They stopped in front of a palace called the Palace of Eternal Joy. It was then that Xiao Fan learned Huo Ling'er was the Princess Chang Le of the Heavenly Fire Kingdom. The name "Chang Le," meaning eternal happiness, indicated how dearly the emperor cherished her.
As soon as they appeared in front of the palace, a group of maids and eunuchs rushed to greet them.
"Third Princess, you're finally back! I was so worried I could barely eat or sleep," an elderly maid, plump and motherly, exclaimed.
"Really, Nanny Guo? You seem to have gained weight," Huo Ling'er teased with a mischievous smile.
Nanny Guo's face froze. Truth be told, she had enjoyed a few peaceful days in the princess's absence, but as a seasoned palace maid, she couldn't admit that. Otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble the mischievous princess would cause for her?
"Third Princess, please don't tease me. The emperor has been sending people to look for you everywhere. Since you're back, you should report to him immediately," Nanny Guo suggested, changing the subject.
"You're right." Huo Ling'er nodded seriously. She indeed needed to reassure her father that she was safe.
"Xiao Fan, I'm going to see my father. You wait for me in the Palace of Eternal Joy," she instructed.
"Alright," Xiao Fan agreed, seeing no other option.
"Nanny Guo, take good care of him. If there's any neglect, I won't forgive you!" Huo Ling'er sternly ordered.
Nanny Guo hesitated. "Third Princess, this is your bedchamber. It's not appropriate for a man to stay here."
"What's inappropriate about it? Xiao Fan isn't an outsider; he's my... master," Huo Ling'er insisted. "Enough, don't argue. If there's any disrespect, I'll deal with you when I return!"
Turning to Xiao Fan, she smiled warmly. "I'll be back soon. Make yourself comfortable. If you're tired, rest in my bedchamber. If anyone bothers you, tell me when I return, and I'll take care of them."
The maids and eunuchs were stunned. Was this really her master? It didn't sound like how a disciple should talk about their master. Even Xiao Fan felt uncomfortable, knowing that being in the princess's bedchamber might make people think he was her consort.
As Huo Ling'er left, the palace servants eyed Xiao Fan curiously.
"Master Xiao, you..." Nanny Guo was in a difficult position. She didn't want to defy Huo Ling'er's orders but also feared the emperor's wrath if he found out a man had stayed in the princess's chambers.
Understanding her dilemma, Xiao Fan reassured her, "Nanny Guo, I'll wait in the side courtyard for the princess."
Nanny Guo was relieved and quickly instructed the servants to take good care of him.
Meanwhile, Huo Ling'er arrived at the imperial study.
Inside was a middle-aged man with a majestic and commanding presence. He was the Emperor Huo, the ruler of the Heavenly Fire Kingdom.
The emperor's brows were furrowed in worry, but upon hearing the approaching footsteps, his anxiety dissipated. He had already been informed by the guards that his beloved third princess had returned.
"Father, I missed you so much!" Without waiting for any announcement or obstacle, Huo Ling'er burst into the study.
"You still have no sense of propriety!" Emperor Huo chided her gently, though his eyes were full of affection. Having not seen her for days, he couldn't bear to scold her.
After some brief pleasantries, Emperor Huo asked, "Where have you been these past days?"
Huo Ling'er put on a serious face and recounted her experiences. As she spoke about her failure to secure the saint's inheritance, Emperor Huo watched her closely. He knew she had always had smooth sailing in life, and he feared this failure would be a heavy blow.
But to his surprise, she seemed at peace with it. It puzzled him until she mentioned Xiao Fan.
"So, the man who came back with you is Xiao Fan?" Emperor Huo asked, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully.
"Yes, Father, you already know?" Huo Ling'er feigned surprise.
She had no intention of hiding Xiao Fan, especially since she wanted to be with him openly in the future.
"Yes, the guards informed me about the man with you. Is he the one?"
"Yes, he is," Huo Ling'er confirmed, then clung to her father's arm, "Father, if it weren't for Xiao Fan, you might never have seen me again. Shouldn't you reward him generously?"
"Ah, so that's what you're after." Emperor Huo laughed warmly. "Tell me, what reward do you seek for him?"
Huo Ling'er explained Xiao Fan's need for the Heavenly Fire to dispel the demonic consciousness within him.
Emperor Huo's previously relaxed demeanor turned serious. "Ling'er, do you understand the importance of the Heavenly Fire to our kingdom?"
"Of course, Father. The Heavenly Fire is the foundation of our kingdom, used by our ancestors to establish the Heavenly Fire Kingdom."
"Then you should know it's not something we can casually grant to outsiders," Emperor Huo said solemnly.
"But Father, Xiao Fan isn't an outsider. He's my... master," Huo Ling'er argued, her voice faltering.
Emperor Huo found it amusing. "Master? You mean your fishing master?"