Absolute Destiny Game
Chapter 192 - 53: Avoiding Disaster in Monkey Valley

Chapter 192: Chapter 53: Avoiding Disaster in Monkey Valley

Xiao Jie proceeded with considerable caution. Absent the speed advantage of his steed, navigating the wilderness left him feeling somewhat unsure. Fortunately, he still had a Godspeed Talisman in his bag, and coupled with his Qinggong and Galloping Skill, he was confident that if push came to shove, normal monsters wouldn’t be able to catch up with him.

Xiao Jie was somewhat worried about being pursued again by the World Association, but the game’s map was vast, and the World Association had just narrowly avoided being wiped out. He doubted the few remaining members would dare to go after him alone.

Having seen no signs of being followed after walking for over an hour, Xiao Jie let out a sigh of relief.

After crossing the main road and continuing in a southwest direction, he steered clear of the more dangerous areas of the map. Along the way, he conveniently chopped down more than a dozen little monsters, all isolated wild beasts.

By noon, Xiao Jie caught sight of the spire of Rebirth Tower once again.

This time, however, Xiao Jie didn’t dare get close. The Cannibal Monk also knew martial arts, and without a horse, it was better not to approach.

Making a wide detour, he finally arrived at the entrance of Monkey Mountain.

The Woodcutter was still sitting under a large tree, waiting. Upon seeing Xiao Jie appear, he immediately stood up.

"Ah, brother, you have finally returned. Did you manage to find someone to help?"

"Sorry, mate, I couldn’t find anyone. But don’t worry, I can go in and look for him by myself. It’s just that the monkeys inside are quite fierce, so I’ll have to be careful. You wait here patiently and don’t fret."

Tears welled up in the eyes of the Woodcutter, "Brother, you really are putting yourself out for me. Rest assured, if you can find Mao Mao for me, I will definitely teach you my family’s ancestral martial arts."

Xiao Jie didn’t take it seriously. What martial arts could an 8th-level NPC really have? Besides, with so many monkeys in the valley, who knew which one was Mao Mao.

The task was just something to do on the side. If he could get on good terms with the Old White Ape, perhaps he could ask for help. If not, then so be it.

Approaching the valley’s entrance, Xiao Jie used Transform into Human to change into the appearance of a wild man and entered Monkey Valley once more.

The trees near the entrance were still filled with Stone-Throwing Apes, which reassured Xiao Jie quite a bit. Even if the World Association managed to track him here, they likely wouldn’t be able to pass this obstacle.

Inadvertently, he had added an extra layer of protection for himself.

From a distance, he saw the Old White Ape dressed in a robe with flowing sleeves, sitting at a tea table, sipping tea and eating steamed buns, the picture of contentment.

He suddenly sighed, as if troubled by some sorrow.

"Senior Yuan, your junior is here to visit again, I hope I’m not disturbing you?"

"Hmm, I sensed your presence the moment you were more than a hundred steps away. Take a seat. Tell me, what brings you here this time?"

Xiao Jie didn’t stand on ceremony. Directness was best when communicating with animals.

"This time, I may need to stay for a few days. I hope that Senior Yuan would kindly provide shelter."

"Oh? And what brings this about?"

"What else could it be? Trouble found me. I’m being hunted by enemies and have nowhere else to turn but to your refuge."

"So you are here seeking refuge as well, huh? Hehe..." the Old White Ape laughed in self-mockery. "You are quite frank to admit it. Aren’t you afraid that I’ll worry about attracting trouble and kick you out? Tell me, why should I let you stay?"

Suddenly, a dialogue box popped up in front of Xiao Jie.

Option 1: If Senior Yuan speaks thus, then your junior will take his leave.

Option 2: Old monkey, don’t be ungrateful. I’ll stay as long as I like, and if you don’t like it, do you believe I’ll whip you? (Intimidate).

Option 3: Junior hereby requests that Senior Yuan shelter me, for I have my reasons. Please hear me out. (Persuade).

Option 4: Junior is deeply moved by Senior Yuan’s words. (Play on emotions).

Huh, I actually triggered the understandings of human sentiments.

He briefly compared the four options and resolutely chose 4.

"Senior Yuan, your words really resonate with me, don’t they?"

The old White Ape stared at him for a while, then suddenly sighed, "Alas, I too was once chased all the way here, just like you, a fugitive. Your appearance reminds me of my past self. Well, a fellow wanderer under the same sky, I’ll let you stay for a while."

[System Prompt: Nameless White Ape’s favorability towards you has increased by 3 points, now at 77.]

Haha, this talent is really useful, isn’t it?

It’s clear, among these four options, this understanding of human sentiments should be the optimal solution. Of course, even without this option, Xiao Jie was confident in persuading the old White Ape, but then there probably wouldn’t be any favorability reward.

"Haha, thank you so much, Senior Yuan. By the way, Senior Yuan, I’ve brought you some gifts again this time..."

As he spoke, Xiao Jie began to take out the things he had bought earlier from his bag, meanwhile continuously striking up conversations, aiming to trigger the understanding of human sentiments a few more times.

Unfortunately, it seems that the dialog options for the storyline could only be triggered during certain key narrative junctures, and after several attempts, they didn’t take effect again.

Luckily, the things he bought still came in handy.

Moreover, Xiao Jie, leveraging on the topic of [Fleeing], made efforts to dig deeper, constantly playing the sympathy card, and he actually managed to gain the old White Ape’s favor again.

With the added effect of the gifts, the more they talked, the more congenial they became, and his favorability kept soaring until by the afternoon, it had reached 92.

"Haha, you sure are brave, kid, to actually believe that Xia Yi the Unrivaled is willing to help you. If it were me, I wouldn’t dare easily trust that a stranger could offer help. Back when I was fleeing, I had my fair share of tough times."

"I was also driven to desperation. Speaking of which, Senior, I need to practice my martial arts if I am to seek revenge. May I borrow your precious place to practice my saber skill?"

"What’s the big deal, just practice if you want to."

The old White Ape said as he picked up the preserves Xiao Jie had bought for him and started munching on them, smacking his lips in obvious satisfaction.

Xiao Jie walked onto the clearing and began to practice the Gale Saber Technique.

If used in combat, the Gale Saber Technique could yield a lot of saber skill experience, and practicing against wooden stakes was also beneficial, though it would be a slower process. Practicing in the air, however, would result in even slower experience gain.

But Xiao Jie had plenty of time anyway, so he would be able to level it up to LV10 sooner or later.

The old White Ape watched Xiao Jie hacking furiously at the air, but shook his head.

"Your saber technique looks impressive but is actually devoid of any real skill, not good, not good. And how can you improve your saber skill by hacking aimlessly at the air? Let me spar with you instead."

With that, he leaped over to Xiao Jie with a whoosh and casually drew out the Yanling Saber.

For Xiao Jie, this was exactly what he had hoped for, though he was somewhat worried he might accidentally wound the ape and trigger hostility.

"Senior, the sword has no eyes; what if I accidentally wound you?"

"Hahahaha, you’re quite amusing, kid. If you managed to wound me, then you wouldn’t need to hide here anymore. Come on!"

"But what if Senior ends up wounding the junior—"

"Stop prattling. If you’re hurt, you’re hurt; as long as it’s not fatal, it’s fine."

With that, he vanished in an instant, and the next second reappeared above Xiao Jie’s head, bringing down his saber in a chop.