Emerald Cove. Dadangar.
The day was bright and full of anticipation as young Spirit cultivators gathered on the specially prepared battlefield.
These young fighters, aged between 14 and 16, were ready to prove their worth in the annual competition. This event was a tradition on the island, aimed at identifying and nurturing the most talented among the native seedlings.
Aksai, the island owner, sat on a raised platform, his throne-like chair positioned above the seats of his subordinates: Ivy Elbak, Ruan, Shuan, and Jasmine.
Aksai’s direct subordinates were the judges for the competition, their chairs placed a level below Aksai’s, symbolizing their authority but also their deference to him.
The young cultivators, in their humble yet determined demeanor, offered their bows to Aksai before the battles began. They were aware of the significance of this event, knowing that it could change their futures.
Aksai, with a calm and observing demeanor, nodded to acknowledge their respect.
‘Hmm. this year’s participants are really not bad.’
Aksai watched intently, pleased with the display of skills. This was not his first time observing such competitions. He would have preferred not to attend these boring events had it been not for the fact that the island needed some capable manpower.
Aksai and Nuya had already decided that they would raise capable seedlings native to Emerald Cove. This was the reason Nuya was also presiding over a similar competition within her region. The other island owners had also organized similar competitions within their domains.
However, the competitions organized in Aksai and Nuya’s regions were especially anticipated by the masses. This was because the stakes for winning the competition were higher. After all, Aksai and Nuya were not only island owners but also Foundation Building Experts. As such, the competition level was raised to another level on its own as the participants did all they could to register their wins.
The first match pitted a 14-year-old boy in the 2nd stage of the Spirit Refining realm against a 15-year-old girl in the 3rd stage. The boy, nimble and quick, wielded a short sword imbued with Spirit energy. His opponent, the girl, held a staff with a crystal orb, her movements confident and precise.
The boy darted forward, his short sword gleaming in the sunlight as he aimed for a quick strike. The girl, anticipating his move, twirled her staff and conjured a shield of Spirit energy. The boy’s sword met the shield with a clash, and he was pushed back by the force of her defense. Not deterred, he adjusted his stance and circled her, looking for an opening.
The girl, sensing his strategy, decided to go on the offensive. She channeled her Spirit energy into the staff and sent a wave of force towards him. The boy rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, and retaliated with a flurry of swift strikes. Their battle continued, with the boy’s speed and the girl’s control evenly matched.
‘Hmm… these two younglings do have some talent. I wonder what their Spirit Root Aptitudes are. I bet their natural talent is better than what I had when I was their age,’ Aksai thought to himself, smiling.
‘But talent alone doesn’t guarantee anything. Will they ever become Foundation Building Experts with that talent? What about the realms beyond? The path of Spirit cultivation is endless. Nobody can afford to slack off,’ he concluded, feeling nostalgic and philosophical.
He could see the potential in both young cultivators, appreciating their dedication and spirit. As the battle drew to a close, the girl managed to land a decisive blow, disarming the boy and pointing her staff at his chest. He conceded defeat with a respectful nod.
Ivy Elbak, along with Ruan, Shuan, and Jasmine, observed the match carefully. Ivy, who had once been a young contestant herself, smiled with pride at the level of talent displayed. She remembered how she was selected by Aksai even though she had lost her final match against her opponent.
‘Master Aksai is truly kind and generous,’ Ivy thought to herself as she acted as a judge for the competition.
One would have to wonder if she would still call Aksai kind and generous if she knew what he had done to the intruders.
***
The judges discussed briefly before declaring the girl the winner, their decision unanimous.
As the competition progressed, more young cultivators showcased their abilities, each battle spoke volumes about their hard work and training.
Aksai let his subordinates make all the decisions, trusting their judgment completely. One could also say that he didn’t care much about the young seedlings that much. He just wanted Nuya to not bug him for not fulfilling his share of responsibilities as the island owner.
Finally, after many thrilling matches, sixteen young seedlings stood before Aksai. They bowed deeply, their voices in unison as they called out, “Island owner.”
Aksai rose from his chair, a gentle smile on his face. “You all have shown great promise,” he began, his voice carrying authority yet warmth.
“However, today, I will not be taking any of you under my wing directly. Instead, my trusted subordinates will each choose four of you to mentor and guide.”
Ivy, Ruan, Shuan, and Jasmine stepped forward, selecting their disciples with careful consideration. Each of them knew the importance of this responsibility, understanding that they were not just picking students but future pillars of Emerald Cove.
As the selections were made, the chosen ones beamed with pride and excitement, ready to begin their new journeys.
‘Hahaha. I can’t rely on my Sentient Scarecrows too much. Rather, I shouldn’t. These young Spirit cultivators have their own uses. I just need to nurture them right.
I might not take direct disciples. But I can always use my subordinates for this task. I can always support their journeys by providing the right kind of cultivation resources,’ Aksai concluded.
He watched with satisfaction, confident that this approach would foster a strong hierarchy of mentorship and growth on the island.
When the event concluded, Aksai addressed the crowd one last time. “Remember, this is just the beginning. Train hard, respect your mentors, and uphold the values of our island. Together, we will grow stronger.
Troubled times are up ahead. So each of us would have to prepare in advance. You know what they say right? The more you sweat in peace the less you bleed in war.”
With those words, Aksai summoned his Lian Flying Sword and flew away, letting his subordinates handle the rest of the formalities.