Han Family Courtyard.
The fence was covered in lush green vines, and several old locust trees were luxuriant, casting large shadows in the afternoon sun.
Inside the courtyard, the clear laughter of children chasing and playing was interspersed.
Han Xuanji's parents sat on bamboo chairs in the courtyard, basking in the sun, with satisfied and peaceful smiles on their faces.
Han Wanrou was hanging clothes to dry, occasionally turning back to remind the running children to be careful.
Everything was so ordinary yet warm, full of the essence of human life.
Han Xuanji appeared quietly with Han Shou not far outside the courtyard.
Looking at the warm scene before him, a ripple appeared in Han Xuanji's heart.
His family had not lived badly these years; Cultivators had the happiness of Cultivators, and Mortals had the happiness of Mortals.
It was not to say that embarking on the path of cultivation would bring happiness.
Han Xuanji's younger sister married a handsome Mortal, and their life was very happy.
Han Xuanji's parents were in good health; with the longevity-extending items he sent, living for several decades was not an issue at all.
The two Elders did not have any wish for immortality, only hoping for the continuation of their descendants and the happiness of their children and grandchildren.
Han Xuanji did not feel that forcibly changing their destiny would make them live better.
He could not possibly guard them all the time, nor could he make them immortal.
He did not appear to acknowledge them.
In life, Fate (karma arises and falls), Cause and effect (karma is born and perishes), Fate brings us together and separates us (karma gathers and disperses).
What he yearned for was the Great Dao, great freedom; the warmth of the Mortal world was naturally difficult for him to experience again.
At this moment, he felt his state of mind seemed to become more complete and clear.
"Do you see that family?"
Han Xuanji pointed to the small courtyard, his voice still calm, but carrying an unquestionable weight,
"What I want you to do is to ensure this family's peace for ten thousand years.
Whether you are hidden in the dark or integrated into it, in what capacity, by what means, I do not care.
I only want this family's Bloodline to continue and to live in peace and joy within ten thousand years."
"From now on, you shall be called Han Shou."
Han Xuanji said indifferently.
This was the last thing he would do for his family in this life.
"Can you do it?"
"Of course, I can."
Han Shou nodded quickly; how could he dare to say no.
At this moment, he immediately had some guesses in his heart: this family definitely had a connection with the adult in front of him.
How enviable.
Han Shou thought so.
Suddenly, for some reason, he even felt a little moved.
This adult actually arranged for him to do such an important thing.
In the future, would he have a chance to become the other party's confidant?
It felt more promising than being in the Demon Race.
After arranging this matter, Han Xuanji also considered a worry resolved.
He did not linger; with one step, space twisted, and the next moment he appeared in Kunlun Immortal Sect.
The news of the Demon Race invasion had to be informed to the four Holy Lands of Central Continent.
However, when Han Xuanji stepped into Kunlun Immortal Sect, he happened to find many strong individuals gathered in a great hall, seemingly discussing something.
Han Xuanji came to the great hall, not concealing his Qi, and was soon sensed by everyone.
"Sword Immortal Han, you have come."
Sect Master of Kunlun, Immortal Master Lingyun, was not surprised to see Han Xuanji, thinking that the other party had also sensed something.
"We just received news that the spatial fluctuations in the Taixu Spirit Realm might indicate a Demon Sect invasion."
"Oh?"
Han Xuanji was surprised.
It seemed that this world still had capable people, and they were not completely unaware of the Demon Race's invasion.
So he simply decided to tell them about the Demon Race's invasion.
When Han Xuanji revealed everything Cang Shi had said, especially the intelligence about the possible descent of high-level True Demons, the expressions of several Cultivators changed.
"High-level True Demon… above Ascended Immortal…"
Kunlun Grand Elder, Immortal Master Yuchen, stroked his long beard, his brows tightly furrowed,
"If such a strong individual descends, it is indeed a catastrophe for our realm."
"However, the Heavenly Dao cycles, and it has its own principles."
An Elder carrying an ancient sword said in a deep voice,
"The strong individuals of the Upper Realm, sensing the Heavenly Dao, naturally had predictions long ago, and the 'fated person' for this great catastrophe has already appeared."
"Oh? Who is this divine being?"
Han Xuanji had not thought of this.
Indeed, the strong individuals of the Human Race were not fools!
It was impossible for them to just watch the Demon Race invade.
One must know that if the Lower Realm were to be transformed into a Demon Realm, it would be a blow to the Luck of the Immortal Dao.
At this point, everyone's gaze turned to Han Xuanji, with a hint of complexity:
"This person is said to be from the Upper Realm, cultivating in the four great immortal mountains, and he… has learned about Fellow Daoist Han's matters."
In these years, Han Xuanji's prestige was not only spread throughout the Nine Provinces Continent, but also among the various small heavens and overseas islands, everyone knew that a peerless strong individual had emerged in the world, and many people felt that Han Xuanji could be the number one Cultivator in the world.
This was not just an affirmation of his strength, but also an affirmation of his actions.
If Han Xuanji had committed many evil deeds, he would naturally not have easily gained such recognition.
Immortal Master Yuchen interjected:
"This young man is arrogant and sharp-edged. He said that before the Demon Tribulation descends, he wishes to… discuss the Dao with Fellow Daoist Han on the peak of Kunlun."
He looked at Han Xuanji, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry and reminder,
"He said he wishes to use this battle to verify his Dao, sharpen his edge, and prepare for the great catastrophe."
Upon hearing this, Han Xuanji's expression remained calm, only a subtle starlight flashed in his eyes.
Discuss the Dao?
Should he fight back?
This seemed like an immortal second-generation coming down to gain experience.