My Strangeness Points were now 183.
Whoosh!
The strong mountain wind greeted them as Chen Ming and Xian'er stepped out of the cave mouth. The thick mist that had long enveloped Golden Dragon Peak slowly began to clear, revealing the vast landscape of Tian Xuan Continent below. Dense forests stretched as far as the eye could see, deep green under a clear blue sky. The biting cold air from the mountain peak now mixed with the fresh scent of earth and trees, an aroma of life Chen Ming had never breathed before.
The first step felt strange, full of anticipation. Chen Ming felt his legs tremble slightly, not from fear, but from the intoxicating sensation of freedom after being confined in the cave for so long. Beside him, Xian'er walked gracefully, her golden silk gown fluttering softly in the wind. Her majestic aura felt so natural, as if she was part of the landscape itself, a goddess walking among mortals.
They began to descend the steep mountain slope. Sharp rocks and ancient tree roots jutting out posed a challenge. Chen Ming had to be careful not to slip and end up with new Strangeness Points for falling off a cliff. Xian'er, on the other hand, moved with great ease, as if gravity meant nothing to her. Occasionally, she would reach out a hand to support Chen Ming who almost lost his footing, her gaze amused but full of patience.
Oh my god, she's a majestic dragon, even in human form she can descend a mountain leisurely. Me? I almost stumbled because of wet moss. This is truly a huge difference in level.
The journey down the mountain took several hours. The further they descended, the warmer the air became, and the trees grew denser. The dragon's roar from the mountain peak slowly faded, replaced by the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves.
As they reached the foot of the mountain, the scenery changed drastically. They were now at the edge of a very dense ancient forest, its trees towering high enough to pierce the clouds, their trunks as wide as houses, and their lush leaves forming a green canopy almost impenetrable to sunlight. The air here felt damp and rich with spiritual energy, even denser than inside the cave, as if every breath was a mouthful of heavenly nectar.
"This... this is a forest?" Chen Ming mumbled, his eyes wide. "This is more like a giant living labyrinth!"
Xian'er nodded. "This is the forest that leads to the Jade Bamboo Forest. Our journey will take several days. We must be careful. This forest is inhabited by many spiritual creatures, some of which are not friendly."
Chen Ming swallowed. Unfriendly spiritual creatures? Like the giant rabbit that laughed at me, but maybe bigger and with no sense of humor? This is going to be an... interesting journey.
As they stepped into the forest, sunlight barely penetrated the canopy, creating a mysterious dim atmosphere. The sounds of the forest filled their ears: the chirping of unseen insects, the rustling of leaves rubbing together, and occasionally, a faint roar from a larger creature in the distance that made Chen Ming's hair stand on end. The scent of damp earth and exotic forest flowers filled his nostrils.
I need to know more about this world. Especially about cultivation. I can't keep relying on my strange luck or Xian'er for every problem.
Chen Ming focused his mind on the System. He opened the System Shop, looking for something that could give him understanding.
[Ding! Detection: User seeking knowledge. Gathering Strangeness Points from a... suddenly serious ambition.]
[+5 Strangeness Points.]
"Even being serious earns points? This System is truly endless!" My Strangeness Points were now 188.
He scrolled through the item list. Many technique manuals, pills, and weapons were still locked. However, in the "Information" section, he found something interesting.
[Tian Xuan Continent Cultivation Level Guide Manual] - 30 Strangeness Points
Description: A comprehensive guide to the cultivation level system in Tian Xuan Continent, from Mortal Body Realm to Immortal Realm. Includes brief descriptions of each realm's characteristics and how to reach them. Highly recommended for dazed beginners.
30 Strangeness Points? Quite expensive, but this is important! I need to know where I stand and what I need to do so I don't keep looking foolish.
"System, I'll buy the Tian Xuan Continent Cultivation Level Guide Manual!"
[Purchase Confirmation: Tian Xuan Continent Cultivation Level Guide Manual for 30 Strangeness Points? Yes/No.]
"Yes!"
Instantly, his 30 Strangeness Points decreased. My Strangeness Points were now 158. A thin parchment scroll appeared in his hand. As soon as he touched it, the information immediately permeated his mind, like an instant data download.
Tian Xuan Continent Cultivation Level System:
Mortal Body Realm:
Initial Stage: Initial body purification, sensing Qi, opening basic meridians. (Chen Ming is here)
Intermediate Stage: Strengthening physical body, purifying Qi, opening more meridians.
Late Stage: Qi flows smoothly, body as strong as steel, ready to break through to the next realm.
