Chapter 37

With a sense of glee and wonderment, 621 watched as the spherical ball of pseudo-iron obeyed his every command, flying about and hovering around him with effortless grace. He marveled at the realization that he could control it so effortlessly, rationalizing that since it was formed from his internal Qi, which originated from the depths of his dantian, he was free to order it around with no hindrances.

Experimenting further, he willed the miniature sphere to fly around the room, measuring the distance it could travel unhindered. With each graceful arc and sharp turn, he gauged its speed and agility, impressed by its swift movements. He noted with surprise that it moved faster than he had anticipated, darting through the air with remarkable velocity.

“Perhaps because it is small, it can move fast…” he remarked.

Curiosity piqued, 621 pondered the implications of size on speed. Would larger manifestations of pseudo-iron be slower in comparison? It was a question that intrigued him, sparking a desire to conduct further experiments in the near future.

But for now, he focused on testing the limits of his control over the small ball of iron. He commanded it to make sharp turns and complex movements, observing with fascination as it obeyed his thoughts with unwavering obedience.

It darted throughout his abode, weaving through obstacles and executing intricate maneuvers with uncanny precision, his analytical mind took note of every movement and trajectory. 621 felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over him. It was a thrilling demonstration of his newfound abilities.

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the sphere to land gently in the palm of his outstretched hand.

When it came to rest against his skin, 621 vividly analyzed its touch and feel, his fingertips tracing over its smooth surface with a sense of anticipation. He noted the coolness of the metal against his skin, the weight of it pressing lightly into his palm.

Closing his eyes for a moment, 621 focused his senses, seeking to discern any subtle differences between the pseudo-iron and true iron. He ran his fingers along its surface, feeling for any irregularities or imperfections that might betray its artificial nature.

To his trained senses, the sphere felt remarkably similar to true iron—its texture, weight, and density all aligning closely with his expectations. But beneath the surface, he sensed a subtle difference, a faint echo of its ethereal origins that marked it as something other than the real thing.

With a sigh of resignation, 621 acknowledged the limitations of his creation. Despite its outward appearance and resemblance to true iron, he knew deep down that it lacked certain essential qualities—the conductivity, the resilience, the inherent properties that defined its true counterpart.

Though he lacked the means to accurately determine these aspects, he trusted in his instincts and intuition, recognizing that the object before him was not up to par with the standards of true iron. It was a sobering realization, a reminder of the inherent challenges and complexities of metal manipulation in the world of cultivation.

Nevertheless, 621 remained undeterred in his pursuit of mastery. He knew that every experiment, every failure, brought him one step closer to true understanding.

Soon after, 621 contemplated the potential capabilities of the small ball of pseudo-iron, a curiosity stirred within him.

“What kind of damage could it inflict if it were to collide with something?” he murmured with interest.

Thus, with a focused intent, he willed the sphere to slam against the walls of his abode, varying the velocity with which it struck each surface.

With a swift motion, the miniature ball of iron hurtled towards the nearest wall, impacting with a resounding thud. He observed with keen interest as the wall bore the brunt of the collision, noting the indentation left behind by the force of the impact. Despite its small size, the sphere packed a surprising amount of power, leaving behind a visible mark on the surface it struck.

Experimenting further, 621 adjusted the velocity of the sphere, increasing and decreasing its speed with each successive collision. He watched with fascination as the damage inflicted varied accordingly, with higher velocities resulting in deeper indentations and more pronounced impacts.

As he observed the results of his experiments, 621 made mental notes of his observations, cataloging the effects of varying velocities on the damage inflicted by the sphere. He was intrigued by the potential applications of such a versatile tool, envisioning scenarios in which it could be used for both offensive and defensive purposes in combat.

However, the repeated impacts began to take their toll on the ball’s once pristine surface.

At first, the sphere remained largely intact, its smooth exterior showing only minor signs of wear and tear. But with each successive collision, cracks began to form along its surface, spiderwebbing outwards like intricate patterns etched into the metal.

When the velocity of the impacts increased, so too did the severity of the damage inflicted upon the sphere. Deep gouges and indentations marred its once flawless exterior, evidence of the tremendous forces at play during the collisions.

The metal itself began to warp and deform under the strain, bending and twisting in unnatural ways as it absorbed the kinetic energy of each impact. 621 even noticed rivulets of molten metal dripping from the surface with each contact, evidence of the intense heat generated by the friction of the collisions.

Despite its resilience, the sphere could only withstand so much punishment before reaching its breaking point. With a final, shuddering impact, it shattered into countless fragments, scattering across the floor in a shower of metallic debris.

And soon these metallic fragments reverted back into ethereal Qi as they dispersed into the void.

With each fragment returning to its original form, 621 felt a subtle shift in his perception. The sense of the sphere's presence began to wane, its existence fading from his consciousness as the Qi dispersed into the surrounding space.

