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

Compared to seven days ago, he exuded a more composed and unhurried demeanor.

After seven days of arduous training without sleep, and with the help of the powerful medicinal effects of the Snow Infant Jade Ginseng and the unique environment of the secret chamber.

He finally broke through the bottleneck and entered the Heavenly Gang Realm!

At this moment, the spiritual energy within his body was not only more powerful and abundant, but also more closely connected with the world, with a faint sense of outward projection.

His body, tempered by the medicinal power, became increasingly strong and resilient, and the range of his divine sense perception expanded to a radius of three thousand feet!

This is a complete transformation!
Upon exiting the secret room, Jiang Zhong, who had been waiting outside, immediately greeted him with joy and respect on his face.

"Congratulations, young master, on your great progress in cultivation!"

Jiang Xuan nodded slightly and asked.

"Uncle Zhong, what's the situation outside?"

Jiang Zhong immediately reported this.

"Young Master, Young Master Shi Yu has already spread the news through the spirit transmission screen as you instructed. Now everyone in the Forbidden City is talking about you. In addition, Young Master Shi Yu sent a message saying that the auction is scheduled to be held in ten days. Please rest assured."

"Ten days... is enough."

Jiang Xuan nodded, quite satisfied with the efficiency.

"besides,"

Jiang Zhong continued.

“Mr. Lingjiu and Miss Xiaoke have also returned, and… they brought back three gentlemen with them.”

"Oh? Senior Lingjiu is back? And he brought people with him?"

"Let's go see him."

In the study next to the Hall of Cleansing Hearts, Jiang Xuan met Lingjiu and Xiao Ke.

Lingjiu's complexion seemed to be better than before.

He remained seated in his wheelchair, while Xiao Ke stood quietly behind him.

"Congratulations, my lord, on entering the Heavenly Gang Realm."

Lingjiu immediately noticed the change in Jiang Xuan's cultivation level and offered his congratulations with a smile.

"It was just a fluke."

Jiang Xuan said modestly, then asked.

"I heard that you had some success on your recent trip?"

Lingjiu nodded, his expression slightly solemn.

"Indeed, three capable individuals have been invited. However… my lord, before meeting them, there is something I must remind you of. The news from the Beiguang Jiang Clan that Jiang Xuefeng is about to break through to the Spirit Sea Realm is probably true. The Spirit Sea Realm and the Heavenly Gang Realm are worlds apart, and not easily crossed. Although my lord is exceptionally talented…"

However, the path of spiritual practice must be followed step by step; one must not rush forward due to momentary impulse.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan's expression also became serious.

He was well aware of the power of the Spirit Sea Realm; it was a process of qualitative change.

He said solemnly.

"Don't worry, senior, I understand. I will act according to my abilities in the battle against Jiang Xuefeng. However, that's precisely why I need to improve my strength as soon as possible. Perhaps... I can learn more from the seniors in the peak."

He realized that the presence of experts like Lingjiu and Zhu Laosan on Xixin Peak might be the perfect opportunity for him to improve rapidly.

The vulture's eyes held admiration.

“It is good that you have such intentions, my lord. Those three are currently at the martial arts training ground in the back mountain. You may come with me to meet them. As for whether you can win their sincere assistance, that will depend on your abilities.”

"Martial arts arena?"

Jiang Xuan was somewhat surprised. Xixin Peak had been abandoned for many years, and the martial arts arena was already dilapidated. He didn't expect Lingjiu to arrange for people to be there.

The three left the study and headed towards the back mountain.

The so-called training ground is located in a relatively flat and open area behind Xixin Peak.

Now it is overgrown with weeds, the ground is uneven and full of potholes, and the weapon racks around it have long since rotted and collapsed, a desolate place.

In this desolate place, three figures stood out as if they were out of place.

At the edge of the field, there was a middle-aged man wearing a faded old military uniform, with a stubble beard and cloudy eyes.

He was leaning against a broken stone block, tilting his head back and chugging strong liquor, the smell of alcohol filling the air.

He is Bloodthirst.

In the center of the field, a young man was lying directly in a pile of weeds.

With his arms behind his head and his legs crossed, he seemed to be sleeping soundly, even emitting soft snores.

He is Yang Ling.

On the other side, on a relatively clean large bluestone.

An old man with a withered face and a wiry build sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, motionless like a stone statue, yet exuding a sharp aura.

He is an old eagle.

These three people have very different appearances.

But they all have one thing in common—they all carry a fierce and murderous aura that has been honed through countless battles and countless deaths.

Despite their best efforts to conceal it, they still couldn't completely cover it up.

Clearly, they were all veterans who had retired from the front lines.

Accompanied by Lingjiu and Xiao Ke, Jiang Xuan walked to the edge of the training ground.

