A few days had passed since their shopping trip.
Su Ming decided it was time to head out.
He was planning to climb Korin Tower, meet the legendary Master Korin, and restock on Senzu Beans.
In the latter parts of the Dragon Ball world, Senzu Beans were practically strategic resources. While there were still a few jars left early on that could be used freely, once Yajirobe climbed the tower, the supply began to dwindle rapidly.
Later on, they were even forced to split a single bean into halves just to stretch their use.
Senzu Beans weren't just miracle medicine during battle they were also extremely helpful during intense training.
If he got seriously injured, Bulma would probably be worried sick. That wasn't something he wanted to see.
But with the beans, he could undertake even riskier training without concern.
Ki was far too mysterious. Even with the accumulated experience of his predecessors, he had merely opened the door to understanding it. To delve deeper, dangerous experimentation was unavoidable.
Just like in Dragon Ball Super when Goku fought Hit, he forced himself to use both Kaio-Ken and Super Saiyan Blue. Even then, Goku struggled to fully control his Ki during that fight.
Su Ming shared his plan with Bulma.
"Take me with you," Bulma said firmly.
"Don't you still have experiments going on? Can you really leave now? I promise I won't be gone long and I won't get hurt."
Su Ming knew Bulma didn't want to be apart from him, but this trip was for training. He wouldn't have time to keep her company.
Besides, he was heading to Korin Tower there was nothing up there. Bulma would just be stuck watching him train, which would be incredibly boring.
She might as well stay home and dive into the research she loved.
Bulma hesitated. Her experiments were reaching a crucial stage, and walking away now might cause her to lose her inspiration.
With a reluctant sigh, she agreed.
"Alright, I'll sit this one out."
Su Ming finally felt at ease.
But then Bulma changed her tone.
"But... if you take too long to come back, I'll come out there myself and drag you home!"
Once again, Su Ming saw the adorably fierce side of Bulma hands on her hips, lips pouting. She was the very picture of a cute teenage girl.
Before he could respond, Bulma added quickly, "And… no fooling around with other girls while you're out there, got it?"
Su Ming grinned but didn't answer. Instead, he simply stepped forward, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Bulma was startled by his look and took a step back instinctively. The next moment, she felt his shadow fall over her.
Over the past few months, Su Ming had grown even taller. He now towered over her.
"With the one and only radiant beauty Bulma by my side, why would I need any other flowers?"
With that, Su Ming didn't hesitate. He activated the Flight Technique and soared off into the sky.
He'd already scouted the location of Korin Tower beforehand.
Bulma, finally snapping out of her daze, flushed bright red. Her fists clenched tightly at her sides. She hadn't expected Su Ming to remember.
Back when she was young and naive, she used to call herself "the invincible youthful beauty" all the time. She never thought Su Ming would throw it back at her like this and in such a teasing way.
"You jerk, Su Ming! Just wait! When you get back, I'll show you what big sister's authority really means!"
Bulma yelled toward the sky.
After venting, she sank into a lovestruck daze.
What he meant was clear in his eyes, she was the only beauty that existed in the entire world.
And in her heart, he was the only one too.
Korin Tower was far, and it took Su Ming half a day of flying to reach it.
Staring up at the impossibly tall tower, Su Ming felt no urge to climb it.
Climbing wouldn't benefit his body anymore it was far too easy now.
With his Flight Technique, he quickly ascended straight to the top.
Upon arrival, he was greeted by the sight of a fat cat holding a staff.
"Young man, why have you flown up here? If you came for the Ultra Divine Water, I'll tell you now — with your current strength, it won't help you at all."
Master Korin looked at Su Ming with surprise. He hadn't expected someone this powerful to be walking around down on Earth.
Even that brat Roshi probably couldn't compare to this one anymore.
He could sense the tremendous energy inside this young man. If Su Ming had any intention of ruling the world, it wouldn't be difficult.
"Greetings, Master Korin. I'm still a beginner in martial arts, and I hope to receive your guidance."
Su Ming knew where his weakness lay. Despite having a strong body and good control over Ki, he lacked a true martial arts foundation.
In that regard, he was still inferior to young Goku.
Before he transmigrated, there was a popular saying online.
Vegeta clearly had more talent than Goku, but aside from the beginning of Dragon Ball Z, he never once surpassed Goku again after being overtaken.
There were many reasons for that but one of the biggest was Goku's childhood training. He was guided by many martial arts masters, which gave him rock-solid fundamentals and a heart that far outshined Vegeta's.
That was why Goku always stayed ahead.
Knowing his own weakness, Su Ming had no intention of letting it persist.
Master Korin and Mr. Popo in the Lookout were both people he intended to learn from.
He believed that with their guidance, his foundation could become just as solid.
Master Korin studied him carefully or more accurately, he was observing his Ki.
One could judge a person's character through their Ki.
Su Ming didn't resist. He just stood there quietly and let Korin look.
In Korin's eyes, Su Ming's energy might not have been pure sunlight, but it was filled with light — no trace of evil.
"Alright, young man. Tie this bell to your ankle."
With that, Master Korin tossed him a small bell.
Su Ming smiled and strapped it on happily. A bottle of water now dangled from Korin's staff.
"Here's your trial. Take the water from my staff without making the bell ring."
Su Ming nodded and sprang forward with precise control.
Ding-a-ling—
The bell chimed the moment he moved.
"Again."
Master Korin wasn't surprised. He gave a simple instruction.
"Don't focus too much on the movement. Treat the bell as part of your own body."
Su Ming nodded in confusion. When it came to martial arts, he was still a total newbie.
Soon, the sound of bells echoed nonstop from atop Korin Tower.
But Su Ming didn't mind. He enjoyed it focusing on controlling his breath and every little movement, working to minimize his body's disturbance.
As he kept practicing, his stomach growled loudly.
Right on cue, Master Korin called for a break. He walked over to a jar in the corner, fished around, and tossed Su Ming a bean.
"There's nothing else to eat up here. That's a Senzu Bean. One bean will keep you full for ten days — and it can instantly heal your injuries and restore your stamina."