Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 18. Learning from the Master.

Wu’er was paralyzed with fear, lying on the ground, unable to move. Blood Demon was on top of her, equally still.

She could tell he had stopped breathing, but his blood continued to seep from his chest, trickling onto her body. Wu’er could feel the warmth of his blood, yet he was already gone. She had killed him.

Elder Ming Zhe, arriving at the scene, quickly turned Blood Demon’s lifeless body aside and gently lifted the dazed Wu’er from the ground.

The dagger remained lodged in Blood Demon’s body.

“Child, are you alright?” Elder Ming Zhe asked, his voice laden with concern as he looked at the terrified Wu’er.

It was undeniably difficult for someone so young to process such a traumatic event.

Wu’er stood motionless, her eyes locked onto Elder Ming Zhe. Fear dominated her gaze; not a single tear fell. She was strong, refusing to cry in the face of adversity.

“Wu’er!”

She pointed to herself, gradually coming to her senses, and echoed, “Wu’er” back to Elder Ming Zhe.

Elder Ming Zhe, well-traveled and experienced in the ways of the world, understood quickly. It was clear that Wu’er could not speak beyond her name.

“Your name is Wu’er, isn’t it?” Elder Ming Zhe asked gently, his eyes full of empathy.

Wu’er nodded, understanding his question, and confirmed that Wu’er was indeed her name.

Surveying the surroundings, Elder Ming Zhe noted the remnants of the broken door and the signs of habitation, with scattered daily necessities.

Yet, apart from this young girl, no one else was present. Perhaps Wu’er had been living here alone.

Wu’er was clearly shaken by what had transpired. She sat dazed on the ground but began to regain her senses. The innate wolfish resilience within her helped her calm down swiftly.

She glanced at the Blood Demon sprawled lifeless on the ground and remembered the horrors he had wrought. He had greedily drained the blood of her kin, causing untold deaths. To Wu’er, these wolves were like family.

Determined, Wu’er stood and approached the Blood Demon. She yanked the dagger from his chest, her eyes burning with anger, and furiously stabbed him again and again.

Elder Ming Zhe, observing from a distance, was astonished by the girl’s courage and composure. He hadn’t expected such bravery and sharpness from someone so young. Despite the perilous situation, she had managed to seize the dagger before it could harm her further.

Even in the midst of the gruesome scene, Wu’er remained remarkably calm, with not a single tear in her eyes. Ming Zhe admired her bravery and decisiveness. She had quickly regained her composure after the incident, showcasing a strong psychological resilience.

Her agility in snatching the Blood Demon’s dagger impressed him. With proper training, she could become a formidable talent.

However, it was clear she did not know how to speak, likely having spent her life hidden away in the forest, isolated from human contact. This was a minor issue; with guidance, she would learn to speak quickly.

Wu’er sat beside the mutilated Blood Demon, panting heavily. Seeing the damage she had inflicted, she took a deep breath and sat down calmly.

“Child, are you alright?” Ming Zhe approached her, gently patting her shoulder in an attempt to soothe her.

Wu’er looked up at Elder Ming Zhe’s kind smile, feeling a small warmth in her heart. She had already faced so much since leaving the Dark Moon Forest, and it was overwhelming.

“Let me take a look at you,” Elder Ming Zhe said softly. Noting her lack of hostility, he examined Wu’er’s hands, her muscles, and her bones. She was indeed a promising talent, a hidden gem stranded in an unlikely place. With diligent training, she could achieve great things.

“Do you want to practice martial arts with me? That way, you can protect yourself and the things you care about!” Ming Zhe said to Wu’er with a smile, using his hands to help explain.

Elder Ming Zhe looked at Wu’er intently, carefully asking for her opinion while gesturing to ensure she understood. His primary goal was to teach Wu’er self-defense. After all, she had saved his life from the Blood Demon’s dagger, and he disliked owing favors.

It had been many years since Ming Zhe had taken on a disciple. Seeing Wu’er’s unique physique and recognizing her potential, combined with the fact that she had saved his life, he considered taking her under his wing.

Wu’er grasped what Elder Ming Zhe was offering but didn’t agree immediately. She glanced around at the tragic sight of wolf corpses strewn about. Then, with a resolute nod, she accepted.

These wolves were more than just animals to Wu’er; they were family. The Blood Demon’s attack had caused their painful deaths right before her eyes, leaving her feeling helpless.

Wu’er was determined not to feel so powerless again. She wanted to grow stronger to protect those she cared about. With this resolve, she agreed to Elder Ming Zhe’s offer.

“Good child, don’t worry. From today, you are my disciple. I won’t let anyone bully you. I’ll teach you the cultivation techniques properly,” Elder Ming Zhe said, his face lighting up with happiness at her acceptance.

Despite his age, Elder Ming Zhe had a childlike way of expressing joy, his delight evident on his face.

However, Wu’er had one condition before she fully committed. She wanted to bury the dead wolves, to let them rest in peace. Only then could she leave with Elder Ming Zhe without any lingering worries.

Elder Ming Zhe was once again taken aback by Wu’er’s thoughtfulness. He hadn’t expected such maturity from someone so young. Agreeing to her request, he helped Wu’er bury the wolves and began teaching her basic cultivation techniques.

To his astonishment, Wu’er quickly grasped these teachings. Her rapid progress surpassed Elder Ming Zhe’s expectations, making him believe that Wu’er might become the most outstanding disciple he ever had.