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

"Young...Young Master?! Is that Young Master Wenjing?! You...you're back?!"

The old servant's voice trembled, and he was on the verge of tears. He mistook Jiang Xuan for his father, Jiang Wenjing!

He was so excited that he almost knelt down in worship.

Jiang Xuan felt a pang of sadness, stepped forward to support the old servant, and said softly.

“Sir, you’ve mistaken me for someone else. I’m not Jiang Wenjing, I’m his son, Jiang Xuan.”

Upon hearing this, the old servant Jiang Zhong trembled violently. He carefully examined Jiang Xuan's face and realized that although there were seven or eight points of resemblance between them, the old servant Jiang Zhong was still very similar to Jiang Xuan.

But his demeanor is more youthful and aloof.

Tears streamed down his face, and he was so excited that he could hardly speak coherently.

"So alike! So alike! This old servant... this old servant Jiang Zhong pays respects to the young master! Heaven has eyes! Heaven has eyes! The bloodline of young master Wenjing... has finally returned!"

He broke free from Jiang Xuan's support and insisted on performing a grand ceremony.

Jiang Xuan couldn't refuse him, so he had no choice but to accept his bow.

After bowing, Jiang Zhong wiped away his tears with his sleeve, but his face was filled with unprecedented joy and hope.

Seeing that the handover was complete, the old man nodded slightly to Jiang Xuan.

"Young friend, we have arrived here, so I shall take my leave now. The road ahead is fraught with peril, so please take care."

After saying this, he turned and boarded the imperial carriage, which slowly started moving and disappeared into the night.

"Young master, please follow this old servant up the mountain!"

Jiang Zhong respectfully led Jiang Xuan up the steps shrouded in mist.

The steps may seem illusory, but they feel incredibly solid when you step on them.

The higher you go, the wider your view becomes. Contrary to expectations, Xixin Peak is not desolate; instead, it reveals a hidden paradise.

The winding path paved with bluestone is flanked by ancient trees and dotted with exotic flowers and plants, exuding a refreshing fragrance.

Palaces and pavilions are scattered among the mountains in a well-organized manner, although many places appear somewhat old and even dusty.

Yet its former grandeur and exquisite beauty are still evident. Enveloped in mist and clouds, it exudes a mystical aura, resembling a fairyland.

As they walked, Jiang Zhong excitedly recounted his story to Jiang Xuan.

"This old servant has served on Xixin Peak since Young Master Wenjing was born, watching him grow up... and then... alas..."

The old man choked up as he spoke of his sorrows.

Jiang Xuan listened silently, memorizing the information.

As you approach the summit, a magnificent palace comes into view, its plaque bearing the three powerful characters "Xixin Hall".

Even before getting close, one could hear bursts of lively singing and laughter coming from inside the hall.

The sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, clashing with the overall tranquility of the mountain.

Jiang Xuan frowned slightly.

Jiang Zhong looked embarrassed and indignant, and explained in a low voice.

"Young master, those are... those are the young masters and young ladies from other branches of the clan, having a gathering and banquet here."

"The other rooms?"

Jiang Xuan's eyes turned cold.

"What right do they have to make such a commotion in my father's former residence?"

Jiang Zhong sighed and said helplessly.

"Since the deaths of the former patriarch and Young Master Wenjing, Xixin Peak has been jointly managed by several elders from collateral branches. They...they often allow their own descendants to come here to play, treating Xixin Hall...as a secluded retreat. This old servant is of lowly status and cannot stop them..."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xuan recalled what the old man had said: after the Jiang family declined, some collateral relatives colluded with outsiders to divide up the family's assets.

Now it seems that even this last symbol—Xixin Peak—has been so desecrated!

He stopped and looked at the tightly closed doors of the Hall of Cleansing Hearts, which couldn't block out the commotion inside, and asked coldly.

"Are they qualified to enter this Hall of Cleansing Hearts?"

Jiang Zhong was taken aback, then shook his head.

"According to clan rules, only the patriarch and the direct heir are allowed to reside in the Cleansing Heart Hall. They... naturally are not qualified."

"Since you're not qualified..."

Jiang Xuan's lips curled into a cold smile.

"Then get out!"

Before he finished speaking, he ignored Jiang Zhong, who was trying to dissuade him, and strode towards the entrance of the Xixin Hall!
Arriving at the palace gate, and hearing the unrestrained laughter inside, the last hesitation in Jiang Xuan's eyes disappeared.

He suddenly raised his right leg, and with his right foot imbued with the power of the Earthly Fiend Realm, he slammed it hard against the heavy palace door that symbolized the authority of the Jiang family's direct lineage!
"boom!!!"

With a loud crash, the palace doors swung open! Splinters flew everywhere!
Inside the main hall, cups and plates were scattered everywhere, with delicacies and fine wines strewn all over the floor.

The strong aroma of alcohol mixed with the scent of cosmetics created a nauseating smell.

