"What? Grand Priest?" Beerus's sleepiness vanished instantly, his expression changing repeatedly. His drooping ears perked up immediately, and all traces of his usual laziness disappeared.
The Grand Priest calling personally was definitely no small matter.
"Lord Grand Priest, it's been a long time since we last spoke. How may I help you?" Whis immediately walked to the side, bowing slightly towards the crystal ball, his tone respectful. He nodded repeatedly as he listened. "Yes, yes, I understand. I will bring Mr. Goku over as soon as possible."
After speaking, Whis ended the call and turned to look at Beerus and Goku, a hint of seriousness in his eyes.
"What happened? What does Lord Grand Priest want with us?" Beerus's heart tightened, and he quickly asked, a trace of undetectable nervousness in his voice.
"Mr. Goku, there's something I need to trouble you with." Whis didn't answer Beerus first, but turned to look at Goku, his eyes full of solemnity.
"Me?" Goku pointed to his nose with his index finger, looking bewildered.
"Lord Zeno wishes to see you. He wants you to go to his palace immediately," Whis said with a slight smile.
"Huh? Lord Zeno wants to see me?" Goku was instantly overjoyed, his eyes lighting up. "Awesome! I was just thinking of going to see him anyway, and ask about the Universal Martial Arts Tournament. I didn't expect him to look for me first!"
"Alright then, let's depart immediately. We mustn't keep Lord Zeno waiting," Whis nodded in agreement, then added, "From Beerus's planet to Lord Zeno's palace, if I were to fly you there, it would take about two days."
"It takes that long? Is there a faster way?" Goku felt a headache coming on, scratching the back of his head. "My Instant Transmission doesn't seem to reach that far, so I can't teleport directly."
"There is a way!" Beerus suddenly interjected, his eyes darting around as an idea struck him. "Let that Kaioshin guy come and take you. He can reach Lord Zeno's palace in an instant, much faster than you flying there."
"That's a good idea." Whis smiled slightly and immediately raised his staff. "I'll contact Lord Kaioshin right away and ask him to come as soon as possible."
With that, Whis used the crystal ball on his staff to call Kaioshin.
"What? You want me to take you to see Lord Zeno?" Kaioshin's voice came from the crystal ball, filled with a mix of panic and reluctance.
Why me?
Good things never come my way, but troubles keep piling up.
Going to see Lord Zeno is such an important and dangerous matter.
And you want me to take them?
I'm scared to see Lord Zeno myself!
"Oh dear, Lord Zeno is eager to see Mr. Goku, and only Lord Kaioshin's Instant Transmission can get there the fastest," Whis said with a smile. "If we were to fly, it would take two days. If Lord Zeno gets impatient and feels we don't value him, he might even erase Universe 7!"
Kaioshin: "..."
Kaioshin instantly shivered, no longer daring to hesitate. The next second, he appeared on Beerus's planet via Instant Transmission, his face pale, his hands still trembling slightly.
Beerus's eyes held a smile.
Kaioshin is quite sensible, running faster than anyone at the mention of erasing a universe.
"So... shall we depart now? Let's not keep Lord Zeno waiting too long," Kaioshin took a deep breath, suppressing the nervousness in his heart, and suggested, his expression looking particularly solemn.
"Great! Thank you, Lord Kaioshin!" Goku laughed heartily, then turned to Beerus. "Lord Beerus, aren't you coming with us to see Lord Zeno?"
"Are you kidding? I'm not going!" Beerus flatly refused. He didn't want to face Zeno's overwhelming presence. He then sternly warned Goku, "Goku, you absolutely must not offend Lord Zeno. Be careful with what you say and do! You need to know that your attitude determines the fate of Universe 7. If you displease Zeno, we're all doomed!"
"Got it, got it. I'll be careful and won't say anything reckless," Goku readily agreed, but his heart was filled with anticipation, and Beerus's warnings were already thrown to the back of his mind.
