Cultivation in the Pirate's World

The sun had barely shifted in Hikari Isle's eternal sky, but the change in the island was palpable. Streets that had been empty now bustled with activity, the inhabitants' faces bright with relief and wonder. The oppressive weight of impending doom had lifted, replaced by an atmosphere of celebration.

In Elder Lucia's study, Xiao Yan stood examining one of the ancient scrolls, its contents now glowing with renewed clarity after the core's stabilization. His divine companions had maintained their more dignified bearing since their return from the depths, though each expressed it differently.

"These herbs," Lucia said, spreading out a detailed botanical map, "grow nowhere else in the world. They require the eternal light to flourish." Her fingers traced paths through areas marked with golden ink. "As thanks for saving our island, I'd like to grant you access to our sacred gardens."

Xiaojin, perched regally by the window, turned its head with interest. The phoenix's flames burned with a steadier light now, somehow more refined after its interaction with the core.

"A generous offer," Xiao Yan replied, studying the map's intricate details. "Though I sense there's more."

Lucia smiled. "Perceptive. There's a particular grove, hidden in the heart of the gardens. The herbs there..." she paused, choosing her words carefully, "they respond to divine energy."

Xiaolong, who had been coiled quietly in a shaft of light, lifted his head at this. Small arcs of electricity danced between his whiskers, but controlled, purposeful.

"The core's stabilization has strengthened them," Lucia continued. "They might be of particular interest to beings of your... nature."

Xiao Yan's slight smile gave nothing away, but his eyes showed genuine interest. "Lead on, then."

The sacred gardens were a marvel of eternal summer, plants of impossible colors growing in carefully maintained terraces. Light seemed to flow like water here, feeding each specimen exactly what it needed to thrive.

"The gardens have already responded to the core's renewal," Shanks observed, walking beside them. The captain had insisted on accompanying their expedition, though whether out of curiosity or caution wasn't clear.

"Life responds quickly to balanced power," Xiao Yan noted, watching as Xiao Gui examined each plant they passed with ancient wisdom in its eyes.

They reached a secluded grove hidden behind crystalline walls. Here, the plants seemed to shimmer with their own inner light. Xiaojin flew closer, its divine flames causing the herbs to reach toward it like sunflowers tracking the sun.

"Sun's Breath," Lucia explained, gesturing to flowers that seemed to be made of captured daylight. "Moon's Tear," she pointed to silvery plants that somehow thrived in eternal day. "And this," she approached a small pool where golden lotuses floated, "is Heaven's Mirror."

The lotuses responded to their presence, their petals opening to reveal centers that glowed like miniature cores. Xiaolong's electricity seemed to resonate with them, creating subtle patterns in the water.

"These plants," Xiao Yan said softly, "they're not just adapted to eternal light. They're born of it."

"Yes," Lucia nodded. "Legend says they grew from tears shed by divine beings who once walked these grounds. Whether true or not, their properties are... unique."

Uta, who had been unusually quiet, began to hum. The plants swayed to her melody, their light pulsing in harmony.

"Take what you need," Lucia offered. "The island owes you a debt that cannot be fully repaid."

Xiao Yan carefully selected specimens of each plant, his choices guided by something deeper than mere botanical knowledge. His companions watched with approval, each sensing the potential in these light-blessed herbs.

"A generous gift," he acknowledged, storing the precious plants safely away. "Though perhaps not your only one?"

Lucia smiled again, producing a small crystal vial. "Essence of eternal light, drawn from the core when it was newly balanced. Used wisely, it can illuminate the darkest paths."

As Xiao Yan accepted the vial, its contents seemed to resonate with his companions' divine nature. Even Shanks raised an eyebrow at the subtle display of power.

"You know," the captain mused, "somehow I doubt these are just going into a normal herb collection."

"Few things are truly normal," Xiao Yan replied with his characteristic calm, "when one travels with divine companions."

As they left the sacred gardens, the eternal light of Hikari Isle seemed to bid them farewell in its own way, each ray carrying blessing and potential. Some gifts, after all, were meant to shine in ways that only divine beings could truly appreciate.

And if Xiao Gui appeared particularly interested in one of the crystalline walls, well... perhaps some old habits took longer to refine than others.