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

He gazed at the glittering treasure ship, his eyes filled with despair and helplessness.

At this moment, he finally realized that he had offended not only Jiang Xuan, but also the mysterious and unpredictable powerful figure behind him.

"Xuejin, that's enough."

The old man spoke lightly.

Xue Jin pouted and reluctantly withdrew her hand. The treasure ship rose, moving away from the ravaged sea.

Just then, a figure in cyan robes sped over from afar, landing on the Weiyang warship in a few leaps. The newcomer was none other than Xu Sanqi.

"Commander Xin, it's been a long time."

Xu Sanqi's voice was icy cold.

"It seems you've ignored my warning."

Xin Rutie's expression changed.

"Xu Sanqi? What are you doing here?"

"If I hadn't come, wouldn't you have arrested Jiang Xuan and subjected him to severe torture?"

Xu Sanqi sneered.

"I'll say it again, Jiang Xuan is not someone you can mess with. If there's a next time, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Xin Ru clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms.

"Xu Sanqi, don't go too far! That kid killed one of my Weiyang Army's men, are you just going to let it go like that?"

"Excessive?"

Xu Sanqi chuckled.

"Commander Xin, you probably don't know who that senior was, do you? If he hadn't shown mercy, you'd be a corpse by now."

Xin Rutie's expression shifted between light and dark.

"Who exactly is he?"

"You're not qualified to know."

Xu Sanqi turned to leave, but then stopped.

"Oh, right, I forgot to tell you, Jiang Xuan has already been selected as a special student for Qinglu Academy this year. If you dare to retaliate, you'll be making an enemy of the entire Qinglu Academy."

After saying that, Xu Sanqi leaped into the air and disappeared into the vast sea.

Xin Rutie stood there, trembling all over.

He gazed in the direction the treasure ship had sailed away, his eyes burning with the flames of hatred.

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

Inside the treasure ship's cabin, Jiang Xuan sat at the table, his feelings a mix of emotions. Everything that had happened today was too dramatic; he needed time to process it.

"Kid, what are you thinking about?"

An old man appeared opposite him without him noticing, holding a steaming cup of tea.

Jiang Xuan quickly stood up and bowed.

"Senior, I've been thinking about what happened today."

"Do you think Xue Jin went too far?"

The old man took a sip of tea, a half-smile playing on his lips.

Jiang Xuan hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully.

"It was indeed quite shocking."

"Hahaha!"

The old man laughed heartily.

"That's just how Xue Jin is. But it's good, it lets Xin Rutie know who he can't afford to offend."

Jiang Xuan was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked.

"Why are you helping me, senior?"

The old man put down his teacup, his gaze deep and thoughtful.

"Two reasons. First, I can't stand Xin Rutie bullying others by abusing his power. Second..."

"It's because of that girl, Xia Zhi."

Summer Solstice?

Jiang Xuan's heart skipped a beat.

"Is she alright?"

The old man did not answer directly, but instead took out a white jade scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Jiang Xuan.

"She asked me to give this to you."

Jiang Xuan accepted it with both hands; the smooth, warm touch of the white jade reminded him of Xia Zhi's soft palms.

He eagerly opened the letter, which contained only a few words.

"Jiang Xuan, take care of yourself. I'm fine, don't worry. If fate allows, we'll meet again. Summer Solstice"

The short text brought tears to Jiang Xuan's eyes.

He could imagine Xia Zhi writing these words, her lips pursed, her eyes filled with stubbornness and reluctance.

"Can't she come to see me?"

Jiang Xuan asked in a low voice.

The old man shook his head.

"Not for now. She has her own path to walk, and you have yours to find."

Jiang Xuan gripped the bamboo slip tightly and pressed it against his chest.

Although it was only a few words, it gave him great comfort.

At least we know that everything is alright during the summer solstice, and that's enough.

"Alright, let's get down to business."

The old man said seriously.

"Next, I will take you to Yanxia City, the capital of the southwestern province."

"Yanhua City?"

Jiang Xuan looked up in surprise.

"I had originally planned to go there to take the provincial exam!"

The old man smiled meaningfully.

“I know. So this is the best arrangement.”

Jiang Xuan's heart stirred.

"Senior, do you know something about me?"

"Everyone has their own secrets and mission."

The old man avoided answering.

"All you need to know is that Yanxia City is a necessary step on your path. Pass the provincial examinations, enter the national examinations in the Forbidden City, and finally enter Qinglu Academy—that's your true stage."

Qinglu Academy! A fighting spirit ignited in Jiang Xuan's eyes.

It is a place where the world's best talents gather, possessing the richest resources and the most powerful strength.

As long as he can enter Qinglu Academy, he will have the opportunity to find out the truth about his talent attribute, Great Abyss Devouring the Sky, and find the mastermind behind the theft of his original spiritual veins!
There's also Old Mo, the old man who took care of him since he was a child, but whose whereabouts are now unknown.

