The Heavens: Man Covers the Heavens, Refines Treasures to Become an Emperor

He immersed himself in exploring his spiritual power, constantly trying out various ways to operate it.

Each attempt gave him a deeper understanding.

"I see."

Jiang Xuan suddenly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them.

"The Storm Millstone is so powerful because it compresses spiritual energy to its extreme and releases it in a spiral motion, which not only increases its penetrating power but also produces a shockwave effect."

This was the key to his defeat of Qi Yunxiao.

That seemingly simple shot actually contained a highly compressed vortex of spiritual energy, which exploded upon contact, thus shattering Qi Yunxiao's defenses in one fell swoop.

"It seems there's still more potential to be tapped into this Storm Mill."

Jiang Xuan pondered secretly.

He decided to familiarize himself with the technique further before the provincial examination, since the opponents ahead would only be stronger.

Just as Jiang Xuan was deep in thought, the gates of Yanxia Academy opened.

The heavy stone door rumbled, drawing everyone's attention.

Provincial exam registration has begun!

The crowd immediately stirred, and everyone surged towards the academy gate.

Jiang Xuan also stood up, dusted off the dust on his robes, and took out his examination certificate from his pocket.

He moved forward with the flow of people, and those around him unconsciously kept their distance from him, creating a small vacuum zone.

"Excuse me, sir, may I have a word with you in private?"

A clear voice came from beside me.

Jiang Xuan turned his head and saw a young man dressed in a simple gray robe. The young man was about seventeen or eighteen years old, with delicate features, but there was an extraordinary air about him. A seemingly ordinary longsword hung at his waist.

"Is something wrong?"

Jiang Xuan continued walking and asked calmly.

The gray-robed youth was not offended; instead, he quickened his pace and walked alongside Jiang Xuan.

"My name is Cao Yunxiu, from Qingyang County. Just now I saw you sitting alone in meditation, your spiritual energy contained yet not released; your cultivation must be extraordinary."

Jiang Xuan glanced at him.

"Jiang Xuan."

Cao Yunxiu's eyes were filled with joy.

"It really is Brother Jiang! The story of how you single-handedly defeated the three Zhao brothers at Zuixianlou three days ago has now spread throughout Yanxia City."

"They're just a bunch of spoiled brats."

Jiang Xuan spoke calmly, but his eyes remained constantly on the surroundings.

Years of experience have instilled in him a habit of constant vigilance.

"Although the Zhao family is not a top-tier aristocratic family, they are still considered a powerful force in Qingfeng County."

Cao Yunxiu lowered his voice.

"Brother Jiang, coming from a humble background, is so powerful; it's truly admirable."

Upon hearing the words "from a poor family," Jiang Xuan realized that he did indeed come from an ordinary background, but he disliked being labeled.

Cao Yunxiu seemed to sense Jiang Xuan's displeasure and quickly said.

"Brother Jiang, please don't take offense. I had no other intention. To be honest, I and several like-minded friends have formed a small group called the Qingyun Society, dedicated to providing a platform for mutual assistance among underprivileged geniuses."

As he spoke, he took out a cyan jade slip from his sleeve and handed it to Jiang Xuan.

"These are some of our insights and resources to share. Brother Jiang, if you're interested, feel free to take a look."

Jiang Xuan did not reach out to take it, but simply said...

"Thank you for your kindness, but I prefer to be alone."

Cao Yunxiu looked somewhat disappointed, but quickly regained his smile.

"I understand. However, if Brother Jiang changes his mind, he can always come to Tingyuxuan in the south of the city to find me. The provincial examination is fraught with danger; having more friends means having more options."

Jiang Xuan nodded noncommittally. Just then, the group moved forward, and he took the opportunity to distance himself from Cao Yunxiu.

The registration office was set up in the square in front of the main hall of the academy, where more than ten instructors dressed in Yanxia Academy uniforms were checking the credentials.

"Next!"

A middle-aged instructor shouted without looking up.

