My Strangeness Points were now 200.
The second dawn outside the cave greeted Chen Ming with the scent of damp earth and refreshing morning dew. He stretched, feeling his muscles slightly sore after yesterday's "ridiculous" fight with the spiritual wild boar.
However, there was also a pulsating sensation of strength in his Half-Dragon Meridians, a clear proof that he had made progress. He opened his eyes, his whitened pupils emitting a strange glow in the dim light.
He saw Xian'er already sitting cross-legged near a small, almost extinguished campfire, her eyes closed in meditation.
Her golden hair shimmered faintly in the morning light filtering through the forest canopy.
This mortal... even in his sleep, he emanates an indescribable aura of strangeness. This essence bond is truly unexpected, but destiny has chosen him. I must guide him. Xian'er sighed inwardly, an inaudible exhalation.
"Awake already, mortal?" Xian'er's voice flowed softly, her eyes open, looking at Chen Ming with a faint smile. "How was your sleep after yesterday's great battle?" There was a clear hint of amusement in her voice.
Chen Ming quickly straightened his crumpled robe. "A-ah, yes, Your Excellency Xian'er. Quite... restful. My body feels better." He didn't mention his dream about spiritual wild boars dancing ballet.
"Good," Xian'er nodded. "We will continue our journey soon. This forest holds many secrets, and we must reach the Jade Bamboo Forest before nightfall."
They extinguished the campfire, ensuring no traces were left behind. Chen Ming observed his surroundings. The forest looked denser and more ancient. Giant trees towered high, their trunks covered with thick moss and dangling vines. Sunlight barely penetrated, creating a mysterious dim atmosphere.
"Will we encounter monsters again, Xian'er?" Chen Ming asked, his hand instinctively touching the hilt of his basic hunting knife.
Xian'er glanced at him. "Perhaps. This forest is home to many spiritual creatures. Some of them will not welcome us kindly. You must be ready."
Ready? I can't even control Qi properly yet!
They began to move deeper into the forest. The sounds of the forest intensified: the rustling of leaves underfoot, the chirping of unseen insects, the melodious calls of exotic birds, and occasionally, a faint roar from a distance that made Chen Ming shiver.
The scent of damp earth and exotic forest flowers filled his nostrils.
The journey felt long. Chen Ming tried to practice 'Light Shadow Steps' again while walking, hoping to move more efficiently. 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 filled with last night's dream about wild boars dancing ballet.
[Ding! Detection: User displaying slow but consistent progress in movement technique. Gathering Strangeness Points from awkward persistence...]
[+6 Strangeness Points.]
"Oh my god, even slow progress earns points? This System is truly non-discriminatory!"
My Strangeness Points were now 206.
His Qi is wild, yet his intent is pure. The fusion of my essence and his strangeness... a potential I have never seen. He is indeed an anomaly, but a captivating one. Xian'er thought, her eyes observing Chen Ming's every move.
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.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, a black shadow darted quickly through the trees in front of them. Chen Ming immediately tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for his knife.
Xian'er also stopped, her golden eyes narrowing. "Be careful, Chen Ming. That is a Shadow Monkey. A very agile and cunning spiritual creature."
From behind the bushes, a monkey emerged. Not an ordinary monkey. It was the size of a human child, with jet-black fur that absorbed light, and blazing red eyes that radiated cunning intelligence.
Chitter-chitter! A mocking laugh came from its snout.
[Detection: Low-Grade Shadow Monkey. Agile, cunning. Strength: Equivalent to Mortal Body Realm Late Stage.]
Spiritual monkey?! And it's stronger than me again?! Damn, why are all the monsters here always above my level?! Chen Ming swallowed, his hand trembling as he held the knife.
The Shadow Monkey darted again, this time trying to steal emergency rations from Chen Ming's pouch. Rip!
Chen Ming reacted quickly, swinging his knife. The monkey dodged nimbly, but Chen Ming's knife managed to slightly graze its arm.
Chitter-chitter! The monkey laughed mockingly, then leaped onto a tree branch, staring at them from above.
"He tried to steal my rations!" Chen Ming exclaimed, feeling humiliated.
