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

Before we knew it, it was the morning of the second day.

After Yang Guo woke up, he looked at the bedside.

Although the traces remain, the beauty's figure has long since vanished.

Yesterday, when he was getting ready to go to sleep...

Huang Rong, suffering from the poison, came to him on her own.

Then we began to understand the poison.

This process took all night.

The detoxification was not stopped until an hour ago.

There are advantages to doing this.

Although he was exhausted, he was experiencing both pain and joy.

His strength also progressed directly from second-rate to mid-first-rate.

This is the result of a night's hard work.

Everyone says being a rich woman is great, and it really is!

Not only do you learn more, you also improve your skills.

It's absolutely wonderful!

Yang Guo had only slept for less than an hour.

But as someone who practices martial arts, he showed no signs of fatigue.

Now that it's already daylight, there's no reason to be sleeping.

He especially remembered Huang Rong's words about teaching him martial arts.

He then got up.

……

The Sword Testing Pavilion is located on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea on the east side of Peach Blossom Island.

With its octagonal eaves, it offers a wide and open view.

Several old plum trees stand strong beside the pavilion, but they are no longer in bloom.

Only the verdant pines and cypresses and the rugged rocks provide companionship, and the sound of the waves further emphasizes the tranquility of this place.

When Yang Guo arrived on time, Huang Rong was already standing in the pavilion.

After returning, she changed into a light blue outfit that was easy to move in, and her long hair was neatly tied into a high ponytail. She wore no makeup, but she had a cool and dashing air about her.

The morning light shone through the eaves of the pavilion, outlining a soft silhouette around her.

"Hello, Aunt Guo." Yang Guo stepped forward to greet her.

Huang Rong turned around, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment before she thought of what had happened that night.

Her face flushed slightly, but she showed no embarrassment whatsoever.

He nodded: "You've come at the right time. Peach Blossom Island martial arts emphasize foundation and comprehension, which is different from the orthodox Xuanmen path of Quanzhen Sect. It focuses more on agility and change, and skill lies in simplicity."

Today, I will first teach you the first three forms of our sect's introductory palm technique, the "Falling Flower Divine Sword Palm," as well as the basic footwork, the "Spirit Turtle Step."

Without saying much, she got straight to the point.

It was as if all the awkwardness from before and the events of the night had been suppressed, and at this moment he was just a strict teacher.

"Watch closely," Huang Rong said softly, and her figure moved swiftly.

Her steps were light and unpredictable, seemingly casual.

Yet it always manages to evade the enemy's attacks at the last possible moment, like a nimble turtle playing in the water, elusive and unpredictable.

At the same time, the palm strike unfolds, initially as gentle as brushing flowers, but in an instant it transforms into a sharp sword finger, the palm shadows flying like spring breezes sweeping up thousands of fallen petals, colorful and chaotic, concealing deadly intent.

Although only the first three moves were demonstrated, the dynamic and ever-changing artistic conception was already fully revealed.

Yang Guo observed intently, secretly praising it in his heart.

The martial arts of Peach Blossom Island are indeed unique.

What surprised him even more was the rhythm of "The Song of the Rising Tide" in his mind.

It even subtly resonated with the rhythm of the palm and footwork.

It's as if music and martial arts are connected on some higher level.

After Huang Rong finished her demonstration, her breathing steady, she looked at Yang Guo and asked, "Did you see it clearly? How much of it did you remember?"

"This disciple is dull-witted and has only managed to remember the form; the essence still needs further study," Yang Guo said respectfully, without being presumptuous.

"Practice it once so I can see." Huang Rong walked to the stone bench by the pavilion and sat down, her gaze calm.

Following Huang Rong's instructions, Yang Guo took a deep breath, stepped forward, and struck out with his palm.

Although he only read it once, his comprehension was extremely high.

Furthermore, after practicing the "Yin Yang Harmony Chapter," my mind became increasingly clear.

Their memory and physical coordination are also far beyond those of ordinary people.

After practicing this time, I was able to imitate about 70-80% of the footwork and palm shape.

However, the flow of energy and the transition between emptiness and fullness were rather clumsy, lacking the graceful and unpredictable charm of falling petals.

Even so, a hint of surprise flashed across Huang Rong's eyes.

She knew that this palm technique was not easy to learn, and the footwork was especially complicated.

If an average person can imitate 30-40% of the shape after seeing it once, that's already considered pretty good.

Yang Guo's ability to grasp such a level after only one reading is truly astonishing.

When Jing was a beginner, he was far behind him!

This young man is not only exceptionally talented.

In some aspects, he is far superior to Brother Jing!

No, neither can compare!

It's like the difference between a toothpick and a finger!

I never knew he was so exceptionally talented!

She suppressed her surprise for the time being, since she could do whatever she wanted.

You can experience it anytime.

Uh, I've gone off-topic, how embarrassing!!!

She quickly shook off the thought and stood up to give instructions:

"Your footwork is wrong. The Ling'ao Step is not a straight line; it emphasizes 'trapping the enemy in danger and exploiting their weaknesses.' Look here, your toes are slightly pointed, and your waist should move with the wave..."

