I can't just stand by! Chen Ming made up his mind. He would help, in his unorthodox way!
He darted forward, activating 'Light Shadow Steps' with all his might. His movements were still not as graceful as a shadow, more like a panicked rabbit hopping around, but his speed far surpassed that of an ordinary Mortal Body Stage cultivator. He arrived in the middle of the battle in the blink of an eye, just as the Jade Bamboo Bear raised its massive claw, ready to strike the fallen cultivator.
ROOOARRR! The Jade Bamboo Bear roared, its sharp claws glinting in the air.
"Get out of the way!" Chen Ming shouted, his voice hoarse but full of urgency. He had no time to think. With pure instinct, he launched a 'Raging Rooster Kick' at the Jade Bamboo Bear's leg.
Thud!
His kick struck the Jade Bamboo Bear's leg joint with surprising force. The colossal creature staggered, its roar turning into a deep groan of pain. The Sky Sword Sect cultivators and the Jade Bamboo Bear gasped, startled by Chen Ming's sudden appearance and his unexpected attack.
"Who are you?!" one of the cultivators cried out, eyes wide. Who is this young man? His movements are bizarre, but he made the Jade Bamboo Bear stagger?!
Chen Ming didn't answer. He had no time. The Jade Bamboo Bear, though reeling, quickly swung its claw at him. Chen Ming darted back with 'Light Shadow Steps', his movements clumsy but effective, avoiding the attack.
[Ding! Detection: User intervened in a high-level battle. Collecting Strangeness Points from ludicrous bravery...]
[+15 Strangeness Points.]
"Here it is! More points! I'm a savior with a... unique style!" Chen Ming cheered internally, feeling amused. My Strangeness Points were now 664.
He darted again, using 'Light Shadow Steps' to move around the Jade Bamboo Bear, looking for an opening. His erratic movements confused the monster. The Jade Bamboo Bear growled in frustration, its claws slamming into the ground, creating small craters.
"Attack its vital point!" Chen Ming yelled at the Sky Sword Sect cultivators. "There's a crack in its leg!" He pointed towards the spot where his kick had landed.
The cultivators, though bewildered, followed his instruction. They launched focused Qi attacks at the Jade Bamboo Bear's leg. Clang! Clang! Their attacks, combined with Chen Ming's disruption, made the Jade Bamboo Bear stagger even more.
Chen Ming saw an opportunity. He leaped onto the Jade Bamboo Bear's back, then with a focused 'Raging Dragon Fist', he punched the back of its head, looking for a weak point. His punches struck with the power of the Half-Dragon Meridian, producing deafening thump! thump! thump! sounds.
The Jade Bamboo Bear roared in pain, its body trembling violently. Its eyes began to dim, and its movements slowed.
[Ding! Detection: User successfully launched a deadly attack with an absurdly executed technique. Collecting Strangeness Points from improper power...]
[+20 Strangeness Points.]
"YES! This is it! I'm a hero who can defeat a giant bamboo bear with my own fighting style! And so many points!" Chen Ming cheered internally, feeling extremely delighted. My Strangeness Points were now 684.
Finally, after several more punches from Chen Ming and focused attacks from the cultivators, the Jade Bamboo Bear collapsed to the ground with a deafening thud!, lying motionless.
Chen Ming panted, his body trembling with exhaustion. He stared at the motionless Jade Bamboo Bear, then at his slightly bruised hands. He had succeeded! He had helped defeat a monster far stronger than him, with the most ludicrous and embarrassing style!
The Sky Sword Sect cultivators stared at him with a mixture of admiration, confusion, and a little fear. They were four young men and women, wearing sky-blue robes, swords in their hands still glinting.
"Who... who are you?" asked a young man with a sword in his hand, who seemed to be the leader of the group. His face was handsome, with a serious expression, but his eyes radiated bewilderment. "What kind of technique was that? I've never seen it!"
