Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 23. Take it seriously.

Elder Ming Zhe knew he was just trying to please the Sect Master. He didn’t expect any real results. In this situation, he could only make the best of what he had.

“Martial Uncle, I’ve known about your return for a while. I’ve prepared a welcome banquet for you in the banquet hall with all your favorite dishes. Please take a look and see if they suit your taste!”

The Sect Master was aware of Elder Ming Zhe’s love for food, so he had arranged the banquet well in advance. He hoped this gesture would earn him some favor from Elder Ming Zhe.

“You only care about such things. If you put this kind of effort into the sect, the Lishan Sword Sect wouldn’t be so stagnant!”

Elder Ming Zhe complained about the Sect Master’s priorities, always circling back to the sect’s issues.

“Martial Uncle, rest assured. In the future, I will be very attentive. The Lishan Sword Sect will definitely flourish under my leadership.”

The Sect Master, wiping sweat from his forehead, was eager to change the subject.

“Alright, I won’t talk about this anymore. I won’t be staying long. Once I leave, you just need to take good care of my disciple. Arrange for her properly and teach her techniques. Don’t let her suffer any grievances. She is my savior, so you must not neglect her.”

Elder Ming Zhe brought Wu’er in front of the Sect Master, speaking with serious intent. He wanted to make a strong impression, ensuring that everyone in the Lishan Sword Sect would recognize Wu’er.

“Martial Uncle, be assured. I will take good care of her and ensure she doesn’t suffer. Our sect is very united and loving. None of your concerns will come to pass.”

The Sect Master, seeing Wu’er, found it hard to believe that such an innocent and somewhat confused child could be Elder Ming Zhe’s savior. Though puzzled, he dared not question Elder Ming Zhe about it.

“I don’t care about these things. If I hear that she’s been wronged, I won’t let you off easily. Don’t think she’s ignorant. She understands everything. I’m entrusting her to you!”

Elder Ming Zhe held Wu’er’s hand firmly, his expression serious. He wanted everyone to understand that no one in the Lishan Sword Sect should dare to bully Wu’er.

“Martial Uncle, rest assured. I will take care of her like my own daughter and ensure she doesn’t suffer any grievances.”

Seeing Elder Ming Zhe’s serious demeanor, the Sect Master understood his concerns and spoke solemnly.

“I brought her here to cultivate. You just need to teach her well and let her cultivate in peace. Take good care of her as she grows up. Do you understand?”

Elder Ming Zhe knew how his martial nephew raised his daughter. Reflecting on Luo Yue’s current state, he thought it best to avoid such a path for Wu’er. He wanted Wu’er to become a capable and knowledgeable person, not someone ignorant and incompetent like Luo Yue.

As they conversed, they arrived at the banquet hall.

A dazzling array of exquisite dishes greeted them, whetting their appetites just by sight.

After Elder Ming Zhe sat down, Xiao Heng and Luo Yue hurried over. Xiao Heng had been personally brought to the Lishan Sword Sect by Elder Ming Zhe. He grew up there and was the Eldest Disciple of the sect. Due to his relationship with Xiao Heng and Xiao Heng’s diligence, Elder Ming Zhe had high hopes for him, wishing for Xiao Heng to elevate the Lishan Sword Sect through his efforts.

“Master, you’ve returned!” Xiao Heng exclaimed, his eyes filled with excitement. He immediately knelt and kowtowed to Elder Ming Zhe, expressing his deep respect.

Xiao Heng knew that even the current Sect Master had to show deference to Elder Ming Zhe. Although Elder Ming Zhe traveled the world, he was well-informed about the internal affairs of the Lishan Sword Sect. Xiao Heng recognized that Elder Ming Zhe valued him greatly and wanted to leverage this to gain respect within the sect. He understood that the Sect Master’s current position was precarious and that Elder Ming Zhe’s opinion held significant weight. Therefore, Xiao Heng treated both of them with outward respect.

Xiao Heng, beaming with joy, noticed Wu’er beside Elder Ming Zhe and glanced at her curiously.

When their eyes met, Wu’er instinctively became nervous. She unconsciously leaned closer to Elder Ming Zhe, her eyes filled with hostility.

Elder Ming Zhe noticed Wu’er’s unease but didn’t think much of it. He believed that since Wu’er had never seen an outsider before, her reaction to Xiao Heng was understandable.

Luo Yue, on the other hand, was more afraid of Elder Ming Zhe. She hadn’t wanted to attend the banquet, but her father insisted. Knowing that Xiao Heng would be there, she reluctantly agreed.

Upon seeing Elder Ming Zhe, Luo Yue remained timid, worried he might reprimand her as he often did her father. She cautiously greeted him from a distance, maintaining a submissive demeanor that left Elder Ming Zhe with little to say.

“Xiao Heng, you are the chief disciple of the Lishan Sword Sect and the one I hold in highest regard. Wu’er will be your junior sister. I won’t be staying long, so I’m entrusting her to you. You must properly teach her cultivation techniques.”

Elder Ming Zhe doubted the Sect Master’s reliability, despite his solemn vows. He wanted to ensure Wu’er’s well-being by directly instructing Xiao Heng.

“This is my duty, Master. Rest assured, I will teach her well and take good care of her. She won’t suffer any grievances.”

Xiao Heng smiled politely, pleased with the responsibility. It would not only earn him favor with his master but also raise his prestige among his junior disciples.

Elder Ming Zhe nodded in satisfaction and began to eat. Everyone was waiting for him; no one dared touch their chopsticks until he did.