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

Along with the auras of those experts at the Spirit Sea Realm, they also disappeared into the depths of the Mi River, retreating swiftly and decisively without any hesitation.

The other party was clearly well-trained; seeing that the situation was hopeless, they immediately fled without hesitation.

Shen Jinglun stood in mid-air, gun in hand, his gaze sharp as lightning, scanning the now deathly silent surroundings. Only after confirming that the enemy had indeed retreated did he slowly descend.

His powerful aura gradually subsided.

However, the aura of a strong person that has been cultivated over the years can no longer be completely concealed.

He returned to the carriage, looked at Jiang Xuan whose expression was complicated but not particularly frightened, and said in a deep voice.

"Young Master, the enemy has retreated. But we cannot stay here any longer; we must return to the peak as soon as possible."

Jiang Xuan nodded without asking any further questions.

The imperial carriage started again, accelerating towards Xixin Peak.

Speechless all the way.

But the atmosphere inside the carriage was completely different from when they arrived.

After safely returning to Xixin Peak, Jiang Xuan handed over all 300,000 gold coins and gold notes he had borrowed from Shi Yu to Lingjiu for him to manage.

This money is used to support the work of Ci Xue, Yang Ling, and Lao Diao, as well as other expenses within the peak.

After finishing these chores, Jiang Xuan shut himself off completely.

He refused all attempts to disturb him and climbed alone to the highest and most secluded cliff on Xixin Peak.

For the next twenty days or so, Jiang Xuan's figure almost never left that cliff.

Sometimes he would hold a gleaming sword and practice the "Star Gathering Stance" over and over again, facing the biting mountain wind.

The blade flashed, as if it could stir up the stars in the sky;
Sometimes I would sit quietly on a boulder, close my eyes and concentrate, abandoning all distracting thoughts, and completely immerse myself in the surrounding nature, feeling the subtle changes of clouds rolling and unrolling, the sun and moon alternating, and wind, rain, thunder and lightning.

He no longer deliberately tried to break through to higher realms, but instead immersed himself in a sense of enlightenment about the world and nature.

When hungry, he would take some fasting pills; when thirsty, he would drink mountain spring dew.

Exposed to the wind and sun, his clothes gradually became tattered, his hair became disheveled, and stubble began to grow, making him look rather destitute and weathered.

But those eyes grew brighter and deeper, as if they contained the entire starry sky.

He entered a deep state of selfless spiritual practice, forgetting both self and external things, and merging with the Tao.

During this time, Lingjiu, Xiaoke, and Jiang Zhong secretly came to visit him. Seeing Jiang Xuan's almost ascetic state, they felt concerned and worried.

Seeing that his breathing was steady and his cultivation was not going wrong, but rather that he had a sense of harmony with heaven and earth, I felt at ease and simply guarded him silently without disturbing him.

Meanwhile, many things happened in the Forbidden City during those twenty-odd days.

The special auction held by Shidingzhai was a great success.

The priceless treasures provided by Jiang Xuan fetched astonishingly high prices, causing a huge sensation.

Thanks to the perfect execution of this auction, Shi Yu's prestige within the Shi family soared, and he firmly established himself in the family.

The Imperial National Examination was held as scheduled and concluded successfully.

Talented cultivators from all over the world displayed their unique abilities, leading to fierce competition.

In one of the duels, Xie Yutang fought a monk named Yinian who practiced asceticism, and the two fought to a draw.

However, Xie Yutang experienced a breakthrough after the competition, and his cultivation level reached a new level.

In the end, Song Yi, Chi Cangfeng, and Bai Lingxi stood out and won the top three places, and were directly recruited by Qinglu Academy, the highest institution of learning in the empire.

Many people also felt sorry that Jiang Xuan failed to participate, believing that if he had participated, the outcome of this year's national examination might have been different.

Time slipped away quietly in this seemingly calm yet subtly turbulent atmosphere.

In the blink of an eye, only one day remained until the day of the duel agreed upon with Kitakō Jiang Shi Jiang Xuefeng.

On the cliff, Jiang Xuan remained seated as still as a stone sculpture, his aura seemingly blending into the cliff and the clouds.

Jiang Zhong quietly approached the vicinity, and seeing Jiang Xuan's appearance, he frowned slightly, his eyes filled with worry.

Tomorrow is the agreed date, and if Jiang Xuan doesn't wake up soon, he might have to break his promise.

He hesitated, wondering whether he should step forward and wake Jiang Xuan.

Just as he was about to take a step—

A sudden change occurred!

Jiang Xuan, who was sitting in meditation, suddenly changed his peaceful aura!
An overwhelming and unstoppable aura suddenly erupted from his body!
The clouds and mist surrounding the cliffs were stirred up by this aura, swirling wildly and forming a huge cyclone!

Jiang Xuan, who had kept his eyes closed for more than twenty days, suddenly opened them!

"boom!"

In that instant, deep within his dark eyes, it seemed as if a storm vortex was swirling wildly, or as if terrifying lightning was tearing through the void!
A terrifying sword intent, sharper than any other and seemingly capable of severing everything, soared into the sky!

