Elrian, still marveling at the healing capabilities of his life qi, had an essential concern. "Serpwingra, if this healing keeps happening automatically, won't my life qi be depleted quickly? Especially during intensive battles or if I have larger injuries?"
Serpwingra pondered, "That's a valid concern. While the life qi does aim to protect you, unchecked, it could deplete rapidly."
Elrian interjected, "So, how do I control or even stop it from automatically healing me?"
Serpwingra hesitated, "I'm not entirely sure. The automatic response is tied to your innate survival instincts, and the life qi just aids that instinct. But let's try and figure it out together."
They began with Elrian sitting cross-legged, trying to visualize his qi pool. Serpwingra guided him, "Focus on your life qi – visualize it as a green, pulsating energy."
After a while, Elrian said, "I see it. It's beautiful, like a shimmering emerald lake."
"Good," Serpwingra replied. "Now, imagine a gate or barrier around it, something that can control the flow of the qi."
Elrian focused hard, trying to manifest a barrier in his mind's eye. After a few failed attempts, he managed to create a simple dam-like structure.
Serpwingra continued, "Now, try to control the flow. Open the gate a little, allow some qi out, then close it."
Elrian struggled, the gate seeming to have a mind of its own, flitting open and closed erratically. "It's harder than it sounds," he grunted.
They practiced this for hours, with Serpwingra giving suggestions, "Perhaps you can visualize a dial instead of a gate. Or think of it as breathing – regulate it like you would control your breath."
Through trial and error, Elrian tried various techniques - picturing a faucet, imagining the life qi as a stream he could redirect, even envisioning himself physically pushing against a flow of water. Each method had its pros and cons, but Elrian slowly started gaining a semblance of control.
At one point, he felt a sudden rush of success as he managed to slow the flow significantly, using the imagery of a dense forest, where the life qi had to navigate through the trees, slowing its pace. "I think this might be it!" he exclaimed.
Serpwingra sounded pleased, "It's progress! Remember, it might not be perfect now, but with time and practice, you'll gain better control. For now, this forest imagery seems to resonate with you. Stick with it."
Elrian sighed, both exhausted and exhilarated. "It's a start. Thanks, Serpwingra. We'll get there."
Serpwingra replied, warmth evident in its tone, "Together, we always will."
Elrian knelt beside the fallen worm, pulling out a small blade he carried with him. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the task ahead. He had seen his parents dissect creatures before, but doing it himself was an entirely different matter. Serpwingra's presence, ever supportive, helped calm his nerves.
Starting at the head, Elrian made a careful incision, running the blade down the length of the creature. As the layers of the worm's thick skin parted, he was met with an intricate mesh of muscles and organs. The worm's outer layer was tough, which made sense given its robust defense during their fight.
He noticed the worm's vascular system was quite intricate for such a seemingly simple creature. Thin, thread-like veins carried a bluish liquid, which he assumed was the worm's version of blood. These veins were spread evenly throughout its body, indicating a circulatory system capable of delivering nutrients efficiently.
The digestive tract was a long coiled tube, evident of its diet of earth and smaller creatures. He carefully dissected the tract, noting the different compartments that aided in digestion. He was surprised to find small bits of rocks and minerals, which suggested that this worm might consume these for some essential nutrients or perhaps to aid in digestion.
As Elrian delved deeper, he felt the warmth of the creature's still body, a stark reminder of the life it once had. His hands brushed against a pulsating organ, nestled close to what he assumed was the worm's heart. This, he thought, must be the core. It was a brown like earth gem-like structure, pulsating slightly with residual energy. He extracted it with care, placing it in a pouch he had brought along.
His hands, now covered in the bluish liquid and dirt, paused as he observed the worm's nervous system. The complexity was astounding. Nerve clusters interconnected in a web-like structure, leading to what appeared to be the brain located in the worm's head. This organ was quite large compared to the rest of the body, indicating the creature's reliance on its senses and perhaps even its level of intelligence.
As he completed his dissection, Elrian realized he had gained a deeper appreciation for the anatomy of creatures. Each organ, each system, had evolved for a purpose, making the creature perfectly adapted to its environment.
Serpwingra, having observed the entire process, remarked, "It's intriguing to see the inner workings of living beings, isn't it? Each creature, no matter how big or small, is a marvel of nature."
Elrian nodded, wiping his hands on some leaves. "Indeed, it's a humbling experience."
Packing up, he made a mental note to document his findings. Understanding a creature's anatomy could provide valuable insights for future battles and, more importantly, a deeper respect for the myriad forms of life in this vast world.
Elrian trekked further into the forest, seeking a quiet clearing where he could gather his thoughts. As he settled under a canopy of leaves, the soft rustling of the wind provided a serene backdrop. Serpwingra's presence felt comforting, like a silent observer waiting to engage in discussion.
Taking a deep breath, Elrian began, "That fight was a lot tougher than I anticipated. I shouldn't have been so eager."
Serpwingra responded, "Overconfidence can be a downfall. But it's alright; every battle is a lesson."