I looked the girl over once again before sighing sadly.

I would take the risk.

I would defeat the low level villain, and then I would take the girl and run away.

Even if the village was harmed afterwards it would only serve to further the little girls power and make her strong enough to take revenge by herself later on.

The death of her 'family' would make her stronger.

My god, I'm such an asshole.

I was plotting about the death of this little girls family in my attempt to make her stronger.

Nonetheless, I did what I had to.

I was only the lowest rank as both a Magus and a Practitioner.

I didn't have the power to leisurely save everyone.

I turned back to the village elder and smiled.

Zev: “I'd like to stay in this village for a few days if you do not mind” I stated which immediately made the old man ridiculously happy. “My name is Zev, by the way” I stated as I had forgotten to give them my name earlier on.

Doven: “Of course Elder Zev, my name is Doven” the old man bowed “Johann” he stated as he then turned towards Sasha's father “Guide him to my humble abode and lead him to the guest room” and with that Johann immediately began to move.

Johann: “Of course father” and with that he turned to me “Allow this little one to guide you Elder Zev” he stated as he was bowing “This way if you please Elder Zev” and like that I learned that Sasha was the 'granddaughter' of the old man.

As Johann guided me to my room, I saw that Doven had called Sasha over and was talking to her. I'm sure that the old man Doven had realised I had decided to stay after sensing something was off with the little girl.

I'm not sure what Doven thought I sensed but he was clearly asking the little girl in a hushed manner trying to figure it out.

Nonetheless I followed Johann who guided me to my room who then bowed deeply before leaving.

Leaving me alone if my room to ponder upon my thoughts.

I was scared.

I was about to face someone who was most likely a practitioner.

What would I do if he was powerful.

I'd be fucked.

But this girl was talented.

I couldn't leave her.

But I couldn't just kidnap her and leave as she would not be willing to follow me then.

So I had to save her village once and then I had to leave quickly.

So I planned how I was going to save this village.

What if a few dozen practitioners came all at once?

Oh my god.

I was getting more and more scared.

With each day that passed, my psyche was getting worse and worse.

I had questioned Johann who brought me food everyday about this Young Master Jubelei and why he was coming to 'take care' of this village.

It seemed that Sasha had aggravated Young Master Jubelei when she had turned down his offer to become his concubine.

It seemed that this Jubelei himself wasn't a practitioner or a magus, but he was a noble so he should have the money required to afford to hire a practitioner or two.

If he came with the assumption that this backwoods village didn't have a practitioner, it would allow me thrash all the mortals and than take Sasha and leave.

But on the off chance he was cautious and actually hired a practitioner than I'd be fucked.

Lets hope he was like those annoying first time villains that always appeared and was very arrogant.

That would allow me to end this quickly.

But nonetheless, I was still very stressed.

And with that, 8 days had passed.

In these 8 days I had interacted with only Doven, Johann and Sasha.

Doven would come and simply bring me food and drinks, same as Johann.

Only Sasha would come and ask me questions regarding the outside world.

I could only vaguely reply to the little girl.

Because I myself knew nothing.

But my vague answers only further excited the little girls imagination.

I vaguely talked about Empires, Great Sects, Religions and Gods.

Zev: “The Great Empires stretched so far that the suns never set upon their domain” I had put on my wise man voice and persona. Sasha's eyes glittered slightly at the thought “Their might rocked the world, the words of the Emperor or Empress would decide the fate of untold amounts of people” and with those words Sasha had taken on a thoughtful look.

Sasha: “What about the Great Sects then?” she asked me to which I smiled and continued to vaguely answer her.

Zev: “The Great Sects possess enough power that when they move their hands the mountains crumble, when they breathe the seas turns and tumble and when they speak the Earth itself moves to do as they command” and with that Sasha breathed in shock but she had a look of doubt in her eyes as if she knew I was bullshitting. Well what does she, a little child know anyway.

My vague words made the girl excited beyond relief.

