386: Chapter 386 Unlocks New Skills: The Profound Meaning of Palm Techniques

Ma Jianguo looked around at his old friends before fixing his gaze on Fang Cheng, speaking in a deep voice:

"You should already have some understanding of the influential families and the aberrants, knowing that their sources of power are wide-ranging."

"Some possess innate Bloodline talents, blessed by nature; others undergo an accidental mutation due to some special encounter, gaining capabilities beyond ordinary humans."

"However, regardless of the source, to deeply unlock their potential, they ultimately need to use 'Meditation' to continuously deepen their perception and control over the Origin of their ability."

"And as for the Qigong in our traditional martial arts, especially the key Breakthrough when transitioning from the 'True Yuan Cauldron Forging' level to 'External Manifestation of Internal Vision', it also requires a 'Visualization Technique' method similar to 'Meditation'."

At this point, Ma Jianguo paused, deliberating briefly.

"I already mentioned this method to you when you first came to the Association."

"The two forms of Meditation seem to share commonalities, but their essence is completely different. As for the specifics, I can't describe them to you in detail right now."

"You only need to remember one thing: a Martial Artist's 'Visualization Technique' condenses and sublimates the three treasures of 'Essence, Qi, and Spirit', Cultivating one's life energy to the absolute peak to achieve the Realm of 'Unity of Heaven and Man'."

Ma Jianguo emphasized his words, adding:

"In this process, what's relied upon is primarily the Martial Artist's own persistent, painstaking Cultivation, rather than gifted Bloodlines, accidental mutations, or placing hopes in illusory gods and buddhas."

Wu Dewang supplemented at the right moment:

"In the thousands of years of the Xia Country's history, Martial Artists with confirmed records of reaching the supreme level of 'External Manifestation of Internal Vision' are few and far between, mostly existing only in legends."

"And in the last two hundred years, Senior Li Guizhen is the only person officially confirmed to have reached this Realm."

"Even if he possessed some family Legacy or innate ability from a mutation, that would merely be icing on the cake, simply accelerating his Cultivation speed."

"Therefore, A-Cheng..."

Ma Jianguo took over the conversation, looking at Fang Cheng with eyes full of affirmation and expectation:

"You don't need to worry that abnormal physical test results in the future will cause the Special Investigation Team to treat you as an anomaly. The path you walk is actually the same as Senior Li's—the purest and most orthodox path of the Martial Dao!"

He paused as if recalling something, then continued:

"In a little while, isn't my boy going to take the physical exam for the Special Investigation Team's re-examination?"

"When the time comes, I'll go with him to the Special Investigation Team headquarters. While I'm there, I'll greet an old acquaintance and register you as an 'Inheritor of Ancient Martial Arts'."

"That way, even if you display extraordinary abilities in the future, you'll have a plausible explanation, saving you from a lot of unnecessary trouble."

"Exactly!"

Zhang Haixiang slapped his chest, his voice booming like a bell:

"I also have a few good-for-nothing disciples in the Special Investigation Team. I'll give them a heads-up and see who dares cause trouble for the future pillar of our Martial Arts Research Association!"

"That's right! If anyone dares mess with you, they'll have to ask us old bones first!"

Wu Dewang and Chen Zizhen nodded one after another, offering their full support.

They had previously speculated about Fang Cheng's background, but at this moment, all doubts had vanished into thin air.

Apart from his terrifying martial talent, this young man before them was humble, polite, and gentle as jade in his interactions.

If anyone claimed he was a psychopathic, murderous monster, they would never believe it in a million years.

"Haha."

Dong Yunchuan echoed with a beaming smile:

"A-Cheng, with us old fellows backing you up, you can practice your martial arts with complete peace of mind."

"It would be best if you could reach the legendary 'External Manifestation of Internal Vision' level one day, then bring us all to the Special Investigation Team headquarters to open the eyes of those folks who look down on Martial Artists and take them down a notch!"

Fang Cheng felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He solemnly stood up, bowed deeply, and cupped his fists toward his Seniors:

"Thank you for your thoughtful support, Seniors."

This had been his main objective when accepting the invitation to the Martial Arts Research Association gathering and revealing his strength.

With these highly respected Senior masters with deep connections as his backing, his future actions would undoubtedly be much more convenient.

Ma Jianguo smiled and waved his hand. "We're all family here, no need for pleasantries."

