Aksai noticed a few Spirit cultivators occupying tables in the private lounge of Blue Sky Haven, located on the restaurant’s third floor, hidden from mortal sight.
From this vantage point, they could observe the bustling activity of the Purple River Gate while enjoying their meals in the company of fellow Spirit practitioners.
He selected an unoccupied table by the large window and seated himself.
Almost instantly, a simple Array Formation materialized above his table, projecting a spectral menu and prompting him to place his order. Aksai made his selections and waited quietly for his food to arrive.
As he waited, a man of average height and appearance approached him with a friendly smile.
Despite appearing to be in his mid-50s by mortal standards, the man possessed a late-stage Spirit Refining cultivation base, suggesting that his actual age might be much older, possibly in his late 70s or early 80s.
There was a chance that he could be in his 90s, maintaining his youthful appearance through the use of Spirit spells and elixirs.
The man wore a rich blue long robe adorned with the insignia of the Blue Sky Haven over his heart, clearly marking him as the restaurant’s owner.
“Pleasure to meet you, fellow practitioner. I’m Jainam Bluesky, the owner of this establishment. Would you mind if I joined you?” he asked politely.
Aksai nodded and gestured for him to take a seat. “Please, make yourself comfortable,” he replied with a smile. “Consider this your place.”
Jainam chuckled at Aksai’s remark. “I’ll do just that. May I know your name, my young friend?” he inquired, looking at Aksai with curiosity.
Aksai, utilizing his qi-based body cultivation and precise muscle control, could alter his appearance at will without external aids. On this occasion, he had made slight modifications to resemble his fictional distant cousin.
“My name is Wen Wei, and it’s my first time visiting the Blue Sky Haven,” Aksai introduced himself, borrowing the name of a martial arts tutor from Sharang.
Aksai knew that the Lakir family wouldn’t wield much influence in the Purple River Gate. However, it didn’t hurt to be cautious.
After all, he had eliminated one of their most promising scions. He didn’t want to provoke any trouble with the remaining factions of the Lakir family if he could avoid it.
Nine months earlier, the public merely speculated about the demonic heritage of the Lakir family. However, Aksai knew it to be true. He had personally eliminated the members of the Blood Bakshi force and witnessed their capabilities.
The Blood Bakshis had even managed to create a blood bead using Aksai’s residual aura after he had dispatched Nesha and her subordinates.
At that time, Aksai had taken the bodies with him and treated the surroundings with an area-wide fire-element Spirit spell, essentially “sanctifying” the “crime scene.”
Aksai had thought he left no evidence for the Lakir clan to link him to the killings of Nesha and her subordinates, taking every precaution to safeguard himself. However, Lian Lakir had somehow recognized him the moment they crossed paths.
If the Blood Bakshi could achieve that identification two years after Aksai eliminated Nesha, they could accomplish much more. Especially now, with the Lakir clan having virtually nothing to lose.
In Aksai’s estimation, the remaining forces of the Lakir clan posed a greater threat to him than the clan did at its peak in Wuyum County.
This was why Aksai deemed it crucial to acquire comprehensive knowledge about the unfolding situation in the Rokur kingdom. He didn’t just require the information available to the general populace; he sought privileged insights accessible to only a select few.
Thus, Aksai opted to visit the Blue Sky Haven incognito. Though he altered his appearance, he deliberately revealed his late-stage Spirit cultivation. He hoped this would catch the attention of the restaurant owner. His intuition proved correct.
Jainam admired Aksai’s demeanor and prowess at first sight. His youthfulness and advanced cultivation added to his appeal. Consequently, Jainam couldn’t resist the urge to recruit Aksai.
“No wonder I didn’t recognize you right away,” Jainam remarked, studying Aksai closely.
“Young friend, achieving the late-stage Spirit Refining base at your age is remarkable. Are you seeking a place to settle down? Frankly, I need someone of your caliber to oversee my enterprises. I’d gladly arrange a marriage for you with one of my granddaughters, along with a selection of concubines of your preference.”
One could say that Jainam was very blunt in his offer. Like most old people were when it came to dealing with the youngsters.
Aksai discerned that Jainam had abandoned his cultivation journey upon reaching 50 years of age. Despite attaining late-stage Spirit Refining in his 80s, he had no opportunity to establish his foundation.
