Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Echoes of the Past
### Chapter 7: Echoes of the Past
Adam moved with a new thought, retracing his steps. His body still bore the marks of his battle—bruises and scratches from the robber's ambush—but he no longer hesitated. The warmth of spiritual energy flowing through his veins was a sign that he was changing, growing.
The forest ahead was thicker, the trees older, their branches thicker. The sun barely penetrated the canopy, casting the path into one It was still evening As Adam went deeper, the air cooled and brought a small amount of the same that bothered him.
"System" he muttered, holding a short sword at his side. "Is it something nearby?"
** Scanning the environment. .. >>>
responses came after the break, measuring the volume of the system.
** Weak signs of enemy presence have been detected. Garden Zone: Qi Gathering Group. >>
Adam took a deep breath. late The Qi collection is above his current level. If he were forced to fight directly, it would be almost impossible to survive.
"What are my options?" he asked, his voice strong despite the pain gnawing at the back of his neck.
** Option 1: Avoid interaction. The leader may change course to minimize risk. >>
** Option 2: Set up an ambush to exploit the enemy's terrain and weaknesses. >>
Adam considered the options. The thought of facing someone at the end of Qi The collection was terrifying, but he couldn't avoid certain challenges forever. If he was going to be stronger, he would have to be able to take calculated risks.
said, still holding the sword, "I'll ambush them." "Kill me."
was the system's quick response, identifying a nearby location - a narrow ridge overlooking a small area. Adam hurried, his footsteps silent as he climbed the ridge. The empty space below appeared and his heart sank.
A only A figure stood there, clothed in black. Their eyes were hidden under the shadow, and a faint aura of spiritual energy shone around them, dispersing the air like a heat wave. In their hands was a shining blade, the side of the blade reflecting the illusory light.
Adam bent down and looked at the image below.
** Analysis:>**
**- Maki: Late Qi Gathering Area. ** **- Strengths: Proficient swordsmanship, agility. ** **- Weaknesses: Few defensive techniques. High self-confidence >>
The weaknesses gave Adam hope. If he could hit fast and use the pitch to his advantage, he might have a chance.
The figures below suddenly woke up, their heads turning to Adam's position.
"Come out," the
figures called, their voices calm but filled with anger. "I know you're there. "
Adam's breathing quickened. His element of surprise was gone.
** Engage or retreat. A decision had to be made. >>
Adam's teeth clenched. Running now only reveals his back. He adjusts his grip on the sword, enters the space, and sits low and restrained.
The figure bows its head, the shadows hiding most of it. "The insect dares to approach me? Interesting "
Adam said nothing, his eyes searching the features of her face.
"Okay," they continued, raising their eyebrows. "Let's see how far you can go." "Enjoy me."
the figures jumped, the speed flashing. Adam barely managed to dodge the first blow, and the blade slammed into his hands. He turned back, his mind racing.
*< The Iron Car's Soul was activated. The defense power increased >>
The next blow came faster, the surface became blurred. Adam sighed, his instincts sharpened by the system. He decided on his sword, heading towards the visible side of the face, but they just ran away.
"You're not completely useless,"
Face said in a mocking tone. "But you're out of your depth."
Adam didn't answer. He couldn't waste his energy on words. Instead, he focused on the movements of the figure and looked for patterns. Every step, every turn of the face - quick, precise, yet visionary.
The next transition Adam walked with new confidence. He resisted the gaze and forced his face to stretch out as far as it would go.
His face cut through their hands.
The eyes stopped and stared at the thin line of blood on their hands. Their auras burned, almost oppressed by death.
"You'll regret it," they sniffed.
Adam braced himself as they came at him again, their blows more furious than before. He blocked, dodged, every move expending energy.
** Leader's Health of 30%. It is not recommended to exert effort for a long time. >>
"Big boy," Aram He muttered under his breath.
The figure's attacks slowed down, and his breathing became more and more labored. Aram knew that they were relying too much on the level of cultivation to defeat him.
This was his chance.
As the figure moved again, Adam stepped aside and swung his blade up. The attack landed in white, cutting it to the shoulder.
The figures
stepped back, their auras shining. Adam pressed the advantage and closed the gap and He delivered the final blow to the chest.
figures fell, their faces hitting the ground.
** The leader has defeated an opponent from Late Qi Gathering Realm. Items received: >>
**- Advanced Sword Technique: Phantom Stage. **
**- Development of spiritual roots: from the fourth level to the third level. >>
The person bowed down, his chest heaving. The system's charges flowed into him, healing some of his injuries and easing his fatigue. His spirit The root swelled with strength, increasing his ability to absorb Qi.
"System," he whispered, "show me my power."
**< show status >>
**Power:**
- **The Light of the World (The Light of Heaven):** 40% progress.
- **Battle Instincts (Basic):** Reflects and understands the circumstances of battle.
- **Iron Vein Breath (Defensive):** Increases durability and strength in prolonged battles.
- **Phantom Step (advanced sword formation):** Increases agility and evasion during combat.
**spiritual problems:**
- **Third Root of the Kura Kaupapa Maori:** Better compatibility with spiritual power. Faster integration