He pivoted on his left foot, the Ruyi Jingu Bang sweeping in a horizontal arc that carved through the fabric of existence.
The Jade Emperor raised both hands, star-jade barriers erupting from his palms—each one harder than compressed neutron stars, each one inscribed with the fundamental laws that governed matter and energy.
The staff shattered them like soap bubbles.
CRACK
The first barrier exploded in a shower of jade fragments that burned like miniature suns as they scattered across the realm.
CRACK
The second barrier lasted a split second longer before following its predecessor into oblivion.
CRACK
The third barrier actually managed to slow the staff's passage—for exactly the time it took light to travel the width of an atom.
The Jade Emperor's perfect composure finally cracked completely. He threw himself backwards, his form becoming a comet of pure authority as he desperately tried to gain distance from the whistling staff.
