The Kamehameha and the Ki Blast collided in the center, creating a powerful energy sphere that neither side was willing to yield. A blinding light emanated from the clash, making it impossible for the spectators to open their eyes.
John did not exert all of his strength, considering that Tien was not an enemy and could potentially be a friend; there was no need to kill him. Therefore, the energy generated by John's Kamehameha was roughly equivalent to that of the Ki Blast.
The two forces resisted each other until they reached a stalemate, testing whose endurance would last longer.
Ultimately, Tien could not hold on any longer and let go, falling from the sky due to exhaustion.
John immediately noticed Tien's condition and ceased his Kamehameha as well. The energy sphere between them exploded, sending powerful shockwaves in all directions and emitting intense white light, forcing everyone to close their eyes, reminiscent of Tien's earlier Solar Flare.
After a while, as the shockwave and white light dissipated, everyone turned their gaze to the arena to see the final result.
They saw Tien lying motionless on the stage.
This time, no miracle occurred; as the announcer counted down from ten, Tien failed to rise again. The duel between the Kame-Sennin School and the Turtle School ended with John's victory, giving the Turtle School an early lead.
Chaoz quickly rushed to the stage to help Tien up, noticing his ki was extremely weak, almost lifeless.
John took a Senzu Bean from his pocket and walked over to Tien, placing it in his mouth.
Tien unconsciously swallowed the bean and suddenly opened his eyes, fully revitalized.
Although Tien did not know what John had given him, he realized that John had saved him. Given his previous state, he might have died from lack of energy.
Seeing that Tien was fine, John stood up and walked towards the contestants' resting area while Tien followed him, asking, "Why did you save me? Aren't we enemies?"
"Are you really that thick-headed? Is this world only black and white? Who told you that just because we don't have a good relationship means we are enemies? There is no hatred between us; why must it come down to life or death?" John replied.
"If you feel like I saved your life and you owe me, then live well and seek an opportunity to repay me," he suggested.
Realizing that Tien was still very concerned about this matter, John proposed this arrangement.
Having been saved already, could he really commit suicide? So Tien looked seriously at John and said, "Then it's settled; I owe you a life."
Seeing that they reached an agreement eased Goku, Krillin, Yamcha, and others' worries about further conflict; Tien's display of strength had earned their respect.
Just then, outside the arena, the announcer's voice rang out again: "Everyone just witnessed an incredibly exciting match! I must say it's no surprise coming from students of both the Turtle School and Crane School; their displayed strength has provided us with an excellent visual experience."
"I know everyone is still eager for more because I am too! Next up is the second match of the top eight in the World Martial Arts Tournament. One of our contestants is also a student of the Turtle School—Yamcha."
"His opponent is a strong Man-Wolf contestant. They are about to take the stage and deliver another visual shock! Let's give a warm welcome to both contestants!"
Hearing the announcer's voice and the audience's enthusiastic applause got Yamcha fired up. He had been itching to fight after watching John and Tien's match. He immediately said to everyone: "Now it's my turn; just watch my performance!"
Everyone cheered for Yamcha as they moved to the sidelines to support him.
When both contestants reached the stage, however, the announcer noticed that the Man-Wolf contestant seemed visibly sluggish and lacked any spirit. Before the match even began, he sat on the stage blankly staring at the audience.
Everyone felt puzzled. The announcer approached the Man-Wolf contestant with a microphone: "Excuse me, Man-Wolf contestant! What's wrong? The match is about to start; why are you sitting here looking so down?"
Initially reluctant to speak, it seemed that something came to mind for the Man-Wolf contestant. He grabbed the microphone from the announcer and shouted at the audience: "Jackie Chun! I know you're out there in the crowd! I want to ask you why you're not participating in this year's tournament?"
"Are you afraid I'll defeat you? You coward! Get out here!"
The shout startled Master Roshi in the audience; he had no idea when he had offended anyone.
The Man-Wolf's outburst made everyone aware that his target for participating this time was Jackie Chun; however, they were surprised that last year's champion was absent this year.
The announcer didn't rush to start the match but instead showed interest in asking the Man-Wolf: "Why do you want to defeat Jackie Chun?"
Fearing that he might not get a response from him afterward, he pointed at a nearby television broadcast: "This year's tournament is being live-streamed worldwide. Even if Jackie Chun isn't here, I'm sure he's watching this match."
Upon hearing this, the Man-Wolf contestant angrily replied: "I had no grudge against him initially! But what did he do? At last year's tournament finale, he destroyed the moon with a single Ki Blast!"
"And we Man-Wolves only return to human form when we see a full moon."
"But who would have thought Jackie Chun would destroy it? That directly cut off our chance to transform back into humans!"
"Because of this incident, I've been unable to date human girls! How can I not take revenge for this?"
The announcer never expected that this contestant's grudge against Jackie Chun stemmed from dating issues with human girls. He looked at him and suggested: "I think you could try dating other Man-Wolves?"
"I don't want furry girls!" The Man-Wolf shouted loudly at the announcer.
The announcer was momentarily stunned by his loud voice before recovering and awkwardly saying: "Well then! Let's look forward to your chance for revenge against Jackie Chun for destroying your moon."