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

"Governor Rui, these things might attract the attention of certain forces within the Forbidden City. You'd better handle how to deal with today's events."

Upon hearing the words "Forbidden City," Commander Rui trembled violently, his face turning deathly pale!

He immediately understood the deeper meaning and warning in Jiang Xuan's words!

This mess is far beyond what a small town garrison like him could get involved in!

If things go wrong, it could be a catastrophe!

He turned his head sharply, his gaze sweeping over the yamen runners whose eyes were darting around as if they were secretly hiding something, and shouted sternly.

"Hand over everything you've been hiding! Anyone who dares to conceal anything will be punished according to family rules!"

Under the watchful eye of the garrison commander, the constables trembled as they handed over several magical artifacts and a small bag of gold coins that they had secretly confiscated.

Without even glancing at it, Commander Rui had it thrown directly in front of Jiang Xuan.

Jiang Xuan put away the last few items, nodded slightly to Commander Rui, and said no more.

Carrying a bamboo basket filled with Luo Luo's belongings, he turned and walked out of town, his figure quickly disappearing at the end of the street.

Only after Jiang Xuan had gone far away did Commander Rui finally breathe a long sigh of relief, his back already soaked with cold sweat.

He glanced around at his still-shaken subordinates and his bewildered son, and warned them in an unprecedentedly serious tone.

"Anyone who dares to utter a single word about what happened today will face my wrath! Remember this: the Rui family cannot afford to offend those powerful figures in the Forbidden City! If you want to live, keep your mouths shut!"

……

After leaving Qingliu Town, the official road once again opened up.

Jiang Xuan silently calculated the distance. Since setting off from Yanxia City, he had already traveled more than half the journey.

We expect to arrive at the Forbidden City in another six or seven days.

He knew that the closer he got to the finish line, the more likely the enemy would resort to desperate measures, and the journey ahead would likely be even more dangerous.

However, he wasn't too afraid.

After a series of fierce battles, he gained a clearer understanding of his current strength.

He was confident he could handle any challenge as long as the enemy didn't send out experts above the Spirit Realm.

Inside the bamboo basket, Luo Luo had fallen into a deep sleep thanks to the calming spell Jiang Xuan had secretly cast, her little face still serene.

Jiang Xuan walked steadily forward while pondering in his heart.

“Xu Qianjing…this man is cunning in tactics and will definitely not just rely on open attacks. The ambush in Qingliu Town is probably just an appetizer. He must have set up even more dangerous and unexpected traps along the way.”

Thinking of this, Jiang Xuan not only didn't feel nervous, but instead curled his lips into a cold smile.

"However... he probably overlooked one thing."

Jiang Xuan looked inward and could clearly feel that the spiritual energy within his body had reached its peak.

Within his dantian, the barrier leading to the Earthly Gang Realm was becoming thinner and thinner, as if he could break through it effortlessly at any moment!

Once he enters the Earthly Fiend Realm, his strength will undergo a qualitative leap!

At that time, many situations that originally required careful handling may be easily resolved.

"I must break through to the Earthly Rank Realm as soon as possible!"

Jiang Xuan's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

Breakthroughs in realms bring not only a leap in the quantity and quality of spiritual energy.

Furthermore, his enhanced understanding of the essence of power was enough to transform his fighting style.

This would break the tactical framework that Xu Qianjing might have set up.

Fortunately, he could clearly feel that barrier was loosening.

The spiritual energy within his body surged like a tidal wave, as if it were about to overflow at any moment.

It is expected that within the next few days, everything will fall into place and a breakthrough will be achieved in one fell swoop!
They traveled for several more hours, until the sun was beginning to set.

On the distant horizon, the outline of a majestic city gradually became clear; that was the next stop on this journey—Huanglong City.

Jiang Xuan planned to find a quiet place after entering the city to go into seclusion and break through to the Earthly Gang Realm.

Just as he was approaching Huanglong City along the official road, a sizable convoy appeared ahead of him.

The caravan consisted of dozens of horse-drawn wagons loaded with goods and several more luxurious passenger wagons.

He was escorted by nearly a hundred elite guards on horseback, whose banners were embroidered with the words "Shi Ding Zhai".

Jiang Xuan didn't want to cause trouble and planned to walk around it.

When his gaze swept over a middle-aged steward on horseback leading the way in front of the caravan, he paused slightly.

He recognized the man somewhat. After a moment's recollection, he remembered that he was an appraiser named Wang Lin whom he had met at the Shidingzhai in Donglin City.

At that moment, Wang Lin also happened to see Jiang Xuan by the roadside.

He was taken aback at first, but after careful examination, a look of surprise instantly appeared on his face.

He quickly spurred his horse closer, bowed respectfully from his horse, and said excitedly.

"Could it be Young Master Jiang Xuan? I never expected to meet you here!"

Jiang Xuan stopped and nodded slightly.

