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

He pointed at Zhu Laosan with his greasy finger, his tone tinged with emotion.

"Third brother, he owes Jiang Xuan's great-grandfather Jiang Daochen a life. If it weren't for Jiang Daochen saving him in the Annihilation Sea back then, he would have been reduced to ashes long ago. He has always remembered this kindness."

He sighed and continued.

"Later, when Jiang Daochen's lineage suffered a disaster, the third brother also wanted to help. But at that time, he himself was also in big trouble, and by the time he got out, it was too late."

Disheartened and feeling indebted to his benefactor, he changed his name and came to work for me as a cook at Zhiweizhai, where he has remained for so many years.

Zhu Laosan, who had been silently sharpening his knife, paused slightly in his movements.

Deep within those stagnant eyes, there seemed to be an extremely subtle fluctuation.

But it quickly returned to normal and continued sharpening the knife with a hissing sound.

Shi Caishen glanced at Zhu Laosan and lowered his voice to speak to Shi Yu.

"Moreover, the third brother's lifespan... is probably less than ten years left. He has been stuck at the peak of the Cave Heaven Realm for too long, and if he does not break through again, his time will come soon."

Jiang Xuan's appearance might be an opportunity for him. If he can resolve this matter and untangle the knot in his heart, perhaps... he still has a glimmer of hope to break through to the Transformation Wheel Realm. Therefore, both for personal and professional reasons, he will go.

Upon hearing this, Shi Yu felt a sudden sense of relief.

At this moment, Shi Yu remembered something else and said it to his father.

“Father, Jiang Xuan also entrusted me to auction a batch of treasures he obtained through Shidingzhai, including rare treasures such as the Nine-Bend Danxin Iron and the Pure Void Spirit Flower.”

"What?! Nine-Bend Heart Iron? Pure Void Spirit Flower?!"

Stone God of Wealth suddenly stood up from his chair, his fat face filled with shock and ecstasy.

"Really?! You're not kidding me!"

"Absolutely true! Several expert appraisers have confirmed it!"

Shi Yu nodded affirmatively.

"Hahaha! Good! Good lad!"

"Now our Shidingzhai is going to be famous!"

Stone God of Wealth rubbed his hands excitedly and paced around the room.

"Being able to host an auction of this caliber will greatly enhance the prestige of Shidingzhai in top circles! Little Sanzi, you did a great job! Go ahead and do it with confidence. I will fully support you from the family side! This auction must be the most sensational one in the Forbidden City in recent years!"

With his father's full support and approval, Shi Yu was filled with enthusiasm.

"Yes, Father! I will definitely not let you down!"

……

Jiang Xuan had already hurriedly returned to Xixin Peak.

He went straight to the study where Lingjiu was temporarily staying, took out the gold note containing 64,000 gold coins, and handed the gold note with a face value of 60,000 to Lingjiu.

"Senior Lingjiu, this is the first installment of funds, 60,000 gold coins. I'll leave the expenses of recruiting soldiers, repairing facilities within the peak, gathering intelligence, and so on to you for overall planning and arrangement."

Jiang Xuan said.

Lingjiu accepted the gold note, even though he was mentally prepared.

But upon seeing such a huge sum of money, a look of emotion still appeared on his pale face.

He nodded, carefully put away the gold notes, and then gave a reminder.

"My lord, 60,000 gold coins seems like a lot."

However, if they want to recruit truly skilled individuals and maintain the initial operation of a force, it probably won't last long. Subsequent funding…”

Jiang Xuan waved his hand, his expression calm.

"You need not worry about money, senior. I have entrusted a batch of treasures obtained from the ruins to Shi Yu, the third young master of Shi Ding Zhai, for auction. At that time, we should be able to raise enough funds."

Lingjiu looked surprised, but then understood and asked no more questions.

Just then, Xiao Ke, who had gone out to gather information, returned. Lingjiu said to Jiang Xuan.

“My lord, Xiao Ke and I need to go down the mountain. We need to contact some old contacts and perhaps we can recruit some useful people for Xixin Peak.”

Jiang Xuan nodded.

"Thank you both for your help."

Be careful.

After Lingjiu and Xiaoke left, Jiang Xuan gave the remaining four thousand gold notes to his old servant Jiang Zhong for daily expenses and emergencies.

Afterwards, he stayed alone in the study, looking through the ledger of treasures looted from Xixin Peak by various forces, which Jiang Zhong had compiled in the past few days.

Looking at the dense and shocking records in the ledger, and thinking of the empty Scripture Pavilion and Spirit Treasure Vault, Jiang Xuan could hardly suppress the anger and hatred in his chest.

These are the foundation of the Jiang family! The fruits of our parents' and ancestors' labor! This grudge must be avenged!

At the same time, he was also pondering the reactions of the four collateral branches of the Jiang family.

The news that he humiliated Jiang Yingzhen and forcefully took over Xixin Peak must have already spread.

Those four collateral branches have remained inactive so far, are they observing the situation?
Or is a bigger conspiracy brewing?

