Chapter 158 respectively

"The Tianshan Six Yang Palm emphasizes the transformation and interplay of Yin and Yang, and the balance of softness and strength. The first move, 'Spring Snow in the Sun,' begins with seven parts Yang and three parts Yin in the palm, and then transitions to three parts Yang and seven parts Yin when the palm strikes out, causing a sudden chill to rise..."

As he explained, he slowly extended his palm. His palm strikes were unpredictable, shifting left and right, sometimes forceful, sometimes gentle, with a subtle interplay of yin and yang energies within the palm's force. The temperature in the hall seemed to drop suddenly, and everyone felt a chill wash over them.

After Shi Potian finished explaining, Zhu Kui stood up, walked to Shi Potian's side, closed her eyes and pondered for a long time.

Then he praised, "This Tianshan Six Yang Palm is indeed exquisite and profound. The Taoists say that one rides the true nature of heaven and earth and controls the changes of the six qi to roam the boundless realm. This is probably what they are talking about."

She was originally a martial arts master with profound skills and exceptional intelligence. After Shi Potian explained it once and demonstrated it once, she had already grasped seventy or eighty percent of its essence.

She then discussed and exchanged ideas with Shi Potian again. By the time Shi Potian had practiced it for the third time, she had completely mastered the palm technique.

With a single palm strike, the sky was filled with palm shadows, and the cold wind made everyone think that the late spring chill was still lingering.

"Sister Long, you learn so fast!" Shi Potian said admiringly.

Zhu Kui smiled slightly: "Compared to Young Master Escort, who can see through the subtleties with just a glance, mine is insignificant. Young Master Escort, your palm technique is indeed exquisite. Each palm strike has the changes of Yin and Yang and the Six Qi. I'm afraid that people with insufficient internal strength simply cannot use it."

Shi Potian nodded: "Yes. This palm technique requires strong internal energy to support it; the deeper the internal energy, the greater the power."

Lin Zhennan said, "Your mother and I are no match for the two of you in terms of skill, so we probably can't learn it."

Qu Feiyan, however, was eager to try: "Uncle Lin, how will you know if you don't try? Let me try! Little brother, let me show you!"

Qu Feiyan was very quick to understand; she grasped the concept as soon as Shi Potian explained it, but problems arose as soon as she tried to practice it. She tried to use the palm technique taught by Shi Potian, but after only half of it, she felt her internal energy surging wildly, making her dizzy and almost causing her to fall to the ground.

"Ouch!" Qu Feiyan clutched her head and shook it. "My head is so dizzy..."

Shi Potian helped her up and said, "Your internal energy is not enough. The yin and yang changes in the palm technique are too complicated. If you force the palm to move when your internal energy is insufficient, you will hurt yourself. Don't rush to strike. Memorize the method of circulating energy. If you can't continue practicing, stop. I will help you."

Qu Feiyan pouted, somewhat unwilling, but she knew that Shi Potian was right, so she had no choice but to stand obediently to the side, silently memorizing the incantations and practicing what she could first.

Sarutobi Higetsu had also learned from watching, and then came up to demonstrate. His internal strength was much deeper than Qu Feiyan's; he was a first-rate master in both Japan and the Central Plains, with extraordinary martial arts skills and a good understanding of internal force.

Shi Potian demonstrated it several times, and Zhu Kui and Qu Feiyan demonstrated it again. He had already mastered most of it.

However, he was used to the unstoppable force of his swordsmanship, and his palm techniques were always lacking in subtlety and finesse. When he struck, his palms were either too forceful or too fierce, and he could never quite grasp the Daoist principle of carefree ease and tranquility.

"Brother Yuanfei, your palm strike was too forceful. The 'Yangchun Baixue' technique emphasizes the balance of yin and yang, and the softness within the hardness. You've turned it into a violent palm technique, which makes it lose its essence," Shi Potian patiently advised.

Sarutobi Higetsu nodded repeatedly, practicing over and over again. Although he couldn't master it immediately, he progressed quickly, and after a few days he could already use it to about 50-60% of its potential.

