The void Lu Ming stood in seemed endless. Darkness enveloped him completely, with the figure of his evil shadow watching him from a distance. Every move he made seemed to be mimicked by his dark reflection, as if he were facing a distorted version of himself. The true test of will was beginning.
"Everything you've done so far… have you really accomplished it on your own?" the dark figure whispered, his voice reverberating into nothingness. "You're a mere slave to power, trapped in a cycle of destruction and ambition."
Lu Ming stared at him, trying to remain calm. "I know who I am. I've worked to build my empire from the ground up, and I won't let a distorted reflection make me doubt my purpose."
The dark figure let out a low, eerie laugh. "Your purpose? You are nothing more than a tool of the system you so adore. Every coin, every soldier you have summoned, has only taken you further from what truly matters. You have forgotten your humanity."
With supernatural speed, the shadow lunged towards Lu Ming, attacking with fury. The impact shook him, causing him to retreat. It felt as if the attack not only struck his body, but his mind as well, eroding his resolve.
Lu Ming staggered, but quickly recovered. He knew this was a test designed to make him hesitate, to weaken his resolve. If he gave up now, he would lose everything he had fought for.
"I will not allow you to destroy me!" he shouted, lunging towards his shadow.
The battle was intense. Every blow they exchanged was not only physical, but mental. The dark figure attacked with memories of the difficult decisions Lu Ming had made, of the times he had sacrificed others to advance his own power. It was as if the entire weight of his journey was crushing him, making him question his every choice.
**[System Notification: Mental strength at risk. Willpower at 70%.]**
Even as the fight continued, Lu Ming felt his resolve begin to crumble. Every blow from his evil shadow reminded him of the sacrifices, the lives lost under his command, and the cost of his ambition.
"Do you think you can carry on carrying this?" the shadow asked, mocking. "Every soldier who has died for you, every being you have summoned… they are just pawns in your power game. Do you really care about anything other than your rise?"
Lu Ming paused for a moment, panting. Dark thoughts began to plague him. It was true that he had sacrificed much on his path to power. But then, he remembered why he had begun this journey. Not just to gain power, but to protect what was his, to ensure the survival of his people, his empire.
With renewed fury, he stood up straight. "I have made sacrifices, but I am not a slave to them. Everything I have done has been to protect and create something greater than who I am. I will not give up now!"
With a roar, Lu Ming released a blast of energy from his **Dragon's Breath**, directly impacting on his shadow. The blow was devastating, and for the first time, the dark figure seemed to stagger, shocked by the intensity of the attack.
**[System Notification: Mental Strength at 90%. The player's will is unbreakable.]**
The dark figure tried to fight back, but Lu Ming gave him no time. With impeccable speed and precision, he launched his next skill: **Lightning Control**. The electrical energy enveloped the shadow, shattering it into fragments of darkness that slowly disintegrated.
"You are just a part of me that no longer controls me!" Lu Ming exclaimed, as the shadow completely disappeared, leaving the void in silence.
Suddenly, the darkness faded away, and Lu Ming found himself standing in the center of the shrine again. In front of him, the mirror that had previously shown a void now reflected his true image, stronger, more determined.
**[System Notification: Second test passed. Test of Willpower completed.]**
The shrine vibrated slightly, and the doors to the next room swung wide open. Lu Ming took a moment to catch his breath. He knew there were still challenges ahead, but something inside him had changed. He felt more focused, stronger than ever. He had faced his inner fears and emerged victorious.
As his soldiers prepared to advance, the Nether Ancestor appeared in his mind, his voice deep and solemn. "You have overcome your inner doubts, Lu Ming. Now, prepare for the final test. What is coming will test not only your strength and willpower, but your leadership ability. Your empire depends on it."
Lu Ming nodded, determined. "I am ready."
With a determined look, he led his troops into the next room, knowing that the most difficult battle was yet to come.
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