When the last remnants of the pseudo-iron faded away, 621 was left with a sense of emptiness, a void where once there had been a tangible object. It was a reminder of the ephemeral nature of his creations, their existence fleeting and transient in the grand scheme of things.

But even as the remnants of the pseudo-iron vanished from sight, 621 knew that its essence remained within him, a part of his own Qi that could be summoned forth and reshaped at will. It was a comforting thought, a reminder that even in destruction, there was the potential for creation and renewal.

"Even in dissolution, the essence endures", he noted incredulously.

With a sense of satisfaction, 621 took a moment to reflect on the experience, cataloging his observations and insights for future reference.

Next, drawing upon his keen analytical skills, 621 carefully assessed the energy expenditure throughout the process as he observed his dantian reserves with a thought.

He noted that the initial creation of the pseudo-iron sphere required a significant amount of Qi, as he channeled his energy into shaping and molding the ethereal substance into the desired form. This was further compounded by the transmutation process, during which he infused the Qi with the properties and characteristics of iron.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

As he willed the sphere to fly around the room and collide with various surfaces, he observed a slight gradual depletion of his Qi reserves. Each exertion of control and manipulation demanded a portion of his energy, contributing to the overall consumption of Qi over time.

In the end, 621 felt a resounding sense of satisfaction wash over him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of confidence in his abilities.

Based on his observations and calculations, 621 estimated that he could comfortably run the entire experiment and maintain it for at least an hour, if not longer. His meticulous approach to energy management had allowed him to gauge the extent of his Qi reserves and allocate them efficiently throughout the process.

Furthermore, he noted that with further practice and refinement of his techniques, he could potentially extend this time even further. By becoming more mindful of his actions and conserving energy where possible, he believed that he could optimize his performance and achieve greater longevity in his experiments.

In particular, 621 considered the possibility of reducing the total consumption of the transmutation process with more practice. He realized that by refining his control over the transformation of Qi into pseudo-iron, he could minimize wastage and ensure that his energy was utilized more effectively.

As 621 delved deeper into his reflections on the experimentation with the pseudo-iron sphere, a new idea began to form in his mind—a theory that could potentially revolutionize his approach to metal manipulation. He pondered the possibility of recycling the lost Qi from the destruction of the metal ball, rather than allowing it to disperse into the void.

With a sense of excitement and intrigue, 621 envisioned a process by which he could harness the residual Qi released during the destruction of the pseudo-iron sphere. Instead of allowing it to dissipate and be lost forever, he theorized that he could somehow absorb and reclaim that energy, returning it to his own Qi reserves for future use.

The implications of such a discovery were profound. Not only would it allow him to reduce the overall consumption of Qi during his experiments, but it could also potentially unlock new possibilities for extending the duration and scope of his martial endeavors.

But 621 knew that turning theory into reality would require careful experimentation and refinement of his techniques. He would need to develop a method for capturing and containing the released Qi, as well as a means for integrating it back into his own energy system without causing imbalance or disruption.

“Another research plan” he chuckled to himself, “Another one for the list of unsolved riddles.”

Nevertheless, the prospect of such a breakthrough filled 621 with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. He knew that mastering the art of metal manipulation would require dedication and perseverance, but he was confident that with time and practice, he could unlock the full potential of his abilities and achieve martial greatness in due time.

..

It wasn’t long before he decided to experiment with a different shape for his creation. Instead of the spherical form he had previously used, he envisioned crafting a sharp spike—a weapon capable of delivering focused impact and piercing force.

With a focused intent, 621 summoned forth his Qi once more and began the transmutation process, shaping the ethereal substance into the form of a slender, pointed spike. As the pseudo-iron took shape before him, he marveled at the precision and detail of his creation, the spike gleaming in the dim light of his abode.

Once the spike was complete, 621 wasted no time in testing its capabilities. With a swift motion, he directed the spike towards the nearest wall, aiming for a spot where the pseudo-iron could deliver maximum impact.

As the spike made contact with the wall, 621 observed with fascination as the nature of the damage inflicted changed dramatically. Unlike the broad indentation left by the spherical ball, the spike created a narrow, concentrated point of impact, piercing through the surface with ease, embedding itself deep within the stone.

The wall groaned and splintered under the force of the spike, cracks spiderwebbing outwards from the point of contact as the pseudo-iron drove deeper into the material. There was a slight resistance when he willed it to retreat but he expected as much.

With each successive strike and increased velocity, the damage intensified, It proved itself to be a formidable weapon capable of delivering devastating blows with surgical precision.

It was clear to him about the advantages and disadvantages of the spike's shape. While it excelled in delivering focused impact and penetrating force, it lacked the broad surface area of the spherical ball, limiting its effectiveness against larger targets or in situations requiring widespread damage.