Lin Zhennan and Madam Wang were far inferior. While their combined swordplay and understanding of yin-yang principles were deeper than others, the palm technique was far too subtle. Their internal energy was insufficient, and their comprehension wasn't top-tier; how could they possibly learn it in a short time? Lin Zhennan listened to Shi Potian's explanation of the energy manipulation techniques, but he was completely bewildered. He managed to memorize a few key phrases, but forgot them all as soon as he tried to practice the palm technique. Madam Wang was about the same level as him, not much better.

"Father, Mother, don't rush. This palm technique is inherently difficult, take your time. We have time," Shi Potian said.

Lin Zhennan smiled wryly: "Ping'er, this palm technique is too profound. I'm afraid I can't learn it."

Shi Potian thought for a moment and said, "Father, Mother, you should memorize the incantation for circulating energy first, and don't rush to practice. I've discovered that although this palm technique is difficult to learn, the process of practicing it little by little can increase internal strength. As you practice, your internal strength will increase. It's not just a palm technique, but also a supreme mental cultivation method for internal energy."

He thought to himself that this palm technique was similar to the Xian Guo Xinling Drinking Fist Technique. The more he practiced that technique, the more powerful he became, because the process of fighting was the process of cultivating internal strength. Theoretically, he could keep fighting without getting tired.

Shi Potian was unaware that the Xiaoyao Sect's martial arts techniques were the most wondrous in the world. Besides the Tianshan Six Yang Palms, there was also the Lingbo Weibu, which was used to cultivate internal energy and was most similar to the Xian Guo Xinling Yin Heart Method.

Upon hearing about this benefit, Lin Zhennan's eyes lit up: "Really?"

Shi Potian nodded: "Give it a try. Practice the method of circulating internal energy dozens of times every day. Stop when you can't continue, and you'll gradually be able to circulate it all."

Lin Zhennan and his wife followed their instructions. For the first few days, they only felt a slight swelling and pain in their meridians as their internal energy flowed along the palm technique's pathways. While not to the point of dizziness—after all, they had been practicing the "Three Cups of Promise" technique for some time—it was still uncomfortable. However, after a few days, the swelling and pain gradually disappeared, replaced by a warm and comfortable feeling. Their internal strength had indeed slowly increased through practicing the palm technique.

Qu Feiyan also tried it. Her internal strength was the weakest, but her comprehension was the best. She learned the energy circulation method that Shi Potian taught her very quickly and saw results as soon as she practiced it. However, due to insufficient internal strength, she would feel dizzy and had to stop after practicing for a while each time.

Every day, Shi Potian would take time to help Qu Feiyan open up her energy channels using his internal energy. His internal energy was profound, and with the support of the Tai Xuan Scripture realm, his understanding of meridians and acupoints far surpassed that of ordinary people. Each time he helped Qu Feiyan pass through her energy channeling stage, he could control his internal energy with exquisite precision, clearing her meridians and resolving stagnation without harming her.

After each repetition, Qu Feiyan felt a warm, comfortable sensation throughout her body. Over the course of a few days, her internal strength increased significantly. Gradually, her dizziness subsided, and she was able to execute the move completely, her palm strikes already showing some promise.

Half a month later, Sarutobi Sun Moon's Tianshan Six Yang Palms were already quite proficient. Although not as good as Zhu Kui's, it could still be used to pull out the Life and Death Talisman.

Although Lin Zhennan and his wife progressed slowly, they persevered. Every morning, the two would practice their palm techniques in the courtyard, exchanging moves and sparring with each other. Shi Potian would watch from the side, occasionally offering a few pointers. After half a month, although their palm techniques were not yet fully refined, their internal strength had increased significantly, and the combined power of their sword and saber techniques had also reached a new level.

As for Zhu Kui, her martial arts skills were already superior to everyone else's. With just a little guidance from Shi Potian, she had already mastered them. In just a few days, she had perfected both Yangchun Baixue and Yangguan Sandie, as if she had cultivated for decades. When she sparred with Shi Potian, their palms clashed, and the six energies of Yin and Yang circulated, creating a subtle but evenly matched force.

