Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress

Cang Ling Ye was now eighteen years old. Unlike the second prince, Cang Xuan Jin, Emperor Cang Qian merely handled his coming of age ceremony with casual indifference, ending it hastily.

But even a casual coming of age ceremony, done for the sake of the royal family’s reputation, was something Cang Ling Ye had worked hard to achieve.

This ceremony was something Cang Ling Ye had anticipated for a long time. It was a chance to make a statement to the world and to present himself to society.

Despite Cang Ling Ye’s relentless efforts and his notable achievements and strengths, his brilliance always seemed dim compared to the second prince, Cang Xuan Jin, as stars pale in comparison to the moon.

The second prince’s status was largely due to his mother. With Imperial Consort Shu’s unwavering favor and the Emperor’s love for her and her son, it was widely known that the Emperor had high hopes for Cang Xuan Jin, leading most people to support him.

Cang Xuan Jin’s coming of age ceremony, held two years earlier, was extraordinarily grand.

The Emperor, along with his beloved Imperial Consort Shu, invited all civil and military officials to celebrate Cang Xuan Jin’s coming of age.

Emperor Cang Qian personally bestowed a title upon Cang Xuan Jin and allowed him to reside in the manor he had once lived in as a prince.

This was the highest honor!

The entire banquet was filled with singing and dancing, and toasts were made frequently. Observing the Emperor’s affection for Cang Xuan Jin, everyone flocked to him.

At midnight, the sky was ablaze with colorful fireworks, illuminating the night as if it were day.

Emperor Cang Qian, accompanied by Imperial Consort Shu and the second prince, Cang Xuan Jin, stood atop the city tower. Alongside all civil and military officials, they witnessed Cang Xuan Jin’s coming of age ceremony.

Cang Xuan Jin basked in this supreme honor, his heart swelling with excitement.

He understood that almost everyone, including Emperor Cang Qian, likely already saw him as the future crown prince!

Only Cang Ling Ye, standing in the corner, didn’t notice his expression. He remained as cold as usual, his eyes filled with a chilling resolve.

He secretly swore in his heart that he would replace Cang Xuan Jin. He must ascend the supreme throne. He must become the emperor of the Cang Qian Empire!

However, Emperor Cang Qian didn’t favor him. As a result, no courtiers valued him, despite his status as a prince of the Cang Qian Nation.

Therefore, he had to find a way to achieve notable results so that everyone would see him and acknowledge his existence!

Through his own efforts, Cang Ling Ye had excelled in a few matters. Because of this, several respected old officials recognized his abilities and suggested to the Emperor that he give Cang Ling Ye what he deserved.

It was not easy for Cang Ling Ye to obtain all this. Securing the dignity he deserved brought him one step closer to his goal.

Cang Ling Ye understood his situation, so he had no choice but to run with all his might. Only then could he fulfill his dreams and achieve his ambitions.

Although he was unremarkable, he had lived in the abyss of suffering for many years. The reason he met Wu’er in the Dark Moon Forest was because someone was chasing him, and he encountered Wu’er while escaping.

However, those pursuing him would not let him off easily just because he returned safely.

They continued to persecute Cang Ling Ye time and again, wanting him to die without a burial place.

Yet, Cang Ling Ye had long been on guard. He had placed trusted aides and spies in his residence, along with numerous shadow guards, making it impossible for the enemy to catch him off guard.

Even so, Cang Ling Ye couldn’t let his guard down. He had to constantly be vigilant against the dangers surrounding him. It was under such circumstances that he walked each step with great difficulty.

Cang Ling Ye knew that Emperor Cang Qian was naturally suspicious. The reason he hadn’t confirmed the position of crown prince was because he hadn’t made a decision. Moreover, he felt that he was still young and didn’t need to establish the position of crown prince so early.

Cang Ling Ye thought that Cang Xuan Jin’s limitless glory might not be beneficial for him in the long run.

The Emperor’s favor could descend upon him, but it could also vanish overnight.

Cang Xuan Jin was now in the limelight, seemingly having victory within his grasp. However, everything depended on a single thought from Emperor Cang Qian!

Therefore, Cang Ling Ye did not need to be overly anxious. He only needed to wait and watch Cang Xuan Jin play with fire and potentially burn himself.

Cang Xuan Jin had not noticed his existence because Cang Xuan Jin lived in the light. How could he see Cang Ling Ye in the darkness?

Cang Ling Ye had already arranged for shadow guards to search for Wu’er’s whereabouts and investigate the origins of the person in the Dark Moon Forest. He wanted to know what had happened to Wu’er.

If Wu’er could really be found, he must keep Wu’er by his side.

Cang Ling Ye knew that his current situation was not very good. However, no matter what, he could not let Wu’er suffer the slightest harm.

He originally thought that leaving Wu’er in the Dark Moon Forest would be the safest option. However, he did not expect that even the Dark Moon Forest was no longer safe.

Therefore, he decided to keep Wu’er by his side. Only then could he ensure Wu’er’s safety. Even if the sky fell, he would help Wu’er hold it up.

For such a long time, Cang Ling Ye had been concealing his strength and biding his time. He wanted to accumulate enough power to shock the world with a single brilliant feat.

Now, it was about time. He felt ready to make his move. He had enough confidence, and there was someone he wanted to protect.

Cang Ling Ye did not know that Wu’er had already settled in the Lishan Sword Sect. With Elder Ming Zhe’s care, everyone in the sect treated Wu’er with reverence, as if she were their own little sister.

Having grown up in the Dark Moon Forest, Wu’er was still not used to her new environment. However, she was trying to integrate into it.

Wu’er had always been thinking of Cang Ling Ye. She wanted to know where he was and whether they would have a chance to meet again.

Wu’er always wore the jade pendant that Cang Ling Ye had given her.

When she encountered the Blood Demon last time, Wu’er had tightly gripped the jade pendant around her neck, hoping that Cang Ling Ye would appear. However, it was Elder Ming Zhe who came to her rescue.

Still, she was very happy. Being able to have such a life filled Wu’er’s heart with excitement.