It crossed the distance in a blink, and Shang Jiao's eyes widened. She reacted on instinct, lifting her staff and angling it just right.
The arrow struck the staff with a sharp crack, sending a shock through her arms.
She was pushed backward several steps, boots scraping against the platform as she struggled to keep her balance.
She stopped herself, breathing hard, anger flashing across her face. "You cheater!" she snapped. "You changed weapons!"
Zetian chuckled softly. "When did I ever say I would fight you with a sword?" he replied. "A true warrior doesn't depend on a single weapon or lock themselves into one profession. In the end, it's all just energy manipulation."
As he spoke, the bow dissolved as well. Zetian brought his hands together, and a dense ball of glowing energy formed between his palms. The power within it pulsed steadily, restrained but dangerous.
Without hesitation, he drew his arm back and threw the energy sphere straight at her.
