Feng said softly. Mu Linxue nodded slightly. A terrifying destructive pressure surged from the spear, shooting into the sky. A fearsome flowing cloud appeared, as if everything in the heavens would be annihilated. Finally, the spear soared into the air, spinning above the sky, its body radiating a silver-white glow.
"Success! A fourth-grade imperial artifact," the crowd looked up at the void. Unlike Yan Feng's artifact, the silver-white spear appeared restrained. It didn't generate a vast, terrifying artifact cloud or a world-swallowing momentum, only a continuous hum as it spun.
"The top two spots in this refining competition have been decided. Quite surprising—it's the two teams with bets at stake, Yan Feng and Mu Linxue, who took first and second," the crowd murmured, somewhat astonished. Both the Yan family and the Wood Estate were equally surprised by this outcome. But for the Yan family, what did it matter? Yan Feng had taken first place—wasn't that enough?
After the four prodigies and Lin Feng and Mu Linxue's team completed their refinements, the crowd turned their attention to the others. As time passed, more and more succeeded, but most had refined second-grade imperial artifacts of superior quality. No one could threaten the rankings of Hen Changtian and the others. The top five spots were set. If the crowd's guess was correct, the order would be: Yan Feng's team, Mu Linxue and Lin Feng's team, Hen Changtian, Ge Qingfeng, and Sima Nan.
The rest would have to compete for the fifth to tenth spots.
The crowd was already anticipating the announcement of the refining competition results, and of course, the rewards. The flame forged from the Nine-Headed Serpent Emperor's beast fire—once Yan Feng obtained it, his refining skills would reach new heights.
But the most eager were still the Yan family, especially Yan Feng. At that moment, he stood in the void with his hands behind his back, exuding an air of pride and confidence. The Nine-Headed Serpent Emperor's beast fire was as good as his.
"Linxue, are you ready to marry into the Yan family?" Yan Feng looked at Mu Linxue and said with a faint smile.
Mu Linxue shot him a cold glance and sneered, "Still indulging in such fantasies?"
"Heh, the Yan family and the Wood Estate have an agreement. If the Wood Estate objects, feel free to try," Yan Feng said, his gaze sweeping toward the Wood Estate with sharp intensity. He knew that Mu Linxue's second-place finish might give the Wood Estate second thoughts, so he had to apply pressure.
Indeed, seeing Yan Feng's piercing look, many in the Wood Estate felt a stir. If they broke the agreement, Yan Feng, once he entered the Flame Gold Tower, would surely make things difficult for them. This guy had always been ruthless.
Lin Feng's gaze turned to Yan Feng. Seeing his smug expression, Lin Feng raised an eyebrow slightly, finding it somewhat ridiculous. He said calmly, "Since when did you, Yan Feng, become the judge of this refining competition?"
"Hmm?" Yan Feng's gaze shifted to Lin Feng, his eyes narrowing as he sneered, "I never said that."
"Then since the results haven't been announced, why do I feel like you've already claimed the championship? I don't recall the Flame Gold Tower's seniors announcing the outcome," Lin Feng said calmly, causing the crowd to pause. Yan Feng had indeed been acting as if he'd already won, but no one found it strange—it seemed only natural. Could there be any surprises?
Yan Feng was taken aback, then smiled at Lin Feng and said, "Do you really think the imperial artifact you refined is of better quality than mine?"
"Of course," Lin Feng replied without hesitation, leaving the crowd stunned. Where did Lin Feng get such confidence?
Yan Feng found it amusing. He hadn't expected Lin Feng to still be unwilling to give up. He said coldly, "You're quite humorous."
"Then just wait and see," Lin Feng shot back just as coldly. His confidence seemed as unshakable as Yan Feng's—both believed they would take the championship.
Mu Linxue's beautiful eyes flickered as she looked at Lin Feng beside her. She didn't know the true power of the imperial artifact they had refined, or whether it could surpass Yan Feng's. She had no idea, but Lin Feng seemed very confident.
Suddenly, Mu Linxue smiled radiantly at Lin Feng, a breathtaking sight. This guy always managed to create surprises. She hoped this time would be no different.
"This guy's confidence is a bit blind. I wonder where it comes from," Yan Feng's quasi-master sneered upon hearing their exchange.
Time passed slowly. Finally, the four hours were up. Many showed eager anticipation, but even more wore expressions of disappointment. The top ten spots seemed out of reach.
Everyone's eyes turned to the seven purple-robed masters. It was time to announce the results of the refining competition.
The seven purple-robed masters stepped forward simultaneously. They already had a general idea of the rankings, but there would inevitably be some discrepancies. For the final judgment, they would make a preliminary decision together. If there was a dispute over a particular ranking, it would be referred to the crimson-gold-robed refining master, and if still unresolved, to the purple-gold-robed refining master for the final say.
"Everyone, as per the usual rules, starting from the tenth spot, I'll share my opinion. The tenth spot of this refining competition goes to him. Any objections?" A purple-robed refining master pointed to a refiner in a black robe and asked. The other six nodded in agreement, endorsing the choice for tenth place.
"Since there are no objections, it's settled." The purple-robed master smiled at the refiner who had secured tenth place. "Congratulations on winning the tenth spot in this refining competition. Please step three paces in front of me."
"Thank you, senior," the man said, a hint of excitement in his eyes. Making it into the top ten was already an excellent result!