Jainam had abandoned the path of Spirit cultivation, opting instead for mortal pursuits. He had a wife and numerous concubines, from whom he sired many children. His family flourished further as his offspring grew up, married, and bore grandchildren.
Not every cultivator who veered from the cultivation path met a fate as bleak as Aksai’s father. Examples like Jainam were aplenty in cultivation society, where practitioners fully embraced a fulfilling mortal life, establishing firm roots among them.
Before Aksai could respond to Jainam’s proposal, he noticed five young, alluring women approaching his table, bearing the dishes he had ordered earlier.
Each exuded charm and grace, their smiles infectious. It appeared Jainam had arranged a “honey trap” for Aksai even before making his offer.
Gold, silver, stability, palaces, subordinates, and the allure of beautiful companions.
Had Aksai been presented with this choice before his trip to Sharang, he might have entertained the notion for a few seconds.
However, after experiencing life as “young master Aksai” in Sharang for over nine months, he had grown immune to such temptations.
Aksai had already savored the “beautiful dream” for nearly nine months, satisfying his curiosity. As such, it held no sway over him.
In Aksai’s previous world’s lingo, he had gotten “it” out of his system by indulging in it enough times.
***
Aksai’s expression turned solemn as he observed the five young women approaching him. He turned to Jainam, addressing him with seriousness. “Junior, I’m steadfast in my path. I only came here to gather some information. Would you mind if we had this conversation in private?” As Aksai spoke, he deliberately exposed his Spirit Sense to Jainam, using the term “junior” to convey a subtle message.
Upon feeling Aksai’s Spirit Sense enveloping him, Jainam experienced a cold sensation tingling across his skin. Hearing Aksai refer to him as “junior,” he immediately assumed Aksai to be a Foundation Building Expert masquerading as a Spirit Refiner, as only experts at that level fully unlocked Spirit Sense.
“This… You… You are…”
Jainam’s expression shifted abruptly, his eyes widening and his mouth forming an “O” of surprise. He was on the verge of slapping himself for his impudence in front of a Foundation Building Expert when Aksai interjected.
“Jainam, right? I don’t want to create a scene here. Why don’t you send your family’s younglings away and have a chat with me after they are done serving me? I would reward you with an appropriate gift if you provide me with the information I want.”
Aksai spoke casually as he welcomed the young girls with a charming smile who had arrived at the table by this time. Strangely, they didn’t seem to hear what Aksai had said to their family’s patriarch.
The gorgeous young women arranged the cuisine on Aksai’s table before serving some of his requests. They filled his wine glass and offered him greetings along with their names.
But before they could engage in further conversation with Aksai, their patriarch, for some reason, reacted out of order and instructed them to leave. He appeared fearful of Aksai throughout their service, despite Aksai treating the young women with a smile and grace.
“For… forgive me, my lord. I’ll try to be of help to you in every way I can. Just give me some time,” Jainam spoke to Aksai in a careful tone as he wiped the sweat off his forehead after his granddaughters left.
He then instructed the restaurant staff to relocate the remaining patrons present on the floor. In a few minutes, the entire third floor was emptied for Aksai, leaving him alone with the restaurant owner.
“What… what would you like to know, my lord?” Jainam asked with bated breath, fear and veneration in his eyes.
“I heard that you have some connections with the Purple River Sect?” Aksai inquired as he began to savor the cuisine served on his plate—braised lamb shank dipped in spicy stew.
“I want to know everything there is to know about the major incidents that took place after the Lakir family’s fall. You see, I was in seclusion for the last nine months, so I’m quite out of the loop. I’d appreciate it if you could fill me in. Now, start talking as I enjoy these dishes,” Aksai said authoritatively as he busied himself with his hearty meal.
By posing as a Foundation Building Expert, Aksai aimed to ensure he received all the information Jainam knew without any alteration.
After all, the power of a Foundation Building Expert couldn’t be underestimated.
Jainam would have to be incredibly reckless and indifferent to his family’s safety to withhold anything from a Foundation Building Expert.
“Ye… yes my lord. Regarding the Lakir’s family fall, there’s a lot to cover,” Jainam began speaking in a careful tone.
“First of all, you need to know that the Lakir family wasn’t the only one that was destroyed during these nine months. There’s also…”