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

Life at Chongyang Palace was as bland as boiled cabbage.

Aside from eating, sleeping, and sweeping, all he did was listen to those old Taoist priests chanting scriptures.

Yang Guo sat cross-legged on the futon, listening with growing drowsiness. At the head of the table sat Yin Zhiping, holding a copy of "The Complete Great Dao Song of Quanzhen" and muttering incantations.

"In the initial cultivation of the Great Dao, the nine orifices are opened; the nine orifices originally reside in the coccyx..."

Yin Zhiping read absentmindedly. Every two lines, his eyes would drift to the window to look at the sun. He didn't seem to be imparting knowledge; he looked more like he was waiting for someone or rushing to keep an appointment.

Yang Guo squinted, taking in everything.

For the past two weeks, his cheap master hadn't taught him much real skill, but he hadn't deliberately made things difficult for him like Zhao Zhijing had. However, Yin Zhiping was really strange. Every afternoon, once past 1-3 PM, this man would become restless, as if he had a nail stuck in his buttocks.

"Innate constitution and acquired constitution, those who possess them are often as if drunk..."

Yin Zhiping misread it. The sentence should clearly be "Those who obtain it are always like being drunk," followed by "drinking the elixir of immortality every day," but he skipped directly to the last paragraph.

"Alright." Yin Zhiping closed the book, let out a long sigh of relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted. "That's all for today's lessons. Go back and review, and remember not to slack off."

After speaking, he didn't care whether the disciples below understood or not. He stood up, straightened his Taoist robe, and hurriedly left the main hall.

That figure from behind exuded urgency.

Yang Guo gazed thoughtfully in the direction Yin Zhiping had gone. That direction wasn't the way back to their quarters, but rather led to the back mountain.

The back mountain is a forbidden area.

On the first day of joining the sect, Zhao Zhijing, with his deadpan face, warned: The back mountain is where our late master, the immortal Chongyang, secluded himself for cultivation, and there is also a dangerous place like the Tomb of the Living Dead. Anyone who enters without permission will be expelled from the sect at best, and will have their martial arts skills crippled at worst.

Yang Guo's eyes darted around.

Yin Zhiping usually looks like a gentleman, so why does he keep running to the forbidden area?

Was he going to spy on Little Dragon Girl again?

Yang Guo looked around and, seeing that no one was paying attention, quietly got up and slipped out of the main hall. He didn't dare take the main road, but instead chose a small path with dense grass and woods. In the past ten years on Peach Blossom Island, he hadn't learned any other skills, but when it came to playing hide-and-seek, he was second to none.

After passing through a pine forest, the road ahead became narrower and the weeds grew taller.

In the distance, a stone tablet can be seen standing at the crossroads, with the six large characters "Quanzhen Forbidden Area, Stop Here" written on it. The characters are scarlet and exude a chilling aura.

Yang Guo hid behind a big tree, peeking out half of his head.

Yin Zhiping stood in front of the stone tablet, looking around. After confirming that no one was around, he actually took out a small comb from his pocket, looked at his reflection in a puddle by the roadside, tidied his sideburns, straightened his collar, took a deep breath, and stepped over the stone tablet.

Yang Guo was dumbfounded.

Is that stinky Taoist priest... in heat?

The way she tidied herself up in front of the puddle was just like a young woman in a play going to meet her lover in secret.

Something's not right. Something's really not right.

The Quanzhen Sect has strict rules and regulations; apart from the legendary Tomb of the Living Dead, there isn't even a female mosquito in this back mountain. Who is Yin Zhiping going to see?

Yang Guo's gossip-loving spirit burned fiercely. He held his breath, channeled the meager internal energy from his Toad Stance to his feet, landed silently, and quietly followed.

The further you go in, the colder it gets.

It was eerily quiet all around; you couldn't even hear the birds chirping.

After walking for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, the view suddenly opened up. A lush green clearing stretched out, surrounded by countless wildflowers of unknown color, blooming vibrantly in red and white. At the edge of the flowerbed stood a massive stone tomb, its doors tightly shut, exuding a chilling, eerie atmosphere.

Yin Zhiping stood by the flower bushes.

He didn't dare get too close, stopping just a dozen or so feet away from the tomb entrance.

