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

"Jiang Xuan! You...you dare to send people to attack us?! Do you know who we represent?! You are provoking the Xixi, Yunheng, and Feifeng lineages! You cannot bear the consequences!"

Shi Zhan also growled.

"Boy! If you have the guts, kill us! Let's see if our three families can raze your Cleansing Heart Peak to the ground!"

Chang Ziheng's face turned deathly pale.

But he still stubbornly made those harsh remarks.

"Let us go! Otherwise... otherwise..."

Jiang Xuan slowly stood up from the main seat, looking down at the three kneeling men who were all bluster and no substance, as if they were three ants.

He gave Zhu Laosan a casual instruction.

"Mr. Zhu, keep a close eye on them. Anyone who dares to get up without permission will be killed without mercy."

"Yes."

Zhu Laosan's voice remained calm.

But the chilling killing intent made Xiao Fengru and the other two tremble and dare not make a move.

Jiang Xuan walked up to the three of them, his gaze sweeping over their faces, which were contorted with fear and anger. He spoke in a cold voice, each word clear and distinct.

"First offense: You agreed to meet me at noon, but deliberately delayed, showing contempt for me and testing my patience."

"Second offense: entering the palace without bowing, speaking disrespectfully, and openly humiliating this young master."

"Third crime: forcing this young master to relinquish clan power in an attempt to usurp the throne."

"Fourth offense: humiliating the loyal servant Jiang Zhong, an act of insubordination."

"Fifth crime: trampling on the dignity of this young master and disregarding clan rules, his heart deserves to be punished!"

With each charge he made, his voice grew colder, and his aura became increasingly imposing.

“Each of these five charges is enough to warrant your immediate execution!”

After the initial shock subsided, Xiao Fengru, who was kneeling on the ground, felt as if she had grasped at a lifeline when she heard Jiang Xuan's "scolding." A mocking sneer appeared on her face, and she suppressed her fear and screamed.

"Jiang Xuan! Stop pretending! All this nonsense just means you're afraid to touch us, right? If you have the guts, kill us! If not, release us now and kowtow to admit your mistake! Otherwise, when our three experts arrive, we'll make sure you die a horrible death! Enough talk, kill us or torture us, give us a quick death! Either attack now, or... obediently let us go!"

She was convinced that Jiang Xuan was just bluffing and didn't dare to really break ties with the three collateral families!
Xiao Fengru's clamor, Shi Zhan's roar, and Chang Ziheng's blustering yet cowardly demeanor echoed in the hall, filled with an air of arrogance and fearlessness.

They were convinced that Jiang Xuan was just bluffing and would never dare to actually kill them, after all, they had three powerful collateral branches of the Jiang family behind them!
Jiang Xuan's face showed no sign of anger, but instead revealed a cold, pitying smile.

"Kill you?"

Jiang Xuan shook his head slightly, his voice eerily calm.

"That's too good for you guys."

Moreover, it would dirty my hands and cause unnecessary trouble for Xixin Peak.

He paused, glanced at the three of them, and spoke slowly.

"You may be spared the death penalty, but you cannot escape punishment. The three of you have trespassed on Xinxin Peak, committing insubordination, a heinous crime. Today, your cultivation will be stripped as a warning to others!"

"Abandon...abandon your cultivation?!"

"No! You can't do this!"

"Jiang Xuan! How dare you?! My Jiang family of Xixi will never let you get away with this!"

"Young Master! Young Master, spare us! We were blind! Please, Young Master, have mercy!"

Upon hearing the words "abolish cultivation," Xiao Fengru and the other two turned deathly pale, utterly terrified!
For cultivators, cultivation level is everything! Losing cultivation is more painful than death!
Some of them made frantic threats, while others completely broke down and began to kowtow and beg for mercy!
Jiang Xuan ignored their wails and threats, his eyes remaining completely unmoved.

He turned to Zhu Laosan, who was in the shadows, and gave him a brief instruction.

"Mr. Zhu, make your move."

"Yes."

Zhu Laosan responded.

The next moment, an even more terrifying and concentrated killing intent suddenly erupted, trapping Xiao Fengru, Shi Zhan, and Chang Ziheng firmly in place.

Even their voices were suppressed, leaving only desperate "hoarse" sounds, their eyes filled with extreme fear!
Zhu Laosan did not move, but simply pointed his fingers like a sword and gently tapped the three people's dantian and dantian from a distance!
Three thin, yet extremely refined, beams of azure light instantly entered the three people's bodies!
"puff!"

"puff!"

"puff!"

Three soft thuds were followed by violent convulsions of the three people's bodies and their instantly weakened aura!
Their spiritual sea, which they had painstakingly cultivated for decades or even centuries, collapsed and dissipated in an instant!
His meridians broke inch by inch, and his powerful spiritual energy receded and disappeared without a trace!
It all happened in the blink of an eye!
When Zhu Laosan withdrew his finger, the terrifying killing intent dissipated.

