Aksai wanted his wines to be sold at Haan Di’s wine auctions as well.
He raised his glass in toast and chuckled. “Indeed. Why do you think I decided to give you a free sample?”
Nuya clinked her glass against his, her smile radiant. “You are an oddly sly man, Aksai. Not that I don’t like that about you. Hehe. Alright, it’s a deal then,” Nuya relished the flavor of the wine on her taste buds as she spoke.
“Since Emerald Cove will produce Bacchus’ Blessing on a larger scale in the future, it’s time to make some early investments. Let me worry about the formations necessary for large-scale production.
I’ll also find us a group of Spirit Refining alchemists we’ll need. You just need to train these Spirit Refiners initially and look after the production quality. How does that sound?” Nuya asked.
“Sounds like a good deal to me,” Aksai agreed immediately.
It was better to outsource the process to capable hands than to spend all his time creating wine. Aksai could focus on bigger things once he and Nuya were assured of stable wine production and quality.
“Hehe. That settles it then. To Bacchus’ Blessing and the masterful winemaker behind it.” She took another sip, clearly savoring every moment.
Aksai and Nuya started talking about other things related to the management of Emerald Cove. She also mentioned that she had recently been approached by the Dadangar Island Alliance.
The organization was essentially the island owners of various islands in the Dadangar Archipelago sticking together.
Since Nuya, Aksai, and the other co-owners had firmly established themselves on Emerald Cove, the alliance finally decided to drop its wait-and-watch approach and reach out to Nuya.
Aksai stood patiently as he listened to Nuya. While there were some headaches related to the Dadangar Islands Alliance, it seemed there was nothing too troublesome. Nuya herself would be able to manage most of the affairs on her own.
Of course, the real trouble came from a few Foundation Building Experts who were island owners and part of the Alliance.
Everyone in the archipelago knew that Emerald Cove’s existence was backed by the Purple River Sect from the shadows and the neutral state Haan Di openly. As such, these Foundation Building Experts dared not create direct trouble for Nuya.
However, they had subtly let Nuya know that Emerald Cove needed to share some of its annual profits with them. Naturally, Nuya had not agreed to such demands.
Nuya knew that the only way to make the entitled Foundation Building Experts back off was to become a Foundation Building Expert herself.
This was why she had secretly told Aksai that she would enter seclusion soon and try to attain the breakthrough into the Foundation Building realm. If she managed to become a Foundation Building Expert, it would not only be better for herself but also the future of Emerald Cove and Aksai himself.
Unlike Aksai, Nuya was in the Spirit Refining Perfection realm, only a step or two away from the 2nd Spirit cultivation realm. She had fine-tuned her mind, body, and spirit using the Base Building Objects in her possession.
If the other island owners came to know that Nuya was trying to achieve a breakthrough into the 2nd Spirit cultivation realm, they would surely try to create some trouble for her. As such, she decided to visit Haan Di and achieve her breakthrough there.
Nuya told Aksai that she would announce her seclusion to the outside world and then secretly leave Emerald Cove. Haan Di had an ideal environment for capable Spirit Refining Perfectionists to try their luck and achieve a breakthrough into the 2nd Spirit cultivation realm. As such, she had chosen what was safe for her.
Nuya asked Aksai not to leave Emerald Cove while she was away. She requested that he manage the island’s affairs during her absence to ensure the island’s economy remained stable.
Aksai didn’t have any reason to disagree with Nuya’s proposal. He had already decided that he would not leave Emerald Cove anytime soon anyway.
Both Aksai and Nuya knew that there were many risks involved in breaking through to the 2nd Spirit realm. If Nuya was unlucky, she might end up damaging her foundation as a Spirit cultivator. In the worst case, she might die.
However, Aksai and Nuya chose to avoid discussing the negative aspects of the breakthrough and focused on the positive. If Nuya managed to become a Foundation Building Expert before Aksai, it would allow them to have a significant sway in the Alliance.
Aksai genuinely wished Nuya well in private before focusing on their surroundings.
As they stood there, enjoying the wine and the festive atmosphere of Shuan and Marishaa’s wedding, Aksai felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
His efforts in the vineyard had borne fruit most exquisitely, and he looked forward to seeing what other wonders he could create with his druidic powers and the fertile land of Emerald Cove.
***
The ceremony took place in an open field adorned with intricate floral arrangements and elaborate decorations.
A beautiful archway woven with vines and flowers stood at the center, framing the couple as they exchanged vows.
Shuan, the groom, looked handsome and proud in his ceremonial attire, while Marishaa, the bride, was radiant in her wedding gown, her face glowing with happiness.
As the ceremony began, Aksai took his place among the honored guests, his gaze fixed on the couple. The officiant, an elder of Shamrock Peak, began the proceedings with a blessing.
Shuan and Marishaa exchanged their vows, each promise met with applause and cheers from the guests. The couple then performed a series of traditional rituals, symbolizing their union.
After the vows were exchanged and the rituals completed, the couple was declared husband and wife. The guests erupted into applause, and Aksai and Nuya joined in.
Nimiya Jaram, Dia Naya, and Aram Talak also joined Aksai and Nuya during this time. The five island owners of Emerald Cove started conversing with each other after meeting for a long time.
Nimiya Jaram had successfully become a mother last year. She had given birth to a beautiful daughter who was already a few months old.
Later in the evening, Aksai also met with Jiren, the Spirit garden specialist that Nuya had asked to come to Emerald Cove.
Jiren teased Aksai about his growing friendship with Nuya some more before indulging in the wine Aksai gifted him.
The celebration continued with a grand feast, where tables were laden with delicious dishes and fine wines.
Music filled the air, and guests danced and laughed, their spirits lifted by the joyous occasion. Aksai mingled with the guests, offering his congratulations to the newlyweds and sharing in the festive atmosphere.
Shuan and Marishaa approached Aksai, their faces still glowing with happiness. “Thank you for coming, Big brother… um— no. Lord Aksai,” Shuan said, bowing respectfully. “It means a lot to us to have you here.”
Aksai smiled warmly. “It was my pleasure to be here on your special day.,” he said, his words sincere.
As the night wore on, the festivities showed no sign of slowing down.
The moon climbed higher, casting a magical glow over the peak.
Aksai stood at the edge of the field, looking out over his domain, a sense of fulfillment washing over him. Shuan’s wedding had been a beautiful reminder of the peace and prosperity one could attract their way as long as they had the smarts to walk away from certain headaches.
As the couple walked away to rejoin their guests, Aksai took a deep breath, the scent of flowers and the sound of laughter filling his senses. He felt a deep connection to this place, a bond that had been strengthened by the evening’s celebration.
And in that moment, Aksai knew he had made the right choice in making Emerald Cove his home.
Aksai walked away from the celebration, heading towards Shamrock Sanctuary to begin his daily cultivation practices when he saw Ruan approaching with red, teary eyes. Stopping in his tracks, he frowned. “What happened, Ruan?” he asked in a serious tone.
“Big… big brother, it’s my mother. She… she is about to…” Ruan couldn’t complete his sentence as emotions overwhelmed him.
Aksai immediately understood what Ruan wanted to convey—Aunt Reta was about to take her last breath. Aksai had done everything he could to prolong Aunt Reta’s life, but it seemed that he and Reta herself were out of options.
“Lead the way,” Aksai said grimly. Ruan wiped his tears and nodded before taking Aksai to his home.
‘Wedding celebration in one part of Shamrock Peak and the realization of mortality in the other. Is that what they call the duality of life?’
Aksai couldn’t help but think to himself as he sighed.