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

Jiang Xuan listened, his heart stirred slightly, and he nodded.

"Thank you for reminding me, Manager Mu. I've got it in mind."

The two chatted casually for a few more minutes before parting ways at a fork in the road.

As dusk fell, Su Niaoniao gracefully disappeared into the night, while Jiang Xuan continued walking towards Jin Yutang.

His conversation with Mu Wansu gave him a clearer understanding of Jin Yutang's situation.

It was late at night when I bid farewell to Mu Wansu. Jin Yutang had already closed its doors for the night.

But the lights in the backyard were still on. Jiang Xuan entered through the back door with practiced ease and arrived at the secret room where Gu Liang handled affairs.

Inside the secret room, Gu Liang was scratching his head in front of a pile of account books and letters.

His face showed both excitement and deep worry.

Upon seeing Jiang Xuan enter, he quickly stood up.

"Brother Jiang Xuan, you're here! Today was truly...so exciting!"

He was referring to the blockade at the entrance and the reactions from all sides.

Jiang Xuan waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down.

Without exchanging many pleasantries, he took out a stack of densely written papers from his pocket and handed them to Gu Liang.

"Brother Gu, take a look at this first."

Gu Liang took the stack of papers with some doubt and looked down at them under the bright light.

At first, he looked somewhat puzzled.

But as he turned the pages, his eyes widened and his breathing became heavier.

This stack of papers contains detailed records of seven magical artifact designs that are completely different from any other school of thought currently on the market!
From the unique shapes of weapons to the strange structures of armor, and the ingenious designs of some auxiliary magical artifacts...

Each one comes with a simple sketch and suggested core materials.

And most importantly, the prototype of one or more previously unseen spirit patterns!
These ideas, though wildly imaginative, subtly conform to some profound laws and are by no means mere figments of the imagination.

Rather, it contains extremely high wisdom and a unique philosophy of weapon crafting!
Its origin lies in the animal skin notebook that Jiang Xuan received from the mysterious "Mr. Deer," which he combined with his own insights to refine and evolve it.

This has never been seen on the market before!
"This this…"

Gu Liang's hands trembled violently with excitement, causing the papers to rustle.

He suddenly raised his head, staring intently at Jiang Xuan, his voice trembling.

"Brother Jiang Xuan! These... these blueprints... where did you get them?! This is simply... simply an unparalleled genius!"

As a veteran who had been running a business for many years, he knew all too well what these seven new magical artifacts meant!

This is not just a few new products; it represents a completely new technological approach and brand identity unique to Jin Yu Tang!

Once successfully refined and launched, Jin Yutang will completely break free from the embarrassing situation of only being able to sell mass-produced goods and will possess an irreplaceable core competitiveness!

This is enough to allow Jin Yutang to truly gain a foothold in Yanxia City, which is surrounded by powerful enemies, and even leap to become a top spiritual weapon merchant!

Jiang Xuan looked at Gu Liang, who was so excited he could hardly contain himself, and said calmly.

"You don't need to ask about the source. These are just preliminary ideas. The specific refining and improvement will require you, Brother Gu, to find reliable spirit pattern masters and craftsmen to work together. I believe that with these, Jin Yutang should be able to create its own brand."

Gu Liang clutched the stack of papers, which he considered priceless, his eyes welling with tears of excitement, and he nodded repeatedly.

"Brother Jiang Xuan... this... this gift is far too precious! I... I really don't know how to thank you enough!"

Jiang Xuan's expression was calm, but his tone was serious.

“Brother Gu, there’s no need for that. If Jin Yutang can establish itself, it will be a help to me. Consider these ideas as my contribution to Jin Yutang. However, this is a matter of great importance, and the confidentiality of the diagrams must be absolutely guaranteed.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Liang immediately calmed down from his excitement, nodded repeatedly, and revealed the shrewdness and caution of a businessman.

"Don't worry, brother! I understand! This kind of secret, which could change the fate of the business, will not be leaked in the slightest! I will immediately activate the highest level of security measures, and all personnel involved in the research and development will sign the most stringent soul contract!"

Jiang Xuan nodded and added.

"Furthermore, once these magical artifacts are successfully crafted, they will bear a unique spiritual rune imprint that is extremely difficult to replicate. Even if someone obtains a finished product, it is almost impossible for them to decipher the core spiritual rune."

This confidence stemmed from his knowledge of the profound spiritual runes found in Mr. Lu's notes.

Hearing this, Gu Liang was completely relieved, and his face lit up with excitement.

