About five years later.
Shamrock Peak. Emerald Cove. Dadangar.
Ivy Elbak had blossomed into a striking young woman, her appearance now reflecting the strength and grace she had developed over the years.
Her once slender frame had filled out, giving her a more balanced physique, yet she retained the agility and resilience that had always defined her.
Her skin remained sun-kissed, a testament to her continued connection with the outdoors. Her dark brown hair, now rich and lustrous, cascaded in waves down her back, framing her face elegantly.
She often wore it in a loose braid or pinned up during her training sessions, but when left free, it flowed like a dark river.
Ivy’s eyes, still that vivid green, had gained depth and wisdom. They held a calm intensity, reflecting her inner strength and the many experiences she had encountered.
Her eyebrows, naturally arched, gave her a look of keen intelligence and determination. The freckles on her nose and cheeks had faded slightly but were still visible, adding a touch of youthful charm to her mature features.
Her face had developed a more defined structure, with high cheekbones and a softly rounded jawline. Her lips were full and often set in a thoughtful expression, though they easily curved into a warm smile when she was among friends or engaged in her work.
Ivy’s attire had evolved from simple, practical clothing to more refined yet functional garments that suited her role as a Spirit cultivator in charge of island owner Aksai’s farm.
She favored tunics and trousers made from high-quality fabrics that allowed for ease of movement, often in shades of green and brown that complemented her connection to nature. She also wore a fitted leather vest and sturdy boots, reflecting her active lifestyle.
***
At this time…
Ivy stood at the edge of a small cliff, overseeing Aksai’s Spirit farm with a commanding presence. The vibrant fields spread out before her, a testament to the careful cultivation and diligent work of the rental Spirit farmers below. Her voice rang out, clear and authoritative, as she directed their efforts.
“Ensure the Starfire Berries are harvested with utmost care,” Ivy instructed. “They need to be handled gently to preserve their potency. And remember to water the Moonlit Saplings with the diluted ice essence regularly.”
Ruan and Shuan were also busy delegating Ivy’s commands to their respective teams. Ruan, managing the northern section, called out, “Watch the roots of the Azure Lotus! They are thriving, but we need to ensure they remain intact for optimal efficacy in elixirs.”
Shuan, supervising the southern part, directed the farmers handling the Celestial Peaches. “Monitor the ripeness closely. We can’t afford to lose any to over-maturation.”
As Ivy continued to supervise, she sensed a presence behind her and turned to see Aksai approaching. His calm demeanor and the aura of authority around him made the farmers pause momentarily in their tasks to bow in respect.
“Ivy,” Aksai greeted her. “How are things progressing on the farm?”
It seemed that Aksai had finally come out of his four-month long cultivation seclusion.
Ivy, Ruan, and Shuan gathered around Aksai, ready to provide their reports. Ivy spoke first. “My lord, the Starfire Berries are ripening well, and we’ve managed to increase the yield by ten percent this season. The Moonlit Saplings are also taking root faster than expected.”
Ruan added, “The Azure Fire Lotus is thriving, and our new preservation method has improved their effectiveness in elixirs. However, the Blackwind Spiritvine requires constant vigilance due to its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations.”
Shuan nodded and reported, “The Red Jade Celestial Peaches are on schedule for harvesting, but the Twilight Orchids need special care. They are sensitive to unseen conditions like changes in humidity and light.”
Aksai listened attentively, nodding in approval. “You’ve all done excellent work. However, I suggest rotating the crops more frequently to prevent soil depletion. Also, increase the Spirit essence concentration in the irrigation system by a small margin to boost growth. If the Array Formation layout needs some adjustments from my end, I’ll do it by the end of the day.”
For the most part, Aksai was satisfied with Ivy’s progress and the work performed under Ruan and Shuan’s supervision. “Ivy, your leadership has truly made a difference here,” he remarked.
Ivy blushed slightly at the praise but maintained her composure. “Thank you, Lord Aksai.”
With the reports concluded Ivy hesitated for a moment before asking, “How did your seclusion go, my lord?”
Aksai’s eyes sparkled with a peculiar light as he released his aura, a powerful wave of Spirit essence pulse that radiated from him. “I have barely become a Spirit Refining Perfectionist by sheer luck,” he announced, a smile spreading across his face. “Only a step away from entering the second realm.”
Ruan, Shuan, and Ivy were visibly awed. They immediately bowed their heads in respect and congratulated him. “Congratulations, Lord Aksai,” they chorused, their voices filled with admiration.
Aksai nodded, his expression neutral. He was not particularly happy or sad about his progress, considering the fact that he had used numerous elixirs and some cultivation tools to boost his advancement. Additionally, his druid bloodline and superior Spirit Root Aptitude had made things easier for him. As such, Aksai had saved at least three years in achieving Spirit Refining Perfection.
