Reincarnated Monkey King

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The black mist faded from Wukong's fingers, but the ache in his body remained.

It wasn't just physical exhaustion—it felt like something was being siphoned from inside him. His breath was heavier, his limbs weaker.

He clenched his fist. Tch.

This magic was strong—too strong—but it came with a price.

A price he wasn't willing to pay blindly.

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"So, how do I stop this thing from killing me?"

The hooded mage chuckled, their golden eyes gleaming. "Clever monkey. Most people would just keep using it until they withered away."

Lily scowled. "That doesn't answer the question."

The mage waved a hand lazily. "It's simple. Your body is too weak to handle the magic properly. You need to train, strengthen your vessel."

Tian scratched his head. "So… work out? Eat healthy?"

The mage smirked. "That, and learn to control the magic. If you let it run wild, it'll drain you dry. But if you master it…"

They flicked their fingers, and a thin wisp of black mist curled around them, controlled and stable.

"You can turn a curse into a weapon."

Wukong grinned. "Now that's more like it."

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A Monkey's Training Begins

For the next few days, Wukong trained in the hidden underground ruins, far from prying eyes.

Step one: Control the magic.

At first, the black mist lashed out randomly, rotting anything it touched. Unstable. Wild. But Wukong wasn't just some clueless kid—he was Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.

Even if he had to start from nothing, he would master this power.

He focused. Breathed. Tamed the mist.

Slowly, the wild energy began to obey. It no longer lashed out—it flowed, bending to his will.

Lily and Tian watched in awe as Wukong formed a thin blade of black mist along his fingers.

Tian whistled. "Okay, that's actually kinda cool."

Lily still looked worried. "It's still dangerous."

Wukong smirked. "So am I."

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Step Two: Strengthening the Body

The magic was still a parasite, eating away at his stamina. He needed a stronger vessel to handle it.

So Wukong trained. Hard.

Even though his body was weaker than his past life, he pushed it beyond its limits.

Lifting stone blocks. Running through the ruins. Sparring with Tian. Meditation. Pushing himself until he collapsed.

At night, the pain was unbearable. His body screamed. His muscles ached. The magic's hunger still gnawed at him.

But he gritted his teeth and endured.

Because a monkey never stops climbing.

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A First Real Test

On the seventh day, Wukong stood in the middle of the ruins, facing the hooded mage.

They smirked. "Time for a real test. I'll attack you. You try to survive."

Tian paled. "Wait, what?!"

Lily stepped forward. "You can't be serious!"

The mage ignored them and raised a hand. Dark energy swirled around them—stronger than Wukong's.

Wukong's grin widened. Finally, a real fight.

BOOM!

The mage launched a black spear of magic straight at him.

Wukong's body moved on instinct—his new power flared to life.

The battle had begun.

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To Be Continued…

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