Chapter 16

Yamcha, Lin Ke, and the others rested for the night, preparing for the Tianxia Martial Arts Meeting the following day.

Shouts echoed through the night as people gathered, their energy and excitement building up for the competition.

As night progressed, silence enveloped the surroundings, and everyone, including participants and staff, found some rest.

The night passed with the rhythmic sound of snoring from the exhausted competitors.

With the sunrise, the martial artists gathered around the ring, ready to draw lots for the preliminary round. Eight finalists would be selected from eight districts through this draw, leading to the elimination round in the open square.

Lin Ke and Goku had donned the Turtle Immortal Sect battle uniforms provided by Master Roshi. Lin Ke gazed at the large "turtle" emblem on his attire, feeling like he was truly in the Dragon Ball world.

"Prepare for the draw and the preliminary round!" announced the familiar host of the Tianxia Martial Arts Association, recognizable by his distinct appearance with yellow hair and black sunglasses.

"This guy again!" Lin Ke couldn't help but comment.

As Lin Ke approached for the draw, he greeted the host, saying, "Nice to see you again."

Lin Ke drew for the preliminary round, and his opponent appeared to be an unfamiliar player with a seemingly smaller stature, suggesting an easier matchup. Goku, too, drew against an unknown opponent.

Lin Ke assumed that the final elimination match would likely include him, Goku, and their master, Chen Long, to avoid internal conflicts.

While observing his surroundings, Lin Ke noticed a contestant named "Bacteriological Man." The repulsive odor emanating from him made everyone cover their noses. Even Goku couldn't stand the stench.

"What's that horrible smell?" Goku exclaimed.

Lin Ke took a closer look and realized this was the same opponent Krillin had fought before.

"Have you not bathed for years?" Lin Ke couldn't help but remark.

The Bacteriological Man, still oozing thick fluids from his nose, chuckled and replied, "Haven't showered in years, hahaha." He nonchalantly flicked boogers at nearby contestants, causing them to gag and withdraw.

Many contestants immediately forfeited upon realizing they were up against him.

"Well, congratulations to 'Germ Man' for advancing," Lin Ke said, delivering a single punch to defeat his opponent effortlessly. It was clear that the early-stage Dragon Ball fighters were relatively weak, with only a few exceptions.

Goku also secured his spot in the knockout round.

Lin Ke observed that many contestants had already left, concluding that the martial artists from around the world were not as strong as expected. It was no wonder Mr. Satan, a later-stage character, could repeatedly win the championship.

With the top eight finalists decided, the audience in the outer field of the Tianxia Martial Arts Association began to grow in number. Bulma, Oolong, and Puar were waiting eagerly for Goku, as they had come to watch his matches.

"So many people. Oolong, why haven't Goku and the others come out yet?" Bulma inquired.

Oolong pointed out the display of the top eight finalists and explained, "Look, they're announcing the quarterfinals."

As the ring displayed the list of quarterfinals matchups, the familiar host took the stage with a microphone.

"Hello, everyone! The Tianxia Martial Arts Meeting, held every five years, is about to commence. Are you all ready?!"

Drums sounded in the ring, igniting the enthusiasm of the audience.

"Now, let's invite the association's director for a speech!" the host declared.

Bulma anticipated an inspiring speech, but to her surprise, a rather odd dog-like figure took the microphone.

The audience waited with bated breath, but after a long pause, all they heard was "Wang!"

Confusion spread throughout the audience as they wondered what had just transpired.

"Alright, thank you, Director, for your words," the referee intervened, prompting everyone to react with bewilderment.

"What kind of director is this?!" Bulma couldn't help but express her disappointment.

"The games are about to begin! Let's announce the match list!" the referee proclaimed.

The crowd erupted in cheers and anticipation as the martial arts competition was set to commence.