Aksai felt nothing when he heard the news of some of Emerald Cove islanders dying in an incident related to conflicts between the sects.
Who had asked them to participate in such conflicts in the first place? Certainly not Aksai. He had always preached a calm and collective approach over hasty gains. His words and actions were in sync.
As such, he didn’t think that he should feel some kind of loss or regret. On the contrary, he blamed the dead islanders for being too greedy.
‘It’s never a good idea to swim in a bigger lake when there are sharks in it. Haah. When will these stupid newbies learn that they are like pebbles in the eyes of the big shots,’ Aksai sighed in his head.
Meanwhile, Aksai’s maids briefed him on all the major incidents that had happened around the Emerald Cove. They also told him about a few incidents on the mainland that shared some connection with the Alliance.
Aksai listened intently, his expression thoughtful. “I see. The competition for resources has always been fierce, but it seems the stakes have risen even higher.”
Next, Violet stepped forward to provide her update.
“Master, the Kalingoot organization has sought the help of the Lakir Clan. The Lakir Clan, which was on the verge of fading into history, has made a significant comeback thanks to Kalingoot’s support. They have relocated from the Purple Poison Marshland and made the Dadangar Archipelago their new home.”
She continued, “In return for Kalingoot’s help, the Lakir Clan has become their hired muscle, targeting important members of the Alliance. They have started using Blood Fiends in their battles. The most dreadful of these are the two 2nd-order Flying Blood Fiends, who possess power rivaling that of a regular Foundation Building Expert.”
Violet knew that Aksai had some connection with the Lakir Clan in the past. Even her mother had told her about the atrocities committed by the Lakir Clan, which had employed both Aksai’s and her families as rental Spirit farmers on their Spirit farmland in Wuyum County.
Violet hadn’t experienced the Lakir Clan’s iron-fist rule over its Spirit farmers herself. She was born after her family fled from the Lakir estate, after all.
However, she was wise enough to understand that Aksai would want to know everything about the Lakir Clan and its recent activities.
Aksai was a bit surprised by the Lakir Clan’s comeback in the Dadangar Archipelago. However, upon thinking things through, it all made sense to him. The clan had survived the purge initiated by the Purple River Sect and must have obviously held a grudge against the sect members for eradicating its rule in Wuyum County.
After retreating into the Purple Poison Marshland for years, the clan saw an opportunity to make a comeback using Kalingoot. It could use Kalingoot’s resources to deal with the Purple River Sect, so it was only natural that it shook hands with the sect’s enemies.
The Purple River Sect did not have much influence on the seas. However, its disciples were compelled to visit the Archipelago to try their luck in the Core Formation Lord’s cultivation cave. The Lakir Clan members would obviously not let this opportunity go.
‘This Lakir clan is like a cockroach. It hides in crevices whenever it senses it is about to be squashed to death, and it comes out in the open when it sees an opportunity,’ Aksai sighed as he thought of the Lakir Clan.
Aksai still remembered his days as a rental Spirit farmer on the Lakir estate, which brought a mirthless smile to his face. Although his days in the worn-out farmhouse on the Lakir estate were full of hard work and difficulties, it was the place where he had grown up. As such, he couldn’t completely hate the place even if he wanted to.
‘I wonder what my old man would say to me if he were to meet me now. Will he be happy that I finally became a Foundation Building Expert? Or will he criticize me for being too slow?’
Aksai wondered as he thought of his late father, who had died in the rental farmhouse. It brought a slight smile to his face that faded just as quickly as it had appeared.
***
Aksai was told about the incidents related to the Blood Fiends that had taken place in the Dadangar Archipelago. The Blood Fiends haven’t caused any trouble on Emerald Cove yet. But considering the situation, it wouldn’t be too long before these creatures were unleashed on Aksai’s domain as well.
Aksai’s eyes narrowed at this news. “Blood Fiends, you say? This complicates things. The Lakir Clan is not to be underestimated.”
Violet nodded. “Yes, Master. The Flying Blood Fiends have already caused significant damage. They are a serious threat to the Alliance.”
Aksai leaned back in his throne-like chair, his mind processing the information. The situation in Dadangar had become more volatile during his seclusion, with alliances shifting and new threats emerging. He needed to strategize carefully to navigate this complex landscape.
“Thank you, Zara and Violet,” Aksai said finally. “Your updates have been invaluable.”
As Aksai’s maids finished briefing him about the events that had transpired outside Emerald Cove, he turned his attention to his other direct subordinates gathered in the hall.
Ivy Elbak, his apprentice, stood tall with a determined expression. Beside her were Violet’s mother Jasmine, Ruan– Aunt Reta’s son, and Shuan, each waiting for Aksai’s words.
Aksai gave a nod of approval to Ivy. “Congratulations on reaching the 9th stage of the Spirit Refining realm,” he said, his tone warm yet authoritative.
Ivy bowed deeply, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Master Aksai. It’s because of your guidance and support that I’ve been able to make such rapid progress.”
Aksai smiled slightly before turning to Shuan. “And you, Shuan, congratulations on reaching the Spirit Refining Perfection realm.”
Shuan bowed his head in respect. “Thank you, Master Aksai. It’s… it’s all because of your help and encouragement.”
Aksai reached into his storage ring and pulled out a small, sealed vial containing a Foundation Building pill.
He tossed the vial to Shuan, who caught it with wide eyes.
“Take this pill when you’re ready to achieve a breakthrough into the Foundation Building realm,” Aksai smiled as he looked at a shocked Shuan.