Museum of Deadly Beasts Chapter 787 - A Year Later

The newly established Maple City boasted a completely transformed appearance. Following Jade Dragon Kingdom's elevation to premium country status, a nationwide urban renovation commenced. Maple City now rivaled the royal capital in splendor and gained significant recognition far and wide.

The primary reason for this newfound prominence was none other than Lin Jin, a native of the city.

Since Lin Jin’s return a year prior, distinguished individuals had made frequent visits. Among them were foreign royals, each wielding considerable influence.

Nevertheless, these esteemed guests treated him with utmost deference, as if in the presence of a divine being.

Even emperors from other premium nations sought an audience. However, regardless of their stature, all were required to halt their carriages before this unassuming mansion and secure the owner's permission before proceeding inside.

Despite possessing the current strength to traverse anywhere freely, Lin Jin favored remaining in Maple City, the very place where his journey began.

The Lin Mansion, having undergone reconstruction, was centrally located within Maple City. Yet, it exuded tranquility amidst the surrounding hustle and bustle. Its courtyard, adorned with verdant trees and meandering streams, seemed perpetually blessed with spring’s gentle touch. This enchantment was the result of Lin Jin’s application of numerous immortal spells upon his residence. It was an entirely separate dimension; though the mansion appeared modest, it could comfortably house ten Maple Cities within its confines.

Lin Jin could have expanded it further, but he found the effort unnecessary. He desired nothing more than a peaceful and comfortable existence.

Shang’er, White Ape, and the other mystical beasts honed their cultivation within this secluded realm, each possessing their own mountain domain. Their lives were entirely unburdened.

Throughout the past year, under Lin Jin’s tutelage, the beasts had achieved remarkable progress. While others might remain unaware, Lin Jin knew that Shang’er and White Ape had already attained the standard of immortal beasts. Shang’er, in particular, could be regarded as the most formidable within the half-immortal tier.

Although their initial strength was comparable to Xiao Huo’s, the Rank 8 Xiao Huo could now easily surpass them all.

Over the last year, Lin Jin permitted Xiao Huo greater freedom, allowing him to roam extensively within the realm. Lin Jin felt a pang of guilt for confining him within his body for so long.

Numerous developments had transpired over the preceding twelve months.

The Beast Appraiser Academy in Jade Dragon Kingdom was officially inaugurated. In a mere year, its renown had grown so immense that it rivaled Heavenly Spiral Academy, positioning it as the second hallowed ground for beast appraisers among various nations.

Indeed, the institution even surpassed Heavenly Spiral Academy in prestige.

Lin Jin’s disciples—Zhao Ying, Lu Xiaoyun, and Jia Qian—had now officially become appraisers. Much like their mentor, they advanced directly to Rank 2 in a single leap.

They were now sufficiently skilled to perform their duties independently.

Lin Jin continued his weekly visits to the Visitation Hall, primarily to engage in conversation with visitors and occasionally offer guidance. He resolved to maintain the secrecy of his Curator identity, recognizing its immense utility. The Curator persona had been instrumental to him previously and might prove invaluable once more in the future.

Time seems to accelerate when days are steeped in serenity. It flows like water, unnoticed until its passage is complete.

Had Tianzun not paid a visit, Lin Jin would likely still be basking in his tranquil days.

As if the world had found lasting peace, posing no further threats to him.

“Young friend, your days appear remarkably serene,” Tianzun remarked upon arriving at Lin Jin’s realm and partaking in the brewed tea.

“It has been a considerable time, Tianzun,” Lin Jin responded with a chuckle. Since their separation in the extraterritorial lands, a full year had elapsed without them meeting. He had heard that Tianzun had commenced extensive travels across the mainland, wandering at his leisure.

Consequently, Lin Jin felt rather inadequate compared to Tianzun’s unhurried existence. In contrast to the itinerant elder, Lin Jin seemed but a hermit.

Lin Jin then inquired about Tianzun’s experiences over the past year, to which the latter enthusiastically elaborated. Their shared laughter echoed whenever an amusing anecdote was recounted.

From within the realm, Little Five, perplexed, asked Shang’er, “Sister, who has graced us with a visit today? Why does Master Lin seem so extraordinarily happy?”

“Just an old geezer,” White Ape interjected. He had mastered Transfiguration but retained his white hair even in his human guise. Possessing a robust physique, he seldom spoke, but when he did, his pronouncements were often striking and left a lasting impression.

