Eyes Open! Altar Disturbance, Support Departs

Morning light filtered through the seams of the treatment tent's canvas, scattering fine flecks of gold across the wrinkled ground and bathing the warmth and anxiety entwined within in a soft glow. Son Gohan still sat quietly beside Ximen Qing's bed, the bamboo rail beneath his hand faintly warmed by his touch. His fingers remained gently wrapped around the boy's icy hand—the hand still carried the chill of unconsciousness, its knuckles pale, its palm even bearing tiny cuts from the earlier battle. A night's exhaustion washed over him like a tide. Bloodshot veins crisscrossed his eyes, his sockets were slightly sunken, and every weak rise and fall of his breathing came with a faint tremble. Yet he never shifted his gaze for even a moment, staring fixedly at Ximen Qing's face as its deathly pallor gradually faded and a hint of color returned to his cheeks. Even his blinks were deliberately light, as though afraid of missing the slightest movement from the boy.

Outside the tent, Nappa and Gray Shadow still stood side by side in the morning light. Their eyes seemed drawn to the entrance as if by magnets, locked tightly upon it, the urgency and anticipation in them even more intense than the sunlight overhead. Nappa's fists remained clenched so tightly that his knuckles had gone white, his arms stiffening slightly as well. His throat caught from time to time, his Adam's apple bobbing fiercely. The apology he wanted to give Ximen Qing echoed over and over in his mind, every word churning in his heart, until even his breathing became cautious, as though the slightest carelessness might shatter this hard-won hope. Gray Shadow was comparatively composed. His back stood straight, dust and faint bloodstains still clinging to his body, while loose strands of hair at his forehead were stuck to his brow with sweat. Yet none of that could conceal the emotion in his eyes. From time to time, he raised his head toward the direction of space, his brows drawn into a deep furrow, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the communicator at his waist. He worried secretly for the tracking team's safety, while also fearing the core fragment that was closing in step by step, radiating its sinister aura.

Just then, an incredibly faint sound came from inside the tent. Ximen Qing's fingertips had moved again—this time with far greater motion than before. It was no longer a brush so weak it was nearly impossible to notice, but a gentle clasp around Son Gohan's fingertips. The strength was so faint that a gust of wind might have scattered it, yet the awareness behind it was unmistakable, as though he were clutching a lifeline. Son Gohan shuddered all over, his shoulders trembling slightly as some of the exhaustion lodged in his heart was swept away at once. His body instinctively leaned forward, elbows braced against the bedrail, eyes fixed on Ximen Qing's eyelids. His heart tightened painfully, and his breathing nearly stopped. His throat bobbed as he murmured softly, his tone filled with cautious hope, his voice as light as a feather. "Qing'er? Qing'er, can you hear me? It's Grandpa Gohan. Open your eyes and look at me... just once, all right?"

Outside, Nappa and Gray Shadow also keenly caught this faint disturbance within the tent. Both of them tensed at once, every muscle in their bodies drawn tight. Their steps were exceedingly light, and they nearly moved on tiptoe as they slowly shifted half a step along the edge of the tent. Holding their breath, they did not even dare exhale loudly, afraid of disturbing the person inside. Nappa's body shook uncontrollably, and tears instantly welled in his eyes. They swirled stubbornly in their sockets but refused to fall. His lips moved, and he tried several times to speak, but ultimately forced the words back down. He could only stare fixedly at the canvas, his fingertips unconsciously digging into his palm and leaving several shallow red marks as he silently prayed, Lord Ximen Qing, please open your eyes... I'm begging you...

On the bed, Ximen Qing's eyelids trembled more and more fiercely. His long lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, and every tremor carried extreme effort. Another tear slid from the corner of his eye, slowly tracing the contour of his cheek, passing his jaw, and dripping onto the back of Son Gohan's hand. It was warm and scorching, hot enough to make Son Gohan's fingertips go faintly numb. Ximen Qing's breathing gradually grew stronger, his chest rising and falling slightly, each breath carrying a faint gasp. His grip around Son Gohan's fingers also tightened a little, his fingertips curling weakly as though he were using every ounce of his strength to break free from the shackles of darkness and inch, with agonizing difficulty, toward that warm light—toward the companions guarding him at his side. Every step seemed incomparably hard.

