Hyperbolic Time Chamber

"You have arrived. I have been observing you both for a long time."

Kami spoke quietly, his words leaving them puzzled.

"We do not know why Kami has summoned us brothers, but please, speak plainly." Because of the earlier incident where the Power Pole returned to its place, Wuchen already had some guesses.

According to what he knew, the Power Pole had been a gift from Korin to Master Roshi, who later passed it on to him and his brother Goku's grandfather, Sun Wufan.

Now that the Power Pole could connect Korin Tower to Kami's Lookout, it was easy to surmise that the pole had originally been a gift from Kami to Korin. Could its purpose have been for Korin to act as a scout, finding those qualified to meet Kami?

What kind of person was considered qualified?

Why look for such people in the first place?

There was one more thing that baffled Wuchen. Kami's "ki" was strange; in terms of sheer magnitude, it was a notch stronger than both brothers combined.

Yet, it gave him a feeling of being hollow—as if the source were incomplete or the life force damaged, though there were no signs of injury, only a natural, serene stillness.

It was somewhat like a seal, yet he could detect no traces of one. If he had to make a comparison, it resembled certain secret techniques for creating clones from his past life.

Hearing the slightly questioning tone in Wuchen's voice, Kami smiled faintly and began to explain:

"About a year ago, at Mount Fry-Pan in the lower world, that was the first time I noticed you..." As he spoke, Kami seemed to drift into memory.

That was the last time Goku and Wuchen had transformed into Great Apes. It was the moment they reverted to human form that had caught Kami's attention.

At the time, Kami had been shocked by that fleeting, terrifying aura and had sensed a grave threat; that was why he had kept a close watch on them ever since.

"...Later, I discovered that you were practicing an extraordinary martial art, one that produced a very unique energy in this world. When Korin began practicing it as well, I could sense its wonders even more clearly."

"Mr. Popo, you felt it too, didn't you? That sensation seems to be growing stronger."

At the end of his sentence, Kami turned to Mr. Popo for confirmation.

"Yes, Kami, I felt it too," Mr. Popo nodded.

After listening, Wuchen was thoughtful: "You sought us out because of the growth of spiritual energy?"

"You need not be tense. I bear you no ill will, just as you bear no ill will toward the world," Kami tried his best to offer a kind smile, though due to his features, it looked more like a grimace:

"I noticed you because I need to borrow your strength, which is why I asked Mr. Popo to bring you here."

"As Kami, I have my duties and cannot easily leave the Lookout. Please forgive me for not coming to you myself."

"Please, Kami, speak your mind. If it is within our power, my brother and I will not refuse," Wuchen appeared to agree, though he remained non-committal, leaving himself enough room to maneuver while waiting for what came next.

"Please forgive me for not being able to explain the situation immediately. For the time being, I hope you can improve your strength as much as possible here at the Lookout," Kami seemed unwilling to elaborate.

Seeing this, Wuchen stopped pressing, though he made no promises, instead shifting the conversation to Kami's stance on spiritual energy.

Unexpectedly, Kami was surprisingly open-minded, even discussing the pros and cons with Wuchen.

In Kami's view, the emergence of spiritual energy might indeed bring about visible turmoil, but it was by no means the root cause of such chaos.

After all, martial artists already possessed power that ordinary people feared.

Among them were those like Tao Pai Pai, who were indeed a scourge, but there were also those with justice in their hearts who protected the world, such as Mutaito from centuries ago.

Furthermore, weapons created by humans had also disrupted the balance between people. Right and wrong, good and evil—these could not be generalized.

Therefore, Kami did not reject the spread of spiritual energy, or rather, the dissemination of these techniques.

This lit a spark in Wuchen's eyes. Regarding the spread of martial arts, Kami might actually be an ally. Regardless of anything else, his official position alone could provide immense convenience.

Thus, Wuchen accepted the request to stay and grow stronger, while also proposing his idea for spreading the techniques.

Kami did not object, saying only that he could help, but not right now.

Wuchen was in no rush, so he and Goku settled into the Lookout for the time being.

At first, Kami arranged for Mr. Popo to instruct them, focusing primarily on the theory of ki.

About half a month later, Mr. Popo brought Goku and Wuchen to a mysterious room within the Lookout.

The room was filled with clocks, and beneath the largest one stood an abrupt, small pink door.

