The following morning, Lâm Minh met with Yan in a secure, heavily shielded chamber deep within Commander Trinh's safe house.
The room was stark, equipped only with a table, two chairs, and advanced recording equipment.
The "knowledge transfer," as Trinh had termed it, was about to begin.
Lâm Minh had spent a restless night considering how much to reveal.
He couldn't mention the System – that was his ultimate secret, the source of his rebirth and continued guidance.
But the [Basic Madakaros Cultivation Manual (Qi Refining Stage – Human Adapted)] and his subsequent insights and experiences up to Foundation Establishment were things he could, and now had to, share.
He decided to frame it as a unique understanding he'd pieced together from fragmented alien data, personal experimentation, and battlefield observations – a dangerous and lucky path he'd stumbled upon.
"Commander Trinh is eager to understand the principles behind your advancement," Yan began, his voice neutral as he activated the recording devices.
"Please be as detailed as possible, from the foundational stages of Qi absorption to the breakthrough into Foundation Establishment. Any insights into meridian pathways, Dantian development, and the refinement of Spirit Essence for human physiology will be invaluable."
Lâm Minh nodded.
He began to speak, carefully choosing his words.
He described the initial concept of drawing "Spirit Essence" (he avoided the direct term "petroleum condensate" initially, letting them connect the dots later from his descriptions of the raw materials he scavenged for Old Feng) into the Dantian, the painstaking process of refining it, and circulating it through specific meridian pathways he "discovered" or "hypothesized" to be compatible with human bodies.
He detailed the stages within Qi Refining – Initial, Middle, Major, and Peak Completion – and the qualitative changes in Qi and physical attributes at each step.
He spoke of the critical importance of high-purity Spirit Essence for breakthroughs and the dangers of using impure or volatile energy sources.
He described his understanding of Qi Sense, Qi Infusion, Shadow Step, and Cleansing Flame, framing them as natural evolutions of refined Qi control rather than System-granted skills.
When it came to the Foundation Establishment breakthrough, he described it as a violent, almost uncontrollable fusion of highly refined Dantian Qi with the entire physical body, a tempering process that reforged bone, muscle, and meridians.
He emphasized the need for an incredibly strong foundation in Qi Refining and, crucially, a potent catalyst – in his case, extreme combat stress and an unwavering will to survive and protect.
Yan listened intently, occasionally interjecting with pointed questions about specific physiological reactions, energy flow patterns, or potential failure points.
Lâm Minh answered as best he could, drawing on his genuine understanding of the cultivation process, filtered through his fabricated origin story.
He was careful to omit any mention of Spiritual Roots or their grades, as that was too closely tied to the System's unique evaluations.
He simply stated that individual aptitude and resonance with Spirit Essence varied greatly.
The process took several hours.
By the end, Lâm Minh felt drained, but also a strange sense of relief.
He had shared a significant part of his burden, albeit in a controlled manner.
"This is… revolutionary, Minh," Yan said finally, his usual impassivity tinged with something akin to awe as he deactivated the recorders.
"If even a fraction of this can be replicated, adapted, and taught safely… it could change the entire dynamic of our war against the Madakaros. You understand the significance of what you've shared?"
"I understand that humanity needs every weapon it can find, Yan," Lâm Minh replied.
"This is one such weapon. Use it wisely."
"Commander Trinh will personally oversee the analysis and experimental application of this knowledge," Yan assured him.
"A dedicated research team, under the tightest security, will be assembled. Your continued insights, as you progress further, will be invaluable." He paused.
"And your discretion regarding the… more unique aspects of your knowledge acquisition is appreciated, and expected to continue."
Lâm Minh nodded.
The unspoken understanding was clear.
Later that day, Hạnh, Cường, and Tuấn were brought to a different, less opulent but still secure, ASEAN intelligence facility.
They were visibly nervous, still recovering from their ordeal, but also curious.
Lâm Minh was present, along with Yan.
Yan formally welcomed them as "auxiliary assets" of Commander Trinh's special operations unit.
He explained that their past association with Lâm Minh, and their recent… "unpleasantness" with the Skulls, had brought them to the Commander's attention.
"Your bravery and loyalty have been noted," Yan told them. "Henceforth, you will operate under a more formal arrangement.
You will receive regular stipends, access to better equipment, medical care, and secure housing if required.