"Come on... Qing'er, just a little more. We're all waiting for you." Son Gohan's voice was terribly hoarse, as though it had been scraped repeatedly by sandpaper. Every word carried deep exhaustion, yet it was also full of resolve and tenderness. He softly stroked Ximen Qing's fingertips, letting the warmth of his fingers pass little by little into the boy's cold ones. His other hand rose, its touch carefully gentle as he wiped away the tear at the boy's eye, so lightly it was as though he were touching a fragile treasure. "Gray Shadow and Nappa are outside. So are all the warriors in the camp. We're all waiting for you to wake up, waiting for you to join us in protecting this Earth we cherish, protecting the peace we fought for together."

As soon as the words fell, Ximen Qing's eyelids finally opened a narrow slit—the gap was as fine as a thread, but it carried the strength to break through darkness, faint yet utterly clear. Sunlight slipped through that slit and gently fell into Ximen Qing's eyes. He instinctively fluttered his lashes, a trace of discomfort flashing through his gaze before he slowly relaxed again. The narrow opening widened just a little.

That slit was incredibly tiny, like the first ray of light at dawn—weak, yet filled with strength. Son Gohan's eyes instantly reddened, and burning tears finally slid free beyond his control, slowly rolling down his cheeks and falling onto Ximen Qing's hand, mingling with the boy's tears, warm and heavy. He stared fixedly at that narrow opening, his body frozen in place, not daring to make the slightest movement. Even his breathing softened to the utmost, afraid of disturbing the boy who had just opened his eyes. Through that slit, he could see Ximen Qing's eyes. They still held confusion and profound weakness, his gaze somewhat unfocused, yet there was a clear light within it. His eyes slowly struggled to focus, slowly turned, and at last settled firmly upon Son Gohan. A familiar look gradually emerged in them.

"Grand... Grandpa Gohan..." Ximen Qing's voice was incredibly weak, so hoarse it was almost inaudible, as though he had struggled to force it from the depths of his throat. His lips were badly cracked, and every word tugged at the wound at the corner of his mouth, bringing a faint sting. Yet he still tried to raise a slight smile, one that gradually overlapped with that relieved smile from his unconsciousness. A faint glimmer appeared in his eyes as well. "I... I'm awake... I'm... sorry, for making you... wait so long..." After saying that, he began to gasp violently, his chest heaving harder and harder, while his eyelids started to grow heavy again, as though the words had drained all his strength.

"You're awake! You're finally awake!" Son Gohan's voice shook with excitement, and even his body trembled slightly. He reached out and gently touched Ximen Qing's forehead, clearly feeling the warmth there beneath his fingertips. His tone was so gentle it seemed almost liquid, his eyes full of heartache and relief. "That's wonderful, truly wonderful. You didn't give up, and we didn't wait in vain. You've just woken up, and your body is still very weak. Don't talk. Don't strain yourself. Rest properly. We'll take care of everything, so you don't need to worry, all right?" As he spoke, he gently adjusted Ximen Qing's pillow to let the boy lie more comfortably, his movements impossibly tender.

Outside the tent, Nappa heard Ximen Qing's weak yet clear voice and could no longer hold back. His entire body trembled violently with excitement as he covered his mouth tightly with both hands, suppressing his sobs. Tears streamed continuously through his fingers, soaking his palms and the front of his clothes. Choking up, his voice broken and intermittent, he said softly, "He's awake... he really woke up... That's wonderful, wonderful... I can finally... finally apologize to him..." Gray Shadow's eyes reddened as well, filled with relief and emotion. He gently patted Nappa's shoulder, the pressure of his palm offering comfort as he said with deep release, "Yes, he woke up. Our waiting, our perseverance—it was all worth it. Don't get too excited yet. Let him rest properly. When he's feeling better, you can speak with him."

Even as relief and hope spread through the camp, enormous waves had already risen in the depths of space—the dead-silent universe had been disturbed by a strange energy and was growing restless. The core fragment was now less than five thousand kilometers from the Black Altar, racing toward it like an unbridled horse. Strange black energy surged and spread like raging tides, its resonance with the Black Altar having reached an extreme intensity. The piercing hum of energy resonance echoed through the vast universe like the wailing of ghosts, making the tracking team's spacecraft tremble faintly. The needles on the instrument panel shook violently as well, clicking softly as though they might snap at any second.