However, even though the spike had proven to be effective in delivering focused impact and penetrating force, he couldn't help but feel that its damage was lacking in potency.

But then, like a bolt of lightning illuminating the darkness, a thought began to take shape in the corners of his mind—a daring idea that promised to elevate his metal manipulation abilities to new heights.

“What if I were to add a spiraling trajectory to the spike as it moved through the air? What would happen?” he thought pensively.

With a sense of excitement and anticipation, 621 decided to put his theory to the test. Drawing upon his knowledge of the whirlpool in his Qi reversal technique and the principles of momentum, he visualized a spiraling path for the spike, imagining it spinning rapidly as it traveled towards its target.

With a focused intent, he summoned forth his Qi and began the transmutation process once more, this time shaping the ethereal substance into a sleek, spiraling spike with smooth grooves along its surface. As the pseudo-iron took on its new form, he marveled at the deliberate patterns that he had mentally designed on its surface.

Once the spike was complete, 621 wasted no time in testing its capabilities. With a swift motion, he directed the spiraling spike towards the nearest wall, aiming for an unhindered spot.

As the spike soared through the air, it began spinning rapidly on its axis, 621 watched with bated breath as it made contact with the wall. To his astonishment, the damage inflicted far exceeded his expectations—the spiraling motion of the spike imparted a rotational force to the impact, magnifying its destructive power and causing the wall to crumble under the onslaught.

It had carved a path of destruction through the wall, its relentless momentum tore through the obstacle with unparalleled ferocity. It was a sight to behold, a testament to the ingenuity that his creative mind had processed.

Nonetheless, 621 was pleased with the new results of his experiment. The spiraling spike represented a new means of offense for his gradually evolving arsenal.

Additionally, a question lingered in the back of his overstimulated mind:

“How many spikes can I summon simultaneously?” he asked the lonely air around him.

Therefore, with a sense of curiosity and some rest, 621 decided to put his skills to the test. Drawing upon his Qi reserves, he tried to summon forth multiple spikes simultaneously, pushing the limits of his control and coordination.

He focused his mind and channeled his energy into shaping another ethereal substance into a sleek, pointed form.

As the second spike took shape before him, 621 felt a surge of exhilaration and anticipation. With two spikes under his control, he could already sense the increased strain on his Qi reserves and mental faculties. The energy consumption demanded by the additional spike was noticeable, leaving him feeling slightly drained and fatigued.

Nevertheless, he pressed onward, determined to see how far he could push himself. With a sense of resolve, he materialized a third spike to join the others, watching with a mixture of awe and trepidation as it soon hovered in the air before him.

With three spikes now hovering around him, 621 felt the full weight of their combined presence. The strain on his Qi reserves was palpable, as if each spike was drawing upon his energy with voracious hunger. His thoughts felt scattered and unfocused, his concentration wavering as he struggled to maintain control over the spiraling projectiles.

Despite his best efforts, 621 soon found himself overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of controlling three spikes simultaneously. His mental faculties were stretched to their limits, his thoughts racing and disjointed as he attempted to coordinate the movements of the spikes.

In a moment of reckless ambition, he decided to push himself even further, attempting to summon a fourth spike to join the others. But as he reached out with his mind and channeled his energy into the creation process, he felt a sudden resistance—a barrier that he could not overcome.

With a sense of frustration and disappointment, 621 realized that he had reached the limits of his abilities. The strain of controlling three spikes had already pushed him to the brink, and any attempt to exceed that number would only lead to failure.

With a sigh of resignation, he released his hold on the fourth spike, watching as it dissolved into the ether.

He also dismissed the third spike, the strain of coming from the third spike had been immense, pushing his mental faculties to their limits. So, now armed with just two spikes, he felt a renewed sense of focus and clarity.

With a determined resolve, 621 decided to subject himself to an experiment—to gauge how his control was affected by the addition of a second spike, and exactly how long he could preserve under these conditions.

He soon found that the mental strain was still present, but it was manageable given more practice. However, as time passed, 621 began to notice the gradual depletion of his Qi reserves. The energy consumption demanded by the two spikes was still significant, albeit less intense than when he had attempted to control three.

He could feel the subtle drain on his energy, like a steady drip from a leaky faucet, as he struggled to maintain his grip on the spiraling projectiles.

As the seconds turned into minutes, 621 pushed himself to maintain control over the two spikes for as long as possible. He focused his mind, drawing upon his reserves of inner strength and determination to sustain his efforts.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, 621 felt the telltale signs of exhaustion creeping in. His thoughts grew foggy, his concentration wavering as the strain of maintaining control over the spikes began to take its toll.

With a heavy heart, he reluctantly released his hold on the spikes, feeling a sense of disappointment mingled with pride at his efforts—he lasted no more than 30 minutes.