One day in June of Era of Ai 745, five months had passed since Zhou Zilong had become Master Roshi's disciple. Over those five months, their bond as master and disciple had grown ever closer. 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 others.
Under Master Roshi's guidance, Zhou Zilong's power level had improved by leaps and bounds, rising from 50,000 to an astonishing 100,000. (With Xiao Ling helping conceal his ki, no one could sense it.) However, Master Roshi knew that a true master needed more than great strength. He also needed the will to control it. So, as Zhou Zilong trained, Master Roshi focused on teaching him how to control his ki and remain calm in battle. Zhou Zilong understood his master's good intentions. He trained diligently and constantly tempered his will. With his ki under control, his displayed power level was around 100, which was enough for the time being.
Still, Zhou Zilong knew he had a long way to go, and never let himself slack off.
Toward evening, the sea breeze carried a hint of chill. Zhou Zilong finished that day's training and returned to Turtle Hermit's House, his body exhausted but satisfied. He pushed open 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 answered respectfully, then walked up to him and bowed.
"Mm, very good. Your progress over these past five months has made me proud," Master Roshi said with a satisfied nod. "But the martial way isn't mastered overnight. What you need is perseverance and constant practice. Of course, balancing work and rest is important too!"
"Yes, Master. I understand." Zhou Zilong nodded earnestly. He knew his master meant every word.
"So, I've decided to give you a few days off," Master Roshi suddenly announced.
"Time off?" Zhou Zilong was surprised. He hadn't expected Master Roshi to make such a suggestion.
"That's right, time off," Master Roshi explained with a smile. "You've been working hard these past five months and have hardly taken a break. I know how eager you are to get stronger, but your body is the foundation of everything. How can you keep training without taking care of it? So, I've decided to give you a few days to rest and get back into shape!"
"But..." Zhou Zilong began, but Master Roshi cut him off.
"No buts," Master Roshi said sternly. "Zilong, remember: the martial way isn't just about pursuing strength. Your mindset and condition matter even more. Only by keeping them in good shape can you go farther on the path!"
His master's words suddenly cleared things up for Zhou Zilong. He understood the care behind them and realized he had been too impatient. So he replied respectfully, "Yes, Master. I understand. I'll get some proper rest!"
Night fell. Zhou Zilong lay in bed, gazing at the bright moonlight outside the window, but he couldn't help thinking of Xiao Ling, the system that had fallen asleep for an update.
"Five months already, and Xiao Ling still hasn't shown any sign of waking up. This update is taking a long time," Zhou Zilong muttered.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window onto Zhou Zilong's face. He rubbed his eyes and sat up. After a quick wash, 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 lifted off and headed into 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 its wings, and walked toward the town center. The town seemed peaceful, but the air was thick with tension.
As Zhou Zilong walked down the street, his gaze swept from side to side. Up ahead, a crowd had gathered, and shouts and the sounds of fighting rang out from within. Curious, he walked over and pushed his way through the crowd. In the middle of it, a hulking man over three meters tall, dressed in camouflage, swung his fists at a brawny man over two meters tall. The taller man fought back with all his might, but he was clearly outmatched. He stumbled backward again and again, his face slick with sweat.
Suddenly, two fierce-looking men rushed out from behind the brawny man. They grabbed one of his arms each and held him firmly in place. The giant grinned smugly, then threw a hard punch into the man's abdomen.
"Ah!" The brawny man screamed and doubled over in pain, spitting up bitter bile. The giant didn't stop. Instead, he attacked even harder, punching the man over and over until the battered man could take no more and collapsed unconscious.
"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 tricks!"
Fury surged 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 disgraceful!"
The giant 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 didn't budge. He raised his head and said, "Now that I've seen this, I can't just ignore it. You're bullying people, and I have to stand up and do what's right!"
Seeing this, the old man hurriedly urged 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 replied firmly, "Don't worry, sir. If I dared to step forward, it's because I'm confident I can handle them!"
When the giant 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. Yet he wasn't afraid. He took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing and stance, and prepared for the battle ahead.
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