Huang Rong from The Return of the Condor Heroes: Guo'er, calm down.

Could it be that I revealed my identity to Huang Rong, causing the storyline to fall apart?

Just as Yang Guo was lost in thought, Qiu Chuji continued, "This child will be with you from now on. He is the descendant of an old friend, so you must discipline him strictly and not be negligent."

Yin Zhiping glanced at Yang Guo, a hint of impatience flashing in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it and bowed, saying, "Disciple obeys."

The matter was settled.

The atmosphere inside the main hall became much more relaxed.

"Chief Huang must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest on the mountain for a few days?" Qiu Chuji urged.

Huang Rong glanced at Yang Guo subconsciously.

Yang Guo stood behind Yin Zhiping with his hands at his sides, looking like an obedient disciple.

"No, thank you." Huang Rong stood up, feeling a sharp pain in her waist. She quickly grabbed the corner of the table for support. "The battle in Xiangyang is critical. I need to hurry back to help Brother Jing. Now that Guo'er is settled, I can rest assured."

She didn't want to stay a moment longer.

This is a pure and tranquil place, with the Three Pure Ones above.

Whenever she saw Yang Guo, she would be reminded of what had happened at the inn the night before. The shameful feeling of being so immoral made her restless.

"Since that's the case, I won't insist you stay." Qiu Chuji didn't press the matter. "Zhiping, escort Madam Guo down the mountain."

"Yes."

The group walked out of the main hall.

The mountain wind was biting.

Upon reaching the mountain gate, Huang Rong stopped.

"I'll leave you here." Huang Rong turned around, her gaze falling on Yang Guo.

At this moment, it's truly time to part ways.

Yang Guo, dressed in coarse cloth clothes that he hadn't had time to change out of, stood out awkwardly among a group of neatly dressed Taoist priests.

The wind blew his messy hair across his forehead, revealing a pair of dark, bright eyes.

The fervor and aggression of the previous night were gone from those eyes; only a deep longing remained.

Huang Rong's heart skipped a beat, as if something had clenched it tightly.

"Guo'er," Huang Rong said, her voice slightly hoarse.

Yang Guo took two steps forward and stopped three steps away from her.

"Here, you must listen to your master." Huang Rong suppressed the bitterness in her heart, adopting the demeanor of an elder. "Don't cause trouble, and don't be lazy. If you suffer any injustice..."

She paused.

If you suffer injustice, what can you do?

She was far away in Xiangyang, beyond her reach.

"If you suffer injustice, just bear it," Huang Rong said resolutely. "No pain, no gain."

Yang Guo smiled.

The smile was tinged with bitterness.

"Guo'er will remember."

"Master Yin, please lead the way. I have a few words of advice to give to this child," Huang Rong suddenly spoke, her voice cold and clear.

Although Yin Zhiping was somewhat surprised, seeing Huang Rong's dignified expression, he assumed it was an elder giving a final admonition to a junior, so he bowed and said, "Yes. This humble Taoist will wait for you at the foot of the stone steps of the mountain gate."

After saying that, Yin Zhiping led a few young Taoist priests and left first.

"Fu'er, you should go first. I have something to tell your Brother Yang!"

Although Guo Fu was also reluctant to part with Yang Guo, she dared not disobey her mother's orders, and immediately followed Yin Zhiping ahead.

Suddenly, only the two of them remained on the long mountain path.

The surrounding clouds and mist obscured the view in front and behind.

Huang Rong's composed demeanor crumbled halfway the moment she was certain no one could hear her. She bit her lower lip, her beautiful eyes flashing as she glared at Yang Guo, but said nothing, turning to leave.

As soon as I took a step, my wrist was grabbed by a large, hot hand.

"Aunt Guo, the road is slippery."

Yang Guo took a step to her side, and under the cover of his wide sleeves, he boldly placed his hand on her lower back.

It was precisely the spot where she was in excruciating pain.

"You..." Huang Rong trembled, about to lash out, when she felt a hand pressing against her skirt, gently massaging it.

A warm sensation penetrated my body, perfectly relieving the soreness and stiffness in that area.

A very soft moan escaped Huang Rong's throat, and she immediately bit her lip tightly, her cheeks instantly flushing red.

"Let go..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, "This is the Quanzhen Sect, are you out of your mind?"

"There's no one here." Yang Guo not only didn't let go, but moved even closer.

The boy's aura was aggressive, mixed with the fresh scent of pine trees from the mountains, and went straight into Huang Rong's nose.

"Just now in the main hall, my aunt didn't even glance at me. I felt terrible!"

Huang Rong felt half of her body go numb, and her heart pounded like a drum.

She tried to push him away, but the hand on her waist seemed to have a magical power, rubbing her until she felt weak all over.

"You're going to learn martial arts, not to be tortured." Huang Rong forced herself to remain calm, turning her head away from his breath, her eyes brimming with tears. "What's bothering you?"

"If you feel unwell, there will be no one to massage your back anymore." Yang Guo's voice carried a hint of ambiguity. "Last night... I was careless and tired you out."

This sentence strikes directly at Huang Rong's hidden shame.

Recalling the crazy scene at the inn last night, Huang Rong was filled with shame and indignation. She suddenly stopped and flung his hand away.

"Yang Guo..." she shouted sharply, her chest heaving violently, her full breasts trembling, "If you dare utter another word, I..."

"And what then?"

Yang Guo looked at her.

At this moment, Huang Rong's face was as beautiful as a peach blossom, and her eyes were filled with spring water. Although she was angry, it seemed more like she was being coquettish. Her shy and annoyed, wanting to refuse yet welcoming appearance was even more captivating than her usual dignified heroine demeanor.

Yang Guo's gaze darkened, and he suddenly stepped forward, forcing her back to the stone wall beside the mountain path.

There was no one in front or behind, and the clouds and mist were swirling around.

In this cramped space, their breaths mingled together.

Yang Guo raised his hand and gently brushed a stray strand of hair that had fallen beside her temple with his fingertips, his movements tender.

"Auntie, please use a soft cushion when you ride back in the carriage, so it won't be too bumpy." The frivolity in his eyes disappeared, leaving only concern. "The battle in Xiangyang is dangerous, you... you must take good care of yourself. Don't just think about Uncle Guo, take care of your own health too."

Huang Rong, who was originally filled with shame and anger, was stunned by this sudden tenderness.

She looked at the boy in front of her, her heart filled with mixed feelings.

"I understand." Huang Rong lowered her eyes, her voice softening. "You... take care of yourself."

She reached into her bosom, pulled out a small porcelain bottle, and placed it in Yang Guo's hand.

"This is the Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pill. If you get injured while practicing martial arts, take one pill."

Fingertips touch, then separate in an instant.

The tingling, electric sensation made both of them jolted at the same time.

"Thank you, Auntie." Yang Guo tightly gripped the porcelain bottle that still held her warmth.

"I'm gone."

Huang Rong dared not look into his eyes again, afraid that if she stayed any longer, she would really lose her composure.

She took a deep breath, straightened her disheveled clothes, and turned to walk quickly down the mountain.