After a few days of ensuring everything was in order at Shamrock Peak, Aksai finally made his way to Nuya’s residence.
Her message had been clear, and although his duties had delayed him, he was eager to understand the new developments she wanted to discuss.
Nuya welcomed him warmly at the entrance. “Aksai, it’s good to see you,” she greeted, her eyes reflecting both warmth and urgency.
“Likewise, Nuya. I apologize for the delay,” Aksai responded with a polite nod.
“Not to worry. Come, we’re meeting in the study room,” Nuya said, leading him through the corridors of her elegantly decorated home.
As they entered the study room, Aksai saw that the other co-owners of Emerald Cove—Nimiya Jaram, Dia Naya, and Aram Talak—were already present. They all stood and offered a courteous bow to Aksai.
“Greetings, lord Aksai,” Nimiya said, her tone respectful. The others offered their greetings as well.
Nimiya didn’t dare to call Aksai her little brother anymore after the latter had entered the Foundation Building realm. Sticking to Dadangar’s customs, Aksai also didn’t ask her to treat him casually.
“Good to see you all,” Aksai replied, nodding back to them.
Nuya motioned for everyone to sit. Once they were all settled, she began.
“Aksai, we’ve received some troubling news. I mean we had been facing this problem for a few years at this point but it was never this serious. There’s a new threat in the Dadangar Archipelago—an emerging force named Kalingoot. They’ve captured several Spirit vein islands, causing significant concern.”
Aksai raised an eyebrow, a look of realization crossing his face. “Kalingoot, huh? Four years ago, on my way to White Mountain City, I was attacked. I heard this name for the first time from their mouth when I interrogated them.”
Nuya nodded, her expression serious.
“Indeed. They are targeting the island owners who are part of the Alliance. Although it would be tough to prove, Kalingoot is being funded by three major sects. They aim to destabilize the region, particularly opposing the Purple River Sect and Sun Ocean Society. This… this is causing a lot of regional instability.”
Dia Naya leaned forward, adding, “The situation is becoming increasingly volatile. Kalingoot’s actions are not just aggressive; they are strategic. They’re aiming to control key resources and weaken the island owners of all islands that are part of the Alliance.”
Aram Talak, usually quiet, spoke up.
“And there’s more. We all know that a new dimension has been discovered in the Dadangar seas that has complicated matters even further.
It’s rumored to be the cultivation cave of a Core Formation Lord from ancient times. Its entrance is on an island owned by a neutral Foundation Building Expert. This island isn’t aligned with either the Dadangar Islands Alliance or Kalingoot, but both factions are eager to explore it.”
Aksai considered this information carefully. “This new dimension could be a game-changer,” he mused. “Both sides will be desperate to uncover its secrets and claim any resources it holds.”
Nuya nodded. “Exactly. We need to be cautious. The discovery has already drawn attention, and it’s only a matter of time before conflict arises over it.”
Aksai looked at his co-owners, seeing the concern in their eyes. “We’ll need to strengthen our defenses and keep a close watch on any movements by Kalingoot. This new dimension… it could either be an opportunity or a disaster, depending on how we handle it.”
Nimiya added, “We should also consider sending scouts to gather more information about the dimension. Knowing what we’re dealing with could give us an edge.”
Aksai agreed. “Yes, knowledge is our best weapon right now. We’ll prepare accordingly.”
As the meeting continued, Nuya leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I have to admit, Aksai, the discovery of this new dimension intrigues me. I’m interested in exploring it myself. There could be invaluable resources and knowledge that might aid my cultivation journey.”
Nimiya nodded eagerly. “I feel the same way. For those of us still in the Spirit Refining realm, this could be our lucky chance to become Foundation Building Experts like you and Nuya.”
Dia Naya and Aram Talak both expressed similar sentiments, their faces reflecting a mix of hope and determination. “We’ve been seeking breakthroughs for so long,” Dia said.
“This dimension could hold the key. We are not like you, lord Aksai. With our current strength and economic condition, we can’t find any opportunities in Haan Di.
We… We are not confident in achieving a breakthrough in the Foundation Building realm with what we have right now. All three of us would die or injure ourselves if we followed your or Expert Nuya’s steps. Time is running out for us.”
Aram added, “It’s not just about advancing our cultivation. The knowledge we might gain could benefit all of Emerald Cove. But there’s a huge problem…”
Nuya sighed, her expression growing serious. “Yes, the problem is that if we all leave to explore the dimension, it leaves Emerald Cove vulnerable to potential threats from Kalingoot. They could seize the opportunity to strike while we’re away.”
‘This… isn’t this the perfect opportunity for me? And I was worrying for nothing.’
Aksai smiled inwardly, thinking that this situation played perfectly into his plans.
Staying on Emerald Cove would allow him the uninterrupted time he needed for his ambitious bloodline refinement process. He looked at his companions and spoke up, his tone calm and reassuring.
“Everyone, I understand your concerns and your eagerness to explore the dimension. It’s a significant opportunity for all of you. As for me, I’m not particularly interested in exploring the dimension. My focus is here, on Emerald Cove.”
Nuya and the others looked at Aksai with surprise. “Are you sure, Aksai?” Nuya asked. “This could be a rare chance for us all.”
Aksai nodded. “I’m sure. Someone needs to stay behind to ensure the island’s governance doesn’t get hampered and to deal with any potential external threats. I’ll be here to protect Emerald Cove in your absence.”
Nimiya’s face brightened with relief. “That’s a huge weight off our shoulders, Aksai. Knowing you’re here gives us peace of mind.”
Dia and Aram nodded in agreement, their expressions showing gratitude. “We can explore the dimension with fewer worries,” Dia said.
Aram added, “Thank you, lord Aksai.”
Aksai smiled modestly. “It’s my duty. Plus, it gives me a chance to focus on some personal projects without interruption. I’ll make sure everything runs smoothly while you’re gone.”
Nuya stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. “Alright, then. We’ll make preparations for our journey to the dimension. Aksai, we’ll rely on you to keep things in order here.”
Aksai nodded. “Leave it to me.”
As the other island owners expressed their thanks and began discussing their plans, Aksai felt a sense of satisfaction.
His decision not only supported his friends but also provided him with the perfect cover for his bloodline refinement process.