Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1317: Another Encounter with the Lord of the Charnel Ground

Zhang Yi had initially intended to leverage the Prayer Festival to identify those few Epsilon-level individuals he encountered that fateful night.

At this juncture, he could confidently ascertain the identities of two among them.

One was the formidable Lord of the Charnel Ground, and the other, the majestic Snow Mountain Divine Eagle.

Yet, two other figures remained entirely unconfirmed—their identities and origins a complete mystery.

However, with the morning's ceremony underway, all the chieftains were in attendance, and the immense venue was a sea of humanity, making it impossible to spot anyone suspicious amidst the throng.

Consequently, the entire morning unfolded in a rather unhurried fashion.

As midday approached, monks emerged, pushing carts laden with numerous insulated containers.

Outside the Sangha Monastery, many devout believers, weakened by the biting cold, had collapsed where they knelt.

The monks moved amongst the prostrate faithful, unveiling the insulated containers and ladling out generous portions of a thick, viscous soup porridge.

Its deep, black hue offered no clue as to its ingredients.

This was the distribution of the midday meal, and instantly, the entire expanse surrounding the Sangha Monastery became suffused with a potent aroma of food.

Zhang Yi himself felt a pang of hunger and motioned for Zhou Ke'er and the others to find a quiet spot to partake in their meal.

Soon after, however, a representative from the Pagyi Family arrived, conveying that Sangha Monastery had prepared a special meal for all distinguished guests.

Zhou Ke'er commented, "The cuisine prepared by such grand temples is typically the work of master chefs. It's often exceptionally good."

Zhang Yi, however, let out a cold sneer. "Of course, it's handled by a master chef. I observed Luodan bringing over a substantial amount of kitchenware earlier today."

A shiver coursed through everyone present upon hearing this.

Zhang Yi instructed the Pagyi Family member to return and inform them that he would arrange his own meal and did not require an invitation to dine with the assembly.

Thus, the group sought refuge in a side hall. Zhang Yi then produced delectable, still-steaming food from his Dimensional Space, and everyone savored their meal with evident enjoyment.

Meanwhile, within a hallowed Buddha hall at the heart of Sangha Monastery, a grand banquet was in full swing.

Luodan, clad in immaculate white robes, stood with an air of refined grace, hands clasped before him. He offered an elegant introduction to the day's culinary offerings for the high-ranking guests gracing the feast.

"Esteemed Khenpo, honorable chieftains, and venerable monks. The delicacy I have prepared for your esteemed palates today is the most exquisite roasted suckling lamb."

His broad hand swept towards the dining table, which was piled high with food, appearing to overflow its confines.

Dominating the center were two large silver platters, each bearing a generous mound of meat—uniformly browned and crispy on the exterior, revealing a tender, snow-white interior.

An intensely rich, almost ethereally captivating fragrance had long since permeated the entire hall.

"The meat selected is from lambs less than a hundred days old, from ewes that have been meticulously nurtured by us."

"Such meat is exceptionally tender and flavorful, possessing a delicate milky essence, and it simply melts in the mouth."

The assembled guests could barely restrain their anticipation any longer.

The sounds of gulping and saliva being swallowed echoed continuously. Each individual clutched their cutlery with a firm grip, their gazes fixed with unbridled desire upon the table laden with delights.

The moment Luodan concluded his address, they surged forward, tearing at the meat from the platters and eagerly stuffing it into their mouths.

It was astonishing to witness the transformation of these nobles from the Snowy Plateau Region, these so-called venerable monks, into such an unrefined spectacle.

They appeared less like a gathering of individuals and more akin to a herd of swine fiercely competing for sustenance.

Observing this scene, Luodan's lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile. He offered a slight nod before discreetly withdrawing.

...

Having concluded their repast, Zhang Yi and his companions remained within the monastery's grounds, awaiting the afternoon's proceedings.

As per the information provided by Pagyi Gesang, the formal events of the Prayer Festival were slated to commence in the afternoon—this was the designated time for the Lord of the Charnel Ground to personally officiate.

Zhang Yi ventured outside the hall. The external environment was frigidly cold, a stark contrast to the meticulously regulated heating facilities within.

It was imperative that the Buddha statues remained unchilled; otherwise, how could they possibly sit upon their cushions and chant scriptures with sincere compassion for the world?

