Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 24. Odd stares.
At the banquet, everyone harbored their own concerns, eating cautiously and never relaxing for a moment.
Only Elder Ming Zhe and Wu’er ignored the wary gazes of others, enjoying their meal without restraint. It seemed only the two of them were truly savoring the food.
Wu’er understood her master’s intentions. Her master had repeatedly instructed the Sect Master and Xiao Heng to take good care of her.
She knew that her master wouldn’t always be by her side. She also realized that the Lishan Sword Sect was a place where she could cultivate properly.
Wu’er felt deep gratitude towards her master, who had given her what she desired most—the opportunity to cultivate and grow stronger to protect what she cherished.
Yet, Wu’er sensed that everyone present had their own hidden worries. Their goals were far from simple.
Perhaps due to her upbringing among wolves, Wu’er had developed a keen intuition for danger. This heightened vigilance made her aware that everyone except Elder Ming Zhe exuded an air of nervousness and unease. She could sense that nearly all of them had hidden agendas and complex hearts.
“Wu’er, have you finished eating? From today onwards, you are a member of the Lishan Sword Sect. They will take good care of you and teach you cultivation techniques. In the future, you must cultivate diligently!”
After finishing his meal, Elder Ming Zhe introduced the people present to Wu’er, then addressed her in an unusually gentle tone.
Everyone present was greatly shocked to see this side of Elder Ming Zhe, a gentleness they had never witnessed before.
Because of Elder Ming Zhe’s actions, their attitudes towards Wu’er underwent a significant shift. They began to wonder about her origins.
Xiao Heng was also taken aback by Elder Ming Zhe’s attitude.
Elder Ming Zhe’s special treatment of Wu’er sparked another thought in Xiao Heng’s mind.
If Xiao Heng could take good care of Wu’er, fostering a close relationship with her, then Elder Ming Zhe’s attitude towards him would surely improve even more. When that time came, his position within the Lishan Sword Sect would surely elevate to a whole new level.
With this in mind, Xiao Heng resolved to use his role as Eldest Brother to look after Wu’er. In the future, Wu’er would undoubtedly speak favorably of him to Elder Ming Zhe.
Luo Yue observed Wu’er’s simple attire, noting how she resembled a girl from a remote tribe. How could Elder Ming Zhe care so much for her?
She also noticed Xiao Heng’s gaze towards Wu’er, and a twinge of jealousy began to stir within her.
Luo Yue felt indignant seeing Elder Ming Zhe’s harsh treatment of her father, yet she dared not voice her displeasure. Instead, she simply glared at Wu’er.
Wu’er sensed Luo Yue’s unfriendly attitude but remained unbothered. She only needed to stay true to herself, not worrying about how others perceived her.
The outside world was indeed complicated, filled with people harboring hidden agendas. Having grown up among wolves, Wu’er had developed a keen intuition and had prepared herself to adapt to whatever challenges she might face.
She resolved to focus on her tasks diligently, avoiding unnecessary contact with others. Since she still did not know how to speak, communication was challenging, but this also meant fewer opportunities for her tongue to cause trouble.
Despite the strange looks she received, Wu’er maintained her calm demeanor. She understood she was different, but she was neither servile nor overbearing, paying no mind to the peculiar gazes.
Elder Ming Zhe addressed the gathering, “There’s one more thing concerning Wu’er. She has lived in a desolate and uninhabited place since childhood, never interacting with humans, and thus, she does not yet know how to speak. I hope you can take care of her and be considerate. Do not let her suffer any grievances.”
He knew it was important to share this, but he omitted that Wu’er came from the Dark Moon Forest. The forest was shrouded in legends that could bring unwanted attention and trouble. The world outside the forest was far more complex than the world within.
This was something that no one expected. Although they sensed that Wu’er was different, they did not foresee her having such an experience.
Only after Elder Ming Zhe’s introduction did they fully grasp why Wu’er stood apart from ordinary people.
Wu’er understood that Elder Ming Zhe was speaking about her. As she saw everyone’s surprised gazes, she did not feel embarrassed.
This was the truth of her life, a reality none of them could have ever experienced.
For Wu’er, it was not difficult to accept or speak about her past. Therefore, she did not shy away from their stares.
She calmly accepted this fact and their surprised looks, maintaining her dignified demeanor.
“Martial Uncle, you’re overthinking it. Given Wu’er’s difficult background, we will surely take good care of her. You needn’t worry. Xiao Heng will also ensure she is well looked after and won’t disappoint you.”
The Sect Master, sensing the awkwardness, smiled at Elder Ming Zhe, trying to ease the atmosphere and show his commitment to caring for Wu’er.
“I naturally trust what you’re saying. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have sent Wu’er here. I believe you will indeed take good care of her.”
Elder Ming Zhe understood their thoughts but chose not to expose them, going along with the conversation.
He emphasized the importance of looking after Wu’er and ensuring she wasn’t mistreated.
With this matter settled, no one in the sect would dare trouble Wu’er in the future.
Feeling relieved, Elder Ming Zhe realized he had nothing more to worry about in leaving Wu’er with the sect.
He now looked forward to seeing Wu’er cultivate well within the sect and become a valuable asset as soon as possible.