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

His voice was somewhat hoarse from the effort he was putting down, but it conveyed an unusual calmness and composure.

"Senior... there's no need... to intervene... this time... I can... do it myself..."

Upon hearing this, Xue Jin paused involuntarily.

He stared intently and discovered that although Jiang Xuan was filled with murderous intent and had a ferocious expression, the depths of his eyes were not completely consumed by madness as before. Instead, a trace of extremely firm clarity was struggling to be preserved! Moreover, the surging murderous intent seemed to be gradually weakening and receding at a slow but real speed.

After observing for a moment and confirming that Jiang Xuan seemed to be able to control the situation on his own, Xue Jin relaxed his tense nerves slightly. He took a deep look at Jiang Xuan and ultimately did not choose to intervene forcefully, but simply said in a deep voice.

"Kid, you better know your limits! I'm right outside."

After saying that, he slowly left the room, but his divine sense remained firmly locked on the room, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

After leaving the room, Xue Jin leaned against the wall, picked up the wine jar and took a big gulp, but his brows were tightly furrowed, and he was secretly puzzled.

"To encounter such dangerous inner demons twice in such a short period of time... this is definitely not normal. Could it be that the cultivation technique he practices is extremely special, even requiring the induction of inner demons for tempering?"

The moment this thought crossed Xue Jin's mind, even he found it somewhat absurd. Inner demons are the greatest enemies that cultivators fear and avoid at all costs; how could anyone actively provoke or even use them for cultivation? That would be tantamount to courting death!

But considering the endless secrets surrounding Jiang Xuan, as well as his composure and incredible combat power far exceeding those of his peers, Xue Jin felt that it was not impossible.

"This kid... always acts unpredictably, and his cultivation path is quite unorthodox. If that's the case, then his schemes... are probably even bigger than I imagined! Once he grows up, his future will be even more unpredictable..."

Xue Jin muttered to herself, a complex and unfathomable light flashing in her eyes.

……

One day later.

As Jiang Xuan sat cross-legged in the room, the boiling killing intent around him finally subsided and dissipated completely.

He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze clear and deep like an ancient well, devoid of any trace of his previous tyranny and madness.

This time, although the inner demons came suddenly and were more numerous, their threat was greatly reduced for Jiang Xuan, who had already undergone a thorough mental cleansing and had a completely new understanding of the "Star Gathering Style".

These newly emerging shadows of death could no longer shake his now unwavering resolve.

In the process of dispelling and erasing these shadows, he took the opportunity to analyze and understand more deeply the intricacies of his opponents' "star-gathering" tactics, turning the crisis into a rare opportunity.

It can be said that this inner demon not only did not cause him any real harm, but also made his foundation more solid and his control over power more exquisite.

Xue Jin sensed that the atmosphere inside the room had completely stabilized, pushed open the door and walked in. Seeing Jiang Xuan's eyes, which had regained their clarity, and the increasingly restrained and profound aura emanating from him, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and click her tongue in amazement.

"You little rascal, you're a monster! The inner demons that others fear like tigers have become a whetstone for you to sharpen your blade."

Jiang Xuan smiled slightly and said nothing more.

He knew that his ability to withstand the erosion of his inner demons twice in a row and benefit from it was certainly due to the "Minor Underworld Divine Art" and his own strong will, but Liu Qingyan's flute playing that night and the extreme pressure brought by this Hundred Battles Secret Realm were also indispensable factors.

This was tantamount to obtaining a rare and unparalleled trial of the mind, allowing him to experience in advance the mysteries of the "inner demons" that even many high-level cultivators might not be able to clearly perceive. His mind had undergone a complete transformation, becoming more resilient and powerful than ever before.

……

Seven days later, Jiang Xuan, having adjusted himself to an unprecedented peak, for the third and final time, sank his mind into his sea of ​​consciousness and stepped into the "Hundred Battles Secret Realm"!
A massive arena, a gray, empty void, and rows of strange sculptures.

As soon as Jiang Xuan appeared, he exuded a fierce aura of indomitable spirit and unwavering determination!

The battle begins!
This time, he swept all before him! The battle blade in his hand seemed to have come alive. The "Star Gathering Style," which combined the strengths of many schools, reached the pinnacle of "precision," and even began to develop its own unique aura, unleashed earth-shattering power in his hands!
Whether it's a familiar old rival or a new, unfamiliar powerhouse, under his sword strike that moves like stars, with unpredictable trajectories yet in harmony with the laws of nature, they often can't withstand more than ten moves before being ruthlessly defeated!
One game, two games, ten games, fifty games, ninety games...

