Challenge

On the training ground, wild winds howled, whipping up clouds of yellow sand. Vegeta's figure flashed like a streak of purple lightning, closing in on Tang Yangbing in an instant. Blazing battle intent burned in his eyes, and a cruel curve tugged at his lips.

"You're too slow!"

Vegeta's voice was low and oppressive, like a beast poised to strike. His fist carried a fierce gale as it shot straight for Tang Yangbing's face. The air seemed to tear apart, releasing a shrill howl.

At the critical moment, Tang Yangbing moved like a phantom. With a light tap of his foot, he slid sharply backward. His movement looked casual, yet it was incomparably precise, narrowly evading Vegeta's unstoppable blow.

Vegeta's punch missed completely! The wind from his fist brushed past Tang Yangbing's clothes, making the fabric tremble slightly, but it failed to touch him at all.

"Damn it!"

Vegeta paused, a flicker of irritation flashing through his eyes. He swiftly adjusted his stance, spun around, and threw another punch. This strike was even faster and fiercer than before, a faint layer of pale purple aura flickering around his fist as though it would crush anything in its way.

As Vegeta's fist hurtled toward him, Tang Yangbing's eyes remained calm. He no longer dodged. Instead, he slowly raised his right hand and curled his five fingers into a fist, invisible power gathering around it. Then he suddenly punched forward.

Bang!

Two powerful forces collided violently in midair, erupting with a deafening boom. A blast wave spread outward from the two of them, sweeping up sand and stones from the ground and forming a brief whirlwind. The training ground trembled slightly, as though it could not withstand the impact.

Almost the instant their fists collided, they separated again. Vegeta felt an immense rebounding force surge through his arm, making his blood churn. He staggered back more than a dozen steps, each one leaving a deep footprint in the hard ground, before finally managing to steady himself.

Tang Yangbing, meanwhile, looked utterly relaxed, as if that punch had taken no effort at all. He casually shook his wrist, the corners of his mouth lifting as a teasing glint appeared in his eyes.

"He's so strong! He's this powerful even when he just attacks on the spur of the moment?!"

Shock appeared on Vegeta's face, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He stared fixedly at Tang Yangbing, an indescribable pressure rising within him. That punch had only been a test, but it had definitely not been weak! Even when facing a formidable enemy like Frieza, he had never felt this powerless. Tang Yangbing's strength far exceeded his expectations.

Mo's sudden move caught everyone by surprise. He did not even move from where he stood; he merely raised a hand and blocked casually, yet he forcibly received Vegeta's thunderous strike. A piercing roar exploded through the air as shockwaves rolled outward, sweeping up the surrounding dust into a visible blast wave. Vegeta staggered back several steps from the impact, fine cracks spreading across the ground beneath his feet, his face filled with stunned disbelief.

"What tremendous power!" Vegeta gritted his teeth, a trace of gravity flashing through his eyes. He had never imagined that this seemingly ordinary young man could so easily block his attack and even knock him back. He stared intently at Tang Yangbing, as though trying to see straight through him.

Bulma, standing nearby, was equally dumbfounded. She covered her mouth, disbelief shining in her eyes. Vegeta had lived here for two years, and she knew full well just how terrifying his strength was. Even a warrior like Yamcha was like an ant before Vegeta, unable to take even a single punch. Yet this young man, who had appeared from nowhere, had effortlessly neutralized Vegeta's attack and even seemed to hold the upper hand.

"Who exactly is this guy?" Bulma murmured, her gaze involuntarily drawn to Tang Yangbing. He stood there tall and straight, handsome-faced, with a faint smile lingering on his lips, as though everything that had just happened had been nothing more than an easy game.

Tang Yangbing slowly spread his hands and said lightly, "Vegeta, now that you've broken through and become a Super Saiyan, let me see just how strong you really are. But in your current state, you're still far from being my match."

His voice was calm, yet it carried an unquestionable confidence. Vegeta's strength was indeed not to be underestimated. Years of grueling training under four hundred times gravity had brought his physical strength and combat techniques to astonishing heights, even surpassing Son Goku in certain respects. Yet there was not the slightest trace of fear in Tang Yangbing's eyes—only a hint of amusement.

Vegeta's fury was completely ignited. He clenched both fists, and the aura around him suddenly turned violent. "Since you're so ignorant of your own limits, I'll show you what true power is!" he snarled. Golden energy erupted from his body, his hair instantly turning brilliant gold as a terrifying light flashed in his pupils. "Super Saiyans are the strongest warriors in this universe!"

