Semifinals

Hearing that his match with Tien Shinhan was about to begin, Jackie Chun rose with a smile, rolling his shoulders as he said to Goku and Krillin, "Time sure flies. It's my turn to take the stage."

Krillin clenched his fists excitedly. "Master Jackie Chun, be careful of Tien Shinhan! He's a powerful opponent!"

Goku smiled encouragingly. "Go, Grandpa!"

Jackie Chun nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Don't worry."

On the ring, Tien Shinhan coldly sized up Jackie Chun, a trace of disdain on his face. "Hmph. Let's see what amazing skills you have."

Jackie Chun smiled faintly, utterly unconcerned. "Young man, there's no need to be so hot-tempered from the start."

Tien Shinhan said no more. He leaned forward slightly and took an attacking stance, a ruthless glint flashing through his eyes.

"Since you insist, then I won't hold back!" Tien Shinhan suddenly exploded forward, charging at Jackie Chun with a fist that sliced through the air toward his face.

"Not bad speed, but you're still a little lacking," Jackie Chun said calmly, easily dodging the first wave of attacks.

Tien Shinhan's eyes narrowed as he sneered. "Looks like you do have some skill. But the warm-up is over. Now the real show begins!"

Before his words had even faded, Tien Shinhan abruptly increased his power and rushed Jackie Chun again. Their fists and kicks collided as they battled from the ground into the air. The fierce impacts of their airborne exchanges and the deafening blasts of air shook the entire audience. They attacked one another in midair, their figures constantly shifting before they plunged rapidly back down.

After landing, Tien Shinhan and Jackie Chun continued their clash, every punch whipping up gusts of wind. Though both were clearly growing weary and breathing heavily, they tested each other's limits, neither able to gain the upper hand.

Jackie Chun stepped back half a pace and wiped the sweat from his brow. This kid really has what it takes. He's not only strong, but his endurance isn't bad either.

Jackie Chun smiled slightly. "My turn to attack." The instant he spoke, his figure blurred, splitting into eight afterimages. As though alive, the afterimages whirled around Tien Shinhan at high speed, attacking from every angle. They moved so fast that it was dazzling, impossible to tell which one was the real body.

Seeing this from the sidelines, Krillin said excitedly, "Tien Shinhan is going to lose! Master Jackie Chun has this in the bag!"

However, Tien Shinhan did not panic. Instead, he gave a cold smile and muttered, "Cheap trick." His third eye granted him extraordinary vision. He swept his gaze across every afterimage, rapidly analyzing the details of their movements one by one. In an instant, he caught sight of Jackie Chun's real body and pinpointed his true position.

Locking onto his target, Tien Shinhan threw a punch without hesitation, aiming at Jackie Chun's true body. Caught off guard, Jackie Chun took the heavy blow squarely in the chest. The immense force sent his entire body flying into the solid wall, cracking it apart in an instant as chunks of stone scattered everywhere.

Jackie Chun slowly slid down the wall to the ground, coughing lightly before regaining his footing. A trace of admiration flashed across his face. This kid really does have some skill.

With a faint smile, Jackie Chun unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it off the ring, where it landed right over Bulma's head. Bulma yanked the shirt off with one hand, staring at the ring in surprise as she muttered, "This old man is actually this strong?"

"Kid, I'm getting serious now." Jackie Chun's expression turned stern.

Tien Shinhan snorted disdainfully. "Whether you're an old man or anyone else, I won't hold back!" Before he finished speaking, he turned into an afterimage and charged Jackie Chun, his fists raining down in a dense barrage. Tien Shinhan was incredibly fast, his punches carrying fierce force that nearly sealed off every route Jackie Chun could use to evade.

Jackie Chun focused his gaze and precisely read Tien Shinhan's movements. In an instant, he firmly seized both of Tien Shinhan's hands, leaving him unable to move. Tien Shinhan found himself trapped, unable to break free no matter how he struggled.

"Is this strength enough?" The moment Jackie Chun spoke, he raised his leg and kicked Tien Shinhan in the abdomen. Tien Shinhan's face changed as he let out a pained grunt. Jackie Chun exerted force again, launching himself into the air and delivering an even fiercer second kick straight into Tien Shinhan's stomach, sending him flying skyward.

