The reason for throwing a palm strike first is because Shi Chun knows very well that given his cultivation and strength, facing Su Jikuan head-on without a stealth attack and trying to cut him down with a blade is almost impossible.
In his previous encounter with Chongxing, a disciple of the Thunder Sound Sect, he had already experienced the difference between his Earth Immortal Small Achievement cultivation and the Great Achievement Realm of others. The gap was not just a little; even when he put all his effort into a blade strike, the other could easily pinch the blade edge, preventing him from advancing further.
To face Chongxing was already such a struggle, let alone facing Su Jikuan, a top warrior of Beiju, and a master in close combat.
The only hope now lies in the hidden killing move within his 'Demon Dispel Hand'.
