Chapter 195: Ziyang Divine Palm

Chapter 195: Ziyang Divine Palm

When the name "Qi Shaoming" reached the ears of those present on the bow of the ship, a chill ran through them.

Following the sound, even Su Mo was somewhat taken aback.

The Qi Shaoming they saw was not shouting from another boat.

His voice came from the water, and he was on the water.

Standing on the surface with his feet, swaying with the waves, he seemed like a divine being.

This scene was truly terrifying.

In the present world, those with exceptional martial arts lightness techniques could easily walk on snow without leaving a mark, walk on water, and leap over ten yards in a single bound. Even the skill of "Walking on Water" might not be impossible.

However, standing on the water's surface without any support was another matter entirely.

Such martial arts lightness techniques were never before seen.

Although at first glance, Walking on Water seemed superior, it must be understood that the circulation of internal energy and the execution of lightness techniques require some form of support.

Even Walking on Water relies on ground-based power, drawing a deep breath from the dantian to rise and thus walk on water.

But standing still without any movement and taking off into the air without support...

That’s not martial arts lightness techniques, that’s becoming immortal.

Standing on water without any support, relying solely on the slight force of the rippling waves, was hardly noteworthy.

How could it possibly support a person without them falling?

This person's lightness techniques... were truly divine!

The crowd looked at each other in astonishment.

In the midst of contemplation, they suddenly saw Qi Shaoming leap from the water's surface and, in one swift motion, land on the deck of the ship.

Looking down from above at everyone present.

"Ah, Jiaolong Association, Xuanlong Water Village, Red Leaf Gang... you're all here.

"Since you're all here, let's make it today.

"Everyone, I have a piece of advice.

"Fragmentation on the waterways is disgraceful. Now, under my name, let's form the Yanhe Water Alliance.

"Join me and participate in this great cause!

"From this day forward, you won’t fear the eastern factions of East City, nor will you fear a large-scale attack from the Fallen Phoenix Alliance in the west. Why not take this chance?

"Why continue to depend on East City's neglect of you and the Fallen Phoenix Alliance's reluctance to move east because of their fear of East City?

"This is why you're able to enjoy a peaceful existence in between these powers."

"Do you really intend to live this uncertain day-to-day life?"

Qi Shaoming looked down from above, speaking confidently, his voice spreading along the river, projecting an unparalleled air of authority.

Zhuge Changtian and the others looked at each other, wanting to refuse, but the sheer level of martial arts agility displayed by the newcomer had truly frightened them.

Moreover, they had set up a ship formation on the river surface, blocking all traffic.

How had this Qi Shaoming managed to navigate through the ship formation as if it were smooth ground?

To actually reach the other side of the riverbank?

These intersecting thoughts left them deeply unsettled, and for a moment, they didn't know how to respond.

Furthermore, Zhuge Changtian had gathered this group of people, and internal disagreements were already present.

While the goal of not forming an alliance was shared, this stance was already showing signs of crumbling under the overwhelming presence of the powerful Qi Shaoming.

Glancing around, Su Mo noticed that some wore hesitant expressions, while others frowned, clearly weighing the pros and cons.

As for Su Mo personally, an alliance on the river typically wouldn't concern him.

But first, there was the secretive activity of the Tao Tie Sect, seemingly plotting to control the southwestern region.

Then there was Evernight Valley, linking the river, plotting to take control.

And now, there was also this Qi Shaoming...

Su Mo couldn't be sure what role Qi Shaoming played in all of this.

Currently, the best outcome for him would be for the river’s major powers to remain unchanged.

But it wasn't his place to speak, being an outsider.

Ultimately, this was a matter for the river’s leaders.

As he pondered, he suddenly heard the chief of Xuanlong Water Village point at Qi Shaoming:

"What a load of bull! This so-called river alliance is just your word.

"What exactly is this cursed alliance, and where did it come from?

"Moreover, how long or short is the waterway?

