My Strangeness Points are now 309.
Night crept into the Ancient Forest, enveloping them in deep darkness, illuminated only by a small flickering campfire and the faint glow of the Golden Dragon Spiritual Pool, whose aura could still be felt from afar.
Chen Ming sat cross-legged beside the fire, his body still slightly trembling from exhaustion, yet within him, there was a strange wave of satisfaction.
He had succeeded! He had defeated two dark cultivators stronger than him, with the most absurd style imaginable.
Xian'er sat opposite him, her golden eyes gazing at the flames, radiating a calmness that contrasted with Chen Ming's still-spinning thoughts.
The aroma of roasted spiritual wild boar wafted through the air, tempting Chen Ming's appetite.
I managed to defeat them with a rooster kick and a strange dragon fist. This is truly insane. But how? Is this the power of my Half-Dragon Meridian? Or... is it this System that's making me a ridiculous hero?
"Chen Ming," Xian'er's voice broke the silence, soft yet full of authority. "You have shown interesting potential today. Your fighting style... is very unconventional." There was a clear note of amusement in her voice.
Chen Ming could only offer a wry smile. "Thank you, Your Grace Xian'er. I was just... trying to survive."
"I see," Xian'er nodded. "You used basic movements you learned, yet your Qi flowed in a... chaotic, yet somehow, effective way. It's a blend of your instincts and my essence within you."
She glanced at Chen Ming. "Tonight, we will delve deeper into techniques. You must understand what you are doing, even if it seems ridiculous."
Chen Ming straightened up. This was a golden opportunity! Learning techniques from a majestic dragon!
"Take the 'Light Shadow Steps' stance," Xian'er commanded.
Chen Ming nodded. He stood up, trying to assume the stance he remembered. His legs wobbled slightly, but he managed to stabilize himself.
"Now, try the step," Xian'er said.
Chen Ming tried. He imagined Qi flowing into his legs, attempting to glide.
Whoosh!
He darted sideways, almost hitting another tree. His movements were still clumsy, but better than before.
[Ding! Detection: User shows unexpected progress in basic movement techniques. Collecting Strangeness Points from the awkward improvement...]
[+8 Strangeness Points.]
"Oh my god, even progress earns points! This System is truly endless!" Chen Ming screamed internally.
My Strangeness Points are now 317.
Xian'er observed. "Light Shadow Steps. This is a basic movement technique that focuses on speed and agility, allowing a cultivator to move like a shadow, difficult to trace.
Strengths:
Speed: Able to dart quickly over short distances.
Agility: Allows for sudden changes in direction, making it unpredictable.
Low Qi Consumption: For basic movement, it doesn't drain much Qi.
Weaknesses:
Requires Fine Qi Control: If Qi is not controlled, movements can be wild and undirected, as you experienced.
Not Suitable for Long Distances: More effective for dodging attacks or closing distances quickly, not long journeys.
Limited to Solid Surfaces: Difficult to use on uneven terrain or in the air without higher mastery.
"However, when you used it, your Qi moved in a... strange way. It didn't flow smoothly, but pulsed and swirled irregularly. This made your movements unpredictable, even to stronger opponents." Xian'er explained, her eyes radiating understanding.
"This is your strangeness at work. The chaos in your Qi actually becomes an advantage."
So, my chaotic Qi is actually good? This is truly bizarre! Chen Ming thought, feeling a little proud.
"Now, 'Raging Rooster Kick'," Xian'er commanded. "Show me."
Chen Ming took his stance. He remembered how he kicked the dark cultivator's knee. He swung his leg, a seemingly simple kick, but with his touch of "strangeness."
Thud! His kick struck a nearby tree, leaving a deep dent.
[Ding! Detection: User successfully practiced a Fighting Technique with disproportionate power. Collecting Strangeness Points from the ridiculous brutality...]
[+10 Strangeness Points.]
"Good heavens, I'm a walking strangeness point machine!" Chen Ming cheered internally.
My Strangeness Points are now 327.