After this heart-to-heart conversation, the atmosphere became thoroughly warm and lively.

The old men sat back down around Fang Cheng, continuing to discuss their respective martial arts experiences and insights.

Fang Cheng listened attentively while occasionally asking a few questions, feeling suddenly enlightened and gaining immense benefit.

He thought back to the Bottleneck he had encountered when specifically learning Karate earlier.

Although he had practiced various Moves and techniques until they were extremely adept, he had been unable to unlock the corresponding skill.

Taking this opportunity, he sought guidance from the Martial Forest Seniors:

"Seniors, when I previously practiced Boxing and Sanda, my style leaned toward being fierce, broad, and open. But in actual combat, I realized that this approach sometimes lacks flexibility and variation."

"Recently, I've also been trying to practice Karate, but I haven't quite grasped the essentials of the 'Knife-hand' technique, as if I've hit a Bottleneck."

"So, I would like to seek your guidance on the essence of Palm Techniques in traditional martial arts, hoping to take my combat techniques a step further."

Hearing this, everyone nodded slightly.

"A-Cheng, your idea of learning Palm Techniques to improve your combat skills is on the right track."

Professor Wu Dewang pushed up his glasses and smiled, saying:

"However, you got your research direction wrong."

"You should know that Karate was anciently called 'Tang Hand'. It was originally transmitted from our Xia Country to Ryukyu, and then from Ryukyu to Japan."

"Its core combat techniques borrowed heavily from our White Crane Fist. So if you want to truly understand and master the Knife-hand technique, you'd better look at its source first."

Fang Cheng was stirred. He immediately stood up and cupped his fists toward Wu Dewang:

"Please teach me, Junior Martial Uncle Wu."

"Alright."

Wu Dewang's interest was piqued, and he readily agreed. "Let's head over there, and I'll demonstrate it for you."

The group went to the open ground in the courtyard, excitedly gathering around to watch the lesson.

"As for Punching techniques, I won't talk about those."

Wu Dewang glanced at the corner of the courtyard, at the limestone rockery missing a huge chunk.

Recalling Fang Cheng's inhuman punch back then, he wisely refrained from trying to show off in front of an expert.

He cleared his throat and began his official explanation:

"As an important representative of Southern Style Martial Arts, the essence of White Crane Fist lies in imitating the posture and movement of a white crane. Its Palm Technique is actually more unique and important than its Punching techniques."

While speaking, Wu Dewang took his stance. Sinking slightly with arms spread, his Aura suddenly shifted, genuinely exuding the graceful elegance of a wild crane.

"Look, this is the 'Crane Beak Palm'!"

Before his voice died away, his five fingers pressed together and bent slightly like a crane's beak. With a flick of his wrist, he pecking-struck forward like lightning.

The movement was swift and short, carrying a sharp wind that aimed directly at vital points.

"This is the 'Swinging Palm', simulating the flapping of crane wings!"

Crossing his arm with palm facing outward, he used the edge of his palm as the focal point, carving a graceful arc to slash horizontally.

The movement appeared gentle, yet it contained the clever force of overcoming hardness with softness.

"And the 'Slashing Palm', striking like a blade..."

"'Pushing Palm', utilizing the power of waist and stance combined to generate a penetrating push..."

"The core of these Moves lies in combining short bursts of force with arced force redirection, paired with our School's unique 'Crane Cry' Breathing Technique. It can be hard or soft, with infinite variations."

Wu Dewang explained while demonstrating.

As his palm strikes opened and closed, crisp, clear crane calls occasionally sounded from his throat, matching the whistling of his palm winds.

Vaguely, it carried the Concept of a crane crying into the Nine Heavens, its sound shaking the four directions.

As he completed the demonstration of the Palm Technique, his body moved with fluid grace, fully displaying the demeanor of a grandmaster.

Fang Cheng watched without blinking, a sudden clarity dawning in his mind.

He realized that these palm Moves of White Crane Fist indeed shared remarkable similarities in force application and attack trajectories with Karate's Knife-hand and Spear-hand.

Swinging Palm and Slashing Palm were almost variations of the Knife-hand, while the Crane Beak Palm matched the piercing Concept of the Spear-hand perfectly.

Previously, he had only focused on standing in place and performing Knife-hand chopping actions.

He had overlooked finger and footwork variations, as well as the coordinated generation of force throughout the entire body.

