The Ultimate Celestial Martial Emperor: An Isekai Cultivation Progression Fantasy Novel: The Ultimate Celestial Martial Emperor, #6

By De Yun Piao Dang

Jiang Yuan, an ordinary person from Earth, finds himself transported to another world, becoming a different Jiang Yuan in a realm filled with mystery and fantasy. In this world, individuals can cultivate their abilities to perform feats as miraculous as turning rivers and capturing the stars. However, Jiang Yuan's existence in this new world is far from stable. He inherits the identity and a series of troubles and challenges of his predecessor.

In the beginning, Jiang Yuan only wants to fully enjoy his new life, but fate doesn't afford him much respite. By a stroke of luck, he acquires a mysterious wooden carving, which seems to conceal the deep secrets of this world...

If I stand with humanity, then humanity shall flourish for hundreds of generations without end!

If I enter the path of demons, demonic flames will surge, and oceans of blood will flow!

As a sage, I shall help all beings, offering salvation to the world!

As an emperor, I shall be revered, with all directions submitting to me alone!

As an enlightened one, I shall follow in the footsteps of the sages before me, singing a war song of a prosperous yet melancholic era, shedding blood on the path to immortality!

 

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Having set their sights on a direction, the duo avoided the areas occupied by the two golden demon monkeys, Golden Wing and Iron Tail, and focused their efforts on breaking through in that direction, attempting to escape before the two golden monkeys could react.

 It must be said that their reactions were indeed swift, but Golden Wing and Iron Tail had long been on guard against their escape. Thus, at the same moment that the two made the most correct response, the two golden monkeys had also completed their encirclement of them.

 Reacting to the situation, Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong couldn't help but look grim as they saw the demon monkeys gradually closing in on them from all sides.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: He Qiao Qiao
• Release date: Apr 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224577682

Book preview

Chapter 201: A Flight of Fancy

Having set their sights on a direction, the duo avoided the areas occupied by the two golden demon monkeys, Golden Wing and Iron Tail, and focused their efforts on breaking through in that direction, attempting to escape before the two golden monkeys could react.

It must be said that their reactions were indeed swift, but Golden Wing and Iron Tail had long been on guard against their escape. Thus, at the same moment that the two made the most correct response, the two golden monkeys had also completed their encirclement of them.

Reacting to the situation, Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong couldn’t help but look grim as they saw the demon monkeys gradually closing in on them from all sides.

Although most of these demon monkeys were in the Meridian Connecting Realm, there were two to three demon monkeys in the early stage of the Leakless Realm in every key direction. Most importantly, the presence of Golden Wing and Iron Tail, who were both at the Peak of the Leakless Realm, brought immense pressure to Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong.

Golden Wing barked, My children, seize them for me! The Demon God wants them alive, remember not to kill them!

Unbeknownst to Golden Wing, these words, upon reaching the ears of Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong, gave them a glimmer of hope, a feeling of a lifeline in their desperate situation.

High in the sky, a dark shadow loomed, circling above. If Jiang Yuan or Ji Ziqing were to see this silhouette, they would definitely recognize it as the big bird.

The big bird was currently hovering high in the sky, condescendingly observing the horde of demon monkeys besieging Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong.

The big bird could be heard muttering, Caw, caw, how dare you plot against this Master Crow? Now, let you have a taste of being besieged.

The big bird watched with interest from high in the sky as Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong struggled to cope, its mood couldn’t have been more cheerful.

The situation for Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong was indeed dire, especially against the two golden demon monkeys that had already made their move. Neither of them could withstand even one hit; Chen Tianfang was sent flying with just one strike. Had the golden monkeys not intended to capture them alive, they probably would have been obliterated by now.

Su Linglong wasn’t faring much better. Targeted by Iron Tail, she seemed on the verge of collapse. Despite barely holding on with her bone chain, it was clear to anyone that Su Linglong couldn’t last much longer and might be defeated at any moment.

Iron Tail snorted coldly and brought down his iron staff fiercely. There was no finesse in the attack, yet Su Linglong’s face went pale confronting such a straightforward strike. She had no other option but to fight back directly, and the consequences of that were obvious.

A direct hit would likely leave her gravely injured, rendering her powerless against any demon monkey and leading to her inevitable capture.

Once in the clutches of the demon beasts, Su Linglong was acutely aware that nothing good awaited her. She might even be roasted due to her delicate skin.

Just the thought of this sent shivers down Su Linglong’s spine. It was too terrifying to contemplate, and she would rather die fighting than be devoured by these beasts.

