Yang Guo: I'm invincible in the opening battle against Aunt Guo!

She looked at her daughter, who had her head down and looked pitiful.

Looking again at that sliver of "evidence," a thousand thoughts raced through my mind.

In the end, it turned into a barely audible sigh.

Well, what's done is done, what's the use of blaming others?

Besides, Yang Guo is a person with a complicated relationship.

Whether in terms of character, martial arts skills, or appearance, he was indeed an excellent choice, and Fu'er was infatuated with him.

Deep down, I'm not entirely unable to accept it.

But, but this relationship... sigh!

Huang Rong stepped forward and gently pulled the trembling Guo Fu to her side.

Surprisingly, there was no harsh reprimand, but rather a low voice asking:

"Fu'er, are you... alright?"

Guo Fu nodded.

After Guo Fu nodded, Huang Rong suddenly remembered her daughter's walking posture and expression just now.

Upon reflection, a sense of doubt arose in Huang Rong's heart.

Although Fu'er was afraid and embarrassed, she moved naturally without any hesitation or discomfort. Her waist was straight, and she did not show any of the awkwardness, pain, or inconvenience that a woman would experience after her first time.

This isn't right.

Huang Rong herself had been through it all and knew the feeling all too well.

Moreover... she couldn't help but recall the time on Peach Blossom Island.

Yang Guo's astonishing physical strength and... power.

If Fu'er were a virgin, how could she be so nonchalant about meeting him?

It would be a miracle if he could even get out of bed and walk around today, showing him any mercy.

Her gaze was scrutinizing as she looked at Yang Guo again, then at her daughter.

Guo Fu felt even more uneasy under her mother's gaze and whispered, "Mother, I...I'm fine..."

Yang Guo, observing Huang Rong's expressions, noticed that the anger in her eyes had been replaced by doubt, and then saw her gaze sweeping over Guo Fu, and he understood.

He stepped forward and offered an explanation, his tone frank yet tinged with embarrassment:

"Master Gan, please don't misunderstand. Last night... Sister Fu was indeed with me, but we didn't... consummate our marriage. Sister Fu... just happened to have her period last night."

As he spoke, he pointed to the red stain on the bed sheet, "That was an accidental stain."

"Menstruation?" Huang Rong was taken aback, then suddenly realized.

Yes, that makes sense!

The location and shape of that red patch do indeed resemble...

The tension in her heart suddenly eased.

A sense of relief welled up inside her, and she herself was unaware of the complex emotions behind this relief.

But then, a new worry arose.

This time it didn't work out, but look at Fu'er's audacity, she even dared to spend the night in a man's room, what about next time?

If there weren't these "unexpected" obstacles next time, wouldn't that be...?

She had a headache again.

But if we're going to manage it, how do we manage it?

Her daughter was experiencing her first love and was deeply in love. Yang Guo was indeed outstanding, and the two were mutually in love. As a mother, should she forcefully separate them?

Besides... her own messy past with Yang Guo made her somewhat lacking in confidence when facing this matter.

Huang Rong rubbed her temples, deciding to temporarily put aside this matter that was bothering her and leaving her helpless.

She came to see Yang Guo today because she had important business to discuss.

"I see."

Huang Rong's tone returned to its usual calm, as if the turmoil just now had never happened.

"Fu'er, go back to your room and freshen up. Guo'er and I have something to discuss."

Guo Fu felt as if she had been granted a pardon. She secretly glanced at Yang Guo and saw him nod slightly to her.

He then responded quietly, lowered his head, and quickly walked out, making sure to close the door gently behind him.

Only Huang Rong and Yang Guo remained in the room.

A subtle silence fell over the room.

After a moment, Huang Rong spoke, her voice steady: "Guo'er, I've come to see you today because there's an important matter I need you to handle."

"Master Gan, please give your instructions," Yang Guo said respectfully.

"I have received definite news that my father, who is also your grandmaster, Huang Yaoshi, has recently appeared in the Huashan area."

Huang Rong said solemnly, "It is said that my father intends to hold a small-scale 'sword competition' at the top of Mount Hua, inviting old and new friends to evaluate martial arts. Perhaps it is also to warm up for the upcoming Xiangyang Heroes' Gathering and to unite the hearts of the martial arts world."

She looked at Yang Guo: "Brother Jing is stationed in Xiangyang and cannot leave easily. I need to oversee the Beggars' Sect's affairs and prepare for the Heroes' Gathering, so I can't leave either. Fu'er... she can't travel far either. After thinking it over, it's most appropriate to entrust this matter to you."

