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

Following the attendant into the interior of Shidingzhai, Chu Feng's vision suddenly opened up.

This is an extremely spacious and magnificent palace, with carved beams and painted rafters, a high dome, and countless pearls and spiritual patterns emitting a soft glow on the surrounding walls, illuminating the entire palace as if it were daytime.

The hall is well-organized and has thousands of seats. A huge space in the center serves as a stage. The overall atmosphere is magnificent, luxurious and grand yet elegant, and can accommodate tens of thousands of people without feeling crowded.

At this moment, the main hall was already bustling with people. Many influential figures from the major powers in Yanxia City had already arrived, gathering in twos and threes, talking in hushed tones, creating a lively yet reserved atmosphere.

When Chu Feng was led into the main hall, many eyes fell on him.

When those familiar faces recognized him, a hint of surprise flashed across their faces, as if they hadn't expected him to be there. Then their gazes quickly turned cold, and they either nodded slightly or simply looked away, pretending not to have seen him.

Chu Feng had grown accustomed to this deliberate distance and indifference over the years.

Although he felt aggrieved, he didn't care. His greatest wish in coming here today was to witness Liu Qingyan's charm up close and hear her heavenly voice. As for everything else, he could put it aside.

Ruan Linh Du, who entered the palace later, received a completely different treatment.

As soon as he appeared, several influential figures stepped forward to greet him with warm smiles, exchanging pleasantries and engaging in conversation, their words brimming with flattery and an attempt to establish a connection. Ruan Lingdu's dual status as a favorite of Liu Wujun and a guest elder of the Chu clan in the Forbidden City allowed him to thrive in the upper echelons of Yanxia City, a stark contrast to Chu Feng's treatment.

As Ruan Lingdu chatted and laughed with the others, he glanced at Chu Feng, who stood alone to the side, looking somewhat lonely, and the smug smile on his lips became more and more obvious.

Just then, the attendant who was leading Chu Feng did not take him to the ordinary VIP seats in the back area of ​​the main hall, but went straight to the front, to the chief VIP area with only a dozen or so seats, the best view, and the most luxurious decoration.

Chu Feng was initially taken aback, a strong sense of doubt welling up within him. Given his status, there was absolutely no way he would be seated in the premier VIP position. Could it be that the attendant had led him astray?

However, the attendant's steps were unusually firm, and he finally stopped in front of a luxurious seat marked with a number in the chief area, and respectfully addressed Chu Feng.

"Distinguished guest, your seat is here."

Chu Feng stood there, stunned. His gaze swept over the large chair covered with snow-white animal hide, and then he looked at the empty seat next to it, which was obviously reserved for a more important person. A flash of inspiration struck him, and he instantly understood—all of this must be because of the invitation in his hand that originally belonged to Jiang Xuan!

Shi Dingzhai has honored Jiang Xuan as one of the "chief VIPs" of this celebration!

Upon understanding this, Chu Feng's heart was filled with a storm of emotions.

Although he knew Jiang Xuan had great potential and had recently gained fame, he never expected that Shi Ding Zhai would treat him with such high honors! Was this because of Liu Qingyan, or was there another reason?

Just as Chu Feng was feeling emotional and preparing to sit down as instructed, a voice filled with undisguised mockery and sarcasm slowly sounded from behind him.

"Tsk tsk, Manager Chu, how impressive! You actually managed to sit in this chief position. However, even if a toad manages to jump into the imperial palace, it is still just a toad. Coveting what doesn't belong to it will only make it a laughing stock and turn it into a ridiculous clown in the eyes of others."

Without turning around, Chu Feng knew that the one who uttered those harsh words was none other than the ever-present, haunting Ruan Lingdu.

He had clearly noticed the unusual situation of Chu Feng being led to the chief area, and deliberately came over to deliver this merciless humiliation.

Ruan Lingdu's sarcastic words, like cold needles, made Chu Feng's back stiffen slightly.

He could clearly feel the mocking gazes from Ruan Lingdu and the important figure beside him. Those gazes seemed to carry a tangible weight, making it almost impossible for him to breathe. An indescribable sense of humiliation welled up from the bottom of his heart, making his cheeks burn.

He turned his head sharply, his gaze fixed on the servant who had led him there, his voice carrying a suppressed coldness.

"Young man, have you led me to the wrong seat? This is not a place for me to sit in the VIP section."

The servant stiffened under Chu Feng's gaze, but still maintained professional respect, bowing slightly.