Why did they willingly give up Xixin Peak, a mountain associated with powerful clans, back then?

Just as Jiang Xuan was deep in thought, Jiang Zhong's respectful voice came from outside the study.

“Young Master, there is a cultivator outside the peak who calls himself Zhu Laosan and is requesting an audience. He says he has come to repay a debt of gratitude.”

"Zhu Laosan?"

Jiang Xuan raised his head, his eyes filled with doubt.

He did not know this person.

"Repay a favor?"

He put down the ledger in his hand and said in a deep voice.

"Invite him in."

Inside the Hall of Cleansing Hearts, Jiang Xuan looked at the uninvited guest before him.

The man was thin and plain-looking, dressed in faded coarse linen clothes, and looked like an ordinary old farmer.

There was no spiritual energy fluctuation on his body.

But those eyes were unusually calm, making them impossible to read.

"I am Zhu Laosan, and I greet Young Master Jiang Xuan."

Zhu Laosan bowed slightly, his voice hoarse and his tone flat and emotionless.

Jiang Xuan looked at him sharply, but instead of telling him to get up immediately, he asked in a deep voice.

"Mr. Zhu said he wanted to repay a debt of gratitude? I wonder what kind of debt of gratitude? I don't think I've ever met him before."

Zhu Laosan straightened up, met Jiang Xuan's gaze calmly, and slowly spoke.

"Five hundred and seventy-six years ago, during a great battle between the Empire and the Northern Barbarians, I was surrounded and on the verge of death. It was my great-grandfather, Lord Jiang Daochen, who happened to pass by and killed all the barbarian enemies, saving my life."

This kindness is as heavy as a mountain; I swore to repay it in my lifetime. However, Lord Daochen unfortunately passed away, and I only learned through various channels that his bloodline still existed. It was only today, through Young Master Shiyu, that I learned of your whereabouts, and thus I have come to offer my service.”

His words were simple and direct.

Jiang Xuan was slightly shaken. Five hundred and seventy-six years ago?

Then this person in front of me must have lived for at least six hundred years.

Moreover, their strength should not be underestimated, given that they survived that great battle.

He continued, "Since you have long harbored a desire to repay your kindness, why didn't you appear when my parents perished?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Laosan's usually calm eyes finally showed a faint, complex emotion. He remained silent for a moment before speaking.

"Back then, I was trapped in a dangerous place for nearly twenty years. When I finally escaped and rushed to the Forbidden City, the tragedy had already occurred, and the murderer had long since disappeared... I was a step too late, and I regret it for the rest of my life."

His tone was filled with an indescribable sorrow.

"As for how to verify your identity,"

Zhu Laosan added.

"It was Young Master Shi Yu who told me that you possess the Heart Cleansing Jade Seal, which can only be inherited by the direct descendants of Lord Dao Chen, and that your appearance is seven-tenths similar to Young Master Wen Jing."

Jiang Xuan carefully examined Zhu Laosan. The other party's words were logically clear, and although his emotions fluctuated, they were genuine and did not seem fake.

The fleeting sorrow he showed when mentioning his parents' tragic death seemed genuine.

Moreover, the other party was introduced by Shi Yu, who seemed cynical.

But he will never be confused on important matters.

With most of his doubts dispelled, Jiang Xuan's expression softened, and he spoke.

"I see. I will never forget my great-grandfather's kindness. But I wonder how Mr. Zhu plans to repay this kindness?"

Zhu Laosan said calmly.

"I am willing to stay on Xixin Peak and be your protector."

I will protect you until you grow up, until you no longer need my protection, or until my lifespan is exhausted.

During this time, I need only a humble abode and simple meals; I will not interfere with any of your decisions or actions.

An ancient monster who seems to have lived for hundreds of years has volunteered to be a bodyguard, and the conditions are so simple?
Looking into Zhu Laosan's earnest eyes, Jiang Xuan knew that the other party was sincere.

This is undoubtedly a godsend for him! Having such an unfathomable expert by his side will greatly increase his safety.

"In that case, I will accept the offer without being impolite. I will have to trouble Mr. Zhu from now on."

Jiang Xuan solemnly cupped his hands in a salute.

"It's your job."

Zhu Laosan nodded slightly, which meant he accepted the job.

Jiang Xuan summoned Jiang Zhong and gave him instructions.

"Uncle Zhong, take Mr. Zhu to settle in and find a quiet and clean room."

"Yes, young master."

Jiang Zhong respectfully agreed, and then said to Zhu Laosan.

"Mr. Zhu, please follow this old servant."

Zhu Laosan nodded to Jiang Xuan and then followed Jiang Zhong out of the main hall.

After a while, Jiang Zhong returned to report. Jiang Xuan pondered for a moment and then asked.

"Uncle Zhong, what do you think of this Mr. Zhu?"

Jiang Zhong's cloudy old eyes gleamed as he pondered.