“What old fart? That’s the founder of immortal cultivation, a half saint whose status was higher than the late immortal emperor, Tianzun.” Shang’er was much more studious than Little Five and White Ape so she was much more eloquent in speaking. She began lecturing the both of them on Tianzun.

Little Five and White Ape rarely obeyed anyone but they behaved themselves in front of Shang’er.

They had heard a bit about Tianzun before and knew he was an incredible person.

“Stronger than the immortal emperor? How strong is that? Is he stronger than our Master Lin?” White Ape looked unconvinced because, in his opinion, no one was stronger than Lin Jin.

And he wasn’t alone in this because everyone else thought the same.

“White Ape, you can’t say that. Master Lin always tells us that we have to be humble, that there is always someone stronger than us so we mustn’t be arrogant,” Shang’er lectured. White Ape could only listen obediently.

Just then, Shang’er heard Lin Jin’s summon so she swiftly flew over.

“Master Lin!” Shang’er greeted with a salute.

Lin Jin nodded. “Shang’er, come and greet Tianzun.”

Shang’er dared not disobey and saluted Tianzun as well. Tianzun stroked his beard and laughed. “Young friend, even your disciples are talented. This is truly amazing.”

“You flatter me, Tianzun.” Despite saying that, Lin Jin was actually pleased because it wasn’t every day that Tianzun praised him.

Tianzun actually had a purpose for his visit so Lin Jin would be leaving home for a little while. That was why he summoned Shang’er over to make arrangements.

Upon hearing that Lin Jin was going to leave, Shang’er immediately offered to tag along.

Lin Jin shook his head. “I can’t bring anyone along this time, not even you.”

Seeing how firm Lin Jin was, Shang’er said no more. Judging from Lin Jin’s response, he must be going somewhere unusual or he wouldn’t have said such a thing.

Indeed, Tianzun had sought out Lin Jin for a major mission.

Everything should have been over after they killed Yan Shenjun and captured Patriarch Xue Pao. Lin Jin and Tianzun went their separate ways after that and Tianzun traveled the world while Lin Jin enjoyed peaceful days.

Lin Jin intentionally avoided talking about what would happen next because defeating the immortal devouring beast was really not his goal.

He was a mortal and the immortal devouring beast didn’t attack mortals. During his interrogation of Patriarch Xue Pao, he also gained Hell’s Cage and learned how to activate it so that his immortal friends could use it to venture outside whenever they wanted to. And that wasn’t so bad.

That being said, why must they fight the immortal devouring beast then?

It wasn’t necessary.

Moreover, the museum still hadn’t given Lin Jin an evolution method for Xiao Huo. All this while, Lin Jin had been so reliant on the museum that he was spoiled by it. Now that it suddenly stopped working, Lin Jin felt like a headless fly with no sense of direction or security.

This was also the reason why Lin Jin stopped evolving Xiao Huo.

Without strong foes like Yan Shenjun, the Beast Deity Cult’s leader, and Patriarch Xue Pao, Xiao Huo had become an invincible character, strong enough to support Lin Jin.

One reason was that he could continue living in peace and the other reason was that there was no evolution method. Lin Jin chose to remain at a standstill because it was the most comfortable choice.

However, Tianzun came bearing new information for him.

In the first sky of the Nine-Heaven Realm, where the primitive immortal mountain that housed the Heaven’s Foundation Stone was, there had been irregular occurrences lately. As Tianzun was also skilled in divination, he tried making predictions a few times and received only unfortunate results.

But Tianzun hadn’t made the predictions for himself but for the world.

Upon hearing this, Lin Jin knew it was something serious. Tianzun was hoping that Lin Jin would come along with him to investigate and Lin Jin agreed.

It was better to clarify the situation than be kept in the dark. Also, Tianzun couldn’t seek out anyone else because in this era, including all the immortals, the only person worthy enough to venture the immortal mountain with him was only Lin Jin.

That was why he came looking for Lin Jin out of the blue.

The Nine-Heaven Realm’s last sky was a dangerous place and also the immortal devouring beast’s resting ground. For safety reasons, Lin Jin couldn’t bring anyone else along. If he went without an entourage, he could navigate around easily without having to involve anyone.

After Lin Jin informed Shang’er, he told no one else. He simply went with Tianzun and they flew away on clouds.

Both of them were mere mortals but possessed the phenomenal powers of immortals. It was just too spectacular.