Elder Xin retrieved an Array Disk from his storage and placed the privilege token upon it.
After verifying its authenticity and the number of Essence Equations it contained, he began processing Aksai’s requests using the Array Disk.
After a few minutes, Elder Xin calculated the price Aksai needed to pay for the sect’s services. With the privilege token, Aksai was eligible for the lowest possible price.
“Boy, it will require 1450 spirit stones and about seven days for us to process your request,” Elder Xin informed Aksai. “Payment must be made upfront,” he added.
Aksai nodded and produced a simple storage pouch containing the exact number of stones Elder Xin had requested.
“Everything appears to be in order,” Elder Xin confirmed after inspecting the storage bag. “Island owner Aksai, would you like me to arrange accommodation for you during these four days?” he inquired.
“No, that won’t be necessary,” Aksai shook his head. “I know an internal disciple whom I haven’t seen in quite some time. I will stay with him for the duration,” he explained, rising from his seat.
Offering another bow to Elder Xin, Aksai took his leave, making his way toward a residential area within the internal zone designated for internal disciples.
‘I wonder how Aunt Reta will react to seeing me after 12 years,’ Aksai mused to himself as he quickened his pace.
***
The residential area designated for internal disciples of the sect exuded a serene atmosphere, nestled within the confines of the sect’s grounds.
One-story wooden houses stood at regular intervals, each erected with meticulous care and providing ample space for the occupants. The houses were strategically positioned at sufficient distances from one another, lending the region a well-structured appearance.
Each wooden house bore the mark of craftsmanship, with intricately carved details adorning the exteriors. Lush greenery surrounded the residential area, further enhancing its tranquility.
To ensure the privacy and seclusion of the Spirit cultivators residing within, each house was equipped with a spectral isolation barrier. These barriers enveloped the dwellings in a protective aura, shielding them from external disturbances and prying eyes.
Within the confines of these barriers, the cultivators could focus on their training and meditation without any external distractions.
After asking around for a while, Aksai soon found the house he was looking for. He quickened his steps and approached a dwelling that was at the heart of the residential area.
Standing outside the house, its protective barrier shimmering softly, Aksai retrieved a communication talisman and let it fly toward the barrier. The barrier allowed the communication talisman to pass through after detecting that it was safe.
The talisman flew inside the house, and soon the barrier dissolved into nothing, allowing Aksai to step into the house’s courtyard. The main door swung open even before Aksai had a chance to knock on it.
“Big brother Aksai, you finally came!” Ruan exclaimed loudly, his voice filled with utter joy.
He rushed forward using the Light Steps technique, eager to hug Aksai enthusiastically without thinking too much about it.
It was just like 12 years ago, the only difference being that Ruan had grown significantly since then, from the mere 9-year-old child he was back then.
As a 21-year-old 7th-stage Spirit Refiner and an internal disciple of the Purple River Sect, Ruan possessed a sturdy and imposing physique, a testament to years of dedicated cultivation.
Standing tall and proud, his broad shoulders and defined muscles spoke of his strength and resilience.
Ruan’s features were striking yet refined, with a strong jawline and chiseled cheekbones complementing his handsome face. His eyes, once filled with youthful innocence, now held a deep sense of determination, reflecting the experiences and trials he had faced on his cultivation journey.
His waist-length hair, once unruly and wild, was now neatly tied back in a ponytail. Despite his mature appearance, there was still a youthful energy that radiated from him, a reminder of the spirited boy he once was.
He was dressed in the traditional robes of the Purple River Sect, carrying himself with an air of confidence befitting his status as an internal disciple.
“Hahaha, you’ve grown into a big man now, little brother,” Aksai chuckled as he embraced Ruan before stepping back. “Where’s Aunt Reta?” he inquired, scanning the area for any sign of her.
“She’s probably by the Purple Brilliance Lake,” Ruan replied with a sigh, his expression clouded with concern. “Big brother Aksai, she hasn’t been feeling well lately and prefers to keep to herself. She… she’s already started forgetting things,” he added sadly.
‘Senile dementia,’ Aksai thought to himself and sighed.
“Follow me. I’ll take you to her,” Ruan offered, turning to lead the way.
Following Ruan, Aksai soon arrived at the shores of a tranquil lake with water tinged in hues of purple.
It was evident that the lake derived its color from the waters of the Purple River itself. While slightly poisonous, the water held remarkable properties, serving as a versatile resource for cultivation.
From alchemical concoctions to the creation of water-element Array Formations, Spirit cultivators harnessed the power of the lake’s waters in various ways to further their practices.
Along the lake’s shores, Spirit practitioners could often be seen engaged in various activities.
Some performed intricate Essence Equation crafting rituals, harnessing the lake’s essence for alchemical purposes, while others practiced meditation, drawing upon the lake’s energy to enhance their cultivation techniques.
Aksai and Ruan soon found who they were looking for: Aunt Reta. She sat beneath a giant, lush tree by the lake, gazing absentmindedly at the water.
‘Well… the passage of time spares no one,’ Aksai thought to himself and sighed internally as he approached Aunt Reta.
Reta had a frail and weathered appearance at this point, looking like someone in her 90s by mortal standards. This was even though she was technically only in her early 70s by her actual age.
Her once vibrant features were now softened by the passage of time, with deep lines etched into her face like intricate maps of a life well-lived and well-fought.
Her hair, once thick and lustrous, had turned to a shimmering silver-white, framing her face in wispy strands.
Despite the wrinkles and age spots that adorned her skin, there was gentle wisdom in her eyes, reflecting a lifetime of experiences and lessons learned.
She sat with a slight stoop, her movements slow and deliberate, yet her spirit remained resilient and unwavering. Occasionally, she would wear a confused expression for a fraction of a second or two, as if uncertain of her surroundings.
“Aunt Reta, do you recognize me?” Aksai greeted her as he approached with a smile. Hearing his voice, Aunt Reta turned around and immediately stood up.
It was evident that Aunt Reta’s core memories were still intact for the most part as she recognized Aksai instantly.
“Aksai, my child!”
She exclaimed with utter joy, approaching him with open arms.
“Hehe. Aunt Reta, you haven’t changed at all.”
Aksai chuckled before embracing her warmly.