"Then, let's go. We can't delay any longer," Kaioshin urged, afraid that another second's delay would lead to trouble.
"Wait a minute, since you're going to see Lord Zeno, shouldn't you change into more formal attire first?" Beerus suddenly thought of something, frowning as he suggested, "Goku, won't you look too casual wearing that martial arts uniform?"
"Is it that much trouble? Can't I wear this? I think it's quite comfortable," Goku felt a headache coming on.
"It's alright. Lord Zeno is not a god who cares about formalities," Whis said with a smile. "It's an urgent matter, so let's go first. We can explain when we see Lord Zeno."
"Yeah, yeah, Whis, you get me!" Goku nodded vigorously, eagerly walking over to Kaioshin.
The next moment, Kaioshin extended his hands, grabbing Goku's and Whis's arms respectively. A glow enveloped them as Kaioshin activated his Instant Transmission.
With a flash of light, the three instantly vanished from Beerus's planet.
When they reappeared, they were already standing before the colossal palace gates of Zeno's palace.
The pristine white palace floated like a jewel in the starry sky, surrounded by colorful nebulae, majestic and sacred.
The Grand Priest was already waiting at the palace gates, dressed in a blue-green robe, his hands clasped behind his back, a gentle smile on his face. Seeing the three appear, he slowly spoke, "Welcome to Zeno's Palace."
"It's been a long time, Lord Grand Priest. You're still as vibrant as ever," Whis bowed slightly, his tone respectful.
Kaioshin, even more reverently, bent over in a deep bow, not daring to lift his head.
He didn't even have the courage to look at the Grand Priest.
Goku, on the other hand, looked bewildered, curiously observing the Grand Priest.
Who is this person?
He looks ordinary, yet he gives off a powerful aura.
"Is that Lord Grand Priest?" Goku quietly turned his head, whispering to Kaioshin.
"Yes, yes... Mr. Goku, quickly greet Lord Grand Priest properly! Don't be rude!" Kaioshin panicked, quickly lowering his voice to remind him, afraid that Goku would do something out of line again.
"You must be Mr. Son Goku from Universe 7, correct? I've heard much about you," The Grand Priest didn't mind their small actions, instead smiling as he looked at Goku, a hint of appreciation in his eyes.
"Hi, I'm Goku, nice to meet you!" Goku waved his hand, greeting him casually, completely unaware of how informal his attitude was.
"'Hi' what 'hi'! Mr. Goku, you must bow and greet him properly, not so casually!" Kaioshin was so scared that cold sweat broke out, and he quickly corrected him, afraid of angering the Grand Priest.
"Ah... oh, hello, nice to meet you..." Goku was a bit flustered by Kaioshin's words, scratching his head, and awkwardly bowed slightly, imitating Whis.
"My apologies, Lord Grand Priest. It was a sudden matter, and Mr. Goku hasn't had time to change into formal attire or learn the proper etiquette for an audience. Please forgive him," Whis quickly interjected, a hint of apology in his tone.
"Don't mind such details. For Mr. Goku, this vibrant martial arts uniform might be the most formal attire," The Grand Priest smiled indifferently, his tone gentle, showing no sign of blame.
"Exactly, exactly! Lord Grand Priest, you're absolutely right! I'm most comfortable in these clothes!" Goku immediately nodded in agreement, feeling that the Grand Priest was very much to his liking.
"Please come this way. Lord Zeno has been waiting for a long time inside the hall," The Grand Priest smiled slightly, turned and pushed open the heavy palace doors, leading the way with steady and composed steps.
Goku, Whis, and Kaioshin quickly followed behind, walking through the starlit corridor.
The corridor stretched endlessly on both sides, as dazzling as the starry sky.
"Lord Grand Priest looks ordinary, but I always feel he's incredibly powerful," Goku quietly leaned towards Whis, lowering his voice.
