The referee raised a hand.
"Begin!"
Zhao Lu was the first to move.
He charged in with a confident burst of speed, his qi flaring gold-red behind him like trailing embers.
"Dragon's Claw!"
His fingers curved into a clawed strike, energy rippling down his arm as he launched a sweeping blow toward Fang Yang's midsection.
The force behind it distorted the air, accompanied by a faint roar like an awakening beast.
Fang Yang didn't back away.
He drew his sword in a single, smooth motion.
"Tyrant Light Sword—First Strike: Divine Line!"
A piercing beam of light exploded from his blade, shooting forward like a gleaming spear.
The two attacks collided with a shockwave that cracked the marble beneath their feet and sent a gust of wind howling through the arena.
BOOM!
The crowd gasped as both fighters were pushed back from the rebound, their feet skidding across the platform.