Faced with Layton's devastating killing move,
Qi Wu did not dodge. He raised his right hand, gathering purple lightning and black destruction power in his palm at the same time.
The two powers intertwined and fused in his palm, forming a ball of purple-black energy.
The energy ball was small, only the size of a fist, yet it radiated an aura that made hearts tremble.
Across its surface, purple arcs and black destruction power flashed in alternation, warping the surrounding air.
[Thunder Cursed Technique: Destruction Thunderclap]!
He thrust his hand forward. The purple-black energy ball collided with the silver-white beam.
Like a red-hot knife slicing through butter, the purple-black energy ball silently tore through the silver-white beam.
The beam split down the middle into two halves, swept past Qi Wu's sides, and slammed into the protective barrier behind him. The barrier shook violently, its outermost two layers shattering on the spot.
The purple-black energy ball broke through the beam and struck Layton head-on.
Boom!
Layton was blasted backward and slammed hard into the protective barrier. The barrier shuddered as he slid to the ground and dropped to one knee. Most of his dark blue suit had been shredded, exposing the skin beneath.
In the stands, the spectators erupted into thunderous cheers.
"Did Qi Wu win?"
"He's too strong! Even the Skyhawk Supreme Leader can't beat him!"
On the arena floor, Layton knelt on one knee, his head lowered, utterly motionless.
His torn shirt exposed bronze skin marked with blackened burns left by Destruction Thunderclap. His breathing was rapid, his shoulders trembling slightly.
Qi Wu stood where he was, watching Layton in silence, his gaze icy.
Layton slowly raised his head. His azure eyes held neither his politician's smile nor his composure, only a mechanical calm.
He raised a hand and