Outside the Haotian Mirror.
The crowd watching the events unfold was astounded to discover the deep connection between the Dragon Empress and the Tianhuo Empress.
If it weren't for the Tianhuo Empress saving her, the Dragon Empress might not be here today. This gratitude should have forged a close bond between them. However, the distance between the two empresses told a different story.
The Dragon Empress had only glanced at the Tianhuo Empress without any further acknowledgment, suggesting their relationship was not as close as expected. What had happened to create such a rift?
Curiosity and gossip being part of human nature, everyone was eager to learn more about the events that had driven them apart.
Tianhuo Empress Huo Ling'er gazed coldly at the Dragon Empress. Although she had saved the dragon girl in the past, the girl had always kept her distance, gravitating towards Xiao Fan instead. Huo Ling'er had often felt jealous of the dragon girl's closeness to Xiao Fan. Now, in retrospect, she felt like a fool.
But she wouldn't let history repeat itself. Neither the dragon girl from the past nor the Dragon Empress of today would be able to save Xiao Fan from her grasp again.
Inside the Haotian Mirror.
For some reason, the dragon girl was only comfortable around Xiao Fan, shying away from everyone else.
Seeing this, Xiao Fan decided to keep the dragon girl close.
Back in the palace, when Xiao Fan wanted to report to the royal family, the dragon girl clung to his clothes, fearful of being left behind.
Xiao Fan had no choice but to stay and comfort her until she fell asleep. Then, he turned to Huo Ling'er for help.
"Ling'er, please watch over her for a while."
"Alright," Huo Ling'er replied reluctantly. She felt a pang of jealousy seeing how carefully Xiao Fan treated the dragon girl. But she knew Xiao Fan's feelings were more protective than affectionate. Being a mature woman, she decided not to let petty jealousy get the better of her.
As Xiao Fan approached the imperial study, he encountered Fire Dance King exiting the room.
Frowning, Xiao Fan greeted him respectfully, "Greetings, Fire Dance King."
Fire Dance King scrutinized Xiao Fan for a moment, then expressed his surprise. "Xiao Fan, I thought I had a keen eye, but I underestimated you. It seems my brother was right to use the Heavenly Fire to refine your body. You have proven to be a worthy talent."
"Thank you for the compliment, Fire Dance King. I am not worthy of such praise," Xiao Fan replied humbly.
After a brief pause, Fire Dance King sighed and said, "Xiao Fan, I know my brother holds you in high regard. I hope you can persuade him not to make a grave mistake."
With that, Fire Dance King left, leaving Xiao Fan puzzled. Persuade Emperor Huo to avoid making a mistake? He couldn't fathom what the Fire Dance King meant.
Xiao Fan shook his head, dismissing the thought, and entered the study after being summoned.
"Xiao Fan, weren't you out at the fair with Ling'er and Yang'er? Why are you back so soon?" Emperor Huo asked, puzzled.
Xiao Fan studied Emperor Huo for any signs of distress but found none. The previous chaotic aura was gone.
Relieved, Xiao Fan explained the situation with the dragon girl.
Hearing this, Emperor Huo became serious. Dragons were synonymous with power. Even without cultivation, adult dragons could rival human cultivators at the Transforming Dragon Realm. For the strongest among them, reaching the Saint Realm was possible—a realm that had remained legendary throughout history.
Emperor Huo, having chased after the Saint Realm for years, had only recently glimpsed a path to it. Trusting Xiao Fan, he agreed that the girl should be well cared for, especially if she was a rare half-blood.
"Xiao Fan, since she relies on you so much, I entrust her care to you."
"I won't let you down, Uncle," Xiao Fan vowed.
With that, Xiao Fan left the study.
Once Xiao Fan was gone, Emperor Huo's face paled, and his aura became chaotic again.
"Is the Saint Realm really this difficult?" he murmured, looking desolate.
Then, suddenly, his eyes blazed with a fierce determination. "No! I don't believe it!"