"Big Brother Zilong, you'll stay with us for a few more days, right?" After showing Zhou Zilong around, Bulma took his hand, her clear eyes filled with anticipation.
Zhou Zilong smiled at Bulma and replied, "I shouldn't have any problem staying for a few days, but would staying too long be a bother to you?"
"Not at all! Not at all!" Bulma quickly shook her head. "Mom and Dad both love making friends, especially big brothers like you!"
"That's right, little brother Zilong. Stay for a few more days. It won't be a problem." Bulma's father, Dr. Brief, walked in and said with a smile, "Besides, you saved Bulma today, and I haven't properly repaid you yet. If you don't mind, I'd like you to be Bulma's personal bodyguard for a while. Don't worry about the pay; I'll give you 100,000 Dragon Coins an hour."
Dr. Brief's words took Zhou Zilong by surprise. 100,000 Dragon Coins? Was money really this easy to earn in this world? He hesitated for a moment, then agreed. After all, he had nowhere else to go right now.
"Big Brother Zilong, this is your room." Bulma led Zhou Zilong into a spacious, bright room furnished with all kinds of modern amenities, including a complete set of exercise equipment.
"Okay, sorry for the trouble," Zhou Zilong replied politely.
"It's no trouble. If you want, you can have this room permanently." Bulma said playfully. Her warmth left Zhou Zilong feeling a little overwhelmed.
Zhou Zilong's heart stirred at her words, but he then shook his head and said, "I couldn't impose like that. By the way, Bulma, do you have any spare clothes? I forgot to bring a change of clothes when I left."
Bulma was taken aback, then asked curiously, "Big Brother Zilong, how come your clothes don't smell sweaty at all?"
Zhou Zilong scratched his head and said awkwardly, "I brought some money with me when I left. I'd stay at different places, wash my clothes, and wait for them to dry before changing and setting off again."
Bulma nodded and said, "Then go take a shower first. I'll ask Dad to take me shopping for a few outfits for you."
Zhou Zilong quickly waved his hands and said, "I couldn't impose like that. Just find something that's about the right size. I can wash these clothes and wear them again later."
Seeing that he was reluctant, Bulma didn't insist. She led Zhou Zilong to the bathroom and prepared a clean set of pajamas for him. He gratefully accepted them and went inside.
After locking the bathroom door, Zhou Zilong sat in the bathtub. A few flower petals floated on the water, giving off a faint fragrance. He took a deep breath, gently closed his eyes, and said to the system, Xiao Ling, "Xiao Ling, cleanse my marrow."
"Okay, the marrow-cleansing process is about to begin. Xiao Ling hopes you'll undergo a huge transformation in your first cleansing." Xiao Ling's voice rang out in Zhou Zilong's mind, warm and reassuring.
As soon as the words fell, a soft yet dazzling light shone from Zhou Zilong's chest and instantly entered his body. He felt a warm current coursing through him, as if countless particles of energy were flowing through his veins, bringing an indescribable sense of comfort.
However, the warmth didn't last long. Soon, Zhou Zilong felt his body heating up, as if flames were scorching him. He gritted his teeth and struggled to endure the pain. Then he noticed a black liquid seeping from his fingertips. It gave off a foul stench that sent a shiver down his spine.
Zhou Zilong knew this was a sign that impurities were being expelled from his body during the marrow-cleansing process. He took a deep breath, focusing on every part of his body and feeling the warm current continuously wash through him.
As time passed, Zhou Zilong's body began to change subtly. His skin grew smoother and more delicate, while his muscles became more defined and powerful. He could feel his strength steadily increasing, as if he had endless energy.
Just as Zhou Zilong was immersed in the changes brought on by the marrow cleansing, Xiao Ling's voice suddenly rang out in his mind. "The marrow cleansing is 80 percent complete. The critical stage is about to begin. Host, please stay alert and do not let your guard down."
Zhou Zilong's heart jolted, and he immediately focused, preparing himself for the challenge ahead. He knew the critical stage of the marrow cleansing was the most dangerous moment. The slightest mistake could undo all his progress.
As the cleansing deepened, Zhou Zilong's body began to undergo even more intense changes. His skin took on a faint golden sheen, as though enveloped by a mysterious force. His eyes also grew bright and keen, as if he could see through all illusions.
Just as Zhou Zilong was about to reach his limit, he suddenly felt a powerful force erupt from within him. Like a raging flood, it instantly broke through his body's limits, filling him with a sense of exhilaration and ease unlike anything he had ever felt.
"Marrow cleansing successful! Congratulations on unlocking special abilities: Super-God-Level Super Intelligence, Steel Body, Beginner Time Control, and Super Transformation Technique!" Xiao Ling's voice rang out in Zhou Zilong's mind, tinged with joy and pride.
Zhou Zilong immediately checked his information:
Zhou Zilong:
[Race] Pure Earthling [Vitality] 507 [Potential] Ten trillion [Potential Development Progress] 1% [Battle Power] 10 [Potential Rank] Epic Potential [Techniques Mastered] Advanced Sanda Techniques [Abilities] Super-God-Level Super Intelligence, Steel Body, Beginner Time Control, Divine Transformation Technique
Looking at the information, Zhou Zilong felt a surge of excitement. He knew he was no longer an ordinary Earthling. He now possessed extraordinary power and potential.
"Xiao Ling, I more or less understand what the other three abilities do. What is this Divine Transformation Technique for?" Zhou Zilong asked eagerly.
"The Divine Transformation Technique is a powerful transformation ability. You can completely take on another person's appearance and imitate their aura. It can be used not only to hide your identity, but also to intimidate or mislead your enemies," Xiao Ling explained.
Zhou Zilong nodded, filled with anticipation for the adventures awaiting him in the future. He knew that this marrow cleansing would completely change his destiny.
"Okay, I understand. Thanks for being so thoughtful, Xiao Ling," Zhou Zilong said gratefully.
"It's nothing. Since Xiao Ling chose you, I'll do everything I can to help you. But, Zilong, before you're strong enough, you must be very careful about using Time Control, understand? Some people in the Dragon Ball World are very wary of this ability," Xiao Ling reminded him.
"Okay, I understand. I'll be careful," Zhou Zilong replied solemnly.
"By the way, Xiao Ling, didn't I have two more chances to undergo marrow cleansing? When will those happen?" Zhou Zilong asked curiously.
"The timing of those two marrow cleansings isn't something Xiao Ling can decide. They'll be triggered after you advance the Dragon Ball plot," Xiao Ling replied calmly and firmly.
Zhou Zilong nodded, understanding the responsibility he carried. He had to adapt to his power as quickly as possible while also advancing the Dragon Ball plot so he could obtain more chances to cleanse his marrow.
Before you continue