Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1228: Lord of the Charnel Ground

Zhang Yi despised getting entangled in complications.

Preferring to avoid risky circumstances, he refrained from heading to the enigmatic Snowy Plateau Region despite his intense curiosity about it.

Countless forays into hidden domains had instilled in him profound awe toward the unknown.

He would only eagerly participate if the opportunity presented low danger paired with substantial benefits.

Therefore, Zhang Yi instructed Yang Xinxin to investigate the historical records of the Snowy Plateau Region's people for thorough preparation.

Nevertheless, it was undeniable that this area held a significant edge over other territories.

The customs of its mystic civilization remained fairly intact.

Even though intertwined with numerous disordered tales and folklore, meticulous analysis yielded abundant valuable insights.

In comparison, chronicles from elsewhere, particularly those concerning arcane aspects, had mostly been destroyed by fire amid particular turbulent eras in the past.

...

On the following day, Zhang Yi got ready to head back to Jiangnan.

That morning, Pagyi Gesang dispatched envoys once more, requesting Zhang Yi to meet him solo for a talk.

A faint smile curved Zhang Yi's lips upon hearing the invitation; he realized Pagyi Gesang was at last addressing the core matter.

Zhang Yi consented with a nod and trailed a servant to Pagyi Gesang's dwelling.

Pagyi Gesang cleared out his followers, ensuring just he and Zhang Yi remained inside the chamber.

Suolang Deji commanded a squad of devoted guards, who positioned themselves warily at key spots encircling the yard, maintaining a twenty-meter gap from the building to block any intruders.

Following some courteous exchanges, Pagyi Gesang regarded Zhang Yi with a profound look and inquired,

“Mr. Chaos, have you read the scroll I gifted you?”

Zhang Yi nodded. “I’ve finished it. Chief Pagyi, what exactly are you thinking? I don’t like beating around the bush. Say it plainly.”

Pagyi Gesang offered a thoughtful, profound smile. He settled onto the couch as Zhang Yi seated himself next to him.

“I have a question for you. Being one of Huaxu Kingdom’s rare Epsilon-level superhumans, could you explain the number of routes to reaching Epsilon level?”

Zhang Yi raised his gaze and eyed him.

“From what I know, there are two methods.”

“First, individuals endowed with natural gifts; provided ample supplies, they inherently develop Epsilon-level fighting ability. Such innate Epsilon superhumans merely require training.”

“Second, elite Delta-level superhumans who, upon obtaining materials akin to Divine Source, shatter their genetic barriers and, with subsequent resources, elevate to Epsilon.”

Zhang Yi drummed his fingers on the sofa's armrest, his eyes half-closed.

“I’ve come across mentions of a third path, namely the Lord of the Charnel Ground from the Southwest Region. Rumors claim he emerged as an Epsilon by birth; soon after the Apocalypse erupted, he dominated as the mightiest force in the Southwest.”

This seemed to be the very topic Pagyi Gesang aimed to explore.

Zhang Yi had learned of it from Deng Shentong, though the exact process remained a mystery to all.

Since the Apocalypse unfolded, humanity had encountered so many bizarre occurrences that astonishment had faded into indifference.

Pagyi Gesang nodded. “I never anticipated Mr. Chaos possessing such broad networks of information, including details on our Southwest Region’s Lord of the Charnel Ground.”

“Yet the ascent of the Lord of the Charnel Ground proves even more enigmatic than one might suppose. It stands as a genuine wonder!”

Zhang Yi fixed Pagyi Gesang with an intent, eager stare.

“Chief Pagyi, speak your mind. How does this relate to me?”

Pagyi Gesang drew in a long breath. “Kindly hold your patience. I’m confident you’ll find it compelling!”

His eyes softened with memory as he proceeded to recount the post-Apocalypse circumstances in the Southwest Region to Zhang Yi.

As whispers from beyond suggested, prior to each Lord of the Charnel Ground's demise, he would provide guidance pointing to his reborn heir.

Typically within a decade of his passing, a young person would arise in the Snowy Plateau Region, who from infancy could recite tens of millions of words from the Epic of King Gesar.

“Locating that reborn form doesn’t immediately crown him the Lord of the Charnel Ground. The great lama, the Khenpo of Sangha Monastery, must escort him back personally, followed by an initiation ceremony to officially recognize him as the incarnation.”

Zhang Yi questioned with interest, “Empowerment?”

Pagyi Gesang affirmed with a nod.

“In front of numerous enlightened lamas and elders from the local chieftain lineage, the Khenpo guides him into the Great Sun Hall of Sangha Monastery for the empowerment rite. Via the rotation of three thousand six hundred prayer wheels that cycle through rebirths, his former divine essence awakens.”

Zhang Yi followed, puzzled; religious ceremonies weren’t his forte.

“Could you simplify it? I’m not well-versed in the Snowy Plateau Region’s spiritual practices.”

Zhang Yi grinned.

Pagyi Gesang hesitated, then chuckled wryly.

“Very well, I’ll keep it short.”

From the moment the world turned to ice, devastation struck the Snowy Plateau Region; myriad highland dwellers perished amid the biting gales.

Serving as the guardian deity of the esoteric faith, the Lord of the Charnel Ground beseeched the Buddha.

Clad in rough fabric with his upper body exposed, tresses unbound and soles bare, he crawled in devotion across the Great Snow Mountain. He individually spun the three thousand six hundred prayer wheels at Sangha Monastery, imploring the Buddhas for safeguard.

“During my youth, I pursued Western schooling. Don’t mock me, Mr. Chaos — despite being a Snowy Plateau Region chieftain, my inner faith isn’t particularly strong.”

Pagyi Gesang remarked with a sheepish grin. “The deeds of the Lord of the Charnel Ground stirred hearts, yet back then I doubted any marvel would occur.”

“However,” his voice altered and reverence lit his gaze, “as he knelt in supplication along the mountain path and beseeched the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in Sangha Monastery’s Great Sun Hall, we beheld a true miracle!”

Devotion filled his words; even his plump features appeared illuminated.

“At midnight, the silent Great Snow Mountain erupted in dazzling Buddha-light!”

“I witnessed Sangha Monastery ascending, enveloped in mists and splendor, with the Lord of the Charnel Ground manifesting like a deity within the vapors.”

“He acquired matchless, otherworldly might; a mere gesture from him dispersed the furious blizzard!”

Zhang Yi stayed quiet, absorbing Pagyi Gesang’s narrative.

It resembled an unbelievable legend, a peculiar yarn.

Still, delivered by Pagyi Gesang, it compelled belief.

“So you’re saying the Buddhas granted him favor. Or maybe he embodied a Buddha himself — indeed the true rebirth of the Lord of the Charnel Ground?”

Zhang Yi gazed steadily and posed deliberately.

Pagyi Gesang inclined his head.

“Exactly! Once, I shared your skepticism about these matters, despite being raised on such lore.”

“But now, I hold absolute faith.”

“Moreover, our family’s ancient texts record precisely this.”

“When King Gesar, emblem of light and righteousness, reemerges — it heralds the Demon Kingdom’s return among mortals!”

“The Great Snow Mountain shall crumble, the seal on the Demon Kingdom weaken, disasters erupt from the depths, and the world shall embark on a fresh era!”