"What!"
Tang Junsheng's expression changed. Before he could fully register his surprise, the elder's other hand had already transformed into a palm and was striking towards him.
Tang Junsheng quickly raised his other hand to shield his chest, using his arm to block the elder's palm strike.
This palm strike from the elder had not condensed any Qi. It appeared soft and weak, but it was actually filled with hidden danger.
*Bang!*
The elder's palm struck Tang Junsheng's arm with force.
Tang Junsheng's face darkened, and he was sent flying backward.
While airborne, Tang Junsheng formed a strange hand seal with his fingers and chanted, "Condense, Earth-Anchoring Technique!"
As soon as Tang Junsheng finished speaking, a ball of gas erupted from the soles of his feet. His entire body felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds as he landed rapidly, standing firm. His complexion was slightly pale, and he sighed inwardly.
"Good heavens, truly a super expert from the previous generation. Just a few brief exchanges have left me so strained."
The elder looked at Tang Junsheng, whose complexion was slightly pale, and said appreciatively, "As expected of the 'Divine Skill Sorrows' of the martial world. Your Yin Hand of Tai Chi and the Earth-Anchoring Technique of the Corpse-Retrieving Sect are used with perfect mastery."
Experts on the Black List generally possessed their own unique skills, and among them, Tang Junsheng's ultimate skill was the most terrifying.
The reason Tang Junsheng could steadily hold the tenth position on the Black List was his monstrous ultimate skill: he could use any martial art he saw. Although not as powerful as the original, it was not much weaker.
Tang Junsheng was also famous for this ultimate skill, earning him the moniker 'Divine Skill Sorrows' in the martial world.
"Senior Yu, you jest. This junior has only learned a few superficial tricks," Tang Junsheng said with a smile, cupping his fists.
Hao Tian Quan and Cui Yiling, standing by, watched their battle with solemn expressions.
Although neither of them had aimed to kill the other, their combat was not something ordinary people could withstand.
Hao Tian Quan had a clearer understanding. If he were to truly fight Tang Junsheng with their lives on the line, he wouldn't gain any advantage; it would be a fifty-fifty match.
There were two reasons Tang Junsheng had struggled so much earlier.
Firstly, he had too many reservations. Neither side was fighting to the death; it was a sparring match, stopping at a point of mutual understanding.
Secondly, fear. Once a person fears their opponent, they are destined to lose. Whether in a battle between armies or a duel between two individuals, when the strength is comparable, a hint of fear guarantees defeat.
If Tang Junsheng had not been afraid, he could have at least matched the elder at a sixty-forty disadvantage.
The elder looked at Tang Junsheng and said calmly, "That should be enough. This old man has other matters to attend to. We shall spar a few more rounds next time."
Tang Junsheng let out a long sigh of relief. With Zhang Xiaoqiang's speed, if he could have held on for one or two more moves, he would have been able to escape the elder's pursuit.
"This junior dares to request another move."
As soon as Tang Junsheng finished speaking, he lunged towards the standing elder, his fingers condensing a dazzling golden light that sliced through the night sky, striking the elder.
The smile on the elder's face gradually disappeared. He raised his palm again, and with just two fingers, he caught Tang Junsheng's unstoppable strike.
"Is that enough, young Tang!?" the elder's voice turned cold, killing intent surging between his brows.
Tang Junsheng swallowed hard, withdrew the spiritual energy from his fingers, and said sincerely, "This junior was presumptuous."
The elder slowly lowered his hand, the killing intent in his brows vanishing in an instant. He revealed his earlier amiable smile and patted Tang Junsheng's shoulder. "No matter how strong your opponent is, the moment you fear them, you have already lost."
After speaking, the elder strode forward and continued on his way.
Tang Junsheng let out a long sigh of relief, inwardly lamenting. He had done his best to help, and he was also fortunate that the elder had not pressed the matter.
Although Tang Junsheng was confident he could escape from the elder, the price would undoubtedly be severe injury.
After the elder left, Hao Tian Quan walked up to Tang Junsheng and patted his shoulder.
Tang Junsheng sighed and shook his head helplessly, "A complete defeat."
Hao Tian Quan comforted him, "Brother Tang, don't mind it. After all, we were still making a name for ourselves when his reputation had already spread throughout the entire martial world."
Hao Tian Quan then changed the subject, "Your loss just now was not due to a lack of strength."
Hao Tian Quan did not explicitly state it, but Tang Junsheng understood what he meant.
"The human psyche is like this. Of course, when there is a vast gap between you and someone else, you will feel fear. Even if your strength later equals theirs, you will still uncontrollably feel fear. No one, no matter how powerful, can change this."
Hao Tian Quan shook his head helplessly. If he were to fight the elder, he would likely only be destined to lose.
Suddenly, an idea struck Hao Tian Quan, and he blurted out, "Elder Yu's surname is Yu, and Yu Daohen also has the surname Yu. Could they be..."
As Hao Tian Quan spoke, Cui Yiling and Tang Junsheng both looked at him.
Cui Yiling then shook her head, dismissing Hao Tian Quan's speculation. "It's unlikely. There are no rumors in the martial world about Senior Yu having descendants. If he did, wouldn't everyone know?"
After speaking, Cui Yiling continued, "I presume you two have also investigated Yu Daohen's background?"
Tang Junsheng and Hao Tian Quan exchanged glances. How could the background of the currently renowned Yu Ye of the martial world not be investigated?
However, the records indicated that his entire family were ordinary people. Yu Daohen's mother had passed away at his birth, and his father had tragically died in a car accident when he was young.
If Yu Daohen were truly a descendant of Senior Yu, then his father could not have met such a fate.