Jiang Xuan stepped forward and handed over the jade token.

"East of Lin City, Jiang Xuan."

The instructor took the jade token, and his previously nonchalant expression suddenly changed.

He examined the jade tablet carefully, then looked up at Jiang Xuan.

"You're the Master Xuan who defeated nine Human Realm experts in a row during the prefectural examination?"

The sound was quite loud, and dozens of surprised or inquisitive glances immediately fell upon the surrounding area.

Jiang Xuan remained expressionless.

"Just lucky."

The instructor, with a strange look in his eyes, placed the jade tablet on a testing stone tablet.

The stone tablet immediately lit up with nine golden rays, which formed the two characters "Dong Lin" in the air.

"Verification successful."

The instructor took out a bronze token and handed it to Jiang Xuan.

"The provincial examination will begin in three days. This order grants you free access to the area surrounding the academy. The examination content will be announced at that time."

Jiang Xuan took the token, turned to leave, but then heard the instructor say again.

"By the way, Instructor Lü asked me to tell you that if you have some free time, you can visit the Star Gazing Pavilion for a chat."

Jiang Xuan paused slightly, a question lingering in his mind.

He didn't know any instructor Lü, but he didn't show it on his face. He simply nodded and left the registration area.

Meanwhile, atop the "Moon-Viewing Pavilion," the highest point of the academy, two imposing middle-aged men were looking down at the crowd of people registering below.

"That's the promising talent you were talking about?"

Du Dongtu, clad in purple and gold armor, fixed his gaze on Jiang Xuan's departing figure.

"His aura is restrained, and his steps are steady; indeed, quite impressive."

Wei Lingzhen, dressed in a white robe, stroked his beard and chuckled beside him.

"This young man is named Jiang Xuan, from Donglin City. He won all nine rounds of the prefectural examination. What's even more remarkable is that he is not from a prestigious family; he has reached this point entirely through his own talent."

Du Dongtu's eyes were filled with eagerness.

"My Purple Feather Army needs such talent. If we can recruit him, he will surely become a regional commander within three years."

Wei Lingzhen shook her head.

"Commander Du, don't rush to conclusions. This young man is arrogant and unruly. Just three days ago, he clashed with the Zhao family members at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, holding his own against three opponents. I think he has high ambitions; he probably wants to enter the Tianyuan Sect through the national examination."

"Hmph, Tianyuan Sect"

Du Dongtu snorted coldly.

"What can those arrogant guys do besides put on airs?"

Wei Lingzhen smiled without saying a word, then turned her gaze to another outstanding young man in blue in the crowd.

"Xue Shaolin is here too. It seems this provincial examination will be quite interesting."

"Besides Xue Shaolin, those kids Yu Wenjing and Le Zhiyou shouldn't be underestimated either."

Du Dongtu stroked his chin.

"Especially Yun Zitong, who is said to have already touched the threshold of the Earthly Fiend Realm."

While the two were talking, Lu Zizheng, the instructor in charge of registration, hurriedly left the square, walked through several corridors, and came to a secluded courtyard.

He handed a letter to the old servant who was guarding the courtyard gate.

"Tell the lady that the person has appeared."

The old servant bowed and accepted the letter, then turned and went into the courtyard. A moment later, a crisp sound of porcelain shattering echoed from inside the courtyard.

"He really came?!"

A girl in a pale yellow dress rushed out of the house, her pretty face filled with a complex expression of excitement and hatred.

She is none other than Yao Susu, the daughter of the great cultivator Yao Tuohai.

The old servant said respectfully.

"Instructor Lü witnessed it with his own eyes; it is beyond doubt."

Yao Susu clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms.

"A whole year! He finally showed up!"

"Susu, what's wrong?"

A soft, feminine male voice came from inside the house. Immediately afterwards, a young man dressed in a magnificent brocade robe slowly walked out.

He had a handsome face, but there was a sinister aura between his brows.

Yao Susu turned around, tears welling in her eyes.

