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

"Someone's coming."

Chu Feng's expression hardened, but he quickly regained his usual refined and elegant demeanor. The door to the secret chamber was knocked on three times, then twice.

"Come in."

Chu Feng said calmly.

As the door opened, three figures walked in.

Leading the group was a lean old man with sharp, hawk-like eyes; behind him was a towering, muscular man; and finally, a charming woman whose eyes exuded a captivating allure.

"Old Eagle, Xiong San, Yan Mei."

Chu Feng nodded.

"Things have changed, and you need to act immediately."

The old eagle seemed to be deep in thought.

"Is it still about that Master Xuan?"

"good."

Chu Feng took out a jade slip from his sleeve.

"From this day forward, I require you to protect him secretly. Ensure his identity is not revealed, and prevent other forces from getting close."

Xiong San scratched his head, his voice like muffled thunder.

"Brother Chu, is it really necessary to make such a big fuss? He's just a greenhorn who knows how to forge weapons."

"Shut up, you stupid bear!"

Yan Mei rolled her eyes at him, but her expression turned serious when she turned to Chu Feng.

"Brother Chu, is this very important to you?"

Chu Feng's eyes were filled with pain.

"More important than my life."

The three men's expressions tightened, and the old eagle was the first to clasp his hands in greeting.

"Understood. Leave this to us."

After the three left, Aqing said quietly.

Are you sure they can do it?

"At least it can keep those small fish and shrimp at bay."

Chu Feng rubbed his temples.

"As for the real danger, that's up to the boy himself."

In the days that followed, Jiang Xuan's life was surprisingly peaceful.

Every morning, he would appear at the Spirit Pattern Master's Guild on time, wearing a mask, to accept two weapon-refining tasks, and then return to his private workshop to concentrate on refining.

After noon, no matter how noisy it was outside, he would leave on time and return to his residence to cultivate.

On this day, Jiang Xuan had just finished forging a "Frost Sword" when the commune steward greeted him with a beaming smile.

"Master Xuan, there are seventeen more assigned tasks today. What do you think?"

"The rules remain unchanged."

Jiang Xuan interrupted in a hoarse voice.

Two orders per day.

The deacon looked troubled.

"But the young master of the Sun family business is willing to pay double the price."

Jiang Xuan walked towards the gate without looking back.

Please come early tomorrow.

As Jiang Xuan stepped out of the commune, he keenly sensed several subtle gazes. This had become the norm since Master Xuan's reputation spread. Strangely, those who had been watching him never actually got close; they always vanished mysteriously at some point.

"interesting."

Jiang Xuan turned into a small alley, suddenly accelerated, and disappeared into the intricate alleyways in the blink of an eye.

In the shadows, a lean figure suddenly stopped.

"Lost them?"

Xiong San peeked his head out from the shadows.

The old eagle's face was grim.

"This kid's movement skills are impressive."

Yan Mei gently stroked her hair, her eyes filled with surprise.

"It seems that the person Brother Chu has chosen is indeed extraordinary."

Unbeknownst to the three, right above them on the eaves, a small, snow-white beast was lazily yawning.

"Three useless people."

Xue Jin curled her lip, her golden vertical pupils filled with disdain.

"They can't even keep an eye on a mere Kaiyuan Realm kid."

Back at his residence, Jiang Xuan removed his mask and let out a long sigh of relief.

During this period, Master Xuan's reputation grew louder and louder, and all sorts of outrageous rumors emerged one after another.

Some say he is the descendant of a reclusive clan, others say he is the closed-door disciple of a master of spirit patterns, and still others claim he is the reincarnation of an ancient weapon-forging master.

"absurd."

Jiang Xuan shook his head and took out what he had gained that day from his pocket: two gold coins and a jade slip inscribed with complex spiritual patterns.

This was an extra gift from the commune, supposedly based on the insights of a senior member.

Xue Jin jumped down from the windowsill and tilted her head to look at him.

"Several little mice followed you again today."

Jiang Xuan paused in his movements.

"Are they Chu Feng's men?"

"Hmm, one old, one strong, and one slutty."

SnowGold licked its paws.

"But I've already chased them away."

Jiang Xuan laughed.

"Your description..."

"What? Is it inaccurate?"

Xue Jin rolled her eyes.

"That woman's fragrance could kill a dragon!"

Jiang Xuan seemed to be deep in thought.

Why did Chu Feng send people to protect me?

"Who knows?"

Xue Jin stretched.

"Anyway, with me here, those small fry won't be able to hurt a hair on your head."

Jiang Xuan felt a warmth in his heart and was about to say something when his expression suddenly turned serious.

"somebody is coming!"

Snow Gold, however, lazily lay back down in its nest.

"Don't panic, it's just those three good-for-nothings."

Sure enough, a moment later a cautious knock came at the door.

Jiang Xuan and Xue Jin put their masks back on and said in a deep voice.

