As Elrian assessed his qi pool, he couldn't help but marvel at how little he had expended in such a rigorous battle. Only 1% of his qi had been consumed. He felt a sense of accomplishment and believed he was on the right track in mastering qi efficiency.
However, Serpwingra's voice, always insightful, brought him back to reality. "Elrian, in the vast knowledge that I have acquired from the universe's sediment, a truly masterful cultivator with a qi pool of merely 1cm by 1cm would have only consumed 0.01% qi in a battle like that."
Elrian's heart sank a little. The comparison made him realize how far he still had to go, how much room there was to improve. But before he could wallow in those thoughts, Serpwingra added, "Don't be disheartened. The knowledge I hold is vast, ancient, and of a scale that's sometimes too grand for comprehension. You've come a long way in a short time. You're doing exceedingly well, and every step you take is progress."
The words of Serpwingra were like a soothing balm on Elrian's spirit. He nodded, taking in the wisdom imparted, using it as motivation to push himself harder, to aspire for even greater heights. Every lesson, every battle was a stepping stone, shaping him into a more formidable cultivator.
Elrian, after quickly harvesting the cores of the chickens, observed their anatomy. Unlike the snake's strange and uncharacteristic build, the insides of these chickens appeared fairly standard. The organs were where they should be, and though they were infused with qi, they held no surprises.
As he journeyed deeper, a soft buzzing alerted him. In a blink, he was surrounded by seven bees, each the size of his head. Their buzzing wings made an ominous hum, and their bodies were shielded with a carapace that resembled rough, weathered stone.
These weren't ordinary bees. Their movements were synchronized, exhibiting a profound level of coordination and teamwork. When one bee attacked, others rested, preparing for their next move. It was like facing a relentless, coordinated assault, a wave that didn't recede but kept crashing upon him.
Elrian felt the pressure mounting. Every swipe of his sword met the hard carapace of the bees, causing sparks to fly. He dodged and parried, but the bees' formations left him with little room to breathe. Yet, as the battle raged on, his adaptability began to show.
With each thrust, slash, and parry, Elrian's sword technique sharpened. He noticed patterns in their attacks, recognizing the brief moments when the bees shifted from attack to rest. Every movement became a learning experience. He began conserving his qi, realizing that minimal, precise gestures allowed him to maintain his speed and agility while expending less energy.
In the midst of this chaotic dance, Elrian found a rhythm. The bees, though working in unity, had a predictable cycle. Seizing an opportunity, Elrian lunged, using an aerial movement to soar above them, then quickly descending in a deadly arc, his blade slicing through the bees with improved efficiency.
One by one, the bees fell, their stone-like carapaces no match for Elrian's rapidly evolving technique. The battle, though intense, was a testament to Elrian's growth as a cultivator. He had faced an almost overwhelming force but had turned the tide through observation, adaptation, and sheer determination. As the last bee dropped, the forest was silent once more, save for the soft panting of a young cultivator who had just taken another significant step on his journey.
Elrian meticulously extracted the cores from the fallen bees. As he worked, he examined their anatomy, looking for any peculiarities or anomalies that might be different from typical creatures. However, much like the chickens, their internal structures bore no unusual traits.
As he made his observations, Serpwingra's voice echoed in his mind, "The fight against the bees was commendable. You've improved significantly in a short span. However, there were moments where you could've been more efficient."
Elrian, eager to grow stronger, responded, "I know I made mistakes. Please, help me understand so I don't repeat them."
Serpwingra continued, "During the fight, you managed to adapt and evolve your technique, which was commendable. But your initial approach was a tad reactive. Instead of always waiting for them to make the first move, try dictating the pace of the battle. This way, your opponent is always trying to catch up to you."
Elrian nodded, "I see what you mean. By controlling the pace, I can keep them off balance."
"Exactly," Serpwingra affirmed. "Additionally, remember that in a fight, it's not just about strength or technique. Awareness of your surroundings can be a significant advantage. Use it to set traps, lead enemies into difficult terrains, or even use the environment as a weapon."
Taking a deep breath, Elrian replied, "Thank you, Serpwingra. It's a lot to digest, but I know this advice is invaluable."
Serpwingra's voice carried a note of warmth, "You're growing at a pace that's remarkable. Mistakes are a part of learning. What's important is that you reflect, adapt, and move forward. Remember, it's not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up and push forward."
Elrian took a moment to assess his qi. After three intense battles, he had only consumed 5% of his qi pool, which was a testament to the improvements he had made and the vast reserves he had built up. Looking up, he noted the sun's position in the sky; it indicated that several hours had already passed since he began his hunt.
The forest around him resonated with the energy of nature, a mix of serene beauty and latent danger. Every chirp, every rustle, was a testament to the vitality of the living world he inhabited. As he gazed into the depths of the forest, he pondered his next move.
On one hand, he could remain within the familiar boundaries of the village's hunting area, focusing on creatures he had some knowledge of. It would be relatively safer, and he would continue to improve at a steady pace. On the other hand, there was the unknown, the regions beyond the village's hunting grounds. These areas, untouched and untamed, held creatures whose power and abilities surpassed those he had faced before. It was a risky proposition. Ever since he was a child, he had been warned of the dangers lurking there, of creatures that surpassed even the strength of qi sensors. But danger, after all, was often a precursor to growth.
The village's impending doom weighed heavily on his mind. The very idea of Seraphine and her warriors marching upon them was a threat that loomed like an ominous cloud. If he was going to find a way to help his village, he needed to push himself further, to embrace challenges that forced him to evolve rapidly.
Taking a deep breath, Elrian made his decision. "If I'm to help protect everyone, I need to dance with death itself. It's a risk, but it's one I'm willing to take for the sake of the village."
With resolute determination, Elrian began to make his way towards the outermost borders of the village's hunting range, preparing himself for the formidable challenges that awaited.