Sasha: “What about me?” she asked to which I tilted my head “Can I become a practitioner?” she asked in a sad manner to which I smiled gently.

No shit you could. Well not a practitioner, but a Magus. But I didn't tell her that. It seems like she only heard about Practitioners and didn't know much about Magus.

Zev: “Everyone has the chance to become practitioner, but how far you go, depends on you, yourself” and with that I acted vague and mysterious.

Sasha looked taken aback at my words, a tinge bit angry but she smiled sheepishly.

She was great at hiding her thoughts, even at such a young age.

Sasha: “But I've never been able to train” and with that she looked downcast “Everyone else has already begun but I can't train at all” and with that she looked as if she was about to cry, but her eyes held this profound look. As if she was thinking about dark thoughts.

I silently patted her as I mused internally.

I now knew why she still hadn't unlocked any of her latent talent.

She was probably looked upon as 'cripple' or 'trash' because she couldn't cultivate.

But that was good for me.

This part of the world knew little or nothing about Magus, so this little treasure went unnoticed.

Now I would be able to unleash her.

I would cultivate this genius of magic and make her name shake the world, and then I would bask in her glory.

Zev: “Like I said, everyone can become a practitioner, but their paths are different” and with that I ended the conversation.

I couldn't throw all my eggs out at once. I had to take this slow and make her revere me.

With that, we talked idly for a bit longer before she left.

I then pondered the ranks of the villagers.

Since she said they cultivated, they probably were not that strong. Probably.

After that, she would visit me for longer and longer periods of time each day and this was beneficial to me.

Johann and Doven also came less and less, letting Sasha bring me food and drinks.

I already understood their plan. It was to let me take a liking to Sasha and hopefully take her in as a disciple.

That aside, I became closer to her and learned more about her.

I came to learn that I loved acting like a wise old man.

But I also came to learn that the girls excitement and happiness about the outside world seemed a little fake. Maybe she had already learned about it from someone else.

From Sasha I also learned that all ranks below Nobles and Practitioners were not allowed surnames.

So this meant she was definately hiding something.

Which then made me wonder why she was hiding her own name.

But then I realised her mum and dad both had different surnames when compared to Sasha. Which meant they were not her real parents. I of course already knew that from yesterday.

Maybe they were her retainers. Or her uncle and aunt. Well there were many things they could be.

The last of her followers after her clan or sect fell? Whatever it was, to me, it was nothing but a minor set back.

That aside, on the 8th day I was here, I finally heard a foreign persons voice reverberate throughout the village.

I knew who it was. He had finally come.

Jubelei: “Sasha, you had the gall to reject I, the heir to the City of Jubelan” his teenage voice which had yet to crack was quite irritating “This is the greatest loss of face that I, Jubelei Ju Lei Lan have ever faced and for this reason, I have come to wipe this village of Startza from the face of the earth and then I will have you become my slave” he yelled before he began to laugh in a creepy manner and with that I sighed internally.

He was exactly how I thought he would be.

An arrogant little shit.

But I also learned another thing. It seemed that this current area I was in regarded 'face' as being something important. It was the eastern counterpart of honor I think. Nonetheless, it was good that I learned of this as it would allow me to intimidate others with the option of 'Give this humble practitioner some face'.

I prepared to head outside to hopefully talk this out and make him leave out of fear of the unknown.

As I made my way out of the Village Chiefs house I walked towards the group of villagers and the large group of armed men in front of them.

At the front of this large group of armed men was a lanky, pasty teen who looked to be about 15 or 16.

He had long black hair, and a prepubescents beard. Which means he had 4-5 hairs on his chin which he proudly showed off.

His looks netted him a 5.5/10 and aside from being a noble, he had no other redeeming features.

He was clearly a paedophile for wanting to make a 6 year old his concubine.

But this was a cruel and dark world.

I saw Johann, Doven and Sasha at the front of the villagers.

I also saw the look in the eyes of the armed men as they eyed the women of the village.

