"You know him? My love."
The Earth Goddess Ximi followed Fane's gaze. When she saw Jodama in his shabby, dirt-covered state, her face filled with confusion.
Not only was he unkempt, he looked like a complete beggar.
She couldn't understand how her beloved, the great God of Consciousness, could possibly know such a lowly creature.
"His filth will taint your divinity," Ximi whispered in Fane's ear.
Fane shook his head.
"No, my dear Ximi, Jodama is great."
It wasn't flattery. Fane truly understood Jodama, even his future.
Jodama would become the first ascetic of the Three Thousand Realms of the Universe, and the originator of ascetic power.
He had endured rigorous penance under Shiva, receiving Shiva's blessing, which then brought a new form of power into the universe.
At the same time, he opened a new cultivation path for all living beings.
Jodama was an immortal sage, one of the seven greatest immortals, yet unlike Brahma's other offspring or created beings, he reached immortal status entirely through his own penance.
Of course, that alone would not earn Fane's praise.
Fane, though only a lesser god in title, had a body that was omnipresent, the very essence of the universe itself – Brahma.
Fane's genuine admiration arose because after Jodama was betrayed by his disciple, the Celestial Emperor Indra, his second reincarnation achieved remarkable attainment.
During the final calamity of the future, Jodama established a system independent of the Trimurti, mastering one of the supreme powers of spiritual karma:
Buddhahood!
Hence, Fane recognized him as a truly great immortal sage.
"You should step in and allow Jodama to stay, my dear Ximi," Fane told the Earth Goddess quietly, as Jodama faced ridicule and mockery.
"As you wish, my love."
Ximi's gaze moved from Fane, instantly becoming stern and haughty.
"Today is the day of the great Creator God Brahma's wedding, a celebration across the heavens. Your noise here—are you defiling the great Brahma?"
Her cold voice addressed Bura Pishidi, who immediately trembled at her authority.
He realized that today was Brahma's grand wedding, shining across all three thousand realms, and even Jodama, as a being of life, was part of the universe's sacred order.
"Let Jodama come in."
Bura Pishidi ordered his other sons to make way for Jodama, then turned to Ximi:
"Respected Earth Sovereign, thank you for your reminder. Praise be to the gracious and beautiful Earth Goddess Ximi."
Fane almost burst out laughing.
Beautiful? Yes, Ximi certainly was.Gracious? Where did he get that from?
'Well… I can't lie. Ximi has been gracious to me.'
Jodama entered the palace, bowed respectfully before Ximi.
"Praise the great Earth Sovereign."
"No need. Step aside," Ximi said, frowning, motioning Jodama to move away, keeping a distance from her and the sacred God of Consciousness.
Fane smiled silently; he did not intervene.
Without his suggestion, Ximi probably wouldn't have even looked at the filthy Jodama.
Maintaining distance was wise. Who knew if Jodama, aided by Ximi, would turn to her for cultivation? That could put Ximi in opposition to Shiva.
While gaining Jodama's penance power could help Ximi maintain her Primordial Elemental God status indefinitely, the Primordial Calamity was approaching. Two of the Trimurti could target Ximi.
One was Brahma—Fane had no idea how to protect Ximi from him. If Shiva got involved, he would be completely powerless.
At that moment, Fane sensed several gazes upon him and Ximi.
They were from several Primordial Gods of the Earth lineage and some higher gods, their looks toward Ximi burning with intensity.
Fane immediately understood their thoughts.
This wasn't mere lust—it was an innate allegiance of vassals.
Earth-lineage gods like Bolst, the God of the Planets; Qiucha, the God of Mountains; and Fudiman, the God of Rivers… all had a natural subordinate attachment to Ximi, the Earth Sovereign.
Ximi's great divine power naturally suppressed them and could even strip their godly status.
'Should we help Ximi become a God King?''No—if she becomes a God King, she will inevitably perish during the Primordial Calamity.''If we can protect these Primordial Gods, after the Calamity, they will support Ximi and keep the Earth lineage intact.''By then, Ximi will remain a Primordial Elemental God, her rank intact, and the Trimurti won't be able to harm her.''After we return, we should discuss with Ximi whether she wants to become the Earth Queen.'
As Fane pondered, beautiful Brahma music began:
"प्रशंसाकागीत~" (Song of Praise)
A white lotus appeared in the palace. Five four-armed Brahmas glowed with red radiance, and beside them, a beautiful woman linked her arm with Brahma's.
This was Brahma's daughter, the Goddess of Eloquence, Sarosvapadi, today's bride.
"Praise the great Brahma, praise the beautiful Goddess of Eloquence Sarosvapadi. Hail the great and sacred celestial wedding.""Let us welcome with the most sincere वाहवाही (applause) the universe's first couple."
Brahma's eldest son, Moriliz, served as the master of ceremonies, hosting the wedding of his great father and beloved sister.
"Praise the great, infinite, supreme Creator God Brahma.""Praise the beautiful, wealthy, and courageous Goddess of Eloquence Sarosvapadi.""Hail the universe's greatest celestial wedding.""Thanks to the great Brahma."
All immortals and gods offered their praise to Brahma and Sarosvapadi, grateful to witness this magnificent wedding.
At this moment, Ximi whispered to Fane: "Will they… do yoga? Don't they feel any shame?"
Fane smiled: "Of course not, my dear Ximi. Have you forgotten what you called me during our yoga?"
Two rosy patches rose on Ximi's cheeks.But they are truly father and daughter!
Fane stopped whispering, quietly thinking: Am I already lightly… Indian?
Suddenly, a commanding sound arose:
"झा" (Zha!)
It was the second sound of the universe, instantly silencing the lively wedding.
Then came a powerful, angry voice:
"Bastard!"
Boom~
A man holding a trident appeared, bursting through a large hole in the palace, his face full of rage