My Mythical World

Chapter 2: The World Tree

As the sun ascended on the horizon, Jiang Ping found himself wide awake, having foregone sleep throughout the night. In the late hours of twilight, he not only meticulously crafted an ambitious blueprint for creation but also ventured into the realm of online markets, seeking to procure the blood and fur of various creatures. Despite the absence of conventional channels, he scoured prominent biological forums and similar platforms to fulfill his peculiar needs.

"Although I've urged the merchants to expedite the deliveries, unfortunately, it will take approximately two days for the items to be delivered," Jiang Ping contemplated. "Given that the nascent world requires time to stabilize, perhaps I should commence with the establishment of a diminutive realm." Pondering over the possibility, he summoned forth Genesis from the depths of his mind, a trace of trepidation lacing his anticipation. "Let the creation unfold," he declared with a measured solemnity.

As if touched by an unseen breeze, Genesis turned its pages, flipping through its blank sheets. "I have received your instructions. Pray, elucidate the rules you wish to impose upon this nascent realm," Genesis responded, embodying a radiant luminosity.

"Let the first world be modest in scale, an experimental domain sufficed by a circular firmament and a terrestrial expanse spanning two million square kilometers," Jiang Ping cautiously stipulated, mindful of the delicate balance required.

Radiating brilliance, Genesis gave form to a small world before Jiang Ping's discerning gaze. A realm at once captivating and enigmatic, ensconced within a resplendent crystal wall of ethereal beauty.

Curiosity aroused, Jiang Ping sought clarification on the precise location of this miniature universe. "The small world and the third dimension exist within disparate realms, although they presently occupy a shared position in the void. Their interconnection relies solely upon the conduit of my being. Naturally, as the god of creation, you possess your own sovereign domain," elucidated Genesis, providing insight while seamlessly continuing its creative endeavor. The process of crafting this diminutive world appeared as a quest, an expedition into uncharted territories.

Puzzled by the continued necessity for points, Jiang Ping questioned, "Given the existence of Genesis, the fount of creation, why must points still be expended? Might they be derived from the essence of all things?"

"Indeed," Genesis replied, shedding light upon the matter. "The points not only govern the size of the world but also define its upper limits of potential and the abundance of extraordinary energy it may possess."

"Ah, I see now," Jiang Ping acknowledged with newfound comprehension. The significance and versatility of these points became apparent, elucidating their treasured nature and manifold applications. "Let a hundred points be consumed, for caution is warranted in the development of this initial world. Let us not squander this opportunity amidst its precarious creation."

The small world expanded ceaselessly, revealing an ever-improving array of internal laws. Dynamic volcanic eruptions molded the ever-changing landscape, yet the life-giving element of water remained absent. To address this, Jiang Ping turned a faucet, yielding a modest flow. With a mere touch, Genesis, deftly utilizing the consumed points, replicated vast quantities of water effortlessly. Jiang Ping's grand claim of creating a diminutive world necessitated such abundance, considering that even the territorial sea of China spanned a mere 4.7 million square kilometers, demanding a copious water supply for the two million square kilometers of land he fashioned.

Yet, the nascent world shrouded in darkness persisted. Raising his hands with unwavering determination, Jiang Ping proclaimed, "Let there be light!" And so, the projection of the radiant sun, known to the three-dimensional world, materialized above the small universe.

Instantaneously, brilliance permeated across the vast yet diminutive land of another world.

The resplendent sun projection became the radiant source of life for the small world, much like its earthly counterpart. Jiang Ping, witnessing the vibrant land bathed in light and the turbulent volcanic eruptions, continued to wield his hands with unwavering determination. "I decree that water shall grace this world!" he proclaimed with authority.

In an instant, titanic waves surged forth from the celestial realms, crashing upon the low-lying regions of the earth. The awe-inspiring spectacle gave birth to a majestic Milky Way, stretching across the vast expanse between heaven and earth. Jiang Ping himself stood in awe, overcome by the immense benevolence he displayed.

This act of creation through mere gestures filled him with profound wonder. Each word he spoke possessed the power to shape reality, to command the rise and fall of worlds, and even to dismantle the heavens themselves!

With a smile illuminating his face, Jiang Ping beheld the nascent small world, exclaiming, "In ancient myths and legends, it took divine beings seven days to craft a world. It seems that I require but seven minutes!"

As the influx of seawater unfolded, sprawling oceans emerged at the fringes of the land, their tides ceaselessly ebbing and flowing. Tributaries sprouted forth, meandering through the terrain, nourishing the surrounding lands. Eventually, these rivers merged into a grand cycle, providing sustenance to the ever-expanding seas.

