The Ultimate Celestial Martial Emperor: An Isekai Cultivation Progression Fantasy Novel: The Ultimate Celestial Martial Emperor, #12

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!
 

 

---

 

Jiang Yuan smiled slightly, a hint of smugness in his expression. "Generals, please take a seat."

 Wang Yang and the others sat down, and Jiang Yuan also sat down. With a smile on his face, he said, "I didn't expect my cultivation breakthrough to cause such a stir among you three."

 Sun Buyi smiled. "Commander Jiang's breakthrough is a joyous occasion worthy of celebration by the entire City Guard."

 Jiang Yuan looked intrigued. "Wouldn't a grand celebration be a bit excessive? After all, this is merely a personal matter of mine. It wouldn't be right for me to trouble you all on my account."
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: He Qiao Qiao
• Release date: Apr 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224492350

Book preview

Chapter 441: Outright Provocation

Jiang Yuan smiled slightly, a hint of smugness in his expression. Generals, please take a seat.

Wang Yang and the others sat down, and Jiang Yuan also sat down. With a smile on his face, he said, I didn’t expect my cultivation breakthrough to cause such a stir among you three.

Sun Buyi smiled. Commander Jiang’s breakthrough is a joyous occasion worthy of celebration by the entire City Guard.

Jiang Yuan looked intrigued. Wouldn’t a grand celebration be a bit excessive? After all, this is merely a personal matter of mine. It wouldn’t be right for me to trouble you all on my account.

Before Jiang Yuan could finish speaking, Sun Buyi interjected, The commanders and captains of the army have never had the opportunity to gather with Commander Jiang. Now that Commander Jiang has broken through, it would be a good chance to foster camaraderie and strengthen your authority over the City Guard.

Jiang Yuan seemed to ponder for a moment before nodding slightly. The general makes a valid point. In that case, I will leave this matter to you three. In three days’ time, I will host a grand banquet for all my fellow comrades in the army.

Sun Buyi smiled. Rest assured, Commander Jiang. We will handle this matter meticulously and ensure that it exceeds your expectations.

Jiang Yuan nodded.

After leaving Jiang Yuan’s military tent, Sun Buyi, Wang Yang, and Liu Li’s expressions changed. They returned to their own quarters and sat down. Sun Buyi spoke first, I never expected Young Emperor Jiang to have advanced so much. He has now become a Divine General.

Liu Li frowned. When Young Emperor Jiang was still in the Zhou Heavenly Realm, I personally attempted to kill him but failed. His strength was formidable then. Now that he has broken through to the Divine General realm, I fear that even if we were to confront him, we might not be his match.

Wang Yang sneered. So what? No matter how strong he is, he is still only a Divine General. We may not be able to kill him, but he won’t be able to harm us either. Besides, we don’t have to fight him to the death. As long as we maintain firm control over the City Guard, what waves can Young Emperor Jiang possibly stir up?

Sun Buyi agreed. That’s right. We must seize this opportunity to give Young Emperor Jiang a taste of our power and make him fully aware of our influence within the City Guard. That should put an end to his ambitions once and for all.

Liu Li nodded slightly, We control a good seventy to eighty percent of the City Guard. As long as we bring those captains and leaders who are under our influence, we will definitely make Young Emperor Jiang completely abandon any thoughts of competing with us for control.

Wang Yang added, We need to show Young Emperor Jiang the extent of our control over the City Guard. Otherwise, he might continue to harbor unrealistic dreams.

Sun Buyi laughed heartily. Exactly, we’ll give Young Emperor Jiang a hard strike on the head. I wonder what his expression will be at that time.

Imagining Jiang Yuan’s frustrated and angry reaction upon realizing he has no hope of controlling the City Guard, the three of them exchanged looks, their faces unable to hide a mix of smugness and anticipation.

After Sun Buyi and the others left, Ji Ziqing appeared in the military tent and said, Sun Buyi and his companions are probably not harboring good intentions.

Jiang Yuan nodded, Of course, it would be good enough if those three didn’t cause trouble for me, let alone genuinely help me expand my influence.

Ji Ziqing chuckled lightly, As the saying goes, he who schemes against others is often outsmarted by his own schemes. It remains to be seen who is outsmarting whom.

A unique glint flashed in Jiang Yuan’s eyes, That depends on whether Sun Buyi and his group are willing to cooperate.