In return, you will undertake assignments as directed by this department, primarily in support of Operative Minh's missions."
Cường, ever blunt, asked, "So, we're spies now? Soldiers?"
"You are valuable assets," Yan corrected smoothly.
"Your skills in navigating the underbelly of this city, your combat experience, and your loyalty are what we require. Think of yourselves as a specialized support team for high-risk operations."
Hạnh looked at Lâm Minh, who gave her a reassuring nod.
"What kind of 'support' are we talking about, Mr. Yan?" she asked, her voice steady.
"Surveillance, information gathering, logistical support, and, when necessary, direct action under Operative Minh's field command," Yan explained.
"You will receive further training and briefing on specific protocols."
He then slid three pouches across the table.
"This is an initial payment, a gesture of goodwill, and compensation for your recent troubles."
Cường's eyes widened as he peeked into his pouch.
It contained a significant amount of credits, far more than they usually earned in months.
Tuấn and Hạnh were similarly surprised.
"This is… generous," Hạnh admitted.
"We value loyalty and competence," Yan reiterated.
"And we expect discretion."
Then came the part Lâm Minh had been both anticipating and slightly dreading.
"Furthermore," Yan continued, "Operative Minh has… unique methods for enhancing personal capabilities. Methods that have proven remarkably effective."
His gaze flickered towards Lâm Minh.
"Under his guidance, and with resources provided by this department, you three will be given the opportunity to… develop your own latent potential."
Hạnh, Cường, and Tuấn stared at Lâm Minh, then at Yan, then back at Lâm Minh, their expressions a mixture of disbelief, hope, and apprehension.
They had all witnessed Lâm Minh's terrifying power in the parking garage.
The idea that they too could tap into something similar was almost too incredible to believe.
"You mean… like what Minh did?" Tuấn asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"That… fire? That strength?"
"The path is arduous, and success is not guaranteed for everyone," Lâm Minh interjected, speaking for the first time.
"It requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to endure significant hardship. But yes, the potential is there. If you are willing."
He wouldn't be able to give them a System, or unlock Heaven Tier Spiritual Roots.
But he could teach them the human-adapted Qi Refining cultivation method he had just shared with Yan.
He could guide them, provide them with Spirit Stones (now supplied by Trinh's department), and help them build a foundation.
His "Power Conferral" talent was still latent, its activation conditions unknown, but simple instruction and resourcing were within his capability now, especially with official backing.
The hope in their eyes was palpable.
For people who had lived their lives on the desperate fringes of society, fighting for scraps, this was a lifeline, a chance to transcend their limitations, to become something more.
"If there's a chance… any chance… to get stronger, to fight back properly against those bastards and scum like the Skulls… I'm in," Cường declared, his voice rough with emotion.
Tuấn nodded eagerly. "Me too."
Hạnh looked at Lâm Minh, her one good eye searching his. "You'd really teach us, Minh? After everything?"
"You're my crew, Hạnh," Lâm Minh said, a rare, genuine smile touching his lips.
"We watch each other's backs. And in the fight that's coming, we'll need every strong hand we can get."
And so, a new chapter began for Hạnh, Cường, and Tuấn. They were no longer just scavengers or hired muscle.
They were recruits, nascent cultivators, the first students of Lâm Minh's dangerous knowledge, backed by the shadowy resources of ASEAN Intelligence.
Their training would begin immediately, under Lâm Minh's direct supervision, in secure facilities provided by Yan.
They would be given access to Low-Grade Spirit Stones and the foundational Qi Refining techniques.
Lâm Minh knew it would be a slow, difficult process for them, especially without the System's direct aid or high-grade spiritual roots.
But even a small measure of cultivated strength would make them far more effective, and far more likely to survive, in the perilous missions that lay ahead.
As Lâm Minh watched them, a new determination solidified within him.
He wasn't just fighting for his own survival or revenge anymore.
He was now a leader, a teacher, responsible for the growth and safety of others.
The burden was immense, but it also gave him a profound sense of purpose.
Humanity was on the back foot, but it was not yet broken.
And with every new cultivator, however humble their beginnings, a spark of hope was kindled in the overwhelming darkness.
The hunt for the Maka Legion agent would be his primary mission.
But building his team, empowering his allies, was now an equally crucial part of his journey.
The Crimson Dawn of Earth was still far off, but the first rays were beginning to pierce the long night.