Pause on Seclusion

Xiujie's eyes were filled with determination as he exchanged a glance with Ali. As if sharing a single mind, they let out a fierce shout, and the power hidden within their bodies instantly awakened. They soared into the air like two bolts of lightning, charging toward Sada and his accomplice Dazhe from the left and right.

"Beep, beep, beep, beep!!" The power level scouter on Sada's right eye flashed frantically. On the screen, the data for Xiujie and Ali surged from their previously unremarkable 300 and 270 to a staggering 1,200 and 1,150. This sight forced a playful smile onto Sada's face: "Their combat power has increased. I didn't expect people on this planet to know how to suppress their power. Interesting, very interesting!"

On the other side, Ling and Yuena moved quickly. Working in perfect sync, they hoisted Bulma up and moved at top speed toward the direction where Zhou Zilong was in seclusion.

"The force is completely different from just a moment ago. It looks like I can actually have some fun with you two!" After being struck by heavy blows from Xiujie and Ali, Dazhe did not retreat; instead, he grew excited.

Sada stood to the side, calmly analyzing the battle: "Dazhe, be careful. These two have significantly increased their combat power, but you don't need to worry. With your 2,000 combat power, you are more than enough to handle them. I'm going to go chase down the two who are running away with the prey!"

Meanwhile, inside the secret chamber, Zhou Zilong was fully focused on his training, performing one-fingered push-ups to level up. Sweat slid down his forehead, dripping onto the cold stone floor.

"Nine hundred ninety-one! Nine hundred ninety-two... nine hundred ninety-nine, one thousand!" Having completed the final one-fingered push-up, he should have felt inner peace and satisfaction, but at this moment, an inexplicable restlessness surged within his heart.

"That's strange. Why do I feel like I can't settle my mind to cultivate at all right now?" Zhou Zilong began to doubt himself.

At this point, the battle had entered its most intense, white-hot stage. Ali and Xiujie continuously swung their fists, attacking Dazhe, but these attacks were somewhat ineffective. Dazhe, whose strength was higher than theirs, was toying with them like a cat playing with mice.

"Hey, try a little harder! You're almost about to hit me!" Dazhe's laughter echoed—a sound of disdain for the weak and confidence in his victory. Every one of his provocations felt like a bloody gash on the hearts of Ali and Xiujie, yet they did not retreat; instead, their eyes grew even more resolute.

"I'm sorry, but our goal isn't to defeat you in battle, just to stall you," Xiujie's voice was calm and firm.

"Stall me? Are you joking? Haven't you noticed that my other companion is already gone?" Dazhe said mockingly.

Xiujie and Ali looked to the side and discovered that Dazhe's partner was indeed nowhere to be seen.

On the other side, Bulma was clearly struggling. Supported tightly by Ling and Yuena on either side, the three of them moved like arrows released from a bow, sprinting along the road.

"How much longer do we have to run? Can't we just stop for a second? I'm about to die of exhaustion!" Bulma gasped, her voice filled with helplessness and persistence. Though her eyes looked weary, her longing for the unknown and her trust in her companions had not diminished in the slightest.

"Boss Lady, just hold on a little longer. We haven't left the danger zone yet. Under the current circumstances, we must ensure your safety before we can relax," Ling's voice was firm and calm. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, vigilant for any possible threats. Yuena nodded in silent agreement, and the two accelerated their pace again, as if every step were a struggle against fate.

Just as the three were about to cross a road, a cold voice sounded like a ghost: "Sorry, but I never said I would let you leave. You have quite a lot of nerve, daring to just walk away like that." Dazhe's partner, Sada, appeared out of thin air in front of them, blocking their path. A cold sneer curled his lips.

The atmosphere froze instantly, and the air was filled with tension and unease. Ling reacted quickly, pushing Bulma toward Yuena while assuming a combat stance: "Yuena, you are the fastest among us. You carry the Boss Lady and run; I'll buy you time!" Her voice revealed an unquestionable resolve.

Upon hearing this, Yuena did not hesitate for a moment. She knew that every second was crucial. She grabbed Bulma's hand, hoisted her onto her back, and her figure turned into a streak of light, instantly moving away.

As for Ling, she turned to face Sada, preparing to meet the coming battle.

Meanwhile, in the training room not far away, Zhou Zilong was closing his eyes and focusing his mind, faint energy fluctuations swirling around him.

He opened his eyes abruptly, a flash of surprise crossing them.

"Damn it, I knew I couldn't settle down for a reason. It turns out there's a situation outside!" He cursed under his breath, then stretched his body and instantly vanished from the spot.

After putting on his combat suit, Zhou Zilong appeared even colder and more powerful. A surge of indescribable anger and determination welled up in his heart.

"Since you've set your sights on this place, don't even think about leaving," his words revealed an unquestionable dominance. With a movement of his body, he shot toward the outside like a meteor streaking across the night sky.

At this moment, the standoff between Ling and Sada was about to erupt. Ling lunged forward and threw a punch at Sada.

Sada smiled contemptuously and said: "Your strength is indeed top-tier on this planet, but your movements are nothing but slow motion in front of me." His words were filled with confidence and arrogance, as if victory were already in his grasp.

"Ling, we're here to help you!" However, just as Ling's attack missed, Ali and Xiujie arrived in the nick of time. Their arrival created a possibility for Ling.

"I didn't expect you two to be able to beat Dazhe!" A trace of surprise mixed into Sada's voice.

As Sada's words fell, a more intense battle began. Ali and Xiujie unleashed their full power and attacked Sada.

"So your combat power can reach 1,700. No wonder Dazhe lost to you," Sada easily learned their strength through his scouter the moment they clashed, but there was not a ripple of emotion in his eyes. "However, I am not a low-level warrior like Dazhe. Even if you two have 1,700 combat power, in my eyes, your strength is still not worth looking at!"

In the blink of an eye, Sada severely wounded both Ali and Xiujie with a single strike. Blood stained their clothes, and their fallen figures looked exceptionally tragic.

"Cough! Cough!" The two struggled, every breath accompanied by intense pain, yet there was no retreat in their eyes.

"Goodbye, you two ants. I'm going to find the target I was chasing earlier!" Sada's voice carried a hint of disdain as he prepared to turn and leave.