Projection

Li Wei stands at the entrance of his cave, his gaze lingering on the interior. He takes a moment, silently observing the familiar surroundings that have become his sanctum. The cave's walls, marked by the passage of time, enclose the space that has witnessed his relentless pursuit of cultivation. 

He steps inside the cave. The coolness of the stone greets him. The cave is quiet, the silence a welcome respite from the day's interactions and noise.

Li Wei sets the bundle down on the table and carefully unwraps it. The Bone Shot manual, the Qi Enhancer Flow talisman, the pill-rolling board, the intrusion talisman, and the cloth roll unfold before him. 

Li Wei carefully retrieves the pill from his robe. Holding it between his fingers, he gives it a closer inspection. "It looks almost too ordinary, too clean," he observes, noting its pristine whiteness. As he turns the pill over, he senses something unusual. "There's definitely something more to this," he muses, feeling the subtle but unmistakable energy radiating from it. After contemplating, he concludes, "Better keep this safe," and carefully places the pill back into his robe, ensuring its security. "A higher grade pill will definitely be useful in getting to the 8th level."

Li Wei reaches for the Bone Shot manual from among the items before him. As he grabs the manual, his mind is already racing with thoughts: "I need to optimise this technique and harness its power fully." He's keenly aware of the potential it holds.

Li Wei sits down in his cave with the items from the market now settled. He takes a deep breath, allowing the quiet of the cave to wash over him. His mind is still active with the day's events. Still, he allows himself a moment of stillness.

With the manual in hand, Li Wei sits down cross-legged on the floor of the cave. He carefully places the manual before him, opening it. "Let's see," eyes scanning the text. The determination to master and refine the Bone Shot technique is clear in his focused gaze and the set of his jaw. He begins to study the manual intently, ready to absorb every detail and nuance of the skill.

Li Wei carefully turns the manual pages, his eyes scanning the detailed descriptions of the Bone Shot technique. The text outlines a method for channelling Qi directly to the fingertips, where it's condensed into sharp, bone-like projections. As he reads, this skill serves dual purposes in combat, offering offensive and defensive capabilities.

The manual underlines two critical elements for mastering this technique: a stable stance and controlled breathing. As Li Wei absorbs this information, Li Wei nods slightly, acknowledging their importance in successfully executing Bone Shot.

As Li Wei delves deeper into the text, he uncovers the essential part of the technique. "So, it's about gathering Qi at my fingertips," he thinks, "and then visualising it, turning it into a a bone growth growth." He finds this concept intriguing, blending the concentration and precision in Qi control he is already accustomed to. "This part is familiar at least," he notes, recognising the similarities with his existing skills in Qi manipulation.

Detailed instructions describe how to release the condensed Qi quickly and precisely, thus creating the desired bone projections. The manual emphasises that the effectiveness of a Bone Shot hinges on the force and speed of this release, which determines the projections' length and sharpness. Li Wei notes this crucial detail, understanding the need for precise control.

 "Ah, this isn't too different from the bone sword technique. It's about creating a smaller growth and projecting it outward quickly."

Accompanying illustrations depict the correct hand positions and the final form of the bone projections. A cautionary note in the manual catches Li Wei's attention. It warns of the potential risks associated with frequent use of Bone Shot, such as draining Qi reserves and weakening the bones in the fingers. 

[Detected cultivation technique: 'Bone Shot'.

Channel Qi to the fingertips, where it solidifies into bone-like projections. These projections are used for attacking or defending. During the formation of these bone projections, the flesh over the fingertips will be damaged]

[Modification Suggestion: Ingest bone essence before using the technique to strengthen the new bone growth and endure pain. This attracts the bone essence into the growth, enhancing durability slightly.]

"Fuck off," he mutters to himself. 

Before Li Wei extends his hand towards the cave wall, he contemplates his experiences with the bone sword technique. "The principles should be similar," he thinks, recalling how he channelled Qi to create the sword. "But this time, it's about focusing it more precisely, more intensely."

