Chapter 11: The End of an Era
Time marched forward relentlessly, leaving its indelible mark upon all. Wu Ma, the Human King, had gracefully weathered the passage of years, but its weight had taken its toll. Each day that dawned, as Wu Ma grew older, the demons grew bolder, audaciously testing the boundaries of the human realm. Yet, Wu Ma's unwavering spirit remained resolute, a stern warning to those who dared challenge his authority.
Even in the twilight of his life, the king's determination blazed like an unyielding flame, refusing to tolerate any affront.
The central ancestral land of the human race buzzed with anticipation, teeming with activity. People hurried about, their bustling movements disrupting the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. It was the grand ceremony convened by Wu Ma, the Human King, a momentous gathering of the entire tribe to determine the next ruler.
In the annals of their nation, these events held paramount significance, entwined with sacrifice and warfare.
A colossal statue, towering to a majestic kilometer in height, stood as the centerpiece of the ancestral land. Carved from flawless white jade, it commanded awe and reverence, its surface caressed by the gentle rays of sunlight. In one hand, the statue clasped the Spear of Destiny, while the Stone of Truth rested upon its left palm. Before its chest, a radiant orb of flame danced in mid-air. The statue embodied power, wisdom, and an eternal connection to the divine.
Wu Ma, the Human King, knelt humbly before this sacred tribute. Behind him, a sea of his kin joined him, their faces etched with devotion. Before the statue of the Creator, no one dared display even a hint of disrespect.
As the tribe knelt, a subtle, ethereal mist emanated from their very beings, catching Jiang Ping's keen attention.
"What was the nature of that subtle energy we just witnessed?" Jiang Ping inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"It is the essence of faith," Genesis replied knowingly.
Jiang Ping nodded, acknowledging the immense potential inherent in the faith of sentient beings. He marveled at the concept of divinity attained through devotion, recognizing its profound significance. However, within the Primordial World, vast and captivating as it may be, such explorations of godhood through faith would have to await future endeavors.
During this momentous human sacrifice, Jiang Ping had no intention of unveiling his own existence. Understanding the inherent limitations of mortal was paramount, for only then could one aspire to transcend those boundaries and achieve true greatness.
The grand sacrifice reached its culmination, yet no divine response descended from the heavens above. Wu Ma, though prepared for such an outcome, could not conceal a hint of regret shimmering within his eyes.
"The ceremony has drawn to a close. Lian Shan and Wu You, step forward," Wu Ma commanded.
A surge of anticipation coursed through the two young men as they rose to their feet. They were the final contenders vying for the esteemed title of Emperor, having emerged victorious from countless battles. One, brawny and robust, cast a confident smile at the other, his eyes set ablaze like the coals.
Wu Ma observed the two contenders intently, his gaze familiar with their every nuance. One hailed from his own bloodline, a natural-born warrior blessed with boundless dragonic power, renowned as the tribe's unrivaled champion.
The other, despite his slender frame and modest combat prowess, possessed an intellect surpassing his physical might. He had delved deep into the mysteries of the Stone of Truth, deciphering its ancient hieroglyphs and composing the resplendent "Song of the Nines" for the tribe to sing.
The elders by Wu Ma's side engaged in fervent discussion. The choice between these two candidates, one epitomizing sheer strength and the other embodying wisdom, weighed heavily upon them. Their decision became a vexing conundrum, causing collective headaches.
"Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, should you pass on, the neighboring overlords would undoubtedly covet our land. If Wu You were to ascend the throne, wielding the mighty Spear of Destiny, it would surely restore the glory of our beleaguered human race," a cautious elder proposed, his gaze transfixed upon Wu You.
Wu Ma sighed inwardly, recognizing that this sentiment stemmed from Wu You's familial ties.
However, Wu Ma raised a hand, abruptly halting the discussion. "Every generation has its own time. I, Wu Ma, have traversed treacherous paths, forging a bloody trail for the survival of our people. Yet, our existence as the human race cannot rely solely on brute strength. In terms of power, the demons far surpass us."
Pausing momentarily, Wu Ma shifted his gaze towards Wu You, whose complexion paled with each passing word. "It is through wisdom that we can establish our legacy. Wu You, step back," Wu Ma declared firmly.
Disappointment etched across Wu You's face as he obediently retreated, while Lian Shan, renowned for his unyielding composure, trembled imperceptibly.
With utmost solemnity, Wu Ma retrieved the Spear of Destiny, cradling it in both hands. "Lian Shan, I hereby appoint you as the second-generation Emperor, the rightful ruler of our entire tribe."
