Lu Fan wanted to ask what kind of astonishing method this was, but he felt that asking so directly might be seen as prying into his Master's secrets, so he was speechless for a moment.
Han Xuanji naturally understood his confusion and said calmly:
"It's merely helping them get closer to the Great Dao. You also possess the Chaos Physique and the human emperor mark, so why overthink it? Just be firm in yourself."
He clarified the special nature of Lu Fan's path and also soothed the subtle imbalance in his heart.
Upon hearing this, Lu Fan's heart suddenly cleared, and he no longer dwelled on it, bowing again:
"Disciple understands."
Han Xuanji said no more, only stating:
"You've returned this time, what is it for?"
"Master truly sees all."
Lu Fan chuckled awkwardly:
"Now that this Disciple has fortunately condensed the human emperor mark, it can be said that the position of the human emperor is already within this Disciple's grasp... However..."
He paused, a rare trace of worry appearing on his face, and his voice deepened a few shades:
"Throughout history, human emperors, upon ascending the throne, were at least Grand Unity Golden Immortals in cultivation to suppress the fortune and make all four directions submit.
Although this Disciple has now achieved Taiyi and is blessed with the Chaos Physique, I have not yet entered the Grand Unity Golden Immortal realm... I fear it will be difficult to command respect, and even more, I fear the machinations of the Demon Race's powerhouses."
He looked up at Han Xuanji, a hint of imperceptible pleading and unease in his eyes:
"This Disciple deeply understands that the position of the human emperor concerns the rise and fall of Humanitys Fortune, and I dare not be negligent in the slightest. Hence, my heart is uneasy, and I specifically came to consult Master, hoping Master can guide me."
He laid out all his worries.
The position of the human emperor is not merely a title; it also represents authority and responsibility, requiring strength that can match it.
Without Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivation, even with the blessing of fortune, it would be like a child carrying gold through a market, fraught with danger.
Han Xuanji somewhat understood Lu Fan's thoughts.
In the simulations, even when Lu Fan achieved the Grand Unity Golden Immortal position, he was still constrained by others. Once the Heavenly Emperor appeared, his Human Emperor role seemed like a clown.
In Su Ming's simulated future, he did ally with the Nether Lord and managed to secure quite a bit of power.
However, in the end, the Immortal Realm's Reincarnation became imbalanced. Although there was no information about Lu Fan in the simulation, he likely didn't have a good outcome either.
Since the other party had a request, and it was within his capabilities, he could certainly help.
Once a teacher, always like a father.
Han Xuanji still possessed this sense of responsibility.
A moment later, Han Xuanji's calm voice rang out, yet it carried an absolute confidence that could stabilize the universe:
"Insufficient strength?"
He gently repeated these four words, his tone betraying no emotion, yet it made Lu Fan's heart skip a beat.
Han Xuanji's gaze was like a torch, and he said indifferently:
"You have already condensed nine marks and gained the recognition of Humanitys Fortune. This is an unprecedented Foundation, and your Luck is far beyond that of ordinary Grand Unity Golden Immortals."
His tone shifted slightly, carrying an unquestionable majesty:
"As for those goblins and clowns... with me here, who dares to say you are unqualified? Who dares to interfere?"
As his voice fell, an indescribably vast aura flashed from Han Xuanji's body and instantly receded, yet it made Lu Fan's Divine Soul tremble violently, as if he had witnessed the creation of Chaos and the submission of all Daos!
That was a level of power beyond his comprehension.
"However, since you intend to expose yourself to the public eye, I can send out a guard, which should be sufficient to handle most situations..."
"Remember, you are my Disciple, Han Xuanji. I, your Master, am your strongest backing. Since you desire this position of the human emperor, then you must sit firmly. Go forth and do what you must. If the sky falls, I, your Master, will hold it up for you."
This was the first time Han Xuanji had been so unreserved.
This was the confidence that his Late Stage Celestial Golden Immortal cultivation brought him.
Moreover, Lu Fan being able to control the Human Race's forces was also a good thing for him.
Upon hearing this, all of Lu Fan's apprehension and unease instantly vanished, replaced by a surging, warm current.
Han Xuanji's words were like a stabilizing needle in the sea, completely calming his heart.
