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

"Summer Solstice! You wait! I will definitely get you! I definitely will!"

Xia Zhi seemed not to hear, and stretched out her small hand to press on the heavy, cold bronze door.

The door slid open silently a crack, and her petite figure disappeared into the sunlight outside.

Chi Cangfeng stood there, his expression shifting, before finally stamping his foot angrily and turning to leave the Dark Night Castle. But before stepping out of the bronze gate, he bowed respectfully towards the empty throne.

With Chi Cangfeng gone, the Dark Night Castle fell into a deathly silence once again, with only the candlelight still flickering tirelessly.

After a long while, the deep, ethereal voice rang out again in the darkness, carrying a hint of amusement and coldness.

"The Chi family...are they already testing us? Interesting."

Let's see who gets restless first.

The sound gradually faded away, and the castle returned to absolute silence.

On the mountain path, the old man in the black court dress had not gone far.

He stood under an ancient pine tree, watching Chi Cangfeng's angry figure hurry down the mountain. His brows furrowed slightly, and a thoughtful light flickered in his aged eyes.

"The Lord's thoughts are becoming increasingly unfathomable. She suppressed Jiang Xuan's background, yet tacitly allowed the Chi family boy to entangle with Miss Xia Zhi... What kind of game is she playing?"

……

After a night of torrential rain and three days of settling in, Yanxia City's bustling streets have long since regained their former vibrancy and energy. The sun shines brightly, traffic flows freely, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, chatting, and wheels rolling over the cobblestones blend together to create a vivid picture of everyday life.

Jiang Xuan walked through the bustling crowd, his gaze calmly sweeping over his surroundings.

He paid close attention to the surrounding discussions and atmosphere, confirming one thing—the bloody chase that swept the entire city three days ago, and his final act of breaking into the Guanchao Pavilion, seemed to have left no lasting impact. In the streets and alleys, people talked about daily necessities, interesting stories about cultivation, and the upcoming provincial examinations, but no one mentioned the blood and fire of that night.

"Senior Xue Jin's methods are indeed extraordinary."

Jiang Xuan thought to himself that he did not feel much relief; on the contrary, he realized more clearly the importance of power and status.

Without sufficient power, one cannot even control one's own life and death; without the corresponding status and background, even if one possesses power, one may be crushed by a greater force at any time.

He strolled to the most bustling square in the center of the city.

Here stands a huge "spirit transmission screen," maintained by a special array, capable of transmitting images and sounds in real time. It is usually used by the city to issue important announcements, or by some large chambers of commerce to display goods and create publicity.

At this moment, a number of cultivators had gathered in front of the light screen, whispering and discussing among themselves, their eyes all focused on the light screen.

On the screen, a beautiful and capable female host is smiling as she gives an introduction.

"...Thank you for stopping by, fellow Daoists. Next, we will have the honor of appraising a spiritual weapon that has recently caused a stir in the city—the 'Snowfall Battle Blade' personally crafted by the mysterious spirit pattern master 'Master Xun'! To allow everyone to gain a deeper understanding of the exquisite details of this work, we have specially invited Master Fang Yu, the foremost high-level spirit pattern master in our Misty Cloud City, to provide you with a professional explanation!"

As the female host spoke, the camera turned to an elderly man beside her.

The old man wore a robe embroidered with intricate cloud patterns, his hair was neatly combed, his face was thin, and his eyes were sharp, exuding a focused and dignified air of someone who had been studying for a long time.

He is none other than Fang Yu, a senior elder of the Spirit Rune Masters' Guild in Yanxia City and widely recognized as the high-level Spirit Rune Master closest to the master level.

"It's the geomancer!"

"Even Master Fang personally came forward to authenticate it? Just who is this 'Master Xun'?"

"I've heard that this Master Xun is very mysterious. No one has ever seen his true face, but the magical artifacts he creates are all exquisite, and his techniques are unique!"

"To have Master Fang grace us with his presence, it seems this Snowfall Battle Blade is indeed extraordinary!"

The surrounding cultivators buzzed with discussion, their faces filled with curiosity and anticipation. Fang Yu held an extremely high position in the spirit pattern world of Yanxia City, and the fact that he personally came forward to explain and appraise the artifacts was a huge draw in itself.

Jiang Xuan, standing in the crowd, had a rather strange expression.

Seeking a master? Snowfall Battle Blade?

If he remembered correctly, this seemed to be one of the few mid-grade human-level spiritual artifacts that he had casually crafted and entrusted Chu Feng to help him sell in order to earn cultivation resources? At the time, he only wanted to exchange them for purple crystal coins and didn't think much about it. Even the code name "Xun" was just something he came up with on the spur of the moment, stemming from his deep-seated obsession with finding the truth about his origins and a chance for revenge.

