Emerald Cove. Cultivation World Dadangar.
Hour of Tiger (08:00 AM – 09:00 AM)
Aksai sat on a raised platform as the guest of honor, presiding over the ceremony for young Spirit cultivators between the ages of 13 to 15.
Beside him sat the other island owners: Dia Naya, Aram Talak, and Nimiya Jaram. They all gazed at the crowd and the young participants with neutral expressions, masking their thoughts.
In front of the raised platform, four battle rings were set up. The participants fought fiercely within these rings, using their Spirit spells to showcase their abilities.
The ceremony was a grand event, designed to let beginner Spirit cultivators display their talents and catch the eye of Aksai and the other island owners.
A sea of people surrounded the battle rings and the platform, their shouts and cheers filling the air. The audience’s enthusiasm was palpable as they supported and cheered for their favorite competitors. Battle cries echoed through the air, amplifying the intensity of the matches.
Although many talented young Spirit cultivators were showcasing their skills in the battle rings, Aksai’s attention was not on the star performers. Instead, his gaze was fixed on an ordinary girl who was fighting a bulky teenage boy using her wood-element Spirit spells.
The girl, unassuming in appearance, demonstrated a remarkable control over her wood-element spells. She summoned vines from the ground, using them to parry the boy’s aggressive attacks.
The boy, with his powerful fire-element spells, seemed confident in his victory. Yet, the girl’s agility and strategic use of her wood-element spells kept her in the fight.
Aksai watched as the girl created a wooden shield to block a fiery blast, then retaliated by sending a barrage of thorned vines toward her opponent. Her movements were precise, her focus unwavering. Despite the boy’s superior strength, the girl’s clever use of her abilities and her determination impressed Aksai.
“Look at that vine attack! Amazing control!” someone in the crowd marveled, their voice carrying a tone of awe.
“Keep your guard up! Don’t let him corner you!” a deep, commanding voice boomed, likely a parent or mentor offering advice.
“Wow, did you see that move? She’s incredible!” an enthusiastic spectator exclaimed, drawing attention to the girl who had captured Aksai’s interest.
The crowd roared with approval as the match continued, but Aksai’s attention never wavered from the girl. He could see the potential in her—a natural affinity to nature’s essence that was rare and intriguing.
As the battle raged on, the other island owners occasionally glanced at Aksai, noting his interest in the girl. Dia Naya, sitting to his right, leaned in slightly. “Interesting choice,” she murmured, her eyes flicking toward the girl.
“Yeah, she also has a wood-element affinity, which piqued my interest,” Aksai smiled, acknowledging her observation without taking his eyes off the match. The other two island owners, Aram Talak and Nimiya Jaram, also followed his gaze, curious about what had caught his attention.
Despite her ordinary appearance and seemingly average initial performance, the girl showcased a unique talent and resilience that set her apart.
Aksai saw the potential for her to become a capable Spirit cultivator with the right guidance and resources. However, his primary interest in her was to test some of his hypotheses.
The ceremony continued, with other participants displaying their skills. Eventually, the wood-element girl lost midway through the subsequent rounds, and the attention shifted to other participants.
But Aksai’s mind was made up. This girl, with her natural affinity for wood-element Spirit spells, had earned his interest. He wondered if he could help her harness the powers of a druid without giving her the Spirit bloodline.
***
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the Emerald Cove, the ceremony reached its conclusion.
The excitement and energy of the day slowly transitioned into a more formal atmosphere as the top 30 performers assembled in front of the raised platform. The crowd settled, eager to witness the final proceedings.
Dia Naya, Nimiya Jaram, and Aram Talak sat on the raised platform, their expressions reflecting a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. Aksai, on the other hand, looked relieved that the competition had finally come to an end.
He had observed the young Spirit cultivators throughout the day, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and potential. However, he didn’t particularly like anyone apart from the young girl with an affinity for nature’s essence.
Aksai could tell that some of the top 30 performers had more talent than that young girl as Spirit cultivators. However, they lacked the firm mindset required for the path of Spirit cultivation.
Dia Naya was the first to rise. She stepped forward with serene grace, her eyes scanning the eager faces of the top 30 performers. “Today, we have witnessed the future of our island,” she began, her voice carrying authority and warmth. “Each of you has demonstrated exceptional talent and determination. As island owners, we have the privilege of guiding and nurturing this potential.”
Naya then selected her disciples, choosing five young cultivators who had displayed impressive mastery of their Spirit spells and techniques. Each one stepped forward, their faces beaming with pride as they accepted their new status.
Next, Nimiya Jaram stood up, her presence commanding attention. “It is not just skill that I seek, but the spirit and heart of a true cultivator,” she said, her gaze piercing. She picked four female disciples, all of whom had shown not only prowess in their battles but also resilience and adaptability.
Aksai approved of Nimiya’s choices in his heart. He could tell that she was thinking of creating a small community of Spirit cultivators for herself and her daughter. As such, she had only chosen female cultivators.
Aram Talak followed, his demeanor more reserved but equally resolute. “In each of you, I see a spark of greatness,” he stated. “It is my honor to help you fan that spark into a flame.” He selected five disciples, his choices reflecting a balance of strength, intelligence, and growth potential.
Finally, it was Aksai’s turn. He stood, his eyes focused on the girl who had captured his attention throughout the ceremony. She had fought with quiet determination but had lost before she could be selected as the cream of the crop. As such, she wasn’t expecting attention from any island owner.
“Among you, there is one who embodies a connection with the essence of nature,” Aksai began, looking at the girl.
“Although she isn’t anywhere close to the so-called “Top 30″, I would like her to work under me. Mind you, I am not taking in a disciple but merely an apprentice. So how about it? Will you accept?”
Aksai asked, looking at the girl.