Inside the Haotian Mirror.
Seasons changed and three years passed in the blink of an eye.
Since Xiao Fan began cultivating the Heavenly Dao Sutra, his progress had been astonishing. He had now reached the peak of the Transforming Dragon Realm, just one step away from the Ascension Realm. Even Emperor Huo's cultivation was at the peak of the Ascension Realm, meaning Xiao Fan's strength had far surpassed Huo Ling'er's.
Previously, Xiao Fan's role as Huo Ling'er's master was almost a joke, causing her to be secretly mocked by many. But now, he was worthy of being her master.
"Ling'er, you've been slacking in your cultivation recently," Xiao Fan frowned, scolding Huo Ling'er with a tone of disappointment.
Emperor Huo had been so meticulous in guiding him and sparing no resources for his training. Xiao Fan felt he had to repay this kindness somehow. Since Emperor Huo didn't need anything from him, the least he could do was honor the title of Huo Ling'er's master.
"Got it, Master," Huo Ling'er responded with a touch of reluctance, feeling like crying inside.
Since Xiao Fan's cultivation surpassed hers, he had started acting like a true master, rigorously supervising her training every day, fully embracing his role. Huo Ling'er found it both amusing and frustrating. She had originally brought Xiao Fan back to make him her consort, but now he had become her actual master. When would these days end?
"Master Xiao Fan, I think I've broken through again!" Huo Yang exclaimed excitedly, rushing to Xiao Fan for praise.
Over the past three years, Huo Yang had grown into a young boy. His relationship with Xiao Fan had become as close as brothers. Because Xiao Fan trained Huo Ling'er daily, Huo Yang joined them and also started calling Xiao Fan "Master."
Seeing Huo Yang's progress, Xiao Fan's frown relaxed slightly.
"Well done, Yang'er. Keep it up and strive to go further."
"Hmm, I'll definitely surpass my sister soon," Huo Yang replied with a grin.
"Hehe," Huo Ling'er chuckled. She didn't believe Huo Yang could ever surpass her, despite her recent laxity.
Seeing Huo Yang so affectionate with Xiao Fan made Huo Ling'er feel a bit resentful. Her little follower had switched allegiances, now trailing behind Xiao Fan instead of her.
Xiao Fan's face turned stern when he noticed Huo Ling'er's indifferent attitude and sarcastic tone. "If you keep slacking off, it won't be long before Huo Yang really surpasses you."
"Alright, fine! So annoying!" Huo Ling'er retorted, flustered.
In Xiao Fan's mind, Huo Yang's importance seemed to have eclipsed hers, leaving her feeling frustrated.
Xiao Fan sighed, realizing that constant pressure might not be the best approach. Sometimes, easing up was necessary.
After a moment of thought, Xiao Fan said, "There's a temple fair in town today. Would you like to go?"
"Yes! I want to go!" Huo Yang shouted excitedly.
"Good," Xiao Fan said, patting Huo Yang's head. He had anticipated Huo Yang's excitement and mainly wanted to offer Huo Ling'er a chance to join.
He glanced at Huo Ling'er with a questioning look. She felt awkward, having just snapped at Xiao Fan, but she was eager to attend the fair, especially with Xiao Fan.
"Alright, as a favor to you, I'll go along," Huo Ling'er said with a touch of arrogance.
Xiao Fan smiled slightly.
"Wait a moment while I inform your father," he said, knowing he needed Emperor Huo's permission to take the prince and princess out of the palace.
Xiao Fan made his way to the imperial study without obstruction. After waiting for a long time, he finally received permission to enter.
Inside, Emperor Huo was working on official documents as usual. Seeing Xiao Fan, he greeted him with a smile. But Xiao Fan noticed something off about Emperor Huo's aura—it was chaotic.
"Uncle, you…"
Before Xiao Fan could finish, Emperor Huo interrupted, "It's nothing, just a minor mishap during cultivation. It's no big deal."
Xiao Fan remained silent. He could tell Emperor Huo's condition was more serious than he let on, but he couldn't help without sufficient strength. Respecting Emperor Huo's dignity, he chose not to press further.
Emperor Huo appreciated Xiao Fan's discretion, knowing he couldn't hide his condition from such a perceptive individual. He felt gratified that Xiao Fan chose to protect his dignity.
Emperor Huo asked, "So, what brings you here today?"
Xiao Fan explained his plan to take Huo Ling'er and Huo Yang to the temple fair. Emperor Huo nodded in approval.
"Cultivation can be tedious and draining. It's no wonder Ling'er is slacking off. A little relaxation is good for them. Take care of them."
With Emperor Huo's permission, Xiao Fan prepared to leave. Before he did, he said earnestly, "Uncle, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."
Emperor Huo was momentarily stunned, then smiled warmly. "Just having you willing to help is enough. Go now; they're probably getting impatient."
Xiao Fan left the study, still feeling uneasy. A bad premonition loomed over him.
At the temple fair, Xiao Fan struggled to focus, his mind preoccupied.
"Master, how do I look with this mask?" Huo Ling'er asked, wearing a fox mask and smiling brightly at him.
Xiao Fan didn't hear her, lost in thought.
Frustrated, Huo Ling'er shouted, "Hey! Xiao Fan, are you deaf?"
Startled, Xiao Fan snapped back to reality.