Perched on a sturdy tree branch, the Saiyan's golden eyes gleamed with anticipation as he watched the battle unfold. Yun Yun danced through the sky, her emerald sword slicing through the air with deadly precision. Each of her strikes was accompanied by a torrent of wind, sharp enough to carve deep gashes into the rocky mountain below.
The Purple Crystal Winged Lion King roared, its massive wings unfurling as violet flames erupted from its body. With a mighty beat of its wings, the beast launched itself at Yun Yun, its razor-sharp claws gleaming under the sun. She met its charge head-on, her sword clashing against its hardened crystal claws, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
The Saiyan's blood boiled as he absorbed every detail. The sheer force, the clash of energy—it was intoxicating. His tail flicked behind him as he clenched his fists.
This… this is a real battle.
It was different from the fights he had experienced in the forest. The beasts he had fought were strong, but they lacked strategy. This? This was a test of skill, power, and instinct.
But even as Yun Yun matched the beast's attacks, he could tell she was holding back.
Her movements were precise, but her expression was conflicted. She wasn't fighting with the intent to kill.
Why?
Then it clicked.
She wasn't here to slay the beast—she was here for something else.
His sharp gaze scanned the battlefield, and then he saw it—a small, glowing purple crystal embedded in the rocks near the beast's nest. The Purple Spirit Crystal.
So that's her goal.
His mind raced with possibilities. Should he intervene? Could he use this situation to his advantage? He wasn't foolish enough to jump into a fight between two peak-tier combatants, but that didn't mean he couldn't gain something from it.
His system had already proven useful. If he could get his hands on a piece of that crystal, who knew what it could be converted into?
The Turning Point
Just as he was considering his next move, Yun Yun's expression changed. Her brows furrowed as she stepped back mid-air, her sword trembling slightly.
The Purple Crystal Winged Lion King let out a deep, rumbling growl before releasing a massive shockwave of violet fire. The explosion forced Yun Yun to retreat, and for the first time, she looked worried.
The Saiyan narrowed his eyes. She's getting tired.
She had been fighting at full strength for too long. The Purple Crystal Winged Lion King wasn't just strong—it was durable. It could afford to trade blows, but Yun Yun? She was burning through her Dou Qi reserves rapidly.
And that's when he noticed it—a second presence nearby.
A smaller figure hidden behind the rocks near the nest.
A cub.
His eyes widened.
This beast is protecting its child.
That explained everything. Why the lion was fighting so fiercely. Why Yun Yun hesitated. She wasn't just fighting a beast—she was fighting a parent trying to protect its young.
A twisted grin formed on his lips. Now this is interesting.
He had two options.
1. Stay hidden and observe. Let the battle play out and swoop in afterward to scavenge anything valuable. Low risk, but also lower reward.
2. Intervene. Assist one side—either helping Yun Yun claim the crystal or siding with the beast to test his strength. Higher risk, but the potential for huge gains.
His Saiyan instincts screamed for combat. He wanted to test himself. He wanted to push his limits.
But there was another factor.
The system.
He quickly accessed the Store, scanning through his available options. His current balance from hunting earlier was around 250 Gold Coins. Not enough for advanced techniques, but enough for some quick upgrades.
He scrolled through the Consumables section and found something useful.
Minor Energy Recovery Pill – 50 Gold Coins (Restores stamina and Ki instantly.)
Basic Ki Control Manual – 100 Gold Coins (Improves energy manipulation and efficiency.)
Without hesitation, he purchased both. A small bottle of pills materialized in his hand, and a rush of information about Ki control flooded his mind. He felt the difference immediately—his energy settled, becoming more refined, more focused.
His grin widened.
He had made his decision.
He was going to join this battle.
With a deep breath, he crouched low on the tree branch, coiling his muscles. Then, with an explosive burst, he launched himself into the fray.
Both Yun Yun and the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King snapped their heads toward him as he landed between them.
Yun Yun's expression flickered between shock and confusion. "Who—?!"
The lion growled, its eyes narrowing dangerously.
The Saiyan ignored them both. He rolled his shoulders, his tail swaying behind him as he cracked his knuckles. His blood sang with excitement.
"You guys look like you're having fun." He grinned. "Mind if I join in?"