"Ling'er, step out for a moment. I need to speak with Xiao Fan alone," Emperor Huo said.
"What! Father, is there something I can't hear?" Huo Ling'er asked nervously, afraid her father might reveal her feelings.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Emperor Huo affectionately patted her head.
"Okay." Huo Ling'er trusted her father implicitly and left the imperial study.
Once she was gone, Emperor Huo smiled softly. "Ling'er has changed a lot since her trip. I used to worry she hadn't faced enough hardships and would crumble under pressure."
"But now, I don't have to worry anymore." As he spoke, Emperor Huo turned his gaze to Xiao Fan. "In fact, I should thank you."
"Your Majesty, you are too kind," Xiao Fan said, bowing.
"Xiao Fan, there's no need for such formality. When we're alone, just call me Uncle," Emperor Huo said with a kindly smile, like a benevolent elder.
"This…" Xiao Fan was taken aback, looking at Emperor Huo.
He felt no pretense or arrogance from the Emperor, no sense of superiority despite their differing statuses. Emperor Huo treated him as an equal, which surprised him.
Indeed, he had saved Huo Ling'er's life, but Emperor Huo, the ruler of the Heavenly Fire Kingdom, showing such respect to an ordinary person was extraordinary.
He had met other nobles, each more arrogant than the last, treating commoners as ants. But Emperor Huo was approachable and kind, a rarity among royalty.
Whether it was because of Huo Ling'er or Emperor Huo's own nature, Xiao Fan felt a growing respect for him.
"Uncle," Xiao Fan called softly.
"Hmm," Emperor Huo nodded with a smile.
"Since you now call me Uncle, consider this token as a gift," Emperor Huo said, revealing a golden token with a wave of his hand.
"This is the pass to our royal library. With it, you can freely access all our treasured texts."
"This! Uncle, this gift is too precious," Xiao Fan said, astonished.
He knew how valuable a pass to the royal library was, even among the royal family, it was a rare privilege.
"Take it, don't be so formal!" Emperor Huo said, tossing the token into Xiao Fan's hands.
With no choice, Xiao Fan accepted it, feeling deeply grateful.
"Additionally, I will ensure you receive a monthly supply of cultivation resources as a stipend for being Ling'er's master," Emperor Huo said earnestly. "Since you're now her teacher, you must work hard to improve your cultivation. Don't let Ling'er be embarrassed in front of others."
It was clear that Emperor Huo wanted Xiao Fan to be worthy of being Huo Ling'er's master, or rather, to bridge the gap between them.
Xiao Fan knew that all these privileges were due to Huo Ling'er, but he was still grateful and kept this kindness in his heart.
"Alright, you can go now. I will arrange everything regarding the Heavenly Fire. Just be patient," Emperor Huo said.
"Thank you, Uncle." Xiao Fan then left the study.
After Xiao Fan left, Emperor Huo sighed and returned to his documents, his brows furrowed.
As soon as Xiao Fan stepped out, Huo Ling'er rushed up to him.
"What did my father say to you?" she asked anxiously.
Xiao Fan didn't hide anything. He showed her the pass to the royal library and repeated what Emperor Huo had said.
Huo Ling'er was stunned. If she hadn't seen the token herself, she wouldn't have believed it.
Even within the royal family, only the core members had access to the library. Yet her father had given this privilege to Xiao Fan and promised monthly resources.
Understanding her father's intentions, Huo Ling'er was deeply moved.
She had always been spoiled and willful, but now she truly felt her father's love.
Outside the Haotian Mirror.
Empress Huo Ling'er's eyes filled with tears as she stared at the loving face of her father.
After thousands of years, seeing her father again brought a flood of emotions.
"Father, I was unfilial! It was my fault you died!"
"Father, Ling'er misses you so much…"
Empress Huo Ling'er's emotions were on the verge of collapse.
Her eyes were bloodshot with tears, but she had no one to confide in, knowing this was only a memory.
Looking at Xiao Fan, now a living corpse, Empress Huo Ling'er clenched her fists so hard they turned white and bled.
Her lingering feelings for Xiao Fan vanished completely.
Her father had been kind and generous, yet Xiao Fan repaid this kindness with betrayal, causing the deaths of her father and half the innocent citizens of the royal city.
He was beyond redemption, deserving death.
Holding onto feelings for Xiao Fan would be the greatest betrayal to her father and the victims.
At this moment, she solidified her resolve, letting go of any remaining affection.
"Xiao Fan, I will avenge my father with your life!"
Emperor Huo looked at the determined Empress Huo Ling'er and sighed in relief.
His sister had finally made up her mind and would not waver anymore.
Then he looked at Xiao Fan, now a living corpse within the Primordial Emperor City, with eyes burning like the sun.
"Xiao Fan, the cycle of karma is relentless. I will personally tear you apart to honor my father and the innocent citizens of the royal city!"