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

On the other side, the group was led by servants to their respective lodgings.

The guest rooms in the west courtyard were connected, and Wang Zhengsong, his daughter, and their entourage were all settled here.

Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü, however, were placed separately in a secluded courtyard next to the residence of Guo Jing and his wife.

The two courtyards are separated by only a pink wall, and there is a moon gate on the side that connects them. People can walk around without having to go around the main gate in the morning and evening, making it extremely convenient to visit each other.

The courtyard is not spacious, but it is meticulously arranged, revealing the owner's careful consideration in every detail. Several green bamboos are planted in the corner of the courtyard wall, their branches upright and verdant, and the bamboo leaves rustle in the breeze.

The dappled bamboo shadows fall on the bluestone pavement, swaying gently in the wind, creating a serene and tranquil scene.

The ground was paved entirely with large blue bricks, clean and tidy, without a speck of dust.

A square stone table with two stone stools is placed under the corridor. A pot of freshly brewed pre-rain tea is already prepared on the table. The aroma of the tea wafts up and mixes with the fresh scent of bamboo leaves, which is refreshing and delightful.

Yang Guo stood in the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding scenery, and he understood.

This close and intimate arrangement was clearly Guo Jing's idea.

Uncle Guo always remembered Yang Kang's past kindness and regarded him as his own son and nephew.

Now, four years have passed and there has been no news of him. He must feel a lot of guilt and longing in his heart. So he wants to use this nearby courtyard to find some closeness and make up for the regret of not being able to take care of him over the years.

This sentiment is simple and sincere, without a trace of calculation or affectation, just like Guo Jing himself—open-minded, honest, and upright.

Xiaolongnu followed Yang Guo into the courtyard, her cool gaze sweeping lightly over the bamboo grove by the wall, her voice calm and even:

"This Master Guo is truly sincere towards you."

Yang Guo nodded slightly, gazing at the swaying bamboo shadows:

"Uncle Guo was a man of great loyalty and affection throughout his life. He always treated me like his own son. Although we haven't seen each other for several years, his love for me has not diminished in the slightest."

Upon hearing this, the cold indifference in Xiaolongnu's eyes softened slightly.

She gently moved to the edge of the corridor, and a breeze swept through the courtyard, bringing with it the fragrance of bamboo leaves.

The warm afternoon sun shone down, casting a soft, gentle glow on her snow-white hair.

She tilted her head back to face the wind, the scent of bamboo lingering around her nose, and spoke softly:

"This is a rare quiet place."

Yang Guo walked to her side, gazing at the swaying bamboo shadows in the courtyard.

Two figures stood side by side under the corridor, neither of them speaking, and the surroundings were silent for a moment.

Only the soft rustling of the bamboo leaves in the breeze gently echoed in this small courtyard.

The tranquility of this moment stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle in front of the village.

The front yard was bustling with noise; the sounds of heroes talking and laughing, and the clanging of weapons could be heard from afar, creating a chaotic and endless clamor.

Inside the courtyard, however, there was a tranquil seclusion, a world apart from the bustling one. The quiet and the noisy were just a stone's throw apart, like two completely different worlds.

But this rare tranquility did not last long.

A series of steady, heavy footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate, followed by a warm, gentle voice entering the courtyard:

"Guo'er, is this little courtyard to your liking?"

Before he finished speaking, Guo Jing had already strode across the threshold of the courtyard gate.

His gaze fell on the two people under the corridor, and a genuinely relieved smile immediately appeared on his face.

He changed into a clean blue cloth robe, looking much more casual than when he was greeting guests at the door. It was clear that he had handed over the task of receiving guests to someone else and had taken the time to visit Yang Guo.

Upon seeing this, Yang Guo quickly stepped forward to greet him, bowing respectfully.

"Uncle Guo is very busy, why did you take time out of your busy schedule to come here in person?"

Guo Jing waved his hand and walked into the courtyard without stopping, his face full of a warm smile:

"I'm really worried about you. It's been four years since we last met. I don't know if your living habits have changed. So your aunt specially chose this courtyard house for you, which is close to your residence. See if there's anything you need in the courtyard. Just tell Uncle Guo."

Yang Guo felt a warmth in his heart and replied gently:

"Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Guo. This courtyard is quiet and elegant, and I am very satisfied."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jing's smile deepened, and he nodded repeatedly in approval. Standing in the courtyard, he scrutinized Yang Guo again and again, his eyes filled with the preciousness of a long-awaited reunion, as if he could never get enough of looking at him.

Now the child is tall and slender, with a steady and reliable physique. All the immaturity has faded from his brows, replaced by a calm and reserved demeanor that comes from having experienced the ways of the world.

