Museum of Deadly Beasts Chapter 788 - End of the World

Tian Zun initially performed divinations with specific objectives in mind. Even when he was the sole inhabitant of the Nine-Heaven Realm, his own fortunes never yielded universally dire outcomes.

To be perfectly honest, when he first encountered this particular result, he felt no fear. Given his profound cultivation level and the span of a hundred thousand years he had lived, Tian Zun had witnessed a great deal.

Should his fate dictate demise, he would not be perturbed.

However, a sense of unease began to creep in when he subsequently cast predictions for others and received the same unfortunate forecasts. Among those he divined for was Lin Jin.

In Tian Zun's estimation, given Lin Jin's possession of a fragment from the Heaven's Foundation Stone, his fortune should have surpassed that of ordinary individuals. It would not be an overstatement to say he was favored by the heavens, so why would his predicted future be one of misfortune?

Based on Tian Zun's extensive experience in divination, such an outcome was inconceivable.

And because everyone else also received identical results, Tian Zun recognized that something was fundamentally wrong. He then casually paused his travels to perform a divination for a random commoner, only to find the same grim prediction.

This development completely unsettled him.

He understood the implications of this omen and commenced an investigation. After several days, he became certain that it was a harbinger of the world's end.

A world-ending omen signified that both the heavens and the earth would perish. All existing life, encompassing humans, immortals, ghosts, demons, and beasts, would cease to exist. Annihilation awaited all.

For this critical reason, Tian Zun hastened to find Lin Jin. The only individuals whose actions could possibly bring about a change were likely himself and Lin Jin.

The other immortals were powerless to intervene, and mortals were, by obvious standards, undependable.

Tian Zun hypothesized that the crux of the issue lay with the Heaven's Foundation Stone.

“The Heaven’s Foundation Stone serves as the core of this world, and a portion of it was damaged by the Immortal Emperor two millennia ago. Though peace has reigned for two thousand years, the repercussions were bound to surface eventually. I fear the time has come for those consequences to manifest. In truth, I managed to glean a celestial secret by risking my life to deduce this future. The end of the world signifies total chaos. Similar to the world's inception, it will regress to the size of an egg, obliterating all existence,” Tian Zun revealed during their journey.

Lin Jin felt shivers crawl up his spine as he listened.

He was reminded of ancient narratives concerning the creation of the world, which often began with a primal state of chaos. This then brought to mind the concept of reincarnation. Following the principles of Taoism, a fallen leaf decomposes in the earth, only to be reborn as a vibrant flower in the spring. This same cyclical theory, he realized, could be applied to the world itself.

Thus, he grasped the situation immediately.

While Tian Zun referred to it as a world-ending omen, Lin Jin conceived of a more fitting term: apocalypse.

Lin Jin’s expression turned grim upon this realization.

He had not experienced genuine peace for a considerable time, and to think that such an event was impending. It seemed the world was intent on denying him any respite.

For a fleeting moment, Lin Jin felt so exasperated that he lost the desire to ponder further. Instead, he posed a question to Tian Zun: “Is there any method to avert this?”

In his view, a solution must exist. Otherwise, why would Tian Zun seek him out?

Tian Zun offered a nod, which was swiftly followed by a shake of his head.

This contradictory gesture left Lin Jin perplexed.

“Tianzun, please share whatever thoughts you have,” Lin Jin urged.

Tian Zun gave him a sorrowful smile, stating, “This is an idea I conceived, and I cannot guarantee its success. If it fails, the world will inevitably descend into chaos, and all will perish.”

It was at this juncture that Lin Jin truly comprehended the gravity of the situation.

A sudden solemnity settled upon him.

Subsequently, Tian Zun elaborated on his plan to Lin Jin. This potential future catastrophe might have been triggered by the damaged Heaven's Foundation Stone. Therefore, the solution involved mending its fractured pieces to prevent the calamity.

Lin Jin's involvement was crucial because he possessed several fragments of the Heaven's Foundation Stone, and he could also assist in locating the remaining missing pieces.

“Ever since I detected the signs of the world’s end, I have been actively searching for fragments of the Heaven’s Foundation Stone, and I have only managed to find two pieces thus far,” Tian Zun declared, making another significant announcement. As he spoke, he extended his palm, revealing two minuscule stones, no larger than fingernails.

Upon first glance, Lin Jin instantly recognized them as genuine fragments of the Heaven’s Foundation Stone.