Both Jiang Yuan and Sun Buyi were clearly plotting against each other; it was uncertain who would come out on top.

Ji Ziqing looked at Jiang Yuan, Your recent breakthrough in cultivation shouldn’t cause any issues, right?

Jiang Yuan smiled, Though it came a bit earlier than expected, it’s not really a problem for me. It just means I’ll need to spend some more time solidifying my foundation. As for you, Ji Ziqing, you’ve quietly reached the mid-stage of the Divine General realm, which seems somewhat inconsistent with your usually cautious character.

Ji Ziqing rolled her eyes at Jiang Yuan, While I’ve always tried to suppress my cultivation, what I lacked was merely accumulation. As for realms and enlightenment, I have no shortage. Given our current precarious situation, it’s natural to first enhance my cultivation to ensure my safety to some extent. Only then can we talk about solidifying the foundation.

Clearly, both Jiang Yuan and Ji Ziqing had taken their situation into consideration. Had their environment not been so precarious, they would have solidified their foundations bit by bit before choosing to break through only when suppression was no longer an option.

Of course, this doesn’t mean their breakthroughs would negatively impact their cultivation. There might be some impact on their foundation, but it wouldn’t be significant. Otherwise, given the cautious nature of both Ji Ziqing and Jiang Yuan, they certainly wouldn’t have rushed into breakthroughs.

After hearing Ji Ziqing’s words, Jiang Yuan knew that her situation was similar to his own, with only minimal impact. Once they had control over Donghua Giant City, there would be plenty of time to remedy any deficiencies in their foundation.

Practicing the Undying Heavenly Skill, both Jiang Yuan and Ji Ziqing were least worried about being unable to mend their foundations.

Three days quickly passed by.

During these three days, Jiang Yuan completely detached himself, leaving all arrangements to Sun Buyi and his group, while he focused on closed-door cultivation.

Externally, it was said Jiang Yuan was stabilizing his cultivation, but he was indeed practicing the Heavenly Skill, making efforts to solidify his foundation.

While Jiang Yuan was in seclusion, Ji Ziqing appeared at his location, waking him, Jiang Yuan, the three days have passed. Sun Buyi and the others, along with the army, are waiting for you.

Jiang Yuan opened his eyes, nodded slightly, and slowly got up. A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. Is that so? Then, I shall go meet Sun Buyi and the others.

As Jiang Yuan walked over to Ji Ziqing, he whispered, How well-prepared are we on our side? Do we have full confidence?

Ji Ziqing chuckled lightly, Nothing is certain until it concludes, but we, together with Qin Zheng, have made thorough preparations for today. As for the final outcome, it all depends on fate now.

Jiang Yuan exhaled a breath, a cold light flashing in his eyes. Fate is with us. We must give Sun Buyi and his companions a surprise.

Saying this, Jiang Yuan walked out of the tent.

Outside the military tent, Sun Buyi, Wang Yang, and the others, along with a dozen or so military officers, were waiting. Judging by the way these dozen or so military officers were closely following Sun Buyi and the others, it was clear they were all from the three major families.

Jiang Yuan was now more or less aware of the situation within the City Guard. Therefore, when he saw those military officers surrounding Sun Buyi and the others, he showed no surprise but merely smiled and nodded at them.

Sun Buyi smiled and said to Jiang Yuan, Commander, all the military officers and leaders have gathered and are waiting for you.

Jiang Yuan nodded. In that case, let’s head over and not keep everyone waiting. Otherwise, it will be my fault.

Wang Yang laughed, Given your distinguished position, even if you kept them waiting a while, it would be their honor. If anyone dares to complain, I’ll slap them to death on your behalf.

As they spoke, Sun Buyi and the others escorted Jiang Yuan towards a large tent in the distance. Evidently, they had prepared the banquet inside that tent.

When Jiang Yuan and the others entered the large tent, they saw dozens or even a hundred military officers and leaders standing up in unison.

Jiang Yuan only knew these military officers and leaders by name but had never actually met them. In fact, this was the first time he had seen the entire system of officers from the City Guard.

Logically speaking, the first thing Jiang Yuan should have done after becoming the commander of the City Guard was to meet with the officer system, which controlled the entire force. However, almost sixty to seventy percent of the officers in the system were from the three major families, so meeting them or not made no real difference to Jiang Yuan.