"Rest assured, esteemed guest, there is absolutely no mistake. Your invitation has a special mark indicating that this seat is reserved for you. Please take your seat with peace of mind."

Upon hearing this, Chu Feng immediately took out the gold-embossed invitation again and examined it carefully. Sure enough, in an inconspicuous corner of the invitation's inner page, there was a faint, special mark that seemed to be outlined by spiritual patterns, which was easily overlooked unless one was deliberately looking for it.

He had only focused on the fact that the invitee was "Jiang Xuan" and hadn't noticed this detail.

Seeing Chu Feng's actions, Ruan Lingdu laughed even more exaggeratedly, raising his voice and attracting more attention from the surrounding area.

"Hahaha! Manager Chu, do you not even recognize your own seat? Or is it that your invitation... came somewhat illegitimately?"

The important figure beside him also shook his head slightly, his eyes revealing undisguised contempt, as if lamenting that Chu Feng had abandoned all sense of shame in order to climb the social ladder.

Just then, a middle-aged man dressed in the attire of a manager at Shidingzhai, with a calm demeanor, strode over.

He first glanced at the scene, then his gaze fell on the invitation in Chu Feng's hand, and he asked politely.

"Distinguished guest, do you have any questions about the seating arrangement? May I take a look at your invitation?"

Chu Feng took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the humiliation churning in his heart, and handed over the invitation, saying in a deep voice.

"The invitation was for me, but I am here today on behalf of Young Master Jiang Xuan."

The middle-aged man in charge took the invitation and, after only a brief sensing of the special spiritual runes on it, a look of understanding appeared on his face.

He handed the invitation back with both hands, his tone becoming even more respectful, his voice clearly reaching the ears of everyone present.

"I see. Distinguished guest, please do not doubt. This seat of honor is reserved for Young Master Jiang Xuan. Since you have come with Young Master Jiang Xuan's invitation and represent him, it is only natural that you take this seat, which is entirely in accordance with the rules."

Upon hearing this, the mocking and sarcastic gazes cast overtly or covertly around Chu Feng froze instantly. A huge weight lifted from Chu Feng's heart, and his previously tense body suddenly relaxed.

Without the slightest hesitation, he nodded slightly to the steward, then turned around calmly and sat down steadily in the luxurious VIP chair, his posture composed, as if all the doubts and ridicule from before were just a gentle breeze that could no longer shake him in the slightest.

Ruan Lingdu, standing to the side, froze completely with a smile, as if he had put on a clumsy mask.

His eyes widened, and he asked incredulously.

"Set up for...for Jiang Xuan? Which Jiang Xuan?"

The manager glanced at Ruan Lingdu, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable confirmation.

"Which other young master Jiang Xuan could be in Yanxia City? It's naturally the young master Jiang Xuan who defeated Huang Jianchen of the Huang family in the arena. This position was personally reserved for young master Jiang Xuan by the Third Young Master."

"Jiang Xuan... defeated Huang Jianchen..."

Ruan Lingdu muttered to himself, as if struck by a thunderbolt.

He suddenly remembered that rainy night, the battle that shook the entire city, and the secret rumors that circulated afterward about Jiang Xuan possessing the "Obsidian Scroll"!

Then, recalling the scene in the arena where Jiang Xuan, with his domineering attitude, forcefully defeated Huang Jianchen, a genius from the Forbidden City's powerful clans, forcing him to admit defeat in public... a chill instantly shot from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, making him shiver and causing fine beads of cold sweat to instantly appear on his forehead!
Only now did he suddenly realize why the gazes of those important figures around him had been so strange when he had mocked Chu Feng earlier. It wasn't entirely out of contempt for Chu Feng; it was also mixed with a sense of apprehension and scrutiny towards the name "Jiang Xuan"! They clearly knew who this seat was for, and in the eyes of those in the know, his actions just now were nothing short of clown-like!
Those bigwigs who originally thought it was absurd for Chu Feng to take the chief position based on Jiang Xuan's name, and even secretly resented it, now had their minds racing.

Although they felt that Shi Dingzhai's arrangement of a young man was a bit exaggerated, considering the mysterious Obsidian Scroll on Jiang Xuan's body and his ability to make the sons of powerful families in the Forbidden City temporarily back down, they couldn't help but reassess the young man's potential.

