Pov: Vik

  As she spoke, she bowed and got down on her knees, giving me puppy eyes. Sigh. Looking into her eyes, I didn’t see any conspiracy or ill will. So, being the hopeless person I am, I agreed to her request. I told her to apologize to my disciples first, to which she just nodded and smiled.

  After that, I got up and walked toward Lina’s room since I needed to start my first class with my third disciple. But before I could reach her room, I saw Lu Xiaoran rushing toward me, followed closely by Roman.

  When he reached me, he said, “Master, there’s an emergency. I just got a message from Jessica. Many people from the Azure mountain villages went missing after returning yesterday. She’s asking for help, and I hope you can let Roman and me go see what’s going on there.”

  Hearing his words, my first thought was, not this again. These villagers seem to have a habit of getting kidnapped. Now Vik has to save the day once more.

  Without voicing my thoughts, I said, “Disciple, go with Roman, but remember to be careful. If any situation arises, I repeat, even if you find enemies, do not engage. This will be just a scouting mission.”

  Roman, looking unsure, asked, “Master, what if we get attacked or find villagers in a desperate situation? What should we do then?”

  I replied, “If you’re attacked and find villagers in trouble, ask me first. Only if you are confident should you retaliate. I have a bad feeling about these recent events. If possible, escape with the villagers in trouble and keep in touch with me. You have your system watches. If needed, I can open a space portal for you.”

  Roman responded, “Don’t worry, master. I’ve mastered teleportation spells, and with my cultivation level, making a quick escape is possible.”

  I said, “I know, but your teleportation spells can be blocked by strong enemies if they’re well prepared. So, please inform me if that situation arises. I can break the space around you and teleport you.”

  Roman agreed, “Okay, master. I will remember that. For now, Layla will stay here.”

  I nodded; I would let Sherry take care of Layla. This mansion is closely monitored by the system. If an emergency arises, it can withstand a full day, even against an expert in the Void transformation realm, without my help. I like this. The system may not be useful in many ways, but its building capabilities are top-notch.

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  With that, Roman and Lu Xiaoran took their leave, needing to be quick since things could take a drastic turn if they arrived late. Lin Chen must have a hand in this; he has been watching that land. I don’t know all the details, but there is a treasure there that he wants.

  After they left for the Azure mountain village, I approached Sherry. Layla was asleep in her room. She must have been exhausted after everything she went through. I asked Sherry to keep an eye on Layla and take care of her.

  If anyone tries to leave the mansion, I will be alerted. If Sherry tries to harm Layla, I would know. So, I felt reassured. Still, having some doubts about Sherry, I asked the system about it, and it soon replied.

  System: “Host, if you're having such strong doubts about Sherry, you can leave Pushpa with her, and everything will be alright.”

  Taking the system's advice, I left Pushpa in the mansion's living room. She was still playing with that cursed doll. According to the system, she is an outer god-level entity, and no one in this world or universe can harm her.

  With everything set, I went to Lina’s room. As I entered, she immediately stood up from her bed and bowed to me. Seeing her like this, I said, “Prepare yourself, as we are going to start your first class.”

  She replied, “Master, I am already prepared.”

  Seeing her determination, I smiled and opened a portal to the Great Fire Forest. I said, “Okay, disciple, let’s go. Today, I will show you our original base.”

  Without waiting for her response, I took her with me, and soon we found ourselves in the Great Fire Forest. Looking at the forest, I felt nostalgic. Even though I hadn't visited in a day, it felt like I hadn’t been there for a year.

  Lina looked at the forest with confusion, so I explained, “Disciple, you can think of this place as home for your master. This is where I was born in this world. This is where I first opened my eyes. This is my home.”

  “I call it home, and that pyramid-shaped building you see is the main teaching building. I named it Anonymous Hall. It has many facilities, including student dorms and training halls. It even has entertainment facilities.”

  With excitement, I explained to her about Anonymous Hall. I let her inside with me and showed her the place, explaining how to enter and use different things.

  After that, it was time for her first class. I would have liked to discuss philosophy, but I didn’t have time because of the missing villagers and my gut feeling that something was off.

  So, I immediately began the cultivation class. Starting the class, I asked a simple question, “Lina, do you want to become strong, and why do you want to be strong?”

  She thought for a moment and replied, “Master, I don’t know, but there’s something in my head that makes me forget my memories until you helped me. Someone out there has taken everything: my friends and family. More than that, I feel fear. When you helped me dispel my curse, I also saw that monster who controlled my memories.”

  “I felt scared and helpless in that moment. I don’t want to feel that again. I want to be the one to kill that monster.”

  Hearing her answer, I felt satisfied. Without wasting more time, I said, “Okay, disciple, I’m satisfied with your answer. Now I will teach you a technique that will help you become something new—a new Lina who does not fear anyone.”

  With that, I began teaching the Nirvana Qi refining technique.