"That's right... having reached the Realm of Xuantian Dao Venerable, one's own Great Dao is the Supreme authority. Why would he covet such things?"
A white-haired Immortal Elder with a peaceful aura thought to himself. He was one of the few Primordial Loose Cultivators left in the Immortal Dao and understood what true experts pursued.
"Ruling the heavens may seem glorious, but in reality, it involves endless Karma and consumes infinite mental energy. For those who pursue the Great Dao, it might be a burden."
After all, at such a Realm, one truly could afford not to care about power and influence.
This level of cultivation already represented everything.
Lu Fan, Li Taiqing, and Han Xuanji's other Disciples were also shaken. They never expected the Heavenly Emperor to throw out such a weighty invitation right away—to share the Supreme authority of the re-established Heavenly Court with the Heavenly Emperor, to rule the myriad Realms, and to command all immortals!
Throughout history, how many could receive such a special honor?
Of course, Han Xuanji's decisive refusal also caused the Disciples to show expressions that said 'as expected.'
Given Han Xuanji's temperament, it would be strange if he had agreed.
The atmosphere in the hall was subtle. Han Xuanji's expression remained calm, as if his refusal just now had been a casual remark. He sat serenely on the Purple-gold Cloud Bed, his transcendent bearing forming a sharp contrast with the various immortals and gods in the hall who had different thoughts.
Those immortals and gods who were originally wary of Han Xuanji's strength and worried he would dilute their authority or even purge the current structure of the Heavenly Court now secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
This powerful reinforcement seemed to have no intention of intervening in the internal operations of the Heavenly Court, which allowed their tense nerves to relax slightly.
After all, this was a Limitless Primordial existence. If he were truly determined to share power, and with the support of the Heavenly Emperor, they wouldn't dare to disobey.
The Heavenly Emperor's gaze was deep. He did not show any displeasure at being refused; instead, he seemed to be carefully savoring the profound meaning in Han Xuanji's words.
They were all smart people and naturally soon understood Han Xuanji's thoughts, so they didn't test him further.
The Realms of these two were so high that many things didn't need to be said. Even if it was only their first meeting, the Heavenly Emperor actually already knew the path Han Xuanji was walking.
Of course, if Han Xuanji were willing to help take over the Heavenly Court, it would be for the best.
"Fellow Daoist is too modest. With your abilities, what is impossible? Since that is the case, I will not force the matter. However, regarding the fight against the Demon Tribulation, we ultimately need your full support."
The Heavenly Emperor laughed heartily, breaking the silence in the hall.
"That is only natural."
Han Xuanji nodded, then changed the subject, proposing his own plan.
"Although I am not good at these matters, several Disciples under my tutelage are worthy of refinement. Perhaps they can contribute a bit of effort to the Heavenly Court and the anti-demon Alliance. They are young and need to experience trials and witness the storms of the heavens to know the responsibility on their shoulders."
In Jiang Hao's simulation, he had joined the Heavenly Court and grown a lot within it.
Everyone's path is different. Han Xuanji naturally couldn't force his Disciples to stay by his side to cultivate. If anyone wanted to go out and roam, he had no objections. Sometimes, letting a Child of Luck grow on their own would yield unexpected rewards.
As soon as these words were spoken, a look of realization flashed in the eyes of many immortals and gods in the hall.
If Han Xuanji needed nothing at all, they would instead feel strange, even somewhat fearful.
Because such existences are inherently high and ethereal. If they didn't touch a single bit of Karma, it would instead cause an unknown fear.
"Excellent! The outstanding Disciples of Fellow Daoist are all dragons and phoenixes among men. To be able to serve in the Heavenly Court is truly the Heavenly Court's fortune!"
The Heavenly Emperor had clearly anticipated that Han Xuanji would make such a proposal, or rather, this was another form of cooperation he had hoped for.
His gaze swept across Lu Fan, Li Taiqing, Jiang Hao, and the others standing solemnly below, his eyes showing unhidden appreciation for this group of young people.
These people had solid Foundations, thick Luck, and their Heart-Nature had also been polished. What was even rarer was that each had their own unique characteristics and infinite potential.