He was like a peerless sword that had been sealed away for a long time and was finally drawn, its sharpness fully revealed and its light chilling all around!

Jiang Zhong felt a surge of powerful aura emanating from Jiang Xuan, far surpassing that of ordinary Heavenly Gang Realm cultivators, and was initially overjoyed.

However, upon closer inspection, it was discovered that Jiang Xuan's cultivation level remained at the Heavenly Gang Realm and had not yet entered the Spirit Sea Realm, which raised a question in the reader's mind.

"Young Master, your aura... is incredibly strong, far surpassing any Heavenly Gang Realm cultivator this old servant has ever seen. But it seems... you haven't broken through to the Spirit Sea Realm?"

Jiang Zhong couldn't help but ask.

Jiang Xuan moved his somewhat stiff body, his bones making soft cracking sounds.

He felt the ever-flowing, increasingly pure and powerful spiritual energy within his body, and the profound state of being more in harmony with heaven and earth, and smiled calmly.

"The Spirit Sea Realm is no longer a bottleneck for me; breaking through it is only a matter of time. However, I feel that I haven't seen enough of the phenomena of heaven and earth and want to experience them more. When the time is right, things will naturally fall into place."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhong was both shocked and completely relieved.

He knew that Jiang Xuan was walking a different path and could not be judged by common sense.

"Has anything happened outside while I've been in seclusion?"

Jiang Xuan asked while tidying his disheveled clothes.

Jiang Zhong quickly gave a brief report on the major events that had occurred in the Forbidden City during this period.

"Young Master Shi Yu's auction was a great success. The treasures fetched astronomical prices, and Young Master Shi Yu's prestige within the family has increased significantly. The national examination has also concluded. Xie Yutang and a monk named Yinian fought to a draw."

However, Xie Yutang made a breakthrough after the competition. The final top three were Song Yi, Chi Cangfeng, and Bai Lingxi, all of whom have been recruited by Qinglu Academy. Many people in the city still feel sorry that you, young master, were unable to participate.

Jiang Xuan listened quietly, his face showing little emotion. The glory of the national examination was certainly something to aspire to.

But for him, there were more important things to do.

Jiang Zhong paused, his tone becoming serious.

"There's one more thing... I've already found out about the group that ambushed us last time. It was a joint operation by the three collateral branches of the Xixi, Yunheng, and Feifeng families, who even got the infamous 'Old Evil Qu' to help."

Mr. Lingjiu analyzed that their goal was probably not to kill directly, but to control you, young master, and use secret techniques to turn you into a puppet, thereby legitimately seizing Xixin Peak.

Jiang Xuan sneered.

"As expected, he hasn't given up his evil intentions! He's resorting to such despicable means!"

Lingjiu suggested at the time that if Jiang Xuan needed to leave Xixin Peak in the future, it would be best to have Zhu Laosan as his bodyguard.

Jiang Xuan nodded and made a mental note of it.

He looked at Jiang Zhong and suddenly asked.

"Uncle Zhong, if in the future I clash with those three collateral branches, or even... kill members of the Jiang family, will you stop me?"

Jiang Zhong's body trembled slightly, and a complex and painful expression appeared on his face. After a long silence, he finally spoke in a hoarse voice.

"This old servant...this old servant only hopes that, young master, you can...try to restrain yourself. After all, we are connected by blood..."

Jiang Xuan glanced at him, not pressing him for an answer, and simply said, "I understand. Let's go back and prepare; we're going to the Jiang Clan of Beiguang tomorrow."

……

The next morning, an ordinary-looking imperial carriage drove out of Xixin Peak.

The driver was no longer an ordinary coachman, but the reserved Zhu Laosan.

Inside the carriage sat Jiang Xuan and Jiang Zhong, who had accompanied him.

The imperial carriage traveled smoothly on the road leading to the residence of the Hokukō clan.

Jiang Zhong handed a document to Jiang Xuan.

"Young Master, this is the latest information about Jiang Xuefeng."

Jiang Xuan took it and quickly glanced at it.

The information shows that Jiang Xuefeng, aged eighteen, has successfully broken through to the Spirit Sea Realm!

He ranked seventy-ninth in the recently concluded Imperial National Examination!
He has been admitted to Qinglu Academy and will be enrolling soon.

"An eighteen-year-old Spirit Sea Realm expert, seventy-ninth in the national examination..."

Jiang Xuan's gaze narrowed slightly. Jiang Xuefeng's talent was indeed astonishing. No wonder the Beiguang Jiang Clan regarded him as their hope.

Jiang Zhong added.

"In addition, there is also a genius girl from the Yunheng Jiang family named Jiang Qinglan, who is Jiang Xuefeng's cousin. She is also eighteen years old this year and ranked seventy-second in the national examination. She has also been recruited by Qinglu Academy."

Two outstanding talents from one family, both joining the Qinglu Sect!

It seems that the Beiguang Jiang clan and the Yunheng Jiang clan have produced many talented individuals in this generation.

Jiang Xuan put down the documents, looked at the scenery rushing past the window, and suddenly asked a question.

"Uncle Zhong, what were my father and mother's rankings in the national examinations back then?"

