Aksai had utilized his neural link fabric to adjust his cultivation base before meeting with his allies.
Presently, he appeared as a Spirit cultivator in the 8th stage of the Body Refining realm.
Given Aksai’s assertion that he had made significant sacrifices to secure victory against the three Spirit Refining opponents, there was little reason to doubt his words after one witnessed his “regressed” cultivation base.
Aksai understood that while Nuya had accepted him and the others in her squad as co-owners of the island, she had retained leadership of the squad itself.
Among the five of them, she was perceived as the primary owner of the island by the island’s populace. As a Spirit Refining Perfectionist, Nuya’s individual might be undisputed on the island.
In Aksai’s previous world, if the island were listed as an asset on the stock exchange, Nuya, Aksai, Arama, Dia, and Nimiya had invested their wealth in acquiring shares.
However, Nuya evidently held a larger percentage of shares in the asset than the others. Consequently, she was considered the primary decision-maker.
Since Nuya had opted to purge all of Kaelen’s subordinates from the island, a significant void had been created in terms of work and responsibilities.
In essence, she required assistance in managing the island, and the co-owners were the most logical choice for her to delegate some of her responsibilities.
Aksai could guess that part of the reason why Nuya had summoned Aksai and others to her residence was to distribute these responsibilities among them. From the looks of things, Nuya was very methodical in her arrangements.
So why would Aksai try to act injured in such a situation?
It was because he didn’t want to become a part of the team that managed the whole island. He considered it to be nothing but a headache that he didn’t want to have.
Aksai simply wished to claim a secluded portion of the island for himself, where he could live without any disruptions.
He eagerly anticipated returning to his serene life as a Spirit farmer on an island that had a 2nd-order Spirit vein.
Aksai wasn’t particularly interested in seizing a share of the island’s resources for himself, at least not at this juncture. After all, he already had the Everwood farm to rely on. As such, he had resolved to fade into obscurity after receiving the ownership deed from Nuya.
For Nuya to let him live alone without burdening him with any island responsibilities, Aksai needed to convincingly feign injury. Once Nuya distributed the island’s responsibilities among the four co-owners, Aksai intended to keep a low profile.
***
Moonlit Manor.
As Aksai and his allies arrived at Nuya’s opulent white palace, they were greeted by a grand procession of servants and guards lining the entrance.
“Welcome, fellow cultivators. Thank you for coming here today.”
Nuya herself stood at the entrance, regal and composed, her presence commanding respect and admiration. She welcomed each member of her squad with warmth and grace, expressing gratitude and sharing pleasantries.
Once inside the palace, Nuya led her allies to a spacious chamber adorned with golden chandeliers. They gathered around a polished mahogany table, the atmosphere charged with anticipation and purpose.
“Fellow cultivators, you must have realized why I called you here. I need your help in managing this island.”
Addressing her comrades, Nuya spoke with conviction and authority, outlining her vision for the future of Emerald Cove and the role each of them would play in its governance.
She proposed that they distribute the island’s responsibilities among themselves, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of power.
Aksai listened to Nuya’s words carefully. When it looked like Nuya was about to discuss Aksai’s responsibilities, the latter hesitated a bit before speaking up.
“Fellow cultivator Nuya, you already know how much I have suffered while dealing with three late-stage Spirit Refiners from Kaelen’s team. I… I don’t want to overexert myself anymore,” Aksai said while bowing lightly to Nuya.
“This,” Nuya was tongue-tied for a bit when Aksai shrieked away from his responsibilities as the island owner. However, she sighed in her heart when she sensed his regressed cultivation base.
Aksai had politely declined, citing his desire for solitude and seclusion. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity but emphasized his preference for a quieter, more introspective life.
“Fine, fellow cultivator Aksai. You have risked big during the operation. It is only natural that you’d be given some preferential treatment in return.”
Nuya respected Aksai’s decision. She then presented him with his ownership deed, acknowledging his contribution to their shared victory and granting him the freedom to chart his own path.
These ownership deeds were the blood contracts that were authorized by the neutral state Haan Di itself. Once Aksai and others offered a drop of their blood on these contracts, their ownership of the island was confirmed.
Unlike Kaelen, Nuya had done things quickly and decisively. After involving the neutral state Haan Di, there was no easy way for Sun Ocean Society to act against her or her allies.
Next, Nuya delegated specific regions of Emerald Cove to her allies and co-owners of the island. Each region had its own peculiarities and resources, suited to the expertise and preferences of the individuals entrusted with their management.
Aram Talak assumed control of Verdant Valley, a region known for its lush forests and fertile lands. The valley was abundant in rare medicinal herbs and exotic flora, making it an ideal location for cultivation and alchemy.
The population consisted mainly of mortals, along with a small community of low-stage Spirit Refiners who specialized in herbalism and potion-making.
Dia Naya was tasked with overseeing Azure Shores, a coastal area renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. The region was rich in marine resources, including rare sea plants and valuable pearls.
The population primarily comprised fishermen and artisans, with a few low-stage Spirit Refiners skilled in water-based cultivation techniques.
Nimiya Jaram took charge of Sunlit Plateau, a highland region bathed in perpetual sunlight. The plateau was known for its fertile soil and temperate climate, perfect for cultivating grains and fruits.
It also housed natural hot springs and geothermal vents, which provided energy and nourishment to the local flora. The population consisted mainly of farmers and craftsmen, with a small community of low-stage Spirit Refiners who specialized in earth-based cultivation methods.
***
Nuya, recognizing Aksai’s desire for solitude and seclusion, granted him a unique and tranquil corner of Emerald Cove known as Zenith Ridge.
Tucked away behind the rugged peaks of the island’s highest mountain, this secluded sanctuary offered Aksai the perfect refuge for his shady activities, Spirit farming, and peaceful Spirit cultivation.
Zenith Ridge was a place of serene beauty, with lush forests and winding streams cascading down the mountainside. Towering trees provided shelter and shade, while the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant cry of seabirds filled the air with a sense of calm.
At the heart of Zenith Ridge stood a majestic mountain peak, its towering cliffs reaching up to the sky. On the other side of the peak lay a breathtaking vista of the boundless sea, its azure waters stretching out to the horizon in an endless expanse of blue.
One could find solace in the quietude of nature in this region, far removed from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
With the sound of the wind and the sea to keep him company, Aksai could immerse himself in his practice, delving deep into the mysteries of body cultivation and spiritual enlightenment.
“Finally,” Aksai thought to himself as he held a folded scroll in his hand – his ownership deed attesting to his control of the island.
“From rental Spirit farmer to owner of a Spirit vein island, I have come a long way. Hehe. Good for you, Aksai Everwood. I’m proud of you. But remember, the journey to immortality has just begun.”
The Spirit farmer said to himself, smiling. Since there was nobody to applaud him for his achievements, he decided to do that himself, practically patting his own back.
In the next moment, the Lian Flying Sword was summoned before Aksai stood on the weapon and soared through the sky.
He started approaching the Zenith Ridge at a rapid pace, excitement unmasked on his face.