In the Era of Ai, on January 5, 745, sunlight streamed through the windows of Bulma's home and fell across the spacious living room. A figure sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, breathing steadily and deeply. It was Zhou Zilong, who had crossed over into this world a year ago.
However, that day's training had brought him up against an unprecedented bottleneck. He could clearly feel that he had reached a critical point in his strength. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't seem to improve any further.
"Whew! It really hasn't been easy. I've been in this world for a year now, and my battle power has gone from 10 to 50,000. But I seem to have hit a bottleneck. Lately, training hasn't been doing anything for me." Zhou Zilong opened his eyes and sighed softly, his gaze clouded with confusion.
Just then, Xiao Ling's voice sounded in his mind. "Zilong, you could go become Master Roshi's disciple and help move the story along. You could learn from his experience with martial arts and, while you're at it, start figuring out your own martial way. You've spent this whole year just feeling your way around. Getting your battle power up to 50,000 is already pretty good."
Zhou Zilong paused in surprise, then nodded. He understood that Xiao Ling's advice made sense. Ever since he had crossed into this world, he had relied on his own efforts and memories of the original story to train. Though he had improved at an astonishing rate, he had lacked any systematic guidance.
"You're right, Xiao Ling. I should seek guidance at a higher level." Zhou Zilong made up his mind and turned toward the bathroom to take a shower. But just as he was about to step inside, Xiao Ling spoke again. "Zilong, I have some very bad news. After observing things for a while, I've detected that you're not the only person who crossed over into this world."
Zhou Zilong stopped in his tracks, surprise flashing in his eyes. He hadn't expected there to be another transmigrator in this world. "Xiao Ling, you mean...?"
"That's right. Like you, this transmigrator also came with a system, but theirs is a villain system. So you might run into all sorts of unexpected situations in the Dragon Ball World," Xiao Ling said, her voice tinged with worry.
Zhou Zilong's heart tightened. He understood what this meant. A transmigrator with a villain system could cause even greater upheaval in this world, and he would have to prepare for this unknown challenge.
"But I also have some good news," Xiao Ling continued. "This transmigrator is still very weak, and he isn't on Earth right now; he's on another planet. His system hasn't awakened yet, either. But to deal with his system, I'll need to enter a dormant state and update. I hope that by the time I wake up again, your strength will have improved a lot, Zilong."
Hearing this, Zhou Zilong felt relieved. There was a potential threat out there, but at least he didn't need to worry too much for now. He also understood that Xiao Ling's dormant update was meant to help her deal with the challenges ahead.
"Okay, Xiao Ling. Go ahead. I'll keep training and improving my strength," Zhou Zilong said with a smile.
In Bulma's laboratory, the lights shone brightly as all kinds of instruments glimmered with the brilliance of technology. After his shower, Zhou Zilong stood by the window, gazing at the stars, his heart full of resolve. He turned to Bulma, who was busy at work, and said, "Bulma, I might be leaving for a while."
Bulma stopped what she was doing and looked up at Zhou Zilong. Her eyes, usually full of curiosity and energy, now held confusion and reluctance. She walked over to him and asked softly, "Huh? Where are you going, Zilong?"
Over the past year, Zhou Zilong and Bulma had grown increasingly close. They had supported each other in their research and looked after each other in their daily lives. Their relationship had moved beyond ordinary friendship, and an indescribable affection had quietly blossomed between them.
Bulma's father, Dr. Brief, greatly admired Zhou Zilong for being both scholarly and skilled in martial arts. He had given him a 5% stake in Capsule Corporation and made him a technical consultant for the company. If Bulma had been old enough, Dr. Brief might even have urged them to start dating.
Zhou Zilong took a deep breath and gave Bulma a partly fabricated explanation.
"I need to find a master and begin training in a new martial art. Yesterday, I dreamed that evil forces had invaded Earth. I wanted to stop them, but I couldn't do anything. That helplessness left me feeling defeated. I hope I'll be able to protect you and the other people I care about better in the future."
His words were full of determination.
Bulma's eyes flashed with surprise, but it was soon replaced by understanding and support.
"Zilong, I believe you can do it," she said, her voice full of trust and encouragement.
Over the next few days, Zhou Zilong and Bulma prepared the things he would need for his trip. With her cleverness, Bulma made him some useful gadgets, such as a Scouter and a portable communicator. Zhou Zilong, meanwhile, used his knowledge of technology to build 30 robot bodyguards with a battle power of 30,000 for Bulma and Dr. Brief, to protect them from any dangers that might arise.
On January 10, 745, in the Era of Ai, sunlight streamed through the clouds and fell over West City, draping the bustling metropolis in a golden glow. Zhou Zilong stood at the entrance to Capsule Corporation and breathed in the fresh air, his heart full of anticipation for the future. He was about to leave the familiar city and head for a distant island to find the legendary martial arts master, Master Roshi. He hoped to become his disciple and grow stronger.
After leaving Capsule Corporation, Zhou Zilong didn't hurry straight to Turtle Hermit's House. He knew that pure enthusiasm alone wouldn't be enough to convince Master Roshi to take him on as a student, so he decided to prepare some gifts to improve his chances.
Zhou Zilong went to a bookstore and carefully picked out several books that Master Roshi might enjoy. He knew that although Master Roshi was old, his thirst for knowledge had never faded. The books would not only enrich his mind but also show him Zhou Zilong's sincerity and respect.
Besides books, Zhou Zilong also bought some practical items, such as a tea set, tea leaves, and some prepared food.
Once he had the gifts ready, Zhou Zilong went to a secluded spot. He took out a Capsule and pressed it lightly. In an instant, a modified jet plane appeared on the ground. He had redesigned it using Capsule technology and his own knowledge of mechanical engineering. The plane had a longer range, enough to get him to Turtle Hermit's House on the island.
Zhou Zilong piloted the jet across the sky above the sea. The sea breeze brushed his cheeks, bringing a hint of coolness. As he admired the beautiful ocean scenery, he thought about how best to show Master Roshi his sincerity.
Ten hours passed, and Zhou Zilong still hadn't found Turtle Hermit's House. He began to grow anxious, worried that he had gone off course.
"It's been a long time since I've seen a plane fly by. Could it be coming to look for me?" Just then, an old man riding a Sea Turtle across the sea muttered to himself as Zhou Zilong's plane flew past. He wore sunglasses and an orange casual shirt, held a long, cloud-shaped staff in one hand, and carried a huge turtle shell on his back.
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