Characteristics: Focus on physical foundation and basic Qi understanding. Cultivators in this realm are still very vulnerable to spiritual attacks.
Qi Gathering Realm:
Condensing Qi, forming a small Qi core in the Dantian.
Able to manipulate Qi for simple attacks or defense.
Characteristics: Cultivators begin to use basic Qi techniques.
Spiritual Foundation Realm:
Qi core solidifies, forming a solid spiritual foundation.
Able to use more complex spiritual techniques, short-distance flying.
Characteristics: Significant increase in strength and mobility.
Golden Core Realm:
Spiritual foundation merges, forming a shimmering Golden Core.
Immense Qi power, capable of destroying small mountains, long-distance flying.
Characteristics: Cultivators considered experts, leaders of small sects are often in this realm.
Nascent Soul Realm:
Golden Core shatters, giving birth to a Nascent Soul which is a spiritual replica of the cultivator.
Able to fight without a physical body, possesses vast spiritual consciousness.
Characteristics: Highly respected cultivators, capable of establishing large sects.
Divine Transformation Realm:
Nascent Soul transforms, merging with heaven and earth Qi, achieving deep understanding of the Dao.
Able to change environment, control elements.
Characteristics: Power equivalent to minor deities, capable of influencing destiny.
Immortal Realm:
Transcending mortal limitations, becoming immortal.
Able to create small worlds, live forever.
Characteristics: Legendary existence, rarely seen in Tian Xuan Continent.
So, I'm still at the very beginning stage, Mortal Body Realm. And I already defeated a dragon? This is truly ridiculous! But my Half-Dragon Meridians... that must be what allowed me to do that crazy thing. I'm a walking anomaly. Chen Ming mused, feeling a little proud yet also amused.
He glanced at Xian'er, who was now walking beside him, her eyes fixed intently forward. As for Xian'er... she's the Golden Dragon, one of the Four Directions. She must be at the Divine Transformation Realm, or even Immortal, right?
"Xian'er," Chen Ming ventured to ask, "what... what cultivation level are you at?"
Xian'er turned, a faint smile on her lips. "Before, I was Huanglong Zun, the Eastern Sovereign. My power was equivalent to the peak of the Divine Transformation Realm, almost touching the Immortal Realm." Her voice radiated undeniable majesty, making Chen Ming feel a faint pressure in his chest. "However, after that incident in the cave, my essence was divided. Half of it is now bound to you, forming your Half-Dragon Meridians."
She sighed, a soft exhalation. "Because of that, I can no longer return to my full dragon form. My current strength... is perhaps equivalent to the middle stage of the Golden Core Realm. I have to cultivate again, and that will take a very long time. That's why we have to go to the Jade Bamboo Forest. The spiritual energy there will help me recover, and also guide you to master your Half-Dragon Meridians."
Chen Ming gaped. Golden Core Realm? That's still far above me! And she even said that's 'weakened'? Oh my god, dragons are really on a different level! So, she's forced into human form because of me? This is truly a strange and... embarrassing destiny.
[Ding! Detection: User feeling a mix of absurd guilt and pride over the condition of a Guardian-level Spiritual Creature. Gathering Strangeness Points from complex emotions...]
[+7 Strangeness Points.]
"Damn, even feeling guilty earns points!" Chen Ming sighed inwardly. My Strangeness Points were now 165.
They continued walking through the forest. Faint sunlight penetrated the canopy, creating specks of light on the forest floor covered with moss and leaves. The sounds of the forest became clearer: the chirping of unseen insects, the rustling of exotic leaves, and occasionally, a faint roar from a larger creature in the distance.
Chen Ming tried to practice 'Light Shadow Steps' again, this time more carefully, remembering his previous failure. He imagined Qi flowing into his legs, trying to make his steps as light as possible.
Swish... swish...
His steps did feel lighter, and he didn't stumble. However, he was still far from being a "shadow." He only moved slightly faster than his normal pace, with a still somewhat awkward gait. Xian'er glanced at him, a faint smile on her lips, as if holding back laughter.
"Progress. But you need to focus more, Chen Ming. Don't let your mind wander," she said, her voice soft but with a clear hint of amusement.
Easy for you to say, Xian'er. My brain is only filled with the System, Strangeness Points, and now... you.
They continued walking, pushing deeper into the forest. The further they went, the denser the trees became, and the air grew damper. The strong scent of earth and moss filled the air. In some places, they had to jump over giant roots spanning the path, or crawl under thick, dangling branches.
Crack!
Suddenly, the sound of a branch breaking from behind dense bushes in front of them. Chen Ming immediately tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for the basic hunting knife he had bought.