Seven or eight young men and women, dressed in fine clothes but disheveled, were sitting together.

They would hug and joke, or raise their glasses to drink freely, their demeanor unrestrained, completely immersed in their own world of pleasure.

The sudden loud noise and cold wind brought all their movements and laughter to an abrupt halt, and they stared in astonishment at the doorway.

When they saw that the intruder was just an unfamiliar, ordinary-looking teenager, their brief shock was quickly replaced by anger.

"Where did this wild brat come from! Daring to trespass into the Cleansing Heart Hall? He's got a death wish!"

"Where are the guards? Are they all dead? How did they let people in!"

"Get out! You've disturbed my enjoyment, can you afford to take responsibility?!"

A cacophony of angry shouts and rebukes erupted, and several drunken men even staggered to their feet, their faces contorted with malice.

The old servant Jiang Zhong hurriedly stepped forward, wanting to explain.

"Gentlemen and ladies, please calm your anger! This gentleman is..."

"Shut up, you old man! Who gave you the right to speak here!"

A young man in brocade robes who was nearby impatiently interrupted Jiang Zhong and reached out to push him away.

Just then, a woman dressed in a bright red dress, with a beautiful face but a somewhat mean air, appeared.

With her eyebrows raised in anger, she staggered towards Jiang Xuan and raised her hand to slap him across the face.

He sneered.

"Where did this little bastard come from, daring to spoil my fun! Kneel down!"

The woman's name was Jiang Yujiao. She was the granddaughter of an elder from a collateral branch of the Jiang family and was used to being arrogant and domineering.

Before her hand could even land, Jiang Xuan's eyes suddenly turned cold! He struck first, his right hand flashing out like lightning!

"Snapped!"

A crisp, resounding slap landed squarely on Jiang Yujiao's face!
The force was so great that it sent her flying off the ground, spinning and crashing several meters away.

She smashed a table full of food and drinks, shattering the cups and plates and splashing soup and wine all over her, leaving her in a sorry state!

The entire room fell silent instantly! Everyone stared wide-eyed.

Jiang Yujiao... she was actually beaten?

Or was he slapped away by a boy of unknown origin?

"You...you dare hit me?!"

Jiang Yujiao lay on the ground, covering her cheek, feeling the burning pain.

At first, she was stunned, then let out a piercing scream, as if she had gone mad.

"court death!"

Upon seeing this, another man wielding a long sword, with a sinister look in his eyes, roared angrily and drew his sword to stab at Jiang Xuan! The sword light was cold and carried a sharp killing intent, clearly showing that he was truly enraged.

Jiang Xuan didn't even look. He shifted his feet slightly and easily dodged the sword's edge. At the same time, he precisely grabbed the opponent's wrist holding the sword with his left hand and twisted it gently!
"Crack!"

A crisp sound of a wrist bone breaking rang out.

"what!"

The man screamed, his longsword slipped from his hand and fell to the ground. Jiang Xuan then pulled him down to his knees, rendering him unable to move!
In the blink of an eye, he slapped Jiang Yujiao away and subdued the sword-wielding man in one move!
Jiang Xuan's ruthless methods and powerful strength instantly sobered up most of the people in the hall!
The once noisy hall was now completely silent, save for heavy breathing and Jiang Yujiao's suppressed sobs.

As everyone looked at the proud young man standing at the door, his eyes as cold as knives, a chill involuntarily rose in their hearts.

Just who is this guy?
"What are you all standing there for? Attack him together! Cripple him!"

Jiang Yujiao struggled to get up, her hair disheveled and her makeup ruined by tears. She pointed at Jiang Xuan and shrilly urged the others on.

Having witnessed Jiang Xuan's abilities, the remaining people looked at each other in dismay, their faces filled with fear, and none of them dared to step forward.

Although they were also cultivators.

But most of them are used to being pampered and have never seen such a ruthless and decisive character.

Jiang Xuan's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on Jiang Yujiao, who appeared to be insane, his eyes filled with disgust.

He strode over, grabbed her collar, and lifted her off the ground.

"What...what do you want? Let me go! My grandfather won't let you get away with this!"

Jiang Yujiao screamed in fright and kicked her arms and legs wildly.

Jiang Xuan completely ignored her threat, and with a flick of his arm, threw Jiang Yujiao out of the open palace door!
"Pfft!"

Jiang Yujiao fell onto the bluestone slab outside the hall and rolled several times before stopping.

Jiang Xuan walked to the entrance of the palace, his cold gaze pressing down on Jiang Yujiao.

The fierce killing intent honed amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood sent a shiver down Jiang Yujiao's spine.

All the screams and curses were stuck in his throat, leaving only boundless fear.

Looking into Jiang Xuan's emotionless eyes, she seemed to see the shadow of death, and her psychological defenses finally collapsed completely.

She burst into tears, knelt on the ground, and trembled.

After dealing with the ringleaders, Jiang Xuan turned his gaze back to the hall, his voice devoid of warmth.