Xian'er merely smiled faintly. "Shadow Monkeys are known for their cunning. You need to be faster, Chen Ming."
Faster? I can't even catch a rabbit that laughed at me!
Chen Ming tried to focus Qi into his legs, activating 'Light Shadow Steps' with all his concentration. He darted forward, trying to chase the monkey.
Whoosh!
He did move faster, but the monkey was far more agile. The monkey leaped from branch to branch with incredible speed, zip! zap! making it difficult for Chen Ming to track it.
[Ding! Detection: User engaged in an awkward and ineffective chase. Gathering Strangeness Points from futile but entertaining effort...]
[+10 Strangeness Points.]
"System, you're really... oh, never mind!" Chen Ming screamed inwardly, still running after it.
My Strangeness Points were now 216.
Agile, but too reliant on physical strength. He needs to learn to use Qi with intelligence, not just instinct. Let him learn from his mistakes, this is part of his path. Xian'er observed, with no intention of interfering. She knew Chen Ming had to face this challenge himself to grow.
After several minutes of futile chasing, Chen Ming was panting, his body trembling from exhaustion.
The Shadow Monkey was still perched on a high branch, laughing mockingly.
Xian'er stepped closer, her majestic aura slightly suppressing the monkey. The monkey suddenly fell silent, its mocking laughter vanishing, replaced by a cautious expression.
"Enough, monkey," Xian'er said, her voice calm but full of authority. "Do not disturb our journey."
The Shadow Monkey looked at Xian'er, then at the panting Chen Ming, as if comparing their strengths. With a small snort, huff! it darted away, disappearing among the leaves.
"He left?" Chen Ming asked, feeling a little relieved but also annoyed.
Xian'er nodded. "He knows his limits. You must learn to control your Qi better, Chen Ming. Speed and agility are key in this forest."
Chen Ming sighed. I know, I know. But why do I always feel like I'm the butt of a joke in every situation?
They continued their journey. The forest grew darker and more mysterious. Older trees with thicker moss began to appear, and the air felt heavier with spiritual energy.
Crack! Crack!
The sound of branches breaking in the distance was heard, followed by a quick rustle. Xian'er tensed, her eyes narrowing.
"What's wrong, Xian'er?" Chen Ming asked, feeling Xian'er's aura change.
"Something large is approaching," Xian'er whispered, her voice becoming serious. "Its Qi aura is very strong. This is not an ordinary spiritual creature."
Chen Ming swallowed. Something large? Bigger than a wild boar? More agile than a monkey? Oh, no, this must be the next boss!
They hid behind dense bushes, peering towards the sound.
The ground began to tremble faintly, thump... thump... thump...
From the darkness of the forest, a giant creature emerged. It was about three meters tall, with grey-green skin as hard as rock, and blazing red eyes. Its hands were large, with sharp claws, and on its back, sharp thorns protruded. It was... a Moss Golem.
[Detection: Intermediate-Grade Moss Golem. Aggressive. Strength: Equivalent to Qi Gathering Realm Initial Stage.]
Qi Gathering Realm?! That's above my level! Far above my level! Damn, this is definitely a boss! Chen Ming panicked.
The Moss Golem moved slowly, each step shaking the ground. It stopped near them, its head turning, as if sniffing.
"He smells us!" Chen Ming whispered, his body trembling.
Xian'er looked at the Golem with a serious expression. "Its Qi is very dense. This will be a good test for you, Chen Ming."
"Test? This is suicide!" Chen Ming screamed inwardly.
[Ding! Detection: User facing a threat far beyond his capabilities. Gathering Strangeness Points from ridiculous fear...]
[+15 Strangeness Points.]
"System, you really... I'm going to die and you're still collecting points?!"
My Strangeness Points were now 231.
The Moss Golem suddenly roared, ROOOARRR! and charged towards them, its large hands ready to strike.
"Run, Chen Ming!" Xian'er exclaimed, pulling Chen Ming quickly.
They darted through the forest, the Moss Golem chasing behind them, each step crushing small trees.
Crash! Crash!