Tang Yangbing merely smiled faintly and shook his head. "Super Saiyans are indeed the strongest warriors, but that person isn't you. Don't foolishly think that becoming a Super Saiyan alone will let you defeat me."

"Arrogant!" Vegeta practically forced the word through clenched teeth. "Today, I'll make you pay for your arrogance!"

However, just as he was about to strike with full force, his gaze inadvertently swept over Bulma, standing not far away. Her face was filled with concern, her hands tightly clasped together. She was clearly uneasy about this sudden conflict. Vegeta had lived here for two years. Though proud by nature, he held an indescribable feeling for Bulma. He did not want his impulsiveness to involve her, much less wanted her to see him lose control.

"This isn't a suitable place to fight," Vegeta said coldly to Tang Yangbing, forcibly suppressing the anger in his heart. "Come with me. I'll make you understand exactly how foolish it is to challenge a Super Saiyan!"

The moment his words fell, his figure turned into a streak of golden light and shot toward an empty area in the distance. Tang Yangbing smiled slightly and followed at an unhurried pace, leaving Bulma standing where she was, her heart filled with complicated emotions.

Having eaten at someone else's table, even Prince Vegeta was no exception. Evening had fallen over West City, and the setting sun painted the sky a warm orange-red. In Bulma's courtyard, the evening breeze drifted past, bringing a hint of coolness. Vegeta stood in the center of the yard with his arms crossed, his gaze as cold and sharp as blades, as though he intended to see straight through Tang Yangbing.

"Looks like I'll have to beat you up after all." Vegeta's voice was low and oppressive, like a beast ready to pounce. "Sigh, I really didn't come here to fight. What a hassle." He tilted his head slightly and looked at Bulma standing some distance away, a rare note of politeness in his voice. "Miss Bulma, I need to talk to you about something after this is over."

The instant he finished speaking, Vegeta flashed away, turning into a streak of light and flying out over West City. Tang Yangbing followed close behind. Against the fading glow of sunset, the two figures traced brilliant arcs through the sky like twin meteors.

"Oh? He needs to talk to me? That handsome guy is pretty polite." Bulma watched them disappear into the distance, an unconscious smile appearing on her lips. She lightly brushed aside her blue bangs, a dreamy glimmer flashing in her eyes. Although Vegeta usually wore a cold expression, the occasional gentlemanly manner he displayed still made her heart flutter.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...

The two moved at incredible speed and arrived at a desolate region in the blink of an eye. It was a vast desert, with rolling dunes resembling golden waves. In the distance, several heavily weathered rocks stood alone, as though recounting the passage of time. The fading sunlight spilled across the sand, dyeing everything a golden hue.

Yamcha, Krillin, and the others soon arrived as well. They had been staying at Bulma's home, and upon hearing that Vegeta was going to fight Tang Yangbing one-on-one, they naturally would not miss such a rare showdown. Yamcha had his hands in his pockets, his face carrying both curiosity and excitement. Krillin, meanwhile, clenched his fists nervously, his gaze fixed on the two men in the field.

"Hmph! This place is big enough!" Vegeta turned around with a cold smile on his face. His gaze was as sharp as an eagle's, as though he intended to see through everything about Tang Yangbing. The desert wind whipped at his black battle suit, making its hem flap loudly and lending him an even more murderous air.

"He's just a Super Saiyan. What's so impressive about that?" Tang Yangbing chuckled, his tone filled with disdain. His hands remained in his pockets, his posture relaxed and casual, as though the opponent before him was not worth his full effort.

"Is that so? I hope you can still be this arrogant in a moment!" Vegeta gritted his teeth, veins faintly bulging on his forehead. Ever since breaking through to become a Super Saiyan, he had felt that he had surpassed Son Goku and become the strongest warrior in the universe. Yet Tang Yangbing's appearance made him feel a trace of unease. Just what kind of power was this mysterious opponent hiding?

Before challenging Son Goku, Vegeta had decided to use Tang Yangbing as his first target. Through this battle, he would prove his strength to everyone and make Tang Yangbing pay for his arrogance. The desert wind grew fiercer, sweeping yellow sand into the sky as though playing the prelude to the battle about to begin.

Their gazes met in midair like two bolts of lightning colliding, sparking invisible flames. The surrounding air seemed to freeze, so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. Yamcha and Krillin unconsciously took a few steps back, afraid of being caught in the aftermath of this peak showdown.

"Come on, let me see what you're capable of!" Vegeta roared, his aura suddenly erupting as golden energy surged into the sky and brightly illuminated the surrounding sands. Tang Yangbing smiled faintly, excitement flashing in his eyes, as though he had waited a long time for this moment.