He listened as everyone greeted him in unison. Greetings, Commander!

Jiang Yuan nodded slightly. No need for formalities. Everyone, please be seated.

With a rustle, nearly a hundred people sat down together. Sun Buyi said to Jiang Yuan, Commander, please take the seat of honor.

After Jiang Yuan sat down, his gaze swept over the scene, and a gleam quickly flashed in his eyes. The situation in the tent was crystal clear.

He saw that the majority of the military officers and leaders, about sixty to seventy percent, had clearly divided themselves into three groups with Sun Buyi and his companions as their cores. In addition to them, the remaining twenty to thirty percent of the military officers kept a certain distance from Sun Buyi and the others.

This alone showed how deeply divided the City Guard was internally. Jiang Yuan observed all of this but said nothing, silently taking it all in.

At this moment, a military officer suddenly stood up and said to Jiang Yuan, Commander, I heard from General Sun that you achieved a cultivation breakthrough three days ago and are now a powerhouse at the Imperishable Realm.

Jiang Yuan nodded slightly, looking at the military officer with some curiosity.

This was a military officer at the Zhou Heavenly Realm, so his strength could not be underestimated. Most importantly, the fact that he had suddenly stood up meant that he clearly had some motive, and he was sitting behind Sun Buyi, indicating that he was a member of the Sun Clan.

Jiang Yuan looked at this military officer with great interest, wondering what he was trying to do by speaking up at this time.

Although he had guessed that Sun Buyi and the others would definitely try to stir up trouble during this occasion, Jiang Yuan was not omnipotent and had no way of knowing exactly what they were planning.

Thus, now that the other side was making a move, Jiang Yuan was naturally quite curious to see what this military officer would do.

Golden Leaf Heavenly God smiled slightly. In our army, we have always respected the strong. Commander, you are now a great being at the Imperishable Realm as well. It would be interesting to know who is stronger between you and the three generals.

Jiang Yuan smiled. That is a fair point. The three generals possess unfathomable strength and have always been slightly stronger than me.

Golden Leaf Heavenly God said, How could that be possible? You are the commander, so your cultivation should definitely surpass the three generals. The three generals are all present now, and all the colleagues in the army are gathered here. If you were to fight the three generals, who would emerge victorious?

A strange look flashed in Jiang Yuan’s eyes as he glanced at Sun Buyi. At this moment, Sun Buyi stood up and said to Golden Leaf Heavenly God, Audacious, Golden Leaf Heavenly God! Who do you think you are, speaking to the commander like that? You must know that the commander was personally appointed by the City Lord and possesses formidable strength. How dare you question him? Step down at once!

Although Sun Buyi’s words were a reprimand directed at Golden Leaf Heavenly God, they seemed to carry another meaning, making it impossible not to think otherwise.

Jiang Yuan suddenly burst into laughter, leaving Sun Buyi and the others shocked. After all, Jiang Yuan’s reaction was clearly beyond their expectations.

In their plan, Jiang Yuan should have stood up and fought one of them at this moment.

As long as they defeated Jiang Yuan, he would lose all face in the City Guard.

After being defeated and losing face, Jiang Yuan would naturally no longer be able to gain a foothold in the City Guard, completely extinguishing his ambition to seize power over the City Guard.

Therefore, Sun Buyi and the others had arranged for Golden Leaf Heavenly God to provoke Jiang Yuan. Originally, everything was under their control, but Jiang Yuan’s reaction had greatly exceeded their expectations, leaving them stunned as they looked at the laughing Jiang Yuan.

After Jiang Yuan finished laughing, a cold glint flashed in his eyes as he stared at Golden Leaf Heavenly God. Golden Leaf Heavenly God, come forward.

Golden Leaf Heavenly God subconsciously looked at Sun Buyi, who nodded slightly, although he did not look at Golden Leaf Heavenly God.

Understanding Sun Buyi’s meaning, Golden Leaf Heavenly God walked towards Jiang Yuan, his eyes devoid of any fear and instead carrying a faint trace of mockery and disdain.

A mere military officer dared to completely disregard Jiang Yuan, the commander of the City Guard. Regardless of anything else, this attitude alone showed how deeply the three major families controlled the City Guard.

When he reached Jiang Yuan, Golden Leaf Heavenly God stopped and looked at Jiang Yuan calmly, without a trace of respect.

