Remembering Xiao Fan's sanctimonious demeanor in front of her, Empress Yaochi felt nauseated. She had gone to great lengths to use the supreme power of the Haotian Mirror to let the world see Xiao Fan's memories, exposing him as a hypocritical, despicable, and ruthless villain.
Her goal was to ensure that Xiao Fan's infamy would last for eternity.
Initially, Xiao Fan's display of goodness had left her feeling frustrated and angry. She would have skipped over those scenes if it weren't for the fear of missing crucial details related to her husband's Soul Nourishing Bottle.
Fortunately, she had finally endured it, and now Xiao Fan was about to reveal his true nature.
Now, the world would witness Xiao Fan's true, vile self.
Miles away, Empress Leng Ruoxue of the Northern Underworld watched the scenes in the Haotian Mirror with unwavering determination. She firmly believed that her master, Xiao Fan, would never become a villain. Xiao Fan's excitement and joy were expressions of liberation.
Empress Wen Yaxian of the Lunar Palace shared the same thoughts as Empress Leng Ruoxue. To her, Xiao Fan's smile signified reconciliation with his past and a release from old burdens. She felt happy for Xiao Fan, even though she knew her place in his heart was gradually being taken over by Huo Ling'er. She harbored no resentment and only wished for Xiao Fan's happiness.
Inside the Haotian Mirror.
After finishing their conversation, Emperor Huo and Huo Ling'er, along with Xiao Fan, left the secret chamber.
As they stepped out, a formidable-looking man awaited them outside.
"Brother, I heard you used the Heavenly Fire tonight. May I ask why?" The man's tone carried a hint of accusation.
Xiao Fan was surprised. This man dared to speak to Emperor Huo in such a manner?
Though he addressed Emperor Huo as brother, there should be a distinction between monarch and subject. Even if they were siblings, it was disrespectful to speak to the Emperor this way.
Or perhaps this man had no respect for Emperor Huo at all.
Emperor Huo narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly at the man. "Fire King, your information is impressive. You knew about the Heavenly Fire so quickly."
"You misunderstand, brother. I was merely passing by," the man replied with a cool smile.
"Hmph! Fire King, do not forget that I am the Emperor, and you are my subject. You are overstepping!"
Emperor Huo's aura suddenly intensified.
"What I do requires no explanation to you!"
"Brother, you exaggerate. I was merely concerned that someone might covet our nation's treasure, the Heavenly Fire."
As he spoke, the man's gaze shifted to Xiao Fan, whose skin was still red and recovering.
At that moment, Xiao Fan felt as if he were being stared down by a fierce, venomous serpent.
"Uncle, it's been a while. You seem even more handsome," Huo Ling'er said, stepping in front of Xiao Fan with a bright smile.
Though she appeared to be making small talk, she was actually shielding Xiao Fan.
"Oh, really?" The man smiled meaningfully. "You've become quite the flatterer."
Emperor Huo then spoke, "Ling'er, take Xiao Fan back. I have matters to discuss with your uncle."
"Okay." Huo Ling'er stuck her tongue out at the man and said, "Uncle, we'll be going now."
With that, she led Xiao Fan away.
On the way back, Huo Ling'er said to Xiao Fan, "That was my uncle, Fire King. Everyone fears him except me, but I dislike him the most."
"Don't worry. With my father around, he won't dare do anything to you."
Huo Ling'er was proud of her father, whom she considered the most powerful person in the world.
"Fire King?" Xiao Fan frowned, his expression showing concern.
He saw deeper into the situation than Huo Ling'er did. It was evident that Fire King did not fear Emperor Huo at all, indicating that he had substantial backing. The fact that Fire King knew about the Heavenly Fire's use despite it being a secret suggested he had spies close to Emperor Huo.
The situation was dire. Despite Emperor Huo's significant help and kindness, Xiao Fan felt worried for him. However, as an outsider, he couldn't get involved in royal conflicts.
Furthermore, with his current level of cultivation, there was little he could do.
But now, having undergone a significant transformation, he realized he needed to focus on his cultivation. He couldn't let Emperor Huo down.
The next day, Xiao Fan planned to visit the royal library with Huo Ling'er to choose a suitable cultivation technique.
Unexpectedly, Huo Yang insisted on joining them. Xiao Fan didn't mind. Though he was nominally Huo Ling'er's master, it was she who guided him in all things related to cultivation, which he found a bit embarrassing.
Despite his young age, Huo Yang was extraordinarily gifted. Huo Ling'er had mentioned she reached the Foundation Establishment stage at eight. Now, at seven, Huo Yang was already at that stage, outshining even Huo Ling'er.
Xiao Fan was more than happy to learn from this talented young boy.
Huo Yang, eager to minimize Xiao Fan's contact with his sister, was particularly enthusiastic about helping him.
Huo Ling'er, however, was less pleased. She had hoped to be alone with Xiao Fan, teaching him and growing closer. Huo Yang's presence disrupted her plans.
Yet, seeing the harmony between Xiao Fan and Huo Yang, Huo Ling'er didn't know how to separate them and followed behind sullenly.
At the royal library, Huo Yang enthusiastically recommended that Xiao Fan practice the same technique he used: the Fire God Sutra, a fire attribute technique.
Xiao Fan immediately knew this technique wasn't suitable for him, as it was designed for those with innate fire attributes like Huo Yang and Huo Ling'er.
Politely declining Huo Yang's suggestion, Xiao Fan began searching for a technique that suited him.
In a secluded corner of the library, he found a book titled Heavenly Dao Sutra.