Arlan looked at the fallen boar and said with a slight smile, "Well, it's lunchtime now. And we've got ourselves one of the finest meats available in this forest. Boar meat."
Elrian's exhaustion was momentarily forgotten as his interest piqued at the prospect of learning new survival skills. Lysandra began instructing him on the process of dissecting the boar, "Elrian, be attentive. You need to know how to do this to survive in the wilderness."
The sun was now high above, its rays seeping through the dense canopy, creating a myriad of shapes on the forest floor. Arlan drew his dagger and handed one to Elrian, guiding him on the appropriate techniques to dissect the boar, explaining the anatomy, and showing him which parts were good for eating.
Elrian listened attentively, following his father's movements closely, learning about the boar's musculature, organs, and the importance of avoiding contamination while extracting meat. He learned about the different cuts of meat, how to remove the skin, and how to store it safely.
Lysandra, meanwhile, was preparing a clearing, removing leaves and creating a fire pit. She collected dry branches and arranged them neatly in the pit, explaining, "Dry wood is crucial for starting a fire. And always clear the surrounding area to prevent unintended fires."
As Elrian continued his meticulous work on the boar, his hands now stained but his movements becoming more confident and precise, he listened to his mother's advice on fire-making, absorbing the knowledge.
Once Elrian had enough meat prepared, Arlan took over, finishing the dissection efficiently while discussing the importance of using every part of the animal. "Waste not, Elrian," he emphasized. "Even the parts we cannot consume have their uses."
Soon, they had a neat pile of boar meat ready for cooking, and Lysandra had a fire crackling warmly. She explained the basics of cooking meat over an open fire, "You have to be patient. The meat must cook slowly to retain its juices and flavors."
Arlan then showed Elrian how to skewer the meat, balancing it on the edge of the pit so that it could cook evenly. "It's an art," Arlan mused, his eyes focusing on the dancing flames. "Cooking over a fire requires patience and an understanding of heat."
The family sat around the fire in peaceful silence, the only sounds being the crackling of the fire and the sizzling of the meat. The aroma was tantalizing, and Elrian's stomach growled in anticipation. He observed how the meat changed color, from a raw reddish to a succulent brown, juices dripping into the fire.
As they waited, Lysandra shared stories of her and Arlan's earlier days, their survival experiences in the wilderness, the lessons they learned, and the mistakes they made. Elrian soaked in every word, every anecdote being a learning opportunity, a glimpse into his parents' journey.
Eventually, Arlan deemed the meat ready. They removed the skewers from the fire, the boar meat cooked to perfection. The first bite was a melody of flavors, the meat tender and juicy, with a hint of smokiness. Elrian savored it, realizing the value of the skills he had just learned.
Lysandra said between bites, "Remember this, Elrian. The forest is not just a source of danger. It's a source of sustenance and learning. Respect it, learn from it, and it will provide for you."
Arlan nodded in agreement, "Every experience, every encounter is a step towards understanding the world better. Keep learning, keep growing, and never forget the basics."
Elrian, finishing his meal, felt a sense of contentment and gratitude. He had not only experienced combat but also learned essential survival skills. He was a step closer to becoming self-reliant, a step closer to unraveling the mysteries of the world. The day's lessons were etched in his mind, a constant reminder of the symbiotic relationship between a cultivator and the world around him.
With curiosity brimming in his eyes, Elrian looked at his parents, the thoughts about the Sky Lion revolving in his head. "I've been wondering..." he started cautiously, "the Sky Lion must be a formidable beast, probably much stronger than anything we've encountered today. How were you both, being at the first stage of Qi cultivation, able to hunt such a creature?"
His parents exchanged glances, a hint of a smile playing on their lips, admiring their son's observational skills and curiosity. Lysandra nodded approvingly, "You're observant, Elrian. Yes, Sky Lions are indeed potent creatures, normally they are of Rank 3."
Arlan continued, "The Sky Lion we encountered was just born, a newborn, and it was severely injured and panicked. It was a most unusual and fortuitous circumstance."
Elrian listened attentively, his eyes widening in realization. The image of a formidable Sky Lion he had imagined was contrasting sharply with the reality of a newborn, injured creature his parents described.
"It didn't put up much of a fight," Lysandra added softly, "In its condition, it was even easier to approach and kill than a mortal creature. It was as if the heavens had sent it to us as a gift."
Elrian could see a mixture of gratitude and sorrow in his parents' eyes. The Sky Lion, despite its pitiful state, had provided them with a precious cultivation opportunity, but its end was tragic and untimely.
"But remember this," Arlan's voice was stern yet gentle, "the world is full of mysteries and uncertainties. Opportunities and dangers come hand in hand. We were lucky that day, but we must always be prepared for the unpredictable."
Elrian nodded solemnly, absorbing his father's words. The story of the Sky Lion, its unfortunate fate, and the boon it provided them was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the world and the cultivation path. Every experience, every encounter held valuable lessons, and Elrian was determined to learn from them, to grow stronger and to tread further on his cultivation journey.