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

She hadn't gone far when Granny Feng stopped, turned around, and stared coldly at Jiang Xuan with her cloudy yet sharp eyes, her voice as cold as ice.

"Young man, let me make this clear. My young lady is of noble birth and kind-hearted. Her politeness towards you is simply a matter of her upbringing. You'd better know your place and not harbor any improper thoughts."

The warning in her tone was unmistakable.

"Over the years, countless young men have admired you and tried to get close to you, including some whose family backgrounds and talents far surpass yours."

But ultimately, very few of them have survived to this day. I hope you... take care of yourself, don't overestimate your abilities, and don't court death.

Jiang Xuan could feel the almost tangible protectiveness of the other party. He remained calm and met Granny Feng's gaze with composure, his tone even and undisturbed.

"Grandma Feng is overthinking it. I have come here only to repair the ancient Xun, to complete the task entrusted to me by my master, and to fulfill my promise to Master Liu."

That's all I have in mind. If my mother-in-law doesn't trust me and thinks I have ulterior motives, then it's fine to just drop the repair work.

He spoke in a way that was neither humble nor arrogant, effectively throwing the choice back to him.

Granny Feng stared intently into Jiang Xuan's eyes, seemingly trying to find a trace of hypocrisy or greed, but all she saw was a calm and serene expression.

She remained silent for a moment, then finally just let out a cold snort.

"It better be so!"

Jiang Xuan understood that before the Ancient Law Spirit Ocarina was repaired, even if Granny Feng disliked him, she would never dare to make things difficult for him. Instead, she would ensure his safety.

On a whim, he took out a pre-prepared list from his pocket and handed it over.

"Grandma Feng, these are some spiritual materials that my master has preliminarily calculated for the repair of the Ancient Law Spirit Ocarina. Please take a look."

Grandma Feng took the list, glanced at it, and her wrinkled face twitched involuntarily, a surge of anger instantly rising in her eyes!
The list contains more than a dozen kinds of spiritual materials, all of which are rare on the market and can only be found in certain dangerous and perilous places!
"Three pounds of Silver Feather Snow Whale bone must be taken from the heart bone of a whale king over a hundred years old, containing the power of extremely cold moonlight..."

"Seven Yinming Fire Lamp Grasses, which must grow in the extremely yin place deep in the Ten Thousand Year Mysterious Ice Cave, but they happen to absorb the essence of earth fire to grow. Their flowers are like lamps, and are dark blue..."

"A piece of wood core struck by lightning a thousand years ago can withstand nine consecutive strikes of heavenly lightning without being destroyed, and contains pure yang lightning vitality within it..."

"Three drops of the Earth Vein Dragon Liquid..."

"One ounce of Starlight Tear Gold Powder..."

These spiritual materials are not only rare, but also extremely difficult to collect. Most of them require the personal intervention of powerful cultivators at the Cave Heaven Realm or even higher, who risk their lives to gather them.

Its total value, roughly estimated, is probably a figure that would cripple any wealthy family in Yanxia City!
"Boy!"

Grandma Feng's voice was filled with suppressed anger, and her fingers clenched the list so tightly it made a cracking sound.

"Your appetite is far too great! Do you really think this old woman is a sucker?!"

Despite her anger, Jiang Xuan remained calm and said indifferently.

“My master instructed that repairing the ancient spirit flute is no small matter and requires these top-quality spiritual materials. If Grandma finds it difficult or not worthwhile, I can go back and inform my master now, and the matter can be dropped. I believe Master Liu… will understand.”

He brought up "Liu Dajia" and "give up" again.

Granny Feng's chest heaved violently a few times as she stared intently at Jiang Xuan, then glanced at the list in her hand, her mind flashing back to Liu Qingyan's expectant eyes and radiant spirit.

She took several deep breaths to forcefully suppress the anger that was about to burst forth, and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth.

"Alright! I'll find a way to gather all these spiritual materials!"

She paused, then warned in an icy tone.

"However, listen to me carefully, boy! All these spiritual materials must be used to repair the Ancient Law Spirit Ocarina! If this old woman finds out that you dare to embezzle even a tiny bit, I will make you wish you were dead!"

"Don't worry, Mother-in-law. My master's reputation is as high as Mount Tai."

Jiang Xuan assured him without changing his expression.

However, he then spoke again.

“Spiritual materials are necessary for the repair, and it is my duty. However, my master has taken a lot of time and energy to do this, so I can’t let him work for nothing as compensation, can I?”