However, Jiang Ping noticed that the seawater rapidly diminished from his point of view, high in the sky. "What perplexes this cycle? Is there a flaw?" After meticulous observation, he discerned the issue. "It appears that the absence of an atmosphere allows direct sunlight to evaporate the seawater without preservation." Identifying the problem marked only the initial stride toward resolution.

Once again, Jiang Ping raised his hand, his voice resonating with divine authority. "Let the atmosphere grace the sky, shielding and safeguarding the Earth!"

In an instant, a delicate veil of air materialized in the celestial expanse. This ethereal atmosphere would serve as a safeguard, filtering harmful solar radiation to protect the inhabitants of Earth. Furthermore, it would serve as a guardian of the precious seawater. How many barren planets remained devoid of life due to the absence of this vital component?

With the gradual refinement of the small world, Jiang Ping came to a profound realization. While observing from the perspective of a god provided informative insights, it lacked the personal involvement he yearned for. His heart ached to immerse himself in the world he had meticulously fashioned, to experience it firsthand.

"Genesis, may I now venture into the small world?" Jiang Ping eagerly inquired, his longing palpable. He sought to traverse the realms he had created, to breathe its air, and to witness the intricacies of a new world.

"As the master, you possess the authority of a God. No matter how treacherous the environment within the small world may appear, it poses no threat to you. After all, this world is your very own creation," replied Genesis, its seldom human-like words provoking a joyful chuckle from Jiang Ping.

In a fleeting instant, Jiang Ping vanished from the mortal world of earth, crossing over into his creation.

"Is this the dawn of a new world?" Jiang Ping pondered, stepping into the small microcosmic with reverence, his senses enraptured by the symphony of existence that unfolded before him.

The atmosphere within the nascent world hung heavy with turbidity, tainted by volcanic ash that painted the heavens a solemn hue of gray. In the distance, volcanoes erupted ceaselessly, their fiery spectacles contrasting against the occasional meandering rivers that bestowed fleeting respite upon the scorched land.

In this small world, Jiang Ping wielded the authority of the Creator, a veritable God, rendering him virtually omniscient and omnipotent in his realm. With each step forward, mountains shifted their grandeur and rivers redefined their courses, bowing to his divine command as he traversed the breadth of this newborn realm in mere moments.

Along his journey, he encountered a seemingly bottomless abyss, an abyss so profound that had he not erected a protective barrier encompassing the world, it seemed destined to extend infinitely into the void.

Now, standing atop the loftiest peak in this world, Jiang Ping beheld a super volcano, its once raging lava now cooled, leaving behind a geological marvel that whispered tales of primordial power.

"Yet, the world still yearns for variety," Jiang Ping sighed, his realization weighing upon him, for he found himself to be the solitary inhabitant of this expansive dominion. Not a living creature stirred, not even a solitary strand of hair graced the land.

"Do you desire to hasten the passage of time?" Genesis inquired, its voice resonating with an otherworldly timbre.

"Very well, let time surge forward, accelerating by millions of folds, propelling the stabilization of this Earth," Jiang Ping declared, his will invoking a rapid acceleration that would shape the destiny of this nascent world.

Before his eyes, the scene unfolded akin to a time-lapse symphony, with every facet of existence in constant flux. The sky and clouds streaked across the heavens, the sun rose and descended with fervor, akin to a pillar of light, and the moon and stars embarked on their eternal dance in the sky. The seas transformed in the blink of an eye. Observing this transmutation for a while, Jiang Ping returned to his body, grounding himself in reality.

Seated within a quaint restaurant nestled in the heart of a bustling township, Jiang Ping savored his meal while his thoughts meandered through the realms of possibility. He pondered ways to refine and better manage the world he had breathed into existence, to instill it with the vitality and intricate balance it deserved.

The murmurs from the television echoed through the shop, relaying the noon news about Professor Ou Meng's recent observations of enigmatic fluctuations in the sun. While the cause elusived even the most prestigious scientists, the professor reassured the public that these phenomena posed no threat to our beloved planet.

Yet, deep within his heart, Jiang Ping couldn't help but lament silently. Though the Earth might remain unscathed by this cosmological phenomenon, the trajectories of other asteroids and cosmic bodies were undoubtedly bound to be altered. It was an unfortunate consequence he couldn't ignore.

Perplexingly, Jiang Ping discovered a newfound inclination to withdraw from socializing, gradually diminishing the frequency with which he engaged with others. Instead, his gaze turned inward, captivated by the breathtaking metamorphoses unfurling in the tapestry of the world. In this introspective journey, he had gained an understanding of his own existence, realizing that he resided in a dimension far removed from the realm of ordinary mortals. Even as the weakest creation god in the annals of history, the fire of his unwavering determination to ascend and achieve genuine divinity blazed fervently within him.