"Raging Rooster Kick," Xian'er continued, observing the mark on the tree. "This is not an elegant technique.
It is a surprise attack that relies on momentum and raw power.
Strengths:
Surprise: Unexpected movement, difficult for opponents accustomed to formal techniques to anticipate.
Raw Power: Capable of delivering significant physical damage if it hits a vital point.
Exploits Opponent's Weakness: Effective for incapacitating unprepared opponents.
Weaknesses:
Not Elegant: Easily avoided by faster opponents or those with strong defenses if anticipated.
Opens Defenses: When launching this attack, you will slightly open your own defenses.
High Stamina Consumption: Drains physical energy and Qi if used continuously.
"However, when you launched it, your Qi gathered and exploded at the point of contact in an unusual way. This was not just physical force, but also a Qi explosion that disrupted the opponent's Qi flow. That's why the dark cultivator stumbled."
So, essentially, I'm a strange, inelegant, but deadly fighter because of the side effects of strangeness and a dragon? I like that! Chen Ming grinned widely.
"Finally, 'Raging Dragon Fist'," Xian'er said.
Chen Ming took his stance. He remembered the series of punches he had thrown. He threw his fists into the air, trying to imitate the movements.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
The air in front of him vibrated, and he felt a strange wave of power.
[Ding! Detection: User successfully practiced a destructive Fighting Technique. Collecting Strangeness Points from the indecent power...]
[+12 Strangeness Points.]
"I like this! The stranger, the more points!" Chen Ming laughed internally.
My Strangeness Points are now 339.
"Raging Dragon Fist," Xian'er explained. "This is a series of fast, powerful punches designed to overwhelm an opponent's defenses.
Strengths:
Constant Pressure: Able to pressure the opponent and give them no chance to breathe.
Consecutive Damage: Each punch carries power, and the combination of punches can be very damaging.
Flexible: Can be adapted to the situation, whether for quick attacks or breaking defenses.
Weaknesses:
Requires Precision: If punches miss, it will waste Qi and leave you open.
High Qi Consumption: One of the most Qi-draining techniques due to its intensity.
Vulnerable to Counterattacks: If the opponent manages to find an opening, you will be vulnerable.
"When you used it, your Qi not only flowed into your fists but also created a shockwave that disrupted the opponent's Qi.
This is an effect of your Half-Dragon Meridian and my essence. That's why your opponents were surprised and fled."
So, the bottom line is, I'm a strange, inelegant, but deadly fighter because of the side effects of strangeness and a dragon? I love that! Chen Ming smiled broadly.
"You have a unique foundation, Chen Ming," Xian'er concluded, looking at him with a deep gaze. "Don't try to imitate other cultivators. Embrace your strangeness. That is your strength."
That night, Chen Ming spent time reflecting on Xian'er's lessons. He knew he was still far from strong, but now he had a better understanding of himself and his absurd power.
He also felt a little more comfortable with Xian'er, who, despite her majesty, turned out to be a patient teacher and... slightly amused by his antics.
The next morning, they continued their journey. The forest grew deeper, and the spiritual aura became thicker. The trees soared higher, and the sounds of the forest seemed more ancient.
Whoosh... whoosh...
Their steps felt lighter, especially Chen Ming's, who was now trying to apply the 'Light Shadow Steps' lesson more consciously. Although still not perfect, he no longer ran into trees.
They found large footprints on the ground, not human or wild boar tracks, but very large claw marks. Xian'er tensed.
"Earth Dragon tracks," she whispered. "High-level spiritual beasts. They are very territorial."
Chen Ming swallowed hard. Another dragon? But this was an Earth Dragon, not Xian'er. Hopefully, it's not as strange as Xian'er.
[Ding! Detection: User faces a potential threat from a high-level spiritual beast. Collecting Strangeness Points from the ridiculous anticipation...]
[+10 Strangeness Points.]
"System, you are truly endless!" Chen Ming sighed internally.
My Strangeness Points are now 349.
They walked more carefully, following the tracks, which led to a darker and more mysterious part of the forest.