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

"test?"

A glint flashed in Jiang Xuan's eyes.

"And the core of this test is closely related to your background."

The old man's tone became serious.

"Young friend, do you know who your parents are?"

Jiang Xuan's heart skipped a beat; this was the biggest knot in his heart that he had been carrying for more than ten years!

He shook his head.

“I grew up in Qingyang Town from a young age and was raised by an old servant. I know nothing about my background.”

The old man sighed softly and said.

"Your father's name is Jiang Wenjing. He is one of the top aristocratic families in the Forbidden City, and the most dazzling genius of that generation of the Jiang clan!"

He possessed extraordinary talent and unparalleled brilliance, reaching the Cave Heaven Realm before the age of thirty. He was internally designated as the sole heir to the Jiang family's next sect leader, enjoying unparalleled prominence.

Jiang Xuan held his breath, even though he had already guessed it.

But hearing firsthand how extraordinary his father was still a tremendous shock to him.

"And your mother's name is Luo Qingxun."

The old man's tone was filled with rare admiration.

"She did not come from a distinguished background; in fact, she was quite poor. But her talent was terrifying, even surpassing that of your father! Seventeen years ago, she won first place in the Imperial National Examination with an absolute advantage, becoming famous throughout the world! And your father, Jiang Wenjing, was the runner-up in that National Examination."

First place in the national examination!

Jiang Xuan was shocked; his mother's talent was truly extraordinary!

"The two of them entered the Qinglu Academy, the highest institution of learning in the empire, for further studies. They met and fell in love. However, their union was met with strong opposition from the Jiang clan. The clan believed that your mother was of humble origin and was not worthy of becoming the future matriarch, and they did their best to obstruct it."

The old man recounted his past, seemingly immersed in the memories.

"But your father, Jiang Wenjing, was of a strong and unyielding nature, and once he made up his mind, he would never turn back. He defied public opinion and even broke with some of the clan elders. In the end, with the secret support of your grandfather, who was the head of the Jiang family at the time, he married your mother."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan seemed to see his father's resolute and unyielding figure, and a complex emotion welled up in his heart.

The old man's voice lowered, tinged with sorrow.

"Heaven is jealous of talent. On the very night your mother was about to give birth, a devastating tragedy occurred..."

Jiang Xuan's heart tightened suddenly.

That night, a fierce storm raged in the Forbidden City, with lightning flashing across the sky. A group of mysterious powerful figures launched a surprise attack on the core residence of the Jiang family! Your father, Jiang Wenjing, fought valiantly to protect his wife who was about to give birth and you, who were still unborn, until finally... he died from exhaustion!
Along with your direct descendants, almost all of them were slaughtered! And your mother, Luo Qingxun, mysteriously disappeared in the chaos, her fate unknown.

Although I had a premonition.

Hearing about his parents' tragic end, Jiang Xuan still felt a chill run from his feet to his head. He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms.

"Who is the murderer?"

Jiang Xuan's voice was hoarse and cold, containing an intensely suppressed killing intent.

The old man was silent for a moment, then slowly uttered a name.

"According to subsequent investigations, the perpetrator who led the attack that night was a disciple from a mysterious sect called the 'Tongtian Sword Sect,' named Yun Qingbai."

The old man continued.

"The 'Tongtian Sword Sect' behind Yun Qingbai is incredibly powerful. Even the most powerful figures in the empire are quite wary of it and keep it a secret. As for why he would do such a terrible thing to your Jiang family, it remains a mystery. No one knows the specific reason."

Jiang Xuan was almost certain that the person who stole his natal spiritual vein "Great Abyss Devouring the Sky" was Yun Qingbai!
"After this battle, the Jiang clan suffered heavy losses in its top combat power, and without a leader, it instantly fell into internal strife. Other top forces in the Forbidden City took the opportunity to kick them while they were down, and frantically divided up the vast resources and territory left behind by the Jiang family."

Within the Jiang family, some collateral relatives, in their struggle for power, even colluded with outsiders, inviting trouble into the family... The once illustrious Jiang family of the Forbidden City thus fell into complete decline and disintegration.

The old man's words were filled with endless regret.

After listening to the old man recount his family's bloody history, Jiang Xuan felt a surge of hatred in his chest, almost bursting out of his chest.

But he forced himself to remain calm, his face showing no emotion whatsoever; only his deep eyes were colder than ten thousand years of ice.

He paused for a moment, then asked in a low voice.

"Senior, were the Chi family, who participated in dividing up my Jiang family's assets, also one of the main culprits?"

The old man glanced at him, his eyes filled with complex emotions, and slowly nodded.