Accepting the ancestral artifact with profound reverence, Lian Shan spoke resolutely. "Lian Shan will dutifully follow in the footsteps of the former king. We shall wage war against the horde of beasts and unite our scattered tribes. Even if it demands the sacrifice of our very lives, the human race shall endure eternally!"
"Very well!"
As the second-generation Emperor was born, the elders erupted in joyous laughter. The crowd below buzzed with excitement, their collective energy reverberating through the entire venue. Only Wu You, his countenance clouded with resentment, remained unable to conceal his displeasure.
Radiant light bathed Lian Shan as the divine tree seemed to bestow its blessings upon the new ruler.
On that fateful day, Lian Shan, the second-generation Emperor, emerged. Three days later, Wu Ma, the indomitable Human King, breathed his last beneath the divine tree, standing tall and gazing into the far-reaching horizon with unwavering resolve.
The downfall of Wu Ma ignited covetous desires among various creatures toward humanity. Yet, the emergence of the second-generation Emperor, Lian Shan, marked a formidable force that could not be ignored. He embarked on an ardent pursuit of agricultural development, cultivating a diverse array of grains that alleviated the burdens on warriors and ensured a stable food supply. This heralded the advent of a resurgent era for humankind.
Lian Shan's unwavering dedication to this achievement firmly solidified his position on the throne, despite lacking the age and prestige of his predecessor, Wu You. Unwilling to accept Lian Shan's rule, Wu You led his followers to distant lands, seizing not only individuals but also the revered Stone of Truth.
Originally, Wu You aspired to obtain the legendary Spear of Destiny, a sacred relic passed down through the lineage of the king. However, Lian Shan tirelessly safeguarded it, leaving Wu You no choice but to devise alternative plans.
Thus, a rift fractured the unity of the human race.
Nevertheless, propelled by the progress of agriculture, humanity grew increasingly formidable. With a burgeoning population and warriors liberated from the ceaseless demands of hunting, they redirected their energies toward the study of cultivation.
Gathering breathing techniques from various clans, human warriors embarked on a gradual exploration of diverse cultivation methods. It was during this time that Jiang Ping, drawing upon the perspective of a deity, observed the advanced breathing technique of his predecessor and set out to master it.
A profound exhalation escaped Jiang Ping's lips as he released a breath infused with Mana.
"Has it failed?" Jiang Ping questioned, sensing an inability to absorb spiritual energy. Could it be that the collective techniques of their entire clan proved futile? Or perhaps his own innate aptitude fell short?
Seeking answers, Jiang Ping turned to Genesis and discovered that the limitations of the three-dimensional reality hindered the absorption of extraordinary energy. It was as if the world had entered an era reminiscent of mythical decline, rendering even the most exceptional cultivation techniques futile. After all, even the most skilled chef could not create a sumptuous feast without the essential ingredient of rice!
Jiang Ping could only nurture hope for the advancement of this world, patiently awaiting the impending epochal calamity to unleash its feedback of biological energy.
Meanwhile, in the Primordial World, Lian Shan exceeded Jiang Ping's expectations, emerging as an even more formidable figure than Wu Ma. Unyielding in his pursuit, Lian Shan delved into the exploration of countless herbs, meticulously discerning their effects. Through tireless efforts, he not only extended the human lifespan but also harnessed herbs to aid in cultivation. Once again, the elite members of humanity surged ahead of their counterparts from other clans.
With the unsealing of their dragonic power, carefully preserved for a century, Lian Shan merged it with the Dragon Beard Grass harvested from the very vicinity of dragon dens. The resulting elixir was administered to the mightiest warriors of the tribe, unleashing a cacophony of agonized roars as they clutched their heads. Soon thereafter, dragon horns erupted from their foreheads, accompanied by an almost imperceptible shimmer of scales upon their skin. Thus, the Dragon Warriors were born!
The strength of humanity experienced an instant, several-fold augmentation, propelling Lian Shan on a conquest of the land. With fervor, he subdued powerful beasts and melded their extraordinary bloodlines with those of his own kind. Formula after formula for blended elixirs emerged, illuminating new paths of possibility.
Observing this spectacle unfold from the outside world, Jiang Ping couldn
't help but feel a twinge of envy. "Is it feasible for me to merge with such an excellent bloodline through these elixirs?" he pondered.
However, his enthusiasm was swiftly dampened by Genesis. "I strongly advise against consuming bloodline elixirs," came the cautionary reply. "Although you possess the ability to materialize the requisite herbs through point expenditure, indulging in these elixirs may lead to genetic collapse."