"As a descendant of my Peach Blossom Island lineage, your status is legitimate; your martial arts skills and wisdom are sufficient to handle any potential risks along the way; and you are gradually gaining an understanding of the affairs of the martial world."

"Your mission is to immediately set off for Mount Hua, find my father, and inform him in detail about the upcoming Heroes' Assembly in Xiangyang to jointly resist the Mongols. You must also convey my and Brother Jing's sincere invitation to him to come to Xiangyang, take charge of the overall situation, and, in his name as the Eastern Heretic, intimidate the heroes and unite the righteous forces of the martial arts world."

After listening, Yang Guo understood.

This means he has to personally invite the legendary Huang Yaoshi, the Eastern Heretic, to come out of seclusion.

This task is indeed important and quite challenging.

After a moment's thought, he clasped his hands and said, "Disciple obeys. I will do my utmost to find my master and deliver the message."

Huang Rong nodded, took out a token from her sleeve that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with strange peach blossom patterns, and handed it to Yang Guo:

"This is a token of my status as a core disciple of Peach Blossom Island. If you possess this, my father will believe you when he sees it."

Furthermore, if you encounter any Beggar Clan members along the way, you can use the registered elder token I gave you earlier to dispatch them for assistance.

"Disciple understands." Yang Guo accepted the token, its surface smooth and warm to the touch.

"There's no time to lose; you should prepare to depart today. I will have someone prepare a fast horse, travel expenses, and provisions for you."

Huang Rong paused, looking at Yang Guo's young and handsome face, a complex and inscrutable emotion flashing in her eyes, and her tone unconsciously softened.

"The journey is long and treacherous, so please be careful. Your safety is paramount, and if things become unbearable, send word back immediately."

"Thank you for your concern, Master. I will be more careful."

After discussing a few more details, Huang Rong turned and left.

As she reached the door, she paused slightly, but without turning around, she said in a low voice:

"I'll talk to Fu'er about it. You... just focus on your work."

"Yes," Yang Guo replied, sensing the unspoken conflict and tacit agreement in her words.

Not long after Huang Rong left, Guo Fu secretly slipped back, her eyes red, clearly having been scolded by her mother in private.

When she learned that Yang Guo was going to Mount Hua alone, she immediately insisted on going with him.

"Brother Yang, I'll go with you! I've never been to Mount Hua before!" Guo Fu tugged at Yang Guo's sleeve.

Yang Guo patted her head and said gently, "Fu-mei, the journey is long and arduous, and it is a serious matter entrusted to us by Master Gan. There may be risks involved."

You stay in Xiangyang, keep Master Gan company, and practice your skills diligently. I'll be back as soon as I finish my business; it won't be long.

At this moment, Huang Rong reappeared, firmly stopping Guo Fu: "Fu'er, don't be silly! Guo'er is going to take care of important business, not to go sightseeing. Your martial arts skills are still shallow, and you would only be a burden if you came along. Stay at home obediently."

Seeing that her mother and Yang Guo both disagreed, Guo Fu had no choice but to pout and give up.

But her eyes were full of reluctance, and she whispered to Yang Guo to come back soon and to be careful.

In the afternoon, everything was ready.

Yang Guo changed into a neat blue outfit, carried a bag on his back, hung a jade flute at his waist, and carefully kept the peach blossom token and the Beggar Clan elder token close to his body.

Outside the Guo residence, a magnificent black horse was already saddled and ready.

Huang Rong and Guo Fu saw them to the door.

Guo Fu's eyes reddened again, but she held back her tears.

Huang Rong simply nodded to Yang Guo, her eyes containing a hint of entrustment and a trace of barely perceptible concern.

"Master Gan, Sister Fu, take care. I'm off." Yang Guo mounted his horse with a graceful and swift movement.

"Brother Yang (Guo'er), be careful on your journey!" the mother and daughter said in unison.

Yang Guo took one last look at Huang Rong and Guo Fu in front of the Guo family mansion, pulled on the reins, and the black horse neighed, reared up, and galloped towards the city gate. Its figure quickly disappeared at the end of the bustling streets of Xiangyang City.

Huang Rong gazed in the direction he had left, remaining silent for a long time.

Guo Fu nestled close to her mother and whispered, "Mother, Brother Yang will definitely be back soon, right?"