On January 5, Era of Ai 745, sunlight streamed through the windows of Bulma's house and spilled into the spacious living room. A figure sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, breathing steadily and deeply. It was Zhou Zilong, who had crossed over into this world a year ago.
However, that day's training had brought him up against an unprecedented bottleneck. He could clearly feel that he had reached a critical point in his strength. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't make any further progress.
"Phew! This hasn't been easy. I've been in this world for a year now, and my battle power has gone from 10 to... But it seems I've hit a bottleneck. My training hasn't been improving me lately." Zhou Zilong opened his eyes and sighed softly, a hint of bewilderment in his gaze.
Just then, Xiao Ling's voice rang out in his mind. "Zilong, you could go become Master Roshi's disciple and help move the story along a little. You'd learn from his experience in the Martial Way and could use that to explore your own path. You've spent the whole year fumbling around on your own, so getting your battle power this high is already pretty impressive."
Zhou Zilong paused, then nodded. He understood that Xiao Ling's suggestion made sense. Ever since crossing into this world, he had trained through his own efforts and his memories of the original story. Although he had made rapid progress, he had ultimately lacked systematic guidance.
"You're right, Xiao Ling. I should seek guidance at a higher level." Zhou Zilong made up his mind and headed for the bathroom to take a shower. But just as he was about to step inside, Xiao Ling's voice rang out again. "Zilong, I have some very bad news. After observing for a while, I've discovered that you're not the only person who crossed over into this world."
Zhou Zilong stopped in his tracks, surprise flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected there to be another transmigrator in this world. "Xiao Ling, you mean...?"
"That's right. Like you, this transmigrator also came with a system, but theirs is a villain system. So you might encounter all sorts of unusual situations in the Dragon Ball World from now on." Xiao Ling's voice carried a note of worry.
Zhou Zilong's heart tightened. He understood what this meant. A transmigrator with a villain system could cause even greater changes in this world, and he would have to be ready to face this unknown challenge.
"But I also have some good news," Xiao Ling continued. "This transmigrator is very weak right now and isn't on Earth; they're on another planet. Their system hasn't awakened yet, either. But to deal with their system, I need to enter hibernation and update. I hope you'll have grown much stronger by the time I wake up again, Zilong."
Hearing that, Zhou Zilong felt relieved. Although there was a potential threat out there, at least he didn't need to worry too much for now. He also understood that Xiao Ling was going into hibernation for an update so she could better handle the challenges ahead.
"Okay, Xiao Ling. Go ahead. I'll keep training hard and improving my strength," Zhou Zilong said with a smile.
At that moment, the lights in Bulma's laboratory shone brightly, and the various instruments gleamed with a futuristic glow. Fresh from his shower, Zhou Zilong stood by the window, gazing at the stars, his heart filled with resolve. He turned to Bulma, who was busy at work, and said, "Bulma, I might be leaving for a while."
Bulma stopped what she was doing and looked up at Zhou Zilong. Her eyes, usually full of curiosity and energy, were now filled with confusion and reluctance. She walked over to him and asked softly, "Huh? Where are you going, Zilong?"
Over the past year, Zhou Zilong and Bulma had grown increasingly close. They supported each other in their research and looked after each other in their daily lives. Their relationship had become more than ordinary friendship, and an unspoken affection was quietly growing between them.
Bulma's father, Dr. Brief, also greatly admired Zhou Zilong, who was accomplished in both scholarship and martial arts. He had given Zhou Zilong a 5% stake in Capsule Corporation and appointed him as a technical consultant. If Bulma had been old enough, Dr. Brief might even have urged the two of them to start dating.
Zhou Zilong took a deep breath and gave Bulma a half-truth.
"I need to find a master and begin training in a new Martial Way. Yesterday, I dreamed that evil forces had invaded Earth. I wanted to stop them, but I couldn't do anything. That feeling of helplessness was devastating. I hope I can protect you better in the future, along with the other people I want to protect."
His words were filled with determination and resolve.
Bulma's eyes flashed with surprise, but it was soon replaced by understanding and support.
"Zilong, I believe you can do it," she said, her voice full of trust and encouragement.
Over the next few days, Zhou Zilong and Bulma prepared the supplies he would need for his journey. Using her ingenuity, Bulma made several useful items for him, such as an energy Scouter and a portable communicator. Zhou Zilong, meanwhile, used his technical knowledge to build thirty bodyguard robots with a battle power of 30,000 for Bulma and Dr. Brief, to protect them from any dangers that might arise.
On January 10, Era of Ai 745, sunlight streamed through the clouds and spread across West City, draping the bustling metropolis in gold. Zhou Zilong stood outside Capsule Corporation and took a deep breath of fresh air, his heart full of anticipation for the future. He was about to leave the familiar city and travel to a distant island in search of the legendary martial arts master, Master Roshi. He hoped to become his disciple and grow stronger.
After leaving Capsule Corporation, Zhou Zilong didn't hurry straight to Turtle Hermit's House. He knew that passion alone wouldn't be enough to convince Master Roshi to accept him as a disciple, so he decided to prepare some gifts first to improve his chances.
Zhou Zilong went to a bookstore and carefully picked out several books suitable for Master Roshi. He knew that although Master Roshi was advanced in years, his thirst for knowledge had never faded. The books would enrich his mind and show him Zhou Zilong's sincerity and respect.
In addition to the books, Zhou Zilong bought some practical items, such as a tea set, tea leaves, and some prepared dishes.
Once he had his gifts ready, Zhou Zilong went to a secluded place. He took out a Capsule and pressed it lightly. In an instant, a modified jet appeared on the ground. Zhou Zilong had customized the plane using Capsule Technology and his own knowledge of mechanical design. It had a longer range, enough to carry him to Turtle Hermit's House on the island.
Zhou Zilong piloted the jet over the sea. The wind brushed his cheeks, bringing a touch of coolness. As he admired the beautiful seascape, he thought about how to show Master Roshi he was sincere.
Ten hours passed, but Zhou Zilong still hadn't found Turtle Hermit's House. He began to feel anxious, worried that he had gone the wrong way.
"Haven't seen a plane fly by in ages. Could it be looking for me?" Just then, an old man out at sea watched Zhou Zilong's plane fly past and muttered to himself. The old man was riding a Sea Turtle, wearing sunglasses and an orange casual shirt, with a cloud-shaped staff in his hand and a giant turtle shell on his back.
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