In time, they would surely become the pillars supporting the future of the Immortal Realm.
Han Xuanji was willing to send them into the Alliance for tempering; this trust and support were far more practical than accepting a nominal position.
The Heavenly Emperor pondered; perhaps the next Heavenly Emperor could be chosen from among these people.
Lu Fan and the others felt the Heavenly Emperor's gaze full of affirmation and expectation, as well as the undisguised importance in his words, and their hearts were also stirred.
To receive such an evaluation from this ancient Supreme was in itself a Supreme honor.
The mighty figures from various sides present also truly got to know these Disciples of Han Xuanji.
Many leaders of ancient forces had secretly memorized their names, instructing their subordinates that they must never be provoked.
"Not at all, Fellow Daoist overpraises them."
Han Xuanji nodded slightly and exchanged a smile with the Heavenly Emperor.
Afterward, the Heavenly Emperor also began to briefly discuss the responsibilities of each faction with the other leaders of major forces, coordinating all sides.
Previously, there was only a loose Alliance in name, where it could be said that no one deferred to anyone else. But now that the Heavenly Emperor had returned, and with a top-tier Powerful Expert like Han Xuanji presiding, no one dared to have any objections.
"If there is merit, the Heavenly Court will not be stingy with rewards; if there is fault, one must also be severely punished according to the law! I hope you all conduct yourselves well."
The Heavenly Emperor spoke slowly, his tone much stricter than when he was talking to Han Xuanji.
At this time, Han Xuanji was tasting the chaos purple cloud tea. Just as it entered his mouth, it was as if countless Great Dao musical notes appeared in his mind.
Just as he was lamenting that this tea was indeed extraordinary...
The Heavenly Emperor suddenly spoke:
"Xuantian Dao Venerable has attained the Dao of 'Xuantian,' encompassing all things and benefiting all living beings.
In the previous battle of The Human Cultivators Alliance, he swept away the demonic aura with a flick of his sleeve, repelled the thought of the Demon Ancestor, displayed Supreme Dao power, and protected countless living beings. This is a great merit and a great virtue."
"With the common people in his heart, he is willing to lead the responsibility of the campaign, serving as a mainstay for the anti-demon effort, and even selflessly recommending talented individuals to inject new blood into the Heavenly Court. Such breadth of mind, cultivation, and virtue are all of the highest order."
The Heavenly Emperor's voice suddenly rose, like a heavenly decree, echoing through the Hall of Miraculous Mist, and even seemed to spread throughout the heavens:
"Therefore, I, in the name of the Lord of the Heavenly Court, on this day of the Hall of Miraculous Mist's restoration, specially bestow the honorific title—"
His eyes were bright, and he spoke each word deliberately, his voice shaking the universe:
"I honor Fellow Daoist Xuantian as—"
"Xuantian Limitless Creation Great Heavenly Venerable!"
(T/N: Damn that's a mouthful. If any of you have a nice way of rewriting this title, let me know in the paragraph comments)
As soon as the honorific title was announced, the entire Hall of Miraculous Mist shook violently!
Outside the hall, auspicious clouds gathered in the Nine Heavens, thousands of rays of auspicious light appeared, and the sounds of Dragon and Phoenix singing in harmony echoed through the clouds, as if heaven and earth were celebrating the birth of this honorific title!
This honorific title was not only the highest affirmation of Han Xuanji's strength and achievements but also a formal coronation of status, placing him on equal footing with the Heavenly Emperor, a position of Great Heavenly Venerable respected by all the heavens!
From now on, when the myriad Realms of the heavens mentioned Han Xuanji, it would no longer be simply 'Xuantian Dao Venerable,' but they would need to respectfully call him 'Xuantian Limitless Creation Grand Heavenly Venerable'!"
The many immortals and gods in the hall, regardless of their previous thoughts, were all shocked by this sudden solemnity.
"From this day forward, Xuantian Limitless Creation Great Heavenly Venerable shall share the same status as I! To see the Great Heavenly Venerable is to see me! Let the immortals and gods of the heavens and the living beings of the myriad Realms respect him together!"