Level of Secret Realm

 The ghostly figure continue his speech.

 "As you manage to reach this remnant soul, let me tell you this is the First Level Secret Realm. There are multiple similar Seret Realms, reaching hundreds. There are very few treasures inside this Secret Realm, mostly because this is the smallest fragment of my Inner Realm.

 However, there is a reward. By getting to the tower, you will be given the key to enter the Second Level Secret Realm," the figure opened it's hand as small key emerged from the palm, before it slowly flew on top of Ryker's hand.

 This is the key to the Second Level Secret Realm. The rewards you can gain from the Secret Realms is much greater, at least a hundred times better than what you can gain here," this get the attention of the group. To be able to obtain rewards greater than the one they obtain in the Secret Realm, it's like a windfall for them.

 However, the good news did not end there, "In the Second Level, there will be a hidden trial. If you manage to complete it, you will be given a key to the Third Level Secret Realm, which is the largest fragment of my Inner Realm. So, expect the rewards there to be hundreds, if not thousands time better than what you can gain in the Second Level,"

 Unfortunately, they could not have all good news, "For reminder, everyone who passed the First Level can visit any of the Second Level, and for this who passed the Second Level trial, they can enter the Third Level anytime.

 So, the faster you finish the Second Level, the faster you can gain entrance to the Third Level," after giving them the reminder, the figure disappear from their sight.

-x-

 The group did not speak until they come out of the Secret Realm, in which they finally opened their mouth.

 "No wonder the Secret Realm is so small. It just a fragment," Mashia exclaimed.

 "Yeah, but still, a Secret Realm that size could produce Grade 4 Materials. Then again, the owner should be an Earth Realm expert," she continued.

 "So, how do we find the so called Second Level," Era decided to ask. After all, a Secret Realm of an Earth Realm expert would contain many treasures and resources that would benefit them.

 "There seem to be some kind of map on the key, as well as a compass. It likely would lead to the Second Level," Ryker said.

 "So, we are going to search for the Secret Realm when we arrive in the capital, right?" Ina tried to confirmed, earning the nods of Ryker and Mashia.

 "Of course," Mashia said, "It will help us become stronger if we entered and gain the rewards inside," 

 "Though, it will be troublesome if it is near a city or settlement," she missed, putting her hand underneath her chin.

 "Because others can detect the anomaly, right?" Ryker guessed, Mashia's nod confirmed his thoughts.

 "Yes, which could mean an end to us, so we need to be careful and form a proper plan when we find the location," she added.

 "Not to mention, there is also the fact that the one behind the bandits might make a move soon," add the reminder, the atmosphere turned slightly grim, though it was soon pushed away as Ryker asked another question,

 "Why don't you absorb everything the Secret Realm had to offer? After all, it would helpful in increasing our cultivation," Mashia about to say something before closing her mouth and thinking about his words properly.

 Seeing how her eyes glinted, Ryker had no doubt this mere thought of his would work out.

-x-

 Sure enough, the likes Mashia, Era, and Ina began to absorb the massive energy of the Secret Realm. Yet, despite the fact it is only a small fragment, the 1st Level Secret Realm still belonged to a Source Grand Realm expert.

 In the end, it took three whole days before they completely devoured the Secret Realm.

-x-

 "Looks like you are becoming stronger again," Ryker exclaimed, eying Mashia who had reach the intermediate-stage of Tier 5 Genesis Beast. With her greater strength, Ryker did not doubt the chance of her beating even late-stage Genesis Core experts.

Mashia merely nodded, glad she took the offer. At first, she had refused, not wanting to ruined her foundation. However, Ryker had gave him the Celestial Energy Art, allowing her to refine and absorb the energy without any problem, to her amazement.

 Her only regret is not learning of the Art earlier, as it would help her raise her cultivation faster at without ruining her foundation.

 "Those two also improve," while most of the Secret Realm energy was absorbed by Mashia, the other two, having weaker cultivation, improve at an even terrifying pace. If not for the worry they would have weaker foundation due to raising their cultivation too quickly, they took some break to digest their gain before continuing their cultivation.

 Right now, they have reach an impressive peak Genesis Condensing, very close to his cultivation realm of 2nd Stage Genesis Foundation.

 Though, climbing from the one major realm to another is very hard, though with the Cultivation Art he gave them, he believes they will be able to reach the Genesis Foundation in a week or so, provided they have enough resources.

 "Thank you Ryker," the two women said after they finish their cultivation. They knew if not for him, they will not be able to reach such height, or might even suffer fate worse than death.

 "You don't need to thank me. I might give you the means, but in the end, it's all your efforts," he replied modestly.

 "Not even if we want to thank you with our body," Era said coyly, playfully pulling her blouse to reveal her deep valley.

 "On second thought, I probably deserve a lot of credit for it," the giggle of the women, followed by their squeal echoed in the destroyed town.

-x-

 "Quick, he is running this way!" a figure dashed through the forest, avoiding his pursuers though he could tell it is getting harder by the seconds.

 He clutched his bleeding shoulder, the injuries worsened the faster he ran from his pursuers.

 A look forwards reveal a ravine. Without hesitation, the figure jumped into it, hoping to hit water. His wish granted, he entered the river and let the current drag him to wherever, hoping it would lead him to safety and help.

 The pursuer stared at the river before leaving, knowing it would be hard to find their target during the night,"