Jiang Yuan looked at Golden Leaf Heavenly God and slowly said, What a Heavenly God. You have extraordinary courage, but it’s a pity.

Chapter 442: Turning Your Back on Someone

Golden Leaf Heavenly God was taken aback by Jiang Yuan’s words and looked at him in astonishment, clearly confused about what he meant.

Not only Golden Leaf Heavenly God, but everyone else also looked at Jiang Yuan with surprise and suspicion.

Some people even wondered maliciously if Jiang Yuan had lost his mind. How could he say such things? Didn’t he know that Golden Leaf Heavenly God was actually a pawn pushed out by Sun Buyi?

Jiang Yuan suddenly said, Someone, come in.

As soon as Jiang Yuan gave the order, a voice responded from outside the tent, and then a team of ten elite soldiers, armed and armored, walked in. They were the same elite soldiers who had come with Jiang Yuan, Qin Zheng, and the others from Great Qin Royal City.

Despite being just a team of ten soldiers, the murderous aura they exuded caused the temperature in the tent to drop by several degrees.

Sun Buyi and the other two looked at the ten soldiers who had entered the tent with surprise. Sun Buyi wanted to stand up, but then he heard Wang Yang’s voice transmission, Sun Buyi, don’t panic yet. Let’s see what this Young Emperor Jiang wants to do.

Not only Wang Yang, but Sun Buyi was also very curious.

However, they soon found out why Jiang Yuan had summoned a team of soldiers. At this moment, Jiang Yuan spoke, Arrest this Golden Leaf Heavenly God who does not know his place and has offended his superiors. Immediately strip him of his position as military officer.

As soon as Jiang Yuan said this, everyone present was stunned, and many looked at him as if he were an idiot.

Didn’t Jiang Yuan know what power Golden Leaf Heavenly God represented? Or rather, who had instructed Golden Leaf Heavenly God to be so audacious?

Everyone present was no fool; they could see that all of this was orchestrated by the three major families with the sole purpose of undermining Jiang Yuan’s prestige. They aimed to completely suppress him, ensuring he no longer had the power to vie for control over the City Guard.

However, Jiang Yuan’s sudden order to arrest Golden Leaf Heavenly God seemed almost dreamlike, leaving everyone feeling as if they were in a surreal dream.

Yet, the ten elite soldiers responded with a shout and advanced towards Golden Leaf Heavenly God, fully intent on capturing him then and there.

Golden Leaf Heavenly God was momentarily stunned but quickly retorted, How audacious! I’d like to see who dares to arrest this military officer.

Golden Leaf Heavenly God’s accustomed arrogance was evident in his voice.

Although some were dissatisfied with his words, the majority present belonged to the forces of the three major families. In essence, most were on the side of the three families and Golden Leaf Heavenly God. Thus, even though Golden Leaf Heavenly God’s response was clearly disrespectful, no one reacted unusually.

Jiang Yuan, however, scoffed, Golden Leaf Heavenly God, you indeed have the audacity, daring to disrespect a superior. If no one else can arrest you, then I shall do it myself. I’d like to see who dares to stop me.

As he spoke, Jiang Yuan suddenly rose and walked towards Golden Leaf Heavenly God.

Jiang Yuan’s successive reactions were beyond Sun Buyi and the others’ expectations. So, when they saw Jiang Yuan approaching Golden Leaf Heavenly God, Sun Buyi almost instinctively stood up and sternly said to Jiang Yuan, Commander, please hold.

Jiang Yuan’s lips curled into a slight sneer, addressing Sun Buyi with disdain, Oh, General Sun Buyi, are you intending to shield him? You should know that this man shows no respect for rank. In the military, where discipline is paramount, such arrogance cannot be tolerated.

With that, Jiang Yuan continued towards Golden Leaf Heavenly God, determined to arrest him.

Golden Leaf Heavenly God’s eyes flashed with anger, and he retorted fiercely, Young Emperor Jiang, what are you worth? The City Guard is under the control of the three major families. Do you think holding the commander’s position gives you the right to do whatever you please?

Jiang Yuan coldly uttered, You’re courting death. Since you insist, I’ll grant your wish.

A beam of black light shot out from Jiang Yuan’s hand towards Golden Leaf Heavenly God. Golden Leaf Heavenly God was clearly taken by surprise by Jiang Yuan’s swift action. By the time he reacted, it was too late. A searing pain pierced his brow, and his skull exploded.