Yang Guo lay prone in the grass, barely daring to breathe. The distance was too close; if Yin Zhiping had possessed greater internal strength, he would have discovered him long ago. Fortunately, his Toad Stance was best suited for breath-holding and turtle-like breathing; as long as he didn't move, he was like a stone.

Time passed little by little.

Yin Zhiping just stood there dumbly, neither calling out nor knocking on the door, like a wooden stake.

Yang Guo's legs went numb from lying down, and he cursed inwardly: Is this old Taoist priest crazy? Why is he being made to stand here as punishment?

Just as he was about to give up, a very faint buzzing sound came.

Immediately afterwards, the tightly closed tomb door opened a crack.

A white figure floated out from the dark tomb door.

The person moved with extreme lightness, as if their toes did not touch the ground at all, like a wisp of smoke, and instantly arrived at the edge of the flower bushes.

Yang Guo felt a sudden light in his eyes.

It was a woman.

Dressed in pristine white, she stood out against the desolate wilderness. Her face was deathly pale, almost translucent, yet breathtakingly beautiful. Her beauty was neither as alluring as Huang Rong's nor as charming as Guo Fu's; rather, it was a coldness.

It was cold to the bone.

It resembles the mysterious ice above the heavens, or the orchid in a secluded valley deep in the mountains.

A mountain breeze suddenly arrived, causing her wide white robe to flutter loudly. The fabric clung tightly to her back, instantly outlining her figure hidden beneath the robe.

She was exceptionally tall, with a graceful and upright figure. Her legs, in particular, were long and straight, their elegance evident even through layers of white gauze. As she took a small step, her skirt billowed in the wind, making her legs appear even longer and more shapely. Each step seemed to tread on clouds, light and ethereal, devoid of any worldly concerns.

Such a figure, if it were any less, it would be too thin; if it were any more, it would be too plump. It is just like a lone pine tree on a mountaintop, elegant and aloof, standing between heaven and earth.

Yang Guo was mesmerized.

"Miss Dragon".

Yin Zhiping's voice broke the silence. Master Yin, who usually maintained a haughty demeanor in front of his disciples, spoke with a voice so gentle it could melt water, his back bent low, and his face plastered with a fawning smile.

"You've arrived."

The woman's voice was cold and clear, revealing neither joy nor anger, like two pieces of jade colliding.

Yang Guo's heart skipped a beat.

Do these two...know each other?

Moreover, judging from his tone, it's more than just a general understanding.

According to his knowledge from his previous life, weren't the Quanzhen Sect and the Ancient Tomb Sect mortal enemies? How come the third-generation chief disciple of the Quanzhen Sect met with the successor of the Ancient Tomb Sect in private and were so...so familiar with each other?

"Last time, the young lady mentioned wanting to read some books from outside the palace." Yin Zhiping pulled a cloth bag from his wide sleeves and presented it with both hands. "This humble Taoist priest went down the mountain and collected a few books, including 'In Search of the Supernatural' and several collections of poems and vernacular stories from previous dynasties. I wonder if they suit the young lady's taste."

The woman in white—who was also Xiaolongnu—glanced indifferently at the cloth bag.

"Let it go."

"Oh, good." Yin Zhiping was overjoyed and carefully placed the cloth bag on a clean bluestone, afraid of getting it dirty. "There's also a box of osmanthus cakes inside. It's the signature dish of 'Deyuelou' down the mountain. It's sweet but not greasy. Please try it, young lady."

Little Dragon Girl nodded slightly: "Thank you."

Is this over?

Yang Guo lay prone in the grass, his eyes almost bulging out of their sockets.

This script is wrong!

In his mind, Taoist priests of the Quanzhen School, upon encountering members of the Ancient Tomb Sect, would at least sever all ties, if not draw their swords against them. But the scene before him was clearly that of a lovestruck man trying to win over a cold beauty.

Moreover, judging from the looks of it, this isn't the first time Yin Zhiping has done something like this.

"Miss Long." Yin Zhiping didn't leave, but stood there rubbing his hands, seemingly trying to find a topic of conversation. "The flowers on the mountain are blooming beautifully these days. If you're feeling bored, you can come out for a walk."

