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

An indescribable warm current surged in my chest.

He knew that Brother Jiang Xuan's decision to leave behind these precious spiritual materials wasn't really about investing; it was clearly a way to help him, giving him the capital and confidence to get started!
“Brother Jiang Xuan…” Gu Liang gripped the storage bag tightly, his eyes flashing with an unprecedented determination.

"Rest assured! I, Gu Liang, swear to God! I will make Jin Yu Tang bigger and stronger! I will make it renowned throughout the Southwest and famous throughout the empire! I will never let you down!"

At this moment, he had no more hesitation. He felt that his seemingly impulsive invitation was one of the best decisions he had ever made in his life!

He carefully opened the storage bag and once again carefully sensed the dozens of spiritual materials inside, which were considered extremely rare even in Yanxia City. Feeling the powerful and pure spiritual energy fluctuations, his emotions surged and he found it difficult to calm down.

These spiritual materials are enough to serve as the prized possessions of Jin Yu Tang, attracting countless eyes and opening up the high-end market!

"Jin Yu Tang... will surely become a world-renowned trading company!"

Gu Liang muttered to himself, his eyes burning with fierce fighting spirit.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xuan returned to his small courtyard in the west of the city, having already put the matter of Jin Yutang out of his mind. To him, it was nothing more than helping a friend with a small favor, leaving some resources to help him get started, and that was all.

He sat cross-legged in the quiet room, his eyes calm and serene.

Take out the "Yun Gang Zi Po Dan" purchased from Dan Zhen Fang, uncork it, and a refreshing medicinal fragrance containing pure Gang Yuan power will fill the air.

"One month... the third level of Qingyun Avenue..."

Without the slightest hesitation, Jiang Xuan took out a pill the size of a longan, its entire body shrouded in purple cloud patterns, and put it into his mouth.

The elixir melted upon entering the mouth, transforming into a warm, mellow, yet vast and boundless current that instantly surged into the limbs and bones, eventually converging into the dantian (energy center).

The dormant "storm millstone" seemed to be stimulated, suddenly accelerating its rotation, greedily absorbing the pure medicinal power and transforming it into a more condensed and powerful spiritual force!

Jiang Xuan calmed his mind and focused all his energy on circulating his cultivation technique, guiding the powerful medicinal force to cleanse his meridians, temper his body, and solidify his foundation.

His aura became increasingly deep and heavy at a visible speed, with a faint sound of wind and thunder rumbling within his body.

The Heavenly Realm, the Azure Cloud Avenue!
Each challenge contains both immense opportunity and peril!

The third stage is about to begin!
He must seize this last moment to get himself into peak condition!

Strength is the foundation for survival and seizing opportunities in that unknown and mysterious realm!
After the Jin Yutang incident, Jiang Xuan went into complete seclusion.

Inside a quiet room in a small courtyard in the west of the city.

He sat cross-legged, his aura deep and still, like an ancient well.

Bottles of "Yun Gang Zi Po Dan" were neatly stacked beside him. Whenever the surging medicinal power in his body was completely absorbed and refined by the "Storm Millstone", he would take another pill without hesitation.

The pure and powerful medicinal energy, like a surging river, washed over and tempered his meridians, flesh, and bones, eventually flowing into his dantian. There, it was continuously compressed and purified by the high-speed rotating "storm millstone," transforming into a more powerful and condensed spiritual energy.

His mind was completely immersed in the operation of the technique and the perception of power, shutting out all external disturbances.

The concept of time became blurred, leaving only the sound of power surging and roaring within.

As time went by, changes quietly took place.

In the Spirit Pattern Master Commune, many cultivators who came by reputation or were used to entrusting "Master Xun" to refine and repair spiritual artifacts gradually discovered a disappointing fact.

Master Xun, whose skills were exquisite, his efficiency was high, and his fees were fair, seemed to have vanished into thin air.

There were no more records of him accepting new missions on the mission light screen.

Some tasks that were originally lined up and waiting for him to take action have been delayed for a long time.

"Where's Master Xun? We haven't seen him taking on any missions lately."

"Yes, I'd like to ask a master craftsman if my family heirloom breastplate can be repaired..."

"Could it be that he has left the Spirit Inscription Master Guild?"

"Alas, what a pity! Master Xun's skill in inscribing spirit patterns is simply divine, far superior to those arrogant old fogies!"

"Without a master craftsman, it will be difficult to find someone to forge a mid-grade human-level spiritual weapon that suits my taste..."

Disappointed whispers could be heard intermittently in the commune hall. Master Xun's "disappearance" left many cultivators who were used to seeking his help with their spiritual artifact problems feeling inconvenienced and disappointed.

Chu Feng naturally heard these discussions as well.