Not one of them had a decent look upon their faces.

This world was far darker than I thought.

Sasha: “Why should I have to accept you, the heir of a mere city as my husband” she glared at him. It made me wonder why she was timid at first when she spoke to me. But then when she said 'mere' city, I understood that she was probably from at least mediocre clan or sect “I'll only marry the person I love and that person is not you” she yelled her words at him which only made Jubelei's face darken further. “I am not scared of you and your ilk” and with that she pointed to her father “My father is a Rank 2 Immortal Practitioner, and my Mother is a Rank 1 Immortal Practitioner” and with that she had a look of triumph.

Jubelei: “Foolish is what you are” he spoke as he grated his teeth in anger “You think I am scared of the people of this village?” he yelled “So what if they are powerful” his voice contained arrogance “Money is capable of everything, and I have bought myself the service of an Rank 3 Immortal Practitioner” and as his voice echoed, the villagers faces became ashen.

Even Sasha looked taken back.

Forget Sasha and the villagers, I was taken aback.

Her dad was a Rank 2 Immortal Practitioner, and her mum was a Rank 1!

Jesus Christ, what the fuck.

And they were terrified of me.

I'm not even a Rank 2 Spirit Practitioner!

Oh my god.

This robe is the best.

I can't believe I fooled someone nearly 20 ranks over me.

They thought I was monstrously powerful.

Oh god.

No wonder Sasha wasn't so surprised when she heard me speak about the outside world.

Her 'mum' and 'dad' were also shocked, but they quickly calmed down and prepared for battle.

They released their aura and all the villagers backed away.

Even I wanted to back away but I did not. Image was very important at this juncture.

This was the first time I had focused on Sasha's 'mum.

I brought out the piece of paper and stared at her.

'Feilen Feng, Servant of Clan Tai Long'

But what I read made me shocked.

How come the mother was a servant of Clan Tai Long, but dad wasn't?

Maybe dad was just a very loyal soldier while mother was an actual retainer.

This was becoming more and more complex.

Maybe taking this girl in was more complex than I thought.

But I had made my decision. If this decision of mine was going to bring danger, I would hide in the woods till Sasha was strong enough to protect me.

Wait, I couldn't do that.

There was a time limit.

What if it suddenly changed to 1 day and I had my soul eaten.

Shit, forget it.

For now, that isn't a major concern.

Johann: Suddenly Johann spoke up “Sasha, head towards Great Elder Zev, even if we die, I am sure he will protect you” and with that he turned towards his wife and gave her a nod before staring at Jubelei “We will fight to the death”.

Just like that, Feilen and Johann prepared to fight this Rank 3 Immortal who was hired by Jubelei.

Jubelei: Chuckled towards Johanns words “Great Elder?” he began to laugh “You honestly think someone so powerful would come to this village” and with that he started laughing hysterically “If you are going to bluff, at least make it believable” and with that he gestured for hooded man next to him to do something “Ugan, break them slowly”.

The hooded man reminded me of the character from the game 'Thief', a game I had on my old PS4.

The hooded man named Ugan nodded and suddenly disappeared from Jubelei's side before appearing right in front of the couple.

Dear god.

A single rank difference made it so that the couple could only barely block and not fight back.

Sasha didn't even get to run to my side before Ugan appeared in front of her parents and was watching her 'parents' get beaten brutally.

I couldn't even see his movements, they were so fast. Let alone fast, they powerful as they created gusts of wind.

So powerful and so fast, I'm fucked if I get into a battle.

Jubelei: “Well now Sasha, what will you do” he laughed “If you get on your knees and beg to become my slave, I'll consider letting your parents and this little village go” and with that he began to laugh out loud again.

Sasha gritted her teeth and began to silently fume with little drops of water gathering at her eyes but before she could reply to his words, I walked up.

Just as he was about to say something in regards to Sasha's appearance, he saw me walk up silently.

Upon seeing me walk towards them, Jubelei and the guards facial expressions changed. It was no longer one filled with arrogance but now filled with one of unease and fear.

