"Hmph, serves you right!" Northern Empress Leng Ruoxue sneered at Dragon Empress Long Xiaoxiao's emotional state.
"Now you remember Master's kindness? Where did your cold and ruthless demeanor go?"
Although Leng Ruoxue's words seemed mocking, there was a hint of bitterness in her tone. Watching Long Xiaoxiao cling to Master Xiao Fan in the Haotian Mirror, receiving his constant gentle comfort, made her green with envy.
She regretted being too reserved during her time with Xiao Fan, treating him with respect instead of showing vulnerability and seeking comfort. Now, she could only watch and envy others.
She hated it!
As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and it seemed the same was true for disciples—those who acted needy and pitiable received their master's love.
Even Heavenly Fire Empress Huo Ling'er felt the same way. She regretted her strong-willed nature, which had led to constant bickering with Xiao Fan rather than experiencing his comforting embrace.
She lamented it!
Lunar Yin Empress Wen Yaxian, on the other hand, blushed, lost in her own thoughts.
In the sky above, the Jade Pool Empress looked at the varied expressions of the three women and felt speechless. She understood their feelings but had no desire to voice her thoughts.
Her attention then shifted to Dragon Empress Long Xiaoxiao. She felt fortunate not to have allied with her earlier. Xiao Fan's mere words had shaken Long Xiaoxiao's resolve, proving she wasn't as steadfast as she appeared.
Those from the dragon clan shared similar concerns. Long Guang, noticing Long Xiaoxiao's emotional turmoil, urgently advised, "Your Majesty, don't be deceived by Xiao Fan's sweet words!"
"Regardless of what he says, didn't he ultimately injure you and leave with the demon clan's saintess?"
Long Xiaoxiao's eyes hardened as she snapped back to reality, clutching her chest. Yes, what good were promises if they were ultimately broken? Xiao Fan had abandoned her despite his vows.
His steadfastness now only deepened her wounds. She had once depended on him entirely; in her world, there was only Xiao Fan. When he abandoned her, her world crumbled.
For thousands of years, she had tried to escape the shadow of Xiao Fan's abandonment, but she couldn't. As long as he lived, she remained trapped in that shadow.
Only by killing Xiao Fan could she truly free herself.
Resolving herself, Long Xiaoxiao steeled her heart, her expression indifferent as she looked at the Haotian Mirror. No matter what she saw or heard, she would not waver again.
Inside the Haotian Mirror.
Xiao Fan's refusal of Long Xiao's proposal created a tense atmosphere.
Standing protectively in front of Long Xiaoxiao, Xiao Fan calmly faced the powerful dragon clan member. Though the dragon clan was known for its strength, and Xiao Fan had never sought conflict, he felt no fear.
To him, cultivation was not about power but about protecting those he cared for. This was the purpose of his cultivation.
Unless absolutely necessary, he didn't want to fight Long Xiao. After all, Long Xiao was Long Xiaoxiao's uncle.
As the tension peaked, Long Xiao's stern expression suddenly changed, and he burst into laughter.
"Hahaha... Xiao Fan, my niece is fortunate to have a master who protects her so diligently!"
"Xiao Fan, you saved my niece, making you a benefactor of the dragon clan. May I invite you to visit our dragon clan?"
Xiao Fan pondered for a moment. Long Xiao's invitation was a step back, and refusing again might indeed lead to conflict.
Looking at Long Xiaoxiao clinging to his clothes, Xiao Fan realized that helping her overcome her extreme dependence was necessary. If something ever happened to him, Long Xiaoxiao would be left vulnerable.
He didn't plan to leave her, but contingencies had to be considered. She needed friends, and perhaps being among her own kind in the dragon clan would help her.
Having made up his mind, Xiao Fan bowed slightly to Long Xiao. "Thank you for the invitation. We would be honored to visit."
Long Xiao laughed heartily. "It's our honor to host such a distinguished guest as yourself, Xiao Fan!"
After a brief preparation, Xiao Fan and Long Xiaoxiao followed Long Xiao to the dragon clan.
Upon arriving at the mouth of a volcano, Xiao Fan was taken aback. While ancient texts mentioned dragons dwelling near volcanoes, seeing it in person was awe-inspiring. The harsh environment seemed unsuitable for living.
However, when Long Xiao led them through a hidden barrier within the volcano, the surroundings changed dramatically.
Before them was a lush, verdant landscape with mountains, rivers, and a vast open sky. Occasionally, giant dragons could be seen resting on the grass.
This secret realm within the volcano was the true home of the dragon clan. The barrier was merely the entrance to this hidden world.
Xiao Fan marveled at the sight. The dragon clan had indeed created a perfect small world, likely the result of generations of effort.
"Xiao Fan, what do you think of our dragon clan's secret realm?" Long Xiao asked proudly.
"This is truly magnificent. The power and skill required to create such a place are beyond words," Xiao Fan praised sincerely.