"Inside here is the room of spiritual time, also known as the Hyperbolic Time Chamber..." Pushing the door open and leading them inside, Mr. Popo continued to explain:

"...One year spent inside is only one day in the outside world. I believe this should be of help to you."

"By the way, the gravity inside is ten times that of Earth... the air is much thinner... and the temperature difference between day and night is extreme. For humans, the environment is incredibly harsh."

"Also, aside from the platform beneath your feet, there is nothing else here. You must not wander too far; it would be disastrous if you couldn't find your way back..."

"...Look at the clock above. It is connected to the large clock outside; it only begins to run when someone enters."

Following the direction of Mr. Popo's finger, the brothers saw a large clock face, its hands moving so slowly they were almost stationary.

"Every two rotations of the hour hand equals one day outside and one year inside. Four rotations of the minute hand equals one month inside. Eight rotations of the second hand equals one day inside. Strictly speaking, one day outside is only three hundred and sixty days here, not a true year."

After explaining how to track the time, Mr. Popo showed them the living quarters. There were two beds, a bathroom, and a shower, along with a supply of food.

"Because the usable space here is so small and the food storage is limited, combined with the time dilation, we may not be able to replenish supplies in time. Therefore, it can only accommodate two people training at once. You should train well here."

"Also, each person can only spend a total of two years here in their lifetime. If you exceed that time, the exit will disappear. You must keep track of the time."

"However, no one has ever managed to last more than three months here. Popo is quite curious to see how long you can last."

With his final instructions given, Mr. Popo departed, leaving them to their training. He had to go prepare food to ensure they were properly supplied.

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Popo," the brothers said, watching Mr. Popo leave after opening the door. Only then did they walk together to the edge of the platform.

As soon as they stepped off the platform, the brothers stopped abruptly, their bodies pressing down.

"Goku, you can increase your ki a bit, but not too much," Wuchen said, seeing Goku instantly erupt with ki to counter the tenfold gravity. "Okay, that's about right. Get used to the environment here yourself."

Leaving Goku to move on his own, Wuchen also began to look around.

Aside from the platform behind them and the house on it, there were no other buildings in this place, yet it seemed infinitely vast.

It was a vast expanse of white, with clouds and mist swirling around the ground, while the sky above was empty.

"It truly is a good place for cultivation, just too dead silent. Compared to the spatial rifts I've encountered before, it lacks the vitality of living beings."

Afterward, Wuchen also began to adapt to the harsh environment.

Three to five days later, the brothers had both become much more accustomed to it.

Then, Wuchen took Goku's hand and began to try to generate spiritual energy. Although there was no sun or moon here, day and night were distinct, so he decided to give it a try.

Unfortunately, it was in vain.

Spiritual energy could not be generated in this place using the Yin-Yang Creation Art.

Without any prior foresight, they hadn't brought many pills, and most of them were recovery-type.

Furthermore, because of the Senzu Beans, they hadn't brought any healing pills, let alone those for cultivation.

Therefore, Wuchen changed his approach and decided to focus on cultivating their physical bodies with Goku.

--Author's Note: Due to the 300-character limit, this has been inserted into the main text. Apologies.--

To all my fellow Daoist friends, whether you are reading novels or doing other things, please remember to rest.

Electronic products have indeed brought us convenience, but their high-intensity use also burdens our bodies, the most direct impact being on our eyes.

Due to personal health reasons, mainly my eyes (whether it was being a regular at internet cafes during my school days or becoming a night owl from playing on my phone, the damage has already been done), the updates for this book for a considerable period will likely not be timely or sufficient.

This book has many flaws, and I am extremely grateful for any suggestions you can offer. Although I have written a significant amount, and many things have become fixed, affecting the whole if one part is changed, I may not be able to correct everything. However, I will read all your suggestions and seriously consider them, reflecting on them as valuable experience.

I will finish this book. My sincere intention is to temper myself and achieve self-sufficiency, not to boast or praise myself. Of course, I will not pity myself or belittle myself.

Fellow Daoist friends who genuinely enjoy this book can keep an eye on it and see how it progresses.

Those who do not enjoy it need not trouble themselves over this book; happiness is paramount. Each person finds their own joy, and their own freedom.

Finally, I wish to make a small wish that carries great weight:

May our motherland become increasingly prosperous, and may our people always be happy and healthy. I wish to partake in its blessings and fulfill my responsibilities.