Xiao Fan's question hung in the air as the Heavenly Emperor sighed deeply, a response that confirmed Xiao Fan's worst fears. In a sense, Xiao Fan had indeed been the one to kill Yao Xi's husband.
Though the Heavenly Emperor did not speak, his silence spoke volumes.
Seeing the Heavenly Emperor's reaction, Xiao Fan's eyes filled with disbelief. His voice trembled slightly as he asked, "Was he… an evil man?"
If Yao Xi's husband had been a wicked person, perhaps there would be some justification for Xiao Fan's actions.
However, the Heavenly Emperor's expression grew even more complex as he answered, "There may be no one more kind-hearted and selfless under the heavens than he was…"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Fan's expression froze, his mind reeling. The Heavenly Emperor's regretful tone made it clear that he had held Yao Xi's husband in high regard.
Could this be the reason Xiao Fan chose to have those memories removed? Was it because of the unbearable guilt?
**Outside the Haotian Mirror.**
The Empress of the Jade Pool, who had been in a state of despair, suddenly regained her focus. Her eyes, filled with renewed hatred, locked onto Xiao Fan's image within the Haotian Mirror.
Indeed, she had misunderstood the Heavenly Emperor's intentions, and no amount of regret could change that. But the past was beyond repair. What mattered now was reclaiming what could still be saved—her husband's soul.
When she found and revived her husband, she would ensure that they both honored the Heavenly Emperor's memory daily, grateful for his great kindness.
But for now, her feud with Xiao Fan was far from over.
The Empress of the Jade Pool cast a fierce glance at the people around her, her eyes sharp and unforgiving. These cowards had dared to slander her husband's character! Now that the truth was out—Xiao Fan had indeed killed her husband and had even erased his memory to avoid facing the guilt—what excuses would they make?
Those around her averted their eyes, their expressions uneasy. No one had expected this turn of events. While many of Xiao Fan's past actions had been justified, this was a shocking revelation: Xiao Fan had indeed killed the Empress's husband. This was a stain on his otherwise honorable life.
However, while the Empress believed Xiao Fan had erased his memories to avoid guilt, others had a different perspective.
Having seen so much of Xiao Fan's character, many believed that if he had killed the Empress's husband during his time without memory, he would have been deeply troubled by it upon regaining his memories. But Xiao Fan was not someone who shirked responsibility; he would not have chosen to erase his memories simply to escape guilt.
If that had been his intent, he would have asked the Heavenly Emperor to keep it a secret, to ensure he never found out. But clearly, Xiao Fan had done no such thing.
In their view, Xiao Fan had likely removed those memories because they were affecting his judgment and his ability to fulfill his mission to save the world. Even after erasing those memories, he had not intended to evade responsibility.
This revelation only deepened the respect many felt for Xiao Fan. However, they understood that they could not forgive him on the Empress's behalf.
As for Leng Ruoxue and the others, they paid no attention to the Empress of the Jade Pool. While it was true that their master Xiao Fan had killed her husband, it had happened during a time when he lacked his true memories. It was a tragic mistake, but Yao Xi's husband's soul had been preserved, and their master, Xiao Fan, would undoubtedly do everything in his power to protect it and seek redemption.
Their main concern now was whether there was any way to save their master. They kept their eyes fixed on the images within the Haotian Mirror, hoping not to miss any crucial details.
**Within the Haotian Mirror.**
Xiao Fan stared at his trembling hands in disbelief. These hands had now been stained with the blood of an innocent man. He could hardly fathom how he could have committed such an act, especially against someone as kind and selfless as Yao Xi's husband.
Why?
Why had he done such a thing?
Xiao Fan couldn't understand how he had come to kill an innocent man. Could it be that in the period after his rebirth, before his memories returned, he had lost his way and become a mindless killer?
Xiao Fan wanted to ask the Heavenly Emperor for the truth, but the Heavenly Emperor remained silent, as he had promised earlier not to answer any questions related to Xiao Fan's missing memories.
With no choice but to accept this, Xiao Fan carefully cradled the jade-green bottle containing Yao Xi's husband's soul. As long as the soul remained, there was still a chance to make amends.
Just as Xiao Fan was about to bring the soul to Yao Xi and beg for her forgiveness, the Heavenly Emperor suddenly stopped him.
"Now is not the right time," the Heavenly Emperor said firmly.
Xiao Fan, puzzled, asked why.
The Heavenly Emperor explained slowly, "You must already know that when the energy of the Immortal Realm is infused into the lower realms, it won't be as simple as just injecting new energy."
"It will involve merging the new epoch with the remnants of the old, creating an entirely new epoch."
"When that happens, you and the Haotian Mirror will not be able to coexist."
"In order to protect all living beings and preserve the existing heavenly laws, it will be the Haotian Mirror that remains."
"And you…"
At this, the Heavenly Emperor's expression grew heavy as he looked at Xiao Fan. He didn't continue, as even he didn't know what would become of Xiao Fan.
Xiao Fan understood this all too well. He had already accepted his fate. Whether his consciousness would disappear entirely or merge with the Haotian Mirror, he had no regrets.
**Outside the Haotian Mirror,** Leng Ruoxue and the others could no longer remain calm, pretending that they were unaware of what was happening.
"No!!"
They had been clinging to the hope that they might find a way to save Xiao Fan from his memories. But now, it was painfully clear that Xiao Fan was beyond saving.
"I don't believe it! There has to be a way! There must be a way!" Leng Ruoxue repeated over and over, as if trying to convince herself.
Wen Ya's face was pale, her eyes vacant and devoid of life. Even though she was willing to sacrifice everything to save Xiao Fan, it seemed she wouldn't even be given the chance.
"Bastard! Xiao Fan, you're such a damn bastard!" Huo Ling'er cursed through her tears, her anger gradually giving way to overwhelming sorrow as the tears streamed down her face.
To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/GnU613H6xm8