He stopped, straightened his clothes, and then solemnly bowed to the three people in the room, his voice clear and melodious.

"Junior Jiang Xuan greets the three seniors."

His greetings were like a stone sinking into the sea.

Ci Xue, who was drinking, glanced at him, his cloudy eyes showing no emotion, and continued to tilt his head back and gulp down his drink.

Yang Ling, who was sleeping, turned over and faced away from him, her snoring continuing.

The old eagle, who was meditating, didn't even lift its eyelids, as if it hadn't heard anything at all.

The three of them completely ignored Jiang Xuan.

The atmosphere was a little awkward for a while.

Xiao Ke frowned slightly, while Ling Jiu remained calm, as if she had expected this.

Jiang Xuan straightened up, his face showing neither anger nor embarrassment.

Instead, a faint, slightly provocative smile curved his lips as he muttered to himself.

"It seems that capable people are all quite temperamental. Those who are arrogant and conceited are generally like this."

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached the ears of the three people in the room.

Ci Xue was still drinking, Yang Ling was still sleeping, and Lao Diao was still meditating.

Jiang Xuan's words seemed like nothing more than an insignificant breeze.

Lingjiu whispered a reminder from the side.

"My lord, these three are all men of strong character who dislike worldly formalities. To gain their approval, we will probably need to resort to some extraordinary means. However, we must be careful not to go too far."

Jiang Xuan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the three people in the room, his eyes sharp. "Don't worry, seniors, I know what I'm doing. Since I'm here, I should at least test the waters. However, I won't embarrass the three of you."

Jiang Xuan and Lingjiu's conversation was not deliberately lowered, so it naturally reached the ears of the three people in the room.

Ci Xue continued to pour wine, Yang Ling continued to snore, and Lao Diao seemed completely oblivious, or rather, utterly indifferent.

Seeing that the three were unyielding, Jiang Xuan's faint provocative smile gradually faded, replaced by a calm and resolute expression.

He stopped trying to communicate with words and instead spoke directly to the air.

"Mr. Zhu, thank you for your trouble."

As soon as he finished speaking, a gaunt figure silently appeared beside Jiang Xuan. It was none other than Zhu Laosan.

He was still wearing that coarse linen clothing, and his face was ordinary.

But the moment he appeared, the atmosphere of the entire abandoned martial arts arena changed abruptly!
There was no surging spiritual energy, no explosive aura, only a pure and extreme aura of iron-blooded slaughter, as if it had been soaked in mountains of corpses and seas of blood, which instantly spread out!
This aura was icy cold, brutal, and carried a soul-chilling sense of oppression, precisely enveloping the three people in the arena: Ci Xue, Yang Ling, and Lao Diao!

"Crack!"

The wine jug in Ci Xue's hand shattered instantly, splashing wine all over him.

But he was completely unaware that his cloudy eyes suddenly widened and stared intently at the suddenly appearing Zhu Laosan. His previous lazy posture vanished, and his body tensed up subconsciously!

"call!"

Yang Ling, who was originally "sound asleep," suddenly sprang up from the pile of weeds, his face no longer showing any sleepiness, his eyes sharp, his muscles bulging, as if facing a formidable enemy!

Even the old eagle, which had been as still as a stone statue, suddenly opened its eyes and stared intently at Zhu Laosan, its withered hand already pressed on an inconspicuous leather pouch at its waist!

The three men's indifference and laxity crumbled instantly under the impact of Zhu Laosan's pure killing intent!

They are all veterans who have crawled out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and their perception of danger is far beyond that of ordinary people!
The sense of threat posed by this gaunt old man far exceeded that of any enemy they had ever encountered before!
"Who are you?!"

Ci Xue's voice was hoarse, carrying an unprecedented solemnity.

Zhu Laosan didn't even look at them, but simply uttered a few words, which carried an undeniable authority.

"Bow your head, or bow your head forever."

The meaning is very simple: submit or die!

Yang Ling's face was grim as he gritted his teeth and said.

"Your skill is exceptional, we admire you!"

But forced relationships are never sweet! Though we are down on our luck, we are not people to be manipulated!

The old eagle didn't say anything.

But his tense body and sharp eyes already revealed his attitude.

Just then, Jiang Xuan spoke up, his tone carrying just the right amount of "disappointment" and "doubt".

“Mr. Zhu, it seems I overestimated these three seniors. They can’t even do the most basic thing like assessing the situation. They have great skills, but they are unruly and difficult to control. I’m afraid they are not up to any great responsibility. Well, since they don’t want to stay, we don’t need to force them. Xixin Peak is not short of a few so-called ‘experts’ who are not in control.”

His words, seemingly addressed to Zhu Laosan, actually struck a chord with the three members of Cixue!