I’ll fight you with everything I’ve got.

A defiant cry came from Su Linglong as she suddenly crushed a jade pendant in her hand. The pendant burst into a dazzling light that enveloped her and propelled her skyward.

The big bird high above was nearly startled out of its wits by this sudden surge of light. Watching the light disappear on the horizon, the big bird exclaimed in surprise, A Thousand Miles Shadowless Escape? I had no idea Su Linglong had such a treasured item for self-defense.

Not just the bird, even Chen Tianfang was taken aback upon witnessing this. However, before he could fully process it, he was struck by Golden Wing, breaking his spine and leaving him paralyzed on the ground. Though he wasn’t killed, he lost all ability to resist.

Despair filled Chen Tianfang’s eyes as he murmured, Su Linglong had a Thousand Miles Shadowless Escape all along. Who gave her such a Spirit Talisman?

If both of them had fallen into the hands of these demon monkeys, it wouldn’t have been so bad, but the fact that Su Linglong had abandoned him and escaped on her own left Chen Tianfang feeling extremely resentful.

Especially since Su Linglong possessed a Thousand Miles Shadowless Escape Spirit Talisman. If she had been willing, she could have taken him with her, but she simply ran away, leaving him behind.

The more Chen Tianfang thought about it, the more indignant he became. He shouted, You fools, go after her! The Thousand Miles Shadowless Escape can only carry you a thousand miles at most. If you’re quick enough, you’re bound to find Su Linglong.

The two golden apes were taken aback by Chen Tianfang’s words. Clearly, they hadn’t expected him to say such a thing.

After exchanging a glance, Golden Wing spoke to Iron Tail, Iron Tail, take him to the Demon God. I’ll pursue the woman and do everything I can to bring her back.

Iron Tail picked up the screaming Chen Tianfang and nodded slightly. He then led a group of monkeys back to the Ten Thousand Monkey Forest.

The big bird in the sky watched these events unfold, particularly Golden Wing’s decision to chase in Su Linglong’s direction. It croaked, Fool. That’s the Thousand Miles Shadowless Escape. It allows for instantaneous movement across a thousand miles. Unless a Primordial Spirit Realm Deity intervenes, it’s not so easy to catch her.

The big bird wasn’t optimistic about Golden Wing’s chances of capturing Su Linglong. With her abilities, she could easily find a place to hide once she escaped.

Although Golden Wing was much stronger than Su Linglong, he would need to find her first in order to capture her.

Caw, caw. One captured, one escaped. I’d better go back and see how Jiang Yuan and Ji Ziqing are doing.

The big bird flew towards the Ten Thousand Monkey Forest, but it was much more cautious this time. The entire forest had been placed under martial law, and it would no longer be as easy to infiltrate as before.

But this didn’t pose much of a problem for the big bird. It simply exercised caution. Shortly after entering the waterfall, the big bird saw the collapsed cave and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, Oh no! The cave is collapsed. Could it be that this place has been discovered?

The big bird was momentarily stunned. It stared at the empty cave in disbelief, its mind racing. When it finally processed what had happened, it hung its head and croaked, This is terrible. Jiang Yuan and Ji Ziqing must have fallen into the hands of those monkeys.

Just then, a strong gust of wind blew by. The big bird quickly tried to dodge, but its opponent was too fast and grabbed it by the neck.

The big bird squawked, Ow, my neck’s going to snap! Let go, you brat! I’ve been worried sick about you.

It was Jiang Yuan who had grabbed the big bird by the neck.

Jiang Yuan released the bird and asked, Big bird, aren’t you afraid that it might be someone else?

The big bird rolled its eyes and said, Who else would grab my neck but you?

Then, looking at Jiang Yuan and Ji Ziqing, the big bird asked, What happened here? Did those monkeys find this place?

Jiang Yuan replied, You saw it yourself. You don’t think we collapsed this cave ourselves, do you?

The big bird croaked, I knew that with how smart you two are, you wouldn’t be so easily captured by those monkeys. Unlike Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong, who thought they were being clever but ended up harming themselves and others.

Hearing the big bird mention Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong, Jiang Yuan’s eyes lit up. Oh, tell me quickly. What happened to Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong? Did they fall into the hands of those monkeys?

The big bird pulled out a spirit fruit from nowhere and started munching on it while croaking, Try to outsmart the old crow, and they’ll only have themselves to blame.

Jiang Yuan chuckled, It seems like Chen Tianfang and his group have definitely fallen into the hands of those demon monkeys by now.