"Master Wang, it's been a long time."

Wang Lin quickly dismounted and said warmly.

"Young Master Jiang Xuan, are you heading to Huanglong City? What a coincidence! Our Manager Mu is also in the caravan!"

He pointed to the most luxurious carriage in the middle.

"The shopkeeper will be overjoyed to hear of your arrival! Please wait a moment, I'll go and inform him right away!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan's heart stirred slightly.

Mu Wansu is here too? What a coincidence.

He also happened to have some questions about the Forbidden City and Shidingzhai, and wanted to ask her about them.

He nodded.

"Thank you for your trouble, Master Wang."

Wang Lin was about to turn around and report when he saw a commotion in the convoy and a discordant voice rang out.

"Wang Lin! Instead of leading the way, what are you whispering about with some country bumpkin? If you delay the journey, can you take responsibility?"

A young man dressed in a magnificent silver robe, with an arrogant face and frivolous eyes, was seen.

Surrounded by a group of servants, he swaggered over.

His gaze swept over Jiang Xuan's blue robe, which looked slightly dusty from days of travel.

And looking at the ordinary bamboo basket behind him containing Luo Luo, his face immediately revealed an undisguised look of disdain.

Upon seeing the silver-robed man, Wang Lin's expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed and explained.

"Young Master Lu, this is Young Master Jiang Xuan, a distinguished guest of Manager Mu..."

"Dignified guest?"

The silver-robed man, Lu Shaoyun, who was called Young Master Lu, sneered and pointed at Jiang Xuan with his jade-inlaid folding fan, his words laced with sarcasm.

"Him? This poor fellow dares to call himself a distinguished guest? Wang Lin, are you blind? What kind of Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to bring him to the Mu family? Get him out of my way and stop blocking my path!"

As he spoke, he impatiently raised his fan, about to slap Wang Lin across the face!

Wang Lin dared not dodge and could only close his eyes and endure it.

The expected slap did not fall.

A steady and strong hand grasped Lu Shaoyun's wrist.

Lu Shaoyun was taken aback, realizing that the one who had made the move was the young man in the blue robe whom he had regarded as a "country bumpkin".

He immediately flew into a rage, struggling and cursing.

"You bastard! How dare you touch me? Do you know who I am? My father is the powerful elder of the Stone Cauldron Hall in the Forbidden City! Let go right now, or I'll make you regret it!" Jiang Xuan's eyes were icy, and he tightened his grip slightly on his wrist.

Lu Shaoyun felt a tremendous force coming from him, and his wrist was in excruciating pain, as if it were about to be crushed. He immediately let out a scream.

"Ouch! That hurts so much! What are you all standing there for? Cripple him!"

Seeing this, the servants behind him drew their weapons and were about to step forward.

Jiang Xuan snorted coldly, and his other hand shot out like lightning, punching Lu Shaoyun in the stomach!

"vomit!"

Lu Shaoyun's eyes bulged out, his stomach churned, and he arched his back, in so much pain that he couldn't even speak.

Jiang Xuan did not stop. Since the other party had taken the initiative to provoke him, he naturally would not be polite.

Punches and kicks rained down, specifically targeting the thickest, most painful spots.

Lu Shaoyun was beaten until he cried out for his parents and rolled on the ground. His magnificent silver robe was covered in mud and he looked utterly disheveled.

"Ah! Stop hitting me! Have mercy!"

"I was wrong! Big brother! Grandpa! Please forgive me!"

"My father won't let you get away with this! Ah!"

Lu Shaoyun initially remained defiant and made threats.

But under Jiang Xuan's merciless beating, all that was left was wailing and begging for mercy.

Jiang Xuan had beaten him enough. He picked him up and looked at him, tears streaming down his face, his nose bruised and swollen.

He grabbed a handful of dirt from the ground and stuffed it into the mouth of the man who was still cursing and begging for mercy.

"Uh...uh..."

Lu Shaoyun choked on the mud, his eyes rolling back in his head. Finally, he couldn't catch his breath and fainted from anger.

Jiang Xuan threw him on the ground like trash, then looked at the dumbfounded Shi Ding Zhai guards and Wang Lin around him, and said calmly.

"This person was arrogant and domineering, and took the initiative to provoke me. I only gave him a slight punishment. If there is any trouble, I will take full responsibility."

After a brief silence, someone couldn't help but let out a low laugh, and then many guards showed expressions of delight.

Clearly, Lu Shaoyun was extremely unpopular within the team.

He abused his status and acted arrogantly, which made him unpopular with everyone.

Now that he has been severely punished, he dares not show it on the surface.

But secretly, he was overjoyed.

Just as Jiang Xuan finished reprimanding Lu Shaoyun, he keenly sensed a familiar thought, tinged with a hint of inquiry and amusement, quietly sweeping over him from the most luxurious carriage in the center of the convoy.

