Emperor Huo channeled the power of the Heavenly Fire, directing its flames onto Xiao Fan. This process required extreme caution; any slight misstep could obliterate Xiao Fan entirely. Therefore, Emperor Huo's expression was incredibly serious and focused.
Xiao Fan sensed the gravity of the situation. Despite feeling an overwhelming destructive force approaching, he stood firm, placing his trust in Emperor Huo.
Soon, his body felt as if it were burning in a raging inferno, causing immense pain. His skin turned a fiery red from the intense heat, but his eyes remained resolute, showing no fear or retreat.
If he couldn't endure this level of pain, he wouldn't have made it this far.
Huo Ling'er watched anxiously, her heart aching as she saw Xiao Fan in such agony. She wished she could take his place.
"Ah!" A wail emanated from within Xiao Fan as the demonic influence inside him shrieked in agony.
While Xiao Fan could bear it, the demonic influence could not. The main force of the Heavenly Fire targeted it, causing Xiao Fan only indirect pain.
Unable to withstand the searing flames, the demonic influence fled Xiao Fan's body. The moment it appeared, Emperor Huo unhesitatingly incinerated it to ashes with the Heavenly Fire.
As Huo Ling'er celebrated, believing it was all over, she noticed her father had not stopped channeling the Heavenly Fire. Instead, he continued to bathe Xiao Fan in its flames, causing him even more pain.
"Father, what are you doing?" Huo Ling'er panicked, fearing Xiao Fan would be harmed.
"Ling'er, do you really think I would hurt him?" Emperor Huo's tone carried a hint of hurt.
Ah! She had found a lover and forgotten her father!
Xiao Fan, realizing the misunderstanding, explained, "Ling'er, you misunderstood. Uncle is using the Heavenly Fire to cleanse my body and enhance my aptitude."
Xiao Fan was deeply moved. He had always had mediocre talent, and no amount of resources would have brought him significant achievements. But with the Heavenly Fire's refining, he felt his body transform, as if reborn. His aptitude had likely improved by several levels.
Huo Ling'er's eyes welled with tears as she looked at Emperor Huo. She knew her father was going to such lengths for Xiao Fan solely for her sake.
After a while, Emperor Huo, looking exhausted, withdrew the Heavenly Fire. Xiao Fan could see that the crimson-gold flames had dimmed significantly, indicating the immense strain the process had placed on it.
Emperor Huo appeared equally drained, his breath labored and his face pale.
"Uncle, I…" Xiao Fan was at a loss for words, his gratitude beyond expression.
"It's nothing. The Heavenly Fire is an innate spiritual object and will recover with time," Emperor Huo said, raising a hand to stop Xiao Fan from expressing further thanks. "Just stay by Ling'er's side, protect her, and love her. That's all I ask."
"Father…" Huo Ling'er, voice choked with emotion, ran to support her father.
Only now did she truly understand the depth of her father's love for her. Reflecting on her past willfulness and how often she had angered him, she felt an overwhelming urge to slap herself.
Seeing his tearful daughter, Emperor Huo smiled warmly. "It seems my Ling'er has finally grown up."
"Father, I promise I will never upset you again."
Watching the touching scene between father and daughter, Xiao Fan didn't interrupt. As he took stock of his own body, he felt his blood flowing smoothly and his mind clear. His aptitude had undergone a significant transformation, and the demonic influence had been completely eradicated.
At that moment, he felt a surge of joy and excitement. He was finally free, unbound by any constraints.
Outside the Haotian Mirror, everyone could sense Xiao Fan's genuine happiness.
It was understandable. Xiao Fan had always carried a heavy burden, living and thinking for others. Now, free of any shackles, he could finally live for himself.
However, many were surprised that the demonic influence was purged so easily. They had believed that it was this influence that had led Xiao Fan to become the infamous Demon Emperor. But now, they were being told the demonic influence was gone long ago!
This raised a troubling thought. If the demonic influence had been eradicated, Xiao Fan's later transformation into the ruthless Demon Emperor was entirely his own doing.
Reflecting on the Heavenly Fire King's earlier accusations, some speculated, "Perhaps Xiao Fan was tempted by the power of the Heavenly Fire and became covetous."
"That must be it. The kind Emperor Huo used the Heavenly Fire to help Xiao Fan, but it backfired, leading to disaster."
"It's hard to believe that a kind and noble person like Xiao Fan could fall into such temptation and become a scourge upon the land."
Others sighed, feeling a mix of pity and disappointment towards Xiao Fan.
"It's not surprising. Perhaps Xiao Fan's true nature was simply hidden by his circumstances, waiting to be revealed."
"Exactly. A person's true self is revealed when they are free of constraints."
With this, everyone felt they had solved the mystery. They were convinced that Xiao Fan's transformation began after this point, leading him to become the infamous Demon Emperor.
Revisiting Xiao Fan's joyful and excited expression in the Haotian Mirror, they saw it in a new light. This smile, they now believed, marked the beginning of his downfall.
Empress Huo Ling'er, watching the mirror, felt a deep sense of regret and anger. She had been too caught up in her own joy and gratitude to notice Xiao Fan's changing demeanor. Had she been more aware, perhaps she could have prevented everything.
But it was too late for regrets now.
Gazing at the now lifeless Xiao Fan in the Primordial Emperor City, Empress Huo Ling'er's eyes turned icy, her murderous intent clear.
The more innocent she had been in the past, the more resolute she was now.
Empress Yaochi, watching Xiao Fan's joy in the Haotian Mirror, smirked coldly. "Xiao Fan, you hypocrite, your true nature is finally revealed!"