The Rank 3 Immortal immediately paused the one sided battle and stared at me, shock in his eyes.

He turned around and glared at Jubelei.

Ugan: “Fool!” he yelled towards Jubelei “You told me this village had no one above the Immortal Rank” he then pointed towards me “That man could kill us all with the wave of a finger” and with that, he immediately warped in front of me and knelt down. At least I think he warped “Great Practitioner, forgive this lowly one for attacking a village under you” and with that he slammed his forehead into the ground.

I think it was called a kowtow. I think. I'm not sure.

He stayed like that, without moving an inch.

Everyone was flabbergasted, mainly Jubelei and his guards.

The villagers had already seen me before so they knew I was 'powerful'.

But the one who was most shocked was me. I was very shocked.

I was so thankful to Zoras at this moment. Beyond thankful.

This was perhaps the greatest thing I owned.

Such a legendary robe.

I can't believe I was angry I bought this.

Nonetheless, on the inside, even though I was shaking, on the outside, I was stoic.

Looking down at Ugan, I put on my acting skills and acted like an old man looking down at a child.

Zev: “Rise” I said to which Ugan immediately got up. I then turned to look at Jubelei and his men who were practically shaking.

But before I could speak all of his guards began shouting 'It wasn't us', 'we didn't do anything', 'Young Master commanded us', 'Spare us', 'I have a family that relies on me to survive' and things like this. They also threw their weapons away and knelt onto the ground.

Jubelei's face was ashen. He probably regretted coming here for a single girl.

Jubelei: “Great Practitioner” he said shaking “Please forgive this foolish one for treading into your domain” and with that he knelt down before me “Please spare me” and with that he kowtowed as well.

I was happy on the inside, happy that a single robe made me out to be a great and powerful practitioner.

Looking down at them all I sighed and waved them up in an arrogant manner.

I had to show my power here because I could not tell if any of these guys were suicidal but if they were, they'd be capable of damaging me severely or even killing me and I couldn't take the risk of my facade being blown so I had to act very arrogant.

Zev: I merely nodded at them in acknowledgement after I waved them up before I walked to the side of Sasha and placed my hand upon her head “This little one is my disciple” and as my words left my mouth, everyone had a shocked look appear on their face.

Especially Jubelei and Sasha.

The villagers and guards had drastically different reactions. The villagers were all overjoyed while the guards faces all darkened and they began to shake immensely, most likely in utter fear.

Jubelei looked flabbergasted as he stared at me and Sasha.

He kept opening and closing his mouth as if trying to say something but he didn't have the chance to speak.

Ugan flew from my side and landed next to Jubelei and immediately slapped him fiercely.

Ugan: “You tried to take the disciple of a Great Practitioner as your concubine” he yelled out loudly “You should be ecstatic if this girl decided to take you as a concubine” and with that he began to slap Jubelei multiple times. He then took out several dozen pouches of gold out of nowhere and threw them at Jubelei. “I cancel this job, no gold is worth more than my life” and with that he returned to my side and knelt down.

Ugan most likely received the gold from his Storage ring, and his was probably bigger than mine.

Ugan: “Great Practitioner, this one did not dare kill him, I have left him for you to judge” and with that he kowtowed once more “Please forgive this one”.

I simply sighed and told him to rise.

Everyone looked at me, but no one spoke at all. I think everyone was terrified of me at this point.

Zev: “Someone take care of those two” and with those words, multiple guards that had come with Jubelei immediately began to pamper the two injured practitioners. I then turned towards Jubelei and smiled “How about giving this old man some face and leaving now” but before he could reply I continued to speak “I dislike wanton killing” and with that a silence enveloped the surrounding.

Jubelei and all of the guards looked ecstatic at my words and immediately began to leave.

Jubelei: Before leaving he looked back and bowed once more “Thank you for sparing this insignificant ones life” and with that he galloped away on the horse he came with, his men following shortly behind him.

