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

Hearing this jarring laughter, Lezhiyou felt even more ashamed and indignant, his face turning purple.

Enraged and humiliated, in an attempt to save face, he mustered his spiritual energy and charged towards Jiang Xuan with a roar.

"Jiang Xuan! I'll fight you to the death!"

But in Jiang Xuan's eyes, his angry attack was full of flaws.

Jiang Xuan didn't even use his full strength; he simply unleashed a casual palm strike.

Le Zhiyou was once again intimidated by the fierce fist intent, and jumped backward in a sorry state, not daring to take it head-on!
"Hahaha!"

The laughter from the audience grew even louder, filled with mockery and disdain.

On the high platform, Dean Wei Lingzhen frowned slightly as she looked at Le Zhiyou's out-of-control appearance.

She let out a soft sigh, the sound of which, though gentle, carried clearly throughout the entire venue.

"Lezhiyou, step down. The outcome is decided; do not lose your composure."

When Lezhiyou heard the dean's voice, he trembled as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water.

He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, filled with resentment and humiliation.

But he dared not disobey the dean's orders.

Finally, he glared fiercely at Jiang Xuan, his eyes filled with resentment.

Then, without saying a word, he jumped off the stage in a very disheveled and dejected manner.

Without looking back, he pushed through the crowd and quickly disappeared into the darkness.

Inside the assessment area, top geniuses such as Xue Shaolin, Li Hao, and Liu Yu watched Le Zhiyou leave the stage in disappointment.

Looking again at the blood-soaked figure on the arena, their expressions became extremely solemn.

With this battle, Jiang Xuan firmly established his undisputed top position in this provincial examination!

At this moment, Jiang Xuan undoubtedly became the sole focus of attention in the entire venue!

Ten thousand eyes were focused on him, filled with amazement, admiration, awe, and indescribable complex emotions.

On the white jade platform, Liu Wujun slowly exhaled, his gaze deep and profound.

"This young man's rise to power is unstoppable."

Wei Lingzhen nodded in agreement, her tone filled with satisfaction.

"After this battle, the future of the younger generation in Yanxia County will be determined by this young man."

He is qualified to represent my Yanxia County in the Empire's national examination.

Du Dongtu also showed a rare expression of agreement.

Just as everyone was focused on the moment and immersed in the shock and lingering sense of victory brought by Jiang Xuan,

Jiang Xuan, however, did something that surprised everyone on the arena.

He suppressed his surging emotions and scanned the entire room with his gaze.

Then, in an exceptionally solemn and dignified tone, he spoke loudly, his voice resounding through the arena's array to every corner.

"Gentlemen, our victory today is entirely due to the advantage of our magical artifacts. I, Jiang, hereby solemnly declare—"

He paused, and under the gaze of countless doubtful, curious, and expectant eyes, he spoke clearly and forcefully.

"When it comes to buying magical artifacts, I only choose Jin Yutang!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire audience was stunned! The once noisy venue fell into an eerie silence once again.

The admiration and amazement on countless faces froze instantly, replaced by a bewildered expression.

"This kid..."

Dean Wei Lingzhen shook her head and chuckled, her tone carrying a hint of indulgence.

"His actions are truly unconventional, making him... impossible to guard against."

General Du Dongtu snorted coldly.

But the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

"Hmph, he hasn't forgotten his 'real business' after all."

Prefect Liu Wujun's gaze was deep, but in the end, he could only let out a soft sigh.

"So be it, let him be. This boy is unconventional, but he has his own methods, and we can't force him to follow them."

On the stage, after Jiang Xuan finished reciting the advertising slogan, he ignored the uproar and strange looks from the audience.

He could clearly feel waves of weakness emanating from his body and a burning pain in the wound on his left shoulder.

The fierce battle just now, though seemingly won decisively, actually took a heavy toll on his spiritual energy and mental strength, leaving him with serious injuries.

The third round of assessments has ended.

But according to the rules, the next round of drawing lots and fighting will begin immediately afterwards.

Given his current condition, he would likely struggle to withstand another strong opponent.

In the blink of an eye, Jiang Xuan had already made his decision.

He bowed slightly towards the referee's table, his voice calm yet clear.

"Referee, my injuries are quite severe, and my spiritual energy has been excessively depleted. I request to withdraw from the subsequent assessments and recuperate."

These words caused quite a stir.

Having just displayed such terrifying strength, why did they voluntarily withdraw?
But seeing Jiang Xuan's pale face and the dripping blood, everyone felt it was all understandable.

After all, he was facing an attack from five powerful individuals. It was a miracle that he was able to win, and paying a price was inevitable.

After a brief discussion, the elders on the referee's panel nodded in approval of Jiang Xuan's application.

After all, the provincial examination is not about pursuing continuous combat; ensuring the cultivator's basic condition is also allowed by the rules.