"Talking about forming an alliance, but not being able to unite our strength—if someone really comes to attack, wouldn't it only be the nearby few who can coordinate offensively and defensively?

"In a real crisis, can we really count on you?

"More likely, you’d just come to visit our graves!"

Su Mo couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and glanced at the chief of Xuanlong Water Village.

During their brief previous encounter, this man had left an impression of a rash individual on Su Mo.

He often spoke without thinking, inadvertently offending people.

However, at this moment, his words were logical and his thoughts were crystal clear.

"Hmm?"

Qi Shaoming glanced at him. "Leader of Xuanlong Water Fort? Are you refuting my words?"

"So what if I am?"

The chief of Xuanlong Water Fort stepped forward, shouting fiercely:

"You think just because you say so, we'll act as if we’re clay in your hands?

"With just a few words from you, we should let you manipulate us?

"Today, if you can tell us the purpose of this alliance and what happens after it's formed, we might consider it.

"Otherwise, do you think we’ll obey your orders just because you say so?

"Hmph, I’m not your father, so why should I pamper you and let you act recklessly?"

"Very well!"

Qi Shaoming laughed heartily. "I never thought that today, in this place, I'd encounter a hero who dares to stand up to me. Let’s see if your bones are as tough as your words."

As he spoke, he suddenly appeared before the chief of Xuanlong Water Fort.

In an instant, his palm was aimed directly at the chief’s face.

The chief’s face darkened, and he took a deep breath, unleashing the Xuan Heavy Palm.

The technique itself wasn’t particularly special, merely fairly standard.

However, in the hands of the chief of Xuanlong Water Fort, it became exceptionally powerful.

At that moment, as their palms met, Chief Escort Su and the others immediately sensed something was amiss.

Qi Shaoming was highly skilled in martial arts, and the chief had to rely on his internal energy to counter him, which was no easy task.

As expected, when their palms connected, the chief’s body crumbled and he retreated to where everyone stood.

He spat out a mouthful of blood and yelled, "Chief Escort Su, save me!!!"

Su Mo was momentarily speechless but quickly grasped the underlying complexities.

The chief of Xuanlong Water Fort, though rough on the outside, was actually quite shrewd.

From the moment he spoke, he understood that Qi Shaoming planned to use his superior martial skills to intimidate and control the leaders present.

So, when he spoke, he had already prepared for this. Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, Qi Shaoming moved to strike.

The palms he delivered appeared powerful but were actually deceptive, concealing hidden weaknesses.

The collapse was intentional, as the chief of Xuanlong Water Fort used his opponent’s palm force to break free.

As he escaped, he shouted for help, having already calculated that Su Mo would intervene to save him.

If it had been any other time, Su Mo might not have necessarily intervened to rescue this cunning rogue.

But at this moment, Su Mo also did not wish for this alliance to actually be formed.

With that thought settled in his mind, he swiftly shifted his feet and moved in front of the chief of Xuanlong Water Village.

Qi Shaoming had failed to kill the chief of Xuanlong Water Village with his first strike and immediately pursued him. However, when he looked up, he saw a young man intercepting.

He didn’t pay much attention, merely sneered, and delivered a palm strike at Su Mo.

Moreover, because of the shout from the chief of Xuanlong Water Village just moments before, this strike was even more forceful than the one he had delivered to the chief.

Yet, Su Mo remained motionless and offered no resistance.

He allowed Qi Shaoming to strike directly, the blow landing squarely on the Shanzhong acupoint on his chest.

"Ah!!!"

The chief of Xuanlong Water Village, who had just called for help, turned pale with shock. "Chief Escort Su!!!"

Though he had harbored some ulterior motives, he knew that Su Mo was exceptionally skilled. In fact, Su Mo was the only reliable source of help among those present today.

Thus, he had previously counted on Su Mo’s martial prowess to fend off Qi Shaoming.

Never did he expect that Su Mo would not even dodge, allowing the strike to land directly on a vital point on his chest, the Shanzhong acupoint.

In that instant, he slapped his thigh, exclaiming in frustration, "Oh no, I’ve doomed you!"