Zev: As Jubelei was leaving I called out “Tell your father I may visit him in the future”. As those words came out, Jubelei paled and nodded frantically but continued to run off with his men.

Those words were like insurance.

The meaning they carried was 'I'd be back in the future, don't think of doing anything'. I think he understood the meaning of my words. Even if he didn't, it should still deter them in the future.

The ones who were taking care of Sasha's 'parents' looked at me and I waved them off as well.

Only Ugan remained, but the silence still continued.

I looked at him and smiled, before waving him off as well.

As he left, he also turned around and thanked me for sparing his life.

After everyone was gone, I breathed a sigh of relief internally.

I had done it.

I had bullshitted my way through my first encounter.

This was great.

I didn't leave any enmity between us. Well maybe I left a little bit but at least I got several dozen pouches of gold. A fair trade.

But still, I did not have to fight.

This was a brilliant success.

I then turned to look at the little girl who was currently being petted by me.

She still had a confused look upon her face.

She slowly turned to look at me.

Sasha: Pointing to herself and then to me “I'm your disciple?” she asked to which I nodded and gave her a gentle smile.

I could win an Oscar with my acting. Sorry Caprio.

We stood apart from the crowd who all gave us space either out of respect or fear.

But when I thought that my plan was going to go very smoothly an obstacle appeared. And that was this brats intelligence.

Sasha: “Why would such an powerful being as yourself” she stated towards me “Want me as your disciple?” she asked with an adult like look in her eyes.

I paused as I stared at this girl who was questioning me and had even begun to look at me as if I suspicious and even I had to scratch my head internally to come up with a proper lie.

She continued to stare at me with her large eyes and I began to panic.

Shit, what do I tell her now.

Now that you think about it, this was really suspicious.

Why the hell did I want her as my disciple? There was no way I could tell her my real goal so I had to make up some bullshit.

Looking down at her I smiled when I had finally found the lie I was going to give her.

Zev: “Do you remember when I paused after looking at you shortly after entering this village?” and she nodded in reply “It was because I felt your talent” I told her bluntly “Not many people are capable of taking my teaching, but you can” and with that I went silent.

I gave off the aura that signified that 'If you don't want to become my apprentice, so be it, no biggie'.

Seeing that I had given her such a reason she glared at me as she had small tears glisten on her eyes.

Shit, why was she about to cry. What did I do?

Sasha: “That's a lie” she quietly spat the words out “Just cause you have so much power doesn't mean you are allowed to lie to my face” I could see the growing anger in her “I can't have talent, I'm a cripple, I'm trash” she yelled out her final words gathering the attention of all the villagers.

Fuck. She knew that she was terrible in regards to being a practitioner and thought I was lying to her face. I needed to calm her down before explaining things but for now I had to get rid of the villagers so I put on my best angry face and looked around.

Immediately people began to disappear and even her 'parents' who had concerned looks left after few moments. They seem to have decided that I could handle her now that I was her master. I think I took on more responsibility than I could handle.

But I would easily handle it. At least I believed I could. Hopefully.

In the empty entrance of the village all that was left was me and Sasha.

I looked back towards her only to see tears run down her face as she quietly sobbed. Her bottom had already hit the ground and she was quietly crying.

I sighed and knelt down next to her.

Zev: “You have talent, more so than the vast majority of the world” I told her “You are no cripple, you are not trash” I continued to tell her but she only disregarded my words.

Sasha: “What do you know, just cause you are super powerful doesn't mean you can fix me” she yelled out at me through her tears in her anger “Grandpa said I was trash” she said with hate in her words “That I was the biggest humiliation to the clan” she continued through her tears. “He called daddy a fool for marrying mummy and giving birth to me, called him stupid and punished him” her tears continuously poured out “He punished daddy for being my dad” she quietly whispered the final words.

I felt shocked once I listened to her. How could any grandpa act like that towards his grandchild, and she probably went through even more than she stated. Who knows what she went through in her clan. Who knows what humiliations this little girl went through in her clan.