He kowtowed deeply again, his voice filled with uncontrollable excitement and determination:
"Disciple understands! Thank you, Master! Disciple will surely not fail Master's high expectations, will definitely ascend to the position of the human emperor, spread the prestige of my Myriad Phenomena Garden, and protect my Human Race's eternal prosperity!"
With his Master's words, even if there were a thousand difficulties and dangers ahead, he would fear nothing!
As for who this guard would be, it was naturally Little Red, who had been idle in the Myriad Phenomena Garden. As the Nine Nether Devouring Phoenix, a demon god renowned in Ancient Times, it was now like a security guard in a park. Giving it a task now could be considered worthy of its strength.
Thinking of this, Han Xuanji also called Little Red in and explained the matter.
After only a moment, the door to the quiet room silently opened again, and a crimson stream of light darted in, landing and transforming into Little Red's vibrant figure.
It tilted its head, looked at Han Xuanji, who was seated on the Green Lotus, then glanced at Lu Fan, who was respectfully standing beside him. It flapped its wings, its tone carrying a hint of laziness:
"Master, you called for me? Is there another good task?"
These past few years, it had stayed in the Myriad Phenomena Garden, mostly eating and sleeping, sleeping and eating, or preening its feathers, aside from occasionally giving pointers to the "inexperienced" crowd. It was truly bored stiff.
Han Xuanji looked at its appearance and said calmly, "Indeed, there is a task for you. Lu Fan will officially contend for the position of the human emperor soon, and during this time, there may be scoundrels causing trouble. You will accompany him and protect him until the Human Emperor's Grand Ceremony is settled."
"What? You want me to be a bodyguard for this kid?"
Little Red's bird eyes immediately widened, and it pointed at Lu Fan with the tip of its wing, wearing an expression that said, "Are you kidding me?"
"Master, I am, after all, the Nine Nether Devouring Phoenix, renowned in Ancient Times! I was a prominent figure in the Immortal Realm back then! You want me to do this kind of babysitting job?"
It flapped its wings, highly displeased, feeling it was overkill.
Lu Fan's heart skipped a beat as he listened from the side. Nine Nether Devouring Phoenix?
He seemed to have seen a few words of this title on some extremely ancient Incomplete Manual; it was a terrifying existence capable of contending with Innate Divine Demons!
His Master actually wanted such an existence to guard him?
Han Xuanji looked at Little Red calmly, not angered by its complaints, but slowly said:
"What's wrong? Have you stayed in the garden for too long, your bones rusted, and you can't even fight anymore? Or do you think your current abilities are insufficient to handle a few disturbances?"
His tone was flat, yet it carried an invisible pressure.
Upon hearing this, Little Red's crimson feathers seemed to puff up slightly. It craned its neck, but when its gaze met Han Xuanji's profound eyes, its arrogance immediately diminished by a third, and it mumbled:
"No... that's not it... it's just... for this Human Emperor's ascension, mostly juniors will come. If I make a move, wouldn't that be using an ox-cleaver to kill a chicken..."
"If the Demon Race makes a move, it won't be ordinary characters who come."
Han Xuanji interrupted it,
"Moreover, sending you is not truly to have you do everything personally. The intention is to deter. With you by his side, it's to inform all the heavens that someone stands behind Lu Fan. For mere small fry, you probably won't even need to truly act."
Little Red's eyes darted around, seemingly finding some sense in these words. It glanced at Lu Fan, then thought about being able to go out and stretch its limbs, which was better than staying cooped up in the garden.
More importantly, it dared not truly defy Han Xuanji's wishes.
"Alright, alright, since Master you've ordered it, then I'll make this trip."
It flew to Lu Fan's shoulder and landed, patting his head with a wing, saying in an old-fashioned tone,
"Kid, did you hear that? From now on, your grandpa here has got your back! Don't worry, with me around, those clueless guys who come will surely not be able to leave!"
Lu Fan felt the profoundly unfathomable aura on his shoulder, his heart filled with both excitement and exasperation, and he quickly bowed:
"Thank you, Senior!"
"Hmm, that's more like it."
Little Red nodded in satisfaction, then seemed to remember something and turned its head to Han Xuanji, its eyes sparkling.
Han Xuanji glanced at it indifferently:
"Handle this matter well, and there will be benefits for you."
"Understood!"
Little Red immediately beamed with joy, becoming spirited.