It is often said that people judge others with narrow eyes. Xuanwu Elder Shen Er had lain low within the Nine Heavens Palace for many years. Though he bore the title of Xuanwu Elder, it was a position neither high nor low—more impressive in name than in substance. In the eyes of the martial world, aside from the Nine Heavens Sovereign himself, the true elites of the sect were believed to be the Left and Right Envoys of Heaven and Earth, Li Han and Ling Yun. Who would have thought that today, with but a few palms, Shen Er would rise to fame across the jianghu?
To return to the matter at hand—Li Qi and Zhao Li had been blasted away by Shen Er's palm strikes and were still shaken. Bai Mu and Wang Ben were equally startled. The four of them stood momentarily at a loss. Yet Shen Er spoke respectfully:
"The Four Envoys, we agreed to exchange bare-handed techniques and test our skills. Shall we continue—or not?"
Li Qi fumed, "Shen Er, stop playing tricks. Those few techniques of yours—we've seen them before!"
Shen Er nodded calmly. "Indeed, I only have these few moves. Today, I merely wish to try them out."
He spoke plainly, yet to the four, his words sounded like mockery—as if to say: With only these few techniques, how is it that you cannot withstand them? The tension in the air thickened once more.
Bai Mu shouted, "This fellow thinks himself invincible! Let's attack together!"
Wang Ben, anger burning, said coldly, "Shen Er, if you wish to fight, I'll accompany you for a few moves!"
Before his words had even faded, he surged forward, palm thrust aimed at Shen Er's chest. Shen Er traced a subtle arc with his left hand and casually sent out a light palm. Wang Ben met it head-on—but with a loud bang, he was driven back seven or eight steps before regaining his footing.
Shen Er had used the technique "Feigning Refusal While Welcoming". Though his palm seemed light, its force was astonishing.
Even Shen Er himself was taken aback. "Such power in this palm!"
He could not conceal his delight.
During the battle at Mount Tianshan, Shen Er had been unable to comprehend how Ling Xian'er's gentle strike of the Seven Absolutes Palm could possess such overwhelming force. Now, as he employed it himself, its effectiveness was undeniable.
The Seven Absolutes Palm emphasized the harmony of hardness and softness—strength concealed within gentleness, gentleness infused with power. Shen Er, who had once relied only on brute force, ignorant of the subtleties of internal energy, now found that with one breakthrough came a hundred. After descending from Tianshan, he had studied the口诀 (mnemonic verses) and practiced diligently, refining each movement. By now, he had grasped nearly eighty percent of its essence.
Bai Mu shouted again, "This fellow really thinks he's invincible! Let's attack together!"
As he spoke, Wang Ben attacked from the left, Bai Mu from the right.
Shen Er nodded repeatedly, smiling. "Please, instruct me."
As their palms closed in, Shen Er moved his hands with effortless ease. Within his techniques lay the principles of Yin and Yang. At that moment, Li Qi and Zhao Li leapt in with a roar. Four against one—their fists and palms interwove, surrounding Shen Er.
Yet Shen Er remained calm, neither hurried nor flustered.
Inwardly, he recited the formula of "Half Push, Half Yield":
"Half push, half yield—this is the circulation of Yin and Yang.Emptiness and solidity complement one another.Strike without force; advance and retreat without strain.Intent leads the movement; gather energy without tension.Use intention, not strength.Guide force with intent, transform it into one's own—Only then lies true mastery."
As the five exchanged palms, Shen Er executed "Half Push, Half Yield." The Four Envoys, their blood heated, attacked with full force. Yet Shen Er turned their strength against them—redirecting the force of their left palms into his right, and their right into his left. Effortless and natural, heavy blows became light in his hands.
He relied not on brute force, but on intent.
Meanwhile, the Four Envoys suffered from their own rebounding internal energy, struggling to withstand the backlash—like striking themselves.
Li Qi struck with his left hand—Shen Er borrowed the force and struck Bai Mu with his right.Wang Ben struck with his right—Shen Er redirected it and struck Zhao Li with his left.
Suddenly, four powerful palm forces surged toward Shen Er at once.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
In an instant, all four were sent flying back once more. Their own full-strength attacks had been turned against them. They crashed to the ground, groaning in pain.
Shen Er stood firm, left palm and right fist clasped together in salute.
"Xuanwu Elder Shen Er thanks you all for your guidance."
Who would have thought that a single stroke of fortune could elevate a man above others?
During the battle at Tianshan, Shen Er had, by chance, received Ling Xian'er's instruction. Memorizing the inner cultivation methods and palm techniques, the confusion that had plagued him for years suddenly dissolved. With enlightenment came mastery; with one opening came a hundred. His martial skill had advanced by leaps and bounds. After today's battle, his name would surely resound throughout the martial world.
Right Envoy Ling Yun of Heaven and Earth spoke loudly:
"If your True God Palace seeks to dominate the jianghu, I'm afraid your strength is still lacking. Today's matter is not for you to interfere in."
Left Envoy Li Han added with a sneer:
"What's wrong? Not convinced? Our Xuanwu Elder Shen Er is right here—come and test him if you dare!"
At these words, the Dragon and Tiger Elders of the True God Palace—Qin Wei and Wang Tao—felt a jolt in their hearts. What had been an evenly matched situation had been overturned by Shen Er's sudden rise—like a gust of wind stirring still waters.
How could they retreat now?
Qin Wei stepped forward and said, "Xuanwu Elder Shen Er, impressive skill. Today's situation has been entirely overturned by you."
Shen Er replied, "Today I have gained sudden enlightenment. For that, I must thank the Tiger Elder for sending the Four Envoys to test me."
Wang Tao's expression darkened. Stepping forward, he flexed his fists.
"If that's the case, then allow me to test your skills myself!"
Shen Er, having just achieved mastery and eager to test himself against strong opponents, was delighted.
"If Elder Wang is willing to instruct me, nothing could be better. Please!"
With palms unleashed, divine skill flows,Marvels stir the martial world below.Who now will step forth to contest?With clasped hands, I welcome the test.