Upon his return from the restaurant, Jiang Ping collected leaves along his path, even breaking off a sturdy branch. Arriving home, he implored Genesis, his ever-faithful companion, to analyze the foliage. With the accelerated passage of time, his miniature world had grown more stable, the once-unruly volcanic eruptions now subdued. Swiftly, Genesis conducted a meticulous analysis of the leaves' genetic makeup, paving the way for the introduction of carefully selected seeds into the small world.

Curiosity sparked within Jiang Ping's mind, prompting a sudden question, "Can I directly implant the branch into the small world?"

Previously, when Genesis had endeavored to integrate tangible matter into the small world, it had warned, "Three-dimensional matter possesses immense energy and is prone to destruction if not harmonized with the laws of both realms. Direct implementation holds minimal chances of survival and may result in unforeseen mutations."

Satisfied with the low risks involved, given mutations was a minimal side effect, Jiang Ping waved his hand, dispatching the leaves into the small world while placing the previously severed branch at its very core.

As the leaves withered, a miracle unfoldedthe branch at the heart of the world seamlessly adapted to the distinct dimensions, an indisputable testament to the benevolence of the Creator God.

Energized by this success, Jiang Ping proceeded to sow the carefully chosen plant seeds, causing the earth to swiftly burst forth in vibrant blooms, transforming into an emerald paradise. Towering behemoth trees competed for the nourishing sunlight, their branches stretching skyward, while their subterranean roots waged battles for life-sustaining water. The very branches he had personally planted burgeoned into colossal entities, reaching astounding heights of 300 meters with diameters of 40 metersa peculiar mutation likely triggered by their interdimensional voyage.

Indeed, the tallest tree on Earth paled in comparison, its stature falling short of a mere 100 meters.

Now, this gargantuan tree stood majestically at the epicenter of the small world, casting perpetual shadow and shrouding the sky. Underneath its colossal canopy, sunlight struggled to penetrate, allowing only a lush carpet of grass to flourish in its immediate radius. No other tree dared challenge its supremacy, conceding the eternal quest for sunlight and sustenance.

Satisfied with his creation, Jiang Ping stepped into the small world, beholding the thriving landscape that unfolded before him. The land teemed with vibrant life, while the vast oceans birthed the most rudimentary of single-celled organisms. As time unfolded, the dominion would shift to the realm of animals, conquering the continents. But for now, the reign belonged to the mesmerizing kingdom of plants.

With a sense of awe, Jiang Ping ventured deep into the towering giant tree he had painstakingly. nurtured. He gently reached out, caressing the robust and ancient bark. In this moment, the grand tree had thrived for an astounding 5,000 years, a testament to its vitality and resilience.

 Fortuitously, this miniature realm diverged from reality. Within its confines resided an extraordinary reservoir of energy, albeit modest in magnitude, yet sufficient to propel its inhabitants far beyond the capabilities of earthly creatures.

"I never expected you to survive. Continue to flourish, and one day, you shall blossom into a majestic World Tree!" Jiang Ping uttered these words as if the colossal tree comprehended his sentiments. The entire arboreal structure quivered slightly, and a slender bud swayed gently, reminiscent of a child tentatively reaching out. It extended towards Jiang Ping's hand, as if yearning for tender affection.

Though taken aback, Jiang Ping gingerly caressed the burgeoning bud, assuming the role of a nurturing parent. "Could it be that this grand tree possesses self-awareness?" Jiang Ping pondered within his mind.

"Likely not. Despite the extraordinary energy contained within this small realm, it remains a meager portion, insufficient to grant consciousness to plants," Genesis responded, grappling with its own perplexity. "Yet, this colossal tree does exhibit traces of an embryonic awareness, albeit nebulous and indistinct."

"It stands as the first living entity in this realm, placed at the very heart of the world by you, the Creator God. Alongside the interdimensional fusion that triggered its mutation, there exist unpredictable transformations. The fortunes of the world wax and wane, and this location harbors the most potent mana within this realm. However, its evolutionary path may culminate here, for the scope of this world is finite, incapable of birthing the envisioned World Tree you aspire to," Genesis definitively dismissed the future of this towering entity. It underscored the inherent limitations of the world, whereby sacred transcendence, akin to that in the real world, remained unattainable.

Nevertheless, Jiang Ping maintained a serene smile. "In this vast world, nothing is beyond the realm of possibility. Perhaps it will indeed evolve to unparalleled heights in due course. You shall bear witness to its magnificent transformation!"

Jiang Ping proceeded with his exploration of the world, arriving at its edge where an endless expanse of ocean stretched before him. To other creatures seeking the world's end, they would find themselves swimming in circles, returning to their starting point. The depths of this ocean served as the ultimate boundary for the denizens of this realm.

