A lot had changed in Dadangar since Aksai decided to enter seclusion for his projects related to Acarnis.
After a brief period of relative calm, the cultivation world Dadangar faced another wave of chaos.
The Five-Kingdom subcontinent became restless once again when the top dogs resumed their confrontations.
Two years ago, a late-stage Foundation Building expert managed to access a special zone inside the Core Formation Lord’s cultivation cave.
This zone was a treasure trove, offering 2nd-order and even 3rd-order cultivation resources.
From various forms of artifacts and cultivation tools to top-grade concoctions and pills, this special zone was rich in resources.
Of course, this zone also contained many risks, making it difficult for the Spirit cultivators to farm this place for resources. However, it didn’t stop them from trying their luck here.
The discovery of this special zone led to a scramble among the major powers. The five big sects, along with their vassal kingdoms, clashed for control over these precious resources. The already tense cold war between these sects, sparked by the appearance of Spirit veins on various islands in the Dadangar Archipelago, escalated into open hostility.
The Purple River Sect from Rokur Kingdom and Isla Kingdom’s Sun Ocean Society formed an alliance in response to these rapid changes. These two sects, once at odds due to competition over the newly discovered Spirit veins, were forced to collaborate when the situation with the other three sects in the Big Five became increasingly dire.
The relationships between these Big Five sects were always fickle. They could shake hands with each other one day and try to go after each other’s necks the next day. It all depended on which position benefited them the most at any given time. As such, the veteran Spirit cultivators were not surprised when these developments took place.
In contrast, the Ouz Kingdom’s Green Glory Palace, Yidia Kingdom’s Western Limiya Gate, and Kaan Kingdom’s Eastern Limiya Gate also entered into a formal alliance after realizing the strength of the Purple River Sect and the Sun Ocean Society’s partnership. It was only natural to confront a stronger enemy by uniting forces after all.
As a result, various confrontations broke out between the disciples of these Big Five sects in numerous locations. These hostilities were especially prominent in the Dadangar Archipelago.
The Dadangar Islands Alliance was compelled to strengthen its ties with the Purple River Sect and Sun Ocean Society. Meanwhile, the Kalingoot organization, consisting of independent island owners who didn’t join the Alliance, aligned itself with the other three sects.
This division led to frequent skirmishes between members of the Alliance and Kalingoot across the sea domain. The confrontations weren’t limited to the islands; they spilled over into the open seas and even minor islands, creating a pervasive atmosphere of conflict.
The once relatively peaceful Dadangar Archipelago had become a battleground, with sects vying for dominance and resources. Each faction sought to outmaneuver the others, leveraging their alliances and resources to gain an edge.
The struggle for control over the special zone and the valuable resources it held had transformed the political and martial landscape of Dadangar, leaving no corner of the archipelago untouched by the ensuing chaos.
This chaotic period saw the rise of new heroes and the fall of established powers as the balance of power constantly shifted. Cultivators of all levels were drawn into the conflict, their destinies intertwined with the outcome of this grand struggle.
***
Aksai’s seclusion had finally come to an end.
The heavy stone door of his private chamber creaked open, revealing a figure that radiated newfound vitality and strength.
Aksai stepped out, his aura more refined, his presence more imposing.
His Spirit cultivation had clearly advanced, and it showed in his youthful and enigmatic appearance.
Waiting for him outside were his two loyal maids, Zara and Violet. They greeted him with warm smiles, their eyes shining with admiration.
‘Hmm. Both of them have applied some make-up. I didn’t know they would indulge in refining their looks with external aids like mortals,’ Aksai thought to himself as he looked at his maids. It took a while for him to realize that his maids weren’t young at this point.
‘Haah. Beauty fades when one is forced to wash their face with the river of time. Only my pursuit of Spirit cultivation can survive the test of time. Everything else is just a passing wind,’ Aksai quickly adjusts his mindset before greeting his maids with his signature smile.
“Congratulations on your successful seclusion, Master Aksai,” Zara said, her voice filled with genuine happiness.
Violet nodded, her smile broadening. “You look even more youthful, Master. Your progress is evident.” one could see that she was a bit envious of Aksai’s youthful looks and wanted to look his age as well.
It wasn’t that Zara and Violet had gotten excessively old. Both of them still looked stunning. It was that Aksai had stayed the same, which was becoming more apparent with each passing year.
Aksai looked at his maids with a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. “Thank you, Zara, Violet. It’s good to be back. Please summon all my direct subordinates. I need to be updated on everything that’s happened in my absence.”
The maids bowed and quickly went to fulfill his request.
Soon, Aksai was sitting on a throne-like chair in a spacious hall.
The hall was grand, with high ceilings and intricate carvings on the walls. His subordinates knelt before him, their heads bowed in respect.
Aksai’s gaze swept over them before he spoke, his voice calm but commanding. “Alright. Now that the formalities are over, we shall start with the first agenda of the meeting. First, fill me in on details that took place in my seclusion.”
Zara stepped forward first, her tone serious as she began to explain. “Master, the conflicts between the Big Five sects have escalated significantly. There have been numerous clashes.”
She continued.
“As you already know, the Purple River Sect and the Sun Ocean Society have formed an alliance, while the Green Glory Palace, Western Limiya Gate, and Eastern Limiya Gate have joined forces. These alliances have become stronger than ever because of the recent incidents.
One particularly severe incident involved a mass death on a remote island that is part of the Dadangar Island Alliance. The disciples fought fiercely, and many lives were lost.
Some of Emerald Cove’s islanders were also involved in this clash because of their greed.
However, they died on the spot before they could receive rewards for their participation.”