Perhaps, this young man truly possesses a profound background beyond their comprehension? Otherwise, how could the mysterious Third Young Master of Shidingzhai headquarters personally designate him as the chief VIP? This is simply astonishing!
Chu Feng sat upright in the soft, comfortable animal-hide chair, feeling the solid ground beneath him, and couldn't help but sigh. If it weren't for the fortuitous invitation from Jiang Xuan, he probably wouldn't have even been able to get in today, and even if he had, he would have faced even more cold stares and alienation. At the same time, he was also filled with shock; Jiang Xuan's relationship with Shi Ding Zhai seemed to be far closer and more special than he had imagined.

As time went by, the VIP seats gradually filled up. The empty seat next to Chu Feng was occupied by a powerful figure who was renowned throughout the Southwest Province and even the Empire.

Dean Wei Lingzhen of Yanxia Academy arrived gracefully and sat down next to Chu Feng. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing across her face before she regained her composure.

Du Dongtu, the leader of the Purple Feather Army, strode over and sat down casually on the other side. He glanced at Chu Feng, then at the empty seat that belonged to Jiang Xuan, and a playful smile appeared on his rugged face. He whispered to Wei Lingzhen.

"Old Wei, see that? That kid hasn't even shown up, but he's already sitting here. Tsk tsk, he can't seem to find peace anywhere."

Wei Lingzhen nodded slightly and said softly.

"This child truly surprises everyone."

The great cultivator Yao Tuohai also sat down with a gloomy face. When his gaze swept over the empty seat, a trace of anger and fear flashed in his eyes.

He naturally remembered the oppression that Jiang Xuan and the forces that might exist behind him had brought him, but at this moment, he only dared to suppress this displeasure in his heart and dared not show it at all.

What made Chu Feng's heart tighten even more was that Little Sword Lord Xie Yutang, surrounded by his entourage, also sat down in a chief seat not far away. Xie Yutang's gaze swept lightly over the empty seat that belonged to Jiang Xuan, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly. Clearly, this arrangement had also taken him by surprise, causing him some irritation.

Finally, Grand Commander Liu Wujun arrived and took his seat in the most central position, his imposing presence bringing a sense of solemnity to the entire chief area.

Ruan Lingdu, as Liu Wujun's strategist, was not even qualified to sit in the chief seat area. He could only stand respectfully beside Liu Wujun like a servant.

Chu Feng sat upright, while Ruan Lingdu could only stand below him.

The difference in their positions became immediately apparent. Ruan Lingdu lowered his head, staring intently at Chu Feng, who sat calmly and composed, out of the corner of his eye. His heart was filled with boundless hatred, almost to the point of grinding his teeth to powder. However, in this situation, no matter how unwilling he was, he could only deeply hide all his resentment and dare not show it in the slightest.

Liu Wujun's gaze also seemed to casually sweep over the empty seat marked with Jiang Xuan's name. This was the third time he had formally heard the boy's name, and he couldn't help but feel a genuine interest in him.

Wei Lingzhen and Du Dongtu secretly exchanged messages, both marveling at Jiang Xuan's extraordinary talent. Yao Tuohai's face was ashen, secretly furious yet filled with apprehension. Xie Yutang's face was also ashen, lost in thought.

Just as everyone's thoughts were in turmoil, the auspicious time for Shi Ding Zhai's centennial celebration finally arrived.

The lights in the entire hall shifted slightly, casting a soft yet focused beam of light onto the central white jade platform.

Amidst melodious music, Mu Wansu, the owner of Shidingzhai, dressed in formal attire, slowly ascended the high platform.

Today, she wore a well-tailored black dress with dark gold patterns on the hem, resembling a black rose blooming in the night, exuding both elegance and mystery.

With her exquisite features and flawless makeup, she exuded a mature and elegant charm in every move, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

She stood on the stage, her red lips slightly parted, and before she spoke, her aura of complete control already permeated the air.

Everyone knows that this highly anticipated centennial celebration has officially begun.

……

Meanwhile, in a secluded courtyard on the other side of the city, inside a quiet room.

Jiang Xuan, who had been sitting cross-legged and silent like a stone statue for a long time, suddenly opened his eyes!
"laugh!"

Two sharp, almost tangible gazes shot out like divine rays suddenly cleaving through the fog in the dark night, leaving faint burn marks in the air.

The aura that had been so heavy and imposing around him now surged forth like volcanic lava released from its seal! Beneath his skin, a faint azure luster flowed, its translucent and holy light seemingly containing some kind of Daoist essence from the beginning of time.

His face, which had once retained a hint of youthful innocence, now had clearer, more defined features. The impetuousness of youth had faded from his brows, replaced by a sense of composure and calm, and an aura of confident control over his power emanated naturally from him. (End of Chapter)