"Father~" Huo Ling'er clung to the Emperor Huo's arm, acting coquettishly. "Doesn't a fishing master count as a master too?"
"Enough!" Emperor Huo's expression turned serious as he looked at Huo Ling'er. "In your heart, I'm afraid Xiao Fan is more than just a master, isn't he?"
"Uh~" Huo Ling'er was caught off guard by the question.
However, to remove the demonic influence from Xiao Fan, she was ready to go all out.
Biting her lip, she resolutely said, "Father, I like him."
As expected.
Emperor Huo let out a long sigh.
It's true that daughters are bound to leave their fathers.
Even though he had already guessed it, hearing Huo Ling'er admit it herself made him feel a mix of emotions.
It seemed that, in the heart of his most beloved daughter, he was no longer the most important person.
"Alright, since you've spoken so plainly, I will give him a chance," Emperor Huo said in a deep voice. "Have him come see me. I need to see if he is worthy of my precious daughter."
"Ah! There's no need for that, Father."
Huo Ling'er's face immediately fell.
Seeing this, Emperor Huo frowned and asked, "What? He doesn't know you like him?"
"Mm." Huo Ling'er silently nodded.
"Sigh~" Emperor Huo sighed softly.
He never thought that his usually proud and fiery daughter could show such a humble side.
Because of this, he was even more curious to see what kind of person Xiao Fan was to have such an influence on his daughter.
"Alright, I know what to do. I won't embarrass you," Emperor Huo assured.
"Thank you, Father. You're the best." Huo Ling'er's face lit up with joy.
Soon, someone went to the Palace of Eternal Joy to summon Xiao Fan to the imperial study.
Following the attendant, Xiao Fan arrived at the imperial study.
Xiao Fan thought he should bow upon meeting the Emperor, but before he could speak, he heard Emperor Huo say, "There are no outsiders here, no need to be formal. Sit."
This surprised Xiao Fan a bit.
Emperor Huo, with his dignified appearance and naturally commanding presence, spoke in a calm and approachable manner, like a kind elder.
Unconsciously, Xiao Fan felt a bit of affection for Emperor Huo.
It turns out that those in such high positions aren't always aloof and condescending.
Huo Ling'er gave a playful smile from the side, indicating to Xiao Fan that her father was a very easy-going person.
"This time, my daughter returned safely, thanks to your help," Emperor Huo said.
"It was nothing, not worth mentioning," Xiao Fan replied modestly.
After some polite exchanges, Emperor Huo got to the point.
"I heard from Ling'er that you are troubled by an evil force and need our Heavenly Fire to remove it. Is this true?"
"Yes," Xiao Fan said solemnly.
Xiao Fan was very aware that since the Heavenly Fire was a national treasure of the Heavenly Fire Kingdom, it wouldn't be easy for an outsider to use it.
And what Emperor Huo said next confirmed his thoughts.
"Heavenly Fire is a treasure of the Heavenly Fire Kingdom. Even members of the royal family cannot use it at will," Emperor Huo said solemnly.
Hearing this, Xiao Fan thought that this matter was about to come to an end.
But to his surprise, Emperor Huo suddenly changed his tone and said with a faint smile, "However, since you saved my daughter's life, an exception can be made."
Huo Ling'er beamed with joy. She knew her father was the best.
Xiao Fan was also slightly surprised, looking at Emperor Huo.
Earlier, when chatting with the palace maids and eunuchs in the Palace of Eternal Joy, he had heard that the Emperor was extremely fond of Huo Ling'er.
Seeing it now, it was more than just fondness; he doted on her immensely.
Because he saved Huo Ling'er once, he was even allowed to use the Heavenly Fire, the kingdom's treasure.
"Xiao Fan sincerely thanks Your Majesty for your kindness," Xiao Fan said, bowing earnestly.
"Don't thank me just yet. There are conditions," Emperor Huo said, raising his hand to stop him.
"What conditions?" Xiao Fan asked.
As long as it wasn't against his principles, he could accept it.
"Don't be nervous, it's not a difficult thing," Emperor Huo said with a faint smile. "I can indeed make an exception for you to use the Heavenly Fire, but it is still a national treasure and cannot be used by outsiders."
Hearing this, Xiao Fan felt confused.
He said he could make an exception, but then said it couldn't be used by outsiders. So, can he use it or not?
Seeing Xiao Fan's confusion, Emperor Huo laughed. "Alright, I won't keep you in suspense. I will be straightforward."
"I can make an exception for you to use the Heavenly Fire, but from now on, you must stay in the royal city and serve our royal family."
"Considering you are Ling'er's master, you will stay in the royal city as her master."
"Do you accept?" Emperor Huo said with a faint smile.
This condition was more of a reward than a condition.
Apart from having to stay in the royal city, there were almost no restrictions on Xiao Fan.
Moreover, as Huo Ling'er's master, his status was officially recognized by the Emperor.
Even if others thought his cultivation was low and unworthy, they wouldn't dare to insult or belittle him.
This was clearly to protect Xiao Fan.
For his daughter, Emperor Huo had gone to great lengths.
Huo Ling'er was almost moved to tears.
She always knew her father was good, but she didn't expect him to be so considerate.
She had been worried that Xiao Fan might leave after removing the demonic influence from his body.
Now, with this condition, she didn't have to worry about Xiao Fan leaving.
Moreover, she had a legitimate reason to be with Xiao Fan every day.
This way, feelings could naturally develop over time.
"Father, I really love you!" Huo Ling'er shouted in her heart.
Honestly, Xiao Fan was also very surprised by Emperor Huo's condition.
He couldn't believe that with Emperor Huo's cultivation, he couldn't see that Xiao Fan was just a low-level cultivator.
Yet, even so, Emperor Huo showed no disdain in his attitude and words.
Moreover, this condition was more like a reward, giving him status and position.
And he could feel that Emperor Huo was intentionally trying to bring him and Huo Ling'er closer.
This was what puzzled and surprised him the most.
On the way here, he had been worried about the disparity in status between him and Huo Ling'er, thinking the Emperor would never agree to let his precious daughter be with someone of low status and strength.
But now he realized he was wrong.
Emperor Huo was far more open-minded and kind than he had imagined.
Such a wise emperor naturally commanded respect.
At this moment, Xiao Fan deeply respected Emperor Huo.