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

"Kid, we meet again."

Jiang Xuan straightened his disheveled clothes, his expression calm.

"Senior, you invited me so late at night; what advice do you have for me?"

"Instructions?"

Old Mo sneered.

"This evening you spoke carelessly, saying there was something wrong with my spirit furnace. Now, I'm giving you a chance to prove yourself."

Jiang Xuan glanced at the spirit fire furnace and understood.

This old guy couldn't swallow his anger, and he really encountered a problem, so he used this method to "invite" me over.

"Senior, you have misunderstood."

Jiang Xuan said calmly.

"I only mentioned it casually and had no other intention. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

He turned to leave.

"stop!"

Old Mo shouted sternly.

"What do you think this place is, where you can come and go as you please?"

Jiang Xuan kept walking.

"If you insist on keeping me here, feel free to try. But let me remind you, you should be aware of the Bloodthirsty Camp's rules and the consequences of killing a student without authorization."

Old Mo's expression shifted between light and dark.

Xiaoman, who was standing nearby, suddenly burst out laughing.

"Interesting, Old Mo, you've been fooled by a little kid."

"Shut up!"

Enraged, Lao Mo flashed forward and blocked Jiang Xuan's path.

"Boy, don't think you can act arrogantly in front of me just because you have a little cleverness!"

Jiang Xuan looked directly into Lao Mo's eyes, neither humble nor arrogant.

"If you truly have something to ask of me, please speak frankly. Such coercion and enticement are hardly befitting of your status."

"you!"

Old Mo was so angry that his beard trembled, but he had to admit that Jiang Xuan was right.

He suppressed his anger.

"Very well, very well. I admit, I have indeed encountered a problem."

He pointed to the Spirit Fire Furnace as he spoke.

"I have tried thirty-seven methods to perfectly fuse the Golden Flame Spirit Array and the Moonlight Spirit Array within this furnace. If you can truly resolve this, I will not only forgive and forget, but also offer a generous reward."

"A seal script brush and paper."

Jiang Xuan's voice was flat.

Just as Lao Mo was about to lash out, he noticed a strange light in the boy's dark eyes.

"Kid, you'd better not try anything funny."

Old Mo snorted coldly, his withered fingers tracing across the storage ring, and a jade-green seal-writing brush and a roll of snow-white spirit paper appeared on the table.

Xiaoman leaned against the shelf, her red lips slightly upturned.

"Old Mo, you've treasured this Azure Dragon Brush for thirty years, reluctant to even use it."

"Shut up!"

Old Mo glared at her fiercely, then turned to stare at Jiang Xuan.

"Let's begin. Let this old man see what real skills you have."

Jiang Xuan remained silent, simply picking up the seal script brush. The moment the brush tip touched the paper, his entire demeanor changed abruptly. His originally somewhat slender frame stood tall like a pine tree, and with a slight turn of his wrist, he exuded the air of a grandmaster.

"This is."

Old Mo's pupils contracted slightly.

Jiang Xuan's brushstrokes depict spirit patterns that flow like clouds and water, each trajectory seemingly alive as it meanders and extends across the paper.

The brushstrokes are light and graceful like a butterfly in flight, yet the patterns they depict are as solid and imposing as mountains, revealing an indescribable mystery within their simplicity.

"Qingyi True Wood Spirit Formation?"

After Lao Mo saw the first array diagram clearly, his face immediately darkened.

"Boy, are you playing me? I've tried this formation seventeen times, and it's simply impossible for it to merge with the precious golden flames!"

Jiang Xuan didn't even look up, his pen never stopping.

"The senior colleague used a single-array direct fusion method, while I used a double-array nesting method."

As he spoke, he flicked his wrist, and another array diagram quickly took shape on the paper. The earthen-yellow patterns were as thick as mountains, and it was the Earth Light Gang Mountain Spirit Array.

"absurd!"

Old Mo was so angry he laughed instead.

"The mutual restraint between wood and earth is common knowledge. You actually think you can use these two elemental arrays to harmonize metal, fire, and moonlight? That's utterly delusional!"

Jiang Xuan finally stopped writing and looked directly at Lao Mo.

"Since you don't believe me, senior, I'll take my leave now."

"etc!"

Xiaoman suddenly appeared and blocked her way, somewhat curious.

"Little brother, I'd like to see what tricks you can pull."

Old Mo's expression shifted between light and dark, but he finally gritted his teeth and said...

"Go on! But if it turns out you're just fooling around."

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Xuan had already put down his pen again.

This time, his movements were even faster, and the strokes of his brush seemed to carry the faint sounds of wind and thunder.

Old Mo wanted to say a few more sarcastic remarks, but as he looked at the spirit patterns gradually taking shape on the paper, the sarcastic words got stuck in his throat.

"This is... the Shattering Gold Spirit Array?"

Old Mo's voice trembled slightly.

"But why are the patterns so strange?"

Jiang Xuan's pen never stops.

"The Radiant Golden Flame is powerful but lacks resilience. The Shattered Gold Spirit Array is not meant to be used to fuse with it, but rather to supplement its deficiency."