"Who is it?"

"Master Xuan, I apologize for disturbing you."

It was the old eagle's hoarse voice.

"Deacon Chu sent us."

"No need."

Jiang Xuan interrupted.

"Please leave."

After a moment of silence outside the door, Yan Mei's charming voice rang out.

"Master, Yanxia City has been quite turbulent lately; several forces are targeting you."

I said, "No need."

Jiang Xuan's voice turned colder.

After another moment of silence, the old eagle finally sighed.

"In that case, we'll take our leave. If you need anything, Master, you can always find Steward Chu at the commune."

As the footsteps faded into the distance, Jiang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief, removed his mask, and looked at Xue Jin.

What do you think?

Xue Jin scoffed.

"Chu Feng meant well, but unfortunately the people he sent couldn't even stop you from facing the real danger."

"What is the real danger we face?"

Jiang Xuan's heart skipped a beat.

"You think these are just three little mice watching you these days?"

His snow-gold vertical pupils gleamed with a cold light.

"The Sun Family Trading Company, Biguang Pavilion, Tianxiang Tower, and even the Purple Feather Army have all sent people here."

Jiang Xuan gasped.

"How come I didn't notice anything at all?"

"Because I've taken care of all those people."

Xue Jin said it casually.

"I also left a warning written in blood."

Jiang Xuan then understood why his life had been so peaceful.

He looked at the usually lazy and drink-loving little beast in front of him and suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity.

"Xue Jin, what exactly is your cultivation level?"

Xue Jin winked mysteriously.

"In short, it's a little bit higher than Chu Feng imagined."

Meanwhile, inside the Spirit Pattern Master's Guild, Chu Feng listened to the old eagle's report, his expression growing increasingly grim. "What did you say? A Cave Heaven Realm expert?"

The teacup in Chu Feng's hand shattered with a "crack".

Cold sweat beaded on the old eagle's forehead.

"At least at the Cave Heaven Realm. We secretly observed for over ten days and discovered at least five groups attempting to approach that young man, and..."

"What was the result?"

Chu Feng's voice was strained.

"They were all defeated in a single move."

Yan Mei spoke, her charming face unusually showing fear.

"The scariest thing is that we didn't even see who made the move."

Xiong San said in a muffled voice.

"That aura reminds me of the one I encountered in the Burial God Abyss ten years ago."

Chu Feng suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the room.

He originally thought Jiang Xuan was just a gifted young man living alone, but he never expected that he would have such a powerful protector behind him.

"They dare to touch the Purple Feather Army?"

he asked suddenly.

The old eagle gave a wry smile.

"The Purple Feather Army scout was hung on the camp gate, with the words 'Repeat offenders will be executed' written in blood on his chest."

Chu Feng gasped. The Purple Feather Army was the most elite garrison in Yanxia City, backed by the Imperial military. Such provocation showed that the guardian didn't take the Purple Feather Army seriously at all.

"and after?"

Chu Feng pressed on, his voice unconsciously lowering.

The old eagle shrugged.

"Xiong San and Yan Mei were also warned that if they showed up near that kid again, they wouldn't be leaving alive."

"Boss, have we bitten off more than we can chew this time?"

Chu Feng remained silent for a long time, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He originally thought Jiang Xuan was just a talented young man living alone, but he never expected that he would have such a powerful protector behind him.

This made him both excited and wary. He was excited because if he could win over Jiang Xuan, he might be able to get in touch with that mysterious expert; he was wary because if he didn't handle it properly, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Don't act rashly."

Chu Feng finally made a decision.

"I need to find an opportunity to talk to that kid myself."

Meanwhile, Jiang Xuan was completely unaware of all this.

The next morning, he opened the door with great enthusiasm.

"Xuejin, I'm going out."

Jiang Xuan called out to Xue Jin, who was dozing in the courtyard.

Xue Jin lazily raised her eyelids, her golden pupils shimmering in the sunlight.

"Come back early, and don't cause trouble."

Jiang Xuan smiled and shook his head, then turned and left the courtyard.

He was going to Yanxia College today to register for the provincial examination, feeling both expectant and calm.

The streets were bustling with people, and Jiang Xuan easily found the Spirit Pattern Shuttle station.

These spirit-inscribed vehicles are a unique feature of Yanxia City. They are fast and inexpensive, making them popular among commoners and low-level cultivators.

Five copper coins.

The old man selling tickets said without looking up.

Jiang Xuan took out a copper coin and handed it over, receiving a spirit-patterned ticket as thin as a cicada's wing.

As soon as I stepped into the carriage, a smell mixed with sweat and cheap spices hit me.

The carriage was packed with all sorts of people, from commoners dressed in coarse cloth to low-level cultivators in simple robes.

Jiang Xuan found a spot by the window and stood there, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the people in the carriage.

To his left, three young cultivators were having a heated discussion.

"Have you heard? More than five thousand people have registered for this provincial examination!"