"Lian Fei, it's Jiang Xuan, his father's killer!"

Lian Fei's pupils contracted sharply, and the color drained from his face instantly, followed by a sickly flush.

"Where?! Where is he now?!"

His voice became shrill with excitement.

"I just received my provincial examination token at the registration desk."

Yao Susu pulled Lian Fei back from rushing out.

"Don't be impulsive! This is Yanxia City, not a place where we can act recklessly."

Lian Fei trembled all over, his eyes bloodshot.

"The hatred for the murderer of my father is irreconcilable! I've waited far too long for this day!"

He suddenly ripped open his collar, revealing a hideous scar on his chest.

"This scar is thanks to him!"

Yao Susu hugged Lian Fei's arm tightly.

“I understand how you feel, but have you considered that his ability to participate in the provincial examination means he's at least at the peak of the Human Realm? What are your chances of success if you rush in now?”

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Lian Fei's head.

He took a few deep breaths, barely managing to suppress the murderous intent surging within him.

“You’re right. Back in Donglin City, he escaped from us many times.”

"Times have changed."

Yao Susu pulled Lian Fei away from the registration area and turned into a quiet alley.

"You are now a core disciple of the Yao clan, why take the risk yourself?" Lian Fei punched the wall, and the brick wall collapsed with a crash.

"Then what do you suggest we do?"

Yao Susu curled her lips into a cold smile.

"Why should a powerful figure personally take revenge?"

She took out a purple jade token from her sleeve, which was engraved with the intricate Yao family crest.

"One order is all it takes; someone will take care of the problem for us."

Lian Fei stared at the token, his breathing gradually becoming steady.

You mean...

"The Yuan family, the Qi family, and those smaller families that depend on us—any one of them could easily give Jiang Xuan a run for his money."

Yao Susu fiddled with the token.

"Moreover, Yanxia City has no shortage of people who will do things for money."

Footsteps suddenly came from the alley entrance, and Yao Tuohai hurried over, his forehead still covered in sweat.

"Something's happened! Jiang Xuan defeated Yuan Shu and Qi Yunxiao outside the academy!"

"What?"

Lian Fei's pupils suddenly contracted.

"Yuan Shu is not already..."

"The Great Perfection of the Human Realm."

Yao Tuohai's expression was solemn.

"Qi Yunxiao had even stepped one foot into the Earthly Fiend Realm. The two of them joined forces, yet were defeated by Jiang Xuan in three moves."

The token in Yao Susu's hand fell to the ground with a "thud," and her face turned deathly pale.

"How is that possible?"

Yao Tuohai lowered his voice.

"Even more bizarrely, some people saw that when Jiang Xuan made his move, there was a faint dragon-shaped aura swirling around his body."

"Dragon-shaped Qi?"

Yao Susu suddenly grabbed Yao Tuohai's wrist.

Are you sure you didn't see it wrong?

"It's absolutely true. The whole of Yanxia City is talking about it now, saying that this year's provincial examination produced a monster capable of challenging opponents of higher ranks."

Lian Fei suddenly sneered.

"Great, that's wonderful. This is much more interesting to fight like this."

He bent down and picked up the purple jade token, stroking the family crest on it with his fingertips.

"Susu, that place you mentioned earlier, the one where they do things for money?"

Yao Susu and he understood each other perfectly.

"Listening to the Rain Pavilion."

In the southern part of Yanxia City, in the private room on the top floor of Zuixianlou.

Yao Susu sipped her spiritual tea, gazing at the deepening twilight outside the window.

Lian Fei paced anxiously in the room, glancing out of the window every time he passed by.

"Why aren't they here yet?"

Lian Fei smashed a sandalwood coffee table for the third time.

Yao Susu put down her teacup.

"The Lord of Tingyu Pavilion is always cautious in his actions. Now that he has accepted our invitation, he will definitely come."

Before she could finish speaking, a green bamboo leaf drifted in through the window, swirling as it landed on the tea table in front of Yao Susu. The moment the leaf settled, another figure appeared in the private room.