Jiang Ping had also witnessed the casualties and drastic transformations endured by those who consumed the elixirs. Displaying a pair of dragon horns on his head would likely result in bewildered visitors, questioning their own sanity.
Exercising caution, Jiang Ping reined in his pounding heart and inwardly admonished himself. "You are the mighty Creator, after all," he reminded himself. "Why allow such excitement to overwhelm you for a mere bloodline elixir? You have witnessed far grander wonders before. Exercise restraint! Exercise restraint!"
Jiang Ping's initial exhilaration stemmed from his first encounter with these miraculous elixirs. After all, once he materialized the herbs and followed the formulas, the potential for extraordinary abilities beckoned.
Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that Lian Shan surpassed Jiang Ping's expectations. Initially regarding the first-generation Emperor, Wu Ma, as an extraordinary ruler, Jiang Ping now found Lian Shan to be an even greater force.
Within the Primordial World, the human race experienced an unprecedented surge in strength, with their lifespans nearly doubling in length. As the ancient clans retreated one by one, even the once formidable monstrosities that soared amidst the clouds found themselves tamed by the ascendancy of the human race. The realm of the heavens was no longer the exclusive dominion of beasts!
Griffins submitted, and the colossal dragons were driven to secluded cliffs, barely sustaining their existence.
Seventy percent of the land became conquered territory, with the human race's gaze extending towards the vastness of the boundless ocean.
Amidst this triumphant moment, Lian Shan's laughter resounded madly as he declared, "I have finally arrived at the fabled edge of the world spoken of by the kings of old!"
Despite the passage of time, Lian Shan, now graced with graying hair, remained undeterred. Having consumed various precious elixirs, his spirit burned bright, an indomitable flame that refused to be extinguished.
The legendary ruler, King Wuma, embarked on an extraordinary adventure, traversing the vast expanse of land until he reached the very edge of the world. Yet, it was Lian shan, a remarkable leader in his own right, who led his tribe on a relentless conquest, carving a path through uncharted territories.
An astute chronicler, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the moment, meticulously documented the scene when King Lian shan beheld the boundless sea. Undeniably, Lian shan, the second in line, accomplished a feat that even eluded the indomitable Wuma, a moment that would be forever etched in the annals of history.
"Attend!" beckoned Lianshan, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, a burning desire that propelled him towards remarkable achievements.
His heart yearned to ascertain the nature of the realm beneath his feet—was it truly the precipice of the world? And beyond the endless ocean, did another majestic land await their discovery? This arduous expedition was destined to be fraught with peril, reminiscent of the great age of earthly explorations, where every step was paved with the bloodshed of intrepid adventurers.
Lian shan rallied his tribe, orchestrating the construction of vessels capable of gliding through the vast ocean expanse. Mighty trees were felled, their trunks hollowed, birthing the primordial vessels that would defy the tides.
As time passed, adventurers disappeared into the unknown, only to reemerge upon a distant shore. Humanity had finally unveiled the truth—the unfathomable depths of the ocean indeed marked the culmination of the world's vast expanses. Despite the solemn counsel of tribal elders, Lian shan, after making the necessary preparations, embarked upon the oceanic abyss, astride a majestic griffon. Upon setting foot on the familiar shores of a foreign land, Lianshan was compelled to acknowledge that their homeland was a singular marvel in the vast tapestry of the world.
With his own hand, Lian shan meticulously crafted the first cartographic representation of their realm, revealing a world both round above and square below, where unimaginable behemoths roamed the ocean's fathomless depths.
Gazing upon the celestial expanse, Lianshan could not reconcile himself with the notion that this was the entirety of their world. Where were the stars strewn across the heavens? Where did the Creator reside? Could it be that the divine dwelled beyond the astral plane, far removed from their mortal realm?
As Lian shan surveyed his graying locks, he knew his days were numbered. Despite partaking in diverse elixirs, he had already surpassed a century in age, his twilight years drawing near.
The amalgamated elixirs, lacking the potent essence and mysterious components of yore, were unable to bestow upon him the rejuvenation experienced by Wu ma, who had bathed in the very lifeblood of dragons.
"I refuse to acquiesce!" exclaimed Lianshan, his spirit unyielding. "The world remains rife with enigmas, and the Stone of Truth still eludes our grasp. I refuse to succumb to the ravages of time!"
Fixing his unwavering gaze upon the shroud of darkness, Lianshan acknowledged that Wu ma had forged his own path, and now he, too, would chart a new course. With steadfast determination, he resolved to fashion a second life, borne of his own mettle and prowess.