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

His expression was calm as he scanned the crowd and spotted familiar faces such as Xue Shaolin and Li Hao.

They were also looking at him, their eyes filled with solemnity.

Suddenly, Jiang Xuan noticed a hesitant gaze.

He turned his head and saw that Xue Jin had also arrived at the edge of the assessment area at some point and was watching him from a distance.

His rugged face bore a rare, complex, and indescribable expression.

He seemed to want to say something, but forcibly held back.

Jiang Xuan felt a slight stirring in his heart, sensing that Xue Jin was acting strangely today.

Before he could think about it further, the presiding elder's voice rang out.

"The final round of the provincial examination is about to begin with the draw!"

The atmosphere instantly became tense. Two hundred cultivators stepped forward one by one to draw lots.

When Jiang Xuan received his own card and saw his opponent's name, his expression remained unchanged.

Opposite him, a cultivator named Wang Kang from Yunjing City, saw the words "Jiang Xuan" on his name tag.

His face turned deathly pale in an instant, and his hand holding the lottery ticket trembled slightly.

He was able to break into the top 200 out of thousands of people, which shows he was a proud and ambitious person.

But facing Jiang Xuan, a monster who had created miracles one after another and whose fearsome reputation was widespread, he couldn't see even the slightest chance of winning.

The other cultivators around saw Wang Kang's reaction, and then saw that his opponent was Jiang Xuan.

Many people showed expressions of relief and sympathy.

I'm glad I didn't draw Jiang Xuan, and I sympathize with Wang Kang's bad luck.

The assessment began soon.

On each arena, even more intense and exciting battles erupted.

Cultivators who have reached this stage all possess unique skills, with various exquisite techniques and spiritual artifacts emerging one after another.

This drew gasps and exclamations from the audience.

When it was Jiang Xuan and Wang Kang's turn to appear, all eyes in the audience instantly turned to them.

Wang Kang was filled with despair.

But to break into the top 200, one's willpower must be extraordinary.

He suppressed his fear and adjusted himself to his best condition.

Upon taking the stage, he immediately unleashed his magical weapon and unleashed his most powerful and secret techniques, launching a fierce attack.

This demonstrates the qualities expected of a top-tier cultivator.

Faced with an absolute disparity in strength, all of this is in vain.

Jiang Xuan didn't even use the killing move of "Shaking the Heavens Nine Collapses Dao," relying solely on his superior spiritual energy cultivation and precise control over his power.

With just a few simple punches and kicks, Wang Kang's fierce and relentless offensive was completely thwarted.

Finally, a light palm strike landed on his chest, the gentle force sending him off the stage without causing any serious injury.

The whole process was swift, efficient, and without any suspense.

"Jiang Xuansheng!"

As soon as the referee's voice rang out, a deafening cheer erupted from the field!
Jiang Xuan's supporters were ecstatic, as if winning the championship was a foregone conclusion.

On the white jade platform, Liu Wujun, Wei Lingzhen, Du Dongtu, and others watched this scene calmly, without any surprise.

This result was exactly what they had expected.

"This young man's strength far surpasses his peers. This final round is nothing more than a formality for him."

Wei Lingzhen stroked his beard and said.

Du Dongtu nodded.

"Decisive and ruthless, yet not a bloodthirsty person. He knows how to exercise restraint and is a promising talent. With further training, he may bring glory to Yanxia County in the future national examinations."

Liu Wujun gazed into the distance and spoke slowly.

"After the assessment, the students' performance will be comprehensively evaluated to determine the final rankings and rewards. As for Jiang Xuan... his path will probably not end here."

Just as everyone was discussing it, they discovered...

Jiang Xuan, who had just won easily, did not stay on the stage, nor did he pay attention to other matches.

Instead, he walked straight off the stage, through the assessment area, and left Yanxia Academy without looking back.

The figure quickly disappeared from everyone's sight.

"Huh? Why did he leave?"

Wei Lingzhen was somewhat surprised.

"Perhaps... he felt the remaining battle was already decided, or... there was something more important?"

Du Dongtu guessed.

Liu Wujun did not say much.

Jiang Xuan did indeed leave in a hurry.

For some reason, Xue Jin's complicated, hesitant gaze lingered in his mind, making him feel vaguely uneasy.

He worried that Xuejin would suddenly leave without saying goodbye, just like when he mentioned going to the turbulent wasteland last time.

He hurried back to the small courtyard in the west of the city, pushed open the gate, and only when he saw Xue Jin's burly figure still sitting on the stone bench did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

"Uncle Xuejin, I'm back."

Jiang Xuan smiled and stepped forward.

"Today's assessment went well, let's have a big toast! I have a few jars of fine wine, shall we share a few cups?"