Without further delay, Jiang Xuan walked off the stage with slightly unsteady but exceptionally determined steps, under the watchful eyes of countless people.

I walked through the assessment area and left Yanxia College directly.

He needed to return to the courtyard as soon as possible to utilize the "Minor Underworld Divine Art" and some elixirs obtained from the secret realm.

Heal your injuries as soon as possible and get back into shape to prepare for the crucial final assessment three days from now.

The news of Jiang Xuan's fierce battle against Le Zhiyou and his five companions, ultimately turning the tide and achieving victory, came before he left the academy.

It has already swept through the entire city of Yanxia!
In the streets and alleys, in restaurants and teahouses, everyone was enthusiastically discussing this earth-shattering duel.

"Have you heard? Jiang Xuan! That Jiang Xuan! In the Six Jia Tournament, he single-handedly defeated five experts led by Le Zhiyou!"

"My God! Le Zhiyou is a Heavenly Gang Realm cultivator! And he has four Earthly Gang Realm helpers! How could he win?"

"It wasn't just a win! It sent Le Zhiyou flying with a single punch, and then swept the other four off the stage with ease! It was incredibly domineering!"

"This child...is truly a prodigy!"

"It seems he's the clear winner of this provincial examination!"

"Jin Yutang really hit the jackpot this time! With Jiang Xuan promoting him like this, it's hard for him not to become a hit!"

Amazement, admiration, envy, and感慨... a variety of reactions filled every corner of Yanxia City.

In a secluded courtyard in the west of the city, Jiang Xuan sat cross-legged in the quiet room.

He swallowed pills, circulated his cultivation techniques, and did his best to repair his injuries and condense his depleted spiritual energy.

In the courtyard, Xue Jin was not fast asleep as usual, but sat alone on a stone bench with a wine jar in front of him, but unusually, he did not drink heavily.

He gazed at the night sky, his rugged face bearing an imperceptible weight and contemplation, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the stone table.

"The turbulent wasteland... I wonder how much longer my old brothers over there can hold on... I should head back too..."

He muttered to himself, his eyes filled with reminiscence and resolve. Just then, a faint yet incredibly sharp whistle suddenly pierced the night sky!
A dark shadow tore through the night and silently landed in the courtyard!

This is a magnificent falcon-like beast, its feathers as black as ink.

Yet it possesses six pairs of folded wings, sharp eyes, and exudes a cold yet powerful aura—it is the "Dark Night Six-Winged Falcon" used by the Obsidian Sanctuary to transmit urgent information!
Upon seeing the six-winged falcon, Xue Jin's expression changed drastically, and he abruptly stood up!

He knew that the Holy Church would never use this beast to send messages unless there was something extremely important and urgent!

The six-winged falcon's sharp gaze fell on Xue Jin, and a cold and condensed mental message directly entered Xue Jin's mind.

"Snow Gold Guard Captain, listen to my orders! A secret report from the Holy Temple. A traitor has emerged within the Obsidian Holy Temple, leaking crucial secrets! This matter... is related to Jiang Xuan! You are hereby ordered to remain in place immediately, suspend all plans to proceed to the turbulent wasteland, closely guard the target, and await further instructions! No mistakes allowed!"

"What?! A traitor?! And related to Jiang Xuan?!"

Xue Jin trembled violently, his copper bell-like eyes widened instantly, and his face was filled with shock and anger!
There was a traitor within the Obsidian Sanctuary?

And Jiang Xuan is also involved?
This news instantly stirred up a storm of emotions within him!

……

Under the same night sky, deep within the Dark Castle, a hidden place somewhere in the empire.

Inside the magnificent yet eerie hall, the Queen of the Night sat high on her throne.

Her stunningly beautiful face was shrouded in shadow, only her eyes, cold and clear as ice, looked down.

Before her stood a figure dressed in a purple-patterned robe, whose aura was originally as deep and profound as an abyss.

At this moment, he was kneeling on the ground, his body trembling slightly. He was none other than the Purple Soul Deacon of the Obsidian Sanctuary!

A genuine expert at the Cave Heaven Realm!
"Purple Soul, do you know your crime?"

The Queen of the Night's voice was calm, yet carried supreme majesty, as if it could freeze the soul.

The Purple Soul Deacon raised his head, his face filled with pain and struggle, before finally turning into ashes.

"Your subordinate... knows his guilt. Betraying the Holy Church and leaking secrets is an unforgivable crime... But your subordinate... did it to protect 'her'... Your subordinate... has no regrets..."

His voice was hoarse, carrying a heartbreaking despair.

The Queen of the Night looked at him silently, without anger or pity, and after a long while, she slowly spoke.

"The word 'love' can lead to profound misfortune. Enough..."

With a gentle wave of her hand, an invisible force enveloped the Purple Soul Deacon.

