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

"Senior Brother Zhou, practicing your sword again?"

Several teenagers in school uniforms walked up the mountain path and bowed respectfully.

Zhou Chen casually stuck the broken sword into the ground and nodded in acknowledgment.

"With the provincial examination just around the corner, I dare not slack off."

"I heard that Senior Brother is planning to go to the Spirit Pattern Master Society to request a spirit artifact?"

A round-faced boy's eyes lit up.

"With Senior Brother's strength, he must be at least at the upper level of the Human Rank, right?"

Zhou Chen's expression was bitter.

Upper Human Rank? That would require at least three thousand silver coins, and all his savings combined amounted to just over a thousand.

Even mid-grade spiritual artifacts, the slightly better ones cost seven or eight hundred silver coins.

"I'll go check out the company first."

Zhou Chen didn't say anything more and turned to walk down the mountain. The envious whispers of his juniors behind him made him even more irritated.

In the western district of Yanxia City, people come and go in front of the tall gate of the Spirit Pattern Master Society.

Zhou Chen walked through the front hall with practiced ease and went straight to the mission area.

Three months ago, he posted a weapon crafting task here, requesting the creation of a longsword suitable for wind-attribute qi, with a budget of 1,200 silver coins.

"Young Master Zhou, you've arrived."

Xiao Yun, a familiar maid, came forward with an apologetic expression.

"Your task"

"Still no one answering?"

Zhou Chen frowned.

Xiao Yun handed over a cup of spiritual tea and said in a low voice.

"There are too many cultivators posting missions lately; several masters are already booked for three months. Why don't you go to the Spirit Treasure Zone and look at some ready-made spiritual artifacts?"

Zhou Chen shook his head. He had already examined all the standard spiritual weapons in the Spirit Treasure Zone; they were either too weak or their attributes were incompatible.

He took a sip of tea, the bitter taste spreading on his tongue, just like his current mood.

"How about you increase the budget?"

Xiaoyun asked tentatively.

"Add another two hundred, making it fourteen thousand."

Zhou Chen gritted his teeth and announced the number; it was the limit he could bear.

Xiao Yun hurriedly modified the amount on the mission jade slip, but Zhou Chen knew the chances were slim.

With the provincial examinations approaching, renowned spirit pattern masters have no shortage of orders.

Just as he was about to leave, a commotion suddenly broke out in Lingbao District.

"This is impossible! How could the Snowfall Battle Blade possess such power?"

"Even if Supervisor Chu personally authenticated it, could it be fake?"

"I'll offer eight hundred!"

"Nine hundred! I'll take it!"

Zhou Chen paused in his steps.

The Snowfall Battle Blade is a relatively common type of mid-tier human-grade spiritual weapon, with a normal price of around 600 silver coins. Why would it attract bidding?
Driven by curiosity, he squeezed into the crowd. On the display stand, a long, pure white sword lay on brocade, its blade faintly adorned with flowing ice patterns.

The most striking feature is a faint blue mark on the blade, like a natural pattern eroded by the wind.

"Please be quiet, everyone!"

A middle-aged man in a gray robe raised his hand in greeting.

"This blade is indeed the Snowfall Battle Blade, but it has been specially forged, making it 20% more powerful than the ordinary version. Tests have shown it can withstand the infusion of qi from a peak-level Human Qi Realm cultivator without damage."

Zhou Chen's pupils constricted slightly.

A 20% increase in power means it's approaching the threshold of the upper-level human rank! And that cyan color seems to be a wind attribute enhancement?
"Starting price is 700, with each increment no less than 50."

As soon as the man in the gray robe finished speaking, bids began to pour in.

"Seven hundred and fifty!"

"Eight hundred!"

"Eight hundred and eighty!"

The price quickly broke through nine hundred.

Zhou Chen gripped the money bag tightly, his heart pounding.

Although this sword wasn't the one he wanted most, its wind attribute enhancement was perfect for him.