With a decisive strike, Jiang Yuan had slain Golden Leaf Heavenly God without hesitation. The turn of events had caught everyone off guard, including Sun Buyi and the others who stared in shock at Golden Leaf Heavenly God’s lifeless body.

Regaining his composure, Sun Buyi pointed an accusing finger at Jiang Yuan, his face contorted in anger, Young Emperor Jiang, y-you... You dare to kill Golden Leaf Heavenly God!

Jiang Yuan shot Sun Buyi a disdainful look, So what if I killed him? Do you object?

Sun Buyi was clearly filled with rage, but Jiang Yuan’s reaction had been far beyond his expectations. Caught off guard, he was at a loss for what to do.

Instinctively, Sun Buyi looked to Wang Yang and Liu Li. The three major families were still united when it came to the issue of controlling the City Guard. He wanted to gauge their opinions.

Wang Yang’s eyes flickered with a cold glint as he rose and addressed Jiang Yuan, Young Emperor Jiang, even as the commander, you do not have the authority to arbitrarily decide the life and death of a military officer. By killing a military officer without authorization, you have given us no choice but to apprehend you and hand you over to the City Lord.

Liu Li echoed his sentiments, That’s right. Golden Leaf Heavenly God’s death cannot be left unpunished. A respected military officer cannot be killed so casually. Young Emperor Jiang, you must give us an explanation. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to take this matter to the City Lord. We will not rest until justice is served.

He then turned to the other military officers and captains, Gentlemen, is that not the truth?

Most military officers were evidently on the side of the three major families. Prompted by Liu Li, they expressed their outrage and demanded an explanation from Jiang Yuan.

Watching their reactions, a cold smile spread across Jiang Yuan’s lips, You’re all courting death. I was willing to give you a chance to live, but you refuse to take it. Don’t blame me for what happens next.

With a wave of his hand, Jiang Yuan made the entire military tent vanish, leaving everyone outside.

But that wasn’t the most shocking part. What truly astounded them was the sight that greeted them after the tent disappeared: an army of elite soldiers had formed a battle formation, encircling them.

Three thousand elite soldiers, along with several great divine beings and even a Du Yuan Divine General, had surrounded them completely.

Faced with the overwhelming force before them, Sun Buyi and the others couldn’t help but reveal expressions of disbelief.

Sun Buyi pointed at Jiang Yuan, his voice trembling, Y-you... You did this on purpose.

Jiang Yuan sneered, That’s right. Did you really think I was unaware of your plans? I know exactly what you’re up to. But while you were scheming against me, I was also scheming against you.

Sun Buyi regained his composure and said, Jiang Yuan, you’re being too arrogant. Do you really think that you can defeat us with just these men? Don’t forget, the combined strength of our three major families is far beyond your imagination. We’re not far from Donghua Giant City. If we make too much noise, we’ll attract the attention of our clans. Even you won’t be able to escape unscathed.

It was clear that Sun Buyi was trying to intimidate Jiang Yuan, but he had failed to consider that Jiang Yuan would not have dared to make such a move if he wasn’t prepared to face the consequences. Trying to scare him with the three major families was a futile effort.

Wang Yang spoke up, Sun Buyi, there’s no need to waste your breath. It’s obvious that he didn’t make this decision lightly, considering the scale of his preparations. If I’m not mistaken, Qin Zheng must have found a way to stall your clansmen by now.

He then turned to Jiang Yuan, as if seeking confirmation of his guess.

Jiang Yuan nodded, Indeed. Lord Qin Zheng is keeping your three clans occupied at the moment, giving me ample time to deal with you all.

Liu Li let out a roar, You think you can defeat us? Attack! Let’s kill this Young Emperor!

Liu Li charged towards Jiang Yuan, but at that moment, a figure suddenly appeared before him. A single slap struck Liu Li’s chest, sending him flying backward.

Liu Li spat blood, crashing into several military officers behind him and even causing a few of them to die instantly from the impact before he hit the ground. His life hung by a thread after that single blow.

The person who had intervened was Du Yuan Divine General, the only one capable of inflicting such a severe injury on a divine being like Liu Li with such clean efficiency.

Jiang Yuan looked at Liu Li with pity and said, General Liu Li, how was that strike? When you attempted to assassinate me on the street that day, I bet you never imagined you’d face such a day, did you?