A Roadside Injustice

It was a certain day in June, Era of Ai 745. Five months had passed since Zhou Zilong became Master Roshi's disciple. Over these five months, the master-disciple bond between Zhou Zilong and Master Roshi had deepened. They trained together, lived together, and faced difficulties together. Master Roshi not only taught him how to cultivate power but also how to be a person and how to conduct himself in the world.

Under Master Roshi's guidance, Zhou Zilong's combat power had advanced by leaps and bounds, increasing from an initial 50,000 points to an astonishing 100,000 points (with Xiao Ling's help masking his aura, making him undetectable). However, Master Roshi knew that a true powerhouse wasn't just about having immense combat power but also about having the heart to control that power. Therefore, during Zhou Zilong's training, Master Roshi focused on teaching him how to control his aura and maintain calmness in battle. Zhou Zilong understood his master's intentions and trained diligently, constantly honing his willpower. With his aura controlled, Zhou Zilong's displayed combat power was around 100, which was sufficient for the time being.

However, Zhou Zilong knew he still had a long way to go and never slacked off in the slightest.

As evening approached, a hint of coolness in the sea breeze, Zhou Zilong finished his day's training and returned to the Turtle Hermit's House, his body tired but content. He pushed open the door to find Master Roshi sitting leisurely inside, holding a cup of tea and smiling at him.

"Zilong, you're back?" Master Roshi asked kindly, putting down his teacup.

"Yes, Master," Zhou Zilong replied respectfully, then walked up to Master Roshi and bowed his head.

"Hmm, good. Your progress over these five months has been very gratifying," Master Roshi nodded with satisfaction and continued, "However, the path of martial arts is not achieved overnight. What you need is persistent effort and continuous training. Of course, balancing work and rest is also very important!"

"Yes, Master, I understand," Zhou Zilong nodded earnestly, knowing his master's words were heartfelt.

"Therefore, I've decided to give you a few days off," Master Roshi suddenly announced.

"Time off?" Zhou Zilong was a little surprised, not expecting Master Roshi to suddenly suggest this.

"Yes, time off," Master Roshi explained with a smile. "You've been working very hard for these five months, almost without any rest. I know you're eager to become stronger, but your body is the foundation for everything. How can you continue training without a healthy body? So, I've decided to give you a few days to rest well and adjust your state!"

"But..." Zhou Zilong started to say more, but Master Roshi interrupted him.

"There's no 'but'," Master Roshi said sternly. "Zilong, you must remember that the path of martial arts isn't just about pursuing power; it's more about your mindset and state. Only by maintaining a good mindset and state can you go further on the path of martial arts!"

Hearing his master's words, Zhou Zilong's mind became clear. He understood his master's good intentions and realized he had been a bit too hasty before. He respectfully replied, "Yes, Master, I understand. I will rest well!"

As night fell, Zhou Zilong lay in bed, gazing at the bright moonlight outside the window. His mind, however, couldn't help but drift to the system, Xiao Ling, who was in a deep, dormant update.

"Five months have already passed. Xiao Ling still shows no signs of waking up. It seems this update is really going to be a long one!" Zhou Zilong muttered.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window and fell on Zhou Zilong's face. He rubbed his eyes and sat up in bed. After a simple wash, he bid farewell to Master Roshi and took out the Jet capsule.

Zhou Zilong threw the capsule into the air, and a Jet appeared before him. He got into the Jet, started the engine, and with a roar, the Jet took off into the distance.

After flying for about half an hour, Zhou Zilong finally arrived at a small town. He landed the Jet steadily on an open space, retracted its wings, and walked towards the town center. The town appeared peaceful, but the air was filled with a tense atmosphere.

Zhou Zilong walked down the street, his eyes scanning his surroundings. Not far away, a group of people were gathered, and shouts and sounds of fighting could be heard intermittently. Curious, he walked over and squeezed into the crowd. In the center, a burly man, about three meters tall and wearing camouflage, was swinging his fists, continuously attacking a strong man over two meters tall. The two-meter-tall strong man, though resisting with all his might, was clearly no match for his opponent. He retreated repeatedly, his face covered in sweat.

Suddenly, two fierce-looking men darted out from behind the two-meter-tall strong man. They grabbed his arms from the left and right, firmly pinning him in place. Seeing this, the three-meter-tall man showed a smug smile. He swung a punch with all his might, hitting the two-meter-tall strong man squarely in the abdomen.

"Ah!" A scream rang out as the two-meter-tall strong man doubled over in pain, spitting out bitter bile. The three-meter-tall man didn't stop there; instead, he intensified his attacks, landing punch after punch on the two-meter-tall strong man's body. Eventually, the two-meter-tall strong man, unable to bear it any longer, fainted on the ground.

"How despicable!" an old man in a suit shouted angrily. "You said it was a one-on-one fight, yet you resort to such underhanded tactics!"

Seeing this, Zhou Zilong's heart filled with anger. He stepped forward and said coldly, "Since it's a one-on-one fight, it should be done honorably. Your sneaky tactics are truly contemptible!"

The three-meter-tall strong man turned around, glared at Zhou Zilong, and said coldly, "Kid, you think you're a hero? Let me tell you, this town is a new base our Predator Mercenary Group has set its sights on. If you want to live, get lost!"

Zhou Zilong remained unmoved. He puffed out his chest and said, "Since I've stumbled upon this, I can't just ignore it. You're bullying people like this, and I must stand up and speak for justice!"

Seeing this, the old man quickly advised, "Young man, you should leave quickly. These people from the Predator Mercenary Group are very cunning. They won't let you go!"

Zhou Zilong shook his head and said firmly, "Old sir, please don't worry. Since I've dared to step forward, I am confident in dealing with them!"

Seeing that Zhou Zilong refused to back down, the three-meter-tall strong man shouted, "Brothers, attack together! Take care of this kid!"

At his command, a group of mercenaries in camouflage rushed out from all directions, surrounding Zhou Zilong. However, Zhou Zilong was fearless. He took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing and posture, and prepared to face the impending battle.