It is not possible to use both encoders at the same time or use one or the other.
I recommend guardian v13 for php 8.1
because ioncube is easily unlocked.... for 10 dollars if you have an unlock, investment wasted...
about making it difficult, I recommend you use techniques of mixing the phps before encrypting, so if any one unlocks one day, you'll still have a hard time rearranging..
a good example of this is a panel FCD 2.8 that you have here on the forum.., even decrypted, you are lost with the locations..
In the end, it will only make it difficult, but not impossible....