Aksai smiled, pleased with the ingenuity.
“And who’s in charge of the harvesting?” He asked Ivy curiously.
“Jasper and his team have been overseeing the harvesting process. They’ve been meticulous in selecting only the best Spirit berries for the Bacchus’ Blessings wine.”
“Good to hear,” Aksai replied. “And the wine production?”
Ivy’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “The production of Bacchus’ Blessings wine has been going exceptionally well. We’ve integrated more of the elemental Array Formations into the fermentation and aging processes as well. The fire arrays regulate the temperature perfectly, and the wind arrays ensure the wine is aerated just right.”
Some of these steps were the wine-making concepts that Aksai had imported from his previous world and later on taught to Ivy. Aksai was glad that his apprentice had made use of that knowledge effectively using the techniques available in Dadangar.
Aksai nodded in approval. “Excellent. How’s the market response been?”
“Bacchus’ Blessings wine remains one of the most sought-after products in Haan Di’s regular auction events,” Ivy reported proudly.
“We’ve received numerous requests and our reputation for producing high-quality wine has only grown. The demand often exceeds our supply, which speaks volumes about our product’s value.
Plus, we have also been producing the special edition of the Bacchus Wine that you had developed a few years ago. The Spirit cultivators from the mainland who can afford to buy this special edition are saying it is worthy to be included as one of the Foundation Building items as it increases a person’s life force steadily upon regular consumption.
Even though the special edition is highly expensive than our regular editions, this wine is slowly gaining popularity because of its additional effects. Compared to usual Base Building items that are sold for fortune, this wine is still a bit lighter on one’s wallet after all.
I’m thinking of hiring some jesters and theater artists to promote our special edition wine on the mainland. I think the special edition wine has the potential to earn us bigger profits if we invest some funds for its promotion.
After getting approval from an alchemist of a sect friendly to us, we can even sell the wine as a Base Building item officially. We can then increase our profits many fold.
Master Aksai’s friend Sirina has supported us a lot. She has also shown an interest to invest some cultivation resources in the special edition of the wine’s production. She is willing to talk to her senior brother Jaya and help us in this matter if we are ready to accept her help.”
‘Sirina, huh? I wonder how she is progressing these days,’ Aksai smiled to himself as he remembered Sirina’s beautiful face. She was the young Foundation Building Expert who Aksai had met in Haan Di.
Aksai also remembered vaguely that Jaya was the name of Sirina’s senior disciple brother who was also in charge of one of the factions under the Core Formation Lord. Jaya was the same man who had refused Sirina’s suggestion to have Aksai become a name-only disciple of their Core Formation master.
Aksai had managed to avoid getting selected as a name-only disciple at that time. However, he didn’t offend Sirina or Jaya and actually managed to maintain friendly ties with them.
This approach had allowed him to gain greater profits and connections in Haan Di. Sirina had also ensured that the products sent over the mainland from Emerald Cove would be bought in bulk by their auction house before selling them as rare commodities in various auction events.
***
Aksai leaned back, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “You’ve done an outstanding job, Ivy. Your dedication and application of the elemental arrays have clearly paid off. Also, let me worry about the initial steps for the production of the special edition wine. I’ll contact Sirina myself and strike a few deals with her. You can take over the operation after that.”
Ivy bowed slightly, her face glowing with pride. “Thank you, Master Aksai. Your teachings have been invaluable. We’ve also been experimenting with new blend techniques and additional arrays to see if we can push the quality even further.”
“Keep up the good work,” Aksai said, genuinely pleased. “Our vineyard and the Bacchus’ Blessings wine are crucial to our standing and resources. Ensure we maintain our standards and explore new ways to innovate.”
“I will, Master Aksai,” Ivy promised. “I’ve also been training some of the newer workers in the basics of Spirit cultivation, so they can better understand the importance of their roles in the vineyard and the wine production process.”
Aksai nodded, satisfied with the progress and the proactive approach Ivy was taking. “That’s a smart move. Well done, Ivy. Keep me updated on any significant developments.”
Ivy bowed again. “Of course, Master Aksai. I’ll make sure to keep you informed.”
Aksai then turned his attention to Ruan, Aunt Reta’s son, who had been managing the Spirit crops on Shamrock Peak’s farm fields and other regions within his domain.
“Ruan, how are the Spirit crops doing?” Aksai asked.
Ruan, confident and well-prepared, began his detailed report.
“Haha. Big brother Aksai, the Spirit crops are doing exceptionally well this season. On Shamrock Peak’s farm fields, we’ve been focusing on developing various 1st-order Spirit crops. The elemental Array Formations you instructed us to set up have made a significant difference. They’ve optimized the growing conditions, ensuring that the crops receive the precise balance of elemental energies they need.”
Aksai nodded, pleased with the initial update. “What about the 2nd-order cultivation resources? How are they coming along?”
Ruan’s face lit up as he continued.
“The 2nd-order cultivation resources are being cultivated inside greenhouses that are managed with advanced elemental Array Formations. These formations regulate the temperature, humidity, and elemental energy infusion. We have Spirit herbs like Blue Moon Grass and Crimson Flame Flowers that are thriving in these controlled environments. Their potency has increased, and the yield looks promising.”
“That’s good to hear,” Aksai replied. “Any issues we need to address?”
Aksai asked casually as he looked at Ruan. ‘He looks happy with his children and wife. He must be enjoying his family life. Hehe. Aunt Reta would have been happy seeing her son now,’ he thought to himself as he observed Ruan’s progress.
Just like Jasmine, Ruan had also given up on his path as a Spirit cultivator. However, he was content with the cards life had dealt him.
At this point, he had focused all his attention on raising his kids, investing all his resources to set a better cultivation foundation for them.
Just like a regular father, he was trying to give his children what he couldn’t have when he was their age.
===
AN: Sirina and Jaya were mentioned in chapter 186.