First Meeting with the Dragon God; He Yi's Plan to Slip Away Foiled

For a moment, Son Goku gave an awkward laugh: "Hehe, well, Tarble, um, I used my full power, but I still couldn't open this box."

"Sorry about that!"

This apology was part acting, but also genuinely sincere.

Because he had truly forgotten all about the act.

Meanwhile, He Yi's eyes were bulging as if they were about to pop out of his head.

What had he just witnessed?

How could a mere human erupt with such formidable energy?

Seeing Son Goku's actions, Tarble felt speechless, though he didn't let it show on his face.

He didn't even glance at He Yi.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, an idea immediately took form.

At this point, he had no choice but to play along with the mistake.

Thus, he deliberately said in a loud voice: "It's fine, forget it if it won't open."

"You are the strongest Super Warrior among us."

"If even you can't open it, then my brother Vegeta and I have even less of a chance."

"So, to avoid wasting time, let's just summon the Dragon God and have the Dragon God help us!"

As he spoke, he pointedly turned back to ask Vegeta: "Brother, do you still want to try?"

Vegeta had originally intended to give it a go, but since Tarble had put it that way—and given that Son Goku had failed to open it even while using his full power in his base form—it was clear that brute force simply wouldn't work on the box.

There was no need for him to try and risk losing face.

However, he wouldn't pass up an opportunity to berate Son Goku.

"Since that idiot Kakarot couldn't open it, I won't waste my breath either. Let's just summon the Dragon God!"

Hearing this, Son Goku knew he was in the wrong, so he just gave a sheepish laugh without retorting.

Son Gohan, Son Goten, and Trunks, who had been startled by the display of full base power, gathered around.

Now that Son Goku remembered he was supposed to be acting, he felt a surge of panic seeing them approach, fearing they might mention transformations or something similar.

He quickly spoke to Son Gohan first: "Gohan, hurry up and summon the Dragon God."

The tactic worked; Son Gohan and the others were successfully distracted.

"Big brother, let me summon the Dragon God, okay?" Son Goten's small face was full of anticipation.

Trunks also looked on with eager eyes: "Yeah, Brother Gohan, let Goten and me summon the Dragon God, please?"

Seeing this, Son Gohan nodded: "Alright, you two go ahead and summon it."

"But, go a bit further ahead to summon it."

"Great!" x2

"Thanks, brother (Brother Gohan)!"

Upon hearing this, the two little ones happily took the brown bag containing the Dragon Balls and trotted a few steps forward before stopping.

Only then did Son Gohan remember what he had been about to say, and he turned to Son Goku with a sigh: "Dad, you've become so strong now!"

"Yeah, let's not talk about that right now, Gohan," Son Goku urged.

"Yes."

Directly ahead, Trunks and Son Goten were slowly taking the Dragon Balls out of the bag.

The Demon Cultivator He Yi, who had quietly moved away from the crowd, watched this scene with intense curiosity and anticipation.

So these are... the Dragon Balls they spoke of... the ones that can grant wishes?

Is there really such a magical treasure in the universe?

They don't look like anything special!

Can they really open the box?

Wait!

Why is this guy walking over here?

Before the Demon Cultivator He Yi could finish his speculation, he saw Tarble walking slowly toward him.

Seeing this, he had no choice but to put away all his thoughts, even halting his slow, retreating steps.

He forced a stiff smile onto his face and awkwardly brought up a topic.

"Mr. Tarble, can these Dragon Balls... really summon the Dragon God, and can the Dragon God help open the box sealing the Hero Tapion?"

Tarble gave him a look that was neither a smile nor a frown; at this critical juncture, the man was still putting on an act. His mental fortitude was truly impressive.

"Half-truth, half-lie," he said, "This is my first time seeing the Earth Dragon Balls as well, but they should be able to help release the Hero Tapion."

While He Yi remained vigilant, he had to feign a hopeful expression: "I certainly hope so."

At this moment, Son Goku walked over with a hearty laugh and greeted him: "Yo, Old Man He Yi, how did you end up all the way over here?"

"Could it be that you wanted to get a better look from this spot?"

By now, he had already begun to suspect the true motives of this pink-haired old man.

Just a moment ago, the man had been standing right next to Bulma, but in the blink of an eye, he had slipped away to this location.

His movements were highly suspicious!

Looking at that seemingly harmless smiling face before him, He Yi cursed inwardly:

Damn it!

Why did this guy have to follow me here too?

Compared to the oblivious Tarble, he was far more wary of Son Goku, whose base strength had already been exposed.

Even though he was cursing in his heart, he didn't let it show on his face, choosing instead to play along with Son Goku's words.

"Ah, yes, exactly!"

"I felt that this position might offer a better view of the Dragon God's visage."

I need to find a way to slip away!

No!

This guy is too strong; there's no way to leave right under his nose...

It seems I have no choice but to use displacement magic to escape!

If that fails, I'll just have to teleport the other half of the treasure here!

Hearing this, Son Goku replied with a grin: "Is that so?"

"It seems you and I share the same opinion, old man. I also think this spot is better than where Vegeta is, so I'll just watch from here as well."

"Don't worry, old man, I'll stand a bit to the side so I won't block your view."

With that, ignoring He Yi's reaction, he happily stood to the other side, slightly behind him, and gazed into the distance.

Together with Tarble, they formed a pincer movement, one on the left and one on the right, effectively boxing He Yi in.

He Yi felt an immense, invisible pressure.

Damn it!

Could these guys already know about my plan?

Impossible!

If they knew, they would never have helped me open the box!

Thinking this, he felt his nerves settle somewhat.

Just then, darkness instantly enveloped the azure sky, thick clouds gathered, and thunder began to rumble.

Looking closely, a dazzling light suddenly shot into the sky directly in front of the two Saiyan children, Trunks and Son Goten.

In an instant, the brilliant pillar of light transformed into a massive, hulking monster!

Its body, covered in blue-green scales, coiled and undulated, shimmering with a ghostly light. It had two horns on its head, long flowing whiskers, and crimson eyes.

This colossal creature appeared before their very eyes, as if brought to life.

It looked majestic and awe-inspiring, radiating a formidable aura.

At this moment.

He Yi stared in stunned silence, his heart filled with absolute shock.

Is this... the Dragon God?

Can it really open the box...

At this very moment.

West City was plunged into sudden darkness, and the citizens naturally noticed the anomaly.

Those living closer to Bulma's house could even see the towering figure of the Dragon God.

However, they didn't panic or show signs of terror; they simply grumbled a few complaints.

"What the hell! Is Capsule Corp working on that mysterious project again? The sky just went dark all of a sudden; it's pitch black, I can't see a thing."

"You're telling me! It's dark now, and it's inconvenient to do anything! But they've been working on this mysterious project for so many years, why haven't they succeeded yet? It seems Dr. Brief and his team's research capabilities aren't all that great after all!"

"Not much of anything?

If you've got the guts, why don't you try turning day into night and see what happens?"

"Ugh, why do you have to be so serious? I was just talking.

If I actually had that kind of ability, do you think you'd still be seeing me here?"