Tien Shinhan adjusted himself in midair and landed swiftly, anger rising on his face. He immediately counterattacked, his speed climbing once more as he closed in on Jackie Chun in an instant. He drove his knee forward in a rapid barrage, madly attacking Jackie Chun's face. Each successive impact produced dull thuds, and Jackie Chun took dozens of strikes head-on.

Jackie Chun's face was faintly reddened, yet he remained as calm as ever. Suddenly freeing one hand, he grabbed Tien Shinhan's shoulder and yanked him closer, immediately pulling them into close combat. Tien Shinhan seized an opening and grabbed Jackie Chun by the neck, while Jackie Chun resisted with all his strength and caught Tien Shinhan's arm in return. The two remained locked in a stalemate, nearly exhausting every ounce of their strength. The next second, their fists swung out simultaneously, smashing toward each other's heads.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" A series of heavy blows echoed across the ring, the impacts of fists against flesh reverberating endlessly through the air.

After their exchange, they sprang apart at the same time, staring at one another as they panted heavily. Jackie Chun's body was covered in fist marks, while Tien Shinhan's expression had turned solemn, beads of sweat seeping from his forehead.

This old man... his strength may have already surpassed Master Crane's, perhaps even... Tien Shinhan shuddered inwardly and no longer dared to underestimate the opponent before him.

Standing opposite him, Jackie Chun loosened up his limbs. It seems this really is the era of the young.

Tien Shinhan leaped into the air, shooting straight toward the sky before diving down at Jackie Chun with the speed and force of his descent. He launched a fierce attack with overwhelming momentum, and Jackie Chun immediately assumed a stance to meet him.

They clashed again, fists and kicks colliding with every strike producing a deafening impact.

In the heat of battle, a high kick from Tien Shinhan forced Jackie Chun back several steps. Tien Shinhan followed it with a whirlwind sweep toward him. Jackie Chun blocked it, but the force drove him back in staggered steps. Seizing the chance, Tien Shinhan lashed out with a fierce kick to Jackie Chun's chest. Jackie Chun was sent flying, crashing heavily near the edge of the ring, just barely avoiding slipping out.

Jackie Chun knelt on one knee and took a deep breath, a faint smile at the corner of his lips. He slowly rose and looked at the smug Tien Shinhan in the distance. Good kid. He actually pushed me this far.

Steadying himself at the edge of the ring, Jackie Chun looked at Tien Shinhan and said slowly, "You're already stronger than Master Crane. Why do you still remain under him?"

Tien Shinhan's expression shifted slightly, anger flashing through his eyes. He answered coldly, "My affairs are none of your concern. Don't speak ill of my master! You haven't even seen my true strength yet!"

Jackie Chun's face showed surprise. What? He hasn't used his true power yet?

With a cold sneer, Tien Shinhan assumed a fighting stance, his aura rising sharply. All three of his eyes locked onto Jackie Chun. The ring trembled faintly as Tien Shinhan's presence surged like crashing waves, pressing the air taut.

Standing in the center of the ring, Tien Shinhan brought his fingertips together in a triangle and gave a low shout. "Solar Flare!" A brilliant white light erupted from his body like the sun exploding, instantly engulfing the entire ring.

Everyone was blinded by the piercing light and could only raise their hands to shield their eyes.

Jackie Chun was also struck by the intense glare of the Solar Flare. His vision became a field of blinding white, and he could not see Tien Shinhan at all. Just as he struggled to steady himself, Tien Shinhan silently closed in, leaping up and driving his knee hard into the back of Jackie Chun's neck.

"Thud!" Caught completely off guard, Jackie Chun was struck and staggered before collapsing face-first onto the ring, unconscious. Having landed the blow, Tien Shinhan regained his footing. As the light gradually faded, he stood expressionlessly in the middle of the ring.

The audience gradually regained their sight and looked toward the ring. Tien Shinhan stood there completely unscathed, while Jackie Chun lay motionless on the ground. Waves of shocked cries erupted from the stands. No one could believe what they were seeing.

Seeing this, Krillin clenched his fists anxiously. Is Jackie Chun really going to lose?

Bulma also cried worriedly, "Mr. Jackie Chun will be okay, right?"

A cruel smile curved Tien Shinhan's lips as he said quietly, "I already showed mercy. I didn't kill you, but... from now on, you'll probably only be a vegetable."