More importantly, 1,400 silver coins might not be enough to acquire a custom-made magical weapon, while this ready-made one...
"one thousand!"

He called out his offer, and the surroundings immediately fell silent.

This price is enough to buy a regular high-grade human-level spiritual weapon.

The man in the gray robe surveyed the entire scene.

"Are there any higher ones?"

Seeing that no one answered, he struck the hammer.

"make a deal!"

Zhou Chen breathed a sigh of relief and stepped forward to complete the transaction.

The moment his fingers touched the hilt, a cool, powerful aura spontaneously surged into the blade, causing the white edge to glow with a brilliant blue light, accompanied by the faint sound of wind and snow howling.

"Good knife!"

Zhou Chen couldn't help but admire.

That thousand silver coins were well spent!
The man in the gray robe handed over the jade token with a smile.

"Young master has a discerning eye. This is the work of our newly arrived Master Xuan, and it comes with lifetime maintenance."

"Master Xuan?"

Zhou Chen repeated, puzzled.

He had lived in Yanxia City for many years and had never heard of this person.

At this moment, the other cultivators had already gathered around.

"Manager Chu, is Master Xuan still accepting missions?"

"I want one just like that!"

"I'll pay double!"

Chu Feng, the man in gray robes, raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet.

"Master Xuan's whereabouts are unpredictable; whether or not to accept the mission depends on fate."

He turned to Zhou Chen and said meaningfully.

"With this sword, young master, you will surely shine brightly in the provincial examination."

Zhou Chen clasped his hands in thanks and left the exhibition stage amidst envious glances from the crowd.

He could feel countless eyes glued to his back, some envious, some jealous, and most curious about who this lucky person was.

How did you manage to obtain Master Xuan's works?
Back at his residence, Jiang Xuan saw Xue Jin dozing on the windowsill, her golden fur shimmering in the afterglow.

"Wake up, I brought you some soul-burning wine."

Jiang Xuan took out a small celadon jar from his storage bag. As soon as the seal was broken, a spicy yet sweet aroma wafted out.

Xue Jin's nose twitched twice, and then she suddenly opened her eyes.

"Good lad, you still remember to show respect to your great master!"

It leaped up, its claws precisely hooking onto the wine jar, and eagerly licked it, its fur standing on end.

"Awesome! Authentic 300-year-old vintage!"

Jiang Xuan smiled and placed the remaining wine on the table.

"Drink slowly, don't choke."

Xue Jin, holding the wine jar, suddenly looked up, a hint of seriousness in his golden pupils.

"Kid, did no one from the commune give you a hard time today? Especially that Chu Feng."

"No, everything went smoothly."

Jiang Xuan took off his outer robe and hung it on the rack.

"Chu Feng helped me a lot, saving me from many tedious procedures."

"Hmph, those who offer unsolicited favors are either up to no good or are thieves."

Xue Jin licked the wine stains from the corner of his mouth.

"The divine and demonic book he signed with you is definitely not simple; such contracts are usually only used when significant interests are involved."

Jiang Xuan sat on the edge of the bed and smiled nonchalantly.

"I understand the principle that the greater the gain, the greater the cost. But right now, I need the Spirit Pattern Master Commune platform, and a small price is worth paying. Besides..."

His eyes held a deep depth.

"Debts of gratitude are both the hardest and the easiest to repay."

Xue Jin stared at Jiang Xuan for a long time, then suddenly grinned.

"You've got a good eye, kid. Fine, I'll wait and see how you handle this."

Jiang Xuan said no more, and took out several pieces of ore and materials from his storage bag and placed them on the table. These were the refining materials he had specially purchased today, which cost him most of his savings.

"Tonight I'm going to try my hand at crafting a few magical artifacts."

As Jiang Xuan spoke, a wisp of spiritual power condensed at his fingertips, outlining simple lines in the air.

Xuejin, with the wine jar in his mouth, jumped onto the roof beam.