She personally demonstrated and gently tapped Yang Guo's waist and legs to correct his posture.

As his fingertips touched the fabric, through the clothes, Yang Guo could feel the slightly cool touch and a barely perceptible tremor.

Huang Rong remained calm and explained clearly.

But the faint blush at the base of her ears and her slightly faster speaking speed betrayed her inner turmoil.

Yang Guo calmed his mind, focused on the martial arts itself, and adjusted his posture as instructed.

After several corrections, the footwork became much smoother and more natural, and the coordination with the palm techniques began to take shape.

"How about circulating your internal energy? Try to gather your internal energy at the edge of your palm following the route I just described," Huang Rong asked, stepping back two paces.

Yang Guo tried to mobilize his internal energy, but he felt that the newly acquired internal energy within him, which incorporated the characteristics of the "Yin Yang Harmony Chapter," was different.

When practicing the Falling Flower Divine Sword Palm technique, it naturally acquired a rhythmic quality reminiscent of undulating tides.

As the palm strike was unleashed, a faint sound of wind and thunder could be heard.

Although faint, it differed from the "blooming" gesture Huang Rong demonstrated, possessing a more implied, surging power.

Huang Rong frowned slightly, focused her senses, and suddenly said, "Go ahead and strike me with all your might."

Yang Guo hesitated for a moment, but seeing Huang Rong's serious expression, he did not hesitate any longer.

He focused his energy into his dantian and channeled all the available internal energy into his right palm.

With a single strike of "Flying Flowers of Jiangcheng," the palm wind pierced the air, causing the pine needles beside the pavilion to rustle.

Huang Rong neither dodged nor avoided, but stretched out her slender hand.

A faint blue glow emanated from my palm as I gently welcomed it.

With a muffled "poof," a burst of energy emanated from the air.

Yang Guo felt a gentle yet incredibly strong force come from him, which completely neutralized his palm strike. He swayed for a moment before regaining his balance.

Huang Rong remained motionless, but her surprise deepened.

"Your internal energy..." She withdrew her hand, carefully sensing the remaining energy.

"How can it carry a hint of tidal rhythm? Have you cultivated other internal arts related to water or music?"

Yang Guo's heart stirred, realizing that it was the result of the combination of his understanding of the "Song of the Rising Tide of the Azure Sea" and the internal energy characteristics of the "Yin Yang Harmony Chapter".

He naturally wouldn't reveal the system, so he said:

"When Guo'er was wandering the world in his early years, he once heard a strange person play a strange tune. At that time, he felt his blood and qi rise and fall with it, so he silently memorized the breathing rhythm. Later, when he was practicing, he unintentionally imitated it, and his internal strength seemed to have changed.

As for the purity... perhaps it's due to the consolidation after yesterday's slight improvement." He omitted the mention of dual cultivation, only referring to "improvement".

Huang Rong was skeptical.

A strange tune?

This statement is far too coincidental.

However, the nature of Yang Guo's internal energy was indeed different from any other internal energy cultivation method she knew of.

Moreover, that subtle tidal rhythm actually resonated with some of the essence of her "Song of the Rising Tide of the Blue Sea"!

Could this child truly be a martial arts prodigy, able to comprehend the Dao simply by listening to music?

She gave Yang Guo a deep look and said:

"Your internal energy characteristics are not entirely compatible with the light and agile changes of the 'Falling Flower Divine Sword Palm,' but they seem to be compatible with another, more profound skill from Peach Blossom Island... Never mind, let's not talk about that for now."

Now that you have this foundation, you should be able to practice the first three forms without any obstacles.

Next, I will teach you the incantation and subtleties of internal energy circulation. Listen carefully.

In the following time, Huang Rong explained carefully.

Yang Guo listened attentively and comprehended the information.

One taught diligently, and the other learned very quickly.

Less than an hour later.

Yang Guo had already mastered the first three moves of the Falling Flower Divine Sword Palm and the basic Ling Turtle Step quite well; what he lacked was only refinement and practical combat experience.

The sun gradually rose higher, and the sea fog dissipated.

Huang Rong signaled Yang Guo to stop regulating his breathing.

She walked to the pavilion, gazed at the undulating sea, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly said, "Guo'er, come with me."

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

Yang Guo hurriedly followed.

Huang Rong did not return to Rongxuan, but led Yang Guo down a hidden path behind the cliff, half-hidden by vines.

The path winds its way to the entrance of a secluded stone cave nestled against the mountainside.

The entrance to the cave is covered with moss, making it extremely difficult to find without someone pointing it out.

Huang Rong took out the bronze key from her bosom, inserted it into an inconspicuous crack in the rock at the entrance of the cave, and gently twisted it.

With a soft creaking sound, a heavy stone door slid open inward, revealing a deep passageway behind it, from which a faint light shone, like inlaid luminous pearls.

"Come in," Huang Rong said, stepping in first.

The passageway was not long, and at the end was a stone chamber about two zhang square.

