Day Before Expedition

 Ryker opened his eyes, his qi swirling around him, the sign of another breakthrough.

 "I have reach the 7th Stage Genesis Foundation, not to mention..." taking a peek into his Inner Realm, Ryker smiled.

 Inside it, there are few more symbols, the sign that he had mastered more Paths. The new Paths he had comprehended to the Elementary Understanding were Lore of Sword, Lore of Martial, Law of Light, Law of Life, Law of Ice, Law of Crystal, Lore of Granting Desire, Lore of Desire, and Lore of Illusion.

 Right now, his strength is equal to later-stage Genesis Core expert. While he might not be able to defeat the other party, he can hold his own against such foe. Not to mention, he already making his way to learning the rest of the Cultivation Art in his possession.

 He came out of the cave he was in. He did not plan on breaking through in the capital, not planning on revealing all his secret. For now, he merely showed his expertise in the Law of Fire, Earth, and Metal, cementing him as a prodigy, not a monster if they knew of the number of Paths he had comprehended, which is enough to cause Mashia froth.

 "Let's go to the capital," utilizing his mastery of Law of Wind, Ryker quickly walked in the air achieving a state similar to flight, one that will shock many people.

-x-

 "I'm home," he called out, his eyes looking around. He soon spot the form of his lovers, most of them in the kitchen with the only one being absent is Mashia.

 "She is training again?" Ryker asked.

 "Yeah, she knew you will caught up to her by the pace of your cultivation, but she will not make it easy," Ryker merely nodded hearing Ina's answer.

 As a member of the Monster Race, her cultivation differ from human. While both races grow stronger by absorbing worldly energy, the Monster Race, and their close cousin, Beast Race, possess the same weakness in that their lineage determined how far they could reach.

 If their lineage is in the weaker side, their growth will be limited. While it is possible to break the limit, it require a lot of accumulation, not to mention powerful treasures.

 Thankfully, as a True Dragon, Mashia limit is at the Source Grand Realm, more specifically the Earth Source Realm. At the moment, she is hunting for beasts to devour their blood. 

 While it could taint the purity of her bloodline, Ryker had bestowed her a Cultivation Art to help with such problem. At the moment, Mashia have learnt three different Cultivation Art; Celestial Energy Art, Purifying Lineage Scripture, and her Clan Cultivation Art.

 While the last one could not compare to the other two, it is her main Cultivation Art with the first two being used to make her path smoother.

 Ryker then take a look at his lovers. After all, he was not the only one who had improved.

 Ina is at the 3rd Stage Genesis Foundation, while Era is at the 2nd Stage. Both of them are likely among the strongest in their respective Stage with them both being able to fight middle-stage Genesis Foundation experts.

 As for Miriam, she is at the peak of Genesis Formation, showing that the idea that Dual Cultivators cultivate faster than regular cultivators do have merits. Though it did leave her a sore, moaning mess.

 And then, the latest addition to his harem, Lisha. The receptionist had not been slouching either. Her cultivation, which once at the low-stage of Genesis Condensing had now rise to the 8th Stage, from him giving more resources for the brunette, to bestowing her a better Cultivation Art for her.

 The later earned him a hug and something more from the receptionist. Considering she was unconscious for the entire day, and could not walk straight for a week, to call the session intense is an understatement.

 "So, how many adventurers will be going to the Secret Realm?" Ryker asked. He had heard from Solance that the Barony had extended their invitation to the 3 of the 4 inter-realm power, Adventure Guild, Craftsman Alliance, and Academy Union.

 As for the Merchant Confederation, they already have a representative in the form of Hilus Family, so no invitation is needed for them.

 All three had accepted the offer. After all, exploring a Secret Realm would give great benefits to the three organizations. 

 "All the Genesis Core and above will join, even those from the other branches. As for those weaker, they are handpicked. As for me, I was invited as well, me being a staff and my raise in cultivation allowed me to join as well," 

 Ryker nodded. Though, even if Lisha was not pick, Ryker would have bring her as well. After all, the bounties of a Secret Realm, even if it is fractured and not the biggest, would help a small Barony like Mariz Barony to rise, not to mention a single person.

 "Though, I do want something," she said coyly, purposely showing of her cleavage. While Ryker would not mind pounding the beautiful older woman, unfortunately, now is not the best of time.

 "Wait until the expedition is over. Then I will make sure you can get up from bed for 2 days straight," Lisha merely groaned, but accepted it nonetheless.

 As they talked, the door opened, revealing Mashia, whose clothes is covered with blood. Ryker glance at her, the dragon girl had reach the peak of Tier 5 in matter of 4 to 5 weeks.

 "Are you planning to breakthrough in the Secret Realm?" Ryker asked, the blue-haired woman nodding before she landed on top of Ryker, her eyes closing as she fall asleep.

 Shaking his head, Ryker carried her in bridal carry and walk to his bed. The other women followed, as while they will not be pierced by his spear, they still wish to have some cuddling session before the expedition.

 Soon, the entire group fall asleep, with Ryker being the last one, his head filled with any questions, most of them related to the Secret Realm.