He was like a tireless fighting machine, and like an ascetic monk who tirelessly pursued the way of the sword, pushing his mastery of "Star-Picking Style" to a whole new height that even he himself had never imagined!

He had not lost a single one of the previous ninety-nine battles!
When the ninety-ninth statue shattered, and the powerful figure within was annihilated by his single strike, an eerie silence fell over the entire arena. Only the last statue, the tallest and most ancient human cultivator sculpture located at the very center of the arena, remained standing silently.

That clear, cold voice, carrying an indescribable solemnity, slowly rang out.

"The hundredth battle, against the human powerhouse, Wei Mingzi."

"Om-!"

The human cultivator sculpture emitted a clear, resonant tremor, unlike any other statue, like the sound of jade stones mingling. Then, a layer of warm radiance flowed across its surface, rippling out like water. The stone chips did not shatter, but instead peeled off and dissipated layer by layer like lotus flowers.

Finally, a figure slowly walked out from the center of the radiance.

This man appeared to be around thirty years old last year. He had a handsome face, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and an imposing and extraordinary presence.

He wore an ancient feathered robe that seemed to be woven from blue clouds and flowed with a faint halo. He was barefoot, with his black hair flowing freely, exuding an indescribable air of otherworldly grace amidst his unruliness.

In his hand, he held a long, curved sword with an ancient design and a slightly curved blade.

His temperament was completely different from all the previous powerful figures in the secret realm. He lacked the wildness and violence, and had more of an ethereal and otherworldly ancient air, as if he were a true ancient cultivator who had come from ancient mythology!
His gaze fell on Jiang Xuan, but he did not make a move immediately. Instead, he smiled slightly, his voice gentle and warm, carrying a strange sense of approachability.

“Young friend, your ability to pass through ninety-nine levels and arrive here demonstrates that your talent, temperament, and strength are all of the highest caliber. I am Wei Mingzi, the fifteenth generation successor of the ancient Taiyi Immortal Sect.”

His tone carried a hint of vicissitude and emotion.

"Back then, while exploring the secrets of the ancient times, I accidentally wandered into this place and unfortunately perished. Only this wisp of my soul remained, sealed here, becoming the guardian of this secret realm, living in a daze for countless years." As he said this, his gaze towards Jiang Xuan became extremely sincere, even carrying a hint of pleading.

"Young friend, I see you are no ordinary being; one day you will surely soar to the heavens. I have no other request but that you help me break free from this seal, allowing my remnant soul to return to the cycle of reincarnation and no longer suffer the torment of eternal imprisonment!"

He paused, his tone becoming more solemn, and even raised his hand to swear an oath.

"If you are willing to help me, young friend, I swear on my own Dao heart that I will bestow upon you all the supreme inheritance opportunities of my Taiyi Immortal Sect to repay this kindness!"

Jiang Xuan listened quietly, his face expressionless. He neither agreed nor refused, but asked noncommittally.

"Taiyi Immortal Sect? Never heard of it."

Upon seeing this, Wei Mingzi quickly explained.

"My Taiyi Immortal Sect is an unparalleled lineage from ancient times, with profound and mysterious heritage, far surpassing ordinary sects of this era. However, due to the long passage of time, it has long been lost to the river of history, so it is normal that you have never heard of it. As long as you help me escape this predicament, you will naturally learn of all the opportunities."

Jiang Xuan's eyes flickered slightly as he presented his own proposal.

"Could we discuss helping each other after I've overcome this hurdle?"

"No!"

Wei Mingzi's expression changed, and his tone suddenly became agitated.

"Young friend, you are unaware of the truth! This place is a trap of absolute desolation! The so-called Heavenly Secret Realm is nothing more than a cage used by the mastermind behind the scenes to filter and manipulate the minds and wills of cultivators!"

Once you pass this test according to its rules, your mind will be completely branded, turning you into a puppet who only knows how to fight and has no self-awareness! Like a walking corpse! Look at my current state; it is the best example of failed resistance!

He pointed to himself, his voice filled with grief, indignation, and fear.

"Young friend, while there's still time, help me break this seal. If we join forces, we might find a glimmer of hope and escape this place! Don't be misled by them and follow in my footsteps!"

After listening, Jiang Xuan revealed a strange smile. He shook his head and said calmly.

“Senior, you are mistaken. I do not know whether this place is a trap, nor do I know if there is a mastermind behind it. I only know that it is because of this ‘Heavenly Secret Realm’ that I have been able to break through my limits time and time again, defy fate, and obtain my current power.”