Heavy snowflakes descended from the sky. In the depths of winter, the snowfall was particularly intense.

The ancient palaces, reminiscent of an esoteric sect's architecture, rose to imposing heights. The colossal red pillars adorning the exterior were at least three to four people in height, requiring two individuals to encircle them with outstretched arms.

Zhang Yi rested against the doorway, arms folded across his chest, silently observing the relentless snowfall outside.

Zhou Ke'er joined him, standing shoulder to shoulder. She softly exhaled, a wistful sigh escaping her lips:

"With this relentless snowfall, who can fathom how many more lives will be lost!"

A scornful snort escaped Zhang Yi as he thought of the tens of thousands prostrating themselves outside. "Those who have managed to survive this long, even if they aren't superhumans, have likely developed some cold-resistant mutations!"

"Survival of the fittest. That's the world's unwritten rule."

Not long after Zhang Yi voiced his thoughts, a deep, gentle voice suddenly reached his ears. "Esteemed donor, your words are mistaken. If all living beings relied on the strong preying on the weak, then order would cease to exist, and the mortal world would descend into misery and unending suffering."

Curiosity piqued, Zhou Ke'er turned to ascertain the source of the voice. The smile on Zhang Yi's lips widened further as he, too, slowly turned his head.

Very few individuals could approach him silently—not even the Lord of the Charnel Ground from the esoteric sect.

Emerging from a nearby corridor, a young man clad in opulent Dharma robes strolled over unhurriedly.

He possessed a tall, well-built physique. While his features might not be conventionally handsome, he exuded an aura that instilled a sense of inner peace in those nearby.

This was not Zhang Yi's inaugural encounter with him; the two had crossed paths on two prior occasions.

Zhang Yi offered a nod in his direction. "You must be the Lord of the Charnel Ground."

The Lord of the Charnel Ground inclined his head, preparing to address Zhang Yi, but his gaze, as if compelled by an unseen force, involuntarily drifted toward Zhang Yi's side.

Standing beside Zhang Yi was Zhou Ke'er.

Having recently concluded her meal, she had not yet fully secured her combat suit against the cold.

Consequently, her exquisite face was clearly discernible.

Even concealed beneath her attire, her perfectly proportioned figure was evident.

To describe Zhou Ke'er as "city-topplingly beautiful" might border on hyperbole, yet her stunning visage was undeniably comparable to that of top-tier movie stars. Combined with the refined demeanor of a young lady from a distinguished family, few could behold her without casting a second glance.

And here, within the Snowy Plateau Region, she was truly in a class of her own, vastly surpassing anyone else.

Even the Lord of the Charnel Ground, reputedly detached from worldly concerns, couldn't help but experience a moment of distraction.

Although he quickly averted his gaze, this subtle shift did not escape Zhang Yi's notice.

"Hmm? It seems this young Lord of the Charnel Ground isn't as pure-minded as Pagyi Gesang proclaimed!"

Zhang Yi inwardly sneered, extending his arm to encircle Zhou Ke'er's waist and draw her possessively close to his body.

The Lord of the Charnel Ground halted a short distance from Zhang Yi and performed a Buddhist salutation.

"Esteemed donor, we meet again."

Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow, uncertain which specific encounter the Lord of the Charnel Ground was referencing with the word "again."

Did he perhaps know of Zhang Yi's presence that night?

Zhang Yi remained unsure in his heart, but even if his presence had been surmised, he didn't particularly care.

The reason for the sudden influx of Epsilon-level individuals in the Snowy Plateau Region was common knowledge. He saw little need for extensive disguise.

"I have long heard of your reputation," Zhang Yi stated plainly, his tone neither particularly warm nor distant.

The Lord of the Charnel Ground inquired further, "Has the esteemed donor partaken in lunch?"

Zhang Yi confirmed with a nod that he had already eaten.

A smile touched the Lord of the Charnel Ground's lips as he mentioned he too had just finished eating and was taking a leisurely stroll.

Zhang Yi asked with evident curiosity, "You are already finished?"

He had been under the impression that the Lord of the Charnel Ground would be dining with Pagyi Gesang and their companions.

Upon hearing this, the Lord of the Charnel Ground gently shook his head.

"I am not entirely accustomed to eating with them."