The intelligence network of Qinglu Academy might be able to help him find Lao Mo's whereabouts.

"Senior, I understand."

Jiang Xuan nodded solemnly.

"I will definitely pass the provincial exam and get into Qinglu Academy!"

The old man stroked his beard with satisfaction, then turned and continued on his way.

Jiang Xuan followed closely behind, and the two headed along the winding mountain road toward Yanxia City, the capital of the southwestern province.

Three days later, when the majestic city walls came into view, Jiang Xuan couldn't help but hold his breath.

The city of Yanxia was even more magnificent than he had imagined, with its towering walls covered in mysterious runes.

"The provincial examinations are held every three years and are an important system for the empire to select talent."

On the way into the city, the old man suddenly spoke.

"Whether one comes from a poor family or a powerful clan, this is an opportunity for them to stand out."

Jiang Xuan's heart skipped a beat.

"What you mean, senior?"

"The national examination is fair and impartial; it relies entirely on merit."

The old man gave him a meaningful look.

"This is your only chance."

Jiang Xuan was startled.

The old man seemed to know something—about his background, about the secrets of the mine prison.

But he dared not ask rashly and could only keep his doubts to himself.

After entering the city, the old man led Jiang Xuan through the bustling streets to a secluded courtyard in the west of the city. The courtyard was small, but quiet, with an old locust tree casting dappled shadows in the center.

"This will serve as your temporary accommodation."

The old man pushed open the creaking wooden door. "The provincial exam is in three months; you need to prepare well."

Jiang Xuan was about to thank him when the old man waved his hand.

"No need for further words. I have other matters to attend to. You'd better take care of yourself."

After saying that, he left without looking back.

Watching the old man's departing figure, Jiang Xuan turned around and looked around his new residence.

The courtyard had clearly been uninhabited for a long time, covered with a thick layer of dust.

He rolled up his sleeves and began cleaning.

An hour later, as Jiang Xuan wiped the sweat from his forehead, the courtyard gate was pushed open again.

A thin, middle-aged man with a stubble-covered face staggered in, carrying a gourd of wine in his hand.

"You're the Jiang Xuan that old guy was talking about?"

The man let out a burp and squinted at him.

"I'm Xuejin, and I'm responsible for... taking care of your daily life."

Jiang Xuan's lips twitched. The person in front of him reeked of alcohol and could barely stand; he didn't seem like the type to take care of others at all.

"Senior Xuejin."

Jiang Xuan still bowed respectfully.

"I apologize for troubling you in the future."

Xue Jin waved his hand and plopped down on the stone bench under the locust tree.

"Don't give me that. That old guy gave me ten jars of Soul-Burning Wine as payment before I agreed to watch over you."

He shook the empty wine gourd.

"But now that the wine's finished, kid, go buy me a jar of 'Soul Burning' (a type of spirit drink)."

Jiang Xuan was stunned.

"Now?"

"What, you're not happy about it?"

Xue Jin stared at him with blurry, drunken eyes.

"Didn't that old man tell you? In this courtyard, my word is law!"

Jiang Xuan sighed inwardly and could only nod.

"Please wait a moment, senior, I'll be right there."

After leaving the courtyard, Jiang Xuan went to the market to buy some daily necessities and spiritual materials needed for cultivation.

When he took out gold coins from his storage bag to pay the bill, his heart tightened. The prices in Yanxia City were far higher than he had imagined. In just half an hour, he had spent most of the two hundred gold coins he had brought.

"This can't go on."

Jiang Xuan weighed the remaining money pouch in his hand.

Back in the Blood Killing Camp, all the cultivation resources were provided by the camp. Now that he has to rely on himself for everything, he truly understands the difficulty of the cultivation path.

As requested by Xue Jin, Jiang Xuan arrived at a tavern called "Zui Xian Lou".

When he inquired about the price of "Burning Soul" liquor, he was almost speechless with astonishment.

"A vat of burning souls?"

The shopkeeper looked him up and down.

"That's strong liquor brewed from fire-attribute spirit grain; a vat costs eighty gold coins."

Jiang Xuan still took out the money.

Although Xue Jin seems unreliable, he was arranged by the old man after all, so we can't afford to offend him.

It was already late when they left Zuixianlou carrying the heavy wine jar.

Jiang Xuan originally planned to go straight back to the courtyard, but his eyes were drawn to a tall building in the city center.

The building's surface was covered by a huge light screen, on which various images and texts constantly flashed, attracting a large crowd to stop and watch.

"That's... a teleportation screen?"

Jiang Xuan had read about this in ancient texts; it was an advanced facility that used phantom arrays to spread news throughout the empire, and it was only available in cities at the provincial capital level and above.

Driven by curiosity, Jiang Xuan also squeezed into the crowd.

"Grand Commander Liu Wujun will serve as the chief examiner for this year's provincial examination."

