Author's Note: The starting may seem slow, as I'm setting things up for the big plot I have in mind. Yeah, this is going to be a long ride, so hang in there! I'll give you a hint that there will be new main characters bought into this mess in a bit, but I'll let the plot here progress before I do that. Hint goes something like this: 'these new characters are well versed across unilaterals'. Also, if you have any advice or feedback- leave comments, reviews or get in touch!
Rider was an inner disciple of the Yuzhou clan. From a young age, he was praised for his diligence and was known to be a genius amongst geniuses, being '12' years old, he'd already reached the 6th stage of Mortal Realm! Other geniuses had barely reached 5th stage at the age of 20-25, so usually these kinds of cases were kept secretive. It would take the average person double the time of those geniuses, over 20 years to progress from the Mortal realm's 1st stage to the 5th, as this was purely based on understanding how chi works and it's materialisation, which one could only learn after experiencing life.
However, Rider was a rebel and despite being known as a 'genius', never mingled with the other popular kids including 'Kylo' who seemed to be kind on the surface, but his instincts told him there was something wrong with that guy.
Anyhow, after a while the number of people trying to be friends with him decreased since he was very anti-social, although he did have a following/ fanbase. There are plenty of people in this world that will do anything to get favour from a strong cultivator, going to any extent- from a young age the strong were idolised and most geniuses let this get to their head twisting their personality.
Right now, Rider was at the outer-disciples' barracks. Today was the day he had chosen to be truthful with a 'friend' of his that seemed to have given up on life. He had seen his 'friend' go to Heavenly Path peak a few times, yet now he had been given a place at the barracks. Only elders had the permission to allow disciples into the settlement, so his 'friend' must have gained some backing. Now that there was less difference in status, it was time to finally have a chat in person.
"Hello, anyone home?" Rider bellowed after knocking on the door where Zuck was staying.
A tired Roland crept out of bed; this was the second time today someone was at his door. Hopefully, this won't involve much talking, god knows what the personality of the original host is meant to be like.
"I'm here, just give me a minute!" Roland responded, before getting dressed properly and making the place a bit more presentable.
'''Swish'''
The door opened smoothly, as a new one had been fitted recently and Roland was in a hurry to find out what this was about to get it over with.
"Hiya, do you mind if I come in?" a cool-headed Rider said smiling mischievously.
Seeing his white robe, Roland was shocked that an inner disciple was at his door, the price of offending someone higher up would not be something he could afford right now. Especially now, as he did not have a good understanding of how things worked in this world.
"Sure, what can I do for you today?" Roland enquired, treading lightly to find out why someone with such a high status would appear here. Did the previous host pick a fight with this guy, did he have a screw loose or something?
"Let's have a chat in private" said Rider after looking around to make sure the place was secure and there weren't any busybodies loitering around.
Upstairs in Roland's bedroom. 'When I came in there seemed to be indents on the floor and some damage to the property. Was this place not rennovated as per standard procedure, some elder must really be skimping on funds to not even bother with this much.' sighed Rider, there was too much injustice and negligence in this world for one person to set everything straight. As long as no one deliberately caused trouble it was fine.
"I'm just here to have a casual chat with you, you live in such a nice place- surely you need some protection right. How about you give me 5 spirit vessels(1) and I'll give you my protection for a while. Not a bad deal right?" said Rider.
Roland's face darkened as he realised this guy was robbing him in the name of protection, yet he was very flexible and was looking to avoid any trouble at the time being, so Roland made for the stash of the previous owner, there were 10 spirit vessels his family had given him for the year and yet this guy wanted half of his stuff. But there was little he could do, the world doesn't magically give you power nor does it make you immune to beating or death. His last fight proved that he was still far too weak to be able to compete with the threats this world. But that didn't discourage him, that just made him eager to grow his prowess and make it to the top as quickly and efficiently as possible.
"Here you are, if there is anything else I can do for you do let me know!" Roland said whilst presenting the spirit vessels.
"Muhha ha ha ha, gotcha mate! You really are easily bullied aren't you?" cackled Rider, slightly misunderstanding Roland's situation as boot-licking.
"I'm actually here to help you out, I'm not a saint though. I'm just returning the favour. You might not even remember me, let's just say you helped me at some point and saved my life. I've never seen anyone stick up to others like you did before and would like to see that version of you more. From now on let's be friends, what say- if you need anything or anyones troubling you, use this totem to communicate with me." said Rider before throwing Roland a totem.
"In the meantime here are a few cultivation techniques to gather chi and some battle techniques for you to practise. I hope to see you join the inner disciples soon and then we can talk more!" Rider called, before turning around and leaving without trace.
Leaving behind a very dumbfounded Roland, 'are all people here idiots and wierdos, how did this turn from a mugging to being all cheery like childhood friends!'