Even the cultivators gathered outside the Primordial Emperor City were filled with respect upon witnessing Emperor Huo's benevolence and kindness.
He was not only a wise ruler but also a doting father. It was no wonder that Empress Huo Ling'er was so emotional.
However, many were curious about whether Emperor Huo had been betrayed by the infamous Demon Emperor Xiao Fan.
The grudges between Empress Huo Ling'er, the former Heavenly Fire Kingdom, and the Demon Emperor Xiao Fan were not well known. Empress Huo Ling'er had never publicly discussed her enmity with Xiao Fan, though her and the Heavenly Fire King's attitudes suggested a deep, irreconcilable hatred.
The crowd soon began speculating about the grudge between Xiao Fan and Empress Huo Ling'er.
Hearing the discussions, the Heavenly Fire King did not intervene this time but instead spoke loudly, "Back then, I treated Xiao Fan like a brother. However, he coveted our Heavenly Fire Kingdom's treasured Heavenly Fire, and in his greed, caused it to go out of control, leading to a catastrophe that claimed my father's life and the lives of half the innocent citizens of our capital."
"So that's the truth. Xiao Fan's crimes are unforgivable!"
"Yes, Xiao Fan deserves death a thousand times over!"
Some cultivators, eager to curry favor with the Heavenly Fire King or join his kingdom, echoed these sentiments.
However, many couldn't help but wonder. The Xiao Fan they had seen so far appeared to be a kind and righteous man, almost too virtuous for even the most devout followers to compare.
Could it be that the Heavenly Fire could not fully purge the demonic influence from Xiao Fan, and he was completely taken over by it afterward?
Of course, this was merely their speculation. The truth could only be revealed by what came next.
Inside the Haotian Mirror.
Xiao Fan and Huo Ling'er returned to the Palace of Eternal Joy. Naturally, Xiao Fan couldn't stay in Huo Ling'er's chambers, so he was assigned to a nearby side hall.
"Elder sister, you're finally back! I missed you so much!" A young boy, delicate and cherubic, ran to Huo Ling'er and hugged her tightly.
Huo Ling'er affectionately patted his head and introduced him to Xiao Fan, "This is my younger brother, Huo Yang."
Xiao Fan nodded.
Along the way, Huo Ling'er had already briefed him on the royal family. Emperor Huo was a deeply affectionate man and had only ever loved one woman, Huo Ling'er's mother, the late empress. Though Huo Ling'er was the third princess, the crown prince and second princess had both died young, which explained Emperor Huo's immense love for her.
Unfortunately, Huo Ling'er's mother passed away shortly after giving birth to Huo Yang. Since then, Emperor Huo had never been close to another woman.
Learning about Emperor Huo's unwavering devotion, Xiao Fan felt even more respect for him.
"Elder sister, who is he?" Huo Yang asked, his eyes as bright as onyx but tinged with a hint of hostility as he looked at Xiao Fan.
Xiao Fan found this amusing. It was clear the little guy was jealous.
"Do not be rude. This is my… master," Huo Ling'er said seriously.
"Master?" Huo Yang looked puzzled. "Elder sister, you're lying. His cultivation is lower than mine! How could he be your master?"
Xiao Fan couldn't help but laugh.
"Children's words carry no harm. Don't take it to heart," Huo Ling'er comforted Xiao Fan, though she was suppressing a smile.
Xiao Fan didn't mind. He had expected such reactions.
It was clear that once the demonic influence was purged from his body using the Heavenly Fire, he would need to diligently cultivate to improve his strength. He couldn't continue to be an embarrassment, especially not to Huo Ling'er.
Huo Ling'er then sternly addressed Huo Yang, "Yang'er, do not be disrespectful to my master again, or I won't take you with me anymore."
"Okay." Huo Yang pouted, looking very aggrieved.
Huo Ling'er then took Xiao Fan and Huo Yang on a tour of the palace.
Later that night, just as Xiao Fan was preparing to rest, a message came that Emperor Huo wanted to see him. Huo Ling'er was already waiting at the side hall's door.
She couldn't wait any longer and had probably urged Emperor Huo to use the Heavenly Fire to help purge the demonic influence from Xiao Fan's body.
Indeed, that was exactly the case. Huo Ling'er couldn't stand another day of the demonic influence posing a threat to Xiao Fan.
She didn't want to see him resorting to self-harm to suppress the demonic influence anymore.
Following Huo Ling'er, Xiao Fan arrived at the depths of the palace, surrounded by the Imperial Guards.
These guards emanated an aura of stern authority, each one a formidable warrior selected from thousands.
Xiao Fan and Huo Ling'er finally reached a heavily fortified chamber where Emperor Huo was already waiting.
As soon as Xiao Fan entered, he felt the temperature rise dramatically, causing him to sweat and breathe heavily, unable to take another step forward.
In the center of the chamber, a crimson-gold flame burned fiercely on a sacrificial altar. It must be the Heavenly Fire, the treasured flame of the Heavenly Fire Kingdom.
Huo Ling'er eagerly approached to admire the Heavenly Fire, thinking only of finally purging the demonic influence from Xiao Fan. She didn't notice Xiao Fan's struggle.
Emperor Huo, seeing Xiao Fan's condition, approached and enveloped him in a protective aura.
Xiao Fan instantly felt relieved, no longer oppressed by the heat.
"Thank you, Uncle," Xiao Fan said, feeling slightly ashamed of his own weakness.
"No need to thank me. The Heavenly Fire affects anyone outside the royal family this way. It's not your fault, so don't belittle yourself," Emperor Huo reassured him.
Xiao Fan felt a warmth in his heart at Emperor Huo's kindness, which felt genuinely familial.
Huo Ling'er finally noticed and hurried back to check on Xiao Fan, asking, "Are you alright?"
Emperor Huo shook his head at his daughter's impatience.
"Alright, Ling'er, step aside. I need to use the Heavenly Fire to purge the demonic influence from Xiao Fan," Emperor Huo said, moving towards the Heavenly Fire.
"Okay." Understanding the gravity of the situation, Huo Ling'er obediently stepped back.
"Xiao Fan, be prepared. The process might be painful, so bear with it," Emperor Huo warned.
"Don't worry, Uncle. I can handle it," Xiao Fan replied with a determined expression.
He had endured countless agonies before; this would be nothing in comparison.