"That's right. Among the forces that took advantage of the chaos back then, the Chi family was indeed one of the most active and profited the most. That's why they, along with other powerful families who had lent a hand back then, do not want you to return to the Forbidden City."

Because you are Jiang Wenjing and Luo Qingxun's only son, and the rightful first heir of the Jiang family. Your return means uncertainty and potential threats to them.

The old man changed the subject and said.

"However, your opportunity to return to the Forbidden City this time is not entirely due to your own efforts in overcoming those trials. There is also a force in this capital that wants you to return."

"Oh?"

Jiang Xuan raised an eyebrow.

"The Imperial Family".

The old man uttered four words, his tone carrying a profound meaning.

"A high-ranking figure in the royal family has spoken, giving you a 'fair' chance to return to the capital. It is precisely because of this figure's statement that the Chi family and other forces dare not truly use their power above the Spirit Sea Realm to kill you. They can only set up checkpoints at every turn before you arrive at the Forbidden City, trying to stop you from entering. Otherwise, do you really think you could have made it all the way here?"

Jiang Xuan was shocked. The royal family?
Could it be that a high-ranking member of the royal family is secretly supporting my return?
This was completely unexpected.

"Who...is this important person?"

Jiang Xuan pressed for an answer.

The old man shook his head and smiled bitterly.

"Even I, and even the 'Obsidian Sanctuary' behind me, have been unable to ascertain this. The royal family is a complex place, and that important figure is very well hidden. But his power is beyond doubt."

During their conversation, the two had already flown to the vicinity of the Forbidden City.

When the outline of that colossal city, towering over the land, came into clear view.

Even with Jiang Xuan's composure, he couldn't help but feel a suffocating shock!
The city walls soared into the clouds, constructed entirely of massive, dark golden stones.

Bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, it gleams with a metallic sheen, stretching for thousands of miles, with no end in sight!

The city walls are engraved with countless complex and profound spiritual patterns, which faintly form a huge array and exude a heart-palpitating pressure.

Even more astonishing is that hundreds of majestic mountains of varying sizes are suspended above the city!
Palaces and pavilions stand on the mountainside, surrounded by rosy clouds and mist, like a fairyland!

"Those...are floating mountains?"

Jiang Xuan couldn't help but ask.

"good."

The old man nodded.

“That is the ‘Mountain of the Aristocracy’ unique to the Forbidden City! Only the most prestigious aristocratic families in the empire are qualified to occupy one, standing above the clouds, looking down on all living beings. Back then… your Jiang family also possessed one.”

Jiang Xuan's gaze swept over the floating mountains, finally settling on a few of the most imposing peaks, his eyes cold.

The Chi family must occupy one of them.

The two pressed the escape button on a special landing platform several miles from the city gate.

A magnificent, all-black, ancient-style chariot with intricate patterns was already waiting there, pulled by four exceptionally swift dragon-scaled horses.

A driver dressed in black, with a calm demeanor, stood respectfully beside the carriage.

Upon seeing the old man and Jiang Xuan, the coachman bowed and presented a letter sealed with special sealing wax.

The old man took the letter, quickly glanced through it, and said to Jiang Xuan.

"This is news from the Chi family. Chi Zangfeng has been ordered by his father to be confined to the clan's forbidden area for three years for acting without authorization and breaking the agreement." Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan simply hummed in agreement, not paying any attention.

In his eyes, Chi Zangfeng was nothing more than a spoiled brat, insignificant.

The driver handed over a second letter.

The material of this letter is clearly more exquisite, with a delicate purple obsidian flower emblem printed on the edge—a symbol of the imperial family!

The old man handed the letter to Jiang Xuan.

"This letter is for you."

Jiang Xuan took the letter and unfolded it. The handwriting was strong and powerful, exuding an unquestionable air of authority.

"Jiang Xuan. Now that you have entered the Forbidden City, you should know the responsibilities you bear. The blood of the Jiang family cannot be easily dishonored. Either take on the responsibility of the heir, turn the world upside down in this den of dragons and tigers, and take back everything that belongs to you; or turn around and leave immediately, and I can guarantee you a worry-free life and a life of wealth. Whichever path you choose, you shall decide."

At the end of the document, there was no signature, only a more complex purple obsidian flower seal.

The letter was domineering and direct, carrying a condescending scrutiny and... a subtle expectation?

Jiang Xuan finished reading, his face expressionless.

Without the slightest hesitation, he gently rubbed his hands together, and the precious royal letter instantly shattered into countless fragments, which scattered in the wind.

His actions have already provided the answer.

The old man looked at Jiang Xuan's actions with admiration in his eyes, and then asked.

"Don't you want to ask this important royal figure why he gave you this choice? What gives him the confidence?"

Jiang Xuan gazed calmly at the majestic city gate and said indifferently.

"It doesn't matter. I came back for myself, for my parents, and for the Jiang family. As for why others gave me this opportunity, or what gives them the confidence, what does that have to do with me?"

Upon hearing this, the old man paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Good! That's spirited! However, I must remind you that I and the Obsidian Sanctuary are neither enemies nor friends with this royal figure. Ultimately, you will have to walk your own path from now on."

Jiang Xuan nodded.

"Junior understands."

"Get in the car."

The old man was the first to board the imperial carriage.

Jiang Xuan took one last look at the mountain of powerful clans floating in the clouds, a symbol of the empire's top authority, his eyes sharp as knives, before turning and stepping into the black chariot.

The dragon-scaled horse neighed, and the precious carriage started smoothly, heading towards the city gate that resembled the mouth of a giant beast.

That night, the Forbidden City remained outwardly calm.

Above those floating mountains and within the deep palace courtyards, countless gazes had already been cast upon the black imperial carriage that drove into the city.

"he came."

"Jiang Wenjing and Luo Qingxun's son..."

"What kind of trouble can a mere Earthly Realm kid stir up?"

"The Chi family has really lost face this time..."

"The royal family's attitude is quite intriguing..."

Some were nervous, some were disdainful, and some watched coldly.

But almost everyone believed that a young man who had lost his foundation and only had the cultivation of the Earthly Rank Realm would ultimately find it difficult to achieve anything in this bottomless murky water.

As night deepened, the black imperial carriage moved smoothly along the wide and quiet streets of the Forbidden City, its wheels rolling over the bluestone slabs with a monotonous yet clear sound.

The atmosphere inside the carriage was somewhat quiet.

The old man looked out the window at the magnificent buildings that symbolized the empire's supreme power rushing past, and slowly spoke, breaking the silence.

"Young friend, we have arrived at the Forbidden City. All I can do is ensure your safe arrival. The rest of the journey is up to you."

He paused and continued.

"The Obsidian Sanctuary's position is special, and it cannot provide you with direct assistance openly, otherwise it would attract unnecessary trouble and suspicion. However... now that you have entered the city, if any villains want to do something wrong, you can act in the name of my Obsidian Sanctuary. This is a small favor I am personally granting you."

Jiang Xuan felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this.

In this dangerous place, the covert protection of a powerful force is sometimes more important than direct military support.

He solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

"I will always remember your kindness and help."

The old man waved his hand and said no more.

The imperial carriage traveled for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before finally stopping at the edge of a secluded square.

In front of the square, there was not solid ground, but a vast, empty sea of ​​clouds.

Through the thin mist, one can see a majestic mountain peak, suspended above the clouds.

The outlines of pavilions and towers can be vaguely seen on the mountain, exuding an ancient and vicissitudes atmosphere.

At the base of the mountain, spiritual light flowed, clearly indicating the presence of a powerful protective spiritual array.

"arrive."

The old man got off the bus first and pointed to the floating mountain.

"That place is Xixin Peak, one of the seventy-two 'mountains of powerful clans' in the Forbidden City. It is also the place where your Jiang clan once established its foundation."

Jiang Xuan looked up, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Is this the place where his father once lived and struggled? Is this the source of his bloodline?

"But now..."

The old man sighed softly.

"Things have changed. As far as I know, apart from an old servant guarding the mountain gate, there are probably no other direct descendants of the Jiang family living on Xixin Peak now."

After saying this, the old man raised his hand, and a wisp of soft yet strangely pulsating light condensed at his fingertips.

Gently tap the invisible spiritual array light screen at the bottom of Xixin Peak.

"Om-"

Ripples appeared on the spiritual array's light screen, and an aged and wary voice emanated from it.

Who dares to challenge us?

The old man said loudly.

"The Obsidian Sanctuary sends back Jiang Wenjing's son, Jiang Xuan!"

"what?!"

The sound within the spirit array suddenly rose in pitch!

Immediately afterwards, the spiritual array light screen fluctuated violently, and a staircase formed from condensed clouds and mist slowly extended down from the peak until it reached everyone in front of them.

On the misty steps, an old man, dressed in faded gray cloth, with a hunched back and a face full of wrinkles, staggered down.

He looked extremely old.

But his eyes were unusually clear.

When he saw Jiang Xuan standing beside the old man, he stared intently at Jiang Xuan's face. (End of Chapter)