“Those who are not members of the Jiang clan, step forward.”

The people inside the hall looked at each other, hesitating for a moment.

Finally, five or six women dressed flamboyantly and looking terrified, along with a pale-faced young man dressed in fine clothes, stepped forward, trembling.

They were courtesans recruited by Jiang Yujiao and others, and the man was a male concubine of one of the young masters, Jiang Xiuwen.

Jiang Xuan gave instructions to Jiang Zhong behind him.

"Uncle Zhong, send them down the mountain and settle the payment they owe."

"Yes, young master!"

Jiang Zhong was filled with excitement and quickly agreed, leading the group away.

At this moment, only four men and two women remained in the main hall, all of whom were collateral descendants of the Jiang family.

They looked at Jiang Xuan with anger and barely concealed panic on their faces.

Jiang Xuan's gaze swept coldly over them.

"You, get out too, and kneel down."

"Why?!"

A tall young man couldn't help but shout.

"Who do you think you are? Do you have the right to order us around? This is Jiang family territory!"

"That's right! You're an outsider, trespassing into the Cleansing Heart Hall and even injuring Sister Yu Jiao. You're simply lawless!"

With one person taking the lead, the others chimed in, trying to overwhelm Jiang Xuan with their voices.

Jiang Xuan didn't bother with words. He moved swiftly, like a tiger entering a flock of sheep!

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Ah!"

Several muffled thuds and short screams rang out in succession!

The people who protested didn't even see Jiang Xuan's movements clearly.

Then I felt an irresistible force coming at me.

You'll either get kicked in the stomach or slapped across the face.

They were all thrown out of the main hall without any resistance, landing next to Jiang Yujiao, each one wincing in pain and their faces filled with terror.

The last two remaining were a brother and sister who looked a little younger, and they were already pale with fright.

Without Jiang Xuan lifting a finger, he scrambled out of the main hall and obediently knelt outside.

In the blink of an eye, the once bustling and extravagant Xixin Hall became deathly silent.

Outside the hall, six collateral descendants of the Jiang family, led by Jiang Yujiao, knelt in a disheveled state on the cold bluestone slab.

Shivering in the night wind, his face was filled with humiliation, fear, and disbelief.

Jiang Xuan stood at the entrance of the hall, looking down at them from his high position, his voice clearly carrying across the entire mountain peak.

"My name is Jiang Xuan. Jiang Wenjing and Luo Qingxun are my parents."

Jiang Wenjing and Luo Qingxun's son?!
That posthumous child who supposedly died far away?!

He... he actually came back?!

Ignoring the shocked looks of the others, Jiang Xuan continued his declaration, his tone resolute and imposing.

"From this day forward, I shall take control of the Cleansing Heart Peak. No one shall enter the Cleansing Heart Hall without my permission, nor shall anyone make noise or engage in any merriment here! Violators shall be severely punished!"

Jiang Yujiao and the others, kneeling outside the hall, looked up at Jiang Xuan, who stood backlit and exuded an imposing aura, their eyes filled with absurdity and horror.

This suddenly appearing "cousin" is actually going to take charge of Xixin Peak?

What gives him the right? Just because he's Jiang Wenjing's son?

This is absolutely absurd!
Jiang Xuan's cold gaze swept over the six collateral disciples, including Jiang Yujiao, who were kneeling outside the hall, trembling, but he did not immediately retaliate.

Instead, he waved his hand and said indifferently.

"Get out of here, all of you. Remember what I said, Xixin Peak, from this day forward, your surname will be Jiang, the Jiang of my name, Jiang Xuan."

The group felt as if they had been granted a pardon, and dared not linger for even a moment longer.
They struggled to their feet, not even bothering to straighten their disheveled clothes. Supporting each other, they fled in a sorry state, tumbling and crawling down the mountain, not daring to look back.

Jiang Xuan watched their hasty retreat, his eyes deep.

He wasn't being soft-hearted; he intentionally let them leave.

These people have suffered such a great humiliation, and when they return home, they will surely exaggerate and spread the story of what happened tonight.

This was exactly the effect Jiang Xuan wanted—he needed to use these people to spread the news of his return and forceful takeover of Xixin Peak quickly throughout the major families of the Forbidden City, especially to the ears of those forces that had divided up the Jiang family's assets!

He wanted to tell everyone that Jiang Wenjing's son had returned, and he wasn't there to swallow his pride!
The old servant Jiang Zhong quickly finished dealing with the brothel women and male lovers and returned to the mountain peak.

He saw Jiang Xuan standing alone at the entrance of the Cleansing Heart Hall.

Looking down at the myriad lights of the Forbidden City below, that tall yet somewhat lonely figure stirred a pang of sorrow in the old man's heart.

"Young master, it's windy outside. Please come inside and rest."

Jiang Zhong stepped forward and said softly.

Jiang Xuan nodded and turned to walk into the messy Xixin Hall.

He casually found a chair that was still in good working order and sat down. (End of Chapter)