He stood by the railing on the second floor, looking down at the disappointed faces in the lobby below, and sighed helplessly.

He certainly hoped that Jiang Xuan could stay in the Spirit Pattern Masters' Guild. With his superb skill in spirit patterns, he could definitely take the guild's reputation and profits to a new level.

But he knew even more clearly that the Spirit Pattern Master Commune, and even this small Misty Cloud City, were by no means Jiang Xuan's final destination.

This young man is destined to go to a wider world.

"Never mind..." Chu Feng shook his head, suppressing the regret in his heart, but a hint of expectation appeared in his eyes instead.

"A dragon lies hidden in the abyss, but it will eventually take flight."

Jiang Xuan, I hope you grow stronger and stronger, so strong that everyone can only look up to you!

In the small courtyard.

Xue Jin leaned lazily against the rattan chair, holding a wine gourd in his hand.

On the stone table in front of him, Chiu Chiu stared wide-eyed at the aroma of wine emanating from the gourd, her little nose twitching and her pink tongue licking her lips, looking utterly greedy.

"Little one, want to try some?"

Xue Jin chuckled and deliberately shook the wine gourd, making the aroma of the wine even stronger.

A hint of longing flashed in Chirp's eyes, and it raised its little paws. But just as it was about to touch the gourd, it suddenly remembered something, shook its little head like a rattle drum, and made a series of rapid "chirp chirp" sounds, as if to say something.

No, no! The master said we can't eat just anything! Especially alcohol!
Although it was tempted, it resisted the temptation, jumped back a step, and looked warily at the gourd of wine in Xue Jin's hand.

"Hey?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Xue Jin's cloudy old eyes, which then turned into deep admiration.

"What a composed little thing! Jiang Xuan... his skill in training spirit beasts is quite impressive!"

Keeping such a smart little guy alert and obedient to his owner's commands in the face of delicious food is no easy feat.

He couldn't help but glance again at Jiang Xuan's tightly closed door. With his cultivation and perception, he could naturally sense the extremely obscure and imperceptible power fluctuations swirling around the room.

That was not a simple gathering of spiritual energy, but a more profound rhythm—the "Spirit Gathering Array" was in operation!

The Spirit Gathering Array is not simply a point for gathering spiritual energy, but an incomparably exquisite array of spiritual patterns!
It acts like an invisible funnel, quietly drawing in, organizing, and gathering the spiritual energy of heaven and earth within a certain radius, restraining and purifying it to ultimately create a spiritual energy environment most suitable for cultivators to absorb. At the same time, it can also effectively shield the energy fluctuations generated during internal cultivation, avoiding disturbing the outside world or attracting unnecessary trouble.

The method for setting up this spirit-gathering array was something Xue Jin had casually instructed Jiang Xuan on back then.

Unexpectedly, this kid not only has amazing comprehension and has mastered the essence in a short time, but he can also use it so skillfully. He even added his own understanding to some details, which greatly improved the efficiency and concealment of the formation.

However, Xue Jin's admiration was quickly replaced by a hint of shock and a vague sense of worry.

"Twenty-three days..." Xue Jin murmured to herself, a glint of light flashing deep in her turbid eyes.

It has been a full twenty-three days since Jiang Xuan went into seclusion!
For those twenty-three days, the spirit-gathering array in that room operated at high speed without stopping for a single moment! It never stopped for the slightest!

what does this mean?
This means that Jiang Xuan has been cultivating with all his might and trying to break through his bottleneck for the past twenty-three days, almost without sleep! Like a tireless machine, he is frantically squeezing out his potential and absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and the power of elixirs!
Such intensity of cultivation is extremely rare even in the long history of Xuejin! Ordinary cultivators, even at the critical moment of breaking through to a major realm, need to maintain a balance between tension and relaxation, allowing their bodies and souls time to recover and comprehend. Otherwise, they are very likely to have an unstable foundation, or even trigger a terrible backlash, leading to cultivation deviation and demonic possession!
"This kid... he's going too far..." Xue Jin frowned slightly, his fingers tightening unconsciously around the wine gourd.

He worried that Jiang Xuan's eagerness for quick success might actually harm the foundation of the business.

Although the "Cloudy Purple Soul Pill" has a mild medicinal effect, continuous use, coupled with the frantic extraction by the Spirit Gathering Array, places an extremely terrifying burden on the body.

He tried several times to get up and forcibly interrupt Jiang Xuan's cultivation.

But in the end, he held back.

Looking at the tightly closed door and sensing the violent yet strangely balanced spiritual energy fluctuations within, a complex emotion flashed in Xue Jin's turbid eyes.

"Never mind... This kid may be young, but he's as calm and collected as an old monster."