Lin Fan stared at the young man before him. His face... so beautiful, almost like a woman's. But his Qi was clearly a man's, and his strength... incredible. This is odd.
Chen Ming just scratched his head, smiling awkwardly. "Ah, that's... a secret family technique. Can't be told."
The young woman beside him, with long black hair and sharp eyes, looked at Chen Ming suspiciously. "Family technique? Your movements are very... unconventional. And your aura... peculiar. You're not from the Sky Sword Sect."
Li Hua narrowed her eyes. This young man... his face is indeed captivating, but his movements are clumsy, and his aura feels... chaotic yet powerful. He's hiding something.
"We were just passing through," Chen Ming quickly said, trying to change the subject. "We saw you struggling, so we decided to help."
The young man, Lin Fan, nodded. "Thank you for your help, Brother. My name is Lin Fan, an inner disciple of the Sky Sword Sect. And these are my fellow disciples, Li Hua, Wang Lei, and Zhang Wei." He pointed to his companions. "We will not forget your assistance."
Lin Fan smiled. This young man is strong, though unusual. He could be an asset.
"My name is Chen Ming," Chen Ming said, nodding. He didn't mention Xian'er's name, as Xian'er didn't want to attract attention.
"Chen Ming..." Lin Fan repeated, as if trying to remember the name. "Your strength... is extraordinary. Although your movements are unorthodox, the power they contain is truly surprising."
[Ding! Detection: User successfully attracted the attention of sect cultivators. Collecting Strangeness Points from an awkward but impressive interaction...]
[+10 Strangeness Points.]
"See! Even social interaction gives points! I'm truly a genius at this!" Chen Ming cheered internally. My Strangeness Points were now 694.
"We must continue our journey," Chen Ming said, trying to leave before they asked further questions. "This forest is dangerous. You should also be careful."
"Wait!" Li Hua, the young woman with sharp eyes, called out. "Where are you going? This Jade Bamboo Forest is vast. It's dangerous if you're alone."
Li Hua wasn't easily convinced. This young man is too mysterious. His face... so beautiful, but something doesn't fit. He must have a big secret.
"I... I have a destination," Chen Ming stammered. Damn, she's suspicious!
Lin Fan smiled. "If you don't mind, why not join us? We are also on a mission in the Jade Bamboo Forest. With your strength, we can help each other."
Lin Fan thought quickly. This young man is strong, and his face will attract a lot of attention. Perhaps he could be a good decoy, or at least a distraction.
Join a sect? This is a good opportunity to learn more about this world! And maybe meet more people who can give me Strangeness Points! Chen Ming thought. But Xian'er said not to attract unnecessary attention...
He glanced back, towards the bushes where Xian'er was hiding. He knew Xian'er must be watching him.
[Ding! Detection: User is faced with a dilemma. Collecting Strangeness Points from an intriguing choice...]
[+5 Strangeness Points.]
"System, you really know how to make my life more complicated!" Chen Ming sighed internally. My Strangeness Points were now 699.
"I... I will join you," Chen Ming decided. This was too good an opportunity to miss. He could learn from them, and perhaps find a way to gain more Strangeness Points.
Lin Fan smiled broadly. "Excellent! Welcome, Brother Chen Ming! With you, our mission will surely be easier!"
Lin Fan felt satisfied. He gained a strong ally, though a little... eccentric. And this young man's face... will surely surprise many in the Sect.
Li Hua still stared at Chen Ming suspiciously, but she said nothing. I'll keep an eye on him. There's something seriously off about this young man.
"Alright, let's continue," Lin Fan said. "We must find the Jade Bamboo Bear's lair and collect its materials."
Chen Ming nodded. He stepped beside them, feeling the aura of other cultivators around him. This was the beginning of a new adventure, with new allies, and perhaps... more Strangeness Points.
Hopefully, they won't be too surprised by my unconventional fighting style. Chen Ming thought, a faint smile etched on his lips. And hopefully, this face of mine won't cause too much trouble...