The big bird nodded slightly and said, Indeed, Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong were surrounded by two golden demon monkeys. In the end, Chen Tianfang was captured, while Su Linglong managed to escape.

Jiang Yuan was momentarily stunned. Those golden monkeys are at the peak of the Leakless Realm. Chen Tianfang and Su Linglong, even working together, probably couldn’t stand a chance against either of them, especially when surrounded. How could there possibly be a chance to escape?

Even Ji Ziqing showed a hint of curiosity. It was indeed a huge mismatch, with two early Leakless Realm individuals being targeted by two Peak Leakless Realm demon monkeys. Escaping would be quite miraculous. You wouldn’t guess that Su Linglong had a Thousand Miles Shadowless Escape Spirit Talisman, the black bird croaked. In a critical moment, Su Linglong activated that lifesaving talisman, escaping a thousand miles away, leaving only Chen Tianfang in the hands of those demon monkeys.

Jiang Yuan exclaimed in astonishment, A Thousand Miles Shadowless Escape?

Ji Ziqing explained to him, It’s a one-time use spirit talisman. Once activated, it allows the user to escape a thousand miles away. It’s a rather precious lifesaving talisman. To refine such a talisman, one needs to be at least of the Zhou Heavenly Realm, a Heavenly God’s cultivation level. Moreover, the Thousand Miles Shadowless Escape talisman is ineffective for those above the Primordial Spirit Realm.

Despite its limitations, Jiang Yuan was visibly excited, almost drooling at the thought. Truly a life-saving treasure. It seems like Su Linglong has dodged a bullet this time.

The big bird croaked, Unless something unexpected happens, the demon monkey chasing Su Linglong stands no chance of catching her. It’s not impossible for Su Linglong to have escaped this ordeal.

Jiang Yuan’s expression turned somewhat somber. Now that Chen Tianfang has fallen into the hands of those demon monkeys, his fate doesn’t look promising. But before anything else, we must find a way to retrieve my Divine King Puppet.

Rolling its eyes, the big bird croaked, Silly boy, have you lost your mind? Considering Chen Tianfang is in the hands of those demon monkeys, you’re not thinking about snatching him back from them, are you?

Jiang Yuan cleared his throat and said, How could I? With just one of those golden monkeys, we’d be torn to shreds. I’m not reckless enough to throw my life away.

The big bird mumbled, This is tough. The old crow can’t think of anything. If you have an idea, why don’t you share it? I might give you a helping hand.

Ji Ziqing also looked at Jiang Yuan. She couldn’t think of any good plans either. With Chen Tianfang in the hands of the monkeys, a forceful rescue would be suicidal. There didn’t seem to be any other viable options.

A glint flashed in Jiang Yuan’s eyes as he said, There’s always a way if one thinks hard enough.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, indicating his confidence. He began to speak softly. Gradually, Ji Ziqing’s expression shifted from surprise to astonishment as Jiang Yuan’s plan took shape before her.

Even the big bird shook its head after hearing Jiang Yuan’s scheme. Unrealistic! Your plan is unrealistic! It’s too risky, way too risky!

Jiang Yuan rolled his eyes at the bird. Aside from this plan, can you suggest any other alternatives?

The big bird immediately shut its beak. Its eyes darted around as it said, Brat, I have to say, your plan is a long shot, but it’s not entirely impossible. It’s just that the chances of success are slim. I advise you to think carefully before proceeding.

Jiang Yuan ignored the bird and turned his gaze to Ji Ziqing.

Ji Ziqing met Jiang Yuan’s eyes and seemed to understand his determination. She nodded slightly. Since you’ve made up your mind, let’s do it your way. Even if it fails, the worst that could happen is exposure. Then we’ll just have to face the wrath of that demon god. It’s not like we don’t have any trump cards up our sleeves.

Jiang Yuan was touched. Because of his unrealistic plan, Ji Ziqing was willing to take risks with him. Although Ji Ziqing mentioned having ways to save their lives, if things went south, they wouldn’t only have to face the demon god; they would also have to deal with numerous golden monkeys. The sheer number of these golden monkeys posed a far greater threat.

If they fought desperately, Jiang Yuan and Ji Ziqing might just be able to finish off a demon god with their trump cards. The real problem was the horde of monkeys that outnumbered them.

Chapter 202: Tiger and Leopard Soldiers

Jiang Yuan looked at Ji Ziqing with some hesitation. If he were to put her in danger because of his insistence, it would be a huge sin. It was just a Divine King Puppet. Compared to Ji Ziqing’s safety, Jiang Yuan would rather give up the puppet.

