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

The instructor was holding a familiar object in his hand: a storage ring.

"Your things."

Xu Sanqi approached and tossed the ring to Jiang Xuan.

"Nothing inside is missing."

Jiang Xuan caught the ring, and the familiar cool touch made him breathe a sigh of relief.

This ring contains not only his personal belongings, but more importantly, the secrets he brought from the mine.

"Instructor, about Old Mo."

“Don’t worry.”

Xu Sanqi raised his hand to interrupt him.

"Someone will tell you everything you want to know in person."

His gaze drifted to the sky outside the camp, where a dark spot was rapidly expanding.

"Your ship has arrived."

The sound of something cutting through the air grew louder as a dilapidated treasure ship pierced through the clouds and landed on the open ground in the center of the camp.

The ship was covered in repair marks, yet it exuded an ancient and profound aura; it was the very ship that had brought them to the Bloodthirsty Camp.

"Hey kid! What are you dawdling for?"

Xuejin poked his head out from the side of the ship.

"Hurry up and get on!"

Jiang Xuan turned to Xu Sanqi and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you so much for your guidance over the past three months, Instructor. I promise I will bring Old Mo back."

Xu Sanqi smiled and took out a silver hairpin from his bosom. The hairpin head was carved with a eagle spreading its wings as if about to take flight.

"If you encounter trouble entering the Forbidden City, go to the owner of Lingjiu Residence. Show him this, and he will help you."

Jiang Xuan took the hairpin; it was icy cold to the touch, but the patterns on the hairpin seemed to be alive and burning hot.

He didn't ask any more questions, but simply bowed again, turned around, and strode towards the treasure ship.

The moment Jiang Xuan stepped onto the deck, he glanced back at Camp 39.

Xiaoman stood at the warehouse entrance, waving to him from afar.

Stop looking and sit tight!

With a shout from Xue Jin, the treasure ship shuddered and took off.

The cabin was dimly lit.

A hunched figure sat on a wooden chair in the corner; it was the old man from the Obsidian Sanctuary who had sent Jiang Xuan to the Blood Killing Camp a year ago.

The years have etched deeper lines on his face, but his eyes remain sharp.

"Not bad, very good."

The old man looked Jiang Xuan up and down, his voice hoarse but powerful.

"Even I was fooled by the first-grade spiritual energy pool, the Eye of the Storm."

Jiang Xuan stood before the old man, neither humble nor arrogant.

"You said that if I successfully leave the Bloodthirsty Camp, you would tell me about the Summer Solstice."

The old man chuckled softly.

"What's the rush? Tell me about what you've gained in the Bloodthirsty Camp first."

"In three months, I broke through from the Spiritual Power Realm to the Spiritual罡 Realm and condensed a Grade One Spiritual Power Pool."

Jiang Xuan stared directly at the old man.

"I have kept my promise."

"really."

The old man nodded.

"So."

"Enemy attack!"

Xue Jin's roar suddenly came from the deck, interrupting the old man's words.

"Warships are approaching!"

Jiang Xuan and the old man both changed color. The treasure ship shook violently, then seemed to be bound by some invisible force, abruptly stopping in mid-air.

"Let's go out and take a look."

The old man said in a deep voice, a black cane appearing in his hand at some point.

Jiang Xuan rushed out of the cabin, and the sight before him made his pupils shrink. A huge, pitch-black warship lay across his path, its entire body covered with complex spiritual patterns. Seventy-two cannons gleamed dangerously, all aimed at their small treasure ship.

"The Imperial-standard mid-class warship is in high spirits."

Xue Jin stood by the ship's wheel, his face grim.

"One hundred and thirty-six zhang long, equipped with seventy-two Molten Flame Spirit Pattern War Cannons; one shot could blast us to smithereens."

Jiang Xuan's throat tightened.

He had seen descriptions of this warship in the Blood Killing Camp's records. It was a powerful weapon of war directly under the control of the Purple Sun Empire's royal family, and only the most important figures in the empire could mobilize it.

"Jiang Xuan!"

A loud voice came from the warship.

A middle-aged man in a crisp military uniform stood on the deck of a warship, wearing the badge of the Imperial Guard on his chest.

Behind him stood dozens of fully armed soldiers, each exuding an aura of at least the Spirit Realm.

"The Imperial Guard?"

Xue Jin frowned.

"Why would members of the royal family be here?"

Jiang Xuan was equally puzzled. The Imperial Guard was the most loyal force of the Ziyao Empire's royal family, and they always carried out only the highest-level missions. Why would they intercept their inconspicuous treasure ship for no reason?

Just then, a familiar figure stepped out from the Imperial Guard ranks and stood beside the officer.

Xin Wenbin.

Jiang Xuan's eyes narrowed.

This opponent, who had repeatedly provoked him in the Bloodthirsty Camp and was ultimately eliminated by his own hands, was now looking at him with a mixture of smugness and resentment.

"Jiang Xuan, it's been a long time."

