Yang Guo: I defied death and reached the heavens in The Return of the Condor Heroes

Upon hearing this, Yang Guo looked up at the endless stream of martial arts practitioners on the official road and replied calmly:

"The martial artists of the Central Plains gathered together to discuss strategies for defending against the enemy. Such a grand gathering of martial arts masters is truly a rare sight in the world."

The carriages and horses traveled slowly southward, enduring two more days of wind and frost.

The majestic outline of Dasheng Pass finally broke through the clouds and mist ahead, appearing in the distance before everyone's eyes.

The fortress rises abruptly from the ground, following the contours of the mountain.

The city wall is thick and majestic, with its battlements arranged in a strict order. The dark blue bricks, weathered by years of wind and rain, have developed a solemn and ancient charm.

The official road outside the pass is wide and flat, with taverns and shops lined up one after another, colorful wine flags fluttering in the wind, and wooden signs of varying lengths swaying gently in the evening breeze.

A bustling and lively atmosphere prevailed in the city.

Hundreds of visitors from all directions had already gathered in the vast open space in front of the gate, creating a bustling and noisy atmosphere.

The Wang family's convoy slowly drove along the official road into the city gate of Dasheng Pass.

Yang Guo rode his horse at the head of the procession, his white robes and white horse weaving through the flow of people.

He slowly surveyed the myriad scenes inside and outside the city gate, a sense of melancholy rising in his heart.

Although the original work describes the grand scene of this gathering of heroes, the description is ultimately separated by a layer of illusion.

Being there in person, the atmosphere of the martial arts world is so real and profound that it is far more shocking and vivid than any written description.

Pedestrians and martial artists on the street couldn't help but glance at the moving convoy.

The servants of the Wang family were arranged in an orderly manner, and the carriages and entourage were dignified, displaying the demeanor of a noble family.

The leader, Wang Zhensong, was calm and composed, and one could tell at a glance that he was the head of a prominent family.

But the one who attracted the most attention was still Yang Guo.

Dressed entirely in white, with long, frosty white hair, he sat serenely on horseback, his posture upright and dignified, like a figure carved from a single piece of flawless white jade.

Standing out from the bustling crowd, he stood out conspicuously.

Many pedestrians along the way stopped to watch and whisper among themselves, speculating about the origins of the white-haired boy.

The convoy traveled through the main street of the city gate, turned into a lane with blue bricks, and a magnificent mansion suddenly appeared before them.

The vermilion gate was half-open, with two imposing blue stone lions standing on either side of it, their expressions fierce and powerful.

A black plaque with gilded plaques hangs high above the gate—"Lu Family Village".

The three large characters are written with a powerful and vigorous style, and the strokes are clearly defined, making it easy to tell that they are from the hand of a famous calligrapher.

At this moment, the area in front of the Lu Family Manor was bustling with activity as martial arts figures from all walks of life arrived one after another to attend the meeting.

Seven or eight skilled guards stood on either side, holding registers to verify the names of the guests and directing the carriages to their designated parking areas.

Several Beggars' Sect disciples stood by the gate, their clothes patched with old cloth. They were stationed here according to the sect's rules, keeping order in front of the gate. The Beggars' Sect's insignia was easily recognizable.

Wang Zhengsong dismounted, smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothes, took out a gold-embossed name card from his bosom, and handed it to the head servant.

The servant unfolded the name card and immediately became respectful, bowing and saying, "So it is the Master Wang of the Golden Knife Wang family in Luoyang. I apologize for my rudeness. I will quickly go inside to report to the Master."

As soon as he finished speaking, he hurried towards the inner courtyard to report.

Wang Zhengsong nodded slightly, then turned around and instructed his servants to settle the carriages and luggage.

The coachman shouted and drove the three blue-curtained carriages to the parking area according to the directions of the servants, while the servants unloaded the luggage and other items in an orderly manner.

Before long, the curtains of the two carriages were lifted one after the other, and Xiaolongnu and Wang Qingyuan stepped down from the carriages.

Passersby on the street stopped and stared, their eyes lingering on the two, secretly marveling at their unparalleled beauty.

The Little Dragon Girl, dressed in white with her snow-white hair, exuded a cold and aloof aura, like a celestial being from the moon palace who had fallen to earth. A faint chill emanated from her, making people afraid to look directly at her.

Wang Qingyuan wore a light blue silk dress, her figure was gentle and quiet, and every move she made was dignified and elegant, nurtured by the upbringing of a noble lady, gentle and touching.