"You can tell? Mr. Goku's perception is indeed sharp," Whis smiled, also replying softly. "As far as I know, the strongest god in the entire multiverse is Lord Grand Priest. Even if all the Gods of Destruction combined, they wouldn't be his match."
"Huh? He's the strongest god in the entire multiverse?" Goku's eyes widened, a look of shock on his face, his voice unconsciously rising a few octaves.
Whis quickly made a "shush" gesture towards Goku, a warning in his eyes: "Lower your voice. You absolutely must not say anything rude like wanting to challenge Lord Grand Priest, or you'll cause big trouble."
"Got it, got it. I won't say anything then," Goku nodded solemnly, then asked with some confusion, "But I thought Lord Zeno was the strongest god in the entire multiverse. How can it be the Grand Priest?"
"Lord Zeno is the greatest god in the entire multiverse, overseeing the birth and erasure of universes, possessing the highest authority; while Lord Grand Priest is the strongest god in the entire multiverse, responsible for assisting Lord Zeno, and also the father of all Angels," Whis explained simply, a faint smile on his face. "Greatness and strength are not the same concept; you need to distinguish between them."
"What you said makes a lot of sense. I think I understand now," Goku nodded thoughtfully, but another thought popped into his head. "So, if an Evil Dragon really emerges from the Super Dragon Balls, and I can't defeat it, Lord Grand Priest could help solve it, right?"
"Unfortunately, we Angels must remain neutral and cannot participate in battles between universes. This is the rule for Angels," Whis shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his tone. "Even if we encounter an enemy no matter how powerful, we can only observe and cannot intervene."
"Huh? There's such a rule? What if we encounter an insurmountable danger?" Goku was speechless, feeling this rule was too unreasonable.
"Isn't there Lord Zeno? Lord Zeno's power can solve any problem," Whis smiled, hinting meaningfully.
"You mean... an Evil Dragon will really appear from the Super Dragon Balls?" Goku suddenly reacted, his eyes filled with vigilance.
Whis saying this, does he already know there's a problem with the Super Dragon Balls?
Whis: "..."
Whis didn't expect Goku to be so perceptive. He could only give an awkward smile and change the subject: "We've arrived. Lord Zeno is inside. Let's go in."
Amidst their casual chat, the group finally arrived at the central hall of Zeno's Palace.
On the high platform in the center of the hall, Zeno was sitting on his golden throne. Seeing Goku enter, he immediately jumped off his seat excitedly, waving his hand in a friendly manner: "Welcome, welcome! Goku, you're finally here! I've been waiting for you for a long time!"
"Hi, Lord Zeno, long time no see!" Goku also waved his hand, his tone natural, completely devoid of nervousness in front of the "highest authority in the universe."
Kaioshin stood behind, trembling with fear, wailing inwardly.
Is that how you greet Lord Zeno?
Can't you be a little more respectful?
"Um... Goku, I want to be friends with you. Will you?" Zeno stopped, looking up at Goku, his eyes full of anticipation, like a child eager for a playmate.
Goku was slightly stunned, not expecting Zeno to say that suddenly. Then he laughed heartily: "Of course! I'd be thrilled to be friends with Lord Zeno!"
"Great! Then let's play together!" Zeno was excited, gesturing wildly as he suggested, "How about we play hide-and-seek? I'll hide, and you find me!"
Goku: "..."
Goku looked at Zeno's expectant eyes, feeling a bit amused and helpless.
"Instead of hide-and-seek, I have a much more fun suggestion, guaranteed to be more interesting than hide-and-seek," Goku said with a smile, his eyes full of anticipation. He could finally bring up the topic of the martial arts tournament.
"How dare you defy Lord Zeno's suggestion?" The two guards behind Zeno couldn't stand it anymore. They immediately stepped forward, glaring at Goku. "Lord Zeno said to play hide-and-seek, so you should obediently listen. What's with all the nonsense! Do you have a death wish?"
