Pause on Seclusion

Xiujie's eyes were filled with resolve as he exchanged a glance with Ali. As if sharing a single mind, they let out a fierce shout, and the power hidden deep within their bodies instantly awakened. They soared into the air like two bolts of lightning, charging at Sada and his accomplice Dazhe from the left and right.

"Beep, beep, beep, beep!" The power level scouter on Sada's right eye flickered wildly. On the screen, the data for Xiujie and Ali surged from their previously unremarkable 300 and 270 to a staggering 1,200 and 1,150. This sight forced a playful smile onto Sada's face: "Their combat power has increased. I didn't expect the people on this planet to know how to suppress their power. Interesting, very interesting!"

On the other side, Ling and Yuena moved quickly. Working in perfect sync, they hoisted Bulma up and moved at top speed toward the direction where Zhou Zilong was in seclusion.

"The force is completely different from just a moment ago. It looks like I can actually have some fun with you two now!" After being struck by heavy blows from Xiujie and Ali, Dazhe didn't retreat; instead, he became excited.

Sada stood to the side, calmly analyzing the situation: "Dazhe, be careful. These two have significantly increased their combat power, but you don't need to worry. With your 2,000 power level, you are more than capable of handling them. I'm going to go chase down the two who are running away with the prey!"

Meanwhile, inside the secret chamber, Zhou Zilong was fully focused on his one-finger push-up training. Sweat slid down his forehead, dripping onto the cold stone floor.

"Nine hundred and ninety-one! Nine hundred and ninety-two... nine hundred and ninety-nine, one thousand!" Having completed the final one-finger push-up, he should have felt a sense of inner peace and satisfaction, but at this moment, an inexplicable restlessness surged within his heart.

"That's strange. Why does it feel like I can't settle my mind to cultivate at all right now?" Zhou Zilong began to doubt himself.

At this point, the battle had entered its most intense, white-hot stage. Ali and Xiujie continuously swung their fists, attacking Dazhe, but these attacks were somewhat ineffective. Dazhe, whose strength was superior to theirs, was toying with them like a cat playing with mice.

"Hey, try a little harder! You're almost about to hit me!" Dazhe's laughter echoed—it was a display of disdain for the weak and confidence in his victory. Every one of his taunts felt like a bloody gash on the hearts of Ali and Xiujie, yet they did not retreat; instead, their eyes grew even more determined.

"I'm sorry, but our goal isn't to defeat you in battle; it's just to hold you back," Xiujie's voice was calm and firm.

"Hold me back? Are you joking? Haven't you noticed that my other companion is already gone?" Dazhe mocked.

Xiujie and Ali looked to the side and realized that Dazhe's partner was indeed nowhere to be seen.

On the other side, Bulma was clearly struggling. Supported tightly by Ling and Yuena on either side, the three of them sped along the road like arrows released from a bow.

"How much longer do we have to run? Can't we just stop for a second? I'm exhausted!" Bulma gasped, her voice filled with helplessness and persistence. Though her eyes looked weary, her longing for the unknown and her trust in her companions remained undiminished.

"Boss Lady, please hold on a little longer. We haven't cleared the danger zone yet. Under the current circumstances, we must ensure your safety before we can relax," Ling's voice was firm and cool. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, vigilant for any potential threats. Yuena nodded in silent agreement, and the two accelerated their pace again, as if every step were a struggle against fate.

Just as the three were about to cross a road, a cold, chilling voice rang out like a ghost: "I'm sorry, but I never said I would let you leave. You have quite a lot of nerve, daring to walk away on your own." Dazhe's partner, Sada, appeared out of thin air in front of them, blocking their path with a sneer on his lips.

The atmosphere froze instantly, and the air became thick with tension and unease. Ling reacted quickly, pushing Bulma toward Yuena while assuming a combat stance herself: "Yuena, you are the fastest among us. You carry the Boss Lady and run; I'll buy you some time!" Her voice revealed an unquestionable resolve.

Hearing this, Yuena did not hesitate for a second. She knew that every second was crucial. She grabbed Bulma's hand, hoisted her onto her back, and then transformed into a streak of light, instantly moving away.

As for Ling, she turned to face Sada, preparing to meet the coming battle.

Meanwhile, in the training room not far away, Zhou Zilong sat with his eyes closed, faint energy fluctuations swirling around his body.

He snapped his eyes open, a flash of surprise crossing them.

"Damn it, I knew I couldn't settle down for a reason. It turns out there's trouble outside!" He cursed under his breath, then stretched his body and vanished from the spot instantly.

After putting on his combat suit, Zhou Zilong looked even colder and more powerful. A surge of indescribable anger and determination welled up in his heart.

"Since you've set your sights on this place, don't even think about leaving," his words carried an unquestionable dominance. With a movement, he shot toward the outside like a meteor streaking across the night sky.

At this moment, the confrontation between Ling and Sada was on the verge of erupting. Ling lunged forward and threw a punch at Sada.

Sada smiled contemptuously and said: "Your strength is indeed top-tier on this planet, but your movements are nothing more than slow motion in front of me." His words were filled with confidence and arrogance, as if victory were already in his grasp.

"Ling, we're here to help you!" However, just as Ling's attack missed, Ali and Xiujie arrived in the nick of time. Their arrival created a glimmer of possibility for Ling.

"I didn't expect you two to be able to beat Dazhe!" A hint of surprise laced Sada's voice.

As Sada's words faded, a more intense battle began. Ali and Xiujie unleashed their full power and charged at Sada.

"So, your combat power can reach 1,700. No wonder Dazhe lost to you," Sada instantly learned their strength through his scouter during their clash, but his eyes remained completely calm. "However, I am not a low-level warrior like Dazhe. Even if you two have a power level of 1,700, in my eyes, your strength is still not worth looking at!"

In the blink of an eye, Sada dealt a heavy blow to both Ali and Xiujie. Blood stained their clothes, and their fallen figures looked exceptionally tragic.

"Cough! Cough!" The two struggled, every breath accompanied by intense pain, yet there was no sign of retreat in their eyes.

"Goodbye, you two ants. I'm going to go find the prey from earlier!" Sada's voice carried a trace of disdain as he prepared to turn and leave.