“You have diligently worked, Tian Zun,” Lin Jin expressed with genuine sincerity. Given that the fate of all life on earth, and more importantly, his own existence, was at stake, Lin Jin felt compelled to contribute rather than remain a passive observer.

Tian Zun let out a chuckle. “It’s of no consequence. I am doing this for my own sake.”

Lowering his voice, Tianzun stated, “Lin Jin, there's something crucial I must share with you.”

Lin Jin grew intrigued by Tianzun’s somber demeanor.

“This impending catastrophe might have been predetermined,” Tianzun confided, “and even if we manage to mend the fractured fragments, there’s no certainty we can avert this tragedy.” Lin Jin nodded in understanding; Tianzun had previously admitted that repairing the Heaven’s Foundation Stone to prevent the calamity was merely a hypothesis. It was possible that even their efforts would yield no change.

If that were the case, was their only recourse to passively await the apocalypse?

A wave of panic washed over Lin Jin. He was far from prepared for the end of the world, a fate that threatened not only him but also his numerous companions and disciples.

As he began to tally them in his mind, Lin Jin recognized the overwhelming number of connections and responsibilities he was unwilling to abandon.

This realization only amplified his burgeoning anxiety.

Yet, what choice did he have? It was the end of the world; what could he possibly do against such a force?

For the present, their only option was to test Tianzun’s theory and attempt to repair the Heaven’s Foundation Stone.

Tianzun then inquired in a hushed tone, “Lin Jin, if this calamity proves unavoidable, what is your plan?”

A plan?

Lin Jin was taken aback.

What other plan could there be? He would simply perish along with the world. While Lin Jin initially found Tianzun's question amusing, he quickly realized there must be a deeper reason behind it.

“Tianzun, is there something else you’ve been holding back?” Lin Jin probed. Tianzun replied, “What do you mean? I intend to reveal it now, so pay close attention. Should the end of this world be inevitable, I have a method that could potentially allow both of us to survive until the next era begins!”

Lin Jin was rendered speechless.

As Tianzun continued his explanation, Lin Jin slowly began to regain his composure.

Tianzun proposed employing a unique incantation to conceal themselves in a hidden sanctuary, awaiting the apocalypse. If they were fortunate enough to endure, they would enter a profound slumber, awakening only when the next era dawned and a new world was established.

“This is an incredibly perilous endeavor, and currently, only you and I possess the capability to execute such a spell. Even profound immortals are incapable of it,” Tianzun revealed, echoing Lin Jin’s unspoken thoughts.

Lin Jin’s mind immediately went to his family, friends, and disciples.

Tianzun’s assertion that it was impossible extinguished any lingering hope of bringing them along.

“This will be our absolute final recourse,” Tianzun warned. “And let me be clear: there is no guarantee of survival even with this spell. It is far preferable to attempt to prevent the world’s end.” Tianzun let out a sigh. Despite having lived for a hundred millennia and witnessing countless events, this was his first encounter with the world’s conclusion.

Lin Jin centered himself. Clearly, news of the apocalypse would unsettle anyone. Thankfully, Tianzun had not specified a timeframe, leaving a sliver of hope.

Perhaps the end was still thousands of years away.

Subsequently, Lin Jin and Tianzun ascended together to the Nine-Heaven Realm, reaching the First Heaven.

Having previously observed the immortal mountain from a distance, Lin Jin was now poised to enter its sacred grounds.

“Lin Jin, ever since the Immortal Emperor damaged the Heaven’s Foundation Stone two millennia ago, no one has set foot within the immortal mountain’s domain. We cannot predict what awaits us, so proceed with extreme caution!” Tianzun cautioned as he wove a spell to cloak their auras.

With the formidable Tianzun by his side, Lin Jin resolved not to falter. Once the concealment spell was complete, they glided forward on clouds.

The immortal mountain was of colossal proportions.

Legend had it that this mountain was the sole entity to traverse all nine heavens. The lower heavens could only perceive its base and flanks, whereas this realm offered a view of its summit.

Despite being named a mountain, it more closely resembled a vast plateau, comparable in size to a major metropolis. The immortal mountain was dotted with numerous other peaks, the tallest soaring to ninety thousand feet, a height allowing one to seemingly brush against the celestial bodies.

This was not hyperbole but a statement of fact.

The immortal mountain defied conventional understanding of what a mountain entailed.