How come... in just a few days, not only has his reputation spread, but he has even been invited to the Spirit Transmission Screen for personal appraisal by someone like Fang Yu?
This feeling... is really strange.

Jiang Xuan touched his nose and decided to wait and see, without making a fuss.

In the light screen, Fang Yu solemnly received the "Snowfall Battle Blade" from the female host. The blade was long and narrow with smooth lines, and its entire body was an ice-blue color, with a faint cold light flowing around it, as if it were a condensed icefall.

Fang Yu carefully examined the battle blade, his fingers gently tracing the spiritual patterns on its surface. His gaze shifted from initial scrutiny to focused concentration, eventually revealing undisguised amazement and... fervor?
He cleared his throat, faced the light screen, and his voice carried an barely suppressed excitement.

"Fellow Daoists, I am Fang Yu, and I have been studying the art of spirit patterns for nearly a hundred years. I believe I have seen quite a few spirit artifacts."

But seeing this 'Snowfall Battle Blade' today still fills me with overwhelming emotion!

He raised his battle sword, pointing to the seemingly ordinary yet subtly rhythmic spirit patterns on its blade.

"This sword is of mid-grade human level. Judging from its spiritual energy fluctuations and materials, it is not much different from other swords of the same grade on the market."

Upon hearing this, everyone was slightly disappointed.

But Fang Yu abruptly changed the subject, his voice rising sharply.

"However! The key lies in the refiner's 'Master Seeking' technique! This is a unique method of spirit pattern construction that I have never seen before! Look here, and here!"

He tapped his finger repeatedly, and a close-up shot was shown on the screen at the appropriate time.

"The spirit patterns of ordinary ice-attribute battle blades are mostly based on 'ice freezing' and 'frost binding', pursuing the ultimate coldness and freezing."

But Master Xun had a unique approach, incorporating the concepts of 'flow' and 'explosion'! This allowed the battle blade, when swung, to not only transform its qi into icy power but also to create a continuous, avalanche-like impact! This was not merely an increase in power, but a breakthrough and innovation in the traditional spirit rune system!

Fang Yu became more and more excited as he spoke, and even a blush appeared on his face.

"This Master Xun's understanding of the essence of spirit runes and his mastery of the fusion of power attributes have reached an unbelievable level! This seemingly simple mid-grade human-level spirit artifact contains spirit runes and spiritual energy that would put many high-level spirit rune masters to shame and benefit them greatly! This is truly the work of a grandmaster!"

He concluded in an almost aria-like tone.

"This Snowfall Battle Blade is more than just a spiritual weapon; it's a work of art! It's a treasure left by Master Xun for us, the next generation of spirit pattern masters, to comprehend!" Inside and outside the light screen, there was complete silence.

Everyone was stunned by Fang Yu's passionate, even somewhat fanatical, professional explanation.

They might not understand the profound spiritual rune terminology, but they could clearly sense the extraordinary and superb nature of the "Master Seeker" from Fang Yu's authoritative attitude!
"My goodness... Master Fang actually gave such a high evaluation!"

"Breaking with tradition? A master's touch? This Master Xun is amazing!"

"No wonder he's so mysterious, he must be a reclusive master of spirit patterns!"

Exclamations and whispers arose again, this time filled with awe and curiosity towards the mysterious "Master Seeker".

Standing in the crowd, Jiang Xuan's lips twitched slightly, and he felt extremely uncomfortable.

He knows best the knife he forged himself.

At the time, it was just to pursue efficiency and practicality, and combined with his understanding of power from the "Storm Millstone", he slightly modified the common ice-type spirit pattern structure to make it more suitable for continuous attacks and area suppression... How did it become a master's treasure that breaks the rules and contains supreme concepts in Fang Yu's mouth?
This praise is... way too outrageous! Jiang Xuan even felt that Fang Yu might be imagining him as a top-notch master of the world who had been living in seclusion for many years and whose mastery of spirit patterns was unfathomable.
Just as Jiang Xuan was inwardly complaining, feeling uncomfortable watching the appraisal and preparing to turn away, a clear and pleasant voice, tinged with curiosity, came from not far away.

"Miss, do you think... if we could get Master Xun to repair our family's 'Ancient Law Spirit Ocarina', is there any chance of success?"

Ancient musical instrument, Xun?

Upon hearing these four words, Jiang Xuan abruptly stopped in his tracks, a thought stirring within him.

