With his newfound understanding, Elrian felt an eagerness to tap into the abilities of a Qi Sensor. He remembered the tales and instructions his parents had shared, and although he was now a Qi Sensor, the mechanics of actually using those abilities still remained a challenge.
He started by focusing on his internal Qi. Closing his eyes, Elrian visualized the flow of energy within him, feeling the gentle currents and eddies as Qi circulated through his meridians. He recalled that the most basic ability of a Qi Sensor was to manifest and manipulate this energy externally.
Slowly, he tried to channel a small portion of his Qi to his hand. At first, nothing happened. His hand remained still, devoid of any palpable energy. But with persistence and concentration, he began to sense a faint warmth emanating from his palm. It was weak, like the feeble flame of a candle in the wind, but it was there.
Elated, he attempted to shape it. Drawing from his memories of the way Qi was depicted in the tales, he tried to form a small Qi orb. It took immense concentration, and several times he felt like he was losing the grasp of the energy. But, after what seemed like hours, a small, almost translucent orb of energy hovered above his palm. It was unstable, flickering and shifting like a mirage, but it was undeniably there.
Feeling ambitious, he tried to move it, directing it to float upwards. The orb wavered, bobbing slightly above his hand before descending again. It was clear that while he could manifest his Qi, controlling it with precision was going to be a more significant challenge.
Next, he attempted to infuse an object with his Qi. Picking up a small stone from his bedside table, he focused on channeling his Qi into it. The stone remained cold and lifeless in his hand for several minutes. Yet, with persistence, he finally felt a minuscule vibration, a tiny resonance of his Qi within the stone. It was fleeting, and the energy quickly dissipated, but it was a start.
Hours seemed to fly by as Elrian continued experimenting, each time pushing himself a bit further, each failure teaching him something new. He discovered that his emotions played a significant role in his ability to control Qi. Calmness and focus were crucial, but there was also an underlying need for intent and purpose.
By the time he finished, Elrian was exhausted. His initial foray into the world of Qi manipulation had been humbling. While he had achieved some success, it was evident that mastery would require much more practice and understanding. Yet, the spark of progress fueled his determination. He now had a glimpse of the path ahead, and he was eager to journey further.
As dawn painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Elrian, with his refreshed spirit, headed to the kitchen to help with breakfast. His attempts yesterday had been less than stellar, but today, he was determined to improve. The weight of his newfound realizations lent a certain firmness to his steps and clarity to his actions.
Lyssandra was already in the kitchen, preparing a stew. She glanced up as Elrian entered and gave him a small smile. "Ready to try again?" she teased, nodding towards the bread he had accidentally charred yesterday.
With a sheepish grin, Elrian replied, "I promise not to turn breakfast into charcoal today."
He approached the counter, where various ingredients were laid out. Taking a deep breath, he began to knead the dough for the bread. Each movement was deliberate, his fingers pressing and folding with newfound determination. Unlike the previous day, he didn't allow his mind to wander. The hesitation that had plagued him before seemed to have melted away, replaced by a steady resolve.
Next, he moved on to chopping vegetables. The knife glided smoothly through the carrots and potatoes, each slice even and precise. The rhythmic sound of the blade meeting the cutting board filled the kitchen, a testament to his focused efforts.
Lyssandra watched him silently, her eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and pride. It was evident to her that something had shifted within Elrian. The boy who had hesitated and second-guessed himself yesterday was now working with a newfound confidence.
As the morning progressed, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering stew wafted through the house. Elrian, under Lyssandra's watchful eye, managed to set the table, serve the dishes, and even brew a pot of aromatic tea without a hitch.
By the time Arlan joined them, breakfast was ready. As the family sat down to eat, Elrian couldn't help but beam with pride. Today's meal might not have been perfect, but it was a vast improvement from the day before. And as he took in the approving nods from his parents, Elrian realized that sometimes, progress wasn't about leaps and bounds, but about the small, determined steps forward.
Elrian sat in a reflective pose, trying to grapple with the concept of the 'Qi pool' he had recently encountered during his explorations of Qi sensing. It felt so abstract and intricate, making him struggle to truly understand its essence.
Arlan, observing his son's deep contemplation, inquired, "Elrian, is there something that's puzzling you?"
Looking up, Elrian responded, "Father, this Qi Pool... I'm trying to understand it. Could you help?"
Nodding, Arlan began, "Imagine the Qi Pool as an inner vessel or chamber within you. As a beginner in the realm of Qi sensing, this chamber is tiny, capable of holding just a trace amount of Qi."
Lyssandra added, "And one of the primary challenges for a Qi sensor is to expand this Pool. The more expansive it becomes, the more Qi it can accumulate and harness. However, as it grows, expanding it further demands increasingly more effort."
Elrian thought aloud, "So, it's like inflating a balloon? At first, it's easy, but as it fills up, it becomes tougher and tougher to inflate further?"
Arlan smiled, "An apt analogy. However, there's a catch. There's a limit to how much one can expand their Qi Pool. Beyond a certain point, no matter how hard one tries, it just won't grow any larger. This limitation is why some individuals never progress to the second stage of Qi cultivation, no matter how long they live. It's often attributed to a lack of inherent talent."
Lyssandra looked at Elrian sympathetically, "Remember, cultivating isn't just about effort. Natural aptitude plays a significant role. Some people are just born with larger potential reservoirs, making it easier for them to expand it."
Elrian's face showed a mix of determination and curiosity. "So, it's a combination of hard work, technique, and inherent talent. But I've never been taught any of this. I feel like I'm navigating in the dark."
Arlan sighed deeply, "Unfortunately, our village and even we don't have access to foundational teachings about Qi sensing. But don't be disheartened. Often, the journey of self-discovery is more enlightening than any external teaching."