Phoenix Force

The red-haired beauty standing behind Professor X was Jean Grey.

Luo Bai had noticed her solely because of the power within her—the Phoenix Force.

That was why Jean Grey also had the nickname Phoenix.

Speaking of the Phoenix Force, Luo Bai had to mention it.

No one knew where the Phoenix Force came from. It could only be roughly guessed that it originated from the Primordial Universe, born at the beginning of all things. It was a chaotic yet immortal, eternal yet unpredictable existence, and also the child of the universe.

Hearing such a description, one could roughly understand just how terrifying the Phoenix Force was.

This power was fearsomely powerful. The Phoenix's passion could become Phoenix's Judgment, used to rebirth or destroy everything in the universe—even the universe itself.

Judging by its name, many people might think the Phoenix Force was merely a kind of power.

But in truth, it was a powerful force with its own consciousness.

Generally speaking, it was difficult for power to develop consciousness.

But the Phoenix Force was different. From the moment it was born, it had developed consciousness—a remarkably strong independent consciousness—so the Phoenix Force chose its own host.

A powerful host allowed the Phoenix Force to be wielded more effectively, and in the original Multiverse, Jean Grey was precisely the host most compatible with the Phoenix Force.

Thus, the Phoenix Force found Jean Grey.

Perhaps because Jean Grey had yet to fully mature, Luo Bai could sense the Phoenix Force within her, but it had clearly been suppressed.

Jean Grey had probably suppressed the Phoenix Force herself, but the "culprit" behind her suppressing it was likely Professor X.

After all, this bald man was no simple figure.

Professor X had become the founder of the X-Men and earned the loyal service of so many Mutants.

It was not merely because he was wealthy, but also because he himself was an exceptionally powerful Mutant.

He possessed telepathy and mind control, capable of reading others' thoughts and memories, manipulating their actions, and even connecting to everyone in the world through Cerebro.

Although Professor X was not a bad person and was even called a "superhero,"

Luo Bai simply could not bring himself to like this bald man.

After all, who would want someone controlling their consciousness and reading their memories?

There was no real difference between that and invading someone's privacy.

"Hello, sir. I heard Polaris call you... Luo Bai, is that right?" Professor X suddenly spoke just as Luo Bai was thinking.

Luo Bai replied, "A correction: Mage Luo Bai."

"Of course, Mage Luo Bai." Professor X politely corrected his form of address.

Only then did he explain why he had come.

"I am Professor X, the founder of both the Xavier Institute and the X-Men. I came today to take Lorna with me. I do not know what relationship you have with Lorna, but I believe you know that she is a Mutant. It is not safe for someone with her identity to remain outside." Professor X spoke with great sincerity.

Luo Bai was not surprised by his purpose. He had guessed Professor X's intentions long ago.

Honestly.

There was no need for Luo Bai to clash with Professor X over Polaris, much less get involved with Mutants because of her.

After all, he had not known Polaris for very long, and the two had not formed any deep emotional bond. Letting Professor X take Polaris back would not have been impossible.

But over the past month, Polaris had been quite diligent in her work as a housekeeper.

Moreover, Luo Bai had asked before, and she had shown an intensely resistant attitude toward Professor X.

Perhaps out of sympathy, Luo Bai refused. "She is the housekeeper I hired. For now, you cannot take her away."

A hired housekeeper?!

Professor X froze, obvious shock in his eyes.

Perhaps he had never expected that, given Polaris's personality... she would actually be willing to stay here with Luo Bai as a housekeeper?!

"Is what he said true?" Too shocked, Professor X turned to ask Polaris.

To his surprise, Polaris barely hesitated before answering firmly, "Yes! I am the housekeeper Mage Luo Bai hired, so I cannot go back with you!"

Hearing her answer, the X-Men were all stunned.

Mystique, Raven Darkhölme, who stood nearby, immediately tried to persuade her. "Polaris, you have powerful abilities. With your strength, you should not stay here as an ordinary cleaner!"

Cyclops, Scott Summers, was equally confused. "Lorna, are you serious? You are actually willing to be a cleaner?!"

Although Mutants did not have high social standing, most Mutants with powerful abilities were especially proud.

They believed they possessed exceptional strength, could accomplish greater things, and deserved higher status.

That was why the members of the X-Men were so shocked by Lorna's choice.

"Lorna, do you really think our X-Men are inferior to an ordinary housekeeper?!" Cyclops demanded indignantly.

His words made Luo Bai extremely displeased.

"I do not agree with that. Is being my housekeeper so shameful?" Luo Bai complained.

Come on, he was a chosen mage blessed with extraordinary talent and luck!

And a future Sorcerer Supreme!!!

Was being the Sorcerer Supreme's housekeeper really so shameful?!

Just as he was thinking that, Cyclops responded, "Of course! No matter how you look at it, being an X-Man is better than being a housekeeper!!"

The moment his words fell, Polaris objected.

"No! In my view, being Mage Luo Bai's housekeeper is far better than being an X-Man!" Polaris said, her gaze so resolute that it looked as though she were about to join the party.

Her determined gaze provoked the X-Men.

Come on!

The X-Men had undergone strict training and had always protected world peace!

Yet Polaris was saying the X-Men were not even as good as a housekeeper!

How could the X-Men not be angry?

"Lorna, you are simply being unreasonable!" Cyclops snapped angrily.

Mystique was even more curious as she gently tried to persuade her. "Lorna, this does not seem like you. Are you being threatened? You should understand your current situation. The Association and the Special Services Bureau have already sent people after you. Only we can protect you."

But Polaris was completely unmoved by their words.

She merely questioned Professor X. "You say you can protect me, but how exactly will you protect me?! Professor X has always cooperated with the government, but the Association and the Special Services Bureau are also organizations created by the government. Do you not know how many Mutants they have killed? And you are still willing to cooperate with them?! How am I supposed to trust you?!"

Polaris was furious.

Her anger affected her emotions, making her restless and irritable.

The power within her surged wildly, as if she were about to erupt with terrifying energy the very next second.