Originally Posted by
PJ
This has been discussed before.
Zhang Wuji was caught by surprise by the Xuanming Elders, so he might not have used his maximum power.
And yes, it is possible that Xuanming Elders did not have Xuanming Divine Palm against Zhang Wuji. If they don't use Xuanming Divine Palm, the "injure yourself" thing might not apply.
In HSDS, it was mentioned that a Xuanming Elder is only about half a level above Fan Yao. And their lightness kung fu apparently suck goose turd.
From HSDS chapter 24:
His hand was about a foot away from Zhao Min's shoulder when he felt
palm wind heading towards the left and right side of his body. These
palms were soundless and appeared out of no where. In shock, Zhang Wuji
brought both his palms out. His right hand met the palm attacking on his
right and his left hand met the palm attacking from the left. The four
palms clashed at the same time. Only to feel a strange powerful energy.
The palm force contained a matchless cold yin energy he knew well. It
was no other than the ?Xuan Ming Divine Palm? which tormented him in his
youth. Startled, Zhang Wuji channelled his Art of 9 Yang chi. Suddenly,
two palms hit him simultaneously on the left and right side of his body.
With a grunt, Zhang Wuji was thrown backwards.