Karin's Holy Land

Karin, the sacred land of martial arts, was said to be the birthplace of Earth's martial arts.

It lay on a vast plain in the Northern Hemisphere, backed by a towering mountain range perpetually blanketed in ice and snow. The range stretched from south to north, rising into the clouds. Because of it, most of the moisture from the western ocean was blocked on the other side of the mountains, preventing Karin's Holy Land, though close to the sea, from becoming an overly rainy rainforest.

Karin's Holy Land was a vast sunken basin, spanning over a hundred kilometers and covered entirely in dense forest. From afar, it looked like a sea of green waves, constantly swaying in the wind.

At the very center of Karin's Holy Land stood Karin Tower, which connected to the Heavenly Realm.

Legend had it that only by climbing Karin Tower barehanded could one meet the immortal living atop it and receive the immortal's guidance.

More than two hundred years ago, when martial arts on Earth had been extraordinarily prosperous, martial artists had come in an endless stream to challenge Karin Tower. But a global catastrophe two hundred and fifty years ago had dealt devastating losses to Earth's martial arts schools, and they had yet to recover even now. As a result, far fewer people came to challenge Karin Tower than before.

But today, a figure was speeding toward Karin Tower. With a rush, a blur flashed past several snow-covered mountains, and a flat horizon came into view.

Mu Yang flew above the great forest of Karin's Holy Land and spotted a towering pillar stretching into the heavens. Rooted on the horizon, it pierced the clouds overhead, its upper portion hidden behind white drifting clouds.

"Finally, I've reached Karin's Holy Land. That thin line must be Karin Tower. It's unbelievably slender!"

Mu Yang stared at Karin Tower in the distance in astonishment. Seeing it in person was far more shocking than he had imagined.

He descended, gradually drawing closer to Karin Tower.

The tower's base was a little over two meters wide and deeply rooted in the earth. Its ivory-colored body was barely over a meter thick, made from some unknown material. All kinds of totemic patterns were carved into it—flowers and birds, human faces, and beastly figures. These totems might have represented ancient humanity's reverence for nature.

His feet touched the ground. Mu Yang looked up at the tower body whose summit could not be seen, then stretched on the spot, preparing to formally challenge Karin Tower.

This truly was the world of Dragon Ball. As long as one found the right method of training according to its rules, even an Earthling could obtain tremendous strength. It had to be due to the world's laws! Mu Yang knew that in his original world, he could never have cultivated the power he possessed now. It was probably because the universe was permeated by a force field known as "ki."

Now, he was about to challenge Karin Tower!

Suddenly, an arrow shot toward him, its icy tip gleaming with cold light. Mu Yang immediately reached out and caught it in his hand.

"This is no way to treat a guest!"

He planted the arrow in the ground and spoke coldly.

"Stop! What are you doing here?"

A man's voice came from behind him. With several whooshes, six or seven Indians with faces painted in stripes emerged from the woods, quivers slung across their backs.

These Indians dressed much like Bora from the original work. They held spears and arrows, wore animal-fang necklaces around their necks, and watched Mu Yang with guarded expressions.

"Guardians of Karin's Holy Land?"

Mu Yang raised an eyebrow, recognizing their identities at once.

Strictly speaking, not just anyone was qualified to challenge Karin Tower. Since it rose into the heavens, challenging it carried considerable danger. These guardians lived year-round in the great forest of the sacred land, regarding its protection as their duty. They were the first hurdle before anyone could challenge Karin Tower.

"Stranger, your skills are impressive. State your identity." The Indian at the front stepped forward with a spear in hand.

"Mu Yang, of the Tianxin Style. I came today to challenge Karin Tower." Mu Yang's expression was solemn.

The Indian looked surprised after hearing this. "You're Mu Yang, the champion of this World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament?"

Mu Yang was taken aback. He had not expected the guardians living in Karin's Holy Land to know about the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament. Then he remembered that this was not yet the later era when martial artists secluded themselves from the world. Exchanges between schools were still quite frequent, so he nodded. "That's right. I'm Mu Yang."

Once Mu Yang confirmed his identity, the Indians' attitudes visibly became more welcoming.

"Forgive our earlier offense. My name is Os, a guardian of Karin Tower."

Os, the leading Indian, offered an apology and gestured for his clansmen behind him to lower their weapons. Then he sighed. "You said you came to challenge Karin Tower? After all these years, someone has finally come to challenge it again. To be honest, this is no easy task. One careless mistake could cost you your life."

"My clansmen have tried as well, but all of them failed. Are you sure you want to challenge Karin Tower?"

There were not many members of the guardian clan. Only the most outstanding warriors were qualified to live near Karin Tower. Yet even they had failed, which showed just how difficult it was to challenge the tower.

Mu Yang said, "Thank you for your concern, but I prepared myself for this long ago."

Seeing how resolute he was, Os nodded. "You've traveled a long way to get here. Why not rest and recover first, then challenge it this time tomorrow?"

"No need. I'm in excellent condition, and I intend to challenge it now. I appreciate your kindness." Mu Yang shook his head in refusal.

Os stared at Mu Yang in surprise, then stepped aside to clear the way. "In that case, good luck."

"Thank you."

With that, Mu Yang faced Karin Tower. The muscles in his legs suddenly tensed, and with a whoosh, a whirlwind erupted from the ground. Borrowing the force of that burst, Mu Yang shot toward the sky like lightning. His toes lightly tapped the protruding joints of Karin Tower, and in just a few movements, he became a black dot that vanished from everyone's sight.

Below, the Indian guardians stared dumbfounded at the sky where Mu Yang had disappeared. They were completely stunned, never expecting him to possess such formidable strength.

Only after a long while did Os close his mouth. Looking at his clansmen, he said in disbelief, "That young man is incredibly strong. Perhaps he really can meet Karin the Immortal!"

"Yeah, as expected of the champion of the World's Number One Martial Arts Tournament!"

The others all praised him.

"No, he's far stronger than the champions of previous tournaments."

Os shook his head and looked once more toward Karin Tower as it disappeared into the clouds.