As he spoke, he was about to rush forward.

But just then, a sound as loud as a great bell echoed through the area. Qi Shaoming’s face changed the moment his palm made contact with Su Mo’s chest.

To his shock, it felt like he wasn’t striking a living person.

It was as solid as a metal mountain, immovable.

In his confused moment, a massive counterforce rushed through his meridians, propelling him backward more than ten yards before he crashed into the water with a loud splash.

Su Mo hadn’t expected Qi Shaoming to be so straightforward—striking when he wanted and tossing him into the water in an instant without a word.

For a moment, Su Mo was unsure what expression to show and could only gently tap his chest.

Everyone present was left speechless.

Especially the chiefs of the other water villages. Although they had heard stories from Zhuge Changtian and the others about Su Mo’s formidable skills and righteousness…

Upon meeting him, they were somewhat disappointed.

After all, Su Mo appeared too young.

The saying goes, "A young man without a beard cannot be trusted," and martial arts require years of practice.

No matter how high his skills were, how advanced could they really be at such a young age?

But today, they saw with their own eyes that Zhuge Changtian and the others were right.

This person is truly a master of martial arts!

The chief of Xuanlong Water Village rushed forward but ended up standing next to Su Mo, the two of them exchanging puzzled glances.

He was about to check on Qi Shaoming, who had fallen into the water.

Suddenly, there was a sudden explosion from the water. Qi Shaoming leapt up, landing back on the cabin.

He looked down at Su Mo, his expression uncertain.

"Youngster, who are you?"

Su Mo was actually a bit surprised. He hadn't expected that this man, who had been injured by his internal force, now seemed completely unharmed.

Su Mo clasped his hands and said with a smile, "I am Su Mo, Chief Escort of Ziyang Escort Agency from Sunset City. Greetings, senior!"

"...Well met, indeed."

Qi Shaoming looked at Su Mo, his heart filled with shock.

While Su Mo was surprised, Qi Shaoming felt a sense of fear.

If he hadn't realized something was wrong when the palm force reached him and withdrawn most of his internal energy,

and because his martial arts had a unique mechanism that actually benefited from falling into the water,

otherwise, that palm strike would have severely injured him.

For a moment, he frowned and looked at Su Mo coldly.

"Ziyang Escort Agency? I've heard of it. Years ago, it traversed much of the Eastern Wilderness...

"But I've heard that the lineage of this agency has been deteriorating over generations.

"I didn't expect that this generation would produce a true hero!

"Su Mo? Chief Escort Su stepping up today, are you trying to meddle in our waterways?"

"Not at all."

Su Mo gently waved his hand.

"I am just a humble escort. The affairs of the heroes on the waterways, I wouldn't dare to interfere with.

"However, while I don't dare to interfere, I do have some friends on the waterways.

"Today, I'm not here to meddle in your alliance matters, but if someone thinks they can bully others with their martial prowess, acting recklessly,

"On this point, I cannot stand idly by."

"Are you saying I'm bullying others?"

Qi Shaoming's face turned pale.

Su Mo smiled slightly. "How could I say such a thing? Senior, please don't take it personally."

Qi Shaoming's pupils shrank slightly.

Although Su Mo was young, he spoke without leaving any room for misunderstanding.

And now, in terms of reason, he has already fallen to a disadvantage in this matter.

It might still be understandable to suddenly attack the chief of the Xuanlong Water Gang, since the chief had spoken arrogantly and deserved to be taught a lesson.

However, Su Mo stepped in, and without any greeting, he was suddenly struck with a deadly attack, which was a bit of bullying the young.

If bullying the young results in a win, it could be overlooked.

But after one strike, Su Mo was completely unharmed, while he himself was thrown into the water.

He, the feared "Water Hell" along the river, had lost face greatly today.

After much thought, he finally took a deep breath:

"Forget it, today I'll give Chief Su some face and put this matter aside for now.

"However... the leaders of the river region should know that Chief Su can protect you temporarily, but he may not be able to protect you forever."