Xin Wenbin's voice came through some kind of amplification device, with a piercing echo.

"Didn't expect that, did you? I'd come back this way."

Jiang Xuan did not answer, but just stared at him coldly.

Xin Wenbin's expression was complex, showing a mixture of smugness, resentment, and a deep-seated fear.

"What, you're too scared to even speak?"

Xin Wenbin stepped forward, his voice suddenly rising.

"Back in the Bloodthirsty Camp, weren't you so powerful? You even beat me in front of everyone."

"Shut up."

Jiang Xuan finally spoke, his voice low and deep like muffled thunder.

"I have no interest in hearing you bring up the past. Tell me, what do you want by blocking my way?"

Xin Wenbin's face stiffened, then he grinned maliciously.

"What for? It's official business, of course! Someone has reported you for colluding with an enemy country and attempting to defect with classified information!"

"fart!"

A Bloodthirsty Camp warrior behind Jiang Xuan couldn't help but shout angrily.

Xin Wenbin ignored him, his gaze fixed on Jiang Xuan.

"Those who know what's good for them will obediently dismount and submit to being bound. Otherwise..."

He clapped his hands, and dozens of archers suddenly emerged from the forests on both sides, their gleaming arrows aimed at Jiang Xuan and his group.

Jiang Xuan looked around, quickly calculating the possible ways to break through.

Just then, the Imperial Guards suddenly parted, and a middle-aged man dressed in a purple-gold battle robe and wearing a tall crown walked slowly towards them.

With each step he took, the ground seemed to tremble, and an invisible pressure spread out.

"Xin Ru Tie"

Jiang Xuan's heart sank.

This man was Xin Wenbin's father, the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guards of the Forbidden City, and a renowned Heavenly Realm expert in the empire!
Xin Rutie's face was solemn, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Xuan and his group like lightning, finally settling on Jiang Xuan.

"Jiang Xuan, by order of the Empire, you must come with me."

"The mandate of the empire?"

Jiang Xuan sneered.

"Commander Xin, what an imposing air of authority! Do you have an imperial edict?"

A cold glint flashed in Xin Rutie's eyes.

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Master Mo is waiting for you; this concerns the safety of the empire and cannot be delayed."

"Master Mo?"

Jiang Xuan's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately realized that this was a trap! Old Mo's disappearance was indeed related to the Xin family! He suppressed his anger, but his voice was as cold as ice.

"Commander Xin, you and I both know perfectly well that this is nothing more than you and your son taking this opportunity to retaliate. Why drag the greater good of the empire into it?"

"presumptuous!"

Xin Rutie roared, his aura suddenly erupting, and a mountain-like pressure crushed down on Jiang Xuan. Jiang Xuan's warhorse neighed, its front knees buckling to the ground, blood spurting from its mouth and nose.

Jiang Xuan rolled over and landed, feeling as if a thousand pounds were pressing on his chest, his bones creaking under the unbearable weight.

"A mere Earthly Fiend Realm cultivator dares to be so arrogant before me?"

Xin Rutie slowly approached, his oppressive aura intensifying with each step.

"Today I'll show you what true power and influence really mean!"

Jiang Xuan gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, his legs sinking deep into the ground.

He stared intently at Xin Rutie, his eyes showing no sign of yielding.

"Xin Rutie, you've abused your power. Aren't you afraid His Majesty will hold you accountable?"

"Hahaha!"

Xin Rutie laughed loudly.

"Who do you think you are? A mere soldier of the Bloodthirsty Camp, daring to alarm His Majesty?"

He raised his right hand, and a dazzling purple-gold light condensed in his palm.

"Since you refuse to comply, then we'll cripple you and take you back!"

The purple-gold light burst forth, distorting and exploding the air wherever it passed.

Jiang Xuan's pupils constricted; if this attack landed, his meridians would be severed! At the critical moment...
"well"

A soft sigh, like a spring breeze, was heard. The purple-gold light, powerful enough to destroy mountains and rocks, suddenly froze in mid-air, then vanished silently like a bubble.

At the same time, the oppressive aura emanating from Jiang Xuan vanished instantly, as if it had never existed.

"who?!"

Xin Rutie's expression changed drastically, and he abruptly turned to look at the woods beside the official road.

An old man dressed in a gray robe appeared there at some unknown time. He had white hair and beard, a kind face, and was walking slowly with an ordinary-looking wooden cane in his hand.

The old man's every step was light and airy, yet he gave the illusion of shrinking the distance to an inch, and in the blink of an eye, he was right in front of you.

"Young friend, one should be forgiving when possible."

The old man looked at Xin Rutie, his voice gentle, but it made Xin Rutie stagger back three steps as if struck by lightning, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

Xin Rutie's face turned deathly pale, his eyes filled with horror.

"Who is this senior? And why are you interfering in the affairs of the Empire?"

The old man seemed not to hear, but simply turned and smiled at Jiang Xuan.

"Little one, are you alright?"