Even if it's using me, as long as I can gain enough benefit from it and become stronger, what's wrong with being used?

Wei Mingzi was stunned by his "fallacies" and then shouted in anguish.

"Foolish! You're asking a tiger for its skin, or drinking poison to quench your thirst! Once your mind is completely controlled by it, it will be too late to regret it!"

Jiang Xuan remained unmoved and said calmly.

"At least for now, it gives me strength."

"And you, senior, cannot even extricate yourself from this predicament through so-called 'fortune,' so how can I believe that the 'supreme opportunity' you promised truly exists?"

He raised his eyes, his dark pupils carrying a chilling, penetrating light, and stared directly at Wei Mingzi.

"Moreover, senior keeps asking for my 'help,' but no matter how I look at it, I feel that senior is more like looking for a suitable 'body' to carry out... a rebirth through borrowing a body?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Mingzi's originally dignified and gentle face suddenly twisted and became ferocious! A terrifying killing intent, far more violent, cold, and bloodthirsty than any of the previous secret realm experts, suddenly erupted from his body like a flood breaking through a dam!

"Youngster! You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences! Since you're so stubborn and refuse to obediently offer your body, then I'll take it myself! It's your honor to become the vessel for this 'Bloodthirsty Demon Lord' to return to the world!"

He roared, surrounded by black mist, and had lost all trace of his immortal demeanor; he was clearly a peerless demon!
Jiang Xuan was not surprised at all. A cold smile appeared on his lips, and the simple battle sword in his hand, which had accompanied him in battle for a long time, emitted a clear and melodious hum.

"So you've finally shown your true colors? If you want to possess someone, let's see if you have the ability!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already transformed into a streak of light that tore through the void. The battle blade in his hand carried a resolute will to annihilate everything, and he slashed fiercely at the demon who called himself "Wei Mingzi" but was actually the "Slaughtering Demon Lord"!

He had long seen through it all; this final opponent's so-called "help" was nothing more than a trick to lure him into lowering his guard and making it easier for him to possess the body! This hundredth battle was still a life-or-death struggle, allowing no room for luck!

Jiang Xuan slashed out with his battle blade, carrying an unwavering determination, and clashed fiercely with Wei Mingzi, who had revealed his true form as a demon lord!
At first, Jiang Xuan was wary, thinking that his final opponent, Wei Mingzi, who claimed to be from the ancient "Taiyi Immortal Sect," would unleash some earth-shattering and extraordinary secret technique.

However, when the opponent's attack actually landed, a knowing and cold glint flashed in Jiang Xuan's eyes.

That seemingly overwhelming demonic attack, in its core essence, the trajectory of the power it triggered, and the killing intent it contained... were still the "Star Gathering Style"!
However, in the hands of the opponent, this "Star Gathering Style" became even more bizarre, sinister, and domineering, like a destructive star that had fallen into demonic ways, carrying a terrifying will to pollute and devour everything.

"As expected... I still can't escape the rules of this secret realm!"

Jiang Xuan's last trace of doubt vanished. Since it was still the "Star Gathering Style," what did he have to fear?

After being tempered by ninety-nine bloody battles, his control and understanding of the "Star Gathering Style" had long reached an unbelievable level, and even subtly transcended its original limitations, beginning to nurture his own "Tao"!
Faced with Wei Mingzi's awe-inspiring attack, Jiang Xuan advanced instead of retreating. The "Storm Millstone" within his body spun wildly at an unprecedented speed, and pure and powerful azure spiritual energy roared and surged! The battle blade in his hand drew a mysterious and unpredictable trajectory, as if drawing upon the power of the stars in the heavens, transforming into a dazzling blade of light that tore through chaos and separated the clear from the turbid!
This strike was the culmination of his countless battles, the ultimate expression of his will and the essence of the "Star-Gathering Style"!

"boom--!!!"

Both attacks, based on the "Star Gathering Style," took completely different paths and collided with a deafening roar on this lonely arena!

There was no stalemate, no back-and-forth battle.

At the moment of collision, Wei Mingzi's seemingly terrifying demonic "Star Gathering Style" was like encountering its nemesis. Under Jiang Xuan's blade light, which was purer, closer to the origin, and contained a stronger will to break through and rebuild, it crumbled and disintegrated inch by inch!
"No—!! This is impossible! My 'Demon Star Slash,' honed over ten thousand years...how could it be defeated by a mere brat like you! I refuse to accept this! I refuse to accept this—!!" (End of Chapter)