On the appointed day, Cyan and Oliver finally met. Cyan couldn't help but be impressed by the way Oliver skillfully handled the shadow bane situation. The pressure that the Charleston family, backing Oliver, must have faced during this difficult period was evident to Cyan.
"Commander, I must say I didn't entrust the wrong person. I am impressed," Cyan acknowledged, appreciating Oliver's abilities.
"I only did what I was supposed to do. You are the real hero," Oliver humbly replied, giving credit to Cyan for his sacrifices and contributions.
Cyan, however, had a different perspective on being a hero. For him, it wasn't about personal accolades, but rather the impact he could make in people's lives. Due to the forbidden sacrifice he made in the moon world, Cyan bore the burden of countless lives and their associated karma. His primary concern was ensuring people could receive the treatment they needed, regardless of his own hero status. "I don't care about being the hero as long as people can get treatment," Cyan stated firmly.
This selfless attitude only further increased Oliver's admiration for Cyan. He recognized the depth of Cyan's character and knew that this impression would last for a long time.
"Commander, since I have upheld my end of the deal, it's time to fulfill my conditions," Cyan declared, reminding Oliver of the agreement they had made.
Oliver, however, had a small request before proceeding. He explained that his wife wanted to show her appreciation by accompanying him but he stopped her, so she sent a gift on her behalf. He presented a beautifully crafted golden card adorned with intricate runes, bearing the emblem of the Norman family.
As Oliver explained the significance of the golden card to Cyan, the gravity of the gift touched him deeply. He realized that with the potions and spells he would be creating, he would need a reliable channel for selling them. This gift from the Norman family served as a lifeline, providing him with the means to reach a larger audience. It was truly a gesture of kindness and support.
Cyan graciously accepted the gift, expressing his gratitude. Oliver felt a sense of relief, knowing that Cyan's acceptance meant a potential future relationship between them.
"Tell the madam I appreciate this gift," Cyan replied, his words signifying his willingness to engage with the Norman family.
"Commander, I have a training method that could be immensely beneficial for the military and the people of the Federation," Cyan continued, changing the topic. He explained that ordinary people often lacked the opportunity to perceive the elements, hindering their progress in practicing elemental arts. However, with the right training methods and practice, Cyan believed it was possible to unlock acupoints in their bodies, allowing them to cultivate and train their physique as a form of practice. All road in practice lead to the same point.
Oliver couldn't contain his shock and excitement at this revelation. If what Cyan said was true, it would revolutionize the entire Federation. The military, which predominantly consisted of ordinary individuals, would have the chance to excel and reach new heights. This training method carried the potential to usher in a new era for the Federation.
"Senior, are you telling the truth?" Oliver asked, his composure slipping for the first time since meeting Cyan.
"I have no reason to lie to the commander," Cyan answered simply, reaffirming the credibility of his proposal.
Upon hearing Cyan's request, Oliver immediately stood up and gave Cyan the highest warrior salute, gratitude evident in his eyes. "On behalf of the Federation, I thank you," Oliver expressed sincerely.
Cyan, however, swiftly interjected, making his intentions clear. "Commander, don't thank me just yet. This deal is with you, not the Federation or any other families. I don't want to deal with all that mess," Cyan asserted, emphasizing his preference for a discreet and direct arrangement.
Since their encounter with the Shadow Bane, Oliver felt he had gained a better understanding of this mysterious senior. He recognized Cyan's inclination towards reclusion and operating from the shadows. If Cyan were to hear Oliver's thoughts about him, he would likely chuckle, as reclusiveness was not a defining trait of Cyan's character. The only reason Cyan involved himself in such matters was because of his own limited power—he still couldn't adequately protect himself or those around him.
"Senior, I can respect that, but it doesn't mean you don't deserve gratitude," Oliver respectfully replied, expressing his admiration for Cyan's abilities and contributions.
Cyan didn't want to engage in an argument and simply agreed, "Fine, but first, let me be clear. I will only be dealing with you, and I need you to sign a contract with your soul that will protect both of our interests." Cyan hoped that Oliver would agree to the contract, as it would facilitate their future plans.
Oliver didn't immediately sign the contract. He pondered deeply, fully understanding the gravity of signing a soul contract at their level. Such an act had significant implications for their future cultivation and practice. Nonetheless, Oliver's appreciation for Cyan grew as he realized just how seriously Cyan regarded this matter.
"Can I read the contract before signing? If it contradicts my beliefs, I will have to decline, regardless of how beneficial the practice may be," Oliver declared firmly, determined to remain true to his convictions.
Cyan produced the prepared contract, similar to the one the rest of the group had signed. The only difference was that Oliver would not reveal Cyan's true identity unless Cyan explicitly gave him permission. Furthermore, if anyone attempted to forcefully extract information about Cyan from Oliver, he would forget everything he knew about Cyan. Breaching this contract would result in a backlash to Oliver's soul.
Oliver carefully read through the contract, realizing that Cyan's concerns likely stemmed from worries about his family. In the face of family interests, one could feel utterly helpless, and Oliver understood the need for caution in such matters. After reading the contract, Oliver concluded that it was fair, and he willingly signed it. The elements in the air fluctuated, indicating that the contract had taken effect. Oliver sensed a mark on his soul platform, assuring him that as long as he didn't act against Cyan's interests, he would not suffer any harm.
Seeing that Oliver had signed the contract, Cyan felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Commander, let me introduce myself. My name is Cyan Crawford," Cyan revealed, finally removing his disguise.
As Commander Oliver saw Cyan's true appearance, he was taken aback. He had been expecting an older, experienced senior, not a young boy in his twenties. The revelation left Oliver momentarily shocked, but he quickly regained his composure, relying on his years of training and leadership.
Cyan couldn't help but smile at Oliver's reaction, as he had anticipated the surprise. "Now that I have revealed my identity to you, Commander, it shouldn't be difficult for you to find out more about me. But remember, don't forget about our contract," Cyan reminded Oliver, emphasizing the importance of their agreement.
Oliver, displaying his integrity, assured Cyan, "Don't worry, I always keep my promises." His words conveyed his determination to uphold their agreement and fulfill his responsibilities.
Cyan trusted Oliver's integrity, so he didn't dwell on it. Instead, he pulled out three parchments, two of which contained body training techniques. One of the techniques could be practiced to an adept level, while the other could be practiced to an expert level. Cyan had purposely chosen techniques at these levels to avoid drawing excessive attention or suspicion. The highest level, grandmaster, couldn't be achieved solely through technique practice. It required a deep accumulation of practice and the ability to make the elements bend to one's will.
The final parchment contained a formula for body tempering, utilizing beast blood and other ingredients. Oliver immediately recognized the familiar parchment and understood the significance of the gift. These three parchments had the power to change the entire landscape of their current circumstances.
Oliver accepted the parchments solemnly, fully aware of their weight. He understood that these documents could potentially shift the balance and provide a breakthrough for the Federation. It was a responsibility he didn't take lightly and something he would use thoughtfully and wisely.