Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 39. Turning Risks Into Opportunities.

“You can’t blame her for this!”

Just as the Sect Master was about to declare the punishment, someone emerged from behind the bamboo forest. It was the Fourth Prince of the Cang Qian Empire, Cang Ling Ye!

The Sect Master, caught off guard by the interruption, turned his attention to Cang Ling Ye. He immediately recognized the Night King of the Cang Qian Empire, who had recently visited the Lishan Sword Sect for an inspection.

They had been in conversation earlier, and the Night King had mentioned needing to step out. Perhaps he had lost his way and ended up here, witnessing the incident firsthand.

Cang Ling Ye had been assigned this task by Emperor Cang Qian. Sent to the renowned Lishan Sword Sect to assess the situation and identify any potential talents for the empire, Cang Ling Ye took on this seemingly insignificant task with his usual dedication and thoroughness.

This led to the current situation.

“Your Highness the Night King,” the Sect Master addressed him, “I was just about to send someone to find you. What brings you here? We are dealing with internal matters, so there is no need for your concern.”

Realizing Cang Ling Ye had likely seen everything, the Sect Master understood why he spoke up for Wu’er.

“This might be a misunderstanding,” Cang Ling Ye said. “I got lost in the vast Lishan Sword Sect and happened to witness the events. It’s not as serious as the Sect Master believes. They were simply careless. This is all a misunderstanding, not what it appears to be.”

At the most crucial moment, Cang Ling Ye stepped forward as the only witness. In front of everyone, he dismissed the incident as a mere misunderstanding with a single sentence.

Cang Ling Ye didn’t realize the bullied girl was Wu’er, as he remembered Wu’er being mute. He had simply witnessed the entire event from behind the bamboo forest.

He had watched the scene unfold, feeling a sense of familiarity with the girl, prompting him to intervene.

Cang Ling Ye and Wu’er hadn’t seen each other in six years, and both had changed significantly. Wu’er’s transformation was so profound that they couldn’t recognize each other.

Cang Ling Ye noticed the girl’s stubbornness and decisive personality, traits that reminded him of Wu’er, who had disappeared. This connection drove him to stand up for her, attempting to make up for the regret he harbored for Wu’er.

He knew the incident was Luo Yue’s fault, but he understood the ways of the world. Even though Luo Yue was to blame, the Sect Master wouldn’t punish her. Wu’er would have to take the fall.

No one fully grasped the situation, but with Cang Ling Ye’s intervention, the matter began to take a positive turn.

“His Highness the Night King has witnessed the whole incident. I am truly ashamed. It is said that dirty linen should not be aired in public, yet here we are. Our Lishan Sword Sect’s matters have been seen by His Highness the Night King, making me lose face in the Cang Qian Empire!”

The Sect Master felt embarrassed, worried that Cang Ling Ye might spread word of his favoritism towards Luo Yue. His words to Cang Ling Ye hinted at an understanding, hoping the Night King would keep this matter discreet.

“Li Mountain Sword Sect is the number one sect in the world, led wisely by the Sect Master. How could there be such matters of killing and framing? This is surely just a misunderstanding between them that led to a minor quarrel. There’s no need to make a big fuss. The priority now is to bandage Young Miss’s wounds. What do you think?”

By framing the incident as a minor disagreement between senior and junior sisters, Cang Ling Ye gave the Sect Master face and helped everyone avoid punishment.

“Since His Highness the Night King has spoken, the truth is clear. Take Young Miss to bandage her wounds. In the future, avoid such playful behavior. I also don’t want to hear any more rumors about this matter. I still have matters to discuss with His Highness the Night King. Everyone, leave!”

The Sect Master, maintaining a serious demeanor, addressed everyone present.

He knew this was the best resolution, preserving face for both himself and Cang Ling Ye.

“Father… She hit me! You can’t let her off like this!” Luo Yue protested, pointing at Wu’er, her face full of grievance.

“Quickly, take Young Miss for treatment!” The Sect Master, seeing Luo Yue’s stubbornness, felt his authority challenged. He showed a hint of embarrassment.

“You should leave too. Rest and let the doctor check you for injuries.”

Despite his discomfort in front of Cang Ling Ye, the Sect Master had to drop the matter, avoiding further punishment for Wu’er.

“Sect Master, your fairness is commendable. You’ve truly impressed our Cang Qian nation. Now that this matter is settled, let’s discuss proper matters!”

Seeing that the Sect Master had already let Wu’er off, Cang Ling Ye decided not to pursue the matter further. Believing Wu’er to be safe, he shifted the conversation to other topics.

“Alright, this is still due to my poor management. If it wasn’t for His Highness the Night King explaining the matter in time, I’m afraid I would’ve wrongly accused that girl. At that time, my old face would really have nowhere to go.”

Despite feeling awkward, the Sect Master faced Cang Ling Ye with a smile, repeatedly explaining the situation.

“Then let’s talk about other matters. This is the first time we’ve met, and I didn’t expect His Highness the Night King to be so young and promising. You’ve truly made me look at you in a new light. It seems your Cang Qian nation is truly filled with talented people!”

With the topic changed, Xiao Heng followed the Sect Master, still unsure of Cang Ling Ye’s purpose in coming.

“You’re too kind. Although I’m from Cang Qian nation, I’ve long heard of the great name of Lishan Sword Sect. This time, I came because of its reputation, hoping to be fortunate enough to be tainted with some of the Lishan Sword Sect’s Spiritual Qi and bring it back to our Cang Qian nation!”

Cang Ling Ye engaged in polite small talk, understanding the need to maintain cordial relations with the Lishan Sword Sect Master after the recent events.