The Purple Soul Deacon did not resist; instead, a look of relief appeared on his face.

His body began to become transparent, and finally completely disappeared into the hall, as if he had never existed.

A powerful expert at the Cave Heaven Realm has fallen silently.

At this moment, a hunched old man appeared beside the throne like a ghost and whispered his report.

"Your Majesty, the observatory has replied. They have agreed to temporarily spare Jiang Xuan. But... there are conditions."

The Queen of the Night's gaze shifted slightly.

"explain."

The old man said respectfully.

"The condition is... Jiang Xuan must go to the Forbidden City on his own. During this period, the Chi family... may send cultivators below the Spirit Sea Realm to obstruct and... test him. My Obsidian Holy Hall shall not directly intervene in any way to assist him."

Upon hearing this, the Queen of the Night pondered for a moment before her cold voice rang out.

"In other words, the choice is being returned to Jiang Xuan himself... The journey to the Forbidden City is fraught with danger, and the Chi family will certainly not let this opportunity pass; they will definitely have a deadly move."

But if he doesn't go... he'll never know the secret of his origins, and might even fall into a greater crisis due to incomplete information...

She slowly stood up, walked to the window, looked out at the endless darkness, and made a decision.

"Pass down the order to inform Xue Jin of the conditions of the Star Gazing Platform exactly as they are. As for how to choose... that's up to Jiang Xuan. We only need to ensure that the Chi family abides by the rule of 'below the Spirit Sea Realm'."

"Yes!"

The old man bowed and accepted the order, then quietly withdrew.

……

The following evening, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the courtyard in a warm golden light.

After a full day of meditation, Jiang Xuan, whose injuries and spiritual energy had mostly recovered, stepped out of his meditation room and saw Xue Jin standing in the courtyard with an unusually solemn expression.

And the six-winged falcon of the night descended once more, bringing new information.

After hearing the news from the Six-Winged Falcon about the betrayal of the Purple Soul Deacon and the conditions of the Stargazing Platform, Xue Jin...

He froze on the spot, his face filled with immense shock and deep confusion!

"Zi Hun... Deacon Zi Hun... he's actually a traitor? For a woman... this... how is this possible?!"

Xue Jin stood there for a long time, her mind churning with thoughts.

The news brought by the Dark Night Six-Winged Falcon was too shocking: the betrayal of the Purple Soul Deacon, its connection to Jiang Xuan's background, the conditions of the Star Gazing Platform... all of this pointed to one fact.

Jiang Xuan's peaceful cultivation life is about to be disrupted, as he will be drawn into a massive vortex far beyond his current level of understanding.

"Ugh……"

Xue Jin sighed deeply, his rugged face filled with complex emotions.

He knew that, as instructed, he had to tell Jiang Xuan part of the truth.

Based on his understanding of Jiang Xuan, he knew this seemingly calm but actually resilient and persistent young man.

Once he learns that this matter concerns his background, he will never back down.

The road ahead is destined to be full of thorns, and may even be a matter of life and death.

"Never mind, what's meant to be will be. I'll tell him after the provincial exam."

Xue Jin finally made a decision to temporarily suppress her heavy thoughts.

The next three days were calm.

Jiang Xuan stayed indoors, focusing all his energy on circulating his cultivation techniques to heal his injuries and refine his spiritual energy.

Thanks to the miraculous effects of the "Minor Underworld Divine Art" and the precious elixirs obtained from the secret realm.

The horrific wound on his left shoulder had healed and scabbed over, and his internal spiritual energy had fully recovered.

It even became more refined and powerful because of the tempering of that life-or-death battle.

His understanding of "Shaking the Heavens and Collapsing the Nine Paths" has deepened, although he has not yet broken through to a new move.

However, it is more versatile and easier to use, and its power is subtly enhanced.

He was completely focused on preparing for the final round of the provincial examination, oblivious to the two arrivals of the Dark Night Six-Winged Falcon and the resulting undercurrents that would affect his fate.

The three-day period arrived in the blink of an eye.

Inside Yanxia Academy, the atmosphere was more intense and tense than ever before.

Only two hundred cultivators were able to make it to the final round of assessments, and they were all true elites who had survived several rounds of brutal elimination!

The stands were already packed, and everyone's eyes were filled with anticipation. The focus of discussion was almost entirely on one person.

"It's the final round! Do you think Jiang Xuan can win the championship?"

"Is that even a question? Even Yue Zhiyou, a cultivator at the Heavenly Gang Realm, was sent flying with a single punch. Who else could stop him?"

"Don't speak too confidently. Xue Shaolin, Li Hao, and Liu Yu are not to be underestimated. They might have some hidden trump cards up their sleeves!"

"Anyway, I think Jiang Xuan has the best chance! He's too strong!"

Jiang Xuan followed the crowd into the assessment area and immediately felt countless gazes focused on him. (End of Chapter)