January 5, Age 745. Sunlight streamed through the windows of Bulma's house, bathing the spacious living room in warmth. A figure sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes tightly shut, breathing steady and deep. This was Zhou Zilong, a transmigrator who had already lived in this world for a year.
However, today's training brought him to an unprecedented bottleneck. He could clearly feel that his strength had reached a critical threshold; no matter how hard he pushed, he found it impossible to advance any further.
"Whew! It hasn't been easy. I've been in this world for a year now, and my combat power has broken through from the original 10 to 50,000. But it seems I've hit a wall; my training lately hasn't yielded any improvement." Zhou Zilong opened his eyes and let out a soft sigh, his gaze tinged with a hint of confusion.
Just then, the voice of Xiao Ling echoed in his mind: "Zilong, you could go seek out Master Roshi to push the plot forward. Learn from his experience in martial arts realms and, while you're at it, figure out your own path. You've just been fumbling in the dark for the past year; reaching a combat power of 50,000 is already quite an achievement."
Zhou Zilong was taken aback, then nodded. He understood that Xiao Ling's suggestion was sound. Since arriving in this world, he had relied solely on his own efforts and his memory of the original story to train. While his progress had been rapid, he ultimately lacked systematic guidance.
"You're right, Xiao Ling. I should seek higher-level instruction." Having made up his mind, Zhou Zilong turned toward the bathroom to wash up. However, the moment he was about to step inside, Xiao Ling's voice sounded again: "Zilong, I have some very bad news. After observing for some time, I've detected that you aren't the only one who has transmigrated to this world."
Zhou Zilong's footsteps faltered, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. He hadn't expected there to be other transmigrators here. "Xiao Ling, are you saying...?"
"Yes. This transmigrator also has a system like yours, but they are bound to a villain system. You might encounter many unexpected situations in the Dragon Ball world from now on," Xiao Ling's voice carried a hint of worry.
Zhou Zilong's heart tightened. He understood what this meant: a transmigrator with a villain system could trigger a massive butterfly effect in this world, and he had to be prepared to face this unknown challenge.
"But there is also some good news," Xiao Ling shifted the tone. "This transmigrator is currently very weak, and they aren't on Earth right now—they're on another planet. Furthermore, their system hasn't awakened yet. But to prepare for their system, I need to enter a dormant state for updates. I hope that when I wake up next time, your strength will have improved significantly."
Hearing this, Zhou Zilong felt a weight lift from his chest. Although a potential threat existed, he didn't need to worry too much for the moment. He also understood that Xiao Ling's dormancy was necessary to better handle future challenges.
"Alright, Xiao Ling, go ahead. I will continue to work hard and improve my strength," Zhou Zilong said with a smile.
Inside Bulma's laboratory, the lights were bright, and various instruments flickered with the glow of technology. After his shower, Zhou Zilong stood by the window, gazing at the starry sky, his heart filled with resolve. He turned around and spoke to the busy Bulma: "Bulma, I might have to leave for a while."
Bulma stopped her work and looked up at Zhou Zilong. Those eyes, usually full of curiosity and vitality, were now filled with confusion and reluctance. She walked over to him and asked softly, "Huh? Where are you going, Zilong?"
Over the past year, the relationship between Zhou Zilong and Bulma had grown increasingly intimate. They not only supported each other in scientific research but also cared for one another in daily life. Their bond had transcended that of ordinary friends, with an unspoken, indescribable affection quietly blossoming between them.
Furthermore, Bulma's father, Dr. Brief, held the talented and martial-minded Zhou Zilong in high regard. He had not only given him a 5% stake in Capsule Corp but also appointed him as a technical consultant. If Bulma hadn't been so young, Dr. Brief might have already been urging them to start dating.
Zhou Zilong took a deep breath and told Bulma a half-truth.
"I need to find a master to begin a new stage of martial arts training. Yesterday, I dreamt that Earth was invaded by evil forces; I wanted to stop them but couldn't do anything. That sense of powerlessness left me feeling defeated. I hope to be better able to protect you, and others I care about, in the future."
His words were filled with firmness and determination.
Upon hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Bulma's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by understanding and support.
"Zilong, I believe you can definitely do it," she said, her voice filled with trust and encouragement.
Over the next few days, Zhou Zilong and Bulma prepared the items needed for his journey together. Bulma used her ingenuity to craft practical tools for him, such as an energy detector and a portable communicator. Meanwhile, Zhou Zilong used his own technological knowledge to build 30 robot bodyguards with a combat power of 30,000 for Bulma and Dr. Brief, ensuring they could handle any potential dangers.
January 10, Age 745. Sunlight filtered through the clouds onto the land of West City, draping the bustling metropolis in a golden coat. Zhou Zilong stood at the entrance of Capsule Corp, taking a deep breath of fresh air, his heart filled with anticipation for the future. He was about to leave this familiar city and head to a distant island to find the legendary martial arts master—Master Roshi—hoping to become his apprentice and take his strength to the next level.
After leaving Capsule Corp, Zhou Zilong did not rush toward Kame House. He knew that to convince Master Roshi to take him on as a student, mere passion was far from enough. Thus, he decided to prepare some gifts to increase his chances of success.
Zhou Zilong went to a bookstore and carefully selected a few books suitable for Master Roshi. He knew that although the master was advanced in age, his thirst for knowledge had never waned. These books would not only enrich his spirit but also show him Zhou Zilong's sincerity and respect.
In addition to the books, Zhou Zilong purchased several practical items, such as a tea set, premium tea leaves, and some prepared delicacies.
Once the gifts were ready, Zhou Zilong went to a secluded spot. He took out a capsule and pressed it, and a modified jet plane instantly appeared on the ground. This aircraft was something Zhou Zilong had customized using capsule technology combined with his own mechanical design knowledge. It possessed a longer range, sufficient to support his journey to the island where Kame House was located.
Zhou Zilong piloted the jet, soaring above the ocean. The sea breeze brushed against his cheeks, bringing a hint of coolness. As he admired the beautiful seascape, he pondered how best to express his sincerity to Master Roshi.
Ten hours passed, and Zhou Zilong still hadn't found any sign of Kame House. He began to grow anxious, worried that he might have missed his direction.
"Haven't seen a plane fly by in a long time. It couldn't be someone looking for me, could it?" At that moment, an old man riding a sea turtle, wearing sunglasses and an orange casual shirt, holding a cloud-shaped staff and carrying a large turtle shell on his back, muttered to himself after seeing Zhou Zilong's plane fly past.