Empress Wen Yaxian of the Lunar Palace felt a bit helpless seeing the excitement of Empress Leng Ruoxue of the Northern Underworld. While she was pleased for Xiao Fan and his fortunate encounter with the Heavenly Dao Sutra, she couldn't ignore the heinous crimes attributed to him as the Demon Emperor.
Could there be hidden truths behind each of those deeds?
She couldn't help but wonder if all this had something to do with the Heavenly Dao Sutra, especially since the demonic influence in Xiao Fan had already been completely eradicated. Or had Xiao Fan truly lost himself afterward?
These thoughts troubled her, unlike the steadfast belief of Leng Ruoxue. Despite everything, Xiao Fan was now a broken man, and she resolved to save him, if only to repay his past kindness.
With this in mind, Empress Wen Yaxian strengthened her resolve to assist Leng Ruoxue in restoring her cultivation.
Inside the Haotian Mirror.
To uncover the origin of the Heavenly Dao Sutra, Huo Ling'er first sent Huo Yang back and then dragged Xiao Fan to find Emperor Huo.
Emperor Huo was surprised to learn that Xiao Fan had chosen the Heavenly Dao Sutra. He initially wanted to persuade Xiao Fan to select another cultivation technique. But after hearing about Xiao Fan's mystical experience, Emperor Huo's eyes filled with astonishment.
To gain several days' worth of cultivation in just half an incense stick's time was incredible. If word got out, it would cause immense turmoil. Even if only Xiao Fan could comprehend it, he would still be targeted for research by those with ulterior motives.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Emperor Huo sternly warned Xiao Fan and Huo Ling'er not to disclose this to anyone else.
Regarding the sutra's origins, Emperor Huo pondered before saying, "The origins of the Heavenly Dao Sutra are lost to history. It has existed since the founding of the Heavenly Fire Kingdom."
"Xiao Fan, since only you can comprehend its mysteries, it means you are destined for it. If you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, come to me. I will do my best to assist you."
Emperor Huo spoke to Xiao Fan with the care of a mentor to a favored student.
"Thank you, Uncle. I am deeply grateful," Xiao Fan said, feeling a profound sense of gratitude. He had found a familial warmth in Emperor Huo that he hadn't felt in a long time.
However, Xiao Fan noticed Emperor Huo seemed fatigued, reminding him of the confrontation with Fire King the previous night. He wondered what transpired between them but decided not to ask, given his current low cultivation. He resolved to improve his strength before offering help.
Determined, Xiao Fan dedicated himself to his cultivation upon returning. With the Heavenly Dao Sutra, his progress was rapid.
Huo Ling'er, on the other hand, was frustrated. Xiao Fan had been sequestered in his room for days, making it hard for her to see him. When he finally emerged, it wasn't to meet her but to seek guidance from Emperor Huo.
"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle. My longstanding doubts have been cleared," Xiao Fan said sincerely.
"You have progressed much faster than I anticipated. But remember, cultivation is a gradual process, not something to be rushed…" Emperor Huo shared his experiences generously, providing Xiao Fan with clear direction in his cultivation.
Although they did not have a formal master-disciple relationship, Xiao Fan regarded Emperor Huo as his mentor and family.
Huo Ling'er watched them, feeling a mix of annoyance and understanding. She knew it wasn't the right time to interrupt, so she silently fumed.
Outside the Haotian Mirror.
Empress Huo Ling'er looked at the scenes with a complex expression. The past seemed so idyllic now. Her father had treated Xiao Fan with genuine care, offering all his wisdom without reservation. If only this harmonious relationship could have continued.
But Xiao Fan had ruined it all!
Seeing Xiao Fan, now a lifeless figure in the Primordial Emperor City, Empress Huo Ling'er felt a deep, indescribable pain.
"Xiao Fan, you should open your eyes and see how good my father was to you! And how did you repay him?"
Her voice trembled with rage and hatred.
Similar to Empress Huo Ling'er, Emperor Huo's son, Huo Yang, looked on with eyes burning like two blazing suns. His intense aura kept everyone at a distance.
In his childhood, he had initially been jealous of Xiao Fan for being close to his sister. But as he spent more time with Xiao Fan, they grew closer. He had come to regard Xiao Fan as an elder brother, sometimes even more than his sister.
Yet, all of this ended in betrayal: his father's tragic death and the innocent lives lost in the capital.
The deeper the love once was, the greater the hatred now.
Watching the scenes in the Haotian Mirror, even the onlookers couldn't help but comment, "Emperor Huo was really good to Xiao Fan!"
"Indeed. If I had such a mentor when I started cultivating, who knows how far I could have gone."
In the world of cultivation, having the right techniques and resources was important, but having a wise mentor was invaluable. A good mentor could prevent many missteps, which could otherwise lead to ruin.
Emperor Huo, despite his high status, had shown such genuine care to Xiao Fan, largely for Huo Ling'er's sake. But it wasn't easy to give so selflessly.
If Xiao Fan had indeed betrayed and killed Emperor Huo, then he deserved every bit of the condemnation.
Even if Xiao Fan had done many good deeds in the past, it wouldn't warrant any sympathy.