Decades flew by in the blink of an eye, and before long, more than 30 years had passed.
"Grandpa," said Xu Fangjin and Xu Biyun in unison as they walked into the room, each accompanied by their significant other.
"After all these years exploring the cosmos, you've finally decided to come home," said Xu Jingming, smiling at his grandchildren.
"I heard from your letters that you're thinking about getting married," he added.
"Grandpa, this is Dodo'an Nonaeclipse," said Xu Fangjin, introducing the petite woman beside him with a bright smile.
She bowed reservedly and said, "Greetings, Deputy Dean."
According to the rules of the Primordial Research Institute, any cosmic legend automatically became a deputy dean, but there could only be one acting dean.
"Nonaeclipse?" Xu Jingming grinned in surprise. "I've heard of it. They produced a cosmic legend in history."
"But that was eons ago," Dodo'an Nonaeclipse said modestly. Before she arrived on Earth, her family had repeatedly reminded her of Deputy Dean Wu Ming's potential. He could become the fourth human Paramount in the future and rival the other three.
Xu Jingming nodded in approval. "I can see you have real talent. Work hard and become an Origin lifeform on your own."
"Yes, Deputy Dean," Dodo'an Nonaeclipse replied respectfully. She had a good relationship with Xu Fangjin, but she was more advanced on the evolutionary path. Her family had advised her not to rush into marriage and study the situation first.
When the news of Xu Jingming's cosmic legend status spread, her family immediately capitalized on it. With the family's pressure lifted, Dodo'an felt happier and more relaxed.
"Xu Biyun, why the sudden change of heart?" Li Miaomiao—who sat beside her husband—glared at her granddaughter. "I thought you said you weren't in a hurry to get married?"
"Bro is getting hitched, so I figured a joint wedding would be nice." Xu Biyun squeezed the hand of the young man beside her. "Plus, I met someone suitable.
"Grandpa, meet Scarletjade Swordcrow. He became an Origin lifeform after 200 years of cultivation and is a peerless genius." Her eyes sparkled as she looked at her fiancé, her heart clearly belonging to him.
"Scarletjade Swordcrow?" Xu Jingming nodded in recognition. "I've heard of you. You became an Origin lifeform in over 200 years and are a genius of the Eternal Academy. Impressive."
"I'm nothing compared to you, Deputy Dean." Scarletjade Swordcrow lowered his head, his eyes sharp with pride.
He was a talented member of his family, becoming an Origin lifeform in just over 200 years. Although his talent was inferior to the likes of Redmond, Primordial One, and others, he still had a chance at becoming a cosmic legend.
Scarletjade Swordcrow's goal was to become a cosmic legend and a high-dimensional lifeform. And when he met Xu Biyun at a gathering, he knew she would be the one.
Xu Jingming let out a heavy sigh.
His grandson's wife came from the Nonaeclipse family.
His granddaughter's husband was a peerless genius of the Swordcrow family.
He understood the strategic considerations behind such a marriage.
"I hope the two of you can find true joy together," Xu Jingming said with a smile, but his gaze was intense as it swept over Dodo'an and Scarletjade. The duo couldn't help but feel a sense of invisible pressure under his scrutiny.
Scarletjade wondered to himself, Is this Deputy Dean Wu Ming's warning? All he wishes is for our happiness on our first meeting?
…
The two couples held their wedding on the same day.
The wedding was held in the virtual realm and attended by guests from every corner of the cosmic human race. It was a grand affair, far surpassing even Xu Lixing's nuptials of yesteryear. The who's who of the Cosmic Human Alliance, including officials, royalty, legends, and top factions, all descended upon the virtual venue.
"I can't believe it—all nine cosmic legends of the human race are here. I've never seen anything like this before," one guest exclaimed.
"This is even bigger than a royal wedding," another exclaimed in awe.
Guests felt honored to be in the presence of such powerful figures.
The three emperors, Cosmic Human Alliance representatives, and top faction representatives could only sit at the fourth row's third table.
Xu Jingming sat at the second table with Redmond and the other seven cosmic legends.
The first table was reserved for the newlyweds' families and relatives. The Xu family, Li Miaomiao, Xu Lixing, and Meng Tian, sat there along with the Nonaeclipse and Swordcrow families.
"It's clear that all these important figures aren't here for the newlyweds but for Deputy Dean Wu Ming," one guest whispered.
"This is the first time Deputy Dean Wu Ming is appearing in public after becoming a cosmic legend," another murmured.
All eyes were on Xu Jingming.
Xu Jingming sat among the cosmic legends, laughing and chatting as he watched the wedding ceremony unfold. But as he looked on, a thought crossed his mind: How long can I enjoy familial love?
As an Origin lifeform, advancing through external forces only granted a lifespan of 30,000 years. And even if he paid a steep price, his loved ones could only live for 100,000 years.
Using the three Paramounts as examples, other than Spacetime Island Lord having a child, Redeye, the other Paramounts' relatives were long gone.
High-dimensional lifeforms were lonely—the limit of a low-dimensional lifeform's 100,000 years of life was just too short for them.
Nurturing his family members to become his spawn?
It was only achievable by a select few existences at the half-step third realm. Even powerful entities like Gumo and the fully-mastered Red Lotus Fire couldn't do it.
Loneliness was the norm!
With this realization, Xu Jingming knew that having family members around was a luxury.
I should cherish the years I can spend with them, Xu Jingming thought.
…
Xu Jingming treasured the tranquility of his days.
He cherished the time spent with his loved ones, and his thoughts were solely centered on the evolution of his being.