"Excellent! With this, Jin Yutang now has a true foothold! Our unique secret weapon, plus your reputation, young man... haha, heaven is on my side!"

He rubbed his hands together excitedly, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

"This matter is of great importance, and I am afraid I cannot handle it alone. I have decided to immediately send a message to my father, Gu Yanping, and ask him to come to Yanxia City in person to oversee the preparation and development of this batch of new spiritual weapons!"

Jiang Xuan had no objection to this. Gu Yanping was the true leader of Jin Yutang, with extensive experience. It was indeed the most reliable way to have him take charge.

The agreement was reached, and it was nearly dawn outside the window.

Jiang Xuan didn't linger any longer, got up to say goodbye, and returned to his small courtyard in the west of the city.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, he found that Xue Jin was not asleep, but sitting on the stone bench in the courtyard, seemingly waiting for him.

Seeing Jiang Xuan return, Xue Jin raised her eyelids and said in a muffled voice.

"Kid, you're back? I heard you really made a name for yourself at the assessment today, and even gave Jin Yutang a boost in reputation?"

Jiang Xuan sat down opposite him and nodded.

"Well, consider it repaying a favor to Gu Liang."

Xue Jin took a swig of wine, a look of worry appearing on his rugged face.

"It's good that you value loyalty. But... the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. By doing this, Jin Yutang has become famous, but it's also tied you to it."

If your potential enemies, or those who don't like you, can't touch you, they'll inevitably try to target Jin Yutang, trying to annoy you by attacking it, or even setting traps.

The shady dealings in the business world are no easier than real combat.

Jiang Xuan remained silent for a moment, then looked calmly at the sparse stars in the night sky and spoke slowly.

"Uncle Xuejin, I understand your concerns. But can we throw the baby out with the bathwater? My association with Jinyutang and my support for its development are from the bottom of my heart, and I am prepared to bear the corresponding risks. If anyone truly holds a grudge against Jinyutang because of this, or tries to use this to deal with me..."

"Then let them try. I'll take over."

Xue Jin stared at Jiang Xuan's calm yet resolute profile, paused for a moment, then shook her head self-deprecatingly, tilted her head back and took another big gulp of wine, and sighed.

"Sigh, I'm really getting old, and I have more and more worries. Oh well, as long as you're a good kid and know what you're doing, that's fine. Anyway, I'm still here for now, and I'll help you out as long as I can."

……

Three days passed in a blink of an eye.

The first round of the provincial examination has come to a close after a fierce and brutal competition.

Of the 5,436 participants, only 2,600 successfully advanced after hundreds of battles.

Many of these battles were evenly matched, with both sides fighting until their spiritual energy was exhausted and they were covered in wounds.

However, because they couldn't determine a winner within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they were both ruthlessly eliminated by the rules, a situation filled with regret and cruelty. The day for the second round of assessment finally arrived.

The atmosphere at Yanxia Academy was even more intense than during the first round!

The stands were already packed, and even the aisles were filled with people, creating a deafening din.

Because after the first round of selection, the remaining cultivators are stronger, and the duel will undoubtedly be more exciting!
Within the assessment area, more than two thousand young cultivators who had successfully advanced gathered here.

Each of them possessed a refined aura, sharp eyes, and was brimming with fighting spirit.

Being able to stand out from more than 5,000 people is proof of their extraordinary qualities.

When Jiang Xuan's figure appeared at the entrance of the assessment area.

The already noisy venue instantly erupted into a huge commotion and a frenzy of discussion!
Almost all eyes were focused on him!
"Look! It's Jiang Xuan! He's here!"

"I wonder what surprising thing he'll do today?"

"What else could it be? It's just another round of bragging for Jin Yutang!"

"Hmph, for a cultivator to be so preoccupied with business is simply damaging to one's reputation! A mere empty name!"

"You can't say that. He has the power to do whatever he wants! What's it to you? Besides, with this publicity, Jin Yutang is now a household name. This strategy might just be a success."

"Exactly, if you're so capable, why don't you take down your opponent with one strike and then give your shop some free advertising?"

Various opinions arose, including curiosity, anticipation, mockery, disdain, and calm analysis.

Jiang Xuan's "advertisement" on the provincial examination stage has become one of the most eye-catching topics of this assessment.

On the white jade platform, important figures such as Liu Wujun, Wei Lingzhen, and Du Dongtu naturally noticed the commotion below.

Their gazes also fell on Jiang Xuan, their expressions varying.

Wei Lingzhen stroked his beard, chuckled, and shook his head.

"This kid really does things in ways that are unconventional."

