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

Inside the main hall.

Huang Rong had changed into a formal pale yellow embroidered gold dress, her long hair was tied into an elegant flying fairy bun, and a jade hairpin was inserted diagonally. She sat in the main seat.

She looked radiant and had a wonderful complexion.

Guo Fu sat at the lower end, dressed in a brand-new peach-red outfit. She looked curiously at her mother, then at Yang Guo who stood quietly to the side, wondering why the atmosphere was so solemn so early in the morning.

"Fu'er," Huang Rong said, her voice steady and clear, "from this day forward, Yang Guo will formally become a disciple of my Peach Blossom Island."

"Huh?" Guo Fu's eyes lit up, then she looked puzzled. "Become Mother's disciple? Then... then is Brother Yang Guo my junior brother?"

"He is no ordinary disciple."

Huang Rong smiled slightly, her gaze sweeping over Yang Guo. "Guo'er has a special identity and a deep connection with your father, which is why I took him in as my 'sworn disciple.' He calls me 'sworn master,' and you and he are fellow disciples. You should call him 'senior brother.'"

"A disciple? Senior brother?" Guo Fu blinked, pondering this somewhat unusual title.

She was simple-minded and felt that this was more formal and closer than "Brother Yang Guo". Moreover, they had become fellow disciples, and it would be more legitimate for them to practice martial arts and play together in the future.

She immediately smiled, stood up, and respectfully clasped her hands in a fist and palm salute to Yang Guo: "Senior Brother Yang Guo! Please guide me in the future!"

Yang Guo returned the greeting with a smile: "Sister Fu... Junior Sister is too kind. I will need your guidance in the future."

He looked at Guo Fu's innocent and cheerful smile, but his mind was completely clear.

The title of "senior brother and sister" was the most suitable protective layer that Huang Rong found for their relationship after she was cured of the poison.

He fulfilled his duty of instruction while completely burying those seven absurd days under the guise of a normal teacher-student relationship.

"Alright, now that the titles and ranks have been determined, let's begin the formal instruction today."

Huang Rong stood up and said to Guo Fu, "Fu'er, you have mastered the first six forms of the Falling Petal Divine Sword Palm. Today, go to the Sword Testing Pavilion and practice the first six forms a hundred times in a row. The palm shadows should be continuous, like falling petals without end. I will check in an hour."

"A hundred times..."

Guo Fu's face fell, but seeing her mother's serious expression, she dared not act coquettishly. She could only reply "Yes," pouting as she walked out. At the door, she didn't forget to turn back and make a face at Yang Guo.

Once Guo Fu's footsteps faded into the distance, only the two of them remained in the hall.

The solemnity on Huang Rong's face faded slightly. She walked up to Yang Guo and whispered, "Come with me."

The two, one after the other, did not go to the Sword Testing Pavilion, but instead arrived at "Listening to Bamboo Pavilion," a more secluded place behind Rongxuan, hidden by several clumps of bamboo.

This place is where Huang Rong usually meditates or teaches advanced martial arts, and it is more private.

Upon entering the small house, Huang Rong gestured for Yang Guo to sit down, and then sat down on the bamboo couch opposite him.

She hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly, her voice extremely low, yet each word clear:

"Guo'er, your cultivation has progressed so rapidly that you have reached the Innate Realm. This must not be known to any third person, especially Fu'er."

Yang Guo nodded: "Master, rest assured, I understand."

"It's not just about knowing," Huang Rong looked at him sharply, "From today onwards, in front of outsiders, especially in front of Fu'er, you must suppress your internal energy fluctuations to a first-rate level, only slightly stronger than her, showing that you have good talent and are making rapid progress. As for how to control it, I will teach you a 'Concealing Breath Technique'."

"Yes," Yang Guo replied.

Huang Rong added, "And then there's your... that special martial arts technique."

Her cheeks flushed almost imperceptibly, and she quickly added, "Its origin and effects must not be mentioned to Fu'er. She is still young and innocent; if she knew... it might cause misunderstandings or unnecessary suspicions."

The "misunderstanding" and "suspicion" she referred to were naturally her concern that Guo Fu would associate them with a possible special relationship between her mother and Yang Guo.

"This disciple will remember it and will not dare to say anything more," Yang Guo said solemnly.

This concerns Huang Rong's reputation and his own safety, so he naturally knows the difference between what's important and what's not.