As he explained, the fourth array was completed, with ice-blue and crimson interwoven patterns forming a strange design, resembling a winding corridor.

"The Nine-Bend Flame Ice Spirit Array?!"

Old Mo finally cried out in shock.

"This...this is impossible!"

Xiaoman also put away her frivolous expression, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Old Mo, is this formation quite special?"

Old Mo did not answer; all his attention was focused on the spiritual patterns written by Jiang Xuan.

Four different spirit rune arrays each occupy a corner of the paper, yet they are connected by several seemingly random lines, forming an unprecedented composite array.

"The Clear Shadow Myriad Valleys Spirit Array forms the foundation, the Azure Wood True Tree serves as the guide, and the Earth Light Gang Mountain forms the bridge."

As Jiang Xuan explained, he added key connections between the four formations.

"Broken gold can mend its sharpness, and scorching heat can temper its nature."

As the last stroke was made, the entire sheet of spiritual paper suddenly emitted a faint glow, and the spiritual energy of the four attributes flowed harmoniously on the paper without any conflict.

Old Mo stared intently at the stack of spirit papers, his withered fingers trembling.

He had studied spirit pattern arrays for thirty years and had never seen such a unique approach to melting arrays.

Those attributes that he once thought could never coexist were presented as a perfect state of mutual generation and restraint in Jiang Xuan's writing.

"This doesn't make sense."

Old Mo's voice was hoarse, but the shock in his eyes was undeniable.

"The incompatibility of wood and earth is an age-old law; how can you possibly overcome it?"

Jiang Xuan put down his seal script brush and said calmly.

"Trees take root in the soil; seemingly incompatible, they are actually mutually supportive. Our predecessors only saw the surface, but overlooked the essence."

Thirty years

Old Mo muttered to himself.

"I've studied spirit rune arrays for thirty years, and I never even imagined this."

Xiaoman's delicate face was filled with confusion.

She knew nothing about those complex spirit rune diagrams and only felt dizzy.

But Lao Mo's reaction stirred up a storm in her heart.

This highly respected spirit rune master in the Blood Killing Camp was now as shocked and disoriented as a novice child.

"Hey, Jiang Xuan."

Xiaoman couldn't help but interject, her red lips slightly pursed.

"Are these scribbles you drew really useful? Or are you just trying to fool people?"

Jiang Xuan turned to look at her, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"If Sister Xiaoman doesn't believe me, why don't you try it yourself?" "I'll try!"

Xiaoman raised her chin, revealing her snow-white neckline.

"But if you fail, I won't let you off easily."

As she spoke, she made a threatening gesture by drawing a line across her neck with her slender fingers.

Jiang Xuan laughed.

"What if we succeed? How does Sister Xiaoman plan to repay me?"

Xiaoman's eyes sparkled, and she suddenly leaned close to Jiang Xuan's ear, her breath as fragrant as orchids.

"How about you repay me with your body?"

Her faint fragrance wafted into Jiang Xuan's nose, and her warm breath brushed against his ear.

Jiang Xuan, however, took a half step back without showing any emotion and said solemnly.

"Sister Xiaoman, let's get down to business and discuss spirit runes."

"Tch, boring."

Xiaoman pouted, but couldn't help glancing at Jiang Xuan a few more times.

It was truly rare for a young man to remain so calm in the face of her advances.

Old Mo had recovered slightly from his initial shock and eagerly grabbed Jiang Xuan's arm.

"Young friend Jiang, how did you achieve this point where the water and fire patterns meet? It's common knowledge that water and fire are incompatible!"

Jiang Xuan patiently explained.

"Senior, please observe. Here, the water patterns do not directly clash with the fire patterns, but rather form an embracing shape. Fire rises upwards, while water flows downwards; their interaction actually generates an even stronger fluctuation of spiritual energy."

Old Mo listened with rapt attention, occasionally letting out exclamations of sudden realization.

Xiaoman watched in astonishment. This usually arrogant spirit pattern master was now humbly seeking knowledge like a student eager for answers.

"Jiang Xuan, who exactly are you?"

Xiaoman couldn't help but ask.

"This knowledge is far beyond the grasp of ordinary cultivators."

Jiang Xuan smiled but did not answer, and continued to discuss the details of the spirit runes with Lao Mo.

Xiaoman noticed that whenever the conversation reached a crucial point, Jiang Xuan's eyes would always show a hint of reminiscence, as if he were recalling someone important.

Time flies, and an hour has passed in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Xuan spoke until his mouth was dry and his voice was hoarse.

Xiaoman had quietly left sometime earlier, then quietly returned, carrying a cup of tea.

"Have some water, little genius."

Xiaoman handed the tea to Jiang Xuan, her tone less playful than usual and more genuinely concerned.

Jiang Xuan took the teacup, and his fingertips inadvertently touched Xiao Man's fingers. The soft touch startled him.

He looked up at Xiaoman and suddenly smiled.

"Sister Xiaoman is being unusually considerate today. Could it be that she's been captivated by my talent?"

Stop being so vain!

