Chapter 10: The Ascendance of Humanity!
Jiang Ping nodded in solemn awe as he bore witness to the glorious birth of the first-generation human king.
"From mere primates to beings of higher intellect, this collective can now be hailed as the human race! Truly, this human king astounds me. My efforts in nurturing him have not been in vain. Empowered by the indomitable Spear of Destiny, he possesses the audacity to challenge even the apex predator of this realm, the mighty dragon. However..." Jiang Ping shifted his gaze towards the distant horizon, where the burgeoning might of the human race exerted mounting pressure upon the other formidable entities of the primitive world. These creatures, endowed with innate divinity and exceptional intelligence, stand on equal footing with the nascent human race in terms of both combat prowess and intellectual acuity. Yet, in their solitary existence, they remain vulnerable. Jiang Ping could discern the potential fate of the other denizens in this world, mirroring the ascent of Earth's own primates.
Despite their considerable strength, their conquest of the colossal beasts that menace them and their ability to domesticate successive generations, Jiang Ping couldn't help but harbor reservations as he glanced at the ravenous ants he had recently encountered in the secluded depths. He sensed that the ascendancy of the human race would not come without formidable challenges.
In the ancient annals of the primordial worlds history, as the first-generation human king emerged, the blank canvas of Genesis once again bore inscriptions. The Neolithic Era of the Primordial world unfurled, accompanied by the melting of ice, the reawakening of all life, and the ascendancy of the created beings who ruled over this realm. Wu Ma, the primate leader, was blessed with divine enlightenment, bestowing upon him three momentous treasures: the Spear of Destiny, the seed of civilization, and the Stone of Truth.
Moreover, he diligently studied and simulated the respiration techniques of all living entities, successfully vanquishing the malevolent dragon and immersing himself in its life-affirming blood, thereby acquiring a second lease on existence and becoming the inaugural human king. In the concealed depths of the subterranean abyss, the queen ant, harboring an insatiable yearning for illumination, ventured forth onto the surface, unveiling its fearsome might.
Having perused the ancient chronicles inscribed within Genesis, Jiang Ping mused, "It appears that the human race and the ant race shall take center stage as the principal protagonists of this era."
Although the human race in the primitive world differed markedly from their earthly counterparts, exhibiting scarce resemblances, Jiang Ping nurtured a profound affinity for this nascent civilization. It was this affinity that compelled his personal intervention. However, a meticulous analysis of the Genesis scriptures revealed the vast potential harbored within the gluttonous ants. Thus, the victor of this unfolding drama remained uncertain!
"Perhaps, the ultimate victor and the future overlord of this world may not emerge from either of these races. There exists an infinitesimal possibility."
Jiang Ping intently surveyed the primordial realm, firmly resolved against further interference. He had already extended his aid to the human race, and it was in their best interest to develop autonomously, unencumbered by external disturbances. Interference would only serve to undermine their growth.
Although it may presently seem that the human and ant races reign supreme, who can foretell the rise of a mightier race in the eons to come? With the demise of the red dragon Fahosi, the human race cemented its dominant position, and the indomitable prowess of their sovereign, Wu Ma, reverberated through the very bedrock of this land!
The dragon's demise bestowed upon the human race an
invaluable boon. Its corporeal form was an untapped treasure trove, with scales impervious to the keenest of blades and invulnerable to searing flames. Apart from the Spear of Destiny, no other weapon could pierce this formidable armor! Undoubtedly, the dragon scales would be skillfully fashioned into the most formidable panoply. The succulent dragon flesh offered unparalleled succulence, yet only a select few warriors possessed the fortitude to withstand the potent energy within this divine repast.
As for the dragon's blood, its potency surpassed all else. Only the human king himself dared to risk fusion with this elixir. None others possessed the fortitude to endure the cataclysmic might of the... dragon!
There existed no alternative; the stalwart members of the human race had no recourse but to seal away this precious elixir and await the ascent of the subsequent human monarch, destined to wield its potent magic. Following his immersion in the dragon's lifeblood, Wu Ma reclaimed his youth, standing once again atop the zenith of his vitality. Guiding his people to expand their dominion and augment their numbers, he led the charge with renewed vigor.
However, as the human race burgeoned across the earth, formidable adversaries arose to challenge their ascendancy!
"Human king Wu Ma, do not presume that we cower before you!"
The Griffin King cast a malevolent glare upon the human sovereign from his lofty vantage point. Countless griffins soared beside him, accompanied by other ferocious felines and beasts that prowled the earth beneath.
Wu Ma, resplendent in his regal garb, brandished the Spear of Destiny aloft, supported by a phalanx of warriors clad in impenetrable armor.
"Charge!"
As the human king's commanding bellow resounded, both factions collided in an explosive clash. It was a clash of races, a contest marked by the unwavering resolve of both sides! Despite the human king's valor, he faced relentless challenges from the airborne demons, capitalizing on their inherent aerial advantage!
Whenever a fleeting opening emerged amidst the terrestrial ranks, the aerial creatures swiftly seized the opportunity to ensnare their vulnerable prey. Valiant warriors donning gleaming armor fell incessantly, while Wu Ma, his eyes bloodshot, swung the Spear of Destiny with unparalleled fury. Ultimately, both factions retreated, carrying their fallen comrades. It was a stalemate, a shared defeat!
