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

"This piece of 'Nine-Bend Heart Iron' has natural cinnabar patterns inside. It's a core material for refining high-level pill furnaces. It's hard and not palatable. Take it!"

"And this 'Seven-Colored Illusion Pearl' can create illusions and bewitch the mind. It's just a little trick, you can play with it!"

These are ancient treasures that could cause bloodshed in the Purple Obsidian Empire and are revered as the most precious artifacts by various powerful forces.

It was then casually tossed to Jiang Xuan by the Azure Turtle King.

Jiang Xuan hurriedly caught it, his heart pounding. Every time he received a treasure, he felt like he was dreaming.

If any one of these treasures were to be passed down, it would be enough to cause a dramatic change in his wealth and cultural heritage!

As they searched and scavenged, they unknowingly arrived at the edge of a strange body of water.

The seawater ahead had become unusually viscous, and the light was dim.

A faint, invisible barrier, radiating a chilling and oppressive aura, could be seen.

Beyond the barrier lies an even deeper and darker part of the ruins, where the outlines of massive, dilapidated buildings can be vaguely discerned.

The Azure Turtle King stopped, its massive head turning towards Jiang Xuan, its amber eyes filled with solemnity.

"Boy, the entrance to the second level of the ruins is just ahead. The divine power there is even more terrifying, forming a natural barrier. Unless you are a king who has stepped into the realm of life and death, forcibly entering will inevitably result in a backlash, annihilating your body and soul! Even in my prime, I dared not set foot there lightly. Let's stop here and go back."

Jiang Xuan gazed into the dark depths, sensing the terrifying power contained within, and nodded.

Don't bite off more than you can chew; the gains from the first layer have already far exceeded expectations.

On the way back, when they passed a relatively calm body of water, the Azure Turtle King suddenly pointed to a spot.

There, the seawater swirls slightly, forming an inconspicuous whirlpool.

At the center of the vortex, faint, dense, dark spatial cracks flickered, exuding a chaotic and dangerous aura.

"Do you see that vortex?"

The Azure Turtle King's tone was complicated.

"That is the only exit from this hellhole, and it is also an extremely unstable void passage that connects to an unknown void turbulence."

"Back then, I was accidentally dragged into this mess and have been trapped here for a thousand years! Alas!"

At this point, the Azure Turtle King seemed somewhat emotional. It pulled out a huge wine pot made of some kind of sea-blue jade from somewhere, took a sip for itself, and then handed Jiang Xuan a slightly smaller seashell wine cup.

"Come, come, young man, have a drink with this great king! Consider it a token of our acquaintance, and also a farewell before our impending separation."

Jiang Xuan took the wine glass; it contained an amber-colored liquid that exuded a rich aroma and spiritual energy.

He took a bite and felt a warm current flow into his limbs and bones, which invigorated him.

After a few drinks, the Azure Turtle King became more talkative, speaking with a hint of drunkenness.

"Boy, to tell you the truth, I, the Great King, come from the Azure Light Island deep in the Annihilation Sea, and am a member of the Azure Turtle Clan."

Years ago, in search of an opportunity to reach a higher realm, I ventured out and accidentally stumbled upon this place. Two thousand six hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye! Hey, speaking of which, two thousand six hundred years is still considered a short time since we Qingyuan tribe reached adulthood!

Jiang Xuan was shocked upon hearing this.

Two thousand six hundred years!
Is he just turned 18?

The lifespan of this Azure Turtle clan is terrifyingly long!
The Azure Turtle King looked at Jiang Xuan with expectation in his eyes.

"Young man, you possess extraordinary treasures and are blessed with great fortune. Your future achievements will surely be limitless. We part ways today, and who knows when we will meet again."

If you ever manage to cultivate to the Cave Heaven Realm, come find me on Azure Light Island in the Annihilation Soul Sea! Then, I, the Great King, will give you a proper welcome!

As it spoke, it raised its wine jug and clinked glasses with Jiang Xuan. In the midst of their convivial drinking, the Azure Turtle King looked at the void vortex, its eyes filled with resolve.

"Alright, we've had our drinks and said our piece, it's time to leave! Kid, stick close to me!"

Before he finished speaking, the enormous body of the Azure Turtle King suddenly charged towards the void vortex!

Just before entering the vortex, Jiang Xuan vaguely saw a burst of spiritual light flash on the giant shell of the Azure Turtle.

Its form rapidly shrank and changed in the light, eventually transforming into a handsome young man wearing a green robe!

Immediately afterwards, an irresistible suction force pulled Jiang Xuan into the vortex as well!
The world spun around me, and my consciousness plunged into darkness once more…

...

After an unknown amount of time, Jiang Xuan suddenly opened his eyes, the icy river water stimulating his skin.

He found himself floating on the bottom of the water, surrounded by familiar murky river water and aquatic plants, with the outline of the riverbank visible in the distance.