Xian'er also stopped, her golden eyes narrowing, looking towards the sound. The calm aura around her suddenly sharpened, ready to face a threat.
From behind the bushes, a... wild boar emerged. Not an ordinary wild boar. Its size was almost that of a pony, with gleaming curved tusks and blazing red eyes. Its body was covered in scars, indicating it was a veteran of many battles.
Grrrroink!
An aggressive snorting sound came from its snout.
[Detection: Low-Grade Spiritual Wild Boar. Aggressive. Strength: Equivalent to Mortal Body Realm Intermediate Stage.]
Spiritual wild boar?! And it's above my level?! Damn, this is just the beginning of the journey and there's already a monster stronger than me! Chen Ming swallowed, his hand trembling as he held the knife.
Xian'er stepped forward slightly, her aura radiating, suppressing the wild boar. The wild boar suddenly hesitated, its snort subsiding, but its eyes still radiated ferocity.
"Don't waste your energy, Xian'er," Chen Ming whispered, trying to sound brave. "I'll handle it! This is a chance to test my strength!"
Xian'er raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on her lips. "Oh? Are you sure?"
Chen Ming nodded firmly, though his legs trembled slightly. This will be a huge strangeness point if I can defeat this wild boar!
He stepped forward, trying to activate 'Light Shadow Steps' again, this time with the intent to fight.
Swish!
He darted sideways, dodging the wild boar's sudden charge with its tusks. Whoosh! Chen Ming swung his knife, trying to hit the wild boar's side.
Clang!
The knife merely bounced off the wild boar's tough hide, barely leaving a scratch. The wild boar snorted angrily and charged again.
Chen Ming panicked. He dodged left, then right, his movements awkward but somehow successfully avoiding the attacks. He tried to kick the wild boar, but his kick missed.
[Ding! Detection: User engaged in a very inefficient but entertaining fight. Gathering Strangeness Points from ridiculous fighting style...]
[+15 Strangeness Points.]
"System, this is not the time to collect points!" Chen Ming screamed inwardly, while still dodging. My Strangeness Points were now 180.
Xian'er merely stood behind, watching with amusement. She had no intention of interfering, as if this was a private show for her.
Chen Ming continued to dodge, cold sweat soaking his body. The wild boar was too fast and too strong. He knew he couldn't defeat it with just a knife and awkward kicks.
Wait! Qi Recovery Pill!
He remembered the item in his inventory. He quickly opened the System panel, taking one of the Low-Grade Qi Recovery Pills. He swallowed it.
Gulp!
Instantly, he felt a wave of fresh Qi flow into his Half-Dragon Meridians, replenishing some of his drained energy. He felt slightly stronger, faster.
He darted again, this time with more coordinated movements. He dodged the wild boar's attack, then quickly jumped onto its back.
Thud!
The wild boar was startled, screaming Grrrroink! and trying to throw Chen Ming off. Chen Ming clung tightly to the wild boar's fur, then swung his knife towards the wild boar's neck, looking for a gap in its tough hide.
Slash!
This time, his knife managed to penetrate slightly, leaving a shallow scratch. The wild boar roared in pain and panic, running erratically, trying to throw Chen Ming off.
Chen Ming held on with all his might, feeling like he was riding a wild bull. He kept trying to stab the wild boar's neck, looking for a weak point.
[Ding! Detection: User displaying a very unorthodox and ridiculous fighting style. Gathering Strangeness Points from absurd methods...]
[+20 Strangeness Points.]
"This is crazy! But I have to survive!" My Strangeness Points were now 200.
Finally, after several stabs, the wild boar began to weaken. Its movements slowed, and its snorts turned into whimpers. Chen Ming jumped off its back, and the wild boar collapsed to the ground with a Thud!, panting. It wasn't dead, just unconscious.
Chen Ming panted, his body trembling from exhaustion. He looked at the unconscious wild boar, then at his blood-stained knife. He did it! In the most ridiculous way, he managed to defeat a monster stronger than him!
Xian'er stepped closer, her smile now wider. "Not bad, Chen Ming. An... unusual method, but effective. You are indeed an anomaly."
Chen Ming could only smile wryly. "Thank you, Your Excellency Xian'er. I... I was just trying to survive."
Xian'er nodded. "We will camp here for the night. You can use the wild boar meat for dinner. And tomorrow, we will continue our journey."
Chen Ming nodded, feeling tired but also satisfied. He had taken his first step into the outside world, and it was a step full of strangeness and Strangeness Points.
Whoosh!
The forest wind whispered, as if welcoming them into a greater mystery.