“Young Master, this Mr. Zhu… is unfathomable. Although this old servant has lost all his cultivation, his eyesight remains. This man’s aura is completely concealed, and he seems ordinary. But in his walking, sitting and lying down, he is subtly in harmony with the surrounding world, which is something that ordinary cultivators cannot do.”

Moreover, he possessed a faint, yet unmistakable, aura of killing intent honed through countless battles and life-or-death experiences. If I'm not mistaken… he's at least at the Cave Heaven Realm, and… at the upper level of the Cave Heaven Realm!

Jiang Xuan was once again shaken! Upper Realm of the Cave Heaven!
This is an existence second only to the King of the Wheel of Derivation Realm!

Throughout the entire Forbidden City, the number of openly recognized experts at the Upper Realm of the Cave Heaven stage is probably only a handful! Zhu
The third brother's strength was far more terrifying than he had imagined!
At the same time, he became even more curious about Jiang Zhong.

How could an ordinary old man have such a keen eye? He couldn't help but ask again.

"Uncle Zhong, are you... really just an ordinary servant of the Jiang family? What is your relationship with Shen Jinglun, the 'White Horse Scholar' from sixty years ago?"

Jiang Zhong's body trembled, a look of pain appeared on his face, he lowered his head, and said in a hoarse voice.

“Young Master…the past is like fleeting clouds, let’s not dwell on it. This old servant is now just Jiang Zhong.”

He still refused to say more.

Seeing his reaction, Jiang Xuan knew that further questioning would be futile, so he stopped pressing him, but his doubts only grew stronger.

He nodded.

"Alright, Uncle Zhong, you can go ahead and get busy."

Jiang Zhong bowed and withdrew.

Jiang Xuan sat quietly alone in the hall for a while, temporarily putting aside the matter of Zhu Laosan and Jiang Zhong.

The most important thing right now is to enhance our strength!
He got up and walked deeper into the Hall of Cleansing Hearts.

On the third floor of the Cleansing Heart Hall, there is a private cultivation chamber that only the clan leader is qualified to enter.

Jiang Xuan arrived at what appeared to be an ordinary bronze door and took out the Heart-Cleansing Jade Seal.

The jade seal fit perfectly into the groove on the door. After being infused with spiritual energy, the door slowly slid open, revealing a not-so-spacious secret chamber behind it.

The interior was unusually simple, even rudimentary.

The walls were bare, without any decoration, except for a seemingly old gray futon placed in the center of the floor.

But as soon as Jiang Xuan stepped into the secret room, he felt that the spiritual energy of heaven and earth here was far richer and purer than that of the outside world.

Moreover, it has a unique sense of tranquility that allows one to quickly enter a meditative state.

He closed the bronze door behind him, walked to the center of the secret chamber, and sat cross-legged on the futon.

Instantly, a cool sensation entered his body from the futon, invigorating him and dispelling all his distracting thoughts.

"It's really a good place."

Jiang Xuan secretly praised it, and then took out the sacred medicine obtained from the ruins of the Annihilation Soul Sea—the Snow Infant Jade Ginseng—from his storage ring.

The jade ginseng is pure white, shaped like an infant, and exudes an alluring fragrance and a powerful, extremely cold spiritual energy.

Just holding it in my hand, the surrounding temperature seemed to drop a few degrees.

Jiang Xuan knew that this sacred medicine was extremely potent and should not be consumed whole.

He carefully plucked a thin strand of root from the bottom of the jade ginseng, about the thickness of a hair and an inch long.

Looking at the glistening root, Jiang Xuan no longer hesitated and put it in his mouth.

The roots melted instantly upon entering his mouth, transforming into a torrent of icy coldness, yet brimming with terrifying vitality, which surged into his throat and permeated his entire body!

"boom!!"

Even though it's just a tiny, insignificant root.

But the medicinal power it contains is like a thousand-year-old ice crystal exploding inside the body in an instant!

Jiang Xuan felt as if his meridians and internal organs were about to be frozen and burst!
An abnormal flush instantly appeared on the surface of my skin, yet I felt an icy chill!

He dared not be negligent in the slightest and immediately activated the mysterious technique he had obtained from the Blood Killing Camp—the [Dongxuan Devouring Wilderness Scripture]!
Within his dantian, spiritual energy surged wildly, circulating according to the scripture's route, gradually forming a faint, slowly rotating, terrifying storm phantom outside his body!
After an unknown amount of time, Jiang Xuan slowly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in the depths of his pupils.

He exhaled a long breath of stale air, which was so condensed that it left a faint white trail in the air, flying three feet away before slowly dissipating!

"Exhales like blades!"

Jiang Xuan felt the surging spiritual energy within his body, which was several times more powerful than before, and a strong sense of confidence welled up in his heart.

At this moment, his cultivation has broken through to the perfect level of the Earthly Gang Realm!
They are just one step away from the Heavenly Gang Realm, where they can communicate with heaven and earth and release their spiritual energy!
He felt his entire body brimming with power; with every movement, his inner strength surged forth, enough to shatter stone tablets! (End of Chapter)