Seeing his respectful attitude and thoughtful consideration, Huang Rong felt somewhat relieved.

She took out a thin, yellowed handwritten booklet and handed it to Yang Guo:

"This is the complete text of the basic internal energy cultivation method of Peach Blossom Island, 'Azure Wave Skill,' as well as the basics of the accompanying 'Breath Concealment Technique' and 'Form Changing Technique.'"

You should first practice this skill to the surface level to conceal the unique nature of your own internal energy. The *Azure Wave Skill* is balanced and harmonious, and does not conflict with your existing foundation; on the contrary, it can nourish and harmonize it. With your abilities, you should achieve minor mastery within three days.

Yang Guo took it with both hands and glanced through it. He immediately realized that although the "Azure Wave Skill" was only an introductory internal skill for Peach Blossom Island, it was still a legitimate Xuanmen skill. It emphasized gradual progress and a solid foundation. Combined with the techniques of concealing one's breath and changing one's form, it was indeed the best choice for disguise.

"Thank you very much, Master Gan." He said sincerely.

Huang Rong's actions were not only to cover for him, but also to impart the authentic foundation of Peach Blossom Island to him. This trust and cultivation went beyond that of an ordinary master and disciple.

Huang Rong waved her hand, her expression returning to calm: "Now that you've joined my sect, it's only right that I teach you our sect's martial arts. You should stay here and first study the introductory chapter of the 'Azure Wave Skill' on your own, circulating it three times to feel its characteristics. In the afternoon, go to the Sword Testing Pavilion, where I will teach you the follow-up moves of the 'Falling Flower Divine Sword Palm' and the basics of the 'Jade Flute Sword Technique'."

She paused, her gaze falling on Yang Guo's handsome profile, her tone softening slightly: "Guo'er, you have exceptional talent, but remember, in the way of martial arts, a solid foundation is paramount. The essence of Peach Blossom Island's martial arts lies in 'skill' and 'change,' you must carefully comprehend its meaning, and not blindly pursue speed and ferocity."

"This disciple has learned much from your teachings." Yang Guo bowed.

Huang Rong said no more, turned and left Tingzhu Xiaozhu, leaving this tranquil place for Yang Guo to ponder alone.

Yang Guo sat cross-legged on the bamboo couch and opened the "Azure Wave Skill".

With his current innate Daoist comprehension and profound understanding of the essence of internal energy (thanks to the "Yin Yang Harmony Chapter"), this introductory mental cultivation method is no challenge for him.

He did not immediately begin practicing, but first read through the entire text to understand its operational route and the subtleties of breath transformation, and then verified it against his own foundation in the "Yin Yang Harmony Chapter".

A moment later, he closed his eyes, and the pale golden innate true essence in his body rapidly transformed its nature, simulating the balanced and peaceful, babbling internal force characteristics of the "Azure Wave Skill," slowly circulating along the predetermined route.

After three cycles, not only was the simulation incredibly lifelike, but because of its superior nature, the simulated "Azure Wave Inner Force" was even more refined and condensed than the original. However, he deeply concealed most of his power in the depths of his dantian, only revealing aura fluctuations that were roughly at the mid-stage of a first-rate level, moving towards the late stage.

He also quickly mastered the basic techniques of the Breath Concealment Technique and the Shape Change Technique.

After calming his aura, he appeared more gentle and reserved, lacking the subtle, imposing sharpness characteristic of a master of innate talent, and more like a young disciple with excellent aptitude and a solid foundation.

Afternoon, at the Sword Testing Pavilion.

The sea breeze rustled, stirring the pines beside the pavilion.

Huang Rong had arrived first, and Guo Fu was also there, practicing her palm techniques half-heartedly, sweat beading on her forehead, clearly indicating that practicing a hundred times was not easy.

Upon seeing Yang Guo approaching, Guo Fu's eyes lit up, and she exclaimed, "Senior Brother! You've finally arrived! Mother made me practice my palm techniques all morning, I'm exhausted!"

Yang Guo approached with a smile and bowed to Huang Rong, saying, "Teacher Huang."

Huang Rong glanced at him, nodded slightly, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes.

With her keen eyesight, she could naturally see that Yang Guo had successfully suppressed the fluctuations of his internal energy to the mid-stage of a first-rate level, and that the aura of his "Azure Wave Skill" was pure and peaceful, without any flaws.

This level of control and understanding is truly astonishing.