Jiang Xuan suppressed the surging blood and qi within his body and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for saving me, senior."

This scene left Xin Wenbin dumbfounded; he had never seen his father so distraught. Seeing the situation reverse, he quietly retreated, only to be locked onto by Jiang Xuan's sharp gaze.

"Xin Wenbin."

Jiang Xuan pronounced the name slowly and deliberately, his voice chillingly cold.

"It's time to settle our accounts."

"What do you want to do?"

Xin Wenbin's face turned ashen. He looked to his father for help, only to find Xin Rutie standing motionless, cold sweat beading on his forehead, as if bound by an invisible force.

Jiang Xuan walked step by step toward Xin Wenbin, his murderous aura growing stronger with each step. Memories of the duel six months ago flashed through his mind.

Xin Wenbin secretly poisoned him, almost killing his best brother; he used a forbidden weapon on the dueling stage, nearly costing him his life; and after his defeat, he received a vicious curse.
"Jiang Xuan! How dare you!"

Xin Wenbin screamed and drew his sword.

"I am a centurion of the Imperial Guard! Attacking an Imperial officer is a capital offense!"

Jiang Xuan ignored him and suddenly accelerated, appearing in front of Xin Wenbin.

With a single punch, Xin Wenbin's chest armor caved in, and he was sent flying backward, crashing heavily into a large tree and spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"This punch was for Li Yan!"

Jiang Xuan said coldly, his figure flashed again, appearing in front of Xin Wenbin. He swept out with a whip kick, and Xin Wenbin's arm, which was hastily blocking, made a crisp sound of breaking.

"ah,!"

Xin Wenbin screamed and fell to his knees.

"This kick was for Wang Hu!"

Jiang Xuan showed no mercy, grabbing Xin Wenbin by the hair and slamming him to the ground. Amidst the flying dust, Xin Wenbin's once arrogant face was now a bloody mess.

"This time, it's for myself!"

Xin Rutie's eyes were bloodshot.

"stop!"

He struggled desperately, but could not break free of the invisible restraints and could only watch helplessly as his son was brutally beaten.

Jiang Xuan grabbed the dying Xin Wenbin, raised his fist high, but stopped at the last moment.

He let go.

Xin Wenbin collapsed to the ground like a limp rag, already unconscious.

“That’s enough.”

Jiang Xuan muttered to himself.

"If the fighting continues, someone will really die."

He turned to look at Xin Rutie, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Commander Xin, this matter ends here. But you must return Old Mo unharmed, otherwise..."

He didn't finish his words, but the threat was clear.

Xin Rutie's face turned ashen, but he dared not retaliate.

The presence of that mysterious old man made him feel uneasy.

He gritted his teeth.

"Jiang Xuan, I will remember this humiliation!"

"what ever."

Jiang Xuan sneered, turned around and walked towards the old man, bowing deeply.

"Senior, let's go."

The old man nodded and patted Jiang Xuan on the shoulder kindly.

"Good, you know when to stop."

He glanced at Xin Rutie.

"Commander Xin, you'd better take care of yourself."

Before the words were finished, the old man and Jiang Xuan had already disappeared on the official road, leaving behind only a mess and a gloomy-faced Xin Rutie.

"Father."

Xin Wenbin's faint voice came through.

Xin Rutie strode forward, and after examining his son's injuries, his expression turned even more grim.

He looked in the direction Jiang Xuan had left, his eyes burning with hatred.

"Jiang Xuan, I will make you pay the price!"

After a while, Jiang Xuan returned to the deck of the treasure ship.

"Kid, your performance just now was very disappointing."

A cold voice came from behind.

Jiang Xuan turned around and saw Xue Jin standing with her arms crossed, looking at him with disdain.

"Senior Xuejin?"

Jiang Xuan was puzzled.

"He couldn't even manage to borrow the tiger's power properly; it's truly shameful."

Xue Jin snorted coldly.

"If you're going to use your power to suppress others, you should suppress them so they can never rise again!"

Before Jiang Xuan could react, Xue Jin suddenly turned around and walked towards the control panel of the treasure ship.

He quickly formed hand seals, and the treasure ship immediately emitted a deafening roar, its hull gleaming with dazzling golden light.

"Senior, what are you going to do?"

Jiang Xuan had a bad feeling.

A cruel smile curled at the corner of Xue Jin's lips.

"I'll teach you what real bullying is!"

The treasure ship suddenly accelerated, rushing towards the distant Weiyang warship in an almost frenzied manner.

The treasure ship slammed hard into the side of the Weiyang warship.

"boom."

With a deafening roar, the mighty warship was rammed through a huge hole, its hull listing, and countless soldiers screamed as they fell into the water. The treasure ship, however, was completely unharmed; amidst the shimmering golden light, not even a scratch was left.

"this"

Jiang Xuan was speechless.

He then understood what Xue Jin meant by "real bullying by taking advantage of one's power."

In the distance, Xin Rutie stood atop the damaged warship, his face deathly pale. (End of Chapter)