The man wore a dark green robe and a half-bronze mask, revealing a jawline as sharp as a knife.

He appeared silently, as if he had always been standing there.

"The Master of Listening to the Rain Pavilion."

Yao Susu stood up and bowed.

Lian Fei, however, could not restrain himself.

"We need to kill someone, name your price!"

Tingyu's gaze lingered on Lianfei for a moment, then she suddenly chuckled softly.

"When did the Yao clan become so impatient?"

Yao Susu secretly pinched Lian Fei and took over the conversation.

"Please forgive me, sir. The person we're dealing with defeated the Yuan and Qi families outside Yanxia Academy today; you've probably already heard about it."

Tingyu walked to the window, her back to the two people.

"Jiang Xuan."

"Exactly."

Yao Susu took out a brocade pouch and pushed it over.

"This is the deposit, five thousand gold coins."

Listening to the rain, she didn't turn back.

"Do you know that seven groups of people have come looking for me today?"

Lian Fei and Yao Susu were both taken aback.

"The Yuan family offered three thousand, the Biguang Pavilion offered four thousand five, and the Wen family..."

Tingyu turned around, her eyes flashing coldly beneath the mask.

"But I didn't answer any of them."

"Why?"

Lian Fei couldn't help but ask.

Listening to the rain, fingertips lightly tap the windowpane.

"Because I can't see through this person."

He suddenly turned to Lian Fei.

"Do you know who Jiang Xuan was on good terms with when he was in the Bloodthirsty Camp?"

Lian Fei frowned.

"They're just some poor kids."

"The grandson of the Iron-Blooded King Ning Bugui, and the third son of the Stone God of Wealth."

Listening to the rain, I sneered.

"You call someone like that a poor kid?"

Yao Susu gasped.

"What the original poster means is..."

"Tingyulou will not be taking on this order for the time being."

Listening to the rain, I walked towards the door.

"I'll decide whether to intervene after those idiots test the waters first."

Lian Fei suddenly stood up.

"you!"

"but."

Listening to the rain, I stopped in front of the door.

"If we ultimately decide to proceed, the reward will be raised to ten thousand gold coins."

Yao Susu gritted her teeth.

"make a deal!"

Listening to the rain, her figure faded into the air like an ink painting, leaving only a single bamboo leaf drifting down.

In the back courtyard of the Wen clan, rain pattered on banana leaves.

Wen Mingxiu leaned against the window, her fingertips unconsciously stroking a jade slip.

That was given to her by Jiang Xuan before he left today; it contained only a brief warning.

"Don't mess with me."

"Miss."

The personal maid entered quietly.

"The Yuan family and Biguang Pavilion have both made moves; it's said they've even contacted Tingyu Tower."

Wen Mingxiu paused, her fingertips pausing.

"So many people want to deal with Jiang Xuan?"

The maid nodded.

"That's right! Nobody can stand by and watch that country bumpkin causing trouble in Yanxia City."

"A country bumpkin?"

Wen Mingxiu suddenly smiled.

"Do you really think he's just an ordinary poor kid?"

The maid was puzzled.

“Isn’t it?”

Wen Mingxiu gazed at the distant mountains shrouded in mist from the rain.

"In the Bloodthirsty Camp, he became sworn brothers with Ning Bugui's grandson; in Qingwu City, he made the third young master of the Shi family willingly serve as his follower."

She turned to look at the maid, a strange light flashing in her eyes.

"You call someone like that a country bumpkin?"

The maid's mouth dropped open.

"So, what does Miss Na mean?"

"Pass on my message: no one from the Wen family is to be involved in this matter."

Wen Mingxiu put the jade slip into her sleeve.

"I'd like to see who ends up laughing at whom."

On the tallest observatory in the city, a black flag embroidered with golden cloud patterns fluttered in the wind.

As the flag fluttered, glimpses of people hurrying along the street below could be vaguely seen. (End of Chapter)