Elrian rubbed his temples, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "That's... a lot to take in. My head's spinning from all this new information, and thinking about potential problems on top of the current challenges we face... it's too much."
He took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. Looking at the shimmering pearl, he said, "Thank you for the insights, voice. They are invaluable, even if they are a lot to process right now."
With a slight chuckle, he added, "I think I need a break from all this."
Serpwingra floated closer, its essence exuding a comforting aura. "Rest is essential, Elrian. Absorbing and processing all this information will take time."
Nodding, Elrian stretched out on his bed. "Before I sleep, Serpwingra, can you use the wind and life qi in the pearl to expand my qi pool? I think boosting my strength will be crucial in the times ahead."
Serpwingra responded with a determined tone, "Of course, Elrian. Rest well, and I'll ensure that the qi works to enhance your strength."
Elrian's eyes slowly closed, trusting in Serpwingra's abilities. As he drifted off, he felt a gentle flow of energy surround him, the life and wind qi from the pearl starting to merge with his own, bolstering his strength.
Elrian stretched as he woke, feeling the steady hum of energy coursing through his veins. With a start, he focused inwardly, and his eyes widened in amazement. The visualization of his qi pool now appeared to be vastly more expansive than before. It stretched out to an impressive 150 cm in width and depth. The depths shimmered with varying shades of green. The deep green symbolizing the life qi, the slight green hinting at the wind qi, and the clear sections representing the pure qi.
Serpwingra, sensing Elrian's astonishment, floated up and commented, "Indeed, your growth has been remarkable. The combined influence of wind and life qi has not only bolstered your strength but has also facilitated in expanding your pool. Additionally, your recent combats and expenditure of qi have primed your body to be more receptive to growth."
Elrian glanced at the spirit, "So, I wasn't just imagining it. This... this is incredible. My qi pool is now much larger than my parents', isn't it?"
Serpwingra nodded, "By a significant margin. While your parents are seasoned cultivators, their pools, though substantial, don't match yours. Your unique combination of life, wind, and pure qi gives you an edge. This distinct composition will likely make your qi more potent than those with a singular type, like pure qi."
Elrian pondered on this for a moment. If Seraphine, the threat that the village fears, only possessed pure qi, then with his diverse qi, his chances of facing her would be more favorable. Especially with Serpwingra's guidance and the various skills and techniques he had started mastering.
However, he was cautious enough to realize that merely possessing a vast qi pool wasn't the end-all. Application, strategy, and experience played critical roles in battles. And while he had the potential, he was still raw in experience compared to seasoned warriors.
Still, a small smile played on his lips. "With this power, and with Serpwingra by my side, we might just stand a chance against the impending threats. We have a fighting spirit, and I'm not about to back down."
Serpwingra's energy pulsed with approval. "That's the spirit, Elrian. Harnessing this newfound strength wisely and continuing to grow will be the key. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way."
The sun had barely risen, casting a warm orange hue across the village, when Elrian stepped out of his room. The household was silent, suggesting that his parents were still resting. Considering the taxing day they had experienced and the looming threat they faced, it wasn't surprising they would need extra rest.
Elrian decided to make breakfast, wanting to provide a momentary distraction and comfort through a hearty meal. He fetched fresh vegetables, fruits, and some preserved meat from the storage. Setting the ingredients on the wooden countertop, he began to meticulously chop and prepare. He decided to make a rich vegetable stew, some grilled meat, and a refreshing fruit salad.
As the fragrant aroma of the stew filled the air, combined with the sizzling sound of meat grilling, Lyssandra and Arlan began to stir. The inviting smell acted as a gentle alarm, coaxing them out of their slumber.
Lyssandra, her usually radiant face showing signs of fatigue, entered the kitchen first. "Mmm, that smells heavenly, Elrian," she commented, her lips curving into a faint smile.
Arlan followed suit, rubbing his temples, "It seems our young cultivator here is also turning into a master chef."
Elrian chuckled, "Thought we could all use a good meal to start the day, especially after everything that's going on."
Gratitude shimmered in Lyssandra's eyes. "Thank you, Elrian." She moved over to help, starting with setting the table while Arlan joined Elrian in stirring the stew.
The family worked in a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts yet finding solace in the mundane act of preparing a meal. The brewing crisis cast a shadow over their hearts, but moments like these reminded them of the bonds that held them together, giving them strength to face any storm.
The cozy ambiance in the kitchen was momentarily disrupted when Elrian, with a glint in his eyes, leaned closer to his parents and said in a mysterious tone, "I have something to share, but it's imperative it remains within this room."
Arlan and Lyssandra exchanged puzzled glances, their eyebrows knitting in curiosity.
Taking a deep breath, Elrian whispered, "My qi pool... it's expanded considerably. It's now 150 cm wide and 150 cm deep."
For a moment, there was complete silence, both Lyssandra and Arlan's eyes widening in sheer disbelief.
Lyssandra finally stammered, her voice barely audible, "What? That's... That's impossible!"
Arlan, gripping the edge of the table, echoed, "One hundred and fifty?!"
Elrian nodded solemnly, sensing the gravity of what he just revealed.
Lyssandra continued, her voice laced with astonishment, "When my father was the pride of the village, his qi pool measured 40 cm wide and 50 cm deep. That size was legendary in our history, hailed for generations. It was said that his pool was the largest across these hundred villages, a record held for two centuries!"
Arlan chimed in, his voice still filled with disbelief, "I still remember the tales of your father, Lyssandra. The village elders used to talk about how he was the strongest qi sensor in all the surrounding villages. His enormous qi pool was the reason he dared to journey with his wife to the fabled town. But Elrian... this is... inconceivable!"
Lyssandra, now regaining her composure, added, "It's a monumental advantage, Elrian. But with great power comes greater attention. It's wise to keep this a secret."
Elrian looked between his parents, "I felt the same. With the impending threat, I don't want any extra attention, not when things are already so uncertain."
Arlan placed a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. "You have our word. Your secret is safe with us."
Both parents looked at Elrian with a mixture of pride and concern, understanding that their young son was stepping into realms of power that even they hadn't imagined. The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the room, even as they proceeded to enjoy the breakfast Elrian had lovingly prepared.