Xiao Fengru, Shi Zhan, and Chang Ziheng were already slumped on the ground, their eyes vacant, their faces ashen, and their breaths as weak as those of ordinary people!

They have had their cultivation completely destroyed, turning them into utterly useless people!

The hall was deathly silent, save for the heavy, desperate breathing of the three people.

Jiang Dahong watched this scene with cold sweat pouring down his forehead and his back completely soaked. He was filled with lingering fear and relief!

If he had made the slightest move or expressed support for those three families, there would probably be four people lying on the ground right now!
Jiang Xuan didn't even glance at the three crippled men on the ground, and gave instructions to Jiang Zhong.

"Uncle Zhong, send someone to throw them out of Xixin Peak. Also, have them deliver a message to their respective masters. If the Xixi, Yunheng, and Feifeng families voluntarily submit within three years and return everything they took from Xixin Peak with interest, I will forgive their past transgressions and allow them to return to their clans. Otherwise, after three years, they will be considered traitors, and I, Jiang Xuan, will personally visit them to clean house!"

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable air of decisiveness and ruthlessness!
"Yes, young master!"

Jiang Zhong responded excitedly and immediately summoned two guards who dragged the distraught Xiao Fengru and the other two away.

After dealing with these three companies, Jiang Xuan's gaze returned to Jiang Dahong.

At this moment, Jiang Dahong had already stood up, standing respectfully with his hands at his sides, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

"Uncle Jiang,"

Jiang Xuan's tone softened somewhat.

"Now, you can tell me your thoughts. Or rather, what is the attitude of the Kitamitsu Jiang family?"

Jiang Dahong suppressed his fear and answered respectfully.

"Young Master... your actions today were certainly satisfying. But... it also meant you completely broke ties with those three families. They are powerful and will never let this go... Young Master, do you have a foolproof plan?"

His tone carried genuine concern.

Jiang Xuan looked at Jiang Dahong and knew that he was genuinely concerned about the safety of Xixin Peak, rather than gloating or being hypocritical.

He smiled faintly and said.

"Is your uncle worried that I won't be able to handle their retaliation?"

Jiang Dahong nodded, without denying it.

Jiang Xuan walked to the window, gazing at the misty mountains outside, his voice calm yet filled with unparalleled confidence.

"I am now in a situation where I have no way to retreat. Showing weakness will only embolden them and erode the last bit of foundation of Xixin Peak! Only by showing enough strength and determination can I make them wary and buy me precious time."

He turned around, his gaze sharp as he looked at Jiang Dahong. "Three years! Give me three years! I will possess the power to sweep away everything and unify the Jiang family!"

This isn't arrogance, but a promise I must keep! As for whether they dare to attack with all their might…”

Jiang Xuan's lips curled into a meaningful smile.

“Uncle, do you know that the final decision on the ownership of Xixin Peak rests with the Imperial Family? As long as I live, and as long as the Xixin Jade Seal remains in my hands, Xixin Peak will belong to the Jiang family!”
If they really dared to kill me, causing the royal family to reclaim Xixin Peak, what good would that do them? So, at most they would suppress and coerce me, but they would never dare to actually take my life!

That's one of my sources of confidence!

Upon hearing this, a look of sudden realization flashed in Jiang Dahong's eyes!
So that's how it is! Young Master wasn't acting rashly; he saw through the key point!
This level of mental fortitude and courage far exceeded his expectations!

Without further hesitation, he bowed and spoke frankly.

"Young Master, please understand! To be honest, the reason why the Beiguang Jiang Clan sent me here is not to try to seize control of Xixin Peak like those three families. The Clan Head's intention is for me to observe your character and abilities before deciding on the future direction of the Beiguang Jiang Clan."

Now it seems, our young master is courageous, resourceful, and possesses extraordinary courage; moreover, he has earned the recognition of the ancestral heirloom! Our Beiguang Jiang clan… is willing to give our young master time, and is also willing… to support him to the best of our ability!

Jiang Xuan nodded, quite satisfied with Jiang Dahong's frankness.

Jiang Xuan pondered for a moment, then looked at him and asked.

"Uncle Jiang, based on what you've seen of me today, what is your opinion of me?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Dahong's expression turned serious. He thought for a moment and then answered cautiously.

"Reporting to the young master, to be honest, I dare not make a hasty conclusion."

But at least, I am not disappointed in the young master. The courage, methods, and vision the young master displayed today far exceeded my expectations.

He paused, his tone becoming somewhat complicated.

