### Chapter 18: Lessons from the Shadows
The silence of the night seemed louder than usual as Adam returned to the abandoned warehouse. Their steps echoed lightly against the cobblestones, each bearing the weight of what they had done.
The blade he used to kill Wei Zhang was still in his inventory, hidden as a guilty secret. The rewards of the system had been immediate, but the sense of accomplishment they promised had not arrived.
---
< **Mission Complete - Prove Your Worth** >
**Rewards:** Access to mentoring and training from Lian.
---
Adam had passed Lian's test, but at what cost? The faint copper scent of blood had wafted through him, reminding him of the line he had crossed.
When he reached the warehouse, the moon was already low on the horizon, casting long shadows on the broken walls. Adam sat down on the cold stone floor with his back against the wall and Close your eyes.
< ** System Warning: The host's mental stability has been affected. Meditation or culture is recommended to restore balance. ** >
"Thanks for the advice," Adam muttered in his hollow voice.
He took the locket of the Little Spirit and held it tightly in his hand. The low hum of the locket was comforting, a small anchor in the storm of his thoughts. He concentrated on his breathing, letting the rhythm of his chest rise and fall the memory of Wei Zhang's last moments.
As he began to absorb the faint spiritual energy of the night, a familiar voice broke the silence.
"You look like you've been through hell."
Adam's eyes opened to see Lian standing in the doorway, her green cloak looming like a shadow. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a slight glint of approval in her eyes.
"You did it," she said as she entered. "And you're still standing. That's more than most can say."
Adam stood up with a fixed gaze. "And now? Another try
Lian smiled. "No. You've earned your place. For now, anyway."
She reached into her cloak and pulled out a bag, tossing it to Adam. He picked it up and opened it, revealing a handful of sparkling, radiant stones.
---
< **Item Earned: Spiritual Crystals (10x)**. >
** Effect: ** Used to accelerate cultivation and strengthen spiritual energy.
---
"You need it," Lian said. "Your foundations are weak, and if you want to survive what's coming, you'll have to get stronger soon."
Adam nodded, putting the crystals back in his inventory. "What's the plan?"
Lian leaned against the wall, her expression turning serious. "The path of a cultivator is simple on the surface: gain power, climb the ranks, and crush anyone who stands in your way. But you're not playing a normal game, are you? »
Adam stood up, his eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" »
Lian's smile was alive. "I've seen you, Adam. You don't fight like someone who's just started farming. You see things that others don't. Take risks that should kill and come out alive. That's not luck. »
Adamu tightened his embrace. He had hidden the system from everyone, but Lian's words were too close to the truth to be comforting.
"I have my methods," he said carefully. "Do you want to train me or not?" »
Lian grinned. "Relax. I'm not here to delve into your secrets. Everyone has them. What I care about are the results. And if you can keep your promises, I will make sure you get what you ask for."
She stood up, her cape swirling around her as she moved toward the center of the room. "We'll start with the basics. Your Raw power is good for someone at your level, but your technique is poor."
Adam stood up but didn't fight. He wasn't wrong.
"Put your gun away," Lian ordered.
Adam hesitated a moment before pulling the blade from his inventory. Its weight was familiar to him now, but it still felt foreign in his hand, as if it didn't belong to him.
Lian pulled out the weapon, a thin dagger that glowed faintly in the dim light. He bowed, his movements fluid and precise.
"Tell me what you can do," she said, nodding forward.
Adam moved quickly, pointing the blade at her. But before he could strike, Lian moved away effortlessly, his dagger striking his wrist hard enough for him to drop the weapon.
"Careless," he said dryly. "Telegraph your movements. Anyone with a brain could see it coming."
Adamu took the blade, his jaw clenched. He tightened his grip and tried again, this time aiming for her stomach.
Lian returned the blow with ease, her movements almost lazy. "Better but still predictable." You rely too much on brute force. Culture gives you strength, but it won't save you if you don't know how to use it. »
The fight continued for hours. Lian corrected every mistake, pointing out every flaw in his form. His shots were controlled but relentless, leaving Adam burned and exhausted by the time they stopped.
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< ** System Notice: Increased combat skills. Basic Weapon Skills (10%). ** >
---
Adam fell to the ground, his chest rose. Sweat dripped from his forehead and every muscle in his body ached. But beneath the weariness, there was a glow of satisfaction. He was learning
Lian sheathed her dagger, her expression softening a bit. "Do you have potential, Adam. But potential means nothing without discipline. Come here every night and I'll make sure you don't die the first time someone serious comes after you."
Adamu nodded, strengthening his resolve. "I'll be here."
Lian smiled. "OK. "I'll stay. Tomorrow we'll face something more difficult."
He turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Adam alone in the empty warehouse.
He leaned against