After saying that, he tapped his feet, preparing to fly away.

"Hold on!"

Su Mo shouted loudly: "Senior, you should clarify your words before leaving."

As he tapped his feet, he was already mid-air, reaching out to seize him.

"Bold!"

Qi Shaoming's mouth curled into a cold smile: "I come and go as I please. Who dares to stop me?"

Turning around, he also sent out a palm strike.

However, as their palms met, Su Mo's technique suddenly changed from solid to feints.

Coincidentally, Qi Shaoming's moves also changed from solid to feints.

One of them intended to keep Qi Shaoming from leaving.

The other intended to take advantage of a move as the chief of the Xuanlong Water Gang and leave with momentum.

To his surprise, their moves turned out to be feints, and for a moment, they exchanged a few more blows in mid-air.

Qi Shaoming's moves were highly skillful. Although in terms of internal strength or protective skills, he was no match for Su Mo.

But Su Mo wasn't here to kill anyone, only to keep the man there.

For a moment, it was difficult to gain the upper hand.

Flying through the air, the two of them fought from the boat to the water.

Qi Shaoming walked on the water as if it were solid ground, moving and jumping without any issue.

Su Mo, on the other hand, kept moving, using his agile footwork to navigate the water surface, not daring to pause for even a moment.

Because a single misstep would send him into the water.

As he moved, his palm strikes grew fierce, determined to keep the man there by force.

With a strike, Qi Shaoming suddenly submerged into the water.

Taken aback, he suddenly sprang up. Just as he sprang, a hand had already emerged from the water, obviously aiming to drag him back into the water for another fight.

Qi Shaoming, known as the Waterborne Yanluo, was exceptionally skilled underwater.

While Su Mo may not be truly threatened, he would have no choice but to strike with lethal force to kill him once they were in the water.

Unfazed by the failed move, Qi Shaoming's body suddenly shot up from the water, his fingers and palms targeting Su Mo’s vital points.

Missing the target, he spun in midair and dived back into the water from the opposite direction.

In a flash, he had flipped back and forth more than a dozen times, water droplets scattering across the surface, stirring the entire river.

At that moment, Su Mo had no choice but to return to the water’s surface.

Internally, he was ready to defend against Qi Shaoming’s tactics.

Suddenly, with a loud splash, Qi Shaoming emerged from the water.

Using his lightness skill, he managed to remain airborne for a moment.

Then, crossing his hands, the water droplets around him were drawn in by his palm force, circling around him.

Pressing his left hand on the back of his right hand and flipping his palm, he pushed out a single palm strike, seemingly slow but actually swift.

Instantly, all the water converged into his palm, and as he struck, a palm-sized, purely water-formed imprint rushed toward Su Mo.

Even before it reached him, immense pressure spread across the river’s surface.

Waves surged beneath Su Mo’s feet, the water flowing in all directions.

Sighing, Su Mo crossed his palms in front of him, then flipped his hands upward, palms facing up.

His ordinary-looking palms turned a pure purple at a visible speed, emanating scorching heat from his pure Yang inner energy, which radiated through the air.

With the Yixuan Divine Art as his foundation, he combined three types of inner energy to execute this palm technique.

While it lacked the subtlety of Qi Shaoming’s palm techniques, its power was by no means weak.

The invisible force, upon contact, shattered the incoming water imprint.

With the imprint broken, Qi Shaoming, who was barely maintaining his position in midair, trembled and spat out a mouthful of blood.

At that moment, his face changed drastically:

"Purple Sun Palm!?"

Immediately, he forced up a reserve of inner energy, stacking both palms together and fiercely meeting the strike.

He felt a pure Yang inner energy, accompanied by immense force, rush through his palms instantly!

The next moment, his palms burned as his sleeves disintegrated into ash, and he was sent flying, splashing into the water.

At that point, Su Mo tapped his foot, flipping over to the side of the boat, peering over to see if Qi Shaoming would emerge from the water again.