On the spacecraft's energy gauge, the needle was pressed tightly against the red line. Red warning lights flashed frantically, emitting piercing buzzes, while chaotic code continuously scrolled across the screen, signaling that the craft could lose control and be scrapped at any moment. "Captain, the spacecraft has less than ten percent energy remaining! The energy core is overheating—it could overload at any time!" a team member shouted urgently. Dense sweat covered his forehead, streaming down his face and dripping onto the control stick. His hands gripped it tightly, fingertips whitened by the force, his knuckles stretched taut. His voice was filled with anxiety and determination. "And the black mist around the fragment is getting thicker. That sinister power has already begun corroding the spacecraft's hull. There's damage all over the body, and energy is leaking rapidly. At this rate, our spacecraft probably won't last ten minutes!"

The tracking team captain's face was as grim as iron. Bloodshot veins filled his eyes, which were full of determination and unwillingness. He stared fixedly at the towering, eerie Black Altar ahead, at the core fragment flickering indistinctly within the black mist as it drew ever closer to the altar. He bit down hard on his lower lip until he tasted blood, then slowly released it and said through gritted teeth, "Even if the spacecraft is destroyed, even if we have to pay with our lives, we must keep our eyes on that fragment! We absolutely cannot let it merge with the altar!" He raised a hand and wiped sweat and blood from his face. His voice was heavy as stone, carrying unquestionable resolve. "Everyone, make your final preparations. Concentrate every bit of remaining energy into the monitoring and interference systems. Shut down all nonessential equipment. The moment the fragment shows signs of approaching the altar, activate every interference device. Even if we can only delay it by one second, we must buy time for reinforcements! We cannot betray Lord Ximen Qing's sacrifice, our comrades at the camp, or this Earth we are sworn to protect!"

"Understood!" the team members answered in unison, their voices forceful and resolute. Even facing the destruction of their spacecraft and the threat of death, there was not the slightest trace of retreat in their eyes—only determination and resolve. Every face bore the conviction of people ready to die. They rapidly operated the spacecraft console, fingers flying over the buttons as they redirected all remaining energy into the monitoring and interference systems. They shut down nonessential equipment such as ventilation and lighting. The cabin instantly became dark and stifling, but no one cared. Their eyes remained fixed on the faint energy fluctuations on the screen, holding their breath as they cautiously tracked the core fragment's movements. They were ready to sacrifice themselves at any moment, with only one belief in their hearts: delay it and wait for reinforcements!

Above the Black Altar, the dim black aura had grown so thick it seemed impossible to disperse, like dense ink wrapping the entire altar. The eerie patterns on its surface continuously flashed with dark red light, while fine black mist flowed between the lines, echoing and pulling at the black aura radiated by the core fragment. A cold, world-destroying presence spread madly in every direction like a tsunami, sweeping through the depths of the universe. Wherever it passed, even cosmic dust froze. This aura had already begun affecting the edge of the solar system, causing a faint tremor in Earth's atmosphere and bringing a bone-piercing chill to the camp, making the warriors there instinctively pull their clothes tighter around themselves.

At the top of the altar, a strange black vortex gradually emerged. It spun ceaselessly, faster and faster, giving off a low hum and radiating an even more terrifying, more sinister power. That power was freezing to the bone, as though it could devour all life in existence and tear apart the barriers of the universe. The vortex continued expanding, slowly swallowing the black mist around it. The mist was drawn into the vortex and instantly broken down and assimilated. At the same time, the vortex released a powerful pulling force toward the core fragment, as though greedily awaiting its arrival—awaiting activation, awaiting the release of world-destroying power that would drag the entire universe into endless darkness and deathly silence, leaving not even a trace of light.

Within the camp, the communicator at Gray Shadow's waist suddenly sounded a piercing alarm. The shrill noise tore through the camp's quiet, shattering the relief and hope that had only just arrived. The warriors instantly tensed, stopping what they were doing and turning their eyes toward Gray Shadow. His expression changed drastically, his heart sinking as he immediately pulled out the communicator. His fingertips trembled faintly with urgency as he rapidly pressed the answer button. The tracking team captain's hurried, weak voice burst from the device, mixed with harsh static and the spacecraft's alarms. "Lord Gray Shadow... emergency... the core fragment is less than five thousand kilometers from the Black Altar... our spacecraft's energy is nearly depleted, and the detectors have completely failed... the sinister power around the fragment is rapidly corroding the spacecraft... requesting support, requesting support! We... we probably can't hold out much longer!"

Gray Shadow's face instantly turned grim as iron. His brows knitted tightly into a deep crease, his eyes filled with anxiety and gravity. His voice was heavy, every word carrying restrained urgency. "I received it! Hold on. No matter what happens, keep your eyes on the fragment and do everything you can to delay it. We're leaving at once to support you! We absolutely cannot let the fragment merge with the altar, absolutely not! If the altar is activated, the consequences will be unimaginable. Earth will be in complete danger!" His fingers clenched tightly around the communicator, his knuckles turning white as he nearly crushed its edges out of shape. His tone held unquestionable resolve, along with a trace of barely perceptible concern.