He considers how he had managed the flow of Qi for the bone sword, visualising it now on a smaller, more concentrated scale for the Bone Shot. "I need to increase the Qi flow," he decides, "push it beyond what's needed for mere growth. Make it so intense that the bone can't form fast enough, forcing it to expel." 

With this strategy in mind, Li Wei extends his right hand, aiming his index finger toward the wall. He starts to channel his Qi, focusing it towards his fingertip. He increases the flow of Qi far more than he ever did with the bone sword. The Qi surges through him, a torrent rushing towards his fingertip.

He extends his right hand, aiming his index finger towards the wall. He channels his Qi, feeling it surge through his body towards his fingertip. His concentration is intense, his breathing steady.

A sharp, bone projection shoots out from his fingertip. The speed and force are remarkable, the bone growth slicing through the air with a faint whistling sound. It strikes the cave wall with a solid thud, leaving a noticeable mark.

The technique's power is evident, but it comes with a cost. As the bone projectile launches, it tears through the flesh at the front of Li Wei's finger again. The pain is immediate and sharp, a searing sensation that makes him wince. Blood starts to seep from the wound, a stark contrast to the pale bone now jutting from his finger.

After practising the Bone Shot technique, Li Wei takes a moment to assess the outcome. Looking at the results, he thinks, "The Bone Shot is definitely powerful." He then shifts his focus to the physical toll on his body. "At least it's not as harsh as the Bone Sword," he muses, slightly relieved.

He looks down at his injured finger, observing the state of the wound. "The flesh is ragged where the bone shot out," he notes internally. 

"The time I take to give the growth stable Qi should determine the length of the projection," he thinks, considering the mechanics of the Bone Shot technique. He recalls how he controlled the flow and density of Qi in the bone sword, applying those principles to this new skill.

His mind follows the logic: "If I maintain a steady, controlled flow, the growth should be stable and elongate. Then, by overloading it with Qi, it should propel outward." He nods slightly to himself, understanding the balance needed between control and force.

"The smaller the projection, the greater the speed it seems to have." He pauses, considering this further. "And the larger the projection, the greater its power."

He continues his internal dialogue, pondering the implications of this observation. "There must be a sweet spot,"

As Li Wei considers the state of his injuries, the severed ear and now the wounded finger. "I need to clean these wounds," he thinks to himself. Resolute, he prepares to head to the nearby stream. The walk is a chance to reflect on the technique and the price it demands. The fresh air outside his cave brings a momentary relief from the intense focus of his practice.

Reaching the stream, he unwinds the bandage wrapped around his head. The bandage, having been in place for some time, carries a distinct odour. He gently peels it off, revealing the area where his ear used to be. 

Li Wei reaches the stream and, without hesitation, throws the used bandage into the flowing water. He watches for a moment as the current carries it away. 

Next, he focuses on cleaning his wounds. He starts with his ear, where the bandage used to be. The running water from the stream is cool and clear, providing a gentle cleansing effect. He carefully splashes water on the area, feeling a slight sting as it touches the tender spot where his ear once was.

After tending to his ear, Li Wei moves to his injured finger. He holds it under the stream, letting the cold water flow over it. The sensation is soothing, offering a brief respite from the pain. He watches intently as the blood from the wound is washed away, diluted and disappearing into the stream. The cleanliness of the water and its steady flow bring a small comfort, helping him to feel a bit more at ease after the intense practice sessions he's been undertaking.

With his wounds cleaned, Li Wei returns to his cave. He retrieves the fresh cloth he purchased at the market. 

"This cloth is definitely a much better replacement for my old bandage," he reflects. Then, with a slight chuckle, he adds internally, "If you can even call that rag a bandage."

Li Wei sits quietly, his thoughts turning inward. "Bone Shot is a good technique," he thinks, "but my accuracy is lacking and it's hard on my fingers. I need to practice more." He reflects on its utility and potential yet is aware of his current inadequacies. "It's a start," he muses, "but I need more. More techniques, Bone Shot is just the beginning." 

Li Wei, exhausted from the day. He sits on his bedding. Closing his eyes, he lay down. The cave is silent around him. His breathing becomes steady and deep. Gradually, he relaxes.