Hong Lung 18 Palms is one of the most famous (arguably *the* most famous) martial art featured in Jin Yong's novels. It is the signature martial art of two of Jin Yong's most popular and accomplished protagonists, Kiu Fung and Gwok Jing, as well as that of one of the original generation of Greats of the CONDOR HEROES TRILOGY, North Beggar Hung 7 Gung.
But other than its association with great heroes and warriors, what is it that makes Hong Lung 18 Palms special as a martial art? The common perception of Hong Lung 18 Palms is that it is a fairly straightforward, simple style that enables wielders to hit very, very, very hard. But there is no shortage of martial arts in Jin Yong stories that also hit very, very, very hard...Ha Mo Gung, Iron Sand Palm, Heavy Iron Sword Technique, Lung Jeung Bor Yeh Gung, Sad Palms, and 7 Seung Fists are just a few other techniques that also hit very, very hard, and each of those has distinct, unique characteristics that define it beyond merely being hard-hitting.
So is there anything other than its tremendous impact (not exactly a unique, distinguishing feature) and its association with certain popular characters that makes Hong Lung 18 Palms special?