Chapter 21: Major Breakthrough!

"Mr. Popo, it's my turn to go in now, right?" Xavier approached the entrance of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, addressing the guardian Popo with a friendly demeanor, while taking out several dozen Senzu Beans from his storage to prepare himself.

"Yes, Mr. Xavier, since you're ready, please follow me inside. However, I must clarify that while I will provide guidance, the actual training must be pursued on your own," Popo warned as Xavier approached the door.

"The master leads you to the door, the practice is up to the individual—I get it!" Xavier responded with an unconcerned smile.

The two of them talked as they stepped through the massive doors of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, and with a resounding "bang," the doors closed, completely isolating the two spaces.

Xavier, possessing abilities related to both time and space, was particularly sensitive to changes in spacetime. The very moment the door shut, he keenly sensed a whiff of the spacetime aura.

The reason it's called the "Hyperbolic Time Chamber" rather than simply "Time Chamber" likely has to do with the human spirit. The original creators of the Chamber might have considered the difference in the flow of time at the spiritual level compared to reality, and combined this with the application of spacetime energy to construct this facility.

Could it be that ancient Kaioshins who were masters of spacetime once existed?

Xavier pondered quietly.

Of course, the spacetime structure of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber isn't impregnable. Although it's stipulated that a person can only enter twice in their lifetime, this applies to most people. For those capable of breaking through the spacetime barriers, such restrictions are meaningless.

For beings as powerful as Super Saiyan 3 or Majin Buu, the rules of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber seem trivial, as their strength is sufficient to break the spatial constraints.

This is the essence of overwhelming power breaking all rules.

Could there be a space that even Super Saiyan 3 cannot break through? Xavier wondered suddenly. He was confident in his spacetime abilities and believed that with continued research, he could eventually develop an impregnable spacetime prison, perfect for imprisoning or sealing enemies.

But contemplating this was premature. Xavier shook his head, discarding the thought for now.

As they continued forward, passing through a narrow corridor, they emerged into a vast, white expanse—a boundless, open space.

This was a giant space with scorching heat, low air pressure, and ten times Earth's gravity.

They stood in a two-tiered temple, serving as living quarters where practitioners ate and slept. However, even such a majestic temple seemed minuscule within the vast expanse of the chamber.

"In the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, the usual food consists of water and dried flour, stored in the pantry inside," Popo reminded him on the side.

Hearing about the food, Xavier suddenly remembered one of the toughest challenges of training here—it wasn't the extreme temperature changes or the loneliness, but the lack of food. With only water and flour available, how could a Saiyan survive without meat and fish?

"No wonder Goku could only endure a few months during his first time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber. If it weren’t for the threat of the androids to Earth, he wouldn’t have entered again!"

Food is indeed important!

Perhaps the deity who built the Hyperbolic Time Chamber couldn't preserve food, hence only water and flour were provided.

Is this what they call "dry rations"?

Following this, Xavier began his training under Popo's guidance.

Now, in the vast white square, two figures stood in the center.

"I’ve learned about your previous training methods from Celine. They were quite basic but somewhat effective. Korin must have taught you to maintain rhythm in battle and minimize unnecessary movements," Popo stated, devoid of expression but with palpable goodwill.

Xavier nodded, "Master Korin believes we have mastered these principles well."

"Then, you’ll continue to adapt to this space. Before that, let me explain the essence of martial arts in more detail," Popo said, his expression unchanging, but Xavier could feel his sincere intent.

With a slight nod, Xavier listened as Popo, like a martial arts master, expounded his understanding of Ki and state of mind.

Popo must be a formidable philosopher! That was Xavier’s impression after listening.

Popo’s guidance was thorough, meticulously addressing Xavier's weaknesses. Given the extreme temperature fluctuations, thin air, and gravity ten times that of the outside world, wearing weighted clothing significantly affected Xavier, challenging him to adapt and overcome.

Previously believed flawless, Xavier's movements inevitably revealed gaps in this moment.

"Here, here, and here—these are superfluous. Your punches aren't crisp enough, and here you should better harness your energy…"

"Keep your mind calm, steady your form, move fluidly, and let the energy flow smoothly…"

Popo observed Xavier's movements closely, providing guidance as needed. Xavier, grasping the essence swiftly, continually adjusted his actions, striving to achieve a state where lifting weights seemed effortless and his mind as calm as still water.

Xavier was already an exceptional martial artist, simply lacking direction for future growth. Now, with Popo's guidance, he was quickly absorbing the knowledge needed to address his deficiencies.

Time flew by.

Each day, Xavier grew stronger, and soon, a year had passed in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber.

Still in his orange-red weighted clothing, Xavier floated mid-air, his legs straight, arms crossed in front of his chest, head bowed in deep contemplation, sweat beads the size of beans continuously dripping from his forehead.

Circles of transparent energy radiated from him, creating mirage-like distortions throughout the space.

Booooooooooooooooooooom!!

A white surge of energy burst forth suddenly, the cold harsh wind whipping up the surrounding dust into a swirling vortex.

Deep, dark red cracks in space began to appear and extend in all directions. These dark fissures, like bloodthirsty serpents, hissed menacingly, their sinister dark red hue sending chills down the spine.

Nearby, Popo watched emotionlessly, but even his usually unperturbed eyes flickered with a hint of shock when the spatial cracks appeared!

Exhaling softly and opening his heart to the sensation of newfound power, Xavier was pleased and retracted his energy.

As he calmed his energy, the deep fissures that had spread across the space began to disappear, healing under the chamber's restorative effects, and quickly returning to their original state.

The vast, empty space regained its tranquility after Xavier reined in his power. The scene that had just unfolded was like a fleeting illusion, quick to come and go, leaving no lasting mark in the Time Chamber.

The origins of the Hyperbolic Time Chamber are long forgotten, and besides the double-tiered temple provided for living, it's an empty expanse of relentless white, offering harsh living conditions. Although it cannot compare to the extreme environments found in space, it remains an excellent place for intensive training.

Especially at critical moments, it's the perfect place to maximize training time.

In the hot, expansive center of the square, Xavier stood motionless, eyes closed, adapting to his own strength—a simple and natural breath in, breath out. Like a young sprout about to break through the soil, requiring just a touch of sunlight and a bit of dew to thrive robustly.