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

Upon hearing this familiar call, Guo Jing froze.

Two pairs of eyes were fixed on the white-robed, white-haired youth below the steps, and for a moment they couldn't recognize his identity.

The man before me stood tall and straight like a pine tree, exuding a calm and composed air as if he embraced the mountains and rivers.

What is most surprising is his head of snow-white hair, which is like snow silk draped over his shoulders, giving him an elegant and otherworldly appearance.

Guo Jing searched his mind for old images, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not reconcile the white-clad figure before him, who looked like a jade sculpture, with the frail and lonely child in his memory.

Huang Rong stood beside Guo Jing, her cherry lips slightly pursed, and recognized Yang Guo at a glance.

She watched her husband stand there, lost in thought, and quietly tugged at his sleeve, whispering a reminder in a very low voice:

"Brother Jing, it's Guo'er."

Upon hearing those words, Guo Jing was jolted awake, as if struck by lightning.

He gazed intently at the face that had lost its youthful innocence—the contours of the eyebrows, the bridge of the nose, the lines of the lips, every detail bearing the traces of his deceased friend's blood. Years of longing and yearning surged up within him.

Without further hesitation, Guo Jing strode forward, his usually deep and steady voice trembling slightly.

"Guo'er! Is it really you?"

He strode up to Yang Guo, his rough hands, which had been used to wielding weapons and guarding border cities for many years, firmly grasped Yang Guo's arm, his gaze sweeping from the white hair on Yang Guo's head down to his clothes.

Upon closer inspection, he was shocked to discover that Yang Guo had grown considerably taller over the years, even surpassing him in height.

Guo Jing's palm was pressed against Yang Guo's sleeve, and he felt a dense, flexible, invisible barrier of energy covering his skin.

When touched, it was difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion; there was a thin film of true energy between them, and one could not grasp the actual bone and muscle structure.

Guo Jing practiced the Dragon Subduing Technique and the Nine Yin Manual for decades, and his internal and external skills had reached the pinnacle. His perception of the human body's qi, blood, meridians, and flesh far surpassed that of ordinary martial artists.

Even though the arm was right in my palm, the sensation was like trying to catch the moon's reflection in water—real yet elusive, almost imperceptible.

This strange physical state was something Guo Jing had never seen on anyone before, despite his life of wandering the martial world and observing masters from all walks of life. This gave rise to deep doubts in his heart.

Yang Guo looked at Guo Jing's face, which was full of concern, but also mixed with a bit of confusion and bewilderment, and smiled faintly.

Yang Guo raised his hand and placed it on Guo Jing's large hand that was gripping his arm, gently patting it twice with his fingertips as if to soothe him, his tone calm:

"Uncle Guo, it's me. It's been four years. Your hair has turned white."

Just a simple sentence.

Guo Jing suddenly felt a burning sensation in his eyes, and a wave of sourness rushed straight to his eyes.

His lips moved, a thousand words stuck in his throat, choking and swirling, and for a long time he couldn't utter a single sound.

Only his hands involuntarily tightened a little, his rough palms trembling slightly, as if if he loosened his grip even slightly, the son of his long-missed friend would turn into a dream and vanish without a trace in an instant.

After his emotions had calmed down a bit, Guo Jing still refused to loosen his grip, his hoarse, low voice filled with suppressed emotion:

"Guo'er... good child... you've grown up, but what happened to your white hair? Could you have been injured? Let your Aunt Guo take a look."

Seeing this, Yang Guo slowly shook his head and gently pressed his palm against Guo Jing's tense hand:

"Uncle Guo, there's no need to worry. This white hair is not caused by injury, but is a strange phenomenon resulting from my practice of a unique skill. It looks frightening, but it doesn't actually harm my body."

Just now, Guo Jing was speculating that Yang Guo, wandering alone thousands of miles away, must have suffered all kinds of hardships and torments in the world, which is why he turned old and gray at a young age.

The thought of the hardships and bitterness he had endured caused him unbearable pain in his heart.

