Xiao Ling's Slumber and Departure to Study Under Master Roshi (Part 1)

January 5, Age 745. Sunlight streamed through the windows of Bulma's house, illuminating the spacious living room. A figure sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, breathing in a steady, rhythmic cadence. This was Zhou Zilong, a transmigrator who had been living in this world for a year.

However, today's training brought him to an unprecedented bottleneck. He could clearly feel that his strength had reached a critical threshold; no matter how hard he pushed, he could not advance any further.

"Whew! It hasn't been easy. I've been in this world for a year now, and my combat power has climbed from the initial 10 to 50, but it seems I've hit a wall. My training lately hasn't yielded any improvements." Zhou Zilong opened his eyes and let out a soft sigh, his gaze tinged with confusion.

Just then, Xiao Ling's voice echoed in his mind: "Zilong, you should go seek out Master Roshi to push the plot forward. Learn some of his martial arts philosophy and use that to explore your own path. You've just been fumbling in the dark for the past year; it's actually quite impressive you managed to reach a power level of 50."

Zhou Zilong paused, then nodded. He understood that Xiao Ling's suggestion was sound. Since arriving in this world, he had relied solely on his own efforts and his memory of the original story. While his progress had been rapid, he ultimately lacked systematic guidance.

"You're right, Xiao Ling. I need to seek higher-level instruction." Having made up his mind, Zhou Zilong turned toward the bathroom to wash up. However, the moment he was about to step inside, Xiao Ling's voice sounded again: "Zilong, I have some very bad news. After observing for a while, I've detected that you aren't the only transmigrator in this world."

Zhou Zilong's footsteps faltered, a flash of shock crossing his eyes. He hadn't expected to encounter another transmigrator here. "Xiao Ling, are you saying...?"

"Yes. This transmigrator also has a system like yours, but they are bound to a Villain System. You might encounter many unpredictable situations in the Dragon Ball World from now on," Xiao Ling's voice carried a hint of worry.

Zhou Zilong's heart tightened. He understood what this meant: a transmigrator with a Villain System could trigger a massive butterfly effect, and he had to be prepared to face this unknown challenge.

"But there is some good news," Xiao Ling shifted the tone. "This transmigrator is currently very weak and isn't even on Earth; they are on another planet. Their system hasn't awakened yet. However, to prepare for their system, I need to enter a deep sleep for an update. I hope that when I wake up, your strength will have improved significantly."

Hearing this, Zhou Zilong felt a wave of relief. Although a potential threat existed, he didn't need to worry too much for the moment. He also understood that Xiao Ling's sleep and update were necessary to better handle future challenges.

"Alright, Xiao Ling, go ahead. I will continue to train hard and improve my strength," Zhou Zilong said with a smile.

Inside Bulma's laboratory, the lights were bright, and various instruments flickered with technological brilliance. After his shower, Zhou Zilong stood by the window, gazing at the starry sky, his heart filled with resolve. He turned around and said to the busy Bulma, "Bulma, I may have to leave for a while."

Bulma stopped her work and looked up at Zhou Zilong. Her eyes, usually filled with curiosity and vitality, were now brimming with confusion and reluctance. She walked over to his side and asked softly, "Huh? Where are you going, Zilong?"

Over the past year, the relationship between Zhou Zilong and Bulma had grown increasingly intimate. They not only supported each other in scientific research but also cared for one another in daily life. Their bond had transcended that of ordinary friends, with an unspoken, indescribable affection quietly blossoming between them.

Furthermore, Bulma's father, Dr. Brief, held the talented and martial-arts-proficient Zhou Zilong in high regard. He had not only given him a 5% stake in Capsule Corporation but also appointed him as a technical consultant. If not for the fact that Bulma was still young, Dr. Brief might have already been urging them to start dating.

Zhou Zilong took a deep breath and gave Bulma a partially fabricated explanation.

"I need to find a master to begin a new stage of martial arts training. Yesterday, I dreamt that Earth was invaded by evil forces. I wanted to stop them but couldn't do anything. That sense of helplessness was devastating. I hope to be able to better protect you and others I care about in the future."

His words were filled with firmness and determination.

Upon hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Bulma's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by understanding and support.

"Zilong, I believe you can definitely do it," she said, her voice full of trust and encouragement.

Over the next few days, Zhou Zilong and Bulma prepared the supplies needed for his journey. Using her ingenuity, Bulma crafted several practical tools for him, such as an energy detector and a portable communicator. Meanwhile, Zhou Zilong used his own technological knowledge to build 30 robot bodyguards for Bulma and Dr. Brief, each with a combat power of 30,000, to handle any potential dangers.

January 10, Age 745. Sunlight filtered through the clouds over West City, draping the bustling metropolis in a golden coat. Standing at the entrance of Capsule Corporation, Zhou Zilong took a deep breath of fresh air, his heart filled with anticipation for the future. He was about to leave this familiar city and head to a distant island in search of the legendary martial arts master, Master Roshi, hoping to become his apprentice and take his strength to the next level.

After leaving Capsule Corporation, Zhou Zilong did not rush toward the Turtle Hermit's House. He knew that to convince Master Roshi to take him on as a student, mere passion was not enough. Thus, he decided to prepare some gifts to increase his chances of success.

Zhou Zilong visited a bookstore and carefully selected several books suitable for Master Roshi. He knew that although the master was elderly, his thirst for knowledge had never waned. These books would not only enrich his spirit but also demonstrate Zhou Zilong's sincerity and respect.

In addition to the books, Zhou Zilong purchased several practical items, such as a tea set, high-quality tea leaves, and some prepared delicacies.

With the gifts ready, Zhou Zilong arrived at a secluded spot. He took out a capsule, pressed it, and a modified jet plane instantly appeared on the ground. This aircraft was a product of his own mechanical design, integrated with capsule technology. It boasted a longer range, sufficient to carry him to the island where the Turtle Hermit's House was located.

Zhou Zilong piloted the jet, soaring above the ocean. The sea breeze brushed against his cheeks, bringing a touch of coolness. As he admired the beautiful seascape, he pondered how best to express his sincerity to Master Roshi.

Ten hours passed, and Zhou Zilong still hadn't found any sign of the Turtle Hermit's House. He began to feel anxious, fearing he might have missed his direction.

"It's been a long time since I've seen a plane fly by. Surely they aren't coming to find me, are they?" On the sea below, an old man riding a sea turtle—wearing sunglasses, an orange casual shirt, holding a cloud-shaped staff, and carrying a large turtle shell on his back—muttered to himself as he watched Zhou Zilong's plane fly overhead.