"Then you go ahead with your work, I won't bother you."

Over the next few hours, the room flickered with spiritual light, and the temperature fluctuated.

Jiang Xuan was completely focused, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, but his technique was exceptionally steady, without the slightest tremor.

As moonlight streamed in through the window, the three magical artifacts lay on the table.

A snow-white sword with waterfall-like patterns on its blade; a blood-red spear with a gleaming tip; and a pair of blue boots with a gentle breeze seemingly moving across their surfaces.

“It’s done!”

Jiang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

All three magical artifacts were of mid-grade human level, but judging from his judgment, their power was more than 30% stronger than similar products on the market.

Xue Jin jumped down from the roof beam, circled the three magical artifacts, and marveled at them.

"Three mid-grade human-level items in one night, and all of them were top-quality. You're a monster. An ordinary spirit inscription master would be lucky to have a 50% success rate, but you didn't fail even once."

Jiang Xuan wiped his sweat and laughed.

"I've been learning the art of spirit runes from Mr. Lu since I was a child, so my basic skills are solid. Plus..."

He pointed to his temple.

"My soul power is significantly stronger than others of the same level, and with the aid of the mysterious fluctuations from the Heavenly Gate, refining weapons is naturally twice as effective with half the effort."

He put the Snowfall Battle Blade and Blood Copper Battle Spear into his storage bag, leaving the Swift Wind Boots by his bedside.

"These three items should be taken to the commune for consignment tomorrow; they should fetch a good price."

After speaking, Jiang Xuan sat cross-legged and began to circulate the Lesser Netherworld Divine Art to recover his depleted spiritual energy.

As his breathing gradually calmed, his consciousness sank into his sea of ​​consciousness, where the faint image of an ancient door appeared and disappeared.
The next morning, Jiang Xuan woke up early. After a night of cultivation, not only had his mental energy fully recovered, but his cultivation level had also improved slightly.

He put on the Swiftwind Boots and tried them on. He felt as light as a swallow and could take a step that covered three zhang (approximately 10 meters).

"Not bad, I'll make a set for myself later."

Jiang Xuan took off his combat boots and put them away. After a quick wash, he went out to the Spirit Pattern Master Commune.

The commune hall was even more lively than yesterday. As soon as Jiang Xuan entered, he heard a clear voice.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang Xuan!"

Turning his head, he saw Hibari, who had greeted him yesterday. The girl was wearing a pale yellow dress today, which made her skin look as white as snow, and her smile was bright.

"Miss Lark."

Jiang Xuan nodded in greeting.

The lark walked quickly over, her eyes filled with excitement.

"You've finally arrived! Come on upstairs with me, something good has happened!"

Jiang Xuan was puzzled, but he didn't show it on his face. He followed Yun Que through the crowded hall.

Along the way, he heard many people talking about it.

"Have you heard? Yesterday, the Snowfall Battle Blade, which Master Xuan consigned for sale, was bought by the young master of the Li family in the north of the city for a high price of one thousand silver coins!"

"A thousand silver coins? How can a mid-grade human-level spiritual weapon be that expensive?"

"What do you know? That battle blade is as powerful as a top-grade one, and its blade has unique spirit patterns; it's said to be able to draw upon the water and energy of heaven and earth to aid in its attack."

Jiang Xuan never expected that the spiritual weapon he casually crafted would cause such a huge reaction.

Upon arriving at a private room on the second floor, Yun Que closed the door and said mysteriously.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang, you must be Master Xuan?"

Jiang Xuan remained silent.

Why do you say that?

"The battle sword you consigned yesterday has the exact same style of spirit runes on its blade as the one you showed during the authentication process the day before yesterday."

A sly glint flashed in the lark's eyes.

"Don't worry, I didn't tell anyone. But..."

She opened the drawer and took out a heavy money bag.

"This is one thousand silver coins. After deducting the commune's share, nine hundred are left here."