"I'm back... I'm really back!"

Jiang Xuan was excited. He carefully identified the direction and confirmed that this was somewhere downstream of the great river outside Huanglong City!

He couldn't wait to immerse his consciousness in the small Sumeru ring on his finger.

When you see the mountain of ancient treasures inside—Starry Dew Grass, True Yang Dragon Marrow Fruit, Purple Elf Iron, Snow Infant Jade Ginseng…

Each piece exudes a unique spiritual charm, proving that the bizarre and wonderful experience of the ruins was not a dream!

"Incredible... what an incredible encounter..."

Half a month later, Jiang Xuan, weary from his journey, finally arrived at Wuqu City, the largest city closest to the Forbidden City.

He stood on the official road, more than ten miles away from the city gate.

Gazing at the majestic silhouette in the distance, he planned to hire a spirit-patterned chariot as soon as he entered the city.

Get to the final destination as quickly as possible.

Just as he was about to take a step forward, an incomparably sharp killing intent suddenly locked onto him!

"laugh--!"

A sharp sound of something cutting through the air grew louder as a streak of light shot towards them from the horizon at an astonishing speed!

In the blink of an eye, it hovered in mid-air not far in front of Jiang Xuan.

The light faded, revealing a young man standing on a spirit sword and dressed in a magnificent brocade robe.

The boy looked to be no more than twelve or thirteen years old, with a youthful face but an arrogance and fierceness that did not match his age.

The spiritual energy emanating from his body had clearly reached the level of the Spirit Sea Realm!

The young man looked down at Jiang Xuan with a cold gaze, a cruel smile curving his lips.

"Jiang Xuan? I've been waiting for you here for half a month! I've finally waited for you, you rat, to crawl out of your hole! Today, I'll show you the consequences of offending the Chi family!"

Before he finished speaking, the young man casually waved his hand, unleashing a dazzling and sharp sword aura that stretched for over ten feet.

With a sharp, tearing aura, it slashed down at Jiang Xuan's head!

Even before the sword energy arrived, the terrifying pressure had already frozen the air around Jiang Xuan!

"Hidden edge!"

Jiang Xuan's pupils contracted sharply, and he instantly guessed the identity of the person who had just arrived!
He dared not be negligent in the slightest. His cultivation at the Earthly Realm suddenly erupted, and with a mysterious movement of his feet, he retreated rapidly to the side and back!

"Hey!"

The sword energy grazed his left arm, tearing apart his protective aura and ripping his sleeve.

A deep, bone-revealing gash appeared, and the blood instantly stained the clothes red!
Such power is achieved from a mere casual swing of the sword!
The difference between the Spirit Sea Realm and the Earthly Gang Realm is evident!
Jiang Xuan endured the excruciating pain, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and raised his hand without hesitation!
The Flying Star Crossbow, already held in his hand, was instantly activated, and several specially made Qi-breaking Spirit Arrows silently shot towards Chi Cangfeng in mid-air!
"Little tricks!"

Chi Cangfeng chuckled, without even making a move to dodge.

Suddenly, a faint purple halo appeared around him. Within the halo, fine golden arcs of electricity flickered and danced, forming an invisible electric net!

"Crack!"

Those spirit arrows, powerful enough to kill ordinary Earthly Realm cultivators, were struck by the purple electric net the instant they touched it.

It quickly melted and disintegrated, turning into specks of spiritual light that vanished without even touching the hem of Chi Cangfeng's clothes!

"Hmm? Purple aura and golden lightning... it's some kind of special bloodline protective divine power!"

Jiang Xuan's heart sank.

Having failed to strike once, Chi Cangfeng seemed to lose patience and flicked his fingers repeatedly!

"Boo! Hah! Hah!"

Three sword energies, more condensed and faster than before, formed a triangular shape, sealing off all of Jiang Xuan's space to dodge, and shot towards him!

Jiang Xuan used his movement technique to its fullest extent and dodged two more sword energies at the last possible moment.

But the third sword aura was too tricky, even though he tried his best to twist his body.

He was still grazed on his right leg and ribs by the edge of the sword energy, which immediately added two more wounds, which were covered in blood!

The absolute difference in strength put Jiang Xuan in an extremely dangerous situation!
"The game is over! It's your honor to die by the bloodline of my 'Golden Sea Purple Lotus'!"

Chi Cangfeng slowly raised his hands, and a great purple aura emanated from his body.

An even more terrifying energy, powerful enough to completely crush Jiang Xuan, is rapidly gathering!
The energy locked onto Jiang Xuan, making it extremely difficult for him to even move!
The fatal blow was about to strike.

Jiang Xuan's right hand had already quietly grasped a bead the size of a longan, jet black in color, with countless fine cracks on its surface, hidden in his sleeve.