Within the ocean, primitive organisms embarked upon a protracted journey of birth and evolution. Jiang Ping returned to reality, adjusting the time acceleration of the small world. In the blink of an eye, ten thousand years elapsed. In the grand scheme of the world, hundreds of millions of years had passed. Over this span, Jiang Ping observed with astonishment that the towering giant tree at the world's center continued to grow. Its height now exceeded a kilometer, inching ever closer to its destined role as the World Tree that would encompass the entire realm.

Jiang Ping, well aware of the mystical properties of the World Tree, understood its capacity to support the world and serve as a dwelling for gods upon its branches. Yet, in witnessing the potential of this grand tree, even Genesis was awestruck. Expecting it to succumb to the ravages of time, Dashu repeatedly defied its limits and lifespan, surpassing expectations.nove(l)bi(n.)com

The tree had now reached the pinnacle height permitted by the world created by Jiang Ping, which dictated a maximum of 9,000 meters. Initially deemed an unattainable figure, some plants had indeed grown to this limit.

In the ocean, single-celled organisms gave rise to multicellular entities, followed by the emergence of oxygen-consuming algae and primitive ancient fish. Perhaps due to the extraordinary energy within the small world surpassing that of reality, the creatures here exhibited heightened ferocity, effortlessly pulverizing gold and shattering jade, smashing rocks with each mighty stroke.

Where there existed life, competition inevitably followed, prompting the denizens of the ocean's depths to vie for evolutionary supremacy. Herbivorous fish grew larger, fortifying their armor to render carnivores incapable of inflicting harm. They also adopted streamlined forms, achieving incredible speed, surpassing that of a bullet when evading adversaries.

Gradually, those unable to keep pace with their rivals faced natural elimination, propelling carnivorous fish to evolve at an accelerated rate, further reinforcing their teeth and claws with indomitable strength. Jiang Ping, assuming the vantage point of a deity, marveled at the biological evolution unfolding in the ocean, witnessing the imminent evolution of the electric eela vibrant and lethal predator capable of dispatching a 30-meter-long fish with ease.

"Marvelous! The electric eel is on the brink of evolution. Remarkable colors adorn this fish, and it can effortlessly vanquish its foes," Jiang Ping exclaimed, reveling in the ceaseless progress of biological development in the ocean. Simultaneously, he noticed that some fish sensed the growing competition and began seeking refuge on the coastline, ultimately becoming the first fish to venture onto land.

Withdrawing his gaze, Jiang Ping noticed changes in Genesis alongside the world's progression. The previously blank pages now bore inscriptions.

The first page read: Earth Calendar: On July 8, 2020, the God of Creation commenced the formation of the world, and the towering tree at the world's center reached its pinnacle height of 9 kilometers. Profound transformations unfolded in the depths of the ocean.

"Please bestow a name upon this newborn world," Genesis prompted.

"Let us christen it the Primordial Realm. After all, it serves as the inaugural experimental small world," Jiang Ping pondered.

Upon the completion of the naming process, a subtle tremor resonated throughout the entire small world, as if a minuscule shift had occurred.

Continuing to inscribe its pages, Genesis unveiled the second entry: Page 2: The Primordial Realm's first year came into being. With the sweeping gesture of the Creator, day and night emerged, the Milky Way graced the sky as it coursed toward the earth, and the oceans materialized. During this period, volcanoes erupted ceaselessly, the air grew tainted with poisonous gases, and no living beings came to be.

In the ancient epoch of the Primordial Realm, the God of Creation surveyed the lifeless expanse and beheld its lackluster state. Moved by this realization, God sowed the seeds of plants across the barren earth and nurtured a colossal tree at the world's core. God imbued this grand tree with aspirations for its growth, harboring great expectations within its divine heart. In the ocean's depths, primitive life emerged as unicellular organisms, commencing their evolutionary odyssey.

As the ages unfolded in the Yuangu period of the original calendar, the colossal tree steadfastly rose, defying limitations imposed by the realm. The once desolate land sprouted vibrant greenery, fostering a rich tapestry of life. In the ocean's embrace, creatures evolved incessantly, driven by the relentless currents of change.

Jiang Ping found himself pleasantly surprised as Genesis, renowned for its ruthless demeanor, adopted a newfound tone of reverence and humility when chronicling the Primordial Realm's history. This transformation delighted Jiang Ping, who exchanged a glance of appreciation with Genesis, acknowledging the evolution of its disposition. As the sky darkened, Jiang Ping, weary from his sleepless vigil, longed for the solace of slumber, eagerly anticipating the wondrous discoveries that awaited in the morrow's unveiling of the Primordial Realm. Reflecting on the journey thus far, Jiang Ping recognized the potential for further improvements and growth, eagerly embracing the promise of the future.