Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 41. Isolation and protection.

After the Sect Master and Cang Ling Ye finished their discussion, the Sect Master warmly extended an invitation, “Your Highness, the Night King, since you’ve traveled so far to visit our Lishan Sword Sect, why not rest here for a few days? This would allow me to be a gracious host and give you a deeper understanding of our sect.”

Cang Ling Ye, though appreciative, declined politely, “Thank you for your kind offer, Sect Master. However, pressing matters at home demand my attention. I regret that I cannot stay longer. But should an opportunity arise, I will certainly visit the Lishan Sword Sect again. The beauty here is truly unforgettable.”

Respectfully, the Sect Master replied, “I understand, Your Highness. I won’t detain you further. If anything arises, I will inform you immediately. I hope we can meet again in the future.”

At the welcoming banquet for Cang Ling Ye, the Sect Master spared no expense, showcasing the lavishness of the Lishan Sword Sect with an array of delicacies.

Cang Ling Ye was sent off with great courtesy.

“Sect Master, why did you agree to his request? We have always had strong ties with the Yue Li Empire. Won’t this harm our relationship with them?”.

Xiao Heng couldn’t understand why the Sect Master would agree to Cang Ling Ye’s proposal and consider cooperation with the Cang Qian Empire, seemingly disregarding the feelings of the current Emperor of the Yue Li Empire.

“You don’t understand,” the Sect Master explained patiently. “The Yue Li Kingdom is on the brink of decline, and if we cling to them, we risk falling alongside them. Meanwhile, the Cang Qian Empire is like the rising sun, and we need to secure a new ally. Successfully cooperating with the Cang Qian Empire could elevate the Lishan Sword Sect to new heights, so we mustn’t become complacent.”

The Sect Master’s decision today was driven by the necessity of finding a new patron before the Yue Li Kingdom’s inevitable fall.

“But if we really want to cooperate with the Cang Qian Empire, won’t Emperor Yun Ting be displeased? If that’s the case, won’t we lose more than we gain?” Xiao Heng pondered this possibility, concerned about jeopardizing their deep relationship with the Yue Li Kingdom for a potentially dispensable alliance.

“That’s my concern as well,” the Sect Master responded thoughtfully. “However, this cooperation may not proceed as planned. Although the Night King is a prince of the Cang Qian Empire, he is the least favored one. Emperor Cang Qian’s decision to send him here reflects their lukewarm attitude towards this matter. We should consider it carefully without rushing to a conclusion.”

Xiao Heng began to see the broader picture. “I understand. We shouldn’t worry too much but having another ally isn’t a bad thing.”

“Exactly,” the Sect Master agreed. “I’m entrusting you with this task. Go and contact the ministers in the imperial court to gauge their stance on this issue. They are close to Emperor Yun Ting and can provide insight into his intentions.”

The Sect Master, confident in Xiao Heng’s abilities, saw this as an opportunity to cultivate his potential. “Alright, I’ll handle it. But what about Luo Yue’s matter from today?” Xiao Heng asked, seeking further guidance.

Xiao Heng knew that Luo Yue was the Sect Master’s most beloved daughter, and her being bitten by Wu’er today made him worry that the Sect Master might not let this matter slide easily. Concerned for Wu’er’s sake, he hesitated but decided to ask, not wanting Wu’er to face further punishment.

“Let’s just leave it be,” the Sect Master replied. “Anyone can see that Luo Yue was deliberately causing trouble. Given the outcome, it’s best to let this matter fade quietly. Besides, Wu’er was personally brought back by Elder Ming Zhe. If something happens to her, we won’t be able to explain it to him.”

The Sect Leader let out a long sigh as he pondered the situation. After a while, he decided to leave it as it was.

“But what about Luo Yue? Given her personality, she’s likely to seek out Wu’er again,” Xiao Heng said, knowing Luo Yue’s temperament well and understanding she wouldn’t let this go easily.

“Don’t worry about Luo Yue,” the Sect Master replied. “I’ll speak with her. I won’t allow her to continue causing trouble. She needs to change her ways. Today’s incident might make her think twice before seeking out Wu’er again.”

The Sect Master was indeed concerned about Luo Yue. He had spoiled her too much, leading to her willful and reckless behavior. This situation gave him a headache, but it also presented an opportunity to temper her disposition.

“However, Wu’er was a bit too agitated in this matter. If she isn’t punished, I worry that Luo Yue won’t let this go,” Xiao Heng added.

When Elder Ming Zhe left the Lishan Sword Sect, he entrusted Wu’er to Xiao Heng. Now that this incident had occurred, Xiao Heng didn’t want to leave a bad impression on the Sect Master, so he brought up the matter.

Although Wu’er could speak a few simple words, Xiao Heng could sense her struggle to integrate into society. Her personality flaw would cause her to be looked down upon by others. For instance, if both parties had shown restraint, the situation wouldn’t have escalated so severely.

To protect Wu’er, Xiao Heng believed it was best to keep her isolated. Whenever she interacted with outsiders, she appeared out of place. To prevent Wu’er from being harmed by others, he aimed to limit her contact with them.

“What method do you have?” he asked.

The Sect Master, worn out from the day’s many troublesome matters, lacked the energy to address this issue thoroughly. He understood that Xiao Heng had already considered a solution.

“The Book Collection Pavilion in the sect has always been underused. Why not have Wu’er stay there? We can ensure she eats and drinks well each day without interacting with others. This could prevent further trouble and provide a suitable explanation to Elder Ming Zhe,” suggested Xiao Heng.

His solution involved Wu’er living alone in the Book Collection Pavilion, a form of protection that seemed appropriate given her years of isolation. It would keep her safe and out of harm’s way while ensuring she was well cared for.