After roughly half a day’s journey, Lin Jin and Tianzun reached the mountain’s core.

“There exists a peculiar ward upon this mountain that prevents clouds from passing. We can venture no further by air and must proceed on foot from this point,” Tianzun announced, his tone grave.

An eerie silence permeated the immortal mountain; no sounds of fauna or avians could be heard. As Lin Jin’s boots met the rocky terrain, he felt an unusual heaviness envelop his body.

Tianzun attributed this to one of the mountain’s inherent restrictions. However, Lin Jin surmised it was the mountain’s formidable gravitational pull, indicating a significantly higher gravity than in other regions.

The immense immortal mountain loomed large, and indeed, everything within this realm seemed to dwarf normal proportions, from the colossal rocks to the towering trees.

Lin Jin ascended, his breath catching in his throat with awe at the sheer magnificence of this place within the Nine-Heaven Realm.

Suddenly, Lin Jin halted, a peculiar sensation gripping him, a feeling Tianzun also seemed to share.

What is it? Tianzun inquired, observing nothing unusual.

Yet, Lin Jin's brow was beaded with sweat, his eyes urgently signaling Tianzun. He then projected a thought, 'Tianzun, we are currently standing atop a Rank 8 beast!'

Standing atop?

With a puzzled frown, Tianzun glanced downwards, seeing only the familiar guise of ordinary rocks. No beast was discernible, nor was there any discernible aura.

However, Tianzun was well aware of Lin Jin's unparalleled beast appraisal abilities; if Lin Jin stated it, it must be the truth.

Tianzun initiated a spell for verification, and the outcome caused a cold sweat to break out on his skin.

The very ground beneath their feet, a massive expanse at least a thousand feet in length and width, possessed a surface that mimicked rock with uncanny precision. But a more discerning observation revealed it to be, in fact, a gargantuan toad.

Its resemblance to a rock was so profound, and its lack of any discernible aura so complete, that it had gone completely unnoticed.

'What shall we do now?' Tianzun projected mentally. Just then, the rocky mass beneath them stirred. Not far off, two elevated protrusions resembling rocks suddenly creaked open, revealing enormous, watchful eyes.

Croak!

A sound like thunder erupted. Both Lin Jin and Tianzun were instantaneously stunned.

'Run!' Lin Jin bolted forward without hesitation. Tianzun followed close behind, a sense of indignant disbelief washing over him. He, a formerly exalted immortal, was now fleeing in terror from a colossal toad.

Considering this, if this rock-like toad was indeed Rank 8, it would possess formidable strength, akin to an unfettered immortal. Such a creature would have been a formidable adversary even during the age of immortals.

'It is merely a toad, so why are we fleeing?' Tianzun questioned, bewildered, as he noticed Lin Jin had no intention of looking back. Lin Jin, without even turning his head, retorted, 'Who said there is only one?'

Tianzun was utterly dumbfounded.

He whipped his head around to look, and his scalp tingled with dread.

The ground behind them vibrated violently as dozens of identical rock toads gave chase. These mountain-sized amphibians presented a horrifying spectacle, and only utter fools would fail to flee from such a monstrous horde.

Tianzun's brow furrowed. He doubted he could prevail even at his peak, let alone in his current state. While he possessed the green fish, it was but a single Rank 8 entity; it stood no chance against an army of them.

'A cave lies ahead! Let us seek refuge within!' With his sharp vision, Lin Jin spotted a narrow cave entrance and plunged into it. Tianzun followed him.

The toads, due to their immense size, would be unable to enter, ensuring their safety if they could hide within.

Upon entering the cave, Lin Jin and Tianzun ventured deeper. Behind them, loud rumbling sounds indicated the toads relentlessly battering the entrance. However, the rocks composing this immortal mountain were remarkably sturdy, preventing the toads from breaching their sanctuary despite their massive size.

With sweat still glistening on his brow, Lin Jin inquired, 'Tianzun, has this immortal mountain always been this perilous?'

Tianzun offered a wry smile. 'I confess, I am uncertain myself.'

With scores of colossal toads lurking outside, Lin Jin and Tianzun dared not venture out. They remained concealed for a considerable period, until the cacophony from beyond began to shift. The sounds morphed into what resembled mournful cries, drastically different from the earlier roars. It sounded as though a fierce battle was unfolding just outside their refuge.

Not long after, an eerie silence descended upon the surroundings.