"You two, shut up!" Zeno's face darkened, and he sternly ordered the two guards, "When I'm talking to Goku, when is it your turn to interrupt? If you dare to speak again, I'll erase you!"
The two guards were so scared that they immediately shut their mouths, quickly stepping back and lowering their heads, not daring to speak again.
"Goku, tell me, what's your fun suggestion? I'll listen," Zeno turned back to Goku, the anger on his face instantly disappearing, replaced by a bright smile.
"It's the Universal Martial Arts Tournament! Last time we met, didn't we agree to hold a martial arts tournament with all universes participating? Did you forget?" Goku said with a smile, his face full of anticipation, his hands unconsciously clenching.
"Oh, that! Of course I didn't forget!" Zeno nodded thoughtfully, patting his head. "I did promise you that I would hold the most exciting martial arts tournament in the entire multiverse, where strong fighters from all universes would compete."
"So, when are you planning to hold it? I can't wait to spar with strong fighters from other universes!" Goku asked with some anticipation, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit.
"Since you're so eager to do it, let's do it right away!" Zeno decided immediately, without the slightest hesitation, very straightforwardly.
Goku: "..."
Goku was stunned for a moment, not expecting Zeno to be so decisive.
"You're really quick to act! Much better than Lord Beerus!" Goku chuckled. "So, when exactly will it start?"
"Grand Priest, when do you think would be a good time to start?" Zeno didn't answer immediately, but turned to ask the Grand Priest, who was standing nearby.
"Well, each universe needs time to select their contestants, and also to prepare the battle arena. Five 'ticks' should be enough time," The Grand Priest bowed slightly, respectfully suggesting.
"Hmm, it's decided then!" Zeno nodded, completely trusting the Grand Priest's arrangement.
"Um... how long is five 'ticks'?" Goku turned to ask the Grand Priest, looking bewildered.
"You're from Earth in Universe 7, aren't you?" The Grand Priest asked with a gentle smile.
Goku nodded, waiting for the Grand Priest to explain.
"Using Earth's time calculation, five 'ticks' is approximately 40 hours from now. It's just enough time for each universe to prepare adequately, and it won't make you wait too long," The Grand Priest patiently explained.
"Huh? 40 hours from now? That fast?" Goku was stunned, then immediately became excited. "I get it! I need to hurry back and tell everyone to get ready!"
With that, Goku turned, intending to take his leave.
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Goku," The Grand Priest quickly called out to him, smiling. "Now we need to summon all the Gods of Destruction and Supreme Kais from all universes to formally inform them about the martial arts tournament. We also need to finalize the rules and venue. Please wait here for a moment. Once the notifications are complete, I will send you back."
"Al... alright, I'll wait for you," Goku nodded, but couldn't help but ask, "By the way, do all universes have to participate? Can any universe opt out?"
"Yes, all existing universes must send contestants to participate. This is Lord Zeno's command; no universe is an exception," The Grand Priest smiled slightly, his tone carrying an undeniable authority.
Clap! (Sound of staff appearing)
The next moment, a staff appeared in the Grand Priest's hand. Facing the crystal ball at the top of the staff, he called out in a clear and powerful voice: "Angels, guides of every universe, this is the Grand Priest. Respond if you receive this!"
The Grand Priest's voice quickly transmitted through the crystal ball into the Angels' staffs in every universe, clearly reaching every Angel's ear.
The Angels of each universe dared not delay, immediately responding through their staffs, their voices uniform and respectful: "Received, Lord Grand Priest!"
"Is everyone listening?" The Grand Priest stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a gentle smile on his face, his voice steady and powerful. "There is something I need to inform everyone about. Please immediately contact the God of Destruction and Supreme Kai of your respective universes and come together to Lord Zeno's palace. Specific details will be discussed upon your arrival. That is all."
"Huh? That's it?" Goku was taken aback, scratching his head, his eyes full of confusion.
