Finding refuge in a cave, Cyan and Niall took the opportunity to recuperate. The presence of the gale leopard had caused many strong beasts to migrate from the area, and Cyan could only hope that the others in their group were faring well.
Niall, feeling a breakthrough on the horizon, expressed his excitement to Cyan. Having relentlessly fought since entering the secret realm, it was no surprise that Niall was on the cusp of progressing.
"Don't worry, it should be safe here. Concentrate on breaking through, and I will protect you," Cyan assured his younger companion.
Without hesitation, Niall entered a meditative state to focus on his breakthrough. Cyan, on the other hand, also began his own meditation. He visualized his fight with the gale leopard, aiming to understand his shortcomings, particularly in regards to the waste of essence. Through this reflection, Cyan gained more experience and believed that if he were to face the gale leopard again, he wouldn't be rendered helpless in the end.
They spent the night within the confines of the cave. Cyan wished he had a communication talisman to keep in touch with the rest of their team, but unfortunately, he lacked the necessary materials to create one. While talismans weren't his area of expertise, Cyan wasn't entirely helpless when it came to their creation.
As Cyan observed the influx of essence in the air, he sensed a surge rushing towards Niall. It became evident that Niall was on the verge of breaking through to the novice middle stage. Cyan stood ready to support and protect his younger companion during this critical moment of growth.
Niall's successful breakthrough allowed him consolidate his newfound strength, and together with Cyan, they left the cave, continuing their journey to gain experience. As Niall defeated the last desert lizard, Cyan noticed the simultaneous flares from their team members, indicating that they were in serious danger. Without hesitation, Cyan and Niall made their way towards the source of the flares, hoping it wouldn't be too far.
During their journey, Cyan took the opportunity to continue practicing the Phantom Step, adjusting his pace to match Niall's. As they neared the location of the flares, Cyan realized they were close to the center of the secret realm. Despite encountering many people and beasts along the way, Cyan's powerful soul power allowed them to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Upon arriving, Cyan witnessed Kenny healing Kelly while Law and the others formed a defensive formation to confront the Tiger mercenary. Dennis was the first to spot Cyan and Niall, expressing relief that they had arrived in time.
Cyan wasted no time in questioning what had transpired. Before anyone could answer, a mocking voice interrupted, revealing the scar-faced individual who had reacted poorly to Cyan's rejection of their boss.
"They don't understand that he left them to survive longer and call for help. How could they still be alive with their measly cultivation?" another member of the Tiger Mercenary taunted.
Ignoring their remarks, Cyan turned his attention to his companions, seeking an explanation. Gibson explained that kenny and Kelly had discovered a tree rich in fire essence, but it had yet to ripen. Unable to defeat the beasts guarding the tree, they were fortunate that the rest of the team arrived and helped clear the area. However, tensions escalated when the Tiger Mercenary arrived and claimed the tree for themselves. Kelly had been attacked, resulting in the current situation.
In the midst of the chaos, Scarface continued to mock Cyan, believing that the weak would always be subordinate to the strong. Without displaying any emotion, Cyan calmly responded, "You are right. The weak will always be a footstool for the strong." Before Scarface could react, his head was swiftly severed from his body, freezing his mocking smile in place. The sudden turn of events left everyone shocked.
Everyone was in shock, unable to comprehend the swift and brutal action taken by Cyan against Scarface. But before they could fully process what had happened, Cyan's afterimages and his use of Blinking Traverse became apparent. His Phantom Steps had broken through, allowing him to move with incredible speed and precision.
In the midst of the chaos, Shane, who had been lurking in the shadows, seized the opportunity to strike. Moving swiftly among the Tiger Mercenary members, he began harvesting their lives one by one. With Scarface, the strongest among them, already taken out, Cyan felt confident enough to give the order to his companions.
"What the hell are you waiting for? Kill all of them so they know we aren't to be messed with!" he commanded.
Taking advantage of the situation, Law, Kelly, and the others joined the fray, fighting against the Tiger Mercenary. Despite Kelly's injured arm, she fought bravely alongside her comrades. Some of the mercenaries managed to escape, but the message had been sent loud and clear. Cyan had demonstrated their strength and resolve by eliminating the chicken to warn the monkey.
Using his soul power to scan the area, Cyan detected the presence of others hiding nearby. As long as they didn't interfere, he paid them no mind.
Cyan noticed a surge of bloodlust emanating from his comrades. They had all broken through to the middle stage, their power and determination heightened.
"Lead the way to the fire fruit tree," Cyan commanded, their objective clear in his mind. With their newfound power and unity, they were ready to claim what was rightfully theirs and continue their journey.