One cold, one warm; one ethereal, one gentle; both stunning beauties had their own unique charm, drawing whispers and endless discussions from passersby.

Yang Guo also dismounted and handed the white horse's reins to the guard on duty.

Once all the carriages and horses were properly arranged, Wang Zhengsong returned, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "Master Yang, Miss Long, let's go into the manor for the feast."

As soon as everyone crossed the high bluestone threshold of Lu Family Village, they saw a middle-aged couple walking briskly towards them.

The man was over forty years old, with a lean and sturdy build, a kind and gentle face, and wore a dark blue brocade robe with a jade belt around his waist. His steps were steady and measured.

The woman beside him appeared to be in her late thirties, with a dignified and gentle appearance. She wore a light purple silk dress and her demeanor was graceful and poised.

It was Lu Guanying, the owner of Lu Family Manor, and his wife Cheng Yaojia.

Lu Guanying, from a distance, cupped his hands and laughed, "Master Wang has come from afar. I apologize for the lateness in welcoming you."

Wang Zhengsong quickly returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Master Lu is too kind. I have come here unannounced and disturbed your grand gathering. It is only because of this that I have troubled you to take the time to entertain me."

The two had finished exchanging pleasantries.

Lu Guanying's gaze naturally fell on Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu.

He was slightly taken aback at first, then a look of amazement flashed in his eyes.

He had roamed the martial world for decades, meeting countless heroes from all factions across the north and south, but he had never seen anyone with such spirit and character.

The young man, dressed in a simple white robe with white hair, had a relaxed and composed expression, exuding an aura of detachment that transcended worldly affairs.

The woman beside him was also dressed in white with white hair, and her face was cold and aloof.

The two stood side by side, their bodies seemingly shrouded in a thin, dust-free mist, exuding an aloof and otherworldly aura that deterred mortals from easily approaching or offending them.

Lu Guanying asked Wang Zhengsong in a low voice, "Master Wang, may I ask who these two distinguished guests are?"

"This is Senior Yang Guo, and this gentleman beside him is Master Long of the Ancient Tomb Sect. Both of them are reclusive masters who have lived deep in the mountains for a long time and do not concern themselves with worldly disputes. They have come to Dasheng Pass to participate in the Heroes' Gathering at my invitation," Wang Zhengsong solemnly introduced.

Both Lu Guanying and his wife were startled upon hearing this.

This young-looking figure possessed a profound and unfathomable aura, indicating that his cultivation level was undoubtedly among the top in the martial arts world.

The Ancient Tomb Sect has always lived in seclusion in the Zhongnan Mountains, rarely concerning itself with worldly affairs. Its members have almost disappeared from the mortal world. This time, the sect leader's personal visit to the Lu Family Manor is truly an unexpected event.

The two men dared not be the slightest bit negligent, bowing respectfully in unison: "The presence of two esteemed guests at our humble abode is truly an honor to the Lu Family Manor. Please come in, please come in!"

Lu Guanying was about to step aside and lead the group toward the banquet hall in the inner courtyard.

A deep, resonant, slightly hoarse voice suddenly rang out from the moon gate of the inner courtyard: "Master Lu, who is this friend who has come to the door?"

Upon hearing that familiar voice that he hadn't heard for four years, Yang Guo's heart skipped a beat. He looked past Lu Guanying and his wife and stared straight at the entrance to the inner courtyard.

A tall and imposing figure walked out from inside the doorway.

He wore a dark blue coarse cloth short jacket, his back was as straight as an ancient pine or cypress, and his face was kind and square.

Several fine lines, etched by the flames of war on the frontier and the frost of the battlefield, were etched at the corners of his eyes, and his temples were dotted with white frost.

Only his eyes remained clear, warm, and generous, just as they had been when they met at Chongyang Palace in Zhongnan Mountain, unchanged in the slightest.

The person who arrived was none other than Guo Jing!

Guo Jing was accompanied by one person.

A lake-blue dress accentuated her elegant figure; though over thirty, she still possessed a graceful and lively charm.

His eyes and brows revealed an innate intelligence and wit, and his mischievous spirit had not been worn away by time.

It was Huang Rong.

Guo Jing had come out to greet guests after hearing that they had arrived at the front gate.

Just then, a voice that was both incredibly familiar and strange rang in his ears:

"Uncle Guo, Aunt Guo, it's been a long time."