Xue Jin did not readily agree as usual. He looked up at Jiang Xuan, his eyes filled with unprecedentedly complex emotions, including solemnity, worry, and even... reluctance.

He paused for a moment, then spoke in a low voice.

"Drinking...no rush. Kid, the provincial exams...should be over soon, right?"

Jiang Xuan nodded.

"Well, only the final ranking is left, which is no longer my concern."

Under the cover of night, Yanxia City was filled with a festive atmosphere due to the successful conclusion of the provincial examination.

Restaurants and teahouses were bustling with noise, and the streets and alleys were buzzing with discussion, as everyone excitedly talked about today's exciting duel.

Especially Jiang Xuan's earth-shattering performance.

In that secluded little courtyard in the west of the city, the atmosphere was completely out of place with the hustle and bustle outside, appearing unusually quiet, even heavy.

In the courtyard, several small dishes and two unopened jars of wine were placed on a stone table.

But neither Jiang Xuan nor Xue Jin touched their chopsticks.

Xue Jin, with a solemn expression, relayed the news brought by the Dark Night Six-Winged Falcon.

He recounted in as much detail as he knew about Jiang Xuan's background, the betrayal of the Purple Soul Deacon, and the conditions of the Star Gazing Platform.

He did not conceal the fact that the Dark Queen already knew about Jiang Xuan's background.

It also mentioned the huge uproar caused by this background, which even drew in experts at the Cave Heaven Realm.

Jiang Xuan listened quietly, his expression gradually changing from initial astonishment to solemnity, and finally to a deep and complex one.

His hands, resting on his knees, unconsciously clenched slightly. Although he had long been mentally prepared for his extraordinary background.

But when they heard words like "Obsidian Sanctuary", "betrayal by a Cave Heaven Realm expert", and "conditions for the Star Gazing Platform", they were shocked.

He was still deeply shocked. This meant that the enemy he faced back then was far more powerful than he had previously imagined!
The Queen of the Night knew his true identity, but chose to reveal it to him in this way only at this time.

The deeper meaning behind it filled him with doubt and indescribable turmoil.

"...That's just the way it is."

Xue Jin let out a long breath and looked at the silent Jiang Xuan, her eyes filled with worry.

"Boy, the Forbidden City is a den of dragons and tigers! Since the Chi family has been allowed to send people to stop us, they will show no mercy! This journey will surely be fraught with peril! Take my advice, don't go! We can reconsider when we are stronger!"

Jiang Xuan raised his head, his gaze passing through the courtyard wall, as if looking towards the distant capital.

He shook his head, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable resolve.

“Uncle Xuejin, thank you for your kindness. But my initial purpose in entering the Ziyao Empire and embarking on this path of cultivation was to find the truth about my origins. Now that the clues are right in front of me, how can I back down because of the dangers ahead?”

He paused.

"Moreover, since the enemy has set up this trap, I probably have no choice but to retreat. They probably... have other plans."

Looking at Jiang Xuan's resolute eyes, Xue Jin knew that it would be useless to persuade him any further.

He knew Jiang Xuan well; once he made a decision, he would never easily change it.

He sighed heavily, grabbed a jar of wine, broke the mud seal, tilted his head back and took a big gulp, then pushed the jar to Jiang Xuan.

"Fine! I knew I couldn't persuade you! Since your mind is made up, then... drink this farewell drink! Be careful on your journey!"

Jiang Xuan took the wine jar, tilted his head back and took a big gulp. The spicy liquid slid down his throat, carrying a resolute warmth.

The two exchanged no further words, simply drinking silently in the still night, everything understood without a word.

……

The following day, the Yanxia Prefectural Government officially posted the final results list of the provincial examination.

The entire city of Yanxia was in an uproar once again!
Countless people flocked to where the list was posted, eagerly awaiting its release.

Ultimately, one hundred cultivators successfully passed the assessment and qualified to participate in higher-level selections.

The earth-shattering battle between Jiang Xuan and the five others, the Six Jia Challenge, was officially recognized as the "most classic duel" of this provincial examination.

It was recorded in the archives of Yanxia Academy.

Jiang Xuan himself is undoubtedly recognized as the top favorite in this assessment, enjoying unparalleled popularity!
Jiang Xuan, who was at the center of attention, did not appear on the list and seemed to care nothing about these empty titles.

He got up early and went to Jin Yutang first.

Gu Liang is currently extremely busy.

Thanks to Jiang Xuan's "advertising effect," Jin Yutang's reputation soared, its doors were practically worn down, and orders poured in like snowflakes.

But when he saw Jiang Xuan, he immediately put down all his affairs and warmly welcomed him into the inner hall.

"Brother Jiang Xuan! You are a great contributor to our Jin Yu Tang!"