Gritting his teeth, Jiang Yuan said to Ji Ziqing, Ziqing, after thinking about it carefully, I have to say that my plan, just like the big bird’s assessment, is too risky. It’s not worth risking our lives for a Divine King Puppet. Let’s give up.

Ji Ziqing was slightly surprised, but after looking at Jiang Yuan, she immediately understood his thoughts. With a faint smile, she said, Jiang Yuan, since when have you become so unmotivated and cowardly? I’ve thought about your plan carefully, and as long as there are no accidents, the chance of success is very high. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be crazy enough to join you. And now you want to give up? What’s the meaning of this?

Jiang Yuan didn’t expect Ji Ziqing to say these words. After staring at her for a moment, he asked, Are you sure you want to take this risk?

Ji Ziqing nodded. It’s just a bit risky. Besides, even if something does happen, we might have a chance of survival. In that case, why not give it a try?

Encouraged by Ji Ziqing, Jiang Yuan’s confidence grew. Taking a deep breath, he said, Alright, in that case, let’s start acting immediately.

As if performing magic, Jiang Yuan produced two sets of black armor. They were covered in marks from knives and spears, indicating that their previous owner had experienced fierce battles.

Soon, Jiang Yuan and Ji Ziqing changed their appearances and put on the armor. Immediately, they exuded a heroic aura.

Jiang Yuan couldn’t help but say to Ji Ziqing, I didn’t expect you to look so heroic dressed like this.

However, after sizing up Jiang Yuan from head to toe, Ji Ziqing frowned and said, No, Jiang Yuan, although this armor suits you very well, your youthful features don’t match this set of armor.

Jiang Yuan was slightly surprised, as he had great faith in Ji Ziqing’s judgment. Just then, the big bird on the side also opened its beak and squawked, That’s right, brat. You’re only seventeen or eighteen years old at most. You’re still too young, and your youthful features haven’t completely faded away. But that’s nothing. Ji Ziqing, find a way to darken Jiang Yuan’s face and mess up his hair a bit. That should be enough to cover up his youthful features.

Very soon, Jiang Yuan’s appearance changed drastically. At least in the bronze mirror, after wiping his face, Jiang Yuan could sense that he seemed to have matured quite a bit.

Grasping a long spear in his hand, Jiang Yuan asked with vigor, How is it? Have I changed a lot?

Ji Ziqing nodded in satisfaction. Similarly, Ji Ziqing was also a bit too fair and beautiful. The two of them discovered each other’s flaws and made up for them. Soon, they looked like completely different people. Even Chen Tianfang or Su Linglong might not be able to recognize them.

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey pursued Su Linglong, chasing her for thousands of miles before finally discovering her tracks.

Su Linglong was extremely cunning. Instead of leaving the Barbarian Wilderness Mountain Range, she turned around and headed toward the Ten Thousand Monkey Forest, making the Golden Winged Demon Monkey take a huge detour before finally finding her trail.

Hundreds of miles away from the Ten Thousand Monkey Forest, there was a bare mountain range filled with caves big and small. Burrow Beasts had dug out many caves of different sizes, which were connected to each other like an underground maze.

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey was above this mountain range, its gaze fixed on it, and it was roaring continuously.

It had tracked Su Linglong all the way here but had lost her. Looking at the mountain range before it, how could the Golden Winged Demon Monkey not guess where Su Linglong was hiding?

Come out! If you don’t come out, don’t blame me for destroying this cave!

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey shouted loudly in the air. It believed that Su Linglong, who was hiding in the caves below, would definitely hear its threat.

Unfortunately, the Golden Winged Demon Monkey’s threats seemed nonexistent to Su Linglong. No matter how the monkey threatened, there was no response at all.

Furious, the Golden Winged Demon Monkey fiercely slammed its staff down onto the hill below, instantly causing the earth to tremble and the mountains to shake. The ground heaved as if a dragon was attempting to surface, with large chunks of the mountain range collapsing, sending continuous roaring sounds echoing everywhere.

A Golden Winged Demon Monkey at the Peak of the Leakless Realm is terrifyingly powerful. A single strike could easily obliterate a small mountain, so destroying this particular hill was hardly a challenge.

After the Golden Winged Demon Monkey destroyed the mountain range, the landscape was completely transformed, raising concerns that Su Linglong hiding underground might have been buried beneath the earth.

Just as the Golden Winged Demon Monkey was in a rage, two figures flew towards it from the distance. The monkey’s eyes flashed sharply as it bellowed, Who goes there?