He understood, looked up in the direction of the imperial carriage, and said loudly.

"Now that Manager Mu has arrived, why not show yourself?"

A slender hand lifted the beaded curtain of the imperial carriage, and Mu Wansu's charming and beautiful figure gracefully stepped out.

Today she wore a light purple dress, which made her skin look even whiter than snow, and her phoenix eyes held a half-smile.

Her gaze first swept over the unconscious Lu Shaoyun on the ground, then fell on Jiang Xuan. Her red lips parted slightly, her tone teasing.

"Young Master Jiang Xuan truly brings unrest wherever he goes. We've only just met, and he's already presented my Shi Ding Zhai with a 'grand gift.' Tell me, what's your plan this time?"

Jiang Xuan didn't take Mu Wansu's teasing to heart and simply said...

"This person is courting death; he has no reason to blame me."

He paused, then looked at Mu Wansu.

"Can I have a word with you for a moment?"

Mu Wansu looked surprised, then nodded and gave instructions to Wang Lin and the others.

"Keep an eye on Young Master Lu, don't let him die."

Then he led Jiang Xuan toward his own precious carriage.

Stepping aboard the exquisitely decorated palanquin, which exuded a faint fragrance, Jiang Xuan didn't mince words. He pointed directly to the bamboo basket he had placed to the side and spoke to Mu Wansu.

"Manager Mu, I need your help. The little girl in the basket is named Luoluo. She was innocently implicated by me. I would like you to take her back to Yanxia City, and then... find a way to hand her over to Shi Yu, so that he can pass her on to Instructor Xiaoman of the Bloodthirsty Camp. Please ask Instructor Xiaoman to take care of her."

Upon hearing this, Mu Wansu was slightly taken aback at first, then a playful smile appeared on her face as she teased him.

"Oh, I didn't realize Young Master Jiang Xuan had such leisure time, picking up a little girl on his travels? Did you kidnap her from somewhere?"

Jiang Xuan frowned slightly.

“Her mother…died a few days ago in the Spirit Pattern Shuttle crash. That incident was aimed at me.”

Mu Wansu's smile vanished instantly.

She paused for a moment, then lowered her voice and asked.

"The Spirit Pattern Shuttle...is it from the Chi family?"

Jiang Xuan did not answer directly, but simply shook his head.

"You don't need to know who the enemy is. The more you know, the more dangerous it will be for you and Shi Dingzhai. I only hope you can do me this favor and give this innocent child a way to live."

Looking at Jiang Xuan's calm yet resolute eyes, and then at Luo Luo sleeping soundly in the bamboo basket, Mu Wansu already understood seven or eight parts of the situation.

She sighed softly and nodded.

“Alright, I’ll help you with this. I will personally escort her safely back to Yanxia City and hand her over to Shi Yu, and instruct him to make sure she does a good job.”

"Thank you."

Jiang Xuan thanked him sincerely.

With the matter settled, Jiang Xuan prepared to leave. Before dismounting, he glanced at Luo Luo and said to Mu Wansu.

"When she wakes up... tell her that her mother went to a very far place, and that she should live a strong and brave life from now on."

Mu Wansu nodded.

"I will."

Jiang Xuan stepped down from the imperial carriage and casually picked up Lu Shaoyun, who was still unconscious on the ground, as if he were carrying a sack of potatoes.

Seeing this, Mu Wansu reminded him.

“Jiang Xuan, although Lu Shaoyun is annoying, his father does have some power in the Shidingzhai of the Forbidden City. You can teach him a lesson, but don’t kill him, lest you cause unnecessary trouble.”

Jiang Xuan replied without turning his head.

"Don't worry, I will take good care of him."

After saying that, he picked up Lu Shaoyun and strode away from Shidingzhai's caravan, his figure quickly disappearing around the corner of the official road.

……

As evening approached, the setting sun painted the horizon a vibrant orange-red.

Jiang Xuan carried the still dazed Lu Shaoyun to a small river near Huanglong City.

He casually threw Lu Shaoyun on the ground and splashed a basin of cold water on his face.

"Cough cough... vomit..."

Lu Shaoyun was jolted awake by the cold water and coughed violently, spitting out several mouthfuls of acidic water mixed with mud.

He opened his eyes blankly and saw Jiang Xuan standing in front of him. He was so frightened that he trembled all over and scrambled back.

"What...what do you want to do? Don't...don't kill me!"

Jiang Xuan looked at him coldly, his voice devoid of emotion.

“I won’t kill you. However, I’ve given you a little ‘trick.’ If you don’t have the unique antidote within three days, you will die from your intestines rotting.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Shaoyun's face turned deathly pale. He immediately examined himself internally but found no signs of poisoning.

But looking at Jiang Xuan's icy expression, he dared not doubt it for a moment. He felt a chill run from his feet to the top of his head, and asked in a trembling voice. (End of Chapter)