One could say that the progress was neither too fast nor too slow. Of course, Aksai’s progress couldn’t be evaluated through ordinary lenses because he practiced multiple cultivation arts simultaneously. This approach slowed down his speed in the path of Spirit cultivation but made him a multi-talented Spirit cultivator.
“Thank you,” Aksai said with a smile. “Now, let’s continue our work. There is much to be done, and we must always strive for perfection.”
As the team dispersed to continue their tasks, Aksai’s direct subordinates felt a renewed sense of purpose. They realized that Aksai was not just training them to tend to the Spirit farm but preparing them for greater responsibilities in the future. After all, if Aksai managed to become a Foundation Building Expert in the future, they would be able to grow as Spirit cultivators under him as well.
***
Two days later.
Aksai stood atop his Flying Lian Sword, the wind whipping around him as he approached Nuya’s palace.
The landscape below shifted from the lush greenery of Emerald Cove to the highland region of Sunlit Plateau, a domain controlled by Nimiya Jaram.
This area was bathed in perpetual sunlight, which nourished the local flora and powered the geothermal vents and natural hot springs that dotted the region.
As he descended, Aksai marveled at the sight of the hardworking farmers and skilled craftsmen below. The population was predominantly low-stage Spirit Refiners who specialized in earth-based cultivation methods, harnessing the unique energy of the plateau.
Aksai had recently expanded his cultivation land beyond Serenity Peak. Ivy, Ruan, Shuan, and even Jasmine did their best to accommodate Aksai’s increased yield and production needs. However, he could still use some of the workforce Nimiya Jarem had under her control. This was why he was here to ask for help from a fellow island owner.
Aksai quickly located Nimiya’s palace at the heart of Sunlit Plateau.
He guided his Flying Lian Sword to a graceful halt, jumping off and landing softly on the ground. As he walked towards the palace, a little girl came running up to him.
She was none other than Nimiya’s daughter, Niviya, a bright and cheerful child with a halo of curly hair and sparkling eyes that seemed to reflect the sunlight.
“Uncle Aksai!” Niviya called out, her voice filled with excitement.
Aksai smiled warmly and lifted her into his arms, tossing her gently into the air and catching her. Niviya giggled with delight, her laughter ringing out like a bell.
“Niviya, how are you, little one?” Aksai asked, still holding her.
“I’m good, Uncle! Mama said you’d come!” Niviya beamed at him.
At that moment, Nimiya Jaram appeared, her presence commanding, followed closely by her disciples. She smiled as she saw Aksai with her daughter.
“Welcome, little brother Aksai,” Nimiya greeted him. “It’s good to see you.”
“Hello, sister Nimiya,” Aksai replied, setting Niviya back on the ground. “I need your help with something. I have to leave Emerald Cove for a while, and I need someone trustworthy to help cultivate some of my farmland in my absence,” Aksai quickly explained his situation.
“You… You became a Spirit Refining Perfectionist?” Nimiya was surprised by Aksai’s exceptional growth in a few years. She had thought that Aksai was a Spirit cultivator with low-grade Spirit Root Aptitude. He should have taken many years to reach the stage he was at this point.
“It seems you are planning to head out.”
Nimiya nodded, understanding the gravity of his request. “I understand, brother Aksai. I’d be happy to help. My disciples and I will take good care of your land.”
“Thank you, sister Nimiya,” Aksai said, relieved. He then turned to Niviya, who was tugging at his robe. “I have to go now, Niviya, but I’ll be back soon.”
Niviya pouted slightly but then smiled and waved energetically. “Bye, Uncle Aksai!”
Aksai waved back with a smile. He then mounted his Flying Lian Sword and took off, soaring through the sky towards Nuya’s palace. As he glanced back one last time, he saw Niviya waving until he was out of sight.
***
Nuya’s Palace.
Under an Array Formation-controlled isolation domain, perpetually covered in snow and ice, stood a peculiar giant blue tree with branches like ice spears and snow-like leaves.
“So, you’re going to try your luck in Haan Di?”
Nuya asked, looking intently at Aksai. She stood near an ice-frosted lake, extremely cold and blue, yet still liquid. The ice frost tree right behind her.
“Yes. I have finally achieved Spirit Refining Perfection. There’s no need to wait anymore, Expert Nuya,” Aksai replied, offering a respectful bow.
Nuya was now a Foundation Building Expert, having established her foundation a few years ago in Haan Di before returning to Emerald Cove.
Since her return, she had solidified her authority in the Dadangar Islands Alliance, suppressing all kinds of threats directed at Emerald Cove by other island owners. The other Foundation Building Experts had to hide their greedy gazes on Emerald Cove after Nuya’s ascension.
“How many people know about your Spirit Refining Perfection realm and your impending departure from Emerald Cove?” Nuya asked.
“Not many. Only my close subordinates and sister Nimiya’s circle,” Aksai replied.
“That’s good,” Nuya nodded. “Do… do you need any help from me? Some Spirit stones maybe?” Nuya offered, wanting to assist Aksai in any way she could.
