Three Years

Three years later!

The 11th World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament!

Mu Yang's eyes lit up. This was the first time he had figured out exactly what era of the Dragon Ball world he was in.

Previously, Earth's technological level had been underdeveloped and information had been scarce. Without an accurate point of reference, Mu Yang had never figured out how many years remained before the story began.

But the news about the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament that Aisafu had brought him gave him a reference point.

In the original story, Son Goku participated in the 21st World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament. Mu Yang was exactly ten tournaments ahead of Son Goku. At one tournament every three years, that would be thirty years! No, Mu Yang shook his head. The interval before the 21st World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament had been five years, not three.

Then ten tournaments meant fifty years. Adding the next three years, there were at least fifty-three years left before the story began.

By that calculation, he had actually "crossed over" into the Dragon Ball world fifty-four years before the story began.

Mu Yang could not help clicking his tongue. That was truly a long time. Fifty-four years from now, he would be in his sixties or seventies by the time the story began, an old geezer.

After learning about the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament from his teacher Aisafu, Mu Yang took his leave and returned to his little cabin, though his mind remained on the tournament.

Once he had confirmed the era he was in, Mu Yang instead felt at ease.

His eyes fell on the Energy Detector in its metal case, and the corner of Mu Yang's mouth curled slightly. "There's no need to think about matters fifty years from now for the time being. I should focus on training first. The upcoming tournament will be my first step toward making a name for myself in this world."

In the original story, Master Roshi, who had lived for more than three hundred years, was still vigorous by the time the story began. He was even known as the "God of Martial Arts" and remained active on the stage of history.

It was clear that once one's strength reached a certain level, certain methods could surely extend one's lifespan.

Legend had it that Master Roshi had lived so long because he had taken the Immortality Elixir, while another rumor claimed that he had eaten Undying Grass from the Undying Forest. Mu Yang did not know which account was reliable, but people like Master Roshi, Master Shen, Tien Shinhan, and Fortune Teller Baba had all lived for centuries. One or two could be called miracles, but when four appeared at once, there had to be a reason.

As long as that "reason" existed on Earth, Mu Yang believed that, with his knowledge of the Dragon Ball world, he would have a chance to obtain it as well.

With that in mind, his small goal of living until the story began no longer seemed difficult to achieve.

Of course, Mu Yang's goal was not to become an aged old man like Master Roshi or Master Shen by the time the story began. He not only wanted to live, but also maintain a healthy physical condition!

Early in the morning, the scenery was serene.

The wind rustled the leaves beside his ears. Frogs croaked softly along the field ridges, distant grass was covered in dew, and insects and birds occasionally called out within the quiet forest.

On a hillside, a young man gathered the energy within his body.

Suddenly, the young man tensed as though facing a great enemy. Scorching energy condensed at his fingertips into a deep-blue point of light.

With a stern shout, his arm shot straight out, and surging energy burst forth from between his two fingers.

"Tianxin Ki!!"

Like a laser sweeping across the air, the slender beam, accompanied by fierce gusts of wind, struck a rock weighing more than seventy pounds in the distance with a sharp whoosh. A deafening boom rang out as the rock exploded, scattering into tiny fragments. At the same time, a thick cloud of dust rose from the spot and obscured the view.

When the smoke cleared, Mu Yang panted faintly, satisfaction shining in his eyes.

His Ki Blast had finally reached his teacher Aisafu's level.

Three years had now passed since Mu Yang obtained the Energy Detector.

Day after day, for a full three years, Mu Yang had reached the age of seventeen. The boy he once was had grown into a poised young man.

Over those three years, Mu Yang's strength had continued to grow. After such prolonged training, his body had been strengthened considerably. Earthlings could not compare to Saiyans physically, so he could not undertake all kinds of extreme challenges without concern as Son Goku did. However, thanks to the effects of the Acceleration Space, Mu Yang's Battle Power had now reached 85!

This number was not high and could not compare with Son Goku and the others of the same period, but for an Earthling at present, he was already considered an expert.

Over the years, Mu Yang had not deliberately pursued a higher Battle Power. He had spent more of his time in the Acceleration Space comprehending the fundamentals of martial arts, striving to develop endless variations from every move before integrating and optimizing them. Mu Yang knew that Earth was merely a low-level planet, meaning its "ceiling" was very low.

A low level meant that once he reached the limit in the future, no one would be left to guide him. He would have to explore everything on his own. Thus, for the sake of his future development, Mu Yang had consciously tempered his comprehension during this early "limited growth period."

In fact, even Mu Yang's teacher Aisafu did not know that, without realizing it, his disciple had already gained the ability to fight him.

By now, even with every punch he threw, Mu Yang could feel his strength growing.

One day three years later, there was still one month before the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament was held.

Because transportation was underdeveloped, traveling from the Da Qingshan Mountains in the Northern Hemisphere to Maple Leaf Island in the southern region would take a great deal of time.

Thus, on this day, Mu Yang packed his luggage and, accompanied by his martial uncle Xis, set out on his journey to Maple Leaf Island.

"Mu Yang, do your best. It would naturally be best if you achieve good results, but even if you don't, gaining experience will still be worthwhile." At parting, Aisafu placed his rough palm on Mu Yang's shoulder and encouraged him.

"Please rest assured, Teacher." Mu Yang's gaze was bright, and his tone was confident.

"That's the spirit." Aisafu smiled at the sight and nodded gently.

Mu Yang wore a faint smile. He had every reason to be confident in his skills. The junior disciples around him stretched their necks one after another, watching Mu Yang in the center with great envy.

"As expected of Senior Brother. He even has the chance to participate in the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament!"

"If only I were that strong. The World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament... I really want to see it with my own eyes!"

"We will. At the next tournament, we'll definitely be able to participate!"

Thus, beneath the gazes of all his elders and fellow disciples, Mu Yang raised a hand and waved gracefully. He slung his luggage over his back and headed down the mountain with Xis.

The journey to Maple Leaf Island required taking a steam locomotive, and the nearest train station was nearly a hundred kilometers from the Da Qingshan Mountains.