Dong!

The sun rose higher into the air, bringing with it physical heat to match the atmosphere below. And then the same clear gong that had announced the start of the round rang out across the refining platforms, and everyone sat up straighter.

It signaled someone's completion.

To no one's surprise, the first to finish was the Bigswamp Villa's Hanzhi.

He lifted a crystal vial with a satisfied smile. Dark-gray liquid swirled within, almost paste-like in its consistency. It was filled with an ash-like sediment that danced with surprising lightness despite the thickness of the solution.

Those familiar with spirit liquids and purifying lights recognized it immediately. It was what the Bigswamp Villa used to compete against the other elite...