It was given to me by the Azure Turtle King, and it is said to be a life-saving item that can severely injure or even kill a Cave Heaven Realm expert—the [Heaven-Shaking Pearl]!
His eyes were filled with determination, ready to fight to the death!
At this critical moment——

"Ugh……"

An aged sigh, seemingly coming from nothingness, resounded clearly in everyone's ears.

The next moment, a hunched figure appeared between Jiang Xuan and Chi Cangfeng without warning.

He was an old man dressed in ordinary gray cloth clothes, with a withered face.

He extended two withered fingers and gently pinched the tip of Chi Cangfeng's spiritually powerful sword with perfect precision!
"Crack!"

A crisp snapping sound rang out!
That extraordinary spirit sword was easily broken in two fingers by the old man!

"puff!"

With his natal artifact destroyed, Chi Cangfeng was struck as if by a heavy blow. He spat out a mouthful of blood, his face turned deathly pale, and the terrifying aura he had gathered around him dissipated like a tidal wave!

He stared in utter horror at the old man who had suddenly appeared!

The old man didn't even glance at Chi Cangfeng. He casually tossed the broken sword to the ground, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.

"Get out of my sight within three breaths. Otherwise, die."

Chi Cangfeng trembled. He could feel the chilling killing intent in the old man's words. He was definitely not joking!

He glared at Jiang Xuan, his eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness.

But in the end, he dared not disobey. Gritting his teeth, he controlled the remaining flying sword and fled in a disheveled state, turning into a streak of light without even leaving behind a harsh word.

Only after Chi Cangfeng's figure disappeared into the horizon did the old man slowly turn around, look at Jiang Xuan who was injured and looked wary, and show an apologetic smile on his face.

"Young friend, you have been frightened. I am sorry that I arrived a step too late and caused you to suffer this undeserved misfortune."

Jiang Xuan remained wary and asked in a deep voice.

"Who is the senior?"

The old man nodded slightly.

"My name is not worth mentioning. The young man just now was Chi Zangfeng, the most favored direct descendant of the Chi family in the Forbidden City."

He possesses the bloodline of the 'Golden Sea Purple Lotus' and is exceptionally talented, but he is a bit arrogant.

As far as I know, his attack on you seems to be related to a woman named Xia Zhi, though I'm not entirely sure of the specific reasons.

Summer Solstice?

Jiang Xuan's heart stirred, recalling the aloof and elegant girl he had met once at Shidingzhai in Qingyang Town.

Is it because of her?

The old man continued.

"This is not a place to stay for long. If you trust me, young friend, would you be willing to travel with me for a while? Once we enter the Forbidden City, the truth of some things may become much clearer."

Jiang Xuan looked into the old man's calm and profound eyes, pondered for a moment, and nodded.

"In that case, I'll trouble you, senior."

He sensed that the old man meant no harm, and that the other party's strength was unfathomable. Rather than facing the unknown risks alone, he decided to travel with him for the time being.

The old man nodded slightly when Jiang Xuan agreed.

Without him making any move, a gentle yet irresistible force lifted Jiang Xuan up.

The next moment, the two figures suddenly rose from the ground, transforming into a streak of light and soaring straight into the sky!

The wind whistled in my ears, and the mountains, rivers, cities, and villages beneath my feet shrank rapidly, like models on a sand table.

This was Jiang Xuan's first real experience of flying through the void.

The feeling of breaking free from the earth's constraints and looking down upon the vast land broadened his mind.

The fatigue and tension of the past few days seem to have dissipated considerably.

The old man flew away at an extremely fast speed, yet with remarkable stability.

He glanced at Jiang Xuan beside him, whose expression was a mixture of curiosity and composure, and slowly began to speak.

"Young friend, you must have many questions in your mind. Since we are traveling together today, I will explain them to you so that you can be prepared for the journey ahead."

Jiang Xuan's spirits lifted, and he cupped his hands in greeting.

"Juniors are all ears."

The old man gazed at the sea of ​​clouds ahead, his voice calm yet tinged with the vicissitudes of life.

"The encirclements and ambushes you have encountered along the way may seem dangerous, but in reality... they are not truly meant to take your life. Or rather, not all forces want to take your life immediately."

Jiang Xuan frowned slightly but did not interrupt.

The old man continued.

"The Chi family has mobilized such a large force, yet they have never sent a cultivator above the Spirit Sea Realm to kill you. Have you ever wondered why?"

Jiang Xuan pondered for a moment.

"I have also wondered. If the Chi family really wanted to kill me, they only needed to send out a Spirit Sea Realm expert, and I was afraid I would not be able to resist."

"good."

The old man nodded.

"There's more to this than meets the eye. This whole affair, rather than being a pursuit, is more like a...test. A test conducted on you by someone hidden behind the scenes, through the Chi family." (End of Chapter)