"Sister Long, your palm technique is even better than mine," Shi Potian praised sincerely.

Zhu Kui smiled and said, "Young Master Escort is too modest. It's just that we have different understandings of the same palm technique." Zhu Kui was known for her speed in martial arts. In her hands, the Tianshan Six Yang Palm was more than three times the Yangguan Palm.

During these two weeks, besides teaching everyone palm techniques, Shi Potian also used his internal energy to heal Zhu Kui's injuries every day. Zhu Kui's internal energy had already recovered to 60-70%, and after these two weeks of recuperation, coupled with the increase in internal energy brought about by practicing the palm techniques, her internal energy finally recovered to 70-80%. Although she was still far from her peak, she was no longer in serious danger and was more than capable of protecting herself.

"Sister Long, your injuries are almost healed." Shi Potian withdrew his palm and smiled.

Zhu Kui felt the abundant true energy within her body, and the long-lost joy made her burst into laughter. Her laughter pierced the sky, startling everyone in Kaifeng City, who wondered why there were so many loud voices in the city lately.

Zhu Kui's eyes were full of gratitude: "Young Master Escort, I owe you so much for this journey. You are a great hero sent to me by heaven."

Shi Potian blushed and said, "Sister Long, you are my dart."

Zhu Kui smiled slightly and suddenly said, "Young镖头 (镖头 is a term used to describe a skilled镖师, meaning镖师 is a powerful figure in the world), I have heard that the Evil-Slaying Sword Technique is invincible, but I have not seen you use it along the way. Now that my strength has been restored, I am eager to test my skills against you. Why don't we have a sword match?"

Shi Potian was taken aback and hurriedly refused, saying, "Sister Long, please don't. I rarely use my sword with others, so how could I use it on you? Besides, your power hasn't fully recovered, and even if it does, there's a possibility of relapse. It's best to avoid using your sword as much as possible."

Zhu Kui had no choice but to give up regretfully.

That evening, Zhu Kui summoned Shi Potian, Lin Zhennan and his wife, Qu Feiyan, and Yuan Fei Riyue to the hall and said solemnly, "My power has been restored, and it's time to return to the capital."

Shi Potian was taken aback: "So fast?"

Zhu Kui said, "The matter of Hong Tai is of great importance. My brother, the Emperor, has been fed the Leopard Embryo Tendon-Changing Pill, and he has also implanted life-and-death talismans in the bodies of court officials. I need to rush back to deal with these matters. We can no longer stay here."

Shi Potian nodded, though somewhat reluctant, he understood the gravity of the situation: "Then, Sister Long, please be careful on your journey."

Zhu Kui said, "Young Master, don't worry. My martial arts have recovered to about 70 or 80 percent. With the Purple-Clad Envoy and the Embroidered Uniform Guard escorting me, I'll be fine."

As soon as the words were spoken, a woman walked in from outside the door; she was Zhu Kui's maid. Behind her followed a young man dressed in a flying fish robe, with an embroidered spring knife at his waist. His face was cold and his eyes were like lightning; he was clearly a master. The moment he entered, his eyes were fixed on Zhu Kui, and he didn't even bother to glance at the others.

The maid bowed and said, "My lord, Li Ruzhen, the Northern Garrison Commander, has arrived with his men. Three hundred elite Imperial Guards are already waiting outside the mansion."

Li Ruzhen, the Northern Garrison Commander, clasped his hands and said, "This humble servant greets Your Highness. I was extremely anxious when I heard that Your Highness was in trouble. As soon as the Northern Garrison Command received the imperial decree, I led three hundred elite troops on horseback overnight, and all arrangements along the way have been made."

Zhu Kui nodded and said calmly, "You've worked hard, Lord Li, but it would be better if you addressed me by my official title."

Li Ruzhen was slightly disappointed and lowered his head, saying, "Yes, it is my honor to escort the Embroidered-Robed General. It is not hard work."