In particular, words like "overestimated," "unfit for important tasks," and "unruly" carry a clear provocative meaning.

Seeing this, Lingjiu quickly tried to smooth things over.

"My lord, please calm your anger. These three brothers are all straightforward men and mean no harm. Perhaps..."

"Brother Lingjiu, there's no need for further words!"

Ci Xue abruptly interrupted Ling Jiu, staring intently at Jiang Xuan, his chest heaving, clearly provoked by Jiang Xuan's words.

Although they were down on their luck.

But they have their own pride, and what they can't stand the most is being looked down upon, especially by a young man they originally didn't take seriously!

"Kid! You don't need to goad me!"

The sound of blood being pierced was deep and resonant.

"You want the three of us brothers to risk our lives for you? Fine! But you can't subdue us with your fists alone! You have to win our hearts and minds! At the very least, you have to show us that you have the value and sincerity to be worthy of our following!"

Yang Ling and the old eagle did not speak.

But their eyes conveyed the same meaning.

Jiang Xuan chuckled inwardly, knowing that the time was almost right.

His face showed surprise, which quickly turned serious as he asked.

"Oh? I wonder what kind of value and sincerity the three seniors are looking to see?"

He suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice.

"I wield blood, and besides killing, I excel at healing! I am the best medic on the battlefield and a top-tier alchemist! You want me to work for you? Fine!"
But you must provide me with ample, high-quality elixirs so that I can focus on researching medicines and treating the wounded! Otherwise, there's no point in discussing anything!

He revealed his trump card and requirements directly. A battlefield medic and alchemist—this is indeed an extremely rare and valuable talent!
Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he made the promise without hesitation.

"That's easy! There was originally a deserted herb garden on the back mountain of Xinxin Peak, although it had been looted. But the earth's veins are still there. From today onwards, that herb garden, as well as all matters related to pill refining within the peak, will be entirely entrusted to Senior Ci Xue!"

"If you need any medicinal herbs, seeds or seedlings, just let me know, and I'll do my best to collect them! As for the pill formulas and alchemy equipment, I'll procure them as soon as possible!"

As he spoke, as if to prove his sincerity, he casually took something out of his storage ring and tossed it to Thornblood.

It was a spiritual herb, entirely emerald green, shaped like a swimming dragon, and exuding a rich vitality and a unique medicinal fragrance!

It was the rare treasure obtained from the ruins of the Annihilation Sea—the Dragon Saliva Grass!

Ci Xue instinctively caught it as his gaze fell on the dragon's saliva grass.

When I felt the immense and pure life energy contained within it, I felt as if I had been struck by lightning and froze on the spot!
"This...this is...ambergris?! A sacred healing medicine from ancient times! It has been extinct for thousands of years! Where...where did you get it?!"

The sound of blood being pierced became shrill due to extreme excitement and shock.

His hands trembled slightly as he held the ambergris as if it were the most precious treasure in the world!
As a top-notch alchemist, he knew all too well the value of this Dragon Saliva Grass!

This is not just a miraculous medicine, but a legendary divine object!

With it, many long-lost, miraculous elixirs have become possible to be refined!
Jiang Xuan casually produced such a rare treasure; his sincerity and resources far exceeded his expectations!

Seeing Ci Xue's discomposure and feeling the real touch and medicinal power of the dragon's saliva grass in his hand, all of Ci Xue's pride, resentment, and doubts vanished completely at this moment!

He suddenly raised his head, his gaze towards Jiang Xuan filled with complexity, shock, and indescribable awe.

Without further hesitation, he took a step back and straightened his worn-out military uniform.

Then, facing Jiang Xuan, he bowed deeply and solemnly, his voice hoarse and filled with unprecedented respect.

"Bloodstained...I am willing to follow my lord! I will die ten thousand times over for any task!"

This bow was from the bottom of my heart!

Seeing Ci Xue's genuinely respectful attitude and Jiang Xuan's astonishing skill and boldness, Yang Ling and Lao Diao couldn't help but restrain their original arrogance and contempt.

Yang Ling stepped forward, his sharp gaze fixed on Jiang Xuan, and said in a deep voice.

"Since that old bastard Ci Xue has given in, then I, Yang Ling, won't hold back anymore. My specialty is weapon crafting! I can make everything from battlefield weapons to repairing damaged spirit treasure armor!"

But even a skilled cook can't cook without rice; without top-grade refining materials and a furnace fueled by earth fire, I'm powerless!

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan smiled and readily agreed.

"Don't worry, Senior Yang! There used to be a fairly large weapon-refining workshop on Xixin Peak, although it has been abandoned for many years."

But the foundation is still intact. I will repair it as soon as possible and equip you with the best furnace and tools. As for the refining materials… (End of Chapter)