As Elrian's parents prepared to guide him through the basics of Qi cultivation, a sense of anticipation tingled in the air. However, before they could begin, Elrian spoke up.
"I was wondering if I could try the Elemental Nexus Qi Gathering technique. I know it's a long shot given that I haven't shown any elemental affinities, but I think it's worth trying. Worst case scenario, it won't work and I'll have wasted a bit of time, but there's no real danger, right?"
His parents exchanged puzzled glances. It was an audacious request. The Elemental Nexus technique was considered nearly impossible for beginners, especially for those who hadn't yet shown any signs of elemental affinity. Yet, the look in Elrian's eyes was so earnest, so filled with an inscrutable conviction, that they hesitated to dismiss his request outright.
His mother finally spoke, "That technique is not for the faint-hearted, Elrian. Are you sure you want to dive into something so advanced at such an early stage?"
Elrian nodded, careful to mask the excitement bubbling within him. He had a secret edge—a unique experience from the night before that he chose not to share with his parents for safety reasons. He felt a mysterious confidence that the Elemental Nexus Qi Gathering technique would work for him, but revealing why could lead to questions he wasn't ready to answer.
Seeing his unwavering determination, his father sighed, "Alright, if you think you can handle it, we won't stop you. But remember, cultivation is a journey, not a sprint. Don't rush into things recklessly."
Elrian nodded, grateful for their understanding, yet conscious of the monumental task he'd set for himself. A palpable sense of gravity settled over him, as if acknowledging the enormity of the path he was about to tread. And so, as his parents watched him with a blend of concern and hope, Elrian took a deep breath, steadying himself for the journey that lay ahead.
His parents sat down across from him, their faces serious yet supportive, as if passing on an invaluable heirloom. "Alright, Elrian. Listen carefully," his father began. "The Elemental Nexus Qi Gathering technique is a complex process involving multiple steps, and each step is crucial for moving on to the next. Do you understand?"
Elrian nodded, his eyes locked onto his father's, absorbing every word like a sponge.
"First, you'll need to enter a meditative state. The purpose of this is to quiet the mind and body, to allow you to tap into the elemental Qi around you. The meditation must be deep; your senses need to extend outwards and inwards at the same time. The deeper the meditation, the higher the chances of you sensing elemental Qi."
His mother chimed in, "Yes, and once you're in that state, you need to focus on the core of your being—where your own Qi resides. You'll attempt to draw elemental Qi from the environment and guide it towards your core."
Elrian felt a sudden surge of enthusiasm as he realized that this was similar to what he had inadvertently done last night. His instincts had guided him then, and now he had a framework to understand those instincts better.
"Ah, but this is where it gets complex," his father warned, breaking his reverie. "You have to control the speed and flow of elemental Qi. Too fast and you'll overwhelm your core, too slow and the elemental Qi will dissipate."
"And don't forget," his mother added, "the elemental Qi has to merge with your own Qi, to create a more potent form. This is where your innate elemental affinities come into play. If you have an affinity, the merging will be more natural. If not, you'll have to force it, and that's more dangerous."
His father continued, "You'll have to go through multiple cycles of gathering, merging, and stabilizing the Qi. Once you've accumulated enough elemental Qi, you can proceed to the next stage—Qi circulation. This is where you distribute the elemental Qi throughout your body."
"The key to successful circulation," his mother said, leaning in, "is balance and precision. Elemental Qi is potent but also volatile. You'll need to use your own Qi to guide it through your meridian channels. Any imbalance or blockage could lead to severe injuries."
Elrian found himself getting slightly overwhelmed but pushed himself to focus. This was his path, a shortcut to power and mastery that few could even dream of, let alone achieve.
His father sighed, "And finally, when you've successfully circulated the elemental Qi, you'll have to let it settle, allow it to assimilate into your own Qi. Only then can you say you've succeeded in using the Elemental Nexus Qi Gathering technique."
His mother looked him squarely in the eyes, her gaze almost piercing through him. "Remember, Elrian, what we've told you is just the outline. There are subtleties, nuances that you'll only understand through practice. Cultivation is as much about knowledge as it is about intuition. Always be aware, always be cautious, and never, ever, be complacent."
As the weight of their words settled on him, Elrian felt both enlightened and burdened. The path ahead was filled with perils and uncertainties, but it was a path that beckoned to him irresistibly. With his parents' guidance echoing in his ears and the unforgettable experience of last night as his secret weapon, Elrian felt, for the first time, that perhaps the impossible was within reach.