"As long as your heart identifies with human cultural traditions and social morals, you can naturally become a human."
The White Ape felt agitated upon hearing this, "It’s easy for you to say, but since I’m already so intelligent, how could I turn into a stupid monkey? Although my martial arts are supreme, how could I transform into a human?"
Xiao Jie chuckled, "This matter is difficult if you say it’s difficult, but it’s simple if you say it’s simple. I have requested a magic treasure from the Immortal that can perfectly solve your predicament."
With that said, he first took out a novice’s wooden stick.
"The reason you’re unhappy is because you’re too intelligent. Just let me hit you hard a few times on the head, and once I beat you silly, you’ll naturally become just like any other monkey, always blissfully ignorant, and you won’t be unhappy anymore."
Upon hearing this, the White Ape’s eyes darkened, and in anger, its white hair stood on end and its body trembled, "Kid, are you making fun of me?"
"Don’t get excited, senior. This method was given by the Immortal. If you have to blame someone, blame the Immortal. If you don’t wish to become a silly monkey, then choose to become a human."
"Then how can I transform into a human?"
"With this magic treasure, you can fulfill your wish," Xiao Jie said, taking the Phantom Spirit Pearl off his body.
Instantly, his form changed back from a muscular savage into an armored swordsman.
"This is the Phantom Spirit Pearl, a holy artifact of the merfolk clan—using it, one can transform their appearance. All senior has to do is transform into a human, then live among human society for a while to experience what it feels like to be human. Naturally, you will understand your heart’s true desires, whether you’d rather be a human or remain a monkey."
The White Ape was overjoyed, "There’s such an artifact in the world? Wait, you were already wearing it before, right? Isn’t it your own possession?"
Xiao Jie explained, "Indeed so. The Immortal merely gave me the answer to senior’s problem, but as for how to go about it, senior still needs to figure it out on his own. Actually, I think the Immortal’s intention was probably for senior to learn magic and transform into human form."
"But I thought since senior is getting on in years, it would be too late to start refining magic now. It so happens that I have such an artifact, so I might as well gift it to senior."
Xiao Jie was well aware that merely offering some motivational platitudes or psychological analysis would likely be of no use to the White Ape.
He had to make a significant sacrifice to persuade the other party, so he decided to go all out.
Giving away the Phantom Spirit Pearl was something Xiao Jie regretted deeply in his heart. This was an epic artifact after all, and transforming one’s form could be quite useful in many situations.
However, to learn the Supreme Divine Skill, sacrifices were necessary. As the saying goes, nothing comes without a cost, and one cannot reap without sowing; nothing in this world comes for free.
He wanted to inherit magic and learn the Supreme Divine Skill, and it was only logical to pay a price for it.
An epic magic artifact in exchange for a manual on the Supreme Divine Skill was well worth it.
Moved by Xiao Jie’s words, the White Ape said, "Kid, I didn’t expect you to be so righteous. Are you really willing to give me this item?"
Xiao Jie responded magnanimously, "Of course I am. It’s all about brotherhood among good friends. I have felt close to senior since our first meeting, and our friendship is unbreakable. If I can help senior clear the confusion in your heart and embark on a happy life, what is one magic treasure to me?"
The White Ape was deeply impressed, "You’re right, a good brother values loyalty. From now on, don’t call me senior; let’s address each other as brothers!"
"Alright, big brother!"
The man and the ape laughed heartily together.
Xiao Jie spoke seriously, "However, big brother, you’ll have to do me a favor. I have some enemies out there trying to kill me, and I’ve been relying on this artifact to conceal my identity and hide my tracks. Now that I have given it to big brother, I no longer have any protection. Please help me settle this grievance."
"Haha, easy to say, those worldly ruffians are nothing to me," said the White Ape as it gaily took the Phantom Spirit Pearl.
Transform into human form!
In an instant, he transformed into an old woodcutter.
The White Ape twisted and turned, touching here and there. This transformation into human form was more than just a simple illusion; every part of the body had completely transformed into that of a human, seamless and perfect.
Elated, it said, "Indeed, it’s a fantastic treasure. By the way, brother, do you still want to learn my Illusion Destruction Divine Sword? If you wish to learn it, I can teach it to you right now."
System prompt: You have completed the adventure quest [White Ape Offering Fruit, Immortal’s Guidance]. The White Ape Sword Saint wants to teach you the skill ’Illusion Destruction Divine Sword.’ Would you like to accept? Yes/No.
Xiao Jie didn’t hesitate to choose Yes.
"I want to learn! Please teach me, big brother."
The White Ape nodded, "The Illusion Destruction Divine Sword is a saber skill that I comprehended in the Wangliu River. I don’t know the origins of the river, but I do know that it contains the Power of Silence, which is extraordinarily mystical. I created this saber skill by integrating it with the power of silence in this world. It has nine forms... Watch closely."
As he spoke, the White Ape drew the Yanling Saber and began to practice right there.
The saber skill seemed to be infused with ancient charm; each saber stroke started and ended with ritualistic motions, resembling a performance of an ancient sacrificial dance.
The White Ape demonstrated the nine forms of the saber skill in succession, precisely completing a full circle on the spot.
System prompt: The White Ape Sword Saint has taught you the skill [Illusion Destruction Divine Sword]. You have successfully learned the saber skill, and you can check this skill in the Skill Bar.
Xiao Jie was astonished, "Wow, that was it? So simple..."