As dusk settled over the desert, an earth-shaking showdown was about to begin...

"Krillin, do you think Vegeta can pull it off this time?"

Yamcha stood nearby with his brows tightly furrowed, staring at the two men facing each other in the distance. There was helplessness and doubt in his voice. With his arms crossed, he shook his head slightly, as though recalling the brutal battle from before. The wind and sand drifted around them, stirring the loose strands of hair over his forehead, while a tense, oppressive atmosphere filled the air.

Hearing this, Krillin immediately turned his head, determination appearing on his face. With his hands on his hips, he said firmly, "Of course Vegeta can't do it! Have you forgotten how Son Goku was beaten half to death by Tang Yangbing before? Vegeta is still far behind Goku!" His voice was filled with trust in Son Goku and concern for him, his eyes reflecting deep worry for his former comrade. As Son Goku's closest companion, Krillin had always believed that Vegeta's strength was far inferior to Goku's, let alone enough to face the unfathomable Tang Yangbing.

"Damn it! You people actually dare look down on me!"

Vegeta's furious roar suddenly rang out, exploding through the air like thunder. He whipped his head around, blazing fury burning in his eyes as veins bulged from his forehead. Yamcha and Krillin's conversation had clearly enraged him completely. As the prince of the Saiyans, when had he ever suffered such contempt? His fists clenched at once, his knuckles turning white from the force, while a terrifying golden aura erupted from his body like a volcanic explosion.

"Haaaah..."

Vegeta's deep roar echoed across the empty battlefield, like an enraged beast's bellow. As he roared, his hair instantly turned dazzling gold, standing upright like burning flames. Powerful energy burst forth from his body, forming a visible hurricane that swept in every direction. The ground beneath his feet shook violently and cracked apart, countless stones lifted by the force and suspended in midair, as though time itself had frozen.

Tang Yangbing stood some distance away, watching it all without expression. The hem of his clothes snapped wildly in the gale, yet he remained completely unmoved. He narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the terrifying aura radiating from Vegeta as a faint curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Not bad indeed," Tang Yangbing said calmly and indifferently, as though commenting on something insignificant. "Your Super Saiyan battle power is indeed somewhat stronger than Son Goku was last year without using Kaio-ken."

His words were like an icy blade piercing Vegeta's heart, yet they carried an unquestionable authority. The air around them seemed to grow even heavier because of his words. Even Yamcha and Krillin, watching from afar, could not help holding their breath.

Vegeta stood proudly in midair, a blinding golden aura erupting around him like a blazing sun. His arms were folded across his chest, and a scornful curve tugged at his lips as his golden hair danced wildly in the rippling energy.

"Well? My aura scared you stiff, didn't it? Hahaha—"

His arrogant laughter echoed between heaven and earth, churning the clouds. He looked down upon the tiny figure below, his eyes gleaming with absolute confidence. The Super Saiyan form he had attained through grueling training convinced him that his current strength was enough to crush Frieza, the former Emperor of the Universe.

Yet Tang Yangbing merely stood calmly where he was, his clothes utterly unmoved by the raging currents of air. He slowly raised his gaze, his black pupils reflecting Vegeta's overbearing figure.

"You think too highly of yourself, Vegeta." Tang Yangbing's voice was soft, yet it clearly pierced through the howling waves of energy. "You can't even take one punch from me."

As he spoke, he casually curled his index finger. Yet that simple gesture made the surrounding air abruptly freeze.

"Damn it! You're asking to die!"

Vegeta flew into a rage, and his golden aura instantly swelled severalfold. The ground beneath him collapsed with a thunderous boom, while shattered stones were ground into dust by the terrifying surge of energy. The next second, he became a streak of golden lightning, tearing through the sky at a speed too fast for the naked eye to follow.

"So fast..."

Krillin and Yamcha, watching from the sidelines, sucked in sharp breaths at the same time. They could barely make out a golden trail slicing across the heavens. The air warped in its wake, releasing piercing sonic booms. After becoming a Super Saiyan, Vegeta's speed and power had indeed undergone a qualitative leap.

In the blink of an eye, Vegeta appeared before Tang Yangbing. Destructive energy gathered around his clenched fist, golden arcs of electricity leaping between his fingers and stirring up a scorching wave of air. If that punch landed, it would be enough to level the entire mountain range.

Yet Tang Yangbing still maintained that casual stance, as though the incoming attack capable of destroying a planet was nothing more than a gentle breeze.