Du Dongtu snorted.

"Being unconventional, whether it's a blessing or a curse, remains to be seen."

Liu Wujun, with a deep gaze, said calmly.

“Extraordinary people do extraordinary things. This young man is resolute and has a clear goal. Perhaps... he cannot be judged by the standards of ordinary geniuses.”

As Jiang Xuan stepped into the assessment area, he instantly felt countless gazes directed at him from all directions.

The various discussions, exclamations, and even undisguised pointing and whispering made him frown slightly.

Although he was determined.

But being under the intense scrutiny of 100,000 people still made me feel uneasy, as if I were in the center of a giant vortex.

"when--!"

Amidst the clamor and uproar, the melodious and majestic chimes once again resounded throughout the venue, instantly silencing all the noise.

The second round of provincial examinations has officially begun!

Dean Wei Lingzhen's voice then rang out, announcing the rules for the second round.

"In the second round of assessment, the 2,600 finalists will continue to draw lots for the next round of competition. The time limit for each match has been extended to half an hour! Those who fail to determine a winner within the time limit will both be eliminated!"

The extended time limit means that the battle can go deeper, and tactics and endurance will play a more crucial role.

But it also means that evenly matched battles will be even more brutal.

Jiang Xuan followed the crowd to the lottery point again. He pressed the token onto the spirit pattern array, a flash of light appeared, and information emerged.

[Match 4, Ring 49, Opponent: Yue Zhongtian.]

"Yue Zhongtian..."

Jiang Xuan noted down the name and the venue, then stepped aside and waited quietly.

There was still some time before he went on stage, so he could observe the battles of the other cultivators.

The first match quickly unfolded fiercely on each of the arenas.

Those who advanced to the second round were all formidable opponents, and the excitement and intensity of the battles far surpassed those of the first round.

The roar of colliding qi, the sharp sound of spiritual weapons clashing, and the angry shouts and muffled groans of the cultivators rose and fell.

The cheers and shouts from the audience grew louder and louder, and the atmosphere in the entire venue was extremely exciting.

Jiang Xuan's gaze swept over several arenas, where cultivators displayed their skills.

Some displayed unpredictable movements, some possessed formidable strength, and some had exquisite techniques, truly showcasing the top-tier skills of the younger generation in Yanxia County.

Although these battles were intense, they failed to generate any real interest or pressure for Jiang Xuan.

His strength and vision, honed through the Tongtian Secret Realm and the trials of inner demons, have long surpassed those of his peers.

However, he did not slack off because of this. He continued to watch the battle carefully, trying to find subtle details that he could learn from the different fighting styles and power applications.

Just as Jiang Xuan was focused on watching the battle, a group of people were gathering not far from him.

One of them was dressed in a luxurious royal blue robe, with a thin figure, a somewhat mean face, and sharp, arrogant eyes.

With a fierce aura, he was none other than Yue Zhongtian, Jiang Xuan's opponent in this battle.

He was surrounded by several familiar cultivators, including Wen Mingxiu and Qi Yunxiao.

"Senior Brother Yue, your next opponent is Jiang Xuan! His strength is unfathomable. In the first round, he defeated Tan Long, who was in the mid-stage of the Earthly Realm, with just one strike. You must be very careful!"

Wen Mingxiu reminded him with a worried expression.

Qi Yunxiao echoed, still feeling lingering fear.

"Yes, Senior Brother Yue, don't be fooled by his youthful appearance. This man is ruthless when he takes action!"

Upon hearing these admonitions, Yue Zhongtian not only failed to be wary, but instead showed displeasure and contempt on his face.

He snorted coldly, interrupting his companion.

"Hmph! You're giving too much credit to others and diminishing your own prestige! Isn't he just a kid with a bit of brute strength who likes to show off? Openly advocating for merchants on the assessment stage is a disgrace to all cultivators!"
How much can someone so obsessed with fame and fortune achieve? Today, I, Yue Zhongtian, will weigh his worth for everyone!

His voice was loud and clearly provocative, and his gaze was unabashedly fixed on Jiang Xuan, who was not far away.

Jiang Xuan sensed the hostile gaze and turned to look.

They saw the arrogant young man in blue, and Wen Mingxiu and the others with complicated expressions beside him.

Judging from the other person's clothing, demeanor, and the attitude of those around them.

Jiang Xuan speculated that Yue Zhongtian was likely a student of Yanxia Academy, and probably quite arrogant.

Jiang Xuan ignored this pointless provocation.

He glanced at it briefly before turning his gaze back to the battle on the arena. (End of Chapter)