The Haotian Mirror displayed scenes from Xiao Fan's early life.
Xiao Fan's father was a wealthy merchant, and having a son late in life, he placed high hopes on his only child.
He hoped Xiao Fan would excel in the imperial examinations and bring glory to the family.
Xiao Fan did not disappoint. By the age of three, he could recognize a thousand characters, by four, he had read the Four Books and Five Classics, and by five, he was well-versed in poetry and prose.
He was a prodigy admired by many.
However, what might be considered prodigious among mortals was still quite ordinary to cultivators.
Outside the Haotian Mirror, many spectators began to grow impatient.
Up until Xiao Fan was eight, there was no hint of anything related to cultivation.
For cultivators, the most crucial period was the foundation laid in childhood.
Children of noble families and sects were nurtured with spiritual herbs to strengthen their bodies and foundations from a young age.
Missing this foundational period made future progress in cultivation extremely difficult.
Yet, knowing that the seemingly ordinary Xiao Fan in the Haotian Mirror would one day become the infamous Netherworld Demon Emperor, no one dared to look away, fearing they might miss something crucial.
Xiao Fan's life before the age of eight was filled with peace and happiness.
He never thought of becoming a cultivator, nor did he even know of their existence.
His only goal was to study hard, honor his parents, and achieve great success in the imperial examinations.
However, his peaceful and happy life abruptly ended on his eighth birthday.
"Mother, where are we going?"
Inside the carriage, young Xiao Fan asked his mother.
"Fan'er, today is your birthday. Mother is taking you to the temple to pray for your safety and well-being," replied his mother, a beautiful and gentle woman.
However, Xiao Fan, looking at the street children begging outside the window, asked worriedly, "Mother, can we pray for everyone to have enough food?"
His mother lovingly stroked his head, "Fan'er, after we return from the temple, Mother will have the steward distribute porridge and alms."
"Mother, you're the best! I'll pray for you too, wishing you always stay young and beautiful!"
Young Xiao Fan cuddled in his mother's embrace, rubbing his little head affectionately.
"You little rascal! Wouldn't you pray for me if I didn't distribute porridge?" His mother patted his head, her eyes full of doting love.
Watching the warm scene in the Haotian Mirror, many couldn't help but feel emotional.
"To think the wicked Netherworld Demon Emperor was so kind-hearted as a child!"
"Indeed. If we didn't know these were the Demon Emperor's memories, no one would believe such an innocent child would become such a notorious villain."
The contrast between the young Xiao Fan in the mirror and the image of the ruthless Demon Emperor was stark.
Everyone was curious about what events led to such a drastic transformation.
Seeing the kind-hearted young Xiao Fan, the Jade Pool Empress felt contemptuous. To her, young Xiao Fan's innocence was just because he hadn't faced any real temptations yet.
The Northern Empress, however, watched the scenes with a heavy heart.
She was surprised by Xiao Fan's early kindness, but even more puzzled by the familiarity of his surroundings.
The mansion where Xiao Fan lived, and the streets his carriage passed, all felt very familiar to her.
Because they were the same places she had grown up in.
She had confirmed it repeatedly—this was not a mistake or mere similarity.
The place where Xiao Fan grew up was the same place she had lived.
In her memory, this was her home. How did it become Xiao Fan's?
What was going on?
The Northern Empress's mind was filled with questions.
To find answers, she continued to watch the Haotian Mirror intently.
In the mirror, after praying at the temple, Xiao Fan's mother took him home and had the steward distribute porridge and alms to the poor.
Young Xiao Fan stood by his mother, watching the endless stream of poor people, his eyes firm. "Mother, when I grow up and achieve success, I will make sure no one goes hungry."
His mother lovingly stroked his head, "Fan'er, Mother believes in you."
Just then, a young man, dirty and haggard, suddenly rushed out from the crowd.
He charged towards Xiao Fan and his mother, startling everyone.
Fortunately, there were house guards by Xiao Fan and his mother, who quickly restrained the young man.
Fearing for their safety, Xiao Fan's mother decided to head back inside.
As she turned to leave, the young man pushed the guards aside and shouted, "Aunt Xiao, I've come seeking refuge!"
Hearing this, Xiao Fan's mother turned back, confused. She didn't recall having such a relative.
Seeing her pause, the young man hurriedly explained, "Aunt Xiao, I have a family letter. If you show it to Uncle Xiao, it will prove my identity."
He carefully pulled out a wrinkled, yellowed letter from his pocket.
Seeing this, Xiao Fan's mother signaled the steward to take the letter.
After taking the letter, she instructed, "Settle him in the house. We will decide after my husband returns tonight."
With that, she took Xiao Fan back inside.
As they turned, young Xiao Fan noticed the young man's lips curl into a strange smile.
At that time, Xiao Fan was too young to realize the implications.
But now, outside the Haotian Mirror, the audience began to discuss heatedly.
"That guy has a sinister look and a wicked smile. He's definitely up to no good. Bringing him into the house is inviting trouble!"
"You're right. Did you see how strong he is? He pushed those guards aside easily. No way he's just a refugee."
"Exactly. This young man must have ulterior motives. The Xiao family is in danger."
The audience buzzed with discussions, all concluding that the young man seeking refuge was trouble, and the Xiao family was in peril.
As the discussions grew, the Northern Empress, who had been watching the Haotian Mirror intently, suddenly shouted, "Silence!"
The ground seemed to tremble under the weight of her imperial power.
Everyone fell silent, not daring to speak.
They were puzzled. Why was the Northern Empress so angry about their discussion of the young man?
Did she know him?