Chapter 288: Master-Level Fist Technique! Astonishing the Entire Arena!

"What the hell is that behind Lei Di's body?!"

"A shadow made of lightning! And it can move alongside the original body!"

Not only was Zou Taizhi stunned, but the audience watching the holographic projection also looked bewildered.

Fortunately, at this moment, on the commentary podium, Wu Yuan, Deputy Director of the National Education Bureau responsible for explanation, spoke up promptly:

"This is an A-rank lightning technique: 'Thunder Shadow Body,' formed by gathering lightning energy, capable of moving alongside the original body to strike."

Judging from the silhouette of the thunder shadow, Xu Jingming has only just reached beginner proficiency."

"The damage from each punch is roughly 30% of the original body's power..."

While explaining, Wu Yuan himself was also taken aback.

Thunder Shadow Body is a relatively rare technique.

He had only ever encountered it in the National Education Bureau's internal technique database—he had never seen it in real life until now.

As for why, it's simple enough.

Thunder Shadow Body is too weak; it only unleashes a portion of the original body's power.

Most of the time, it's merely used to disrupt the opponent's offensive rhythm.

It cannot amplify damage several-fold like a normal A-rank technique to decisively secure victory.

And learning an A-rank technique takes too long, so few energy users bother with it.

The moment he explained, the audience seats erupted in stunned exclamations:

"Even 30% damage knocked the Fist Emperor into spitting blood? Is Lei Di's physique really that formidable?"

"Indeed, this is completely incomprehensible..."

In previous matches, Xu Jingming had shown considerable physical strength, but nothing extraordinary.

Yet now, even an attack at just 30% of his original power

had sent a fourth-rank mid-level energy user with an enhanced-type A-rank ability bleeding—this spoke volumes.

"Xu Jingming must have trained in a physique-strengthening technique, which is why his body is slightly more robust."

Wu Yuan's voice rang out again.

Though his perception wasn't as sharp as Su Qingli's, he had still noticed something about Xu Jingming.

At the same time, he couldn't help but silently marvel.

A 19-year-old third-rank upper-level, powerful physique-strengthening technique, mastery of multiple A-rank techniques, an S-rank technique...

Any ordinary energy user would be proud to achieve just one of these.

Yet all of them are concentrated in one person.

More crucially, Xu Jingming's fist technique proficiency also seemed extraordinarily exceptional!

As the saying goes: a master reveals his skill with a single move.

From Xu Jingming's punching posture and explosive power, his fist technique proficiency was at least at advanced level!

"His spear technique and fist technique are both incredible, and he has an SS-rank ability—he's a complete genius!"

"No, I can't let Lei Thunder Dojo take him. He must stay with the National Education Bureau."

"If he shares his experience of becoming stronger, perhaps we can cultivate even more prodigies!"

Wu Yuan thought silently.

He decided that as soon as the final match ended, he would immediately meet Xu Jingming alone and do whatever it took to secure him for the National Education Bureau first.

Wu Yuan's voice carried throughout the entire stadium, including to Zou Taizhi on the arena.

"A-rank technique, Thunder Shadow Body? So that's how it is..." Zou Taizhi suddenly understood.

"So what if you understand? Can you still block it?"

Xu Jingming's brilliant golden dragon eyes locked onto him.

Then lightning surged, and his tall, muscular frame closed in again.

"I just got caught off guard earlier. One-on-one, I'm not afraid of you!"

Although that previous punch had made Zou Taizhi spit blood,

for a fourth-rank mid-level like him, it was merely a minor wound—no impact on his mobility.

He still swung his fists vigorously, charging at Xu Jingming in close-quarters combat.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!...

Both men punched with lightning speed, but Xu Jingming, with Thunder Shadow Body, struck with absurd frequency!

He was practically overwhelming Zou Taizhi!

Zou Taizhi spent most of his time defending, with only rare chances to counterpunch.

Even after landing a punch, he was immediately crushed by Xu Jingming's thunderclap-like fists.

This scene was beyond what any spectator had imagined.

"Holy crap! I feel like Lei Di's fist technique is even stronger than the Fist Emperor's!"

"Indeed, there's a peculiar offensive rhythm to it."

Before the match, almost everyone had assumed Xu Jingming abandoning his spear for fists was overreaching.

Yet now they realized his fist technique was just as refined!

Even surpassing Zou Taizhi, who specialized in fist techniques!

"How is this possible?! Is your fist technique also at advanced proficiency?!"

On the arena, Zou Taizhi, completely overwhelmed and struggling to defend, finally sensed something was wrong.

His expression suddenly changed as he realized something:

"No, no—it's not just advanced proficiency! Is it Master level?!"

At first, he thought Xu Jingming was overpowering him only because of Thunder Shadow Body.

But just now he realized—even without Thunder Shadow Body,

Xu Jingming could still suppress him, just not as intensely.

To achieve this level, beyond a formidable physique, his fist technique proficiency couldn't possibly be merely advanced!

"Congratulations—you're right!"

Xu Jingming, wreathed in golden lightning, smiled slightly:

"Then I'll reward you with immediate elimination—Lei Long Fist!"

Crackling—

Brilliant, dazzling golden lightning gathered on Xu Jingming's right fist.

The audience felt as if a miniature sun had risen from the arena.

Then, accompanied by a terrifying roar like a monstrous dragon, the miniature sun slammed into Zou Taizhi!

Puff—

With a single punch, Xu Jingming shattered Zou Taizhi's crossed arms and completely pierced through his entire right shoulder blade!

Hss—

Powerful lightning energy surged visibly outward.

It struck the energy shield surrounding the arena, causing it to shake violently.

"Such immense energy fluctuation!"

"Can a single punch really be this terrifying?!"

"If not for the energy shield, wouldn't even the residual shockwave of this fist technique obliterate us?"

"..."

Some ordinary spectators in the front rows swallowed hard.

On the arena, Zou Taizhi, struck by this devastating blow, crashed to the ground with a thud.

"Zou Taizhi has lost consciousness! Let us congratulate Xu Jingming on his victory in the first semifinal match of the solo competition!!"

The host Feng Le's voice rang out without pause!

In truth, he feared that if he announced too slowly, Zou Taizhi might die right there on the spot...

PS: Thank you to the great patron 'lzy Whalefall' for a cumulative gift of 300 yuan—special extra chapter added.

I wanted to add an extra chapter earlier, but never had the time—thank you so much.

Of course, thanks also to all other readers for your support and donations!