Paused Seclusion

Xiujie's gaze was resolute. He exchanged a glance with Ali, and the two seemed to understand each other without a word. With a furious roar, the power hidden within them awakened in an instant. They leaped into the air like two bolts of lightning, charging at Sada and his accomplice, Dazhe, from either side.

"Beep, beep, beep!!" The Scouter over Sada's right eye flashed wildly. The readings for Xiujie and Ali surged from an unremarkable 300 and 270 to an astonishing 1,200 and 1,150. Sada couldn't help but smile in amusement. "Their power levels have gone up. I didn't expect people on this planet to know how to hide their power levels. How interesting!"

Meanwhile, Ling and Yuena sprang into action. Working seamlessly together, they supported Bulma and hurried as fast as they could toward the direction of the room where Zhou Zilong was in seclusion.

"That's completely different from the force you were using before. Looks like I can really have some fun with you now!" After Xiujie and Ali landed heavy punches on him, Dazhe didn't back down. Instead, he grew excited.

Sada stood to one side, calmly analyzing the fight. "Dazhe, be careful. Their power levels have increased considerably, but you don't need to worry. With your power level of 2,000, you can handle both of them. I'll go after the two who are running off with the prey!"

Meanwhile, inside the secret chamber, Zhou Zilong was fully focused on training with one-finger push-ups, an advanced form of push-ups. Sweat ran down his forehead and dripped onto the cold stone floor.

"Nine hundred and ninety-one! Nine hundred and ninety-two... nine hundred and ninety-nine, one thousand!" He finished his last one-finger push-up. He should have felt calm and satisfied, but for some reason, a restlessness stirred within him.

"This is strange. Why can't I focus on my training right now?" Zhou Zilong began to doubt himself.

By then, the fight had reached its most intense, fever-pitch stage. Ali and Xiujie kept swinging their fists at Dazhe, but their attacks were having little effect. Dazhe, who was somewhat stronger than them, toyed with them like a cat playing with mice.

"Hey, try a little harder! You're almost about to hit me!" Dazhe's laughter rang out, full of contempt for the weak and confidence in his victory. Each taunt seemed to carve a bloody wound into Ali and Xiujie's hearts, but they didn't retreat. Their gazes only grew more resolute.

"We're sorry, but winning a fight with you was never our goal. We only wanted to keep you here," Xiujie said, calm and firm.

"Keep me here? Are you kidding? Haven't you noticed my other companion is already gone?" Dazhe said mockingly.

Xiujie and Ali glanced to the side and realized that Dazhe's companion had already disappeared.

Elsewhere, Bulma was struggling to keep up. Supported tightly on either side by Ling and Yuena, the three sped along like arrows loosed from a bow.

"How much farther do we have to run? Can't we stop for a bit? I'm exhausted!" Bulma panted, her voice tinged with helplessness and determination. Her eyes were tired, but her yearning for the unknown and her trust in her companions had not diminished.

"Madam Boss, just hang on a little longer. We haven't gotten out of the danger zone yet. We can only relax once we've made sure you're safe," Ling said firmly and calmly. She swept her gaze across their surroundings, alert for any possible threat. Yuena nodded in understanding, and the two picked up the pace once more, as if every step were a fight against fate.

Just as the three were about to cross a road, a chilly voice rang out like a ghost's. "Sorry, but I never said you could leave. You've got some nerve, just walking off without permission." Sada, Dazhe's companion, appeared out of nowhere and blocked their path, a cold smile tugging at his lips.

The atmosphere froze, and tension and unease filled the air. Ling reacted at once, pushing Bulma toward Yuena while taking up a fighting stance herself. "Yuena, you're the fastest of us. Carry Madam Boss and run. I'll buy you some time!" Her voice left no room for argument.

Yuena didn't hesitate for a moment. She knew every second mattered. She grabbed Bulma's hand, hoisted her onto her back, then turned into a streak of light and sped away.

Ling, meanwhile, turned to face Sada, ready for the battle ahead.

At the same time, in the nearby training room, Zhou Zilong sat with his eyes closed, focused inward, faint waves of energy surrounding him.

He suddenly opened his eyes, a flicker of surprise in them.

"Damn, I was wondering why I couldn't concentrate. There's trouble outside!" he muttered, then sprang into motion and vanished from the spot.

After changing into his Battle Suit, Zhou Zilong looked even colder and more powerful. An indescribable fury and determination welled up in him.

"If you've set your sights on this place, don't expect to leave." His words brimmed with unquestionable authority. He moved in a flash, streaking out like a meteor across the night sky.

Ling and Sada were on the verge of clashing. Ling rose and threw a punch at him.

Sada sneered. "Your strength may be among the best on this planet, but to me, your moves are in slow motion." His words brimmed with confidence and arrogance, as if victory were already his.

"Ling, we're here to help!" Just as Ling's attack missed, Ali and Xiujie arrived in time, giving her a chance.

"I didn't expect you two to beat Dazhe!" Sada's voice held a note of surprise.

As Sada finished speaking, an even fiercer battle began. Ali and Xiujie unleashed their full power and attacked him.

"So your power levels can reach 1,700. No wonder Dazhe lost to you." The instant they clashed, Sada easily read their strength with his Scouter. His expression didn't change. "But I'm not some low-level warrior like Dazhe. Even if both of you have power levels of 1,700, you're still no match for me!"

In the blink of an eye, Sada took them both down with a single strike. Blood stained their clothes, and their fallen forms looked especially tragic.

"Cough! Cough!" The two struggled, each breath bringing searing pain, but neither showed the slightest sign of backing down.

"Goodbye, you two insects. I'm going after the prey from earlier!" Sada said contemptuously, turning to leave.