Methods of Space Survival

One day, Goku and Kul of Yardrat chatted beneath the evening starlight. Goku eagerly shared his adventures on various planets, while Kul listened quietly with a gentle smile. Suddenly, Goku asked about experience in exploring the universe. "Kul, even though Yardratians aren't a warrior race, you possess special talents. Are there other races in the universe with special gifts?"

Kul pondered for a moment, a trace of depth in his eyes. "Goku, did you know? In the universe, life doesn't exist only in the forms we know. Some ancient wisdom is passed among us interstellar travelers... There are races that have truly mastered the ability to survive on their own in space."

"Without relying on spaceships? They can survive in the universe with just their bodies? Do people like that really exist?" Goku looked astonished.

"Yes. They can withstand the pressure and cold of the vacuum. This ability isn't something that can be learned overnight; it comes through thousands of years of evolution and inner cultivation. Rumor has it that they undergo a special form of spiritual training that not only strengthens their bodies, but also lets them form a subtle connection with cosmic energy." Kul smiled faintly.

"That sounds incredible! Can I learn that technique too? Where can I find them?" At Kul's words, anticipation lit up Goku's eyes.

Kul patted Goku on the shoulder. "In the star systems around Yardrat, you may occasionally encounter those 'Cosmic Walkers.' They often appear near certain interstellar ruins, which they consider sacred grounds for cultivation."

"Great! I have to go meet them. Maybe I really can learn how to survive like that!" Goku immediately grew excited.

Kul smiled encouragingly. "The interstellar ruins aren't far away. Since you're determined, you might as well investigate. But their cultivation isn't easy, Goku. You need to be mentally prepared."

Under Kul's guidance, Goku arrived in a remote star system near Yardrat. The light there was dim, the stars sparse, and the place gave off a mysterious, ancient air. Goku slowly landed his spaceship near some interstellar ruins surrounded by an asteroid belt. The air seemed to be filled with an unknown energy that made him feel unusually calm.

Goku stepped out of the ship and looked around, thinking that these interstellar ruins seemed to be the place where the rumored Cosmic Walkers trained. He took a deep breath and recalled Kul's warning: patience was important here. So Goku decided to wait and quietly feel the presence of the starry sky.

Before long, an alien in simple clothing that gave off a faint silver glow slowly emerged. His gaze held a sense of tranquility, as though he could see through everything. Goku sensed no hostility from him and stepped forward to greet him. "Hello, I'm Goku. I heard that you can survive in space. I really want to learn that technique!"

The alien smiled faintly and introduced himself. "I'm Shira. Learning to survive in the universe is no simple matter. But since you have such determination, I'm willing to teach you some basic cultivation methods."

Shira told Goku that surviving in the universe did not rely on powerful muscles or strength, but on blending one's life force with cosmic energy and reaching a state of resonance. He motioned for Goku to sit cross-legged, close his eyes, relax his mind, and sense the flow of energy through his body and the surrounding stars.

When Goku did as instructed, he felt his own aura gradually grow fainter, yet become more integrated with the rhythm of the universe. Shira said softly, "This state is called Ethereal Symbiosis. You must bring your own aura into harmonious balance with the aura of the universe. Don't force yourself to progress quickly. Patiently experience this feeling, and eventually, you will gradually adapt to surviving in a vacuum."

In the depths of the universe, Goku trained diligently day after day. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu, Yamcha, and Krillin were still training hard, running every day with heavy stones on their backs as sweat soaked through their clothes.

During a break from running, Tien Shinhan stopped. His brows furrowed as he thought for a moment, then he suddenly said, "If we keep going like this, even though we can feel ourselves improving every time, the gap between us and Goku will only grow wider. With this little training alone, I'm afraid we'll never catch up to him."

Krillin also stopped and nodded. "Yeah. Goku's growing way too fast. We need to find a way to break through this bottleneck. We can't stay at this level forever."

Yamcha spoke thoughtfully. "Since we can't keep up with his pace, maybe we can find better training resources, or train at Karin Tower. The training there might suit us better."

So they decided to set out for Karin Tower. There, they met Master Korin. After a thorough discussion and a series of trials, Master Korin acknowledged their determination and agreed to let them continue training at Karin Tower. Over the next two and a half months, their physical strength and combat skills improved significantly, and both their bodies and minds grew tougher.

When they were ready to continue breaking through their limits, Master Korin handed them the Power Pole. "This staff can help you reach Kami's Lookout and continue your training. I believe you can receive even greater tempering there."

Tien Shinhan and the others rode the Power Pole toward Kami's Lookout. When they arrived, they met Popo, whose expression was calm.

Inside the great hall of Kami's Lookout, they looked around and saw Kami—a face nearly identical to King Piccolo's. Even so, they were not overly surprised, since they had long heard of the relationship between Kami and Piccolo.

Tien Shinhan could not help whispering to Krillin, "This is unbelievable. He actually looks exactly like King Piccolo."

Kami swept his calm gaze over the group and slowly spoke. "I know your goal is to catch up to Goku, but cultivation cannot be accomplished overnight."

Popo stepped forward at that moment. "I will guide your training. You will undergo the training Goku once experienced."

They all nodded. Though they knew the training ahead would be even harsher, they were not afraid. Tien Shinhan strode forward, his eyes burning. "We're ready."

"Very good," Popo said with a slight smile. "Then we'll begin with the fundamentals." He led them toward the plaza of Kami's Lookout.

"You have come here not only to improve your physical abilities, but more importantly, to cultivate your hearts." Popo stood before them, his gaze sharp yet peaceful, as though he could see into each of their hearts. "Your current cultivation is already decent, but true strength does not rely solely on powerful bodies and techniques. It requires a heart as calm as the sky."

Tien Shinhan said nothing, repeatedly turning Popo's words over in his mind.

Popo continued, "Goku once trained here and learned how to remain calm in the fiercest battles, how to preserve peace of mind. Your task is to reach that realm and master true power."

The training that followed was completely different from what Tien Shinhan and the others had expected. Popo had each of them sit down and begin meditating.

"Cast aside all distracting thoughts and focus on sensing your own heart." Popo's voice was low and steady, carrying a soothing power. "Do not rush for results. Cultivation is a long road, and what matters most is peace of mind."

They began meditating according to Popo's instructions. At first, Tien Shinhan and the others all felt their hearts filled with restlessness, with all kinds of chaotic thoughts constantly surfacing in their minds. Tien Shinhan kept trying to drive away those distractions, but each time, they felt like invisible shackles wrapped around his heart.

"Let go of those thoughts. Let them drift past like clouds." Popo's voice rang out again, calm yet carrying an invisible guiding force.

Tien Shinhan closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to empty his mind. He stopped resisting the thoughts that arose and instead quietly observed them, allowing them to drift through his heart without being swayed.

Chiaotzu, Yamcha, and Krillin were also trying to enter that meditative state, and they discovered it was more challenging than physical training. Physical training could yield progress through constant effort, but calming the heart required casting aside every distracting thought and desire, allowing one's mind to settle naturally. Everyone progressed differently. Some quickly entered the state, while others remained trapped in the turmoil within their hearts.

Popo did not rush to interrupt them. He merely watched quietly.