"However... the situation within the Beiguang Jiang clan is not optimistic. The vast majority of clan members, including some high-ranking elders, believe that you, young master, are too young, have shallow roots, and have been wandering outside for many years, knowing nothing about clan affairs, making it difficult for you to shoulder the heavy responsibility of reviving the Jiang family. They prefer to... keep pace with the Xixi, Yunheng, and Feifeng families."

Jiang Xuan listened quietly, his face revealing neither joy nor anger.

Jiang Dahong changed the subject, speaking with respect.

"However, my great-grandfather Jiang Beiguang, the ancestor of the Beiguang Jiang clan, overcame all opposition and fought for an opportunity for you."

"Oh? What opportunity?"

Jiang Xuan raised an eyebrow.

"Our ancestor has stated that you are invited to visit the Beiguang Jiang family residence in a month."

Jiang Dahong said solemnly.

"At that time, you will need to have a public competition with your cousin, Jiang Xuefeng, who is the number one young person of the Beiguang Jiang clan."

"Jiang Xuefeng?"

Jiang Xuan memorized the name.

"Yes."

Jiang Dahong nodded and introduced the situation with a solemn expression.

"Xuefeng is an exceptionally talented child, a once-in-a-century prodigy of the Beiguang Jiang Clan. At the age of sixteen, he condensed a first-grade spiritual energy pool, 'Misty Rain and Mountains,' astonishing the entire clan. Now, just turned eighteen, he has already reached the peak of the Heavenly Gang Realm!"
Moreover… according to reliable sources, he is currently in seclusion, attempting to break through to the Spirit Sea Realm! He is expected to succeed in breaking through in a maximum of seven days!

Eighteen-year-old Spirit Sea Realm cultivator!
Jiang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine; this talent was indeed terrifying!
He himself had many fortuitous opportunities, which allowed him to rapidly improve after lingering in the Earthly Fiend Realm for a long time, while the other party was already a genius about to step into the Spirit Sea Realm!

Jiang Dahong looked at Jiang Xuan and continued.

"The Ancestor said that if you can remain undefeated for a hundred moves in your duel with Xuefeng, you will pass the test. At that time, the Ancestor will personally receive you, and the Beiguang Jiang Clan will officially acknowledge your status and provide support. But if... you can't even last a hundred moves..."

He said no more.

The meaning is already clear. If he can't even withstand a hundred moves, the Beiguang Jiang Clan will not recognize Jiang Xuan, and may even side with one of the other three families.

"A hundred moves, huh..."

To withstand a hundred moves against a genius who is about to enter the Spirit Sea Realm is extremely difficult!

"Very well! I will definitely go to the Beiguang Jiang family in a month to meet this cousin!"

Jiang Dahong breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Jiang Xuan agree, but at the same time he was also a little worried.

He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.

"In that case, I shall take my leave now and convey the young master's message back to him."

"Thank you for your help, Uncle."

Jiang Xuan nodded.

After seeing Jiang Dahong off, Jiang Xuan pondered for a moment and then gave instructions to Jiang Zhong.

“Uncle Zhong, go find Shi Yu and give him this paper.”

He took out a piece of paper with a few lines of text written on it.

When he reached the Ren Gang realm, he achieved first place in the provincial examination of the Southwest Province. However, due to worldly affairs, he voluntarily relinquished his qualification for the Imperial National Examination.

Jiang Zhong took the note, glanced at it, and a look of regret appeared on his face.

"Young Master... if you had participated in the national examination back then, with your talent, you would surely have..."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand, interrupting him, his tone resolute.

"There's no need to dwell on the past. My current situation no longer allows me to follow the conventional path. Have Shi Yu find a way to spread this news throughout the Forbidden City, as quickly and widely as possible."

Jiang Zhong did not understand its deeper meaning.

But he still respectfully accepted.

"Yes, the old slave understands."

At this moment, Zhu Laosan, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse and flat.

"Persistence is not necessarily a good thing. Giving up is not necessarily a bad thing."

After saying that, without waiting for Jiang Xuan's response, he disappeared silently into the shadows of the hall like a ghost.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan paused slightly, pondering Zhu Laosan's seemingly random words.

Without lingering, he turned around and entered the cultivation chamber on the third floor of the Cleansing Heart Hall again.

Time is of the essence; he must improve his skills as soon as possible!

The battle against Jiang Xuefeng a month from now is of paramount importance!

Sitting cross-legged on the futon, Jiang Xuan took out the Snow Infant Jade Ginseng again.

This time, he plucked off a slightly thicker root than before and swallowed it without hesitation.

The medicinal power, chilling to the bone yet brimming with vitality, exploded once more!

Jiang Xuan focused his mind and fully activated the [Dongxuan Devouring Wilderness Scripture]. The enormous phantom of the storm millstone outside his body reappeared, frantically refining this powerful force. (End of Chapter)