Chapter 5: First steps into a forgotten age

With Mei's small hand nestled within his much larger one, Ackah Emile stepped out of the dense emerald forest, leaving behind the silent sanctuary that had been his home for millennia. The world that greeted them was vibrant and teeming with life, a stark contrast to the hushed stillness of the ancient ruins. Sunlight filtered through the leaves in a way that felt both familiar and new, casting long shadows that danced with their movements.

Mei walked close to him, her initial fear slowly giving way to a quiet curiosity. Her eyes, wide and innocent, darted around, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest edge – the vibrant plumage of unfamiliar birds, the scurrying of small, furry creatures, the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze. For her, everything was new, a world she had likely only glimpsed from the fringes of the wild.

Ackah moved with a natural grace, his senses acutely aware of their surroundings. He could feel the subtle flow of spiritual energy in the air, a force that was far more potent and pervasive in this world than in his last. He could hear the distant calls of creatures both familiar and alien, and he could sense the faint presence of other beings, both human and otherwise, in the distance.

He spoke little, allowing Mei to adjust to this new environment at her own pace. When he did, his voice was soft and reassuring. He pointed out interesting plants and animals, explaining their nature in simple terms. He felt a strange sense of protectiveness towards this small child, a feeling that resonated with the kindness he had shown in his past life.

As they ventured further from the forest, the terrain began to change. The dense woods gradually gave way to rolling hills covered in tall grasses and wildflowers. In the distance, they could see the faint outline of cultivated fields and the smoke rising from what appeared to be a small village.

It was towards this village that Ackah gently guided Mei. He knew they needed supplies and information about this world. His 10,000 years of seclusion had left him utterly ignorant of the current state of affairs, the names of kingdoms, the prevalent cultures, even the common tongue spoken in this era. He would have to tread carefully, observing and learning as they went.

As they approached the village, they began to encounter other people – farmers tending their fields, travelers on dusty roads. Their reactions to Ackah were varied. Some stared openly at his imposing figure and the subtle air of power that seemed to emanate from him, despite his simple demeanor. Others offered polite nods or greetings. Mei, clutching Ackah's hand tightly, remained quiet and observant.

When they reached the village, it was a bustling hub of activity. People bartered for goods in the marketplace, children chased stray animals through the narrow streets, and the air was filled with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith's hammer.

Ackah led Mei to a quiet corner of the marketplace, near a stall selling freshly baked bread. The aroma was enticing, and he realized that he hadn't truly felt hunger in millennia, his cultivation sustaining him. But for Mei, it was different. He could see the longing in her eyes as she looked at the loaves.

He purchased a generous portion of bread and some dried fruit from the vendor, who eyed him with a curious but respectful gaze. Mei devoured the food with a quiet eagerness, her small face lighting up with each bite.

While Mei ate, Ackah listened to the conversations around them, trying to glean information about the world. He heard talk of the Azure Dynasty, a powerful kingdom to the east, and whispers of unrest in the western territories. He heard mention of various cultivation sects and their influence, and tales of mythical beasts roaming the wildlands.

He also noticed the subtle signs of cultivation among the villagers. Some carried themselves with a certain inner strength, and he could sense faint traces of spiritual energy within them, though nowhere near the level he had attained. It seemed cultivation was indeed a significant aspect of this world.

As they rested by a small fountain in the center of the village, Ackah observed Mei more closely. Even in her simple, tattered clothes, there was something extraordinary about her. He noticed the subtle way the sunlight seemed to catch her skin, giving it a faint, almost pearlescent glow. He sensed a deep well of untapped energy within her, a resonance with the very fabric of existence that hinted at the power of her unique physique. It was like looking at a precious gem, still rough and unpolished, but with the potential to shine with breathtaking brilliance.

Their peaceful respite was soon interrupted. A group of rough-looking men, clad in worn leather armor and carrying crude weapons, swaggered into the marketplace, their loud voices and boisterous laughter disrupting the lively atmosphere. They seemed to be local bullies, their eyes scanning the crowd for easy targets.

One of them, a burly man with a scarred face, spotted Mei sitting quietly beside Ackah. A cruel grin spread across his lips. "Well, well, what have we here? A stray little pup." He reached out a dirty hand towards Mei.

Instinctively, Ackah placed himself between the man and the girl, his gaze hardening. The immense power within him, usually carefully contained, flickered outwards, a subtle warning.

The burly man paused, a flicker of unease crossing his features. There was something about Ackah's eyes, something cold and ancient, that made him hesitate. But his arrogance quickly returned. "And who's this to protect you, little one? Your silent giant?"

Before Ackah could respond, Mei, in a surprising display of strength, grabbed Ackah's hand and squeezed it tightly. Her small eyes, usually filled with innocence, now held a spark of defiance as she glared at the burly man. For a fleeting moment, Ackah felt a surge of raw power emanate from her, a primal energy that seemed to momentarily stun the bully.

The burly man stumbled back, his eyes wide with confusion and a hint of fear. He looked from Mei to Ackah, then back to Mei, a bewildered expression on his face. He muttered something under his breath and, with a dismissive wave of his hand, turned and rejoined his companions, who were now looking at him with amusement and curiosity.

Ackah looked down at Mei, a thoughtful expression on his face. He had sensed the power within her, a power far beyond what her small frame suggested. Her "1 in a quadrillion Physique" was clearly more than just a description; it was a tangible force waiting to be unleashed.

He smiled gently at her. "Are you alright, Mei?"

She nodded, her grip on his hand still firm. "They were being mean."

"Yes," Ackah said softly. "Sometimes people are mean. But we will look out for each other."

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village, Ackah knew they couldn't stay here for long. They needed a plan, a direction. He looked towards the east, in the general direction of the Azure Dynasty, the most powerful kingdom he had overheard mentioned. Perhaps there, amidst the centers of cultivation, he could learn more about this world, about his destiny, and about the extraordinary power that lay dormant within the small girl who now held his hand.

With a newfound sense of purpose, Ackah Emile, the Absolute Demon God, and his adopted daughter, Mei, left the small village behind, their journey into a forgotten age just beginning. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with potential dangers and untold wonders, but they would face it together, bound by a simple act of kindness and a destiny yet to be fully revealed.