The dense canopy of the forest loomed overhead as they ventured deeper into the woodland. The serene surroundings, filled with the sweet chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, was in sharp contrast to Elrian's heightened heartbeat. With every step, the world of cultivation and the everyday life of the village seemed to blur, giving way to the primal nature of the forest.
Lysandra took the lead, her steps silent and her posture low, almost blending with the environment. "Elrian," she whispered, "in the forest, stealth is paramount. It's not just about hunting; sometimes, it's about not becoming prey."
She began to demonstrate. "First, you need to watch where you step. Fallen leaves and twigs can give away your position." As she spoke, she gently brushed aside a pile of dry leaves with her foot, revealing a smoother surface to step on.
Arlan, who followed closely, added, "Also, pay attention to your surroundings. Use the trees and bushes to shield your presence." With that, he moved seamlessly behind a thick shrub, momentarily disappearing from view, only to reappear a few meters away.
Elrian tried to mimic their actions, but his inexperience was evident. Every step he took seemed louder, every movement clumsier. At one point, he accidentally stepped on a twig, and the sharp 'snap' echoed through the silent woods. Birds that were perched on nearby branches took flight, their flapping wings sounding like an alarm.
Lysandra, turning to face him, said, "It's okay, Elrian. It's your first time. The forest has its rhythm, and it takes time to sync with it." She walked over and pointed at the soles of his shoes. "The type of footwear matters. Soft soles, like the ones we're wearing, make less noise."
Arlan nodded in agreement. "And it's not just the ground. Watch the branches and foliage above. Sometimes, brushing against them can cause unnecessary noise." He indicated a low-hanging branch which Elrian hadn't noticed earlier.
Elrian sighed, "There's so much to be aware of."
His mother, with a reassuring smile, said, "It's all part of the learning process. Remember, the forest is alive. It reacts to your presence. But with practice, you'll learn to move as one with it."
They continued their journey, with Elrian trying his best to emulate his parents' movements. He observed their every motion, from the way they shifted their weight to how they used their hands to gently push away obstructing foliage.
As the day progressed, Elrian's movements became slightly more fluid, a tad more natural. He began to understand the rhythm Lysandra mentioned, feeling the pulse of the forest around him. While he was far from perfect, the incremental improvements were noticeable. His parents, ever watchful, would occasionally nod in approval or give minor corrections.
The forest, with its myriad of sounds, scents, and sights, was a new world for Elrian, a challenging arena for honing his skills. As the sun began its descent, casting elongated shadows through the trees, Elrian felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. The forest had tested him, but it had also taught him, and he was eager for more.
The rustling of leaves caught their attention. From the dense foliage emerged a majestic beast with piercing eyes, stalking its territory— a lone mortal tiger. Its stripes blended seamlessly with the shadowy undergrowth, making it seem as though it was a part of the forest itself. Though its prowess was evident, it wasn't infused with Qi, making it a mortal being and not an immediate threat to cultivators like Arlan and Lysandra.
Still, its predatory gaze was locked onto the trio. The air grew tense.
Arlan took a step forward, positioning himself between the tiger and his family. "Elrian," he whispered, "this is an opportunity. Watch closely."
With a swift motion, Arlan unsheathed his sword, its gleam reflecting in the tiger's eyes. Instead of charging forward, Arlan moved in a calculated, deliberate manner, taking wide arcs and feinting attacks. It was clear to Elrian that his father could've quickly dispatched the creature if he wanted to. This dance, it seemed, was for his benefit.
Lysandra leaned close to Elrian, her voice soft yet clear, "Notice how your father positions himself, always sidestepping, never directly confronting the tiger's charge. In a real battle, conserving energy and assessing your opponent's moves is crucial."
The tiger lunged, powerful muscles propelling it forward, but Arlan gracefully sidestepped, causing the beast to land a few feet away. "See that?" Lysandra pointed out, "Your father baited the tiger to commit to an attack, revealing a pattern. Every creature, even cultivators, have patterns in combat."
Arlan continued to dance around the tiger, occasionally parrying its swipes with his blade, sending sparks flying. Each movement was fluid, every step calculated. It was a ballet of combat, where each participant played their role to perfection.
"Note the tiger's hind legs," Lysandra continued, "They're its primary source of power during a lunge. If you can destabilize or avoid them, you gain an advantage. But remember, direct confrontation with a creature of this size is dangerous. Use its momentum against it."
As if on cue, Arlan dodged another lunge, and with a swift movement, clipped the tiger's hind leg, causing it to stumble. The creature roared in pain but was back on its feet in an instant, its eyes now filled with a mix of rage and caution.
"Observe its eyes," Lysandra whispered, her words flowing like a river, guiding Elrian's thoughts. "They tell a story. When they narrow, it's about to strike. When they widen, it's either scared or surprised. Combat isn't just physical; it's a mental game, a dance of intentions."
Arlan began to pick up his pace, each move faster than the last, yet still controlled. The tiger, though powerful, was clearly getting exhausted, its lunges less forceful, its reactions slower.
Finally, with a swift, calculated strike, Arlan incapacitated the tiger without taking its life. The majestic beast lay there, breathing heavily, defeated but alive.
Arlan sheathed his sword and turned to Elrian, "Every encounter, whether with beast or man, is an opportunity to learn. Remember this dance, the steps, the rhythm. One day, it might save your life."
Elrian nodded, the weight of the lesson pressing on him. The forest, it seemed, was full of teachings, and he was its eager student.