Seeing Jackie Chun down, the referee began the count. The atmosphere instantly became tense. The audience held their breath, staring fixedly at the ring, pity written across every face.

"...Seven, eight, nine—"

Just as the referee was about to call "ten," Jackie Chun raised an arm and staggered to his feet. Rubbing the back of his neck, he grimaced with a bitter smile. "You really didn't hold back, kid. Don't you know how to respect your elders?"

Tien Shinhan gaped at him, his face filled with disbelief. "Th-This is impossible! How can you still stand?"

Jackie Chun looked at Tien Shinhan seriously. "Tien Shinhan, is this talent of yours really meant to serve someone like Master Crane? You shouldn't be under his control. You have greater potential and a brighter future. Try to break free of the darkness. Fight in the sunlight and carve out your own path."

Hearing this, Tien Shinhan's face darkened, anger flickering in his eyes. "Jackie Chun, stop lecturing me! I don't need you to tell me how to walk my own path!" The instant he finished, he lunged at Jackie Chun.

The two once again engaged in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Fist shadows crisscrossed the ring, and their collisions boomed like thunder. Every punch Tien Shinhan threw carried his fury, while Jackie Chun nimbly dodged and blocked, every counter precise and steady, as though showing Tien Shinhan what true martial arts meant.

The more Tien Shinhan fought, the more frantic he became. His punches were savage, but they failed to produce results, and he could not help growing agitated. Jackie Chun remained steady as a mountain, occasionally saying lightly, "Tien Shinhan, anger and hatred will only blind you. Only true strength can lead you to the essence of martial arts."

Hearing Jackie Chun's words, Tien Shinhan's rage intensified, and he unleashed an even fiercer offensive.

Master Crane suddenly shouted from below the ring, "Jackie Chun, there's a pretty young girl behind you!" Jackie Chun froze and instinctively turned around, expecting some pleasant surprise. Instead, he saw a large, plump woman with a broad smile waving at him.

Bulma nearly burst out laughing below the ring, while Master Roshi awkwardly scratched the back of his head. I'm still so easily distracted. Master Crane seized the moment to shout, "Tien Shinhan! This man is Master Roshi disguised as Jackie Chun!"

Tien Shinhan froze, his furious gaze shooting toward Jackie Chun. Knowing his identity had been exposed, Jackie Chun sighed. His expression turned serious as he said calmly, "Tien Shinhan, I am indeed Master Roshi. I stand here today because I don't want to see you go down the wrong path. You possess rare talent and potential, yet you have devoted yourself to someone who brings darkness into your life."

Tien Shinhan gritted his teeth. "Master Roshi, spare me your words! Master Crane trained me. He is my benefactor and master! You don't understand us at all!"

"True martial arts are not about continuing to obey. They are about pursuing your own path. Is the road you walk now truly your own choice? Or is it merely a goal Master Crane forced upon you?" After saying this, Jackie Chun slowly walked toward the edge of the ring.

Tien Shinhan watched as Jackie Chun stepped toward the edge of the ring, his face full of confusion.

Jackie Chun stopped, turned back with a faint smile, and a trace of relief shone in his eyes. Then he slowly jumped down from the ring. The referee froze for a moment before loudly announcing, "Tien Shinhan wins!"

The audience erupted in uproar. Tien Shinhan stood in the center of the ring, unable to react for a moment. He had never expected things to end this way. Jackie Chun clearly still had the strength to fight, so why had he chosen to withdraw?

Without looking back, Jackie Chun walked away, his retreating figure somewhat weathered. He waved lightly. "The future belongs to you young people."

Tien Shinhan stood dumbly on the ring, watching Jackie Chun's departing back, his heart filled with conflicting emotions.

The announcer loudly declared, "Next up is the match between Goku and Krillin!"

The audience below held their breath, eagerly anticipating the exciting showdown between the two fellow disciples.

On the ring, Krillin looked at Goku opposite him, but unease stirred faintly in his heart. He knew Goku's strength far surpassed his own, and he even felt as though he had already lost before fighting.

Goku keenly sensed Krillin's concern. Smiling softly, he gave him a thumbs-up. "Krillin, don't worry. Just give it everything you've got!" Goku encouraged him. "In martial arts, if you don't advance, you fall behind!"