In an instant, some vague fragments of his childhood, spent with Mr. Lu, flashed through his mind. Mr. Lu would occasionally take out an ancient-looking xun, which had nine holes and an extremely old-fashioned style. Mr. Lu called it the "Ancient Musical Xun".

It is an ancient musical instrument that is almost extinct. It is said that its sound can be as vast and deep as the earth's lament, as ethereal and lonely as the wind's whisper in the heavens, and as simple and pure as the sacrifices of our ancestors.

But to play it and unleash its true power requires extremely strong spiritual power and exceptional musical talent. It is said that a true master of the ancient Xun (a type of ancient Chinese wind instrument) can change the landscape with a single tune, soothe raging beasts, or take lives invisibly! Because so few can master it, this ancient instrument and its tradition have gradually been lost, almost becoming a legend.

Jiang Xuan looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the speaker was a clever and lively little maid who wore a light green dress and had her hair in two buns.

Beside her stood a "young master" dressed in a blue robe and holding a white jade folding fan.

This young man was tall and upright, with a refined and handsome face, fair skin, and clear, bright eyes that exuded charm.

Although she dressed as a man, she could not hide her innate beauty and elegance, which instead added a touch of heroism and unique charm.

When the maid named Ying'er saw Jiang Xuan looking at her, she immediately glared at him like a mother hen protecting her chicks, and said sarcastically in a sharp tone.

"What are you looking at? You lecher! How dare you look at my... young master like that?"

The young man in the blue robe frowned slightly and reprimanded in a low voice.

"Ying'er, don't be rude."

Her voice was clear and melodious, with a natural magnetism; even though she deliberately lowered it, it was still pleasant to listen to.

Ying'er pouted in grievance, but kept her mouth shut, though she still glared at Jiang Xuan with wary eyes.

The young man in the blue robe turned to Jiang Xuan, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and adopted a humble attitude.

"My lord, our servant was unruly and offended you. Please forgive him."

Looking into the other person's clear and open eyes and his proper demeanor, Jiang Xuan's slight displeasure dissipated.

He smiled slightly and waved his hand.

"It doesn't matter."

His gaze swept over the jade fan in the other person's hand and the slightly wide sleeves of his blue robe. He became more interested in the "Ancient Law Spirit Xun" and took the initiative to speak.

"I overheard you two discussing the ancient musical instrument, the Xun?"

A hint of surprise flashed in the young man's eyes. He clearly hadn't expected Jiang Xuan to take the initiative to speak, and even mention the ancient musical instrument, the Xun.

She thought for a moment and nodded slightly.

"That's right. There is an ancient xun (a type of ancient Chinese wind instrument) passed down in the family. Unfortunately, it is old and slightly damaged, and its sound has lost its true charm."

Jiang Xuan felt a warmth in his heart as he recalled the scene of Mr. Lu playing the ancient Xun (a type of ancient Chinese wind instrument) years ago, and then said...

"The ancient Xun is a remnant of ancient music, and its restoration is not easy. Only a master who is proficient in music and the way of the soul can do it."

Since this "Master Xun" possesses such extraordinary skills in spirit runes, he might also have some expertise in restoring ancient artifacts. If you two are interested, you might consider seeking out Master Xun.

His suggestion stemmed from his longing for Mr. Lu and a slight fondness for the ancient musical instrument itself.

However, after hearing this, the young man in the blue robe looked even more strangely at Jiang Xuan. He gave him a deep look, as if trying to discern something from his expression. After a moment, he smiled slightly and bowed again.

"Thank you for your guidance, brother. This matter requires further consideration, so I will take my leave now."

After saying that, she turned and disappeared into the crowd with her still wary maid, Ying'er.

Jiang Xuan looked in the direction they left and shrugged indifferently.

He meant well, but since the other party didn't seem very interested, he decided to let it go.

At this moment, the appraisal of Fang Yu on the spirit transmission screen was also nearing its end.

He held the Snowfall Battle Blade in both hands as if it were a priceless treasure, and addressed the light screen, and all the viewers, in an almost pious tone.

"...I am truly fortunate to have the opportunity to see Master Xun's masterpiece today! If I am fortunate enough to visit Master Xun in the future and receive his teachings in person, I will have no regrets even if I die!"

This undisguised praise and longing reignited the onlookers' boundless curiosity and admiration for "seeking the master."

Everyone subconsciously imagined this mysterious Master Xun as a highly respected, reclusive senior figure in the world of spirit patterns.

Jiang Xuan, however, felt a chill run down his spine, secretly praying that the fanatical Master Fang wouldn't find him; the thought of that scene was incredibly embarrassing. (End of Chapter)