Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress

Everything unfolded just as Elder Ming Zhe had predicted. The current Sect Master of the Lishan Sword Sect had long prepared for Elder Ming Zhe’s return.

“Martial Uncle, you’ve finally returned. I’ve been thinking about you day and night! Everything is ready, just waiting to welcome you!”

The Sect Master stood at the entrance of the Lishan Sword Sect to personally welcome Elder Ming Zhe. But when he saw a somewhat naive little girl by Elder Ming Zhe’s side, he was astonished but held his tongue.

Elder Ming Zhe had always been known for his eccentric and unruly behavior. Everyone in the Jianghu was aware of this, and the Sect Master had no idea what kind of trick Elder Ming Zhe might be playing.

But no matter what, Elder Ming Zhe remained the most senior and capable elder of the Lishan Sword Sect, as well as the most prestigious elder in the Jianghu. Who would dare question him?

“Is there a need for such extravagance? This makes this old man feel overwhelmed by favor. There’s no need to muster so many people. You’re too nervous!”

Elder Ming Zhe stood at the entrance, surveying the gathered disciples. He had never liked such grand occasions and seemed to be chastising the Sect Master.

In truth, the current Sect Master was still somewhat afraid of Elder Ming Zhe. Before his master had left, he had been entrusted to Elder Ming Zhe’s care.

No matter what he did, he didn’t excel. But as the eldest disciple and through a few tricks, he had managed to become the Sect Master.

When his master passed away, Elder Ming Zhe was still wandering the world. The current Sect Master seized the opportunity to take power and rightfully became the Sect Master of the Lishan Sword Sect.

By the time Elder Ming Zhe received the news and returned, everything had been settled, leaving no room for change.

Elder Ming Zhe certainly had the ability to alter the situation, but for the sake of the sect’s reputation, he chose to let it be.

This incident left the current Sect Master reverent and fearful of Elder Ming Zhe.

“Martial Uncle, you haven’t been back for so long. Everyone in the sect misses you very much. This is also their strong request, so I can only go along with it,” the Sect Leader said flatteringly to Elder Ming Zhe.

Elder Ming Zhe’s expression darkened at the sight of the Sect Leader, recalling past events. Despite the public setting, he made no effort to conceal his disdain.

Wu’er stood obediently to the side, observing the unfolding scene. Her sharp intuition told her that something bad was about to happen. Lacking social experience, she remained silent, but she trusted that Elder Ming Zhe was in the right.

Wu’er had never seen so many people before. Although a little nervous, she maintained a demeanor that was neither servile nor overbearing, showing no fear.

“But this is also good. I have something to announce. I’ll take advantage of this opportunity to tell everyone in the sect to avoid future trouble!” Elder Ming Zhe declared, glancing at Wu’er. He remembered that Wu’er was his new disciple and decided to publicly announce her identity to prevent future bullying.

“Alright, as long as it’s your matter, our Lishan Sword Sect will definitely be united. Whether it’s climbing a mountain of blades or diving into a sea of fire, your nephew will definitely do it for you,” the Sect Master, who had always been high and mighty in the sect, now appeared lowly and fawning before Elder Ming Zhe, displaying none of his former dignity.

“Everyone might have already noticed that I didn’t come back alone this time. Let me introduce everyone. This person by my side is my disciple, Wu’er. In the future, she will be cultivating in our Lishan Sword Sect. I ask everyone to take good care of her. From today onwards, she is a member of our Lishan Sword Sect!”

Elder Ming Zhe stood in the most conspicuous position, announcing this news to all the disciples. By doing so, he made it clear that Wu’er was now his disciple.

The entire sect had mobilized to welcome Elder Ming Zhe’s return, and now he was announcing the acceptance of a new disciple at such an important occasion. His serious demeanor suggested that this girl had some exceptional quality that warranted such attention.

“What? Elder Ming Zhe is announcing this at such an important occasion? Why does that girl look like a beggar? She looks so wretched. Isn’t this throwing away the face of our Lishan Sword Sect?” one disciple murmured.

The one who spoke was the daughter of the current Sect Master of the Lishan Sword Sect, Luo Yue. Since childhood, she had been doted on by the Sect Master like a princess, and everyone in the sect treated her like a little sister.

However, she was also infamous for her willfulness and recklessness. Relying on her status as the Sect Master’s daughter, she usually acted tyrannically and without the slightest scruple within the sect, fearing neither the heavens nor the earth.

Because Luo Yue was the daughter of the Sect Master, she always had many attendants. As a result, she was unwilling to cultivate martial arts, finding it too tiring.

Consequently, after so many years, Luo Yue had only cultivated mediocre martial arts.

Seeing Wu’er now, Luo Yue truly looked down on her.

But Luo Yue also understood Elder Ming Zhe’s status, so even if she had strong opinions, she didn’t dare voice them openly. She only muttered quietly.

“At such a young age, just what is so outstanding about her that Master would announce her status at such an important occasion? Isn’t this like announcing to the world?”

This was Xiao Heng, the eldest disciple of the Lishan Sword Sect. Abandoned in the wilderness as a child, he was found by Elder Ming Zhe, who took pity on him and brought him back to the sect. Thus, Xiao Heng naturally became Elder Ming Zhe’s eldest disciple.

As the eldest disciple, Xiao Heng was usually very modest and amiable towards his junior brothers and sisters. His actions were gentle, earning him the reputation of a noble young master as gentle as jade.

Xiao Heng prided himself on being the eldest disciple of the sect, holding considerable prestige among his peers. Whether it was cultivating martial arts, practicing magic, or studying, he worked diligently and achieved excellent results.

Thus, he commanded great respect among his junior brothers and sisters.