Without letting her speak any more I quietly pulled her into my embrace and hugged her gently and tightly.

The poor little thing.

For simply having no talent at being a cultivator she went through such pain and suffering.

And looking at the darkness of this world, many people probably suffered daily facing humiliation and death at the mere whim of those in power.

Once I had taken her into my embrace she at first resisted and pushed at me trying to get out but I held her tightly not letting her leave. After awhile her sobbing began to lessen slowly but she still continued to cry.

Sasha: “Daddy resisted the punishment” she continued while being held by me “but then grandpa unsatisfied with daddy punished mummy” at this point her crying intensified “he made me and daddy watch as mummy was punished” she then held onto me tightly with her little hands.

I didn't let her continue and simply held her while quietly singing her a lullaby to slowly calm her down.

I was both sad beyond measure as well as impressed by this girl. She had been crying but her words were crystal clear. She had so much potential but was abandoned by her own family.

After sitting like that for who knows how long she began to speak again after her tears had finished.

Sasha: “Its all because I was trash” she spoke quietly while looking at me with her reddened eyes “Daddy changed after mummy was-” she began to shake as she tried to speak but I silenced her by patting her head gently.

My heart was beating rapidly. Both in anger and sadness.

How could someone be so cruel to his own granddaughter.

How could this world be so cruel to allow things like this happen.

I silently cursed Zoras in my heart. He had ridiculous amounts of power yet he did nothing but entertain himself.

But this wasn't his fault. It was the fault of these ridiculous rules of power ruling the weak.

It was the same in my old world as well. People suffered daily for it but I never cared back then.

But now that I was face to face with such a situation I decided I wanted change?

How hypocritical was I. Only after I saw and heard such things and only then did I want change. No wonder Earth never changed even after decades of talk and debate. Talking without doing anything and then blaming someone else didn't change anything.

I was an 'internet warrior'.

I now felt like shit.

Sasha was like those girls born in some third world countries, for simply being a girl they were treated terribly and either killed or sold off.

In this world it was having no talent at cultivating.

They were treated abysmally. And now I felt like helping.

But at least now I would do something. I could help this little girl. I wouldn't be just talking, I would be doing something.

Sasha: While looking up at me she gave me the most heartbreaking sad smile “Its all because I was trash” she spoke.

Zev: I looked at her while gently smiling “I told you that you are not trash, its just that this part of the world knows nothing about Magic” I told her which confused her. She tilted her head curiously at the word “There are two types of Cultivators in the world” I began to explain to her “And you have zero talent in one” she looked downcast at the words “While you are genius at the second” I told her which then made her freeze in shock.

Sasha: “I'm a genius at the second one?” she asked timidly while holding onto my robe in a cute manner.

Zev: “Yes you are” I told her while gently patting her head “I can make you stronger, I can make it so you'll never be sad again, so you can protect those you care about” I told her “So do you accept this old man as your master?” I asked her to which she looked up at me with her reddened eyes.

Sasha: “I do” she said resolutely “I want to become your disciple” she stated as she buried her head into my chest.

I quietly patted her and we stayed like that for awhile.

I began to wonder why I felt so attached to this little child.

I'd known her for a little over a week but I had already felt a connection. She was like my own child.

I don't even know why.

Maybe this little episode of hers made my open my heart and accept her.

Maybe it was because I was forced to find a disciple and now that I had found this girl that fit the criteria, who had such a harsh life I gained some paternal instincts.

I think I had become like an adoptee.

That aside, I don't know, and I didn't really care either.

I was happy now.

I had gained more than a disciple that I was forced to find.

---

Hey guys, I just wanted to say something. During the episode of Sasha, I didn't put in *Sob* and *Hic* and other effects, because I for one, don't like it and secondly I'm not good at using them.

Enough of my rambling. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Also please do be harsh with criticism if you have any. Everything helps in the growth of a writer.

Peace, Old Man.