I spent a short time trying to get Zalian Shot to spade its power this run. I know that I hadn't used the system/multiweapon before this run.
With it equipped, attacking at the 4 turret slags gate, I got:
(3 fights? possibly more earlier) -> Upgrade to System
1 fight
1 fight, You learned a new Technique: Zalian Blade
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight, You learned a new Technique: Zalian Blade
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight, You learned a new Technique: Zalian Blade
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight, You learned a new Technique: Zalian Blade
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight, You learned a new Technique: Zalian Blade
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight
1 fight, You learned a new Technique: Zalian Blade
1 fight, Upgrade to Multi.
These were all at the gate, so I was using rain of bullets, frag grenade and misc other ranged techniques.