After a long moment of silence, Xiao Fan finally made up his mind. Though it was cruel to separate Yao Xi and her husband for thousands of years, he knew he couldn't let the sacrifices of the Heavenly Emperor and the other elders be in vain.
There was no room for error in this matter.
Holding the jade-green bottle in his hands, Xiao Fan whispered apologetically, "I'm sorry, but I can't let the sacrifices of those elders be in vain."
"I need Yao Xi to hate me. Only through hatred will she strive to become stronger, to control the Haotian Mirror, and to focus all her attention on me."
"That's why, right now, I can't let you and Yao Xi reunite."
Though this method was extreme, it was the simplest and most effective way. After all, Xiao Fan had experienced many hardships and knew what was at stake.
Looking at the jade-green bottle, Xiao Fan spoke softly, "Please give me a little more time."
"When the new world arrives, I believe you and Yao Xi will be able to live happily together with my blessing!"
Seeing Xiao Fan's resolute decision, the Heavenly Emperor remained silent, offering only a silent sigh.
**Outside the Haotian Mirror.**
Everyone watching could feel Xiao Fan's deep remorse and sincerity toward Yao Xi and her husband. Xiao Fan's actions were driven by the need to save the world, which necessitated keeping Yao Xi and her husband apart for thousands of years. The burden Yao Xi bore as the former inheritor of the Haotian Mirror was a responsibility she could not escape.
Moreover, without the sacrifices made by Xiao Fan, the Heavenly Emperor, and the elders, their world would have likely perished thousands of years ago. Even if Yao Xi's husband had not been killed by Xiao Fan, he would have been destroyed alongside the old epoch. How much time could they have had together?
In contrast, with the new world on the horizon, both Yao Xi and her husband might have the chance to achieve immortality. Then, they could enjoy an eternity of happiness together.
In truth, Yao Xi should be grateful to Xiao Fan.
As the Empress of the Jade Pool's emotions calmed, she realized the truth of this. However, after enduring thousands of years of longing and hatred for Xiao Fan, forgiveness did not come easily. Still, as she gazed at Xiao Fan's blessings for her and her husband within the Haotian Mirror, she bit her lip, ultimately choosing to remain silent.
As long as her husband was safe, she would be willing to let go of her hatred for Xiao Fan. But if anything happened to her husband, the new world or the old would hold no meaning for her.
Her primary concern now was the safety of her husband's soul.
**Within the Haotian Mirror.**
Reflecting on the Heavenly Emperor's request to take care of Yao Xi, Xiao Fan couldn't help but smile wryly. "How should I meet Yao Xi now?"
On one hand, he needed her to hate him; on the other, he needed to protect her. It was a difficult situation. If Yao Xi knew he was the one who killed her husband, she would likely try to kill him on sight rather than allow him near.
The Heavenly Emperor, seeing Xiao Fan's dilemma, solemnly suggested, "Take Yao Xi as your disciple. You have a fondness for taking on disciples, don't you?"
Xiao Fan's face stiffened at the suggestion. Was this the Heavenly Emperor's way of teasing him? Remembering that the Heavenly Emperor had likely seen his memories, Xiao Fan realized it wasn't a jest.
The Heavenly Emperor sighed, noting Xiao Fan's misunderstanding. "My suggestion for you to take Yao Xi as your disciple is partly selfish."
With a wave of his hand, several images appeared in the air. As Xiao Fan looked at them, surprise filled his eyes. Each image showed someone he knew well.
The Heavenly Emperor explained, "These women once acknowledged you as their master. Now, they are all renowned talents in the cultivation world. Have you ever wondered why?"
To be honest, Xiao Fan had never thought his influence on them was significant. In his mind, their achievements were due more to their talent and hard work than anything he had done. However, since the Heavenly Emperor had brought it up, there must be more to the story.
"Does this have something to do with me?" Xiao Fan asked, puzzled.
"Yes," the Heavenly Emperor replied without hesitation. "Some of them were ordinary mortal women, who could have never achieved much in their lives. But after they became involved with you, they encountered a series of fortuitous events, propelling them to greatness."
"I believe that by becoming entangled with you, their destinies changed. And I suspect that when the energy of the Immortal Realm is infused into the lower realms, they will be among the greatest beneficiaries."
"They may even be the first to attain immortality in the new world!"
"So, I hope you will also take Yao Xi as your disciple."
The Heavenly Emperor looked at Xiao Fan earnestly.
"So that's how it is," Xiao Fan replied, quickly making his decision. "If I truly have such power, this would indeed be the best way."
By doing so, Yao Xi could grow strong and focused on her path without constantly encountering the person she hated most.
**Outside the Haotian Mirror.**
The onlookers were now overwhelmed with envy. The Heavenly Emperor's reasoning seemed sound. So far, the seven female emperors had indeed been the greatest beneficiaries of Xiao Fan's efforts to buy time for the lower realms. Otherwise, how could it be that these seven had all become such powerful figures?
Knowing that they might benefit even more when the Immortal Realm's energy descended, possibly becoming the first to attain immortality, filled everyone with jealousy. Was it too late to become Xiao Fan's disciple?
Meanwhile, the women surrounding Xiao Fan wept even harder. They had unknowingly benefited from Xiao Fan's sacrifices, only to turn around and hurt him with the power he had helped them gain.
The realization filled them with overwhelming regret and sorrow. But it was too late now.
The Empress of the Jade Pool also stood in stunned silence. So that was why Xiao Fan had insisted she become his disciple all those years ago. She had never considered Xiao Fan her master, yet her achievements were undeniably tied to him.
This realization left her feeling deeply conflicted, as she bit her lip so hard it drew blood, oblivious to the pain.
To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/GnU613H6xm8