A dignified voice came from the light screen, which simultaneously displayed the image of a middle-aged man in military uniform.

A murmur of discussion immediately arose from the surrounding area.

"It's Commander Liu of the Iron-Blooded Army!"

"I've heard that he's strict in disciplining his troops and despises those who engage in deception and fraud."

"Those scions of wealthy families who wanted to pass the provincial examinations through connections are in for trouble now!"

Jiang Xuan silently noted this information down. The examiner's personality and style were crucial for the candidates.

The images on the screen switched, and other messages began to be broadcast.

The Iron-Blooded Army's victory in the Western Frontier, the launch of the new generation of Purple Hero warships, and a certain alchemy master's development of a new medicine formula.
Just as Jiang Xuan was about to leave, a message suddenly caught his attention.

"News from Qingfeng County: Lian Fei, the son-in-law of Yao Tuohai, a Grand Cultivator of the Cave Heaven Realm, recently broke through to the Human Gang Realm and condensed a second-grade spiritual energy pool, earning him the reputation of a genius."

Jiang Xuan's body stiffened instantly, his eyes flashing with cold light. The screen displayed the image of a handsome young man—one of his most unforgettable enemies!

"Lian Fei has confirmed his participation in the provincial examination in September and is expected to gain admission to Qinglu Academy for further studies."

Jiang Xuan's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes flashing with a sharp, icy light.

A second-grade spiritual energy pool? A genius?

He sneered inwardly.

"Compared to the truly exceptional talents I've encountered, they aren't even worthy of carrying my shoes."

The crowd in the square murmured in amazement and envy.

"I heard that Lian Fei broke through to the Human罡 Realm at only twenty-three years old; his future is limitless!"

"With a father-in-law like Yao Tuohai, coupled with his own talent, he's destined for greatness!"

"I wish I could befriend someone like that."

These words sounded ridiculous to Jiang Xuan.

Little did they know what kind of face this so-called "genius" truly had behind the scenes.
Memories flooded back. At Donglin Academy, Lian Fei's repeated schemes and betrayals; the despicable act of poisoning during that life-or-death duel; and Yao Tuohai's arrogant and callous indifference towards human life when he made his move.
"Provincial examination? Very good."

Jiang Xuan suppressed the murderous intent surging within him.

"When the time comes, we'll settle both the old and new scores together."

The image on the screen changed again, revealing an exceptionally beautiful art student.

Her features were exquisite, her skin as white as snow, and her pale purple dress danced lightly in the wind, making her seem like a fairy untouched by worldly affairs.

"It's Liu Qingyan!"

The surrounding crowd immediately erupted in excitement.

"My God, is Master Liu coming to Yanxia City?"

"The Shi Ding Zhai centennial celebration is in three months; I heard they spent an astronomical sum to get her to come!"

Jiang Xuan had no interest in this artist, but he was still slightly surprised to hear the name "Shi Ding Zhai". To be able to hire such a popular artist, Shi Ding Zhai's financial resources were indeed astonishing.

As the message on the screen finished being broadcast, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Jiang Xuan also turned and left, disappearing into the night sky of Yanxia City.

The lanterns lining both sides of the street emitted a soft glow, illuminating the bluestone pavement.

Jiang Xuan walked leisurely, but his thoughts had already drifted far away.

Lian Fei's appearance disrupted his original plans.

Originally, I only planned to stay in Yanxia City temporarily, make some money, and then leave. Now it seems that I will have to wait until after the provincial examination.

After turning through several streets and alleys, Jiang Xuan arrived at a secluded courtyard.

This is his temporary rented residence. Although it is simple, it is quiet.

As I pushed open the door, a snow-white figure moved slightly in the corner.

That's SnowGold, an ordinary-looking white dog, who is currently curled up asleep on a straw mat.

Hearing the noise, it lazily raised its eyelids, glanced at Jiang Xuan, and then continued to close its eyes to rest.

"then."

Jiang Xuan took out a flask of wine from his storage bag and tossed it over.

The wine jug traced an arc in the air, and just as it was about to land, Xue Jin suddenly leaped up and precisely caught the spout.

It pressed the wine jug with its front paws, tilted its head back, and drank heartily, making a satisfied gurgling sound in its throat.

"Soul-burning wine, fifty silver coins a pot, drink it sparingly."

Jiang Xuan said calmly.

SnowGold put down the wine jug, let out a burp, and looked on with a human-like satisfaction before lying back down on the straw mat to continue its sweet dream.

Jiang Xuan shook his head and went into the inner room. The room was not large, but it was very tidy.

A wooden bed, a workbench, and a few shelves for storing materials—that was all the family's possessions.

He went to the workbench and took out several pieces of ore and monster materials. Money was essential for staying in Yanxia City long-term.

Crafting magical artifacts is currently his most proficient way of making money. (End of Chapter)