After ending the call, Gray Shadow immediately turned and called into the tent. His voice carried urgency, but he deliberately kept it low, afraid of disturbing the newly awakened Ximen Qing. "Grandpa Gohan, Lord Ximen Qing, emergency! The tracking team is in a desperate situation. Their spacecraft is about to be scrapped, and the core fragment is about to merge with the Black Altar. We must set out immediately and head into space to support them. If we're late, it'll be too late!"

Inside the tent, Son Gohan's expression changed at once when he heard Gray Shadow's voice, his heart tightening as the relief on his face was instantly replaced by gravity. He gently patted Ximen Qing's hand, the warmth of his fingertips offering comfort. His tone was tender yet firm, his voice low enough for the boy to hear clearly. "Qing'er, rest well. Stay here and wait for us. Heal properly, and don't let your thoughts run wild. We'll be back soon. We'll protect Earth, protect our home. We won't let your sacrifice go to waste, and we won't let you down."

Ximen Qing nodded lightly. His eyes still carried profound weakness, and his gaze remained somewhat unfocused, yet an incomparably resolute light shone within them. He used all his strength to grip Son Gohan's fingertips, his own curling faintly. The strength was weak, but firm. His voice came in broken fragments, accompanied by heavy gasps. "Grandpa Gohan... Gray Shadow... Nappa... you... you must be careful... don't... don't push yourselves too hard... I... I'll recover here properly and wait for you to come back... wait to protect Earth with you... protect our home..." After speaking, his eyelids began to grow heavy again and his breathing quickened, clearly having exhausted every last bit of strength.

Son Gohan looked deeply at Ximen Qing, his eyes full of heartache and determination. That gaze held both tenderness for the boy and a resolute will to protect Earth. He gently released Ximen Qing's hand, moving so softly that he would not disturb him, then slowly rose to his feet. As he stood, the exhaustion of the night and the depletion of his strength made him stagger. He instinctively grabbed the bedrail and barely steadied himself. Though he remained utterly exhausted and his breathing weak, every step accompanied by faint gasps, there was an unwavering determination in him. He quickly left the tent and joined Gray Shadow and Nappa. Their gazes met. No unnecessary words were spoken, yet each saw the resolve and gravity in the others' eyes, as well as the belief in their hearts.

"Grandpa Gohan, you just exhausted your strength treating Lord Ximen Qing. You're still very weak—your face is terrifyingly pale, and your breathing is unstable. How about you remain at the camp and protect Lord Ximen Qing and the warriors? Nappa and I can go into space to support them," Gray Shadow suggested softly. Looking at Son Gohan's paper-white face and unsteady figure, his eyes were full of concern, and there was an urgent plea in his voice. "If you remain here, you can care for Lord Ximen Qing and command the camp. The two of us will go. We'll definitely keep the fragment in check and delay it until you recover your strength."

Son Gohan slowly shook his head, his tone firm without the slightest wavering. He lifted a hand and gestured weakly, yet the motion carried unquestionable resolve. His voice was hoarse but powerful. "No. That sinister force is too strange, too powerful. It's too dangerous for the two of you to go alone. I must go with you. Ximen Qing has just awakened and is weak, so leave the camp in the hands of reliable warriors. Assign two capable fighters to stand outside the tent and attend to him at all times. The three of us will depart immediately, head into space, and support the tracking team. No matter the cost, we must stop the fragment from merging with the altar. We absolutely cannot allow this disaster to happen!"

Nappa immediately nodded, his tone firm and his eyes full of determination. He raised a clenched fist, his knuckles pale, and his voice rang out with force. "That's right. The three of us will go together. Even if we have to give everything, even if we have to pay with our lives, we must stop the fragment from merging with the altar. We'll protect Earth, protect Lord Ximen Qing, and make sure his sacrifice was not meaningless, that his efforts were not wasted! Last time, I couldn't share his burden. This time, I'll give everything I have to protect everyone—to protect our home!"