But she dared not call him princess again.

Zhu Kui winked at the maid. The maid understood, took out a stack of silver notes from her sleeve, and handed them to Shi Potian: "Young Master Escort, this is the final payment for the escort mission. Fifty thousand taels, please keep it safe."

Shi Potian was taken aback and looked at Lin Zhennan.

Lin Zhennan quickly waved his hand: "Your Highness, you have taken such good care of us along the way, how could we possibly accept this escort fee?"

Zhu Kui smiled and said, "Chief Escort Lin, this is the rule. Once Fuwei Escort Agency accepts a shipment, they have to collect payment. If you don't, how can the imperial court entrust you with future shipments?"

Upon hearing that the imperial court would be seeking out the Fuwei Escort Agency again, which meant a steady stream of lucrative business, Lin Zhennan's face immediately lit up with a broad smile. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Then I will accept your offer without hesitation. From now on, the Fuwei Escort Agency will do its utmost to assist the imperial court with any escort missions."

Zhu Kui continued, "Chief Escort Lin, your Fuwei Escort Agency has made a great contribution to this escort mission. In the future, I will give priority to your agency when it comes to escorting goods for the imperial court. This is not just politeness. Therefore, Fuwei Escort Agency needs to reorganize properly and rebuild its structure. Otherwise, when business comes from the imperial court, you may not have anyone to take on the orders."

Lin Zhennan was overjoyed and repeatedly clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, saying, "Your Highness is right."

Lady Wang was overjoyed and said to Zhu Kui, "Your Highness, please take care on your journey."

Qu Feiyan rushed over and hugged Zhu Kui: "Sister Long, I'll miss you now that you're gone."

Zhu Kui patted her head and smiled, "Next time, I'll have your older brother bring you to the capital, and then we can meet again."

Qu Feiyan said, "It's not easy to see you in the palace. Are you going to stay here forever? I think the martial world is more suitable for you."

Zhu Kui smiled slightly, but did not answer. She turned to look at Shi Potian. The two looked at each other for a moment without saying a word.

"Young Master Escort, until we meet again," Zhu Kui said softly.

Shi Potian nodded: "Goodbye, Sister Long. I will find a solution for you."

Shi Potian was referring to finding the Yin-based martial arts manual for her, which would completely resolve the hidden dangers in her martial arts.

Zhu Kui smiled sweetly, flicked her sleeves, and took the lead.

The maid and Li Ruzhen followed closely behind out of the hall. With the purple-robed envoy and the Imperial Guards protecting them, they left Kaifeng Prefecture in a grand procession.

Before leaving, Li Ruzhen took a deep look at Shi Potian.

Madam Wang stood at the door, watching Zhu Kui's departing figure, and suddenly sighed: "Miss Long is gone, we should go too."

Lin Zhennan said to Shi Potian, "Let's go to Luoyang to visit your maternal grandfather."

Qu Feiyan's eyes lit up: "Luoyang? I'm going too! I'm waiting for Grandpa anyway, and Luoyang isn't far from here. I'll go with you!"

Shi Potian laughed and said, "Alright. I was worried you were going to leave us behind."

Madam Wang was also pleased: "Feifei, I'll miss you too. You should stay with Ping'er and not leave."

Qu Feiyan was secretly overjoyed.

Sarutobi Higetsu said, "My lord, I will naturally follow you."

The group packed their belongings and set off for Luoyang early the next morning.

The carriage rumbled and pulled away from Kaifeng. Shi Potian lifted the curtain and glanced back at the ancient city. The morning light shone on the city walls, vaguely resembling those in his dreams.

Qu Feiyan sat beside him, leaning on his shoulder, and whispered, "Little brother, do you think Sister Long will come looking for us after she returns to the capital?"

Shi Potian stared into the distance, lost in thought, before finally saying, "I don't know."

Qu Feiyan didn't know that the imperial palace and the princess were in the imperial court, while they were in the martial world.

As the carriage drove further and further away, Kaifeng gradually disappeared into the morning mist.