He is no longer the boy he was on Peach Blossom Island.

Thinking of this, Guo Jing felt half gratified at the growth of his juniors, and half filled with lingering bitterness and guilt.

Yang Guo noticed Guo Jing's complicated expression and immediately extended an invitation:

"Uncle Guo, it's cool in the courtyard. Why don't you come in and have some tea? It was too noisy with so many people earlier, so I didn't get a chance to catch up with you properly."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jing laughed heartily, and most of the vexation between his brows dissipated.

"Alright, alright, Guo'er has grown up. Today, I'll allow Uncle Guo to bother you for a while."

As they were talking.

Guo Jing's gaze then fell upon Xiaolongnu, who stood silently under the eaves. He paused slightly, then composed himself, revealing a kind smile, and asked Yang Guo:

"Guo'er, this young lady has been traveling with you the whole time. I would like to ask you to introduce her to Uncle Guo."

Yang Guo strode between the two and calmly introduced them:

"Uncle Guo, this is Miss Long, the current leader of the Ancient Tomb Sect of Zhongnan Mountain."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jing's expression immediately became more serious.

He was naturally familiar with the Ancient Tomb Sect. He had heard that it was founded by a senior who had a deep connection with Master Chongyang. Over the years, the sect had rarely ventured into the martial world, and its disciples rarely traveled outside.

In the martial arts world, people have always heard of him but never seen him.

Unexpectedly, the extraordinary young girl in front of me was the leader of the Ancient Tomb Sect.

Guo Jing inwardly admired his extraordinary talent and immediately cupped his hands in greeting:

"So it's Sect Leader Long. The Ancient Tomb Sect has a long and profound history. I, Guo, have long admired your name. Sect Leader Long is so young yet he has taken charge of the sect. It is truly admirable."

Upon hearing this, Xiaolongnu nodded slightly in reply, "You're too kind, Master Guo."

Seeing that she was not good at socializing, Guo Jing didn't ask any more questions and turned to Yang Guo with a smile:

"Guo'er, it's your good fortune to have made a friend like Sect Leader Long. Good, very good!"

After saying that, he raised his hand and gently patted Yang Guo's shoulder, his eyes filled with undisguised satisfaction.

The two then walked side by side into the main hall and took their seats according to their status as the head of the household.

The interior is simple and tidy; although there are no luxurious items, everything is kept elegant and clean.

Hanging on the central wall is a traditional Chinese ink landscape painting, its brushstrokes vast and boundless; flanking it are a couplet in running script, the brushwork vigorous and powerful, its style dignified and awe-inspiring.

Yang Guo picked up the teapot on the table, poured a cup of hot tea for Guo Jing, and presented it to Guo Jing.

Guo Jing took the teacup, his fingertips touching the warm porcelain, but his gaze remained fixed on Yang Guo's face.

After examining him for a long time, he finally spoke in a deep voice, his tone tinged with a heavy sense of guilt:

"Guo'er, you must have suffered a lot living in the deep mountains all these years. It was Uncle Guo who was not careful and sent you to Zhongnan Mountain to cultivate. He was unable to take good care of you."

Looking at Guo Jing's remorseful expression, Yang Guo gently comforted him:

"Uncle Guo, please don't say that. It was my own decision to go to Zhongnan Mountain to cultivate back then. Moreover, if it weren't for this experience, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet Long'er. In short, everything is predestined."

Guo Jing nodded slowly after hearing this, the heavy guilt in his heart gradually dissipating, replaced by a heart full of relief and pride.

Looking at Yang Guo before him, he was filled with emotion—this child had not only grown up, but also had a broad and clear mind, knew how to let go and be grateful, and had not had his good nature worn away by the suffering of the past.

This temperament is far more precious than unparalleled martial arts skills, and has already exceeded all my previous expectations.

From then on, the two began to chat casually, mostly with Guo Jing asking questions and Yang Guo answering truthfully.

Guo Jing first asked about his experiences on the journey south, and then asked Yang Guo if he had encountered any dangers over the years.

Yang Guo knew that Guo Jing was frank and simple, and never liked to speak falsehoods or conceal anything. He always answered questions with tact and composure.

The two exchanged questions and answers, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere in the hall, a welcome change from the past.

Just as the two were getting into the swing of things,

A sudden burst of hurried, chaotic footsteps, accompanied by heavy breathing, broke the tranquility of the courtyard.

Yang Guo's hearing was far superior to that of ordinary people. With a slight twitch of his ear, his gaze immediately turned towards the direction of the courtyard gate.

Seeing Yang Guo's expression