Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 12. The Enemy is Near.

Cang Ling Ye knew it must be challenging for Wu’er to live alone in such a simple and crude place. While she managed most days, any adverse weather changes would surely bring significant difficulties.

A bold idea began to form in his mind. If he wanted to help Wu’er completely transform her living environment, he had to ensure she could live a peaceful life.

However, Cang Ling Ye was aware of his own limitations. He couldn’t protect himself, let alone take Wu’er away from the forest. Forcing her to leave would likely cause more harm than good.

Perhaps staying here was the best arrangement for her.

In the forest, a pack of wolves provided her with protection and companionship. Outside, although there weren’t such ferocious beasts, the sinister hearts of people posed a far greater danger.

Cang Ling Ye decided it was better for him to face these threats alone, sparing Wu’er from the consequences. He wanted her to retain her pure and beautiful heart, unlike his own blood-stained future. If he had to endure hardships, he would bear the burden alone.

Wu’er deserved to live a simple, beautiful life, carefree in the forest.

Determined to improve her living conditions, Cang Ling Ye set out to create a safer and more comfortable environment for her. Although Wu’er kept the cave clean, it was still a basic shelter. He decided to install a sturdy door to protect her from any danger.

He also planned to teach her how to make wax from animal and plant oils to keep the cave lit at night.

Cang Ling Ye was very attentive, considering every possible improvement for Wu’er. His goal was to help her live a better life.

Over two days of interaction, although Cang Ling Ye and Wu ‘er couldn’t communicate verbally, they formed a strong bond. This period could easily be considered the happiest of their lives.

Cang Ling Ye took it upon himself to teach Wu’er many things during these days. Despite her long isolation, she was a quick learner, grasping everything he taught her.

Thanks to Cang Ling Ye’s meticulous efforts, Wu’er’s cave underwent a remarkable transformation. No longer would it leak, and it was now much warmer in the winter.

As Cang Ling Ye carefully inspected the newly renovated cave, he felt a sense of completion. He had done everything he could for Wu’er. Perhaps it was time for him to leave.

Despite being the most disfavored prince of the Cang Qian Empire, he still bore the weight of the empire’s honor. He couldn’t afford to let anything happen to him outside the safety of this forest.

If the mission to eliminate him wasn’t completed, those after him would surely return to search for him, dead or alive. The disappearance of a prince would demand an explanation.

Although he had found happiness with Wu’er, Cang Ling Ye knew his destiny. He had always yearned for a simple life, but his identity doomed him to a lonely and perilous path.

While they were in the cave, Wu’er suddenly became alert. Her ears perked up, her eyes sharpened, and her hands clenched tightly as if sensing an approaching danger.

“What is it? Did something happen?” Cang Ling Ye asked, but his senses weren’t as sharp as Wu’er’s, given their different upbringings.

Wu’er couldn’t explain the danger she sensed, and even if she could, she lacked the words. She maintained her vigilant stance.

Seeing her like this, Cang Ling Ye mimicked her calmness and listened carefully to the outside. He needed to understand what had put Wu’er on high alert.

After calming down, Cang Ling Ye began to hear a faint sound. Though it was vague at first, he soon discerned that it was a human voice.

The sound grew clearer, indicating a slow approach into the forest.

Cang Ling Ye’s nerves tightened. Unsure whether the approaching people were friends or foes, he dared not act rashly. He glanced at Wu’er, noting her tense and anxious demeanor.

He realized that those outside were likely searching for him.

The forest, shrouded in legends, deterred most from entering. Wu’er had probably never faced such a situation and must have been terrified, uncertain how to respond.

Gripping Wu’er’s hand tightly, Cang Ling Ye looked at her with affection and determination. He had vowed to protect her and would not let her suffer any harm.

The voices grew louder, and the strange noises outside intensified.

The wolves, sensing the encroaching danger, began to howl, sending signals to their pack and warning the intruders.