One day in June of Era of Ai 745, five months had passed since Zhou Zilong became Master Roshi's disciple. Over those five months, their bond as master and student had grown deeper. They trained together, lived together, and faced difficulties together. Master Roshi taught him not only how to cultivate his strength, but also how to conduct himself and deal with the world.
Under Master Roshi's guidance, Zhou Zilong's battle power had surged, rising from its initial level to an astonishing one (Xiao Ling was helping him mask his ki, so it couldn't be sensed). However, Master Roshi knew that a true powerhouse needed more than overwhelming battle power; he also needed the discipline to control it. So as Zhou Zilong trained, Master Roshi focused on teaching him to control his ki and stay calm in battle. Zhou Zilong understood his master's intentions. He trained diligently, constantly honing his willpower. While keeping his ki under control, he could display a battle power of around 100, which was enough for now.
Still, Zhou Zilong knew he had a long way to go, and never slacked off for a moment.
At dusk, the sea breeze carried a hint of chill. After finishing the day's training, Zhou Zilong dragged his tired but contented body back to Turtle Hermit's House. He opened the door and saw Master Roshi sitting leisurely inside, holding a cup of tea and smiling at him.
"Zilong, you're back?" Master Roshi set down his teacup and asked kindly.
"Yes, Master," Zhou Zilong replied respectfully. He walked over to Master Roshi and bowed.
"Mm, not bad. Your progress over these past five months has made me very happy," Master Roshi said with a satisfied nod. "But the path of the Martial Way isn't something you can master overnight. What you need is persistent effort and constant practice. Of course, balancing work and rest is important too!"
"Yes, Master. I understand." Zhou Zilong nodded earnestly. He knew his master spoke from the heart.
"So, I've decided to give you a few days off," Master Roshi announced suddenly.
"Time off?" Zhou Zilong was surprised. He hadn't expected Master Roshi to suggest that out of the blue.
"That's right, a few days off," Master Roshi explained with a smile. "You've worked hard for these past five months and hardly taken any time to rest. I know how eager you are to grow stronger, but your body is your foundation. How can you keep training without taking care of it? So I've decided to give you a few days to rest properly and get back in shape!"
"But..." Zhou Zilong started to say, but Master Roshi cut him off.
"No buts," Master Roshi said sternly. "Zilong, remember that the Martial Way isn't just about pursuing strength. Your mindset and condition matter even more. Only by keeping both in good shape can you go farther on the path of the Martial Way!"
Hearing his master's words, Zhou Zilong felt a sudden clarity. He understood the care behind Master Roshi's advice and realized that he had indeed been too impatient. He replied respectfully, "Yes, Master. I understand. I'll get plenty of rest!"
Night fell. Zhou Zilong lay in bed, gazing at the bright moon outside the window, but he couldn't help thinking of Xiao Ling, the system that had fallen asleep to update.
"It's already been five months, but Xiao Ling still shows no sign of waking up. Looks like this update is going to take a long time!" Zhou Zilong muttered.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and fell across Zhou Zilong's face. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed. After washing up, he said goodbye to Master Roshi, then took out the Capsule containing the Jet.
Zhou Zilong tossed the Capsule into the air, and a Jet appeared before him. He climbed aboard and started the engine. With a roar, the Jet rose into the sky and headed for the distance.
After flying for about half an hour, Zhou Zilong finally reached a small town. He landed the Jet steadily in an open area, folded up its wings, and headed on foot toward the town center. The town looked peaceful, but a tense atmosphere hung in the air.
As Zhou Zilong walked down the street, his gaze swept over his surroundings. A crowd had gathered in the distance, and angry shouts and the sounds of a fight came from within it. Curious, he walked over and pushed his way through. In the middle of the crowd, a hulking man over three meters tall, dressed in camouflage, was swinging his fists at a muscular man over two meters tall. The taller man fought back with all his strength, but he was clearly no match. He staggered backward again and again, sweat covering his face.
Suddenly, two men with vicious looks darted out from behind the muscular man. They grabbed his arms from either side and held him firmly in place. Seeing this, the hulking man flashed a smug grin, then slammed a fist into the muscular man's stomach.
"Argh!" A scream rang out. The muscular man doubled over in pain and vomited bile. The hulking man didn't stop. He only attacked more fiercely, landing blow after blow on his victim until the muscular man finally collapsed, unable to take any more.
"That's despicable!" an elderly man in a suit shouted angrily. "You agreed to a one-on-one fight, and now you're resorting to such underhanded tactics!"
Fury welled up in Zhou Zilong as he watched. He stepped forward and said coldly, "If it's a one-on-one fight, then fight fair. Pulling tricks like this is shameful!"
The hulking man turned around and glared at Zhou Zilong. "Kid, trying to play the hero? Let me tell you, this town is the new base our Predator Mercenary Group has set its sights on. If you want to stay alive, get lost!"
Zhou Zilong stood his ground, chest raised. "Now that I've seen this, I can't just stand by. You're bullying people, and I have to speak up and see that justice is done!"
Seeing this, the elderly man hurriedly tried to dissuade him. "Young man, you'd better leave. The people in the Predator Mercenary Group are cunning. They won't let you get away with this!"
Zhou Zilong shook his head and said firmly, "Don't worry, sir. If I dared to step forward, it's because I'm confident I can handle them!"
When the hulking man saw that Zhou Zilong refused to back down, he shouted, "Brothers, get him! Teach this kid a lesson!"
At his command, a group of camouflage-clad mercenaries rushed out from every direction and surrounded Zhou Zilong. But he wasn't afraid in the least. He took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing and stance, and prepared for the battle ahead.
Please bookmark Dragon Ball: After Traveling Here, I Became the Strongest Solo Fighter. Tianyue updates faster than anywhere else!
Before you continue