Upon hearing that Yang Guo's appearance change was merely a result of his martial arts training, his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down. He let out a long sigh of relief, and his tense expression relaxed considerably.

He released his grip on Yang Guo's arm, patted his shoulder, and repeated loudly:

"It's good that you're alright... It's good that you're alright... Uncle Guo never expected to meet you here again."

Huang Rong stood to the side, quietly observing Yang Guo in front of her, her heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

Four years ago, when the young man bid farewell to Zhongnan Mountain, the enigmatic smile on his lips as he left remained etched in her heart.

Even back then, Yang Guo was insightful and shrewd, making it difficult for others to see through his true intentions. Now, he has undergone a complete transformation, his aura and cultivation are completely different from before.

A lingering worry quietly sprouted in her heart, growing wildly like creeping vines.

Yang Kang was ruthless and cunning throughout his life, and it's hard to guarantee that this stubbornness and gloom in his blood wouldn't be passed on to Yang Guo.

If this person knew the whole truth about his biological father's death, he would definitely harbor resentment and seek revenge.

With such unfathomable skill, even if he and Guo Jing possessed unparalleled martial arts, they might not be able to deal with it with ease.

Huang Rong was always meticulous and always kept some precautions in mind.

She had already silently calculated several possible escape routes and tactful maneuvers in her mind, but her face showed no unusual expression.

She suppressed her thoughts and saw that Guo Jing was only concerned with reminiscing with Yang Guo, completely leaving all the guests outside the manor gate. She couldn't help but shake her head helplessly.

She walked slowly forward and spoke softly to defuse the situation:

"Brother Jing, there are many guests here, and heroes from all walks of life are waiting to be seated at the gate. You are so busy catching up with Guo'er that you have neglected all our friends from the martial arts world. Please invite everyone to come in and take a seat to rest."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jing suddenly came to his senses, looked around at the numerous martial arts figures standing there, and was immediately filled with shame.

He raised his hand and scratched the back of his head sheepishly, letting out a hearty laugh:

"Yes, yes, it was Guo Jing who acted rashly. He was overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing the son of an old friend and thus lost his manners. I hope you all will forgive him. Distinguished guests, please come into the manor to rest."

Wang Zhensong, who was on the side, had witnessed the entire meeting between Guo and Yang, and his heart was filled with turmoil.

Over the years, he had known Yang Guo and was aware of Yang Guo's extraordinary abilities.

Little did they know that this person was actually an old acquaintance and junior of Guo Jing, the Northern Hero.

It truly proves the old saying: "Those who are not family will not enter the same door!"

Wang Zhengsong suppressed his astonishment, stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a loud and clear voice:

"No need for such formalities, Master Guo. I am Wang Zhensong from the Golden Saber Wang family of Luoyang. I have long admired the name of the Northern Hero. It is my great fortune to meet you in person today. I never expected that Master Yang and Master Guo are old acquaintances. Two generations of the same family have been upright and chivalrous figures in the martial arts world. It is truly admirable."

Guo Jing returned the greeting with a fist and palm salute, and said with a smile:

"Master Wang is too kind. Guo'er's achievements today are entirely due to his own good fortune, and I dare not take credit for it."

"Master Guo is too modest."

Wang Zhengsong replied with a smile: "Since traveling south from Fanchuan, I have personally witnessed Master Yang's upright conduct, compassion for the people, and his actions to punish the wicked and eliminate evil. Such a magnanimous character must have been deeply influenced by Master Guo's daily teachings and example."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jing was greatly pleased and repeatedly waved his hand to Wang Zhengsong to decline.

At this time, more and more guests came and went at the gate, and carriages and horses came and went in an endless stream.

Seeing this, Lu Guanying quickly stepped forward, bowed to Guo Jing, and whispered:

"Master Guo, the gate is bustling with guests. Why don't you first lead Master Wang and Young Master Yang and their party into the inner rooms to rest and settle in? We can reminisce about the past at the grand banquet tonight. As for the reception of guests outside the manor, my wife and I can handle it."