"Big Brother Zilong, you'll stay at our house for a few more days, right?" After showing Zhou Zilong around, Bulma took his hand. Her clear eyes were full of hope.
Zhou Zilong smiled at Bulma. "I should be able to stay for a few days, but wouldn't it be too much trouble if I stayed too long?"
"Not at all! Not at all!" Bulma quickly shook her head. "Mom and Dad both love making friends, especially big brothers like you!"
"That's right, Brother Zilong. Stay a few more days. It won't be a problem." Bulma's father, Dr. Brief, walked in and smiled at Zhou Zilong. "Besides, you saved Bulma today, and I haven't had a chance to repay you properly. If you don't mind, I'd like you to serve as Bulma's personal bodyguard for a while. Don't worry about the money—I'll pay you 100,000 Dragon Coins an hour."
Dr. Brief's offer stunned Zhou Zilong. 100,000 Dragon Coins? Was money this easy to earn in this world? He hesitated, then agreed. After all, he had nowhere else to go.
"Big Brother Zilong, this is your room." Bulma led him into a spacious, brightly lit room furnished with all kinds of modern conveniences, including a complete set of exercise equipment.
"Okay. Sorry for the trouble," Zhou Zilong replied politely.
"It's no trouble. If you want, you can have this room permanently." Bulma said playfully. Her warmth left Zhou Zilong feeling a little overwhelmed.
Zhou Zilong was tempted, but then shook his head. "I couldn't impose. By the way, Bulma, do you have any clothes I could change into? I forgot to bring a change of clothes when I left."
Bulma paused, then asked curiously, "Big Brother Zilong, how come your clothes don't smell sweaty?"
Zhou Zilong scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "I brought some money with me when I left. I stayed at a few places, washed my clothes, and changed into them once they were dry before setting out."
Bulma nodded. "Then take a bath first. I'll ask Dad to take me shopping for a few outfits for you."
Zhou Zilong quickly waved his hands. "You really don't have to. Just find something that's about the right size. I can wash these clothes and wear them again."
Seeing that he wouldn't budge, Bulma stopped insisting. She led him to the bathroom and prepared a clean set of pajamas for him. Zhou Zilong thanked her and went inside.
After locking the bathroom door, Zhou Zilong sat in the bathtub. A few flower petals floated on the water, giving off a faint fragrance. He took a deep breath, gently closed his eyes, and said to the system, Xiao Ling, "Xiao Ling, give me the marrow-cleansing treatment."
"Of course. The marrow-cleansing treatment is about to begin. Xiao Ling hopes your first treatment brings you a great transformation." Xiao Ling's voice rang in Zhou Zilong's mind, warm and reassuring.
As soon as she finished speaking, a gentle yet brilliant light shone from Zhou Zilong's chest and flowed into his body. He felt a warm current moving through him, as if countless particles of energy were coursing through his veins, bringing an indescribable sense of comfort.
But the warmth didn't last long. Soon, Zhou Zilong's body began to heat up, as if flames were scorching him. He gritted his teeth and tried to endure the pain. Then he noticed a black liquid seeping from his fingertips. It gave off a foul stench that made his skin crawl.
Zhou Zilong knew this was a sign that the marrow-cleansing process was expelling impurities from his body. He took a deep breath and focused on every part of himself, feeling the warm current continually flush through him.
As time passed, his body began to change in subtle ways. His skin grew smoother and more delicate, and his muscles became more defined and powerful. He felt his strength steadily increasing, as if he could go on forever.
Just as Zhou Zilong was immersed in the changes brought by the marrow-cleansing treatment, Xiao Ling's voice suddenly rang in his mind. "The marrow-cleansing treatment is 80 percent complete. The critical phase is about to begin. Please stay alert, host. Don't let your guard down."
Zhou Zilong's heart lurched. He immediately focused, preparing for the challenge ahead. He knew the critical phase of the marrow-cleansing treatment was the most dangerous. The slightest misstep could undo all his progress.
As the treatment continued, Zhou Zilong's body began to undergo even more dramatic changes. A faint golden sheen appeared on his skin, as if he were enveloped in a mysterious power. His eyes also grew bright and penetrating, as though he could see through every illusion.
Just as Zhou Zilong was about to give in, he suddenly felt a tremendous force erupt from within him. Like a raging flood, it instantly broke through his physical limits, leaving him with an unprecedented feeling of relief and exhilaration.
"Marrow-cleansing successful! Congratulations, you've unlocked special abilities: God-Tier Super Brainpower, Steel Body, Beginner Time Control, and Super Transformation!" Xiao Ling's voice rang in Zhou Zilong's mind, filled with joy and pride.
Zhou Zilong immediately checked his information:
Zhou Zilong: [Race] Pure Earthling [Vitality] 507 [Potential] Ten trillion [Potential Development Progress] 1 [Battle Power] 10 [Potential Level] Epic Potential [Techniques Mastered] Advanced Sanda Techniques [Innate Abilities] God-Tier Super Brainpower, Steel Body, Beginner Time Control, God-Tier Transformation
Seeing the information, Zhou Zilong felt a rush of excitement. He knew he was no longer an ordinary Earthling. He had gained extraordinary power and potential.
"Xiao Ling, I have a general idea what the other three abilities do, but what is this God-Tier Transformation for?" Zhou Zilong asked eagerly.
"God-Tier Transformation is a powerful shapeshifting ability. You can completely take on someone else's appearance and imitate their aura. It can be used not only to hide your identity, but also to intimidate or confuse enemies," Xiao Ling explained.
Zhou Zilong nodded, filled with anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. He knew his destiny would change completely because of this marrow-cleansing treatment.
"All right, I understand. Thanks for being so thoughtful, Xiao Ling," Zhou Zilong said gratefully.
"You're welcome. Since Xiao Ling chose you, I'll do everything I can to help. But Zilong, until you're strong enough, be very careful when using Time Control, understand? Some people in the Dragon Ball World are very wary of this ability," Xiao Ling reminded him.
"All right, I understand. I'll be careful," Zhou Zilong replied solemnly.
"By the way, Xiao Ling, don't I still have two more marrow-cleansing treatments? When will those happen?" Zhou Zilong asked curiously.
"The timing of those two treatments isn't something Xiao Ling can decide. They'll be triggered after you advance the Dragon Ball storyline." Xiao Ling's voice was calm and firm.
Zhou Zilong nodded, understanding the responsibility he carried. He needed to adapt to his new strength as quickly as possible while also advancing the Dragon Ball storyline so he could earn more marrow-cleansing treatments.
Before you continue