Krillin took a deep breath, and his eyes gradually became resolute. He knew he could not retreat. Even if the gap in strength was enormous, he had to face it with the true spirit of martial arts. He took a fighting stance and silently swore to give it his all.

Goku smiled faintly and waited for Krillin to make the first move. Krillin swiftly gathered his energy and charged at Goku!

Below the ring, Bulma and Launch watched the upcoming match and began discussing it with great interest.

Resting her chin in her hand, Bulma stared unblinkingly at Goku and Krillin. "Who do you think will win? I think Goku is definitely stronger than Krillin."

Launch shook her head and said seriously, "Not necessarily. They're both Kame Style disciples, and Krillin is smart too."

Bulma smiled and shrugged. "But Goku always feels like the kind of person who'll win. Look at his expression. He's way too relaxed!"

Launch argued indignantly, "Maybe Krillin has some new move. He's so determined, so don't underestimate him!"

Goku stood where he was and suppressed his aura to the same level as Krillin's. Every one of his evasive movements was effortless and natural. He could predict Krillin's attacks without even looking.

Krillin launched a fierce assault, fists and leg strikes coming one after another at Goku. Yet Goku easily sensed every attack. He moved like a shadow drifting with the wind, always appearing at just the right moment in Krillin's blind spots. Krillin had already used every trick he knew, but he could not even brush the corner of Goku's clothes.

After dozens of consecutive exchanges, Krillin was panting heavily, dense beads of sweat covering his forehead as his movements gradually slowed. He looked at Goku unwillingly. Has Goku really become this strong?

Goku said softly, "Krillin, focus your attacks. Don't waste your strength on unnecessary movements, or you'll burn through your stamina quickly."

As he spoke, Goku gradually demonstrated his own understanding and techniques of martial arts through their sparring, subtly teaching Krillin how to adjust his breathing, control his rhythm, and eliminate unnecessary movements.

After every attack was deflected, Krillin worked hard to adjust himself. He tried to follow Goku's movements, absorbing the experience Goku was passing on to him.

Below the ring, Tien Shinhan quietly watched Goku and Krillin's match, but his heart was in turmoil. He saw with his own eyes how easily Goku handled every one of Krillin's moves, even using the fight itself to teach Krillin the essentials of martial arts. That calm composure stirred a hint of unease in Tien Shinhan.

The match continued for several minutes. Sweat streamed down Krillin's face, but he understood Goku's good intentions more and more clearly. He wiped the sweat from his face and resumed his stance. Goku looked at him with approval and nodded. "Not bad, Krillin. You've really improved."

Finally, seeing that Krillin had reached his limit, Goku waved a hand, sending a gust from his palm toward him. Krillin tried to steady himself, but the powerful wind forced him back continuously. In the end, his foot slipped, and he fell off the edge of the ring.

The announcer immediately declared, "Son Goku wins!"

The setting sun dyed the horizon red, its gentle light spilling across the ground as Bulma and Launch led Goku and Krillin toward a restaurant by the street. After a full day of intense matches, Goku and Krillin were already starving, and the aroma drifting from the restaurant made them swallow involuntarily.

"You two did amazingly today, especially you, Goku!" Bulma said with a smile, patting Goku on the shoulder. "Now let's celebrate properly!"

"Yeah! It's not often you two fight that hard. Order whatever you want!" Launch said, waving her hand generously.

Goku's eyes lit up. He eagerly grabbed the menu, pointed at dish after dish, and said without hesitation, "This, this, and this too. I want all of it!" Krillin did not hold back either, immediately ordering several dishes of his own.

Bulma and Launch watched helplessly. Launch laughed. "What a bunch of gluttons! But you really gave it everything today, so however much you eat is worth it!"

Before long, dish after dish was brought to the table, and Goku and Krillin dug in without restraint. As they ate, Bulma and Launch listened to them excitedly discuss the details of that day's matches.

"Goku, I threw hundreds of moves at you today and couldn't hit you once. How did you do it?" Krillin asked.

Goku smiled and gave him a simple explanation, not forgetting to encourage Krillin to continue honing himself. Bulma and Launch listened with great interest as well.

The glow of the setting sun streamed through the window, lending the meal an added warmth.