"Okay, let's begin."

Huang Rong stepped into the pavilion. "Fu'er, rest for a moment and watch your mother teach your senior brother a new move."

Guo Fu responded and obediently sat down on the stone bench by the pavilion, watching curiously.

"Guo'er, watch carefully."

Huang Rong's expression turned solemn, and she began to move.

This time, she executed the fourth to sixth moves of the "Falling Petals Divine Sword Palm" in a continuous sequence. As her palms danced, she not only retained the agility and dynamism of the first three moves, but also added a touch of sharpness and density, like thousands of falling petals in a sudden storm, dazzling and impossible to defend against.

At the same time, her "Ling'ao Step" also changed, becoming even more unpredictable and elusive.

Yang Guo watched intently.

With the foundation laid by the first three techniques, and now with a broader perspective, he saw things more clearly.

The shifts between emptiness and fullness in palm techniques, the flow of energy, the coordination between footwork and palm techniques, and even the subtle rhythmic connections to the "Song of the Rising Tide of the Blue Sea" are all clearly reflected in his mind.

After Huang Rong finished her demonstration, she looked at Yang Guo and asked, "Could you remember it?"

Yang Guo nodded and performed the same procedure.

He deliberately controlled his speed and force, making his palm shadows look slightly clumsy, with occasional pauses at the transitions, and his footwork also seemed a bit deliberate, but the general framework of the moves and the flow of energy was exactly the same.

It demonstrates the level of a first-class martial artist who is "a beginner with good talent".

Guo Fu watched from the side and muttered to herself, "Senior brother learns so fast... much faster than I did back then."

Huang Rong, however, understood perfectly.

She could naturally tell that Yang Guo had deliberately restrained at least 90% of his strength, and the occasional hint of sophistication he revealed was something no beginner could possess.

But she didn't point it out. Instead, she taught him like a normal disciple, carefully correcting a few details and explaining the key to coordinating the mental techniques.

"Not bad, your comprehension is acceptable."

After giving her instructions, Huang Rong commented calmly, then continued, "Next, I will teach you the first three moves of the 'Jade Flute Sword Technique.' In the martial arts of Peach Blossom Island, palm techniques and sword techniques are interconnected. You need to carefully understand the artistic conception of 'using the palm as a sword and the sword as a palm.'"

She took Guo Fu's wooden sword, flicked her wrist, and the sword flashed.

Although it was a wooden sword, it seemed to come alive in her hands. Her movements—pointing, stabbing, slashing, and flicking—were graceful like a dance, yet concealed a sharp edge. Her sword strikes were continuous and gentle, like the mournful sound of a flute, lingering and entangling, blocking any path of advance or retreat.

Yang Guo watched intently, his understanding of the "Song of the Rising Tide of the Azure Sea" resonating with it, and he gained a deeper comprehension of the rhythm and internal energy vibrations in this sword technique.

After Huang Rong finished demonstrating, she handed the wooden sword to Yang Guo.

Yang Guo took it and copied it exactly.

The sword flashes, though lacking the natural grace of Huang Rong, the moves are precise and subtly possess a dense, continuous force.

He also deliberately held back, making his internal strength appear "shallow," and his sword moves "somewhat stiff."

Guo Fu, however, was filled with admiration and clapped her hands, saying, "Senior brother is amazing! He got it after just one look!"

A hint of a smile flashed across Huang Rong's eyes, but she quickly straightened her face and said, "Fu'er, stop making a fuss. Your senior brother is indeed quite aptitude, but he is still far from being a true master. Now that you have finished your homework for today, go and practice the first two moves of the 'Jade Flute Swordplay' fifty times."

"Oh? I have to practice again..." Guo Fu sighed, but still obediently picked up her wooden sword, walked to an open space, and began to practice.

Huang Rong continued to instruct Yang Guo on the essentials of swordsmanship, her voice low but each word clear.

Sunlight streamed through the eaves of the pavilion, bathing the three of them in its glow. A sea breeze blew, ruffling their clothes and hair.

In the distance, the sound of waves crashed; nearby, sword shadows and palm strikes clashed.

Meanwhile, Huang Rong, out of the corner of her eye while diligently teaching, watched the boy listening attentively and trying his best to imitate her.

Looking at his slightly flushed cheeks from exercise and his focused, clear eyes, a hidden string in my heart was gently plucked by the sea breeze.

……