"Not interested." Little Dragon Girl turned to leave.

"Wait!" Yin Zhiping exclaimed anxiously, taking a step forward. "Um... I recently practiced a sword technique, but I have some questions. I wonder if you could offer some guidance, young lady?"

This excuse is so lame that even Yang Guo wanted to cover his face.

You, a master of the Quanzhen Sect, are seeking guidance on the Quanzhen Sword Technique from someone from the Ancient Tomb Sect? Isn't that going in the opposite direction?

Unexpectedly, Xiaolongnu stopped in her tracks.

She turned around, her calm eyes looking at Yin Zhiping: "Try it and see."

Yin Zhiping was overjoyed and immediately drew his sword, dancing around the flower bushes.

To be fair, Yin Zhiping's swordsmanship was not bad. His sword flashed, his movements were steady, and every move was quite disciplined. But to Yang Guo at this moment, this was not sword practice at all, but rather a peacock displaying its tail feathers.

He struck what he considered a dashing pose with every move, his eyes constantly glancing towards Little Dragon Girl, wanting to see her reaction.

Little Dragon Girl watched quietly, her face still expressionless.

After Yin Zhiping finished his swordplay, he sheathed his sword and stood up, looking at her expectantly: "What did you think, young lady?"

"Fancy," Little Dragon Girl uttered two words, "too many flaws."

Yin Zhiping was not annoyed. Instead, he looked like he had been taught a lesson: "Yes, yes, you are right, young lady. I am of dull mind and would appreciate your guidance."

Little Dragon Girl raised her hand, and her wide sleeves slipped down, revealing a section of her fair wrist. She casually picked up a tree branch and waved it lightly.

"This move, 'White Rainbow Piercing the Sun,' has too scattered power."

With a slight flick of her wrist, the branch, like a sword, pierced out instantly.

Without any frills, it's fast, accurate, and ruthless.

Yin Zhiping was completely absorbed in the sight, unsure whether he was looking at the sword or the man.

Yang Guo lay prone in the grass, a bitter feeling rising in his heart.

You, Yin Zhiping, put on such a righteous facade all day, but behind my back you're doing this! You're taking offerings from the Quanzhen Sect and running off to be a sycophant to your rival!

Moreover, judging from the way they've been getting along, these two have probably already hooked up.

Although Xiaolongnu was cold to him, her willingness to accept gifts and teach him martial arts was itself a form of tacit approval.

Yang Guo suddenly felt a strong sense of crisis.

This woman in white is as beautiful as a fairy. If she were to be taken by that pig Yin Zhiping, it would be a terrible waste!

No.

I'm determined to dig up this corner!

……

Although Yang Guo was determined, he was still relatively clear-headed.

Rushing out now would be suicide. Yin Zhiping's kung fu was not weak, and Xiaolongnu seemed even more unfathomable. With his meager farming skills and half-baked Toad Kung Fu, he probably wouldn't even be able to touch the hem of her clothes.

We must outsmart them.

Seeing that the "teaching" was still going on, Yin Zhiping practiced with increasing enthusiasm, wishing he could reveal all his skills. Although Xiaolongnu didn't talk much, her occasional pointers were always to the point.

The atmosphere was surprisingly harmonious.

Yang Guo grew increasingly annoyed. He casually reached out and touched a pebble the size of a fingernail.

Just as Yin Zhiping used the move "Golden Goose Soaring Across the Sky" to leap up, wanting to show off his lightness skill in front of the beauty.

Yang Guo flicked his finger.

call out!

The pebble flew through the air, carrying a faint sound of wind.

His target wasn't people, but the hornet's nest not far from Yin Zhiping.

He had just noticed that there was a beehive the size of a washbasin hanging on the old pine tree, with several large black bees circling around it.

Snapped!

The pebble hit the honeycomb precisely.

Om-!

The once peaceful beehive instantly erupted into chaos. Hundreds upon hundreds of wild bees swarmed out, heading straight for the nearest living creature.

Yin Zhiping was in mid-air, striking a pose, when he suddenly heard a buzzing sound that sent chills down his spine.

Before he could react, a dark cloud loomed over him.

"oops!"

