As the auction event neared its conclusion, the atmosphere in the grand hall remained charged.
The auctioneer introduced the next item with a flourish.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our next item is a rare and powerful one-time-use item—a top-grade 2nd-order Formation Dissonance talisman. This talisman can disrupt and dismantle complex formations, making it invaluable for overcoming formidable barriers and obstacles. The bidding will start at 25,000 spirit stones.”
‘I…. am I…. still poor? What kind of starting bidding amount is that?’
Aksai’s eyes widened as the talisman was unveiled. The intricate runes and shimmering energy it radiated hinted at its immense power. This talisman could be the answer to his problem at the 2nd-order Everwood farm.
But the starting price alone was daunting. Aksai knew his current resources couldn’t cover such a hefty sum. He watched as the bidding began, the price climbing swiftly.
“Twenty-six thousand!”
“Twenty-eight thousand!”
“Thirty thousand!”
‘Sure enough, there are buyers. I guess I don’t have deep pockets yet even after owning Emerald Cove for a few years now.’
Aksai sighed inwardly, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. Just as he was about to accept that he couldn’t participate, Sirina leaned in and whispered, “I can lend you the spirit stones you need, Expert Aksai. Fifty thousand should be enough to secure it.”
He looked at her, considering the offer.
‘This vixen… she is still thinking about winning me over.’
Sirina’s eyes were sincere, but Aksai knew there would be strings attached. He didn’t want to be indebted or influenced by her, no matter how tempting the offer.
“Thank you, Sirina, but I can’t accept your help,” Aksai said quietly. “I appreciate it, truly, but I need to find another way.”
Sirina sighed, respecting his decision even though she was visibly disappointed. “I… I understand.”
The bidding war raged on. “Forty thousand!”
“Fifty thousand!”
The final bid closed at an astonishing 57,000 spirit stones. Aksai sighed again, a mix of relief and regret. He had chosen his independence over immediate solutions, but it still stung to watch the talisman slip away.
‘I might not be able to step into the new world physically. But perhaps, I don’t have to,’ Aksai thought to himself, and that finally brought a smile to his face.
Sirina sighed as well, understanding the depth of Aksai’s resolve. ‘You’re a stubborn one, Aksai,’ she murmured, more to herself than to him.
The auction continued, and Aksai managed to secure a few other valuable items, though they nearly emptied his coffers. He remained composed, knowing that these acquisitions would still aid him in his cultivation journey.
As the event drew to a close, Aksai stood up and turned to Sirina.
“Thank you for everything, Expert Sirina. I appreciate your support and understanding. I… I’ll be leaving the White Mountain City soon. But I’d be sure to come by to meet you any time I visit the city again in the future.
At the same time, you are welcome to visit Emerald Cove anytime. I’ll be sure to be a good host,” Aksai said as he offered a bow as a salute.
Sirina smiled warmly. “Anytime, Expert Aksai. Take care, and good luck with your endeavors. I’ll be sure to visit Emerald Cove someday. After all, I’m interested to see the origins of Bacchus’ Blessings.”
“Haha. I’ll be sure to offer you a set of bottles as a gift when you visit,” Aksai replied, bidding her farewell before quietly leaving the auction venue.
***
Aksai returned to his rented villa in the evening, the dim glow of the setting sun casting long shadows over the city.
As he entered, Zara, his diligent maid, greeted him with a warm smile.
“Welcome back, Master Aksai,” Zara said, her voice soft and respectful.
“Thank you, Zara,” Aksai replied, taking a seat in the lounge. “We need to talk.”
Zara’s smile faded slightly, sensing the seriousness in his tone. She approached him, her eyes filled with concern. “What is it, Master Aksai? Did something happen?”
Aksai sighed, rubbing his temples. “Nothing. It’s just that… My days here in White Mountain City are coming to an end. I’ll be leaving in a few days to return to Emerald Cove.”
Zara’s face fell, her eyes widening with sadness. “Leaving? But… I thought you’d stay longer. We’ve only just….”
There was a reason Zara had accepted to become Aksai’s maid. She wanted to stay in the White Mountain City and use Aksai’s influence as the Foundation Building Expert to her advantage. Without him, she couldn’t stay in the city for long. After all, she was merely a Spirit Refining Perfectionist and there were limits to what she could do as a cultivator not affiliated with any well-known organization.
Seeing her disheartened expression, Aksai smiled gently. “You don’t have to stay here, Zara. You can join me. You can come to Emerald Cove and continue to act as one of my personal maids there. My island has an immature Spirit vein. But its grade is of 2nd-order and with the right formation, you can cultivate there without any issue.”
Zara’s eyes lit up with hope. “Really? Do you mean it, Master Aksai? I can come with you?”
Aksai nodded. “Yes. Emerald Cove is a wonderful place, and I could use your help there.”
Zara beamed with happiness, her earlier sadness evaporating. “Thank you, Master Aksai! I’d love to come with you.”
Aksai accessed his storage ring and pulled out a significant sum of spirit stones wrapped inside a storage pouch. “Take this, Zara. Use it to buy any resources you might need from the city before we leave. Make sure you’re well-prepared for the journey.”
Zara took the spirit stones with gratitude. “Thank you, Master Aksai. I’ll get everything we need.”
Over the next few days, Aksai and Zara busied themselves with preparations for their departure.
Aksai made several trips to the market, buying and selling items to ensure he had everything necessary for his return to Emerald Cove.
He sold some more of the 1st-order and 2nd-order resources from Everwood Farm, knowing that he might not have the chance to return to White Mountain City for a long time.
Despite the flurry of transactions, Aksai was meticulous, ensuring each deal was completed swiftly and efficiently. Zara, on her part, gathered the supplies she needed and helped Aksai pack up their belongings.
One evening, as they were packing the last of their things, Zara looked at Aksai with a mixture of excitement and gratitude. “I’ve never been to Emerald Cove before. What’s it like?”
Aksai smiled. “It’s beautiful, Zara. The Shamrock Peak is a sight to behold, with lush greenery and vibrant life everywhere. You’ll love it there.”
Zara nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. “I can’t wait to see it.”
On the day of their departure, Aksai and Zara stood outside their rented villa for the last time. Aksai took one final look at the city that had been his temporary home, feeling a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the future.
‘Thank you for helping me become a Foundation Building Expert. I’ll never forget you,’ Aksai said to the house in his heart, even though he knew there was nobody to respond.
“Ready?” he asked Zara.
She nodded, a determined look on her face. “Yes.”