Chapter 43: Expand qi pool
Elrian's mind buzzed with all the information, but a burning curiosity lingered. "So," he began hesitantly, "what abilities have I gained from the Sky Lion's symbol? And why is it ranked higher than the wolf's?"
The voice, ever patient, replied, "The Sky Lion, as you rightly said, is a dominant wind elemental creature. But what you might not know is that they possess a diluted lineage tracing back to the Gale Serpent, a legendary wind creature revered for its immense power over the winds. Due to this lineage and their innate wind abilities, the Sky Lions usually reside in higher ranks of the cultivation system."
"As for the abilities you've inherited from the Sky Lion's Rank 2 Wind symbol, they manifest in various ways:
1. **Wind Manipulation:** At this rank, you can subtly influence the direction and flow of the wind around you. With practice, you can channel this wind to aid your movements, making them faster or more agile.
2. **Gale Shield:** Harnessing the wind, you can form a protective barrier around yourself, deflecting minor attacks or disturbances. This is a defensive technique, perfect for warding off surprise attacks.
3. **Aerial Affinity:** You'll find an increased comfort and efficiency while moving in aerial environments, be it jumping from heights or later, when you gain the ability, flying."
"The wolf, on the other hand," the voice continued, "while a proud and fierce creature in its own right, does not have the legacy of an ancient lineage like the Sky Lion. It mainly relies on its physical prowess and basic elemental affinity, which is why its elemental symbol is of a lower rank."
Elrian absorbed the information, understanding dawning on his face. The potential of the Sky Lion's abilities within him filled him with awe and excitement, eager to explore and hone these newfound powers.
The voice, maintaining its calm and measured tone, presented Elrian with his current options. "Now, Elrian, based on the knowledge you have acquired, you face several choices:
1. Seek out a stronger wind elemental symbol to elevate your current Rank 2 wind affinity.
2. Find an elemental symbol from another element, distinct from wind, to acquire a new affinity.
3. Harness and absorb the concentrated wind qi from the wolf's core to bolster your cultivation."
Elrian considered his options, weighing each one's merits in his mind. Though the allure of acquiring or upgrading an elemental affinity was tempting, he felt the immediate need to strengthen his cultivation base. "I'll choose to absorb the wind qi from the wolf core first," he finally voiced out. "Strengthening my foundation now will only make my pursuit of stronger elemental symbols in the future more effective."
The voice responded, "A wise decision, young one. Strengthening your core and understanding of your existing abilities will indeed lay a more robust groundwork for the challenges ahead."
With determination set in his eyes, Elrian began the process of channeling the wind qi from the wolf's core, feeling its raw energy flow into him, intertwining with his own. He was eager to explore the world of cultivation further and secure his village's position in this vast, ever-evolving world.
Elrian's room was an oasis of serenity amidst the vast and tumultuous world outside. As he sat cross-legged, immersing himself deeply in the process of cultivation, the silent dance of qi within him became his entire universe.
The sensation of the wolf's core providing its concentrated wind qi was exhilarating. It surged into his dantian like a powerful torrent, promising exponential growth. But just as a river meeting a dam slows down, the ambient external qi's slower absorption rate felt like a restraint on his pace.
Elrian's persistence was rooted in a deep-seated belief that challenges were but stepping stones. Rather than letting the disparity between the absorption rates deter him, it sparked curiosity. He began delving into the ancient techniques passed down in his village, trying to recall if any elders had ever spoken of ways to enhance the speed of external qi absorption.
His thoughts wandered to an old tale narrated by his grandmother. It was about a legendary cultivator who imagined the ambient qi as morning dew, collecting it drop by drop until it formed a river. Inspired by this imagery, Elrian visualized himself as a colossal mountain, collecting the morning dew, drop by precious drop, until rivulets formed, leading to streams and eventually, mighty rivers of qi that poured into his reservoir.
The passage of time became a blur as day turned to night and night to day. With each cycle of cultivation, the distinction between the wind qi and his natural qi began to blur. They intertwined, spiraled, and fused, creating a dynamic synergy that expanded and enriched his qi pool.
In one of his introspective moments, he perceived a clear image of his dantian. What was once a modest pond had transformed into a vast, deep well. Measuring approximately 7 centimeters across, its depth was a staggering 8 meters, a testament to his dedication and relentless practice.
Throughout this intense cultivation, Elrian felt his body's boundaries expand. The elemental qi did not just reside within him; it became a part of him. He could feel the gentle caress of the wind even when there was none, and the whisper of the trees became clearer, almost as if they were communicating with him.
In this heightened state, a revelation dawned upon him: elemental affinities, symbols, and cores, while powerful, were external aids. True growth in the path of cultivation stemmed from self-awareness, understanding one's limitations, and constantly pushing those boundaries. Filled with gratitude for this profound insight, Elrian emerged from his cultivation, a step closer to understanding the vast expanse of the universe and his place within it.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone