Chapter 954: Choices P4: Jasmine’s Decision

Aksai hadn’t intentionally eavesdropped on the mother-daughter duo.

However, his Spirit Sense and Aether Sense had become so powerful that he had subconsciously picked up their conversation.

He simply hadn’t considered it important enough to mention.

"Alright."

Aksai finally spoke.

"I don’t have any hard feelings."

Niviya slowly raised her head.

"I thank you both for not betraying the island and its people."

His gaze softened slightly.

"Your father, Jamon Jaram, died while following us during our efforts to claim ownership of this island. And your mother, Sister Nimiya, has helped me maintain the operations of several 2nd Order formations all these years."

Aksai paused.

"I’ve already provided your mother with some things to reward her for her hard work and diligence."

He then produced another vial.

Inside was a single Foundation Establishment Pill.

Alongside it were several supporting Spirit resources that could assist a Spirit Refining cultivator in attempting a breakthrough into the Foundation Establishment realm.

Aksai sent everything toward Niviya.

Niviya stared at the items in disbelief. What she wanted to acquire by making her mother compete with the Seven Stars was given to her for free. However, for some reason, obtaining these items in this way left a bitter feeling in her heart.

"With this gift, I believe I have repaid what I owed your father for his ultimate sacrifice."

His voice was calm.

"From now on, we owe nothing to each other."

Niviya’s eyes became slightly red. She wanted to say something, but Aksai didn’t give her a chance. He looked at the mother and daughter before speaking further.

"Alright. You two may leave the hall now."

He waved his hand dismissively.

"I’ll arrange for you to leave the island at the appropriate time. So be prepared."

Nimiya bowed deeply. She had realized that she no longer had any ties with Aksai after today. As such, she didn’t try to force the relationship any further and simply responded with genuine courtesy.

"Yes, my Lord."

Niviya followed her mother’s example as well. She, on the other hand, hoped that she would be able to serve Aksai in the future if and when he made his comeback to Emerald Cove Island.

She also decided that she would become an Expert first using the gift given by Aksai and find a good partner next. If she herself couldn’t follow her Uncle Aksai in this lifetime anymore, perhaps her children would do it on her behalf.

For some reason, she was sure that Aksai’s journey wouldn’t end with this forced exit and that he would indeed come back to claim what was his. And when that happened, no internal or external force present in the Dadangar Subcontinent would be able to stop him.

The mother and daughter slowly withdrew from the grand hall.

Aksai watched them leave without saying anything.

Only after they disappeared from his sight did he turn his attention back toward the remaining cultivators.

Aksai’s gaze then shifted toward Jasmine.

"Jasmine, come forward."

The old woman hesitated for a moment before slowly stepping out from the crowd.

Aksai looked at her aged face and asked,

"Do you intend to leave the island, or do you wish to stay?"

Jasmine lowered her head and thought about it briefly.

Her answer was almost the same as Dia Naya’s.

She was simply too old to start over somewhere else.

After spending so many years on Emerald Cove Island, the thought of leaving and searching for another place to live held little appeal to her.

Even if she managed to find somewhere safe, what would she do there?

She had no cultivation future left to pursue.

Her only remaining wish was to spend whatever time she had left in peace.

"My Lord, I wish to stay."

Her voice was gentle but firm.

"Regardless of what happens afterward, I would like to spend the rest of my days here."

Aksai simply nodded.

He didn’t try to persuade her.

Instead, he waved his hand, and a storage pouch containing a significant number of Spirit Stones flew toward Jasmine.

She caught it with both hands and looked at it in surprise.

Aksai didn’t give her any additional cultivation resources.

There was no point.

Jasmine was already stuck in the Spirit Refining realm, and further advancement was practically impossible for her. Spirit resources wouldn’t change that.

And since she had already decided to remain on the island, giving her powerful talismans for emergencies would be of little use as well.

What she needed now wasn’t cultivation resources.

It was simply enough wealth to make the remainder of her life comfortable.

Aksai looked at her for a moment before speaking.

"My friend Jasmine, it was good meeting you."

His expression softened.

"Although we started on the wrong foot, I’m glad that you found the courage to settle on this island."

He paused.

"I’m also thankful for all your hard work in the island administration. Please continue doing your work for as long as you can."

Jasmine’s eyes gradually became moist.

Aksai’s expression turned solemn.

"Perhaps this will be the last time we part ways."

He looked at her seriously.

"So take care. I hope your days on this island remain as peaceful as ever for as long as you continue to live."

Jasmine’s lips trembled slightly.

She bowed deeply.

"Thank you, my Lord."

Aksai waved his hand.

"You may go."

Jasmine slowly turned around and began walking away.

After taking a few steps, however, she stopped.

Her old eyes instinctively searched through the crowd.

They soon found Violet.

This was another pair of mother and daughter on Emerald Cove Island.

However, unlike Nimiya and Niviya, Jasmine and Violet were closer to Aksai. Both of them had contributed hugely in the island administration. Hence the treatment they received was also a bit warmer than the previous pair.

Jasmine’s daughter stood among the Seven Stars, watching her from a distance.

For a moment, mother and daughter simply looked at each other.

Jasmine wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Then she smiled.

It was a warm and peaceful smile.

Violet’s eyes were already moist.

Seeing her mother’s smile, she smiled back.

Neither of them said anything.

Jasmine gave Violet one final look before turning around and slowly leaving the grand hall.