Granny Feng's anger, which she had just suppressed, suddenly flared up again, and her face instantly turned dark! The value of these spiritual materials was already astronomical, and she was already feeling the pinch. She never expected that this brat would dare to push his luck and demand payment!
She suppressed the urge to slap Jiang Xuan to death, her voice sounding as if it came from the deepest hell.

"Tell me! How much do you want?!"

Seeing her murderous gaze, Jiang Xuan knew he couldn't push her too far, so he changed the subject and said...

"I dare not presume to give a specific number. Perhaps... Granny Feng could make the decision? As long as it's not too outrageous, I can explain it to my master when I return. I'm sure that with your status as the master and the owner of this place, you wouldn't let my master suffer any loss."

By taking a step back to move forward, he not only kicked the ball back to the opponent but also gave them a compliment.

Granny Feng was taken aback upon hearing this, and glanced at Jiang Xuan with some surprise.

She had expected this kid to make an exorbitant demand, but she hadn't expected him to be so "sensible." This calmed her anger slightly, and her expression softened a bit, but she still spoke coldly.

"Stop trying to be clever! Just say it!"

Jiang Xuan hesitated for a moment, seemingly considering his words carefully, before tentatively speaking.

"Then...ten thousand gold coins?"

"Ten thousand gold coins?!"

Grandma Feng's pupils contracted slightly, almost thinking she had misheard.

Although the amount was not small, compared to the spiritual materials on the list, it seemed somewhat... "cheap" to her? She looked at Jiang Xuan suspiciously, countless thoughts flashing through her mind in an instant.

Is this kid using a feigned retreat as a tactic, or is he plotting something else? Or does he simply not understand the true value of those spiritual materials?
Little did she know that Jiang Xuan simply felt that he had already asked for enough spiritual materials, and demanding an exorbitant amount of gold coins might really drive the other party to desperation. The amount of 10,000 gold coins would not only allow him to make a fortune, but it was also right at the bottom line that the other party could accept, even though it hurt.

Granny Feng stared at Jiang Xuan for a long time. Seeing that he looked calm and composed, she was still suspicious. But thinking of how much her young lady cared about the ancient lute and the xun, she gritted her teeth and almost grinded her molars to agree.

"Alright! Ten thousand gold coins it is!"

She made a silent vow in her heart.

Kid, once the Ancient Law Spirit Ocarina is repaired, I'll settle the score with you!

Jiang Xuan's face showed a timely expression of "gratitude," and he cupped his hands in thanks. "Grandma Feng is indeed straightforward! On behalf of my master, I thank you, Grandma Feng."

Granny Feng gave a forced, mocking smile.

"You little rascal... I'm quite impressed with you now."

Jiang Xuan seemed oblivious to the sarcasm in her words and replied humbly.

"Mother-in-law, you flatter me. I was just following the rules."

Granny Feng, too lazy to continue her pretense, waved her hand impatiently.

"Seven days later, I will send someone to deliver the spiritual materials and ten thousand gold coins you requested to the Spirit Inscription Master Commune. Now, you may leave."

"Junior, take your leave."

Having achieved his goal, Jiang Xuan didn't linger. He bowed respectfully, turned around, and walked out slowly along the way he had come.

It wasn't until he stepped out of Cuimingxuan and felt the bustling crowds and warm sunshine on the street that Jiang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine, and a fine layer of cold sweat had broken out.

Although he appeared calm when confronting Granny Feng, the invisible, terrifying pressure emanating from her made him feel as if he were on the edge of an abyss, almost suffocating! It was an absolute crushing on a life level. If he hadn't been resolute and his soul power far surpassed that of his peers, he probably would have already shown fear.

"The Cave Heaven Realm... no, it's probably even more terrifying than Yao Tuohai..."

Jiang Xuan felt a chill run down his spine, and his desire for power grew even stronger.

However, recalling how he had not only not shown any fear in front of such a powerful figure, but had also successfully extorted a large amount of cultivation resources and a huge sum of gold coins by taking advantage of the other party's high regard for Liu Qingyan and their fear of "Master Xun", he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and confidence.

"Hmph, underestimating me? Thinking I'm young and easy to manipulate?"

Jiang Xuan's lips curled into a cold smile.

"It is precisely because you underestimate me that I dare to offer such a list and reward. I'm afraid you think that I, a 'minor' Human Realm cultivator, even with a Spirit Pattern Master behind me, would never be able to monopolize or waste those top-tier spiritual materials, let alone dare to deceive you."

pity……"

A glint of light flashed in his eyes. With the vast knowledge base left by Mr. Lu and his profound understanding of the ancient musical instrument, he was at least 70% confident that he could complete the restoration! This was his greatest source of confidence.

He was certain that Granny Feng and Liu Qingyan wouldn't be able to see through his deception, and would have no choice but to trust him.

