"Even if you don't want to go with me, there's no need to harm yourself."
Huo Ling'er was utterly shocked that Xiao Fan would resort to self-harm to express his displeasure. Her heart ached at the sight, feeling as if it was being squeezed painfully. If she had known that Xiao Fan would react this way, she would never have taken him without a word.
Seeing the blood flowing from Xiao Fan's thigh, Huo Ling'er's eyes instantly welled up with tears. Her heart bled along with him.
After setting the food on the table, Huo Ling'er looked at Xiao Fan pitifully.
"We can discuss whatever is troubling you. Please, don't hurt yourself anymore, okay?"
"Uh..." Xiao Fan was taken aback.
It was clear that Huo Ling'er misunderstood his actions as a form of protest.
After pondering for a moment, Xiao Fan decided to explain the situation with the demonic consciousness to Huo Ling'er. Not only to clear up the misunderstanding but also to ensure that if he lost control, Huo Ling'er, with her superior cultivation, could restrain him and prevent him from harming innocents.
Upon hearing Xiao Fan's explanation, Huo Ling'er breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Xiao Fan wasn't self-harming because of her, she felt much better.
Regarding the demonic consciousness, Huo Ling'er didn't see it as a major issue. Given its current undeveloped state, it could be controlled relatively easily. Fortunately, the Heavenly Fire Kingdom's treasure, the Heavenly Fire, had the power to dispel any evil or dark forces.
This gave her a legitimate reason to invite Xiao Fan to the capital.
After explaining that the Heavenly Fire could dispel the demonic consciousness, Huo Ling'er asked, "So, will you come to the capital with me?"
"Do I have another choice?" Xiao Fan replied with a wry smile.
He knew that even if he refused, Huo Ling'er would likely force him to go. Since they were already within the Heavenly Fire Kingdom, he might as well go. Besides, if the Heavenly Fire could truly rid him of the demonic consciousness, it was worth the trip.
Seeing Huo Ling'er's cheerful expression, always focused on him, Xiao Fan felt a sinking feeling. He feared that once there, he might never leave.
If the demonic consciousness could indeed be removed, he would need to reconsider his relationship with Huo Ling'er. He wasn't blind; he had noticed the change in her eyes when she looked at him. But due to the demonic consciousness, he had chosen to ignore and avoid it. If it was removed, that didn't mean all obstacles between them would vanish.
He was an ordinary person with average talents, while Huo Ling'er was a princess with exceptional gifts and doted upon by all. Their worlds were vastly different.
Huo Ling'er, unaware of Xiao Fan's worries, laughed heartily at his agreement to go to the capital.
Xiao Fan didn't want to dampen her spirits, so he kept his thoughts to himself.
Despite her outward joy, Huo Ling'er soon noticed Xiao Fan's sudden despondency.
"What's wrong? Your face doesn't look good," she asked gently.
Xiao Fan, trying to hide his emotions, pressed on his bleeding thigh and glared at Huo Ling'er.
"How can my face look good with blood pouring out? You brought me here without warning, and I didn't even bring any medicine."
"Oh!" Huo Ling'er jumped up. How could she have forgotten this? She was so thrilled about Xiao Fan agreeing to go to the capital that she overlooked his injury. She felt like a fool.
She quickly went to the innkeeper to get some medicine and bandages, then returned to tend to Xiao Fan's wound.
After everything was done, Huo Ling'er smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I got too excited and forgot."
"Don't do it again," Xiao Fan said grumpily. Despite his annoyance, he found Huo Ling'er's clumsy care endearing.
"Okay, I'll make sure to discuss everything with you first next time," Huo Ling'er said with a bright smile, feeling happy.
"Let's eat," Xiao Fan said.
"Sure!"
After a night's rest, they set off early the next morning.
Huo Ling'er carried Xiao Fan on her sword, flying toward the capital of the Heavenly Fire Kingdom. Feeling the wind rush past, Xiao Fan couldn't help but marvel at Huo Ling'er's talent. Only those at the Foundation Establishment stage could fly on swords, but carrying someone else at such heights suggested she was at least at the Transcendence or Dragon Transformation stage.
Thinking back to her saying she reached Foundation Establishment at eight, he realized her talent was truly extraordinary.
This realization brought complex feelings and a sense of inferiority. Some gaps seemed insurmountable.
Soon, they reached the capital.
"Who goes there?" Two soldiers in flame armor moved to stop them.
Flying within the capital was forbidden. However, Huo Ling'er, the favored princess, had special privileges.
"Open your eyes and see who I am! How dare you block my way?" Huo Ling'er shouted, showcasing her domineering princess persona.
"It's the Third Princess!" The soldiers quickly stepped back upon recognizing her.
"Hmph! Wise choice!" Huo Ling'er snorted, then flew into the city.
Xiao Fan cleared his throat, feeling a bit awkward. He felt like he was riding on Huo Ling'er's coattails.
Realizing Xiao Fan had witnessed her arrogant display, Huo Ling'er's confidence faltered. She was mortified at the thought of what he must think of her.
"Ahem." To cover her embarrassment, Huo Ling'er coughed lightly. "I'm not usually like this. I was just in a hurry to bring you to the palace, so my temper flared a bit..."
"I understand," Xiao Fan replied calmly.
"Good, as long as you understand." Huo Ling'er laughed awkwardly.
They flew through the city and into the palace without further incident.
"Who's that?"
Their conspicuous behavior naturally drew the attention of the palace guards. In the entire Heavenly Fire Kingdom, only the favored Third Princess Huo Ling'er would dare to act so boldly within the palace grounds.
With her absence causing great concern, news of her return quickly reached the emperor.