The passage of time was swift, and the human king Wu Ma, his once-ebon locks now turned a resplendent white, bore the weight of the years upon his shoulders. Throughout the ages, he toiled tirelessly, leading his people to expand their dominion and engaging in fierce skirmishes with extraordinary creatures. It could be said that his existence was largely defined by the relentless tides of war. However, in recent years, Wu Ma found himself increasingly cognizant of the waning embers of his power.
Bewildered, Wu Ma stared at the snowy tendrils adorning his head. Long gone were his contemporaries, consigned to the annals of time, while he himself had personally laid to rest those dearest to his heart. Wu Ma was acutely aware that, were it not for his immersion in the dragon's blood, he would have long succumbed to the ravages of age!
"Another year has passed, marking my three centuries of existence. It would seem that the twilight of my years has beckoned," Wu Ma muttered with self-deprecating introspection.
"Human King," a nearby sage interjected, unable to contain his response, "your words bear the weight of grandiosity. With the Spear of Destiny grasped firmly in your hand, it is undeniable that you shall lead us towards greatness." Under the wise guidance of Wu Ma, the human race had transcended their precarious state, evolving into one of the most formidable clans, evoking awe in the hearts of every tribe member.
"Who, in this vast world, can truly elude the clutches of mortality? I have already traversed two lifetimes, surpassing the longevity of most individuals. Even the majestic dragons, with their lifespans far surpassing ours, eventually succumb to the grasp of the eternal slumber after a thousand years," Wu Ma chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement.
"Throughout my existence, I have exemplified the essence of the human race. Let us now commence the preparations to anoint the successor to the throne."
Initially shocked, the nearby sage hesitated to further voice his thoughts, swiftly departing to gather the remaining tribe members.
As Wu Ma gazed into the horizon, the sun gracefully descended, casting a resplendent golden hue upon his visage. His life, akin to the sunset, was poised to embrace the eternal darkness.
Yet, did he truly harbor no regrets within the depths of his being?
"Might it be that only you, O' divine entity, possess the essence of eternity in this realm?" Wu Ma murmured pensively, reminiscing the visions of the primordial deity that had graced his slumber.
Over the course of many years, Wu Ma had ventured across the expansive lands, braving countless hardships until he reached the precipice. There, he was met by an unending expanse of the boundless ocean. Was the ethereal presence of the primordial deity concealed within the terrestrial realm, the celestial skies, or the profound depths of the ocean's abyss?
"I yearn to behold your countenance once more," Wu Ma whispered his wows into the winds, his desire not to beseech the primordial deity for the elusive secret of everlasting life, but rather to inquire within himself whether he had fulfilled the sacred task bestowed upon him many years ago.
With a gentle caress of the Spear of Destiny, Wu Ma resolved himself, swiftly making a momentous decision.
Returning to the central ancestral abode, the news of the human king's abdication reverberated throughout the collective consciousness of the human clan, shaking their very foundation. Countless individuals were overcome with a profound sense of grief, while clandestine preparations took shape among the ranks of the most powerful entities.
Unyielding in its vibrant splendor, the Divine Tree Lahier stood as a testament to eternal existence. Despite Wu Ma's sovereign stature as the Human King, he respectfully bowed before the majestic deity-like tree.
He understood that without the benevolent protection of the Divine Tree, the human race would cease to exist in its present form. Perhaps he himself would have long been consigned to the annals of oblivion, his tribe extinguished like a flickering flame in the vast darkness.
A legend whispered of the Divine Tree's inseparable bond with the very fabric of the heavens and the earth. It was not merely the first living entity to grace this world, but also cradled the seeds sown by the primordial deity's divine hands. Despite enduring the harrowing trials of countless calamities, the Divine Tree had endured. If anyone in this realm possessed an iota of understanding concerning the nature of the primordial deity, it would surely be her!
Gazing upward at the towering silhouette of the Divine Tree, its canopy engulfing the heavens, Wu Ma couldn't help but be consumed by an overwhelming sense of reverence, even after countless encounters. He softly beseeched the ancient arboreal entity, inquiring about the ethereal whereabouts of the primordial, almighty God. After a prolonged silence, a resounding voice echoed within the recesses of his consciousness.
"A significant portion of my existence has been shrouded in the embrace of deep slumber. After numerous cycles of rebirth, the sands of time have eroded memories from my consciousness. I possess no greater understanding of the primordial God than you, for he does not reside within this realm. What I do know is that he manifests in this world only during the epochal cataclysms, infusing it with the essence of rejuvenation and vitality."
Deeply grateful, Wu Ma extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Divine Tree. From that day forward, he constructed a humble grass hut in the proximity of the ancient tree, ardently laboring to transport colossal stones, meticulously crafting a statue in the image of the almighty being.
To the outside world, it appeared as if the Human King's pursuit stemmed from a refusal to embrace mortality, a quest for guidance from the divine, reminiscent of the sacred revelations bestowed upon him in his youthful days.
"Life and death, an immutable law governing all existence. Even the resplendent Divine Tree itself has undergone the cycles of rebirth and dissolution. Apart from God, who among us can truly grasp the elusive strands of eternal life?" a seasoned elder of the human clan lamented, shaking his head at the sight of the valiant yet misguided Human King, succumbing to the inherent mortality to the human condition.