"Yes," The Grand Priest smiled and nodded, his tone carrying an undeniable authority. "Please wait for a minute; they will be ready soon."
"Oh my, oh my, it seems we don't need to go back. It saves a lot of trouble," Whis chuckled.
"Indeed," Kaioshin rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"However, Lord Kaioshin, you need to return to Beerus's planet first and pick up Lord Beerus," Whis added, turning to look at Kaioshin.
Kaioshin: "..."
Kaioshin's face instantly fell, groaning inwardly, but he dared not refuse. He could only brace himself and respond, "Yes... I'll go pick up Lord Beerus now. I promise to bring him here as soon as possible."
With that, Kaioshin bowed deeply to Zeno and the Grand Priest again, then used Instant Transmission, his figure flickering and disappearing, afraid of delaying even for a second.
A minute quickly passed.
"Time should be up. Everyone should be ready by now," The Grand Priest picked up his staff again, asking into the crystal ball, "Angels of each universe, please note, have you gathered your Gods of Destruction and Supreme Kais?"
"Yes, Lord Grand Priest!"
"Universe 10 is ready!"
"Universe 11, all present!"
The Angels' responses rang out one after another, neat and swift, without any delay.
Just then, the voice of Korn, the Angel of Universe 8, sounded with a hint of apology: "Lord Grand Priest, this is Korn from Universe 8. I apologize, Lord God of Destruction and I are ready, but Lord Supreme Kai temporarily went to the restroom. Please wait a moment."
"It's fine. You can come together once Lord Supreme Kai returns," The Grand Priest's tone was calm, without any hint of displeasure.
Goku: "..."
Goku's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Someone actually went to the restroom at such a crucial moment; that's just too comical.
"I am very sorry for causing trouble for everyone!" Korn's voice was filled with deep apology, quickly expressing his gratitude.
"Now, the gods of the other universes can begin to gather!" The Grand Priest spread his hands, a faint golden glow emanating from his palms, his tone becoming solemn.
"Oh, oh! Am I finally going to see the gods of all universes?" Goku's eyes lit up, a look of anticipation on his face. He couldn't help but lean forward, wanting to see what would happen next.
Whoosh! (Sound of spatial distortion)
The Grand Priest slowly spread his arms, then gently drew them inward. An invisible force spread out from him.
In just an instant, streaks of light and shadow appeared on the empty spaces on either side of the Grand Priest. The Angels, Gods of Destruction, and Supreme Kais from various universes appeared one after another. Upon landing, they immediately knelt on both knees, their bodies slightly leaning forward, respectfully bowing their heads, not even daring to breathe loudly.
Even Whis, who was standing next to Goku, was moved to his corresponding position by this force, kneeling alongside the newly arrived Beerus and Kaioshin. The entire hall instantly became solemn and dignified.
Goku stood rooted to the spot, marveling for a long time, his eyes filled with wonder.
This power was truly amazing; it could summon all the gods in an instant!
Goku glanced at the gods kneeling in two rows and noticed one empty spot, immediately understanding.
This must be because the gods of Universe 8 haven't arrived yet, since their Supreme Kai is still in the restroom.
"So amazing! Are these all the gods from every universe?" Goku exclaimed with emotion, curiously observing each god, especially the strangely shaped Gods of Destruction, which made him even more curious.
"Everyone, please raise your heads. We will wait a moment for the gods of Universe 8 to arrive, then we will announce the important matter," The Grand Priest said with a smile, his tone gentle, allowing the tense nerves of the gods to relax slightly.
The gods all raised their heads, their eyes filled with doubt and speculation.
It had been a long time since such a universal gathering of gods had been convened.
What major event could have happened?
Only Beerus kept his head down, fine beads of cold sweat seeping from his forehead.
What exactly did that brat Goku say to Lord Zeno?
I have a bad feeling about this. Is he going to cause some kind of trouble?
To be continued…
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