Persephone understood clearly:
To abandon the Earth Prime Star?
Impossible.
If the Underworld were to relinquish the Earth Prime Star, it would be tantamount to a joke. If such a step were taken...
Well then, the Underworld might as well face annihilation.
But!
Having made the choice to claim it, they must bear the consequences. And what are those consequences? Naturally, they involve the Buddhist Pantheon.
Among all the pantheons of the Chaos Sea, the Buddhist Pantheon stands as the most unique and enigmatic.
No one fully understands the true terror of the Buddhist Pantheon. The crux of the matter lies in one question: What is the full extent of its power?
That is the core of the issue.
No one knows!
Of course, the most renowned figures in the Buddhist Pantheon are the Five Buddhas of the Three Times (past, present, and future).
Beyond that, the pantheon also boasts an array of distinguished entities: Bodhisattvas, Vajras, Arhats, Garanas, and more.
In essence:
The Buddhist Pantheon is vast, with a structure of unparalleled complexity.
For the Underworld to face such a pantheon directly would normally be a losing battle. However, Persephone considered how they might contend with it.
Hades spoke calmly:
"Persephone, don't be hasty. Rushing won't change anything. Besides, as far as the Buddhist Pantheon is concerned, the Sixteen Yakshas were not taken by the Underworld but were consumed by Hydra."
"This..."
Persephone paused, then quickly realized the significance of this point.
Indeed!
The Sixteen Yakshas were not forcibly seized by Hades; they were devoured by Hydra. If that's the case, what does this have to do with the Underworld?
Of course!
While this reasoning was correct, it didn't eliminate the underlying issue. Could the Underworld withstand the consequences if it were forced into a direct confrontation with the Buddhist Pantheon?
That was the core question.
If they could not hold their ground, they would face even greater challenges ahead. Handling this situation required more than mere tactics; it demanded unwavering resolve and readiness to face what may come.
The Buddhist Pantheon's uniqueness is rooted in its origins. Emerging from the Indian Pantheon, it evolved into something entirely distinct.
The Buddhist Pantheon's structure is so extraordinary that it has become one of the most formidable pantheons in existence.
Unlike most pantheons, where internal conflicts weaken the whole, the Buddhist Pantheon functions as a unified entity.
This unity magnifies its power exponentially.
As these thoughts lingered, waves of divine power rippled through the air. Mingwang, now fully transformed by the Magic Star, stood before them.
His presence exuded immense power—the pinnacle of the Titan Chief God level.
Yes!
Though newly reborn, Mingwang had already reached the zenith of Titan Chief Godhood. As the Earth Prime Star, his potential was unmatched.
The path to becoming a God-King was but a small step for him, one that could be taken as easily as drinking water.
Hades regarded him with a steady gaze.
"Earth Prime Star: Grand Marshal Mingwang, Āṭavaka."
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, Queen of the Underworld!"
Mingwang knelt respectfully. Despite his deference, his demeanor radiated an air of unyielding pride.
It was clear.
Outside of Hades and Persephone, Mingwang would never bow to any other being.
"Rise."
Hades' voice was calm.
"Yes!"
Mingwang rose to his feet, his gaze fierce yet loyal.
Hades observed him for a moment before asking, "Āṭavaka, you hail from the Buddhist Pantheon. What is its true nature?"
Without hesitation, Mingwang replied:
"Terror."
"Your Majesty!"
Mingwang continued solemnly, "Though I was one of the Sixteen Yakshas, within the Buddhist Pantheon, we are no more than mid-level entities. Not even upper-level, let alone part of the higher echelons."
"This..."
Persephone's expression shifted to one of shock.
She had known the Buddhist Pantheon was powerful.
But this revelation...
It was beyond comprehension.
Even the Twelve Titan Chief Gods of the Titan Pantheon represented only twelve beings at the level of Titan Chief God.
Yet within the Buddhist Pantheon, each of the Sixteen Yakshas was at least at that level, and they were considered mid-level?
What kind of terrifying power did this pantheon possess?
This...
Was the Buddhist Pantheon?
Mingwang elaborated:
"My queen, you already know there was no Buddhist Pantheon among the naturally born pantheons. As an acquired pantheon, its unified structure grants it unparalleled power."
A unified pantheon!
Hades and Persephone understood this all too well.
A pantheon devoid of internal strife, where all members worked toward a common goal, was the stuff of nightmares.
Ordinary pantheons were rife with internal conflicts. These disputes diluted their collective strength, making them vulnerable to external threats.
But a unified pantheon?
The power it could unleash was unimaginable.
Persephone's eyes narrowed as she pondered:
"If the Buddhist Pantheon is truly this powerful, then surely it has already birthed an Absolute God?"
Mingwang shook his head.
"No, my queen. The Buddhist Pantheon has not yet produced an Absolute God."
"What?!"
Persephone's surprise was palpable.
Hades' voice cut through the tension:
"Āṭavaka, the Buddhist Pantheon's structure is complete. What is its ultimate goal?"
Mingwang hesitated before replying, "Your Majesty, as a former Yaksha, I cannot claim full knowledge of their plans. However, I suspect..."
He trailed off, his tone heavy with unease.
"Suspect what?" Persephone pressed.
Mingwang finally answered, "The Three Times Buddhas, now at the level of Creator Gods, are likely preparing to ascend further—into Absolute Gods."
Hades' eyes narrowed.
"The Buddhist Pantheon intends to forge five Absolute Gods at once."
The room fell silent. Persephone was visibly shaken.
"Five Absolute Gods? At once? That... that's impossible!"
Her disbelief was understandable. Absolute Gods were the pinnacle of existence. Creating five simultaneously seemed beyond the realm of possibility.
Hades remained composed.
"Not impossible. Using the Three Thousand Buddhas as a foundation, the Buddhist Pantheon has the means to attempt such a feat. However, the opportunity has not yet come."
"Why?" Persephone asked, still incredulous.
"Because," Hades replied, "the turbulence of the Chaos Sea poses their greatest challenge. The Buddhist Pantheon thrives on stability. Without endless peace, their plans cannot come to fruition."
For most gods and pantheons, the impending upheaval of the Chaos Sea was a chance—a gateway to new opportunities.
But for the Buddhist Pantheon, it was a curse.
Their grand ambitions required perfect tranquility. And the Chaos Sea's unrest was the greatest obstacle to their ascension.
In this calm before the storm, Hades realized one thing:
The Buddhist Pantheon's terrifying power was matched only by its equally terrifying ambitions.
------------------
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Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 256)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 336)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 542)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 924)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1284)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1289)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1316)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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