Jiang Zhong's face immediately lit up with pride, and he said respectfully.

"Young Master, in the national examination that year, Miss Qingxun was undoubtedly the first place winner! Young Master Wenjing was the second place winner!"

First and second!
A warm feeling and pride welled up in Jiang Xuan's heart, as if he could see his parents' stunning beauty back then through time and space.

"next year,"

Jiang Xuan withdrew his gaze, his tone calm.

“I will participate in the next national examination. Xixin Peak also needs a ranking in the national examination to prove its worth.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhong's voice trembled with excitement.

"Young Master, if you can participate, with your talent, you will surely achieve excellent results! This old servant... this old servant looks forward to the day when you will become famous in the national examination! Perhaps, you can even break into the top five!"

Jiang Xuan smiled but didn't say anything grand or ambitious.

But the confidence in his eyes said it all.

Just then, Zhu Laosan's hoarse, flat voice came from ahead.

"My lord, we have arrived at the Beiguang Jiang family residence."

The imperial carriage slowly came to a stop.

The residence of the Beiguang Jiang family is nestled among a mountain range imbued with spiritual energy in the eastern part of the Forbidden City.

Although it doesn't float in the air like Xixin Peak, it still occupies a vast area with continuous palaces and an impressive presence.

Jiang Xuan's imperial carriage stopped in front of the mansion gate, and Jiang Dahong, who had been waiting there, immediately came forward with a warm yet measured smile on his face.

"Young Master, you've arrived!"
You must be tired from your journey! Please come in!

Jiang Dahong bowed deeply, his attitude even more respectful than when he was at Xixin Peak last time.

Jiang Xuan nodded slightly, and led Jiang Zhong and Zhu Laosan, following Jiang Dahong into the mansion.

Just as they crossed the front yard, before they even entered the main hall, their path was blocked.

There stood a young man dressed in fine clothes, with an arrogant face and features that bore a resemblance to Jiang Xuefeng.

Leading a group of well-dressed men and women, they aggressively blocked the entrance to the corridor leading to the inner courtyard.

The young man at the head of the group was Jiang Xuefeng's younger brother, Jiang Xuedong.

"stop!"

Jiang Xuedong crossed her arms, raised her chin slightly, and looked Jiang Xuan up and down with a contemptuous and disdainful gaze, then sneered.

"You're Jiang Xuan, the one who came back from being a wild kid? I heard you want to challenge my older brother?"

The group of men and women behind him also laughed and pointed at him.

"Why don't you take a piss and look at yourself in the mirror? You think you're worthy of challenging Brother Xuefeng?"

"that is!
"A coward who doesn't even dare to participate in the national examination dares to cause trouble in our Beiguang Jiang clan?"

"Want to see my older brother? You'll have to get past us first!"

Jiang Dahong's face darkened, and he stepped forward and shouted.

"Xue Dong! How dare you be rude! This is an honored guest invited by the head of the family! Get out of the way at once!"

Jiang Xuedong, however, did not buy it at all and became even more arrogant.

"Uncle Da Hong, stop trying to intimidate me with the family head title! This is a matter between us juniors! Doesn't Jiang Xuan call himself the master of Xixin Peak? Isn't he quite capable? He can't even get past us, what right does he have to challenge my elder brother? He should just go back to his wretched mountain!"

Jiang Dahong was so angry that his face turned ashen. He was about to explode when Jiang Xuan raised his hand to stop him.

Jiang Xuan looked at the group of clown-like teenagers in front of him with a calm and unwavering gaze, not even showing any anger.

He was too lazy to waste words on these spoiled brats, so he simply said to Zhu Laosan beside him.

"Mr. Zhu, clear the way."

"Yes."

Zhu Laosan responded and stepped forward.

He was still dressed in coarse linen clothes, his face was withered, and there was no spiritual energy fluctuation on his body.

But as he took that step, an invisible yet heavy, mountain-like, and abyss-like terrifying aura surged forward!

"Uh!"

"what!"

"Puff! Puff!"

The arrogance and mockery on Jiang Xuedong and the group of men and women behind him froze instantly, replaced by extreme terror!

They felt an indescribable force crashing into them.

As if struck by an invisible giant wave, they cried out in alarm and stumbled to the ground, looking utterly disheveled!

They struggled to get up, but found that their bodies were as if they were being crushed by a huge boulder, and they could not move at all!
Zhu Laosan didn't even make a move, relying solely on the aura he released.

They suppressed this group of young disciples, most of whom had cultivation levels of Human Gang Realm and Earth Gang Realm, leaving them powerless to resist!
Jiang Xuan didn't even glance at the group of terrified men on the ground. He strode past them, leaving behind a cold sentence.

"I have learned about the hospitality of the Kitamitsu Jiang family. If there is a next time, you will bear the consequences."

Jiang Xuedong and the others listened to these cold words and watched Jiang Xuan's indifferent departing figure.

His heart was filled with humiliation and fear, yet he dared not utter a single word.

Jiang Dahong watched this scene with a wry smile, and quickly followed Jiang Xuan. (End of Chapter)