Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 22. Status of the Lishan Sword Sect.

Another important reason was that the Sect Master had always liked him, and Luo Yue also regarded him favorably.

This was a well-known secret within the Lishan Sword Sect, understood by all but rarely spoken of.

When Elder Ming Zhe publicly announced this matter, the disciples of the Lishan Sword Sect were instantly in an uproar, discussing it spiritedly.

They were puzzled as to why Elder Ming Zhe would make such an announcement, giving Wu’er so much recognition. Though they knew Elder Ming Zhe was known for his absurd and unruly behavior, they were still rather astonished.

What was the relationship between this seemingly ignorant girl and Elder Ming Zhe? What qualities did she possess to earn his favor?

“I know what you’re thinking. She’s my savior. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be here today. That’s why I brought her back. You should know how to treat her. If I find out she’s been wronged here, I’ll pursue the matter to the end.”

Elder Ming Zhe was aware that the members of the Lishan Sword Sect judged people by appearances. The sect’s reputation had long been tarnished by them.

Especially after the current Sect Master took office, the situation was far from what it used to be.

Most of these disciples were children of wealthy clans from the foot of the mountain. In an era where cultivation was revered, almost everyone knew a few techniques.

But how could these children of wealthy clans endure hardship?

They often paid their tuition fees to learn mediocre martial arts, starting cultivation before grasping the most basic foundations.

With such an attitude towards cultivation, how could they possibly excel?

Most only learned basic martial arts, never mastering any true skills. Yet, once they left the mountain, they still called themselves disciples of the Lishan Sword Sect.

However, there were also poor students with no one to rely on. Understanding life’s hardships, they joined the Lishan Sword Sect in hopes of a better future.

The Lishan Sword Sect, located within the borders of the Yue Li Kingdom, was an important force with close ties to the Imperial Court. Many officials in the Yue Li Kingdom’s Imperial Court came from the Lishan Sword Sect.

These poor disciples, with nowhere else to go, aimed to cultivate diligently at the Lishan Sword Sect. They hoped to secure an official position and rise above their disadvantaged beginnings.

As a result, the current disciples of the Lishan Sword Sect had mixed levels of cultivation.

Even so, the current Sect Master showed no interest in changing this situation. Perhaps he never considered changing it.

If this continued, the reputation of the Lishan Sword Sect would gradually fade. Some bad rumors had already begun to spread.

Elder Ming Zhe had long been disappointed in the Lishan Sword Sect but chose not to involve himself. Instead, he spent his days touring the mountains and playing in the water, living a carefree and unrestrained life.

It wasn’t that Elder Ming Zhe had never tried to change the situation, but the current Sect Master lacked the power to enforce his decisions.

As a result, Elder Ming Zhe became disheartened and no longer wanted to meddle in the sect’s affairs. As long as he lived well, that was enough for him.

Elder Ming Zhe knew the Lishan Sword Sect was on the verge of decline, so he decided not to intervene further. However, he believed there was still hope for the sect.

Most members of the Lishan Sword Sect were not willing to work hard. They sought the prestige of being associated with the sect without putting in the effort to truly cultivate.

But there were also those who wanted to change their fate through their own efforts and achieve great things.

As long as the Lishan Sword Sect had such individuals, there was hope.

Thus, Elder Ming Zhe hoped Wu’er could join forces with them to change the sect’s current situation.

Wu’er was an extremely talented child. With hard work, she was sure to accomplish great things.

“Please be at ease. Our Lishan Sword Sect is still the number one sect in the world. How could we do something like bully a fellow disciple? Martial Uncle, please be at ease. We will definitely take good care of her!”

The Sect Master continued to fawn over Elder Ming Zhe, his face brimming with smiles and reverence.

“Don’t think I know nothing just because I haven’t been around. Do you really think I’m unaware of what you’re doing? The Lishan Sword Sect’s reputation has already plummeted! As the Sect Master, do you not feel ashamed?”

As Elder Ming Zhe walked, he mercilessly reprimanded the Sect Master.

Many onlookers witnessed this scene. The Sect Master’s face gradually turned red and sweat began to trickle down his cheeks.

“Martial Uncle, you’re right. This truly was my mismanagement. I will definitely work hard and treat all the disciples equally. I will bring our Lishan Sword Sect back to its former glory.”

The Sect Master stealthily wiped away his sweat as he humbly addressed Elder Ming Zhe.

“Don’t try to fool me. You’ve said this every time, but when have you ever followed through? Spare me your promises. I only want to see your achievements and results.”

Elder Ming Zhe spoke in a disdainful and harsh tone, not even glancing at the Sect Master.

Elder Ming Zhe was like this because he still had one last hope for the Sect Master. He hoped the Sect Master could lead the Lishan Sword Sect to rise again.

“Martial Uncle is right. I will work hard. Martial Uncle, rest assured, I will elevate the Lishan Sword Sect to new heights.”

The Sect Master continued to curry favor with Elder Ming Zhe, his face meek and submissive, lacking the authority one would expect of the Lishan Sword Sect’s Master.

“I don’t want to say anything more. Everyone is well aware of your abilities. You only need to work hard. I still have great hopes for the Lishan Sword Sect. You can’t let the Lishan Sword Sect decline under your leadership. If it does, I won’t have the face to see your master.”

Elder Ming Zhe knew that merely reprimanding the Sect Master was futile. He needed to use both the carrot and the stick. This was the most effective and correct approach.

“Martial Uncle, rest assured. I will definitely work hard!”

The Sect Master could hear that Elder Ming Zhe’s tone was beginning to soften, and a smile started to appear on his face.