Rejecting the Expedition Offer

"Fret not, boy."

Laairo reassured Aksai with the tone of a paternal figure and the demeanor of an experienced mentor, a presence Aksai had been distanced from for quite some time.

"Take this from someone who has lived a life full of all kinds of experiences: a cultivator needs to be steadfast in their path. If you don't take risks at a young age, you might regret it later when it would be even more difficult for you to do so.

Almost all of us are Spirit farmers here. But don't think for a second that this profession would support your journey as a cultivator. Spirit farming is just a way to make a living. 

Our true path to progress should lie in Spirit cultivation. What do you say, you want to join me now? We'll split the spoils we get from the inheritance ground 60:40 in my favor if you say yes now. That's the best I can offer you considering the cultivation stage difference between us," Uncle Laairo asked in a serious voice.

"Well," Aksai scratched the back of his head and smiled awkwardly before speaking further.

"Uncle Laairo, you must be kidding. I just entered the 4th Stage of the Spirit Refining realm. I don't have much battle power or front-hand experience. I also lack weapons and defensive artifacts.

I even had to take some multi-purpose talismans on loan. I am really not suited to accompany you on expeditions like these," Aksai shook his head. He then sighed and his voice carried the hint of sadness as he spoke further.

"Besides, my father suffered an incurable injury by going on one of such expeditions. As proud as I am of my father's character, I don't want to end up like him. In fact, that's what he wanted from me on his deathbed– to not follow his example," Aksai said and then met Laairo's eyes, his gaze flickering with the emotion of sadness.

"I can't convince you to come when you bring your father's subject up, boy," Uncle Laairo said and dropped his shoulders. He patted Aksai's shoulder and told him to take care before retiring to the spot on the flying boat.

Aksai's expression changed slightly after Uncle Laairo turned around, the emotions of sadness in his eyes replaced with a light of cold intelligence.

'If it was before the discovery of the Everwood farmland, I might have considered joining you. But now… even with my poor aptitude, I'm confident in at least establishing my foundation.

If you want to endanger your life, be my guest. Don't drag me with you when you fall into a hole you dug yourself,' Aksai concluded in his head before turning aloof and quiet.

Soon, the seconds turned into minutes, and the flying boat reached the outskirts of Lakir City. Aksai had arrived at his intended destination.

***

Lakir City.

This city was a bustling hub within the vast expanse of Wuyum County.

It stood as a focal point where cultivators from all the nearby regions converged for various purposes. 

Renowned for its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, the city was more than just a geographical center; it was a melting pot of excitement, opportunities, and occasionally, conflicts.

Cultivators, with their distinctive robes and formidable auras, flocked to Lakir City for reasons that spanned the spectrum of cultivation life.

The city's reputation as an entertainment hub attracted individuals seeking a diversion from the rigorous cultivation routines. There were regular music and dance shows for those who were looking for a bit of fun before immersing themselves in long periods of cultivation routine.

Cultivators who spent days tending to their farms or delving into the mysteries of spiritual refinement often sought respite in Lakir City's establishments. After all, the city offered a wide variety of choices for various categories, making it affordable to even the poorest of farmers.

The city's taverns, inns, and teahouses became the stage for lively gatherings, where tales of Spirit breakthroughs, encounters with mythical beasts, and accounts of daring exploits were exchanged over cups of celestial tea or bowls of spirit-infused brews. 

Laughter and camaraderie echoed through the narrow streets as cultivators, bound by a shared pursuit of power, found solace in each other's company.

However, Lakir City was not merely a haven for leisure; it was a bustling marketplace where the trade of cultivation resources unfolded.

Markets brimmed with stalls offering an array of mystical herbs, potent elixirs, rare minerals, and enchanted artifacts. From Spirit stones to valuable items, all forms of payment were widely accepted.

Cultivators bartered and negotiated, seeking to bolster their arsenals or enhance their cultivation methods with the wide-ranging offerings used as bargaining chips.

The city's prosperity extended to the darker alleys where gambling dens flourished. 

These establishments catered to the adventurous spirit of cultivators, offering games of chance and skill. From traditional games of dice to more arcane forms of divination, Lakir City's gambling scene was a testament to the unpredictability that defined the world of cultivation.

Yet, beneath the veneer of amiability and trade, Lakir City also bore witness to the subtle undercurrents of tension and rivalry. As cultivators jostled for resources and influence, disputes sometimes escalated, turning the once jubilant atmosphere into a battlefield of vicious words, blatant curses, and naked threats.

Of course, nobody dared to start an open conflict with their opponents. At least not when they were within the city. However, most of such conflicts were known to turn into spell-based battles and weapons-clashing duels outside the city walls.

Flying was strictly forbidden within Lakir City. As such, the flying boat dropped Aksai and his companions off outside the main city. Aksai bid adieu to Uncle Laairo before heading towards the city gate in his vision.

Given the city's fame and population, a suburban area had naturally developed around its walls. Beyond this suburban zone lay the slums, inhabited solely by the destitute or the most unsavory characters.

Aksai was well aware that wealth did not always equate to kindness, nor did poverty imply malevolence.

Desperation, he understood, manifested in various ways, shaped by the diverse needs and desires of individuals.

As such, he remained vigilant, cognizant of the desperate individuals both inside and outside the city walls of Lakir.

Having paid a modest entrance fee to the city guards, Aksai gained access to Lakir City. 

Despite his infrequent visits, he navigated the familiar streets with ease, heading straight to a particular merchant establishment he had dealt with in the past – the Sacred Seeds Emporium.

Anticipating a profitable transaction, Aksai rubbed his hands together with eagerness as he entered the shop.

The young Spirit farmer hoped to negotiate a favorable deal for the small but valuable harvest he had brought from the Everwood farmland.