"Since he dared to do this, he must have his reasons and confidence..." Xue Jin took a big gulp of wine, as if trying to suppress the worries in his heart.

"Old man, I'll trust you one more time... just don't ruin yourself by training too hard."

Just as Jiang Xuan was immersed in seclusion and arduous cultivation, another focus in Yanxia City was rapidly heating up, eventually igniting the enthusiasm of the entire city!
Shi Ding Zhai Centennial Celebration!
This grand event, hosted by the Empire's top trading firms, is finally about to unveil its magnificent curtain!

The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of Yanxia City.

Everyone knew that this celebration was the most grand and prestigious in Yanxia City in decades!

All the top figures from the city's powerful families will personally attend and show their support.

Liu Wujun, Grand Commander of the City Lord's Mansion!
Wei Lingzhen, Dean of Yanxia College!
Du Dongtu, the leader of the Purple Feather Army!
Shi Ding Zhai's owner, Mu Wansu!

There are even rumors that the Grand Commander's rival, the great cultivator Yao Tuohai, and some reclusive old monsters will make an appearance!

This brings together almost all of Yanxia City's most powerful authority and military strength!

The most exciting news, which has caused a sensation throughout the city and been eagerly anticipated by countless people, is that the renowned and hailed as the Pearl of the Empire, Miss Liu Qingyan, will be present at the celebration and perform her heavenly music!

Liu Qingyan!
The name alone is enough to drive countless talented young people crazy!
Her beauty, her talent, her family background—all were among the best in the empire! To hear her play in person was an opportunity that countless people dreamed of but could never have!

In the streets and alleys, in restaurants and teahouses, people's conversations were almost entirely focused on the upcoming grand event.

"Have you heard? The Shi Ding Zhai centennial celebration is the day after tomorrow! All the important people in the city will be there!"

"More than that! Miss Liu Qingyan! My God, if I could just catch a glimpse of her from afar, my whole life would be worth it!"

"It is said that there will be various rare treasures on display at the celebration, and even rare items brought by the headquarters in the capital will be auctioned!"

"Tsk tsk, this is a true grand feast! Too bad for us nobody folks, we can't even get through the door..."

"Those who can get in are all extremely wealthy and powerful! Even an ordinary invitation is now being sold for an astronomical price!"

"Miss Liu Qingyan... I wonder what piece she can play? I really want to hear it with my own ears..."

Liu Qingyan's name, like the most brilliant star, became the most dazzling halo of this centennial celebration, igniting the passion and longing in the hearts of everyone in the city.

Purple Bamboo Courtyard, Emerald Tea Pavilion.

Outside the window, bamboo shadows sway gently, while inside, the fragrance of sandalwood wafts through the air.

Liu Qingyan, dressed in an elegant long dress, sat upright at her desk, her slender hands holding a pen, writing lyrics for a newly composed melody.

Her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she pondered, sometimes lost in thought, sometimes putting pen to paper, her expression focused and serene.

Granny Feng stood by, looking at the words written by her young mistress. The sorrow, loneliness, and longing for freedom that were inadvertently revealed between the lines made her feel a pang of sadness and emotion.

“Miss, this new word…” Granny Feng couldn’t help but call out softly.

Liu Qingyan paused, raised her head, and her clear eyes showed a hint of confusion at being interrupted, which quickly turned into a faint sense of helplessness.

"Grandma, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing, it's just that...Miss's words seem more...more melancholic than before."

"Grandma Wind said carefully."

Liu Qingyan put down her pen, looked at the still-wet ink on the paper, and sighed softly.

"It's just a feeling in my heart."

Where in this world is there a pure land? Where can one find true freedom?

Her gaze seemed to be looking through the window lattice towards some distant place.

Granny Feng's heart stirred, and she tentatively asked.

"Is Miss... worried about Jiang Xuan?"

Upon hearing this name, Granny Feng's face instinctively darkened.

She didn't have a good impression of that sly boy.

Liu Qingyan did not answer directly, but remained silent for a moment before speaking softly.

“Mother-in-law, with the celebration approaching, I think… perhaps you should make a trip to the Spirit Pattern Masters' Guild to pay your respects to Master Xun? After all, the Ancient Law Spirit Xun…”

"Don't worry, Miss!"

Granny Feng immediately responded, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes.

"That's exactly what I'm thinking! That Master Xun is quite arrogant. He took our benefits but has been dragging his feet on repairing the spirit flute! This time, I'll go personally and make sure to get to the bottom of this! If he dares to be perfunctory..." She snorted coldly, her meaning clear.

"Mother-in-law!"

Liu Qingyan quickly stopped her, her tone tinged with helplessness and pleading. (End of Chapter)