Perhaps the reason he had been unable to unlock the skill was right here.

"Junior Martial Uncle Wu."

After watching Wu Dewang demonstrate all the basic Moves, Fang Cheng pondered briefly and asked:

"Do Palm Techniques in traditional martial arts also include finger techniques and claw arts?"

"Good question."

Wu Dewang nodded approvingly:

"Broadly speaking, indeed they do. A fist closes the fingers, a palm opens them. Palm Techniques, finger techniques, and claw techniques share similar hand shapes and originally stem from the same source."

"Just like the Move 'Crane Beak Hand' in White Crane Fist, which appears to be a Palm Technique but actually includes pecking strikes with the fingertips."

"And with 'Pushing Palm', at the moment of contact with the target, the five fingers can seize and grapple, transforming the palm into a claw."

"In martial terminology, this is called 'Palms and Fingers Share the Same Origin', bound by no rigid conventions."

He paused and continued his explanation:

"You work at a combat club, so you should know that palms are almost never seen in the ring, right? Because when attacking with the same amount of force, the impact generated by a heavy punch is far greater than a palm slap."

Fang Cheng nodded; this was a consensus in modern combat sports.

"However..."

Wu Dewang shifted the topic, a brilliant light flashing in his eyes:

"Why are Palm Techniques so crucial in traditional martial arts?"

"Because apart from the Palm Technique's high versatility in smoothly transitioning into other techniques, the most critical point lies in its synergy with 'Qi'."

Wu Dewang raised his right hand, spreading his five fingers.

"Imagine when True Qi circulates: is it smoother to have your five fingers extended like this, allowing the Qi channels to reach the fingertips? Or..."

Without waiting for Fang Cheng to answer, he slowly clenched his five fingers tightly.

"...is True Qi smoother when clenched tightly into a fist like this?"

Fang Cheng's eyes lit up, and he said without hesitation:

"When the five fingers are extended, the flow of Qi will be smoother."

"Exactly."

Wu Dewang nodded slightly and said in a heavy tone:

"Once clenched into a fist, the Meridians in the arm are compressed. With Qi and blood stagnating, it actually hinders the flow of True Qi."

"Therefore, for Martial Artists who have mastered Internal Skill, Palm Techniques are far better suited for utilizing True Qi than Punching techniques. When reaching the Realm of external True Qi release, the power unleashed is far beyond what a fist can achieve."

"It's just that the vast majority of people never reach the level of needing to use 'Qi', so naturally they think Palm Techniques are useless."

This explanation gave Fang Cheng a deeper understanding of the relationship between the skill 'Qigong' and combat Moves.

"I understand."

"Good, you try it. Run through the routine first."

Wu Dewang gestured.

Fang Cheng walked to the center of the ground, standing with feet apart, and slowly raised his hands.

Then, expanding his stance and unleashing his palms, he completely executed the White Crane Fist routine that Wu Dewang had demonstrated earlier.

Especially regarding Palm Techniques—from the pecking of the Crane Beak Palm to the wing-flapping of the Swinging Palm, and the chopping of the Slashing Palm—his movements were fluid, graceful, and precisely powered, as if he had been immersed in this Dao for decades.

Watching this, the old men applauded and cheered one after another.

As expected of the Genius of our Martial Arts Research Association—such extraordinary Comprehension Ability!

When Fang Cheng finished his routine and stood still:

Dong Yunchuan stepped forward as well, clearing his throat with a touch of pride between his brows.

"A-Cheng, if you want to learn Palm Techniques, you must study our Baguazhang well."

He puffed out his chest and said proudly:

"Among all the martial arts under heaven, there is still no consensus on whose kung fu is the absolute strongest."

"But if we're talking about whose Palm Technique is the most professional and offensive, it's definitely our Baguazhang."

"As the martial proverb goes: A single strike of the Single Change Palm travels under heaven without rival."

Dong Yunchuan hummed softly, shook his shoulders, and took a stance, proactively teaching Fang Cheng the secrets of Baguazhang.

"Baguazhang is also known as Eight Trigrams Continuous Palm, centered around the Eight Fixed Palms."

"It includes basic Palm Techniques such as piercing, inserting, chopping, parrying, horizontal striking, ramming, hooking, and flipping."

"Its technical features share much in common with Blade Technique, emphasizing rotation, piercing, and chopping, which is why it's also called the Unity of Blade and Palm."

