3. New Techniques, New Discoveries
Satisfied with the enhancement of his existing skills, Ruan began experimenting with new possibilities. He focused on the Qi flowing through him, shaping it with his will, trying to manifest it externally like the humans did in their battles. His efforts were clumsy at first, the energy sputtering without form, but with each attempt, he grew closer to control.
After several hours of trial and error, Ruan managed to condense a small amount of Qi into his legs, creating a faint, glowing aura. When he kicked a nearby boulder, the Qi exploded outward upon contact, sending cracks spidering through the stone before it crumbled into pieces.
A rush of exhilaration washed over him. "If I can master this… I'll be unstoppable."
The possibilities seemed endless. Could he create barriers of Qi to protect his comrades? Could he summon energy blasts like the humans in their battles above? His mind raced with ideas, each one more ambitious than the last.
But then, a sobering thought entered his mind.
"I must be careful," Ruan whispered, his excitement dimming. "This power… it could consume me."
He had seen the arrogance of humans, how their strength led to their downfall. He could not let the same fate befall him or his colony. The Art of Resilience had always been about balance, endurance, and survival. He could not forsake those teachings for raw power.