A freckled boy said in a low voice.

Five thousand?

His companion stared wide-eyed.

"There are only one hundred places available!"

"you do not say.

The third boy interrupted.

"Moreover, I heard that several geniuses from powerful families will be participating this time. Those of us without connections will probably not even get a taste."

Jiang Xuan pricked up his ears and listened to their conversation without showing any emotion.

"The most frightening thing is the age restriction."

"The freckled boy continued."

"Those under eighteen must have reached the Human罡 Realm in cultivation. I barely met the requirement by fighting tooth and nail, but those scions of noble families, who eat spiritual herbs like food from a young age, reach the peak of the Human罡 Realm at fifteen or sixteen."

"Alas, it's difficult for children from poor families to achieve great things."

"My companion sighed."

Just then, a commotion arose from the other side of the carriage.

Several well-dressed teenagers were talking and laughing loudly, disregarding the feelings of those around them.

"I heard Liu Qingyan is coming to Yanxia City?"

"A young man in a brocade robe said excitedly."

"That's right."

His companion proudly raised his chin.

"My father has already received her performance invitation; he'll take you with him."

"Really? Thank you so much! Liu Qingyan is the most renowned art cultivator in the empire; it's said that even the royal family favors her."

Jiang Xuan withdrew his gaze, his heart unmoved.

The lives of these privileged children were too far removed from his own; he was more concerned with the upcoming provincial examination.

The spirit-patterned shuttle sped along the tracks, the scenery outside the window constantly changing. About half an hour later, the shuttle stopped at the Yanxia Academy station.

"We have arrived at Yanxia Academy. Passengers, please disembark in an orderly manner."

A mechanical female voice came from the top of the carriage.

Jiang Xuan got off the bus with the crowd, and the sight before him made his eyes widen.

Ancient buildings are nestled among green hills and clear waters, with exquisite mythical beast patterns carved on their upturned eaves.

This is the most prestigious academy for cultivators in the entire Southwest Province, Yanxia Academy.

A large number of people had already gathered in the white jade square in front of the academy, mostly young men and women who had come to register.

Jiang Xuan noticed that these people were clearly divided into two categories.

One group was dressed in fine clothes, accompanied by servants, and had an arrogant expression; the other group was dressed simply, alone, with trepidation and expectation in their eyes.

"Look at that country bumpkin."

A sharp female voice came from not far away.

"Dressed like a beggar, how dare you participate in the provincial examination?"

Jiang Xuan looked in the direction of the sound and saw a girl in a pink gauze dress pointing at him with undisguised contempt on her face.

She was surrounded by several equally well-dressed boys, who burst into laughter upon hearing this.

"Probably some rogue cultivator who crawled out of some mountain ravine."

A young man with a jade pendant hanging from his waist said sarcastically.

"They don't even have a decent robe, it's laughable."

Jiang Xuan's expression remained unchanged.

This level of mockery is utterly childish and laughable compared to the life-or-death trials in the Blood Killing Camp.

"Hey, you country bumpkin, I'm talking to you!"

When the girl in the pink dress saw that he ignored her, her voice became even shriller.

"Do you know where this is? The provincial examination isn't something just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can come to!"

Jiang Xuan finally raised his eyes, his gaze calmly sweeping over the group of people.

He knew perfectly well that these young men and women did not represent the entire empire; they were merely a microcosm of secular society. True powerhouses, such as Shi Yu, Ning Meng, and Bai Lingxi, who came from powerful clans, would never be so superficial.

"The provincial examination stipulates that anyone whose cultivation level has reached the Human Realm is eligible to participate."

Jiang Xuan said calmly.

"If any of you have any objections, you may wish to discuss this with the examiners."

"you!"

The girl in the pink dress choked, her face turning red.

"Quick-witted and eloquent!"

The young man with green jade sneered.

"Let's see how stubborn you are once we're in the exam hall!"

Jiang Xuan ignored them and turned to walk towards the center of the square.

He noticed that there were indeed many powerful cultivators in the White Jade Square, some sitting alone to regulate their breathing, and others talking in twos and threes in low voices.

These are the people he needs to be wary of.

A commotion arose in the square. The crowd parted, and a young woman in a moon-white dress walked slowly towards them.

Her features were exquisite, her skin as white as snow, and a silver-woven belt cinched her waist.

"It's Wen Mingxiu!"

"That genius girl from the Wen clan!"

"I heard she was sent to some mysterious place to cultivate last year and only returned half a year ago."

A murmur of discussion arose. Many richly dressed young men and women immediately surrounded him, their faces plastered with fawning smiles.

"Miss Mingxiu, I've heard so much about you!"

"I am Yuan Shu of the Yuan family from Yanxia City. I wonder if I would have the honor of making your acquaintance?"

Wen Mingxiu responded with a smile, but impatience lurked deep in her eyes. (End of Chapter)