Xiaoman rolled her eyes at him, but couldn't hide the smile on her lips.

"I'm just worried you'll die of thirst, and then no one will help Old Mo complete that plan."

Jiang Xuan raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? What plan is so important that Sister Xiaoman would personally serve tea and water?"

Just as Xiaoman was about to answer, Lao Mo suddenly waved his hand impatiently.

"Little Man, don't interrupt our discussion! These spiritual runes are incredibly subtle; a moment's distraction could cause you to miss something crucial!"

Xiaoman pouted and made a face at Jiang Xuan.

"I'm leaving now. Let's discuss your flirting skills another day."

She deliberately emphasized the words "flirting with older women," her eyes gleaming with slyness.

Jiang Xuan shook his head and chuckled.

"I'm ready to serve you anytime."

After Xiaoman left, Lao Mo immediately immersed himself in the ocean of spirit patterns again.

Looking at the engrossed old man, Jiang Xuan was suddenly filled with emotion. Once upon a time, someone had also eagerly imparted their knowledge of spirit runes to him—that person was...
Mr. Deer

Jiang Xuan murmured to himself unconsciously.

"What?"

Old Mo looked up.

"nothing."

Jiang Xuan shook his head, his thoughts already drifting far away.

He recalled that rainy night when Mr. Lu pointed at the spirit pattern array on the Ziying warship and criticized it mercilessly.

"Garbage! All garbage! How dare they use such poorly made spirit runes on a warship?"

The young Jiang Xuan was shocked. The Ziying warship was the most advanced spirit pattern creation in the empire!
Mr. Deer casually drew a completely new set of spirit rune arrays on the sand.

"Look closely, this is what a true spirit rune should look like. Wood can overcome earth? What a joke! All things in heaven and earth are mutually generating and restraining, in an endless cycle."

Those fragments of memory flashed through Jiang Xuan's mind, and he suddenly realized that the knowledge of spirit patterns that Mr. Lu had taught him was probably far more profound than he had imagined.

Why does Mr. Lu never mention the origin of this knowledge?

Why did he hide in that remote valley under an assumed name?

"Young friend Jiang? Young friend Jiang!"

Old Mo's call pulled Jiang Xuan back to reality.

"I still don't quite understand the fusion of gold and wood grain in this area."

Jiang Xuan composed himself and continued explaining.

But deep down, a question grew stronger and stronger: Mr. Deer, who exactly are you? And what have you taught me?
Time passed by, and it was already three in the morning.

Old Mo continued to study the spirit rune diagrams tirelessly, his eyes shining with fervor.

Jiang Xuan gazed at the flickering candlelight, his thoughts racing.

The door to the stone house was pushed open, and Xiaoman's figure reappeared.

But this time, there was no trace of jest on her face; instead, there was seriousness and resolve.

"Jiang Xuan."

She called him by his name, her voice deep and powerful.

"From today onwards, you will no longer return to Training Camp 39."

Jiang Xuan was somewhat incredulous and questioned him repeatedly.

"What? Why? I haven't been eliminated yet!"

Xiaoman walked into the stone house and casually closed the door.

She was wearing a tight black training outfit that accentuated her athletic figure, a stark contrast to her usual casual style.

"Let me finish."

She raised her hand to stop Jiang Xuan's protest.

"Stay here to assist Old Mo in forging the new Purple Ying warship. You'll receive one bottle of Cooling Pill and 10 points daily. No training is required, so you won't be eliminated."

Jiang Xuan's breathing became rapid.

One bottle of Cold-Resistant Pill a day? 10 points? This is simply a pipe dream in Training Camp No. 39.

You should know that even if he works himself to the bone to complete a task, he can only get a maximum of 3 points.

The Cold Retention Pill is an even rarer item, capable of rapidly restoring physical and spiritual energy, and in critical moments, it's like having a second life.

Old Mo chuckled to himself.

"Kid, this is a windfall! Follow me, Old Mo, and I guarantee you'll have a brighter future than you did in that lousy training camp."

Jiang Xuan's fists clenched and unclenched unconsciously. The conditions were indeed tempting: no more facing those near-death training sessions, no more worrying about being eliminated, and he could also obtain abundant resources.
But the next second, memories of Donglin Academy flooded back.

The contemptuous look in that noble woman's eyes, the humiliation of being powerless to resist, and the mocking words "worthless."

"No."

Jiang Xuan's eyes were resolute.

"I came to the training camp to become stronger, not to enjoy privileges."

Xiaoman raised an eyebrow, seemingly unsurprised by his answer.

"You think Training Camp 39 is the only way to get stronger?"

"That's the fastest way."

Jiang Xuan did not back down.

"I need that brutal training, that life-or-death experience. A comfortable environment cannot forge a true strongman."

A brief silence fell over the stone house, broken only by the soft crackling of the candlelight.

Old Mo shook his head, muttering "ungrateful brat," and went back to studying his spirit runes.

Xiaoman suddenly smiled, a smile tinged with admiration.

"Interesting. What if I told you I could help you complete your training tasks?"

Jiang Xuan frowned. (End of Chapter)