Li Taiqing broke the silence first. As the eldest disciple, he was always calm and composed, and at this moment he solemnly nodded:
"Master is absolutely right. Although we were able to quell the Devil Race attack this time thanks to your divine power, it also highlights our own inadequacy in cultivation. If the demonic calamity were to strike again in the future, Master would likely have a grander plan. How could we trouble Master with every little thing?"
Go back and practice diligently; that is the right thing to do.
He didn't have Lu Fan's ambitions; his biggest goal was simply to share Han Xuanji's burdens.
Therefore, whenever there was something going on in the sect, it was Li Taiqing who handled it, not wanting such trivial matters to bother Han Xuanji.
"Eldest brother is right. Master has nurtured us, and we cannot let him down."
Jiang Hao nodded, deeply agreeing.
He was no longer the arrogant and overconfident person he once was; he now understood the truth that there are always people more capable than oneself, and that there is always something beyond one's understanding.
Now all he wants to do is stay by Han Xuanji's side and cultivate.
After working away from home for so long, to be honest, no other identity can compare to being Han Xuanji's disciple.
"Hahaha!"
Upon hearing this, Su Ming laughed loudly and patted Jiang Hao on the shoulder.
"It's really not easy for someone like you to say that, but..."
He abruptly changed the subject, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit, and surveyed the crowd.
"Our senior brother saved us from this calamity, giving us time to catch our breath and grow."
We cannot let this protection go to waste.
Why don't we have a competition to see who can reach the Hunyuan Realm first? Then, perhaps we can help them out!
His suggestion immediately enlivened the atmosphere and ignited everyone's competitive spirit.
Everyone wanted to be the first to break through to the Hunyuan Realm, so they could show off in front of Han Xuanji.
Jiang Hao raised an eyebrow, looked at Su Ming, and said in a teasing tone:
"You really think you're guaranteed to win just because you have the potential to be Chaos Devil God?"
Su Ming chuckled, appearing quite unperturbed.
"Brother Jiang, please don't tease me. What Chaos Devil God? I only recently learned a little bit about it from my senior brother, and I'm still confused myself."
He paused, looked at Lu Fan, Li Taiqing and the others, his eyes clear and firm, without trying to hide anything.
"Besides, isn't Senior Brother helping you rebuild your foundation? I don't think he's much worse than me. Brother Lu, Human Emperor, might be the first to break through."
When Lu Fan heard that he was being mentioned, he shook his head and said:
"I've been preoccupied with the affairs of the Human Emperor, and in terms of my cultivation speed, I'm afraid it's not as fast as yours, who are able to frequently receive teachings from our master."
That being said, Lu Fan also planned to cultivate diligently and strive to be the first to break through.
Nangong Wenjian had been relatively silent until now, slowly spoke:
"I pursue the ultimate Sword Dao, but I will not neglect my cultivation. Count me in for this competition."
Lin Potian smiled innocently and geared up:
"Hehe, I'm not all this physique for nothing, don't be surprised!"
Han You exuded a profound aura. He smiled slightly and said nothing more, but his calm gaze spoke volumes.
A sense of healthy competition quickly spread.
They all understood that it was no accident that their Master had gathered them together and bestowed upon them such a destiny.
The future demonic tribulations may require them to face them together, without needing to trouble Han Xuanji.
On the other side.
Deep within the Myriad Phenomena Garden, in a quiet attic room undisturbed by the outside world's hustle and bustle.
The room was sparsely furnished, with only a Chaos jade lotus platform in the center, surrounded by Chaos energy that manifested the elements of earth, water, fire, and wind.
Han Xuanji sat cross-legged on the lotus platform, while Xiao Hong stood quietly opposite him with her eyes slightly closed. Nourished by the incomparably pure and peaceful Chaos Qi in the quiet room, the injuries from his previous battle with the Great Heavenly Devil Demon had been completely healed. However, the injuries deep within his Dao Foundation were still like a bone-deep ulcer, which could not be healed quickly by ordinary means.
"Concentrate your mind and calm your spirit; do not let your mind wander."
Han Xuanji spoke, her voice ringing out clearly in the quiet room.
Xiao Hong followed his instructions, completely relaxed her mind, and revealed her Nine Nether Dao-Devouring Phoenix origin without reservation.
It was a terrifying power, profound and filled with a devouring aura, but at this moment, it was utterly docile in front of Han Xuanji.
Han Xuanji pointed his fingers together like a sword; no light shone from his fingertips, yet a refined aura quietly emerged.
His gaze was like lightning, instantly discerning every injury on Xiao Hong's body.
"Go."
He let out a soft shout, and that bit of energy split into nine, transforming into nine fine, jade-white threads of light that pierced into nine key points in Xiao Hong's origin with unparalleled precision.
This aura seemed incredibly faint, but the power it contained was beyond the comprehension of outsiders.
It's no exaggeration to say that this mere aura is enough to crush an entire world.
"Hmm..."
Xiao Hong's body trembled slightly, and she let out a muffled groan.
This is not pain, but an indescribable, ultimate comfort.
Wherever those nine strands of light passed, the damaged essence was repaired at a speed visible to the naked eye, and even became more resilient and transparent.
The originally somewhat extreme and domineering devouring characteristic has quietly gained a touch of harmony and endless vitality.
The entire process lasted only about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
When Han Xuanji withdrew his finger, Xiao Hong Hong's body trembled violently, and an aura even more refined than in its prime burst forth, only to be instantly contained within him.
Xiao Hong opened her eyes, her gaze bright and clear, showing no trace of dejection, but rather a hint of renewed vigor.
"With the wounds of the Dao completely healed, the origin is strengthened, and you will gain new insights into the Great Dao within yourself."
Han Xuanji nodded slightly and said softly:
"Go down and carefully reflect upon what you've learned, consolidating your gains."
"Thank you, Master, for saving me!"
Xiao Hong's voice was filled with heartfelt gratitude, knowing full well how much time Han Xuanji's seemingly simple action had saved her.
If Xiao Hong still harbored any resentment towards being a servant deep down, this experience completely dispelled it.
After bowing, he quietly left the quiet room, not daring to cause any disturbance.
The quiet room returned to tranquility.
Han Xuanji sat alone on the lotus platform, his eyes reflecting the scene of the birth and death of Chaos energy, which was extremely deep. In reality, he was looking at the system panel.
[Host: Han Xuanji ]
[Cultivation Level: First Level of Hunyuan Wuji Daluo Golden Immortal ]
[Number of simulations: 100]
[ Cultivation Method: The Mystic Heaven Chaos Primordial Beginning Scripture...]
[ Divine Ability: Nine Tribulations Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation, Mystic Heaven Dharma Domain...]
In the system's definition, he is only at the first level, but there is still a lot of room for improvement.
It would be a lie to say that Han Xuanji wasn't worried at all.
After breaking through to the Hunyuan Wuji Realm, he began to ponder the cultivation method of the Hunyuan Wuji.
At his current level, every step forward is incredibly difficult, requiring him to trace back to the Chaos Origin, comprehend the ultimate Dao, and ultimately reach a realm beyond the Dao.
With the Devil Ancestor before him, he was undoubtedly the strongest enemy he had ever encountered.
Although today's exchange was just a brief encounter, it reveals the depth of their capabilities and that they are not to be trifled with.
"I need to find a way to improve quickly..."
Han Xuanji pondered silently.