Gray Shadow fell silent for a moment, his gaze fixed tightly on Son Gohan. Seeing the unwavering look in his eyes, he knew Son Gohan's temperament. Once he made up his mind, no amount of persuasion would matter. Gray Shadow nodded lightly, the concern in his eyes gradually replaced by resolve. "All right! The three of us will leave at once! I'll notify the camp's warriors to prepare the defenses and assign two attentive fighters to remain outside Lord Ximen Qing's tent, tending to his meals and injuries at all times. If anything unusual happens, report to me immediately! We'll go and return as quickly as possible, and reach the scene before the fragment merges with the altar!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gray Shadow immediately took out his communicator. His fingers flew over the buttons as he quickly issued orders, clearly arranging the camp's defenses and Ximen Qing's care. His tone was stern, allowing no room for carelessness. Then the three stood side by side, their eyes all turning toward space, filled with resolve and determination. Faint auras of energy gradually rose around them—Son Gohan's was weak yet steady, still carrying the lingering warmth of purifying power; Nappa's was intense and blazing, concealing unwillingness and determination; Gray Shadow's was restrained and sharp, revealing calmness and resolve. Son Gohan was still weak, every surge of energy accompanied by a faint gasp. Nappa still bore deep guilt. Gray Shadow was still weighed down by grave concern. Yet all three shared the same belief—to stop the fragment, protect Earth, protect one another, and protect the home they all cherished.

"Move out!" Gray Shadow gave the order, his powerful voice cutting through the camp's silence with unquestionable resolve. The three leaped into the air at once. Faint ripples of energy spread beneath their feet as they became three streaking figures—one weak, one blazing, one sharp—and shot toward space. Their speed increased rapidly, wind howling past their ears as the outline of the camp steadily shrank and finally disappeared beyond the horizon. Only faint trails of energy remained, carrying their beliefs and determination as they sped toward the depths of space, toward the source of the crisis.

Within the camp, the warriors watched the three departing figures and stopped what they were doing. Their eyes turned toward space in unison, filled with determination and expectation. Every face bore reverence and steadfastness. They straightened their backs, tightened their grips on their weapons, and silently prayed, Grandpa Gohan, Lord Gray Shadow, Lord Nappa, you must return safely. You must stop the fragment from merging with the altar and protect our Earth! Inside the treatment tent, Ximen Qing lay quietly on the bed. His eyelids were lightly closed, his breathing gradually steady, and a faint smile still rested at the corners of his mouth. Though his body was weak, his conviction remained firm. He silently said in his heart, Grandpa Gohan, Gray Shadow, Nappa, you must be careful. You must come back safely. I'll recover properly and get well soon. When you return, I'll fight beside you again, protect this Earth we all cherish, and protect the peace we fought for together...

In the depths of space, the tracking team's spacecraft was already on the verge of being scrapped. Its hull was covered in damage, and black mist continuously seeped into the cabin through the breaches. The alarms inside were piercing enough to cause headaches, while the energy core's temperature climbed higher and higher, radiating scorching heat. The core fragment was now less than three thousand kilometers from the Black Altar, moving faster and faster. Its eerie resonance with the altar's energy had reached its peak. The black vortex atop the Black Altar spun ever faster, growing wider and radiating even more terrifying and sinister power. That force was like an invisible giant hand, pulling tightly on the core fragment, as though it would swallow it the next second, activate the altar, unleash world-destroying power, and drag the entire universe into endless darkness and deathly silence, leaving behind not even a trace of life.

The tracking team captain gripped the control stick tightly, his fingertips white with force, cold sweat covering his palms. His eyes were full of resolve, without a trace of retreat. He stared fixedly at the fragment and altar ahead, at the crisis drawing ever closer. His voice was as heavy as the silence of space, yet carried the unwavering determination of one ready to die. "Everyone, prepare to activate the final interference device. Pour every last trace of energy into the interference system. Even if the spacecraft is completely destroyed, even if we are reduced to dust, we must delay it until reinforcements arrive! We will not retreat! We will not fail anyone!"

Meanwhile, Son Gohan, Gray Shadow, and Nappa were speeding through the depths of space. Howling cosmic currents roared in their ears, and cold outer space surrounded them. They could clearly feel that sinister power growing denser and more bone-chilling, and they could hear the piercing sound of energy resonance—a demonic sound that continually battered their eardrums and eroded their minds. All three knew time was pressing. Every minute and every second concerned Earth's survival and the peace of the universe. A life-or-death struggle over the fate of Earth and the universe was imminent, leaving no room for the slightest slackness. They had to accelerate, give everything they had, reach the scene before the fragment merged with the altar, stop this world-destroying disaster, and protect everything they cherished together.