“Hehe, there’s no need, Expert Nuya,” Aksai shook his head with a smile. “I have everything covered.”
“I told you, you can call me Nuya like always. There shouldn’t be too many formalities between friends, Aksai,” Nuya said with a frown, a hint of displeasure in her voice.
She sighed before adding.
“Anyway, I understand why you want to leave Emerald Cove after so many years. Haan Di is indeed the right place for you to achieve a breakthrough into the 2nd realm.”
Nuya paused before continuing.
“However, Haan Di is also filled with many dangers, Aksai. The other Foundation Building Experts in the alliance probably know about the state of all the island owners of Emerald Cove.
If you disappear from the public eye for a long time, they’ll assume you are trying to break into the 2nd realm. They might come after you and cross paths with you in Haan Di. They wouldn’t want two Foundation Building Experts controlling Emerald Cove, so you need to be careful,” she said, looking at Aksai intently.
“Certainly,” Aksai smiled and nodded. The two talked for a while, exchanging pointers about Nuya’s experiences in Haan Di when she was breaking into the Foundation Building Realm.
After talking for a few hours, Aksai took his leave, leaving Nuya alone with her thoughts.
“All the best, Aksai,” Nuya murmured to herself as she watched Aksai’s figure soar through the skies and become a blur.
***
“Haah! Finally, I’m by myself,” Aksai said and took a breath of mental freedom in his lungs, manning a small ship alone.
He used the Array Formations on the ship to glide swiftly across the water.
The lone Spirit farmer felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as he traveled toward the mainland.
His destination was Haan Di, a neutral state located in the middle of the Dadangar Five-Kingdom subcontinent, sharing borders with all five kingdoms.
“Let’s check up on my progress, shall we?”
Aksai thought, guiding the ship with a wave of his hand. A spectral screen appeared before him, displaying his progress.
—
[ Name: Aksai Alden Everwood ]
Age: 37 years
Estimated lifespan remaining: 240 years
Spirit Cultivation: 9th stage Spirit Refining Perfection
Intra-stage Progress: N/A
Spirit Sense coverage: Around 30 meters
[Spirit Cultivation Technique: Stellar Greenwood Tantra]
Spirit Root: Wood, Earth, and Water Triple Affinity Spirit Root
Spirit Root Aptitude: Mid-grade
Talisman Creation Expertise: 2nd Order (Low level)
Array Formation Expertise: 2nd Order (Low level)
Alchemy Concoction Expertise: 2nd Order (Low level)
Artifact Creation Expertise: 1st Order (High level)
Artifact Forging Expertise: 1st Order (High level)
Other cultivation arts expertise: Spirit fish farming, demon beast rearing, Spirit horticulture, Spirit wine concoction, Spirit food cooking, Essence Equation writing (Spirit calligraphy). (Due to lack of data, these cultivation arts are deemed unquantifiable.)
[Body Cultivation: Low-stage Argent Body realm ]
Estimated Intra-stage Progress: 5%
Body Cultivation Technique: Celestial Harmony
Martial Arts progress:
– Harmony Palm: Master-level proficiency
– Qi Flow Arts: Master-level proficiency
– Guardian’s Qi: Master-level proficiency
– Qi Sword Arts: Master-level proficiency
– White Golden Palm Arts: Master-level proficiency
– Qi Palm Arts: Master-level proficiency
—
“Hmm. Everything seems to be in order,” Aksai nodded to himself.
“I’ve spent the last four years progressing as much as I could while staying put. There’s no existing path for me to grow anymore. Now it’s time to take some risks,” he murmured, thinking about Haan Di.
One notable fact was that Aksai’s current lifespan was longer than that of a normal Foundation Building Expert, even though he was still in Spirit Refining Perfection.
His druid bloodline was becoming increasingly stronger as he progressed in his cultivation journey.
After a few hours of peaceful travel, Aksai saw a familiar sight: the harbor of Purple River Gate City appearing on the horizon.
“Hehe. I can’t wait to become a Foundation Building Expert,” Aksai felt a surge of excitement as he approached the mainland.
His eventual breakthrough into the 2nd Spirit cultivation realm was one reason for his excitement.
The other reason was the anticipation of unlocking a new world through Myriad Worlds Painting after becoming a bona fide Foundation Building Expert.
Aksai didn’t care about the challenges in his path anymore. After all, when one was focused on their path, even difficulties were something to look forward to.
As for the new world? Aksai didn’t care what kind of world he unlocked for himself.
As long as it allowed him to grow at a steady and safe pace, he would eventually adapt to the new world’s customs. gm
===
AN: Hi! 🌟 AFAR’s second volume: Martial World Sharang is wrapping up with this chapter release. What did you enjoy most about the second volume? And what’s got you hyped for the third volume? Plus, any guesses on the kind of world Aksai might stumble upon next? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! That’s all for now. Catch you in the next volume. 😊📚