Gu Liang's face was flushed with excitement.

"The diagrams you provided are simply divine treasures! I have already discussed it with my father, and we are going to concentrate all our resources to develop the first batch of unique spiritual artifacts. We have even thought of a name for them: the 'Golden Scale Series'!"
"'Jin' represents our Jin Yu Tang, and 'Lin' is a homophone for 'Jiang' (river) and also means scales and armor, implying strength and power, and also subtly referring to you, young man, as a benefactor!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan smiled slightly, expressing his admiration for Gu Liang's business acumen.

But he came here today not for this matter.

He stated his purpose directly.

“Brother Gu, congratulations. I’ve come today to say goodbye. Once the provincial examination certificates are officially issued, I will head to the Forbidden City.”

Gu Liang's smile froze instantly, his eyes filled with deep reluctance and worry.

"The Forbidden City? Leaving so soon? I heard the situation there is very complicated!"

He opened his mouth, wanting to persuade him to stay.

But seeing Jiang Xuan's resolute gaze, and remembering how busy he was and how unable he was to accompany him, he finally let out a helpless sigh.

"Alas! Young man, your ambitions are boundless, and I, your elder brother, cannot stop you. But... please take care on your journey! Jin Yutang will always be your home, and you are always welcome back!"

Jiang Xuan nodded and shook hands firmly with Gu Liang, everything understood without words.

After leaving Jin Yutang, Jiang Xuan went to Shi Ding Zhai.

He wanted to say goodbye to Mu Wansu and thank her for her earlier reminder.

However, they were told that Manager Mu had left Yanxia City two days ago due to important business and was expected to return in half a month.

Jiang Xuan had no choice but to give up, and left after leaving a message.

Finally, Jiang Xuan arrived at the Spirit Pattern Master Commune and found Chu Feng.

Chu Feng was overjoyed to see Jiang Xuan. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Jiang Xuan looked at Chu Feng and suddenly brought up the past.

“Brother Chu Feng, I remember you once said that you were expelled from your clan and ended up here because of some unforeseen circumstances.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Feng's expression immediately darkened, and he nodded bitterly.

"Yes... the Chu family of the Forbidden City... the past is too painful to recall."

Jiang Xuan patted him on the shoulder, looked him straight in the eye, and said in a solemn tone.

"Brother Chu Feng, once I reach the Forbidden City, if I have the opportunity, I will definitely help you find out the truth of what happened back then, return to your clan, and reclaim everything that belongs to you!"

Chu Feng was startled and suddenly raised his head, looking at Jiang Xuan in disbelief.

His expulsion from the clan was his greatest pain and regret, and he never imagined that someone would so solemnly promise to help him.

Although Jiang Xuan's words were calm, they stirred an indescribable warmth and excitement within him, causing his eyes to well up slightly.

"Brother Jiang Xuan...I..."

Chu Feng's voice choked with emotion, and he didn't know what to say for a moment.

Jiang Xuan smiled.

"No need for further words. Our friendship is based on mutual understanding. Wait for my message."

After bidding a solemn farewell to Chu Feng, Jiang Xuan left the Spirit Pattern Master Commune.

Jiang Xuan walked out of an inconspicuous bookstore in the city.

He now held a heavy scroll, carefully tanned from some kind of animal hide.

Back in the secluded courtyard, he went straight to the stone table in the yard and carefully spread the scroll out on the table.

This is an extremely detailed map of the entire Purple Obsidian Empire.

The map clearly marks the territory, major mountains and rivers, important cities, and transportation routes of the empire's thirty-four provinces.

His gaze slowly moved across the map, eventually settling on the southwestern province and finding the location of Yanxia City.

He took out a specially made seal script brush, dipped it in cinnabar, and solemnly drew a striking red circle on the map where Yanxia City was located.

Just then, Xue Jin's burly figure walked over.

He glanced at the map on the stone table, raised an eyebrow, and asked in a deep voice.

"Kid, you've already started planning the route?"

Jiang Xuan nodded and handed the seal script brush in his hand to Xue Jin.

"Uncle Xuejin, you are more familiar with the empire's territory and routes than I am. Please give me some advice."

Xue Jin didn't stand on ceremony. He took the seal script brush, his sharp eyes scanning the map. His thick fingers gestured on the map as he spoke in a deep voice.

"There are three main routes to choose from when traveling north from Yanxia City to the Forbidden City."

As he spoke, he used a seal script brush to draw the first winding route westward on the map.

"This is the western route. It will pass through several prosperous cities along the way. However, it will also require crossing several massive mountain ranges, including some treacherous areas known as 'deadly lands.' The roads are complex and unpredictable. The advantage is that it is easy to conceal one's tracks."

However, it takes a long time. (End of Chapter)