He demonstrated while speaking. As his palms opened and closed, the palm wind whistled with heavy power.

"Besides practicing Palm Techniques, you usually need to combine it with circle-walking and body-swimming footwork. Look closely at my footwork..."

Dong Yunchuan stepped through the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams positions, his steps gliding as if wading through mud. His lower body was rock-solid while his upper body was exceedingly agile.

"This is called the 'Mud-Wading Step'. It grants the body tremendous elasticity and the ability to dissipate impact forces, excelling at avoiding strength to attack weakness from the flank or rear."

"In actual combat, we don't have rigid routines. Instead, through continuous circle-walking and palm-changing, our Moves flow endlessly, seeking opportunities for victory within constant change..."

He walked in circles, his body revolving like a Dragon, his dual palms fluttering up and down like butterflies threading through flowers, making for a magnificent display.

It shared some similarities with the airy agility of White Crane Fist, but with larger movements, a sturdier lower stance, and a heavier palm power.

Fang Cheng's eyes sparkled bright as he committed every single Move to memory.

Once Dong Yunchuan finished his demonstration, Fang Cheng stepped forward and executed a set of Baguazhang impeccably as well.

Although he still lacked subtle nuances in variations, after practicing the basic Palm Techniques once, he quickly became proficient and comfortable.

Even the "circle-walking" and "body-swimming" that Dong Yunchuan boasted were the hardest to master looked as though Fang Cheng had practiced them for months, thoroughly familiar and full of stance authority.

Fang Cheng's control over his muscles had reached an unfathomable Realm.

Combined with a photographic memory, any Move seemed to hold no secrets before him.

Dong Yunchuan was both astonished and delighted, immediately dragging Chen Zizhen over from the side:

"Old Chen, don't hold back! Teach A-Cheng your unique skills in Eagle Claw Kung Fu too!"

Chen Zizhen looked helpless. "Mine is a claw art, it has nothing to do with Palm Techniques."

"How can you say it has nothing to do with it!"

Dong Yunchuan glared:

"Didn't you hear Old Wu? Finger techniques and claw arts are also Palm Techniques in a broad sense! Don't dawdle. Don't worry, teaching an apprentice won't starve the master!"

Chen Zizhen couldn't win against him, knowing that if he didn't pull out something real today, he wouldn't hear the end of it.

He had no choice but to step forward and concisely demonstrate and explain the finger and Palm Techniques of grappling, seizing, locking, and trapping in Eagle Claw Kung Fu to Fang Cheng.

Eagle Claw Kung Fu emphasizes finger power, targeting tendons, seizing Meridians, separating bones, and dislocating joints. Its Moves are fierce, ruthless, and tricky, distinctly different from the former two styles.

Its core lies in generating force through the five fingers, replacing palms with claws to tear, claw, hook, and pinch—every Move targeting vital human joints.

Fang Cheng already possessed a foundation in Sanda grappling, making learning it even easier and more effortless.

After watching, he also ran through it once.

As he got into the groove, he no longer engaged in mere imitation.

Instead, he simply blended the agility of White Crane Fist, the deep vigor of Baguazhang, and the ruthless sharpness of Eagle Claw Kung Fu—three vastly different styles—together.

His body flickered and ambled across the courtyard; his arm span flowed as gracefully as crane wings, his spinning body as continuous and heavy as a swimming Dragon, with palms, fingers, and claws shifting at will.

At times he pierced forward with a palm strike, sharp as a spear; at times he chopped downward with a palm, fierce as a blade; at times he reached out as an eagle claw, fierce and tricky.

His entire body seemed to transform into a whirlwind with fluttering palm shadows and an astonishing Aura, stirring up gusts of whistling wind.

The old men watched dumbfounded, completely forgetting to applaud or cheer.

Fang Cheng was fully immersed in this brand-new experience.

He felt that his application of his "hands" had reached an unprecedented new height.

Fists, palms, fingers, and claws—these distinct forms were no longer isolated Moves, but an arsenal that could be switched and combined at will.

Suddenly, a brilliant light flashed before his eyes.

A familiar notification silently surfaced.

[Congratulations! Through diligent practice and mastery, you have successfully acquired a combat skill.]

[Unlocked Skill: Palm Technique Lv0 (0/100)] (End of Chapter)