Phoenix Power: The True Colors of the Empress - Chapter 46. All that Glitters is not Gold.

Cang Ling Ye did not linger long, swiftly conveying his intentions to the Sect Master. After a brief inspection of the Lishan Sword Sect, he came to a conclusion and departed, merely informing the Sect Master that he would return in the future.

“Your Highness, what are your thoughts this time?” Mo Fan asked, trailing behind Cang Ling Ye, sensing that he had already made up his mind.

“There’s something you might not be aware of, but I’ve seen through this matter. The current Lishan Sword Sect is a shadow of its former self. It may look grand on the outside, but inside, it’s a decayed mess. Its reputation still shines, but the core is already rotten.”

Cang Ling Ye didn’t hold back. Together with Mo Fan, he shared the results of his investigation into the Lishan Sword Sect.

“I feel the same way. The current Lishan Sword Sect is in disarray. It’s like an old man on the brink of death, devoid of vitality. There’s definitely a problem, but I can’t pinpoint it!”

As Cang Ling Ye conducted his inspection, Mo Fan stayed close, carefully observing everything within the sect, including the condition of the disciples.

Mo Fan noticed that the disciples seemed distracted while studying. They acted as if they were merely going through the motions, their efforts lacking any real dedication, and their eyes unfocused.

Yet, their master, the head of the Lishan Sword Sect, did nothing to address this lax behavior, allowing it to continue unchecked. Even in Mo Fan’s presence, the disciples showed no restraint.

“Their leadership is poor. Moreover, the disciples they recruit are all from wealthy, influential backgrounds. They’ve either paid substantial sums or have strong connections. That’s why the sect is in such a deteriorated state now!”

Cang Ling Ye pinpointed the main issue plaguing the Lishan Sword Sect: the leadership problem. This was the root cause of the current situation.

“That’s exactly it. The Sect Leader’s quarters are lavish beyond belief. You’d never guess a dedicated cultivator lived there. On top of that, it seems the Sect Leader hasn’t practiced cultivation in years!”

Mo Fan could also see the issues with the Sect Master. It was clear that these factors had contributed to the Lishan Sword Sect’s decline.

When he inherited the Lishan Sword Sect, it was at its peak. The wealth and fame it had accumulated should have been enough for a long time, but with the current decline, it likely won’t last much longer.

Cang Ling Ye and Mo Fan discussed the current Sect Master’s mentality. The wealth amassed over the years has led to complacency, with no drive for self-improvement. This is why the Lishan Sword Sect is now in such a deteriorating state.

“During my inspection, I also noticed the Book Collection Pavilion had been abandoned. It looks like it’s been years since anyone visited it!”

When Mo Fan was at the Lishan Sword Sect, he noticed the same thing. The Book Collection Pavilion, once famous worldwide, had become a shadow of its former self. It was a place many martial artists and scholars once dreamed of visiting.

Now, despite its grand appearance, the pavilion felt desolate and neglected.

“But I also noticed that the Lishan Sword Sect isn’t entirely without hope. There are two types of people here. Some seek to bask in the sect’s former glory to enhance their own reputations. Yet, there’s another group genuinely eager to study and improve within the Lishan Sword Sect!”

Cang Ling Ye also saw this issue. The atmosphere at the Lishan Sword Sect had become tainted. Even if some truly wished to cultivate there, few could actually achieve anything in such an environment.

The more troubling aspect was that many officials in the Yue Li Kingdom came from the Lishan Sword Sect. Regardless of their rank, they formed cliques and factions, protecting each other.

Moreover, the King of Yue Li, grieving the loss of his beloved concubine, had been neglecting court affairs. He sought the Art of Resurrection to bring her back, causing his power to wane.

The Yue Li Kingdom was now entirely under the control of the Prime Minister, who also hailed from the Lishan Sword Sect. As a result, the kingdom was effectively managed by the sect.

This reliance on the Yue Li Kingdom’s power had made the Lishan Sword Sect renowned not just in the kingdom but across the three countries.

However, despite this apparent success, both the Yue Li Kingdom and the Lishan Sword Sect were on a decline. They remained trapped in an illusion of their past grandeur, unable to see the reality of their situation.

“So, what are your thoughts on our cooperation?” Mo Fan recalled the main reason for their visit: to investigate the true state of the Lishan Sword Sect.

“Given what we’ve seen, it seems unnecessary, but I still need to inform Imperial Father of the details. Ultimately, the decision is his to make. However, I have a feeling the Sect Master of the Lishan Sword Sect won’t agree to it.”

Cang Ling Ye’s current task was straightforward and without danger, though it also lacked merit. He simply needed to report his findings to the Cang Qian Emperor, who would make the final decision.

However, Cang Ling Ye found an unexpected discovery during this trip. He saw a girl who bore a striking resemblance to Wu’er. Her personality and sharp gaze were eerily similar.

He didn’t even know her name, but her aura, so reminiscent of Wu’er, drew him in. This was the reason he decided to intervene and save her.

Typically, Cang Ling Ye wouldn’t involve himself in such matters. He was well aware of the evil in human hearts and usually remained indifferent to it.

Yet, seeing this girl so pitiful, being bullied by everyone in the Lishan Sword Sect, Cang Ling Ye couldn’t stand idly by. He broke his own rule and stepped in to save her.