Through the swirling dust, two soldiers, emanating an aura of slaughter, approached.

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey couldn’t help but narrow its eyes when it felt the murderous aura emanating from the two soldiers, especially intrigued by their distinctive armor.

Tiger and Leopard Army?

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey stared at the two soldiers in astonishment.

Among the two soldiers, one had a waist tag hanging at his side, with the name ‘Wu Mo’ clearly inscribed on it, and even the smaller characters were clear enough for the Golden Winged Demon Monkey’s sharp vision to make out.

Scout Captain

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey looked at the man in black armor with the waist tag.

Wu Mo addressed the monkey, I am Wu Mo, Scout Captain of the Tiger and Leopard Army. May I ask your name?

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey replied, I am Golden Wing, subordinate of the Golden Monkey Demon God of the Ten Thousand Monkey Forest. What brings the Tiger and Leopard Army here?

Since they were very close to the Ten Thousand Monkey Forest, it was perfectly normal for the Golden Winged Demon Monkey to be wary of the Tiger and Leopard Army’s presence nearby.

Wu Mo responded, Not long ago, the Tiger and Leopard Army destroyed a Barbarian tribe hidden in the Barbarian Wilderness Mountain Range. We discovered evidence of collusion between Human traitors and the Barbarians. We have ventured deep into the Barbarian Wilderness to search for the whereabouts of these Human traitors.

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey was briefly taken aback before coming to a realization. Despite having their sphere of influence in this forest, it did not mean they had no contact with the outside world. Even these monkeys had heard of the existence of the Gale Tribe, so the Golden Winged Demon Monkey was not skeptical at all after hearing Wu Mo’s explanation.

The monkey coolly replied, I see. May I ask who exactly you are tracking?

Wu Mo solemnly answered, A man and a woman—two powerful Leakless Realm Immortals. These two are sly and deceitful fugitives, and the Tiger and Leopard Army has even dispatched Divine Warriors to capture them. We are currently searching for their whereabouts.

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey raised an eyebrow, What did you say? You’re pursuing a man and a woman—two Leakless Realm Immortals?

Wu Mo looked at the monkey, That’s right. Have you perchance encountered them?

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey remained silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. Wu Mo then pressed, You best consider this carefully. If you dare to shield these two, you will be opposing the Tiger and Leopard Army. If you provoke our generals, their wrath will bring a force powerful enough to threaten even your Demon God!

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey, known for its high intelligence, weighed the pros and cons carefully. Coupled with Wu Mo’s somewhat threatening tone, the monkey finally relented, Indeed, we encountered a man and a woman, both Immortals of the Leakless Realm. They killed members of our clan, which enraged our deity, who then ordered their capture alive.

A gleam flashed in Wu Mo’s eyes, Oh? So, they fell into your hands?

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey shook its head, Not exactly. We managed to capture the man, and he should have been taken to our deity by now. However, the woman is under this collapsed mountain range as we speak.

Wu Mo’s gaze shifted to the mountain range, It seems then that the female demon’s fate is sealed.

Without receiving a reply from the monkey, Wu Mo continued, Our general wishes to interrogate these two. Since the woman has been dealt with, only the man remains. I hope you can lead me to your deity.

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey stared at Wu Mo, What are you planning to do?

At the monkey’s response, Wu Mo burst into laughter, How absurd. With the strength of just my brother and me, do you really think we pose a threat?

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey quickly realized that its reaction might have been an overreaction. After all, the strength of the two soldiers was at the early stages of the Meridian Connecting Realm. Any one of them could easily eliminate both soldiers without worrying about any mischief from them.

The Golden Winged Demon Monkey wasn’t concerned about the two men themselves, but their identities were not to be taken lightly.

The Gale Tribe was a mighty tribe with an immortal deity at its helm, yet it was leveled by the Tiger and Leopard Army. Compared to that, their own Ten Thousand Monkey Forest was insignificant.

After some deliberation, the Golden Winged Demon Monkey said, I can only promise to lead you to our deity. Whether he allows you to take the prisoner will depend on his decision.

Chapter 203: Audience with the Demon God

Wu Mo immediately replied, That’s wonderful. I believe your deity will make the wisest choice.

Although the Golden Winged Demon Monkey was reluctant to lead Wu Mo and his companion to meet the Golden Monkey Demon God, it was afraid of offending the Tiger and Leopard Army, especially after the destruction of the Gale Tribe. If it neglected the two men now, who knew if they would spread rumors about the Ten Thousand Monkey Forest after returning?