They had only taken a few steps when the wind suddenly spoke from behind, its cold voice carrying an undisguised gloating.

"Kid, don't think this is the end of it. You crippled Huang Jianxiong's cultivation, and the Huang family will never let this go. Just wait, your 'good days' are yet to come!"

Jiang Xuan didn't stop walking, nor did he even turn his head; he simply replied with a faint sentence.

"I believe that before the ancient law spirit flute is fully restored, Granny Feng... will absolutely not let any 'accidents' happen to me."

After saying that, he quickened his pace, and his figure quickly disappeared into the crowd on the street.

Granny Feng, left behind, listened to Jiang Xuan's unwavering words and watched the direction he disappeared in, nearly choking with rage! This brat actually thought she would have to clean up his mess and shield her from the Huang family's revenge for the sake of her young lady?!
She took several deep breaths before barely suppressing the urge to drag the boy back and teach him a lesson. In the end, she could only let out a helpless snort and mutter through gritted teeth.

"You cunning little fox! You've got some nerve! Once the xun is fixed, I'll see how this old woman deals with you!"

She knew Jiang Xuan was right. To ensure that her young mistress's ancient musical instrument could be successfully repaired, she couldn't tolerate any mishap to Jiang Xuan before it was handed to her intact.

This is tantamount to being indirectly kidnapped by this kid, and having to deal with the possible retaliation from the Huang family on his behalf.

This feeling of being manipulated and taken advantage of by a younger person made the powerful old woman so frustrated that she almost vomited blood, but she could only swallow her anger and resentment.

Watching Jiang Xuan's figure disappear around the street corner, Granny Feng stood there, her face shifting several times with a gloomy expression. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she turned around abruptly and strode back to the main hall of Cui Ming Xuan.

Before they even got close, they could hear a suppressed yet intense discussion coming from inside the hall; it was the group of aristocratic scions from the Forbidden City.

"We absolutely cannot let this go! Huang Jianxiong's cultivation has been crippled; this is an utter disgrace!"

"That brat must die! Otherwise, how will we explain ourselves to our families when we return to the Forbidden City? How will we face our peers?"

"Indeed! A lowly bastard from a poor family in the borderlands dares to challenge the authority of powerful clans. If we don't tear him to pieces, how can we save face?"

"Once that kid leaves the Cui Ming Xuan area, we will..."

"But... what about Granny Feng..."

"No matter how strong Granny Feng is, would she really make an enemy of all the powerful clans for the sake of some unrelated boy?"

The discussions were filled with indignation, murderous intent, and a hint of fear of Granny Feng.

Granny Feng stepped into the hall with a cold face.

Her appearance was like a cold wind passing by, instantly silencing all the discussions.

All eyes in the hall were on her. Sensing the still-simmering tension emanating from her, everyone fell silent, not daring to utter another word.

Granny Feng's cold gaze swept over the group of aristocratic scions, finally settling on the leaders. Her voice was devoid of emotion, yet carried an undeniable authority.

"That young man named Jiang Xuan is of great use to my young lady."

Before he completes the task assigned by the young lady, anyone who dares to harm him, causing his death... will be going against this old woman. The consequences are their own responsibility.

Her words were incredibly blunt, and the threat was blatant and undisguised!

Upon hearing this, the sons of powerful families turned extremely ugly, their brows furrowed, their eyes filled with resentment and frustration.

They never expected that Granny Feng would so clearly step forward to protect that boy!
Wen Mingxiu, Qi Yunxiao, and other scions of powerful families in Yanxia City were utterly shocked. They exchanged bewildered glances, each seeing disbelief in the other's eyes. Granny Feng… she was actually willing to offend so many powerful families in the Forbidden City for Jiang Xuan's sake? What great use was Jiang Xuan to Lady Liu that this unfathomable old woman would protect him so fiercely?
One of the scions of a powerful family couldn't hold back any longer and stepped forward, barely suppressing his anger as he asked.

"Grandma Feng, are we just going to let this matter of Huang Jianxiong's cultivation being crippled go like this?"

Grandma Feng didn't even lift her eyelids, and said coldly.

"Until Jiang Xuan resolves Miss's matter, this is the only way. As for what happens afterward... I, this old woman, am too lazy to concern myself with your grudges."

At this moment, Xie Yutang, who had been sitting silently at the head of the table, suddenly spoke softly.

"Grandma Feng means that it's enough to ensure Jiang Xuan doesn't die before completing Liu Dajia's task. As for other things... such as losing an arm or a leg, or suffering some other 'lesson,' as long as he's alive, it won't matter, right?" (End of Chapter)