In the arena in the Immortal Skills Hall of the eastern Devilbirds, the bone cauldron thrummed loudly. It was surrounded by intense, raging, nine-colored fire. The magical symbols covering the cauldron were pulsing with dazzling light that caused the flames to rage even further. The refinement process... had officially begun!0

Among the emissaries of the Imperial Sovereign mountains, there were three who had very grim expressions on their faces. The others seemed bewildered.0

This turn of events was completely out of the blue. None of them could have predicted that the grand elder who had started this very ceremony would, in his moment of dominance, suddenly meet with failure. After all, the grand elder would never have invited the emissaries from the Imperial Sovereign mountains unless he was completely confident in succeeding.0

Of course, in order to start this ceremony to begin with, he had to invite the emissaries. But regardless, he wouldn’t have done so unless he was certain nothing unexpected would happen. And yet... something unexpected had just happened.2

No one knew how Yue Dong had fooled the grand elder and suddenly seized the upper hand. But there was no doubt that there was now a lot of suspense over who would ultimately become the grand immortal adept.0

Obviously, the identity of the grand immortal adept would have different ramifications on the interests of different Imperial Sovereign mountains. Some of them would prefer that the grand elder succeed. Others were partial toward Yue Dong. Yet others were neutral.0

Among those...0