Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 40. A Pleasant Cooperation.

In the heart of the Central Continent, the Cang Ming Empire was divided into three distinct nations. Cang Ling Ye hailed from the Cang Qian Empire, the Lishan Sword Sect found its home in the Yue Li Empire, and the Yong An Empire excelled in the arts of poison and medicine.

Despite appearing separated, these three nations maintained a delicate balance of cooperation and competition, each striving for advancements to improve the lives of their citizens. While people lived and worked in relative peace, numerous challenges remained, necessitating the development of talented individuals to spur rapid progress.

The Lishan Sword Sect enjoyed a stellar reputation beyond the Yue Li Empire, revered across the other two nations as well. The Yue Li Kingdom’s prosperity owed much to a few loyal officials from this esteemed sect.

However, the Lishan Sword Sect had never extended its cooperation to the other two empires. Cang Ling Ye was acutely aware of the many young, ambitious individuals in the Cang Qian Empire who yearned to train at the Lishan Sword Sect but were thwarted by inter-empire tensions.

Cang Ling Ye’s current visit aimed to forge a path for these driven souls, hoping they could train at the Lishan Sword Sect and later contribute to the Cang Qian Empire. Yet, upon his arrival, he discovered that the Lishan Sword Sect, once famed for its might, had decayed internally and no longer matched its legendary reputation.

Regarding cooperation, Cang Ling Ye remained skeptical. His perception of the Lishan Sword Sect had shifted, leaving the prospects of collaboration uncertain.

For years, the Lishan Sword Sect had been a cornerstone for the Yue Li Kingdom, yet it had never engaged with the other two kingdoms. The Sect Master had a clear understanding of Cang Ling Ye’s intentions in visiting the Lishan Sword Sect.

Cang Ling Ye’s unexpected visit left the Sect Master feeling somewhat uneasy. The Sect Master’s stance on potential cooperation with the Cang Qian Empire remained ambiguous.

Despite this uncertainty, they needed to get acquainted. Future cooperation would require discussions with courtiers in the Yue Li Kingdom who secretly liaised with the Sect Master.

The Lishan Sword Sect’s location within the Yue Li Kingdom meant that contacting the other two kingdoms might provoke the emperor’s suspicion and displeasure.

Moreover, the Sect Master was acutely aware of the sect’s declining state. The once-mighty Lishan Sword Sect was now a shadow of its former self, struggling to regain its past glory.

He had contemplated solutions, but his efforts had yielded little progress, leaving the sect in a state of stagnation.

“I wonder why Your Highness, the Night King, has come all the way to our Lishan Sword Sect?” the Sect Master asked, leading Cang Ling Ye to the opulently decorated guest hall, reminiscent of a royal palace. The grandeur of the hall suggested significant support from the Yue Li Kingdom, which had enabled the sect’s current standing.

Xiao Heng, who followed closely behind the Sect Master, was the acknowledged successor of the Lishan Sword Sect. The Sect Master intended for Xiao Heng to learn from this interaction.

“Since the Sect Master prefers straightforwardness, I’ll get straight to the point,” Cang Ling Ye began.

Cang Ling Ye addressed the Sect Master with a serious tone. “Sect Master, you are aware that the Cang Qian Empire is prosperous and peaceful. Many ambitious individuals admire the Lishan Sword Sect and wish to cultivate and learn here. I’ve come specifically for them and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter.”

Cang Ling Ye went straight to the point, revealing his true purpose for visiting the Lishan Sword Sect and seeking a clear response from the Sect Master.

“Your Highness Night King is too kind. The Cang Qian Empire already abounds with talent. There is no urgent need for them to come to our Lishan Sword Sect. However, since you have made this request, I will not refuse. This matter, though, requires discussion with the Imperial Court. Our sect has a longstanding, inseparable relationship with the Yue Li Kingdom, and I hope Your Highness Night King understands our position.”

The Sect Master shared his thoughts with Cang Ling Ye, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.

The current state of the Yue Li Kingdom was far from its former glory, despite its founding emperor hailing from the Lishan Sword Sect. In those days, both the sect and the kingdom thrived equally. However, after many years, the Yue Li Kingdom had deteriorated.

The present emperor, Yun Ting, was once ambitious and spirited. Yet, his descent into despotism began after the loss of two beloved concubines, leading him to neglect imperial affairs and rule tyrannically.

The officials from the Lishan Sword Sect within the Yue Li Kingdom were unable to reverse this decline. Their attempts to improve the kingdom’s situation were thwarted by the emperor’s behavior.

Thus, Cang Ling Ye’s proposal intrigued the Sect Master. Resolving this matter could indeed spur the Lishan Sword Sect’s development. A strong ally was crucial, and with the Yue Li Kingdom in decline, having influence in the Cang Qian Empire would be advantageous for the sect.

“Alright,” the Sect Master finally said. “After visiting the Lishan Sword Sect, I see that my previous perceptions were limited. The Lishan Sword Sect is even more impressive than I imagined. I believe our cooperation will be very successful!”

Cang Ling Ye smiled warmly as he addressed the Sect Master.

He had done everything in his power to extol the virtues of the Lishan Sword Sect. However, he knew that the current state of the sect warranted careful consideration.

“The Cang Qian Empire is now peaceful and prosperous. We are very confident in this cooperation and hope that it will be successful!” he expressed earnestly.

The Sect Master responded with polite courtesy, understanding that even if the cooperation did not materialize, forging a relationship with the Cang Qian Empire would still be beneficial.