Jiang Xuan took the money pouch, secretly delighted.

This was nearly 20% higher than he had expected, indicating that he had underestimated the value of the work.

Thank you.

Jiang Xuan put away the money pouch and then took out the Blood Copper Spear and the Swift Wind Boots.

"Please also consign these two items."

Yun Que took the magical artifact, examined it carefully, and exclaimed in amazement.

"The quality is even better than yesterday's battle sword! Especially these combat boots, the spirit patterns are smooth and natural, they're definitely a lifesaver for escaping and saving your life."

She looked up at Jiang Xuan, her eyes filled with admiration.

"Master Xuan, you are truly amazing!"

Jiang Xuan coughed lightly.

"Don't call me that, I just..."

Before he could finish speaking, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Chu Feng's hearty laughter rang out.

"Hahaha, our Master Xuan has finally shown up!"

Today, Chu Feng was dressed in a dark blue robe, with a jade belt around his waist that shimmered with light, making him look exceptionally dashing.

He strode in and patted Jiang Xuan on the shoulder.

"How does it feel to be admired?"

Jiang Xuan shook his head helplessly.

"Brother Chu, please don't tease me. Why is it so lively outside? I don't remember the Spirit Pattern Master Guild being this crowded on ordinary days."

Chu Feng gestured for Yun Que to prepare tea and snacks, and only after the girl left did he lower his voice and say something.

"There are three reasons. First, the Spirit Pattern Masters' Commune wields immense influence in Misty Cloud City, and any slight movement from them will attract attention."

He raised his second finger.

"Secondly, the Snowfall Battle Blade you forged is truly unique. Its unique combination of spirit runes is almost unheard of on the market, and its immense power naturally caused a sensation."

As for the third...

Chu Feng walked to the window and pointed to the crowded people downstairs.

"With the provincial examinations approaching in September, cultivators from all over are gathering in Yanxia City. Who wouldn't want to purchase a few handy spiritual artifacts to increase their chances of success?"

Jiang Xuan walked to the window and looked down. The Spirit Treasure Zone and the Mission Zone were bustling with people, many pointing and gesturing in front of the notice board. Listening closely, he realized that quite a few people were posting missions, specifically requesting Master Xuan to forge spiritual artifacts.

"My identity."

Jiang Xuan was somewhat worried.

Chu Feng waved his hand.

"Don't worry, apart from me and Yun Que, no one else knows that Master Xuan is you. The commune is very strict about protecting client privacy, so you can rest assured about that."

Jiang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Given his current situation, it is indeed not advisable for him to be too ostentatious.

"Give."

Chu Feng took out a heavy cloth bag from his bosom and handed it to Jiang Xuan.

"Of the profits from the sale of the Snowfall Battle Blade, the commune takes 10%, and the remaining 900 silver coins are yours."

The bag felt heavy in my hand, and the silver coins clinked together with a crisp sound.

Just as Jiang Xuan was about to express his gratitude, he saw Chu Feng take out another exquisite sandalwood box.

"This is for you too."

Chu Feng opened the box, inside lay an antique silver-gray ring, its face engraved with fine cloud patterns, gleaming faintly in the light.

Jiang Xuan's pupils contracted slightly.

"Is this... a Lesser Sumeru Spirit Ring?"

"Good taste."

Chu Feng smiled.

"Not only can it store items, but it can also cleanse the mind and nourish the soul. There are no more than ten storage rings of this grade in the entire Misty Cloud City."

Jiang Xuan's Adam's apple bobbed; this gift was far too precious.

He was about to decline when Chu Feng grabbed his hand and put the ring on his index finger.

As soon as the ring was slipped on, it automatically adjusted to fit the finger perfectly.

A cool sensation flowed into Jiang Xuan's body through his arm, and he immediately felt refreshed, even the circulation of his spiritual energy became smoother.

"this"

Jiang Xuan was somewhat at a loss. (End of Chapter)