Yin Zhiping cried out in alarm, forgetting all about decorum, and wildly brandished his longsword, trying to drive away the wild bees. But there were too many of them, and they were extremely ferocious, instantly leaving several stings on his face and hands.

"Miss Dragon, hurry!"

At this critical moment, Yin Zhiping actually showed some courage, his first thought being to protect Xiaolongnu. He brandished his sword while standing in front of Xiaolongnu.

To everyone's surprise, Little Dragon Girl stood still, without moving an inch.

She took a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve and uncorked it. A strange, sweet fragrance wafted out.

The wild bees, which had been ferocious, stopped attacking upon smelling the fragrance, as if they were drunk. Instead, they began to circle in the air.

Yin Zhiping covered his swollen face, still shaken: "This... what is this?"

"Jade bee nectar," Little Dragon Girl said calmly, "These wild bees can't stand the smell."

Her gaze swept around, finally settling on the bushes where Yang Guo was hiding.

His gaze was as cold as a knife.

"Who's there?"

Yang Guo's heart skipped a beat. Oh no, they'd been discovered.

How come this woman has such sensitive ears?

Since we can't hide it, we might as well not hide it at all.

Yang Guo stood up from the bushes, brushed the grass off his clothes, and wore his signature roguish smile.

"Oh my god, what a huge wasp! It scared me to death!"

He shouted and ran out in a panic, stopping just a few feet away from the two of them.

When Yin Zhiping saw Yang Guo, his eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

"Yang...Yang Guo? What are you doing here?"

He ignored the pain on his face, his heart filled with terror. This was forbidden territory! If word got out that he had secretly met with a successor of the Ancient Tomb Sect, his future in the Quanzhen Sect would be completely ruined!

"Master!" Yang Guo exclaimed with delight, "So you're here too! I got lost in the woods and was chased all over the mountain by this swarm of wasps. Luckily, I ran into you, Master!"

He said these words without batting an eye, as if they came out of his mouth without batting an eye.

Yin Zhiping's face turned pale, then flushed. Lost? Lost in a forbidden area? And just happened to stumble upon this scene?

But he dared not expose it. If he did, Yang Guo would accuse him of colluding with foreign enemies, and that would be a death sentence for him.

"You...you unfilial disciple!" Yin Zhiping could only grit his teeth and curse, "Didn't I tell you to study in the hall? What are you doing running around like this!"

"Disciple knows his mistake." Yang Guo lowered his head, but his eyes kept glancing at Xiaolongnu out of the corner of his eye. "Who is this fairy sister? Master, could she be one of the fairy maidens worshipped by our Quanzhen Sect?"

The way she called out "Fairy Sister" came out perfectly naturally.

Little Dragon Girl looked at the boy who had suddenly appeared. He was handsome with delicate features, and although he wore a rough Taoist robe, it couldn't hide his cleverness. Especially his eyes, which were darting around, clearly indicated that he was not a well-behaved person.

"Is he your disciple?" Little Dragon Girl asked Yin Zhiping.

"Yes... he's a newly taken-in disciple who doesn't know the rules. I'm sorry for making you laugh, young lady," Yin Zhiping quickly explained, afraid of offending the beauty.

Xiaolongnu didn't say anything more, but just glanced at Yang Guo.

"Since there are other people here, I'll head back now."

She doesn't like strangers.

After saying that, she turned and left, her white clothes fluttering like a cloud.

"Hey, fairy sister, don't go!" Yang Guo shouted subconsciously.

Little Dragon Girl did not stop.

The white figure quickly disappeared behind the tomb door. The stone door slammed shut with a loud bang.

Only the box of osmanthus cake that hadn't been taken remained, sitting forlornly on the bluestone.

Yin Zhiping stared blankly at the tightly closed tomb door, looking utterly lost.

Turning around, she saw Yang Guo staring at the box of osmanthus cakes with a grin, and she was furious.

"What are you looking at! Get back here right now!" Yin Zhiping covered his swollen face and said fiercely, "If you dare to utter a single word about what happened today, I... I will expel you from the sect!"

"Master, don't worry." Yang Guo patted his chest and assured him, "I'm the most discreet disciple. Master is just exchanging martial arts tips with the Fairy Sister, bringing glory to our Quanzhen Sect. I understand, I understand everything."