The room was dry and clean, with several bright pearls embedded in the walls, emitting a soft glow.

In one corner there is a stone bed, a stone table, and a stone bench, and in another corner there is a bookshelf with some books and porcelain vases scattered on it.

The most striking feature is the center of the stone chamber, where a huge, intricately carved Tai Chi yin-yang symbol is engraved on the floor, seemingly implying the gathering of Qi (vital energy).

This is the underground secret chamber where Huang Rong usually secluded herself for cultivation or to handle confidential matters.

The stone door slowly closed behind us, isolating us from all outside noise.

The secret room was completely silent, with only the soft breathing of the two people.

Huang Rong walked to the stone table, her back to Yang Guo, her shoulders seemingly slightly tense.

She remained silent for a long time, so long that Yang Guo could almost hear his own heartbeat.

Finally, she turned around, her face calm, but her usually bright and clever eyes were now as still as a deep pool, though upon closer inspection, one could see turbulent undercurrents within them.

"Guo'er," her voice sounded somewhat ethereal in the sealed stone chamber, "you already know how potent the 'Seven-Seven Poison' is. Its onset is unpredictable, and each attack is more severe than the last."

Huang Rong took a deep breath, as if she had made a tremendous decision, and said, word by word:

"This place is secluded and safe. From today onwards, to prevent the poison from recurring, we may need to keep it even more secretive. Come to this secret room at this time every day. We... need to use the power of that technique to completely eradicate this poison."

She paused, avoiding Yang Guo's gaze, and continued:

"This matter has nothing to do with anything else but to detoxify. You must guard your mind and not have the slightest thought of overstepping your bounds. After the poison is cured... we will pretend that this never happened."

You are still my disciple, Fu'er's senior brother, and Jing-gege's nephew. Do you understand?

She spoke with difficulty.

However, it is clearly organized, defining its nature as "a purely necessary act of drug treatment".

And it clearly defined the boundaries afterward.

Yang Guo raised his head, his gaze clear and calm, meeting Huang Rong's complex eyes:

"Aunt Guo, please rest assured. I know this matter concerns your reputation and safety, and I would never dare to be negligent or have any improper thoughts. I will certainly do my duty and help you recover from the poisoning as soon as possible."

His answer was crisp and clear, and his attitude was upright, perfectly matching Huang Rong's role as a "poison-curing partner," and even showing more respect and maturity.

Huang Rong felt a slight sense of relief, but then a strange sense of melancholy arose within her, which she herself was unaware of.

She nodded: "Okay. Good that you understand. Let's begin today... Let's start then. The poison hasn't taken effect yet, but it's always good to neutralize it as soon as possible."

She walked to the yang fish position of the yin-yang symbol in the center of the stone chamber.

He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and his long eyelashes trembled slightly, revealing that his heart was not at peace.

Yang Guo said nothing more and silently walked to the spot where Yin Yu was sitting, facing Huang Rong.

Their palms slowly touched.

The techniques of "Yin Yang Harmony Chapter" were activated simultaneously.

Unlike the previous two incidents that were unexpected or emergency, this was the first formal "detoxification" procedure conducted when both parties were conscious, reached a consensus, and were in an absolutely safe and confidential environment.

Their internal energies merged, and the Yin and Yang energies circulated repeatedly within their bodies along a predetermined, mysterious trajectory.

The Tai Chi pattern in the stone chamber seemed to be activated, emitting a faint, almost imperceptible light that enveloped the two of them, making their internal energy flow more smoothly and efficiently.

There were no words, no superfluous contact, only the purest exchange and channeling of energy.

Huang Rong could clearly feel the stubborn residual toxins in her body.

Under the influence of the cultivation technique, it was gradually extracted and refined.

It transforms into gentle energy, nourishing herself, consolidating her newly advanced Grandmaster realm, and even subtly propelling her to climb to even greater heights.

The yang energy emanating from Yang Guo's body, carrying the rhythm of tides and vibrant life, made her feel completely comfortable, and her meridians became increasingly broad and resilient.

This feeling... is truly addictive.

She forced herself to clear her mind of distractions and focus on the practice.

Time passed in silence.

After an unknown amount of time, a full cycle was completed.

The two of them slowly finished their practice at the same time.

Huang Rong opened her eyes, feeling refreshed and invigorated, her eyes shining even brighter, clearly having benefited greatly.

She looked at Yang Guo opposite her. Beads of sweat were visible on the young man's forehead, but his breathing was longer and more powerful, indicating that he had also made progress.

"That's all for today." Huang Rong stood up first and straightened her clothes.

"Go back now and diligently practice the martial arts I taught you today. Remember to come back tonight."

"Yes," Yang Guo replied respectfully as he stood up.

Huang Rong walked to the stone gate and activated the mechanism.

The stone gate opened again.

"After you leave, do not mention this place to anyone, including Fu'er," Huang Rong finally instructed.

"Guo'er, remember this well."

Yang Guo walked out of the secret chamber, and the stone door closed behind him.

He returned along the path, the sunlight somewhat dazzling.

Everything that just happened feels like a dream.