Chapter 21: Settling Down on Paozu Mountain
"Young man, I can sense that this potion of yours is extraordinary. You've already used three vials just to save Goku — and even changed his personality in the process. What exactly is your purpose?
My grandson and I live a secluded life here by the mountains and rivers, far from the city. You could say we don't have a penny to our name. So why go to all this trouble and expense for us?"
With the immediate crisis resolved, Franklin finally let out a small breath of relief. Facing Son Gohan's question, he smiled — a warm, genuine smile.
"If I said I had no motive, you definitely wouldn't believe me. Honestly, I came here for the Power Pole. I'm curious about that weapon. If possible, let's use it as repayment."
Gohan hadn't expected such a straightforward answer. His eyes held both curiosity and suspicion as he looked at Franklin.
"The Power Pole? Young man, let's set aside how you even know about it — is that really all you're asking for?"
"Is it simple? Then let me add one more thing. I'd like you to teach me basic martial arts."
Gohan was even more surprised by this added request. He looked at Franklin in disbelief.
"Young man, are you joking with me? Facing you, I already feel powerless — and you're telling me you want to learn basic martial arts from me?"
Franklin had already made up his mind. Staying here would not only strengthen himself but also allow him to monitor the main storyline. After all, Gohan was destined to die at Goku's hands, and the Four-Star Ball was supposed to replace him as Goku's keepsake.
"That's right. I feel like a rich man sitting on a mountain of treasure without knowing the password — I have a powerful body, but I can't use it to its fullest. I hope you can teach me the fundamentals."
Seeing Gohan's hesitation, Franklin spoke frankly.
"I have no ill will toward either of you. If I did, I wouldn't have saved Goku.
If I did, I would've let you slap him to death just now, then dealt with you myself. If you still refuse, then so be it — I'll just think of it as saving an ungrateful wolf. Just give me the Power Pole."
Franklin's words struck the old man deeply. Gohan's expression grew solemn, his eyes firm.
"There's no such person in the Son family. I was in the wrong. I've grown cautious with age, especially now that I have a grandson. I was being paranoid this time.
Your kindness is beyond repayment, and your request is reasonable. Since you wish to learn, come with me. By the way, I still don't know your name, young man."
Following Gohan's lead, Franklin chatted with him casually along the way. Gohan tried probing into Franklin's background, but Franklin deflected every question with various excuses.
After several dozen minutes of walking, the three arrived at the small place where Gohan and Goku were staying. After some conversation and introductions, Franklin's lodging and training schedule were also arranged.
At dawn the next morning, a knock came at the door. Franklin, having just finished a night of spiritual cultivation, rose and opened it.
Standing outside, Gohan peeked into the room, a hint of confusion in his tone.
"Young Lin, did you not rest last night?"
Franklin was slightly puzzled by how quickly he noticed.
"Old Master, why do you ask?"
Gohan turned and started walking away, his voice drifting back.
"I like to leave small markers when I tidy things up. I noticed the impressions on your quilt and pillow haven't shifted — so I guessed you didn't use them. Forgive me for being nosy."
Hearing this, Franklin nodded in understanding. He didn't bother hiding it. After all, he would be living with the old man and his grandson for quite a while — and dealing with Goku for a lifetime.
He explained directly,
"I really didn't sleep. Because of my cultivation, I no longer have the habit. So, Master Son, there's no need to concern yourself with such trivial things. I can also take full responsibility for our safety at night."
Gohan had many questions after hearing that, but he didn't press further. Age had taught him to let many things go.
"I see. Getting old makes one nosy. Thank you for clearing that up, young man. Shall we start your training now?"
Franklin closed the door and quickly caught up.
"Sounds good. The sooner we start, the sooner I can leave this remote wilderness. There's no entertainment here, no internet or electricity — I'll go crazy if I stay too long."
Following Gohan out of the house, they found Goku already in the yard, diligently practicing various basic exercises.
"Goku, keep working on the basics I showed you. I'm taking Brother Lin deep into the forest to train."
"Okay, Grandpa! Brother Lin, be careful!"
Seeing Goku's personality return to the pure, innocent boy he remembered, Franklin finally felt at ease.
Walking behind Gohan, the two said little as they made their way deeper into the forest. Eventually, they reached a vast clearing, where Gohan stopped and turned to Franklin.
"Young Lin, let's start here."
"Start? What are you planning to teach me, old master?"
"I don't know your strength or your fundamentals, so I don't even know where to begin. I want you to attack me — however you like. I'll observe your movements and how you generate power to assess your basic level."
Franklin was surprised.
"Old master, no matter what, my strength is far greater than yours. What if I accidentally hurt you?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Gohan's face darkened.
"Young Lin, if you want to kill me, just say so. We're sparring — do you plan to go all out in a spar?"
Hearing that, Franklin gave an awkward smile. Seeing Gohan take his stance, he drew a deep breath and charged at him, holding nothing back in speed but restraining his power.
Once they were in close range, Franklin's attacks came fast and fierce — yet every blow was deftly deflected by Gohan. Even when he found an opening and landed a direct hit, the sensation was like punching cotton, leaving him so frustrated he almost cursed aloud.
In the blink of an eye, half an hour had passed. Franklin, moving at full speed, was drenched in sweat. The helplessness and frustration of not being able to land a single decisive hit were overwhelming. If this weren't just sparring, he would've already drawn his sword and cut loose.
As his patience wore thin, Gohan, noticing it keenly, suddenly called a stop. His eyes were filled with confusion and disbelief.
"How on earth did you reach such a high level of power with absolutely no technique? Did you just train like an idiot?"
To that question, Franklin could only nod helplessly. That was exactly what he had done — brute-forcing his body and cultivation to the Foundation Establishment level through spiritual energy alone, without a shred of combat experience. His only training was the three months of detail work he did at the end.
"All right, we can head back now. From this spar, I've seen just how lacking your fundamentals really are. You definitely need proper training. If you keep brute-forcing it like this, you'll waste all that extraordinary talent of yours."
(Support me and read ahead on Patreøn: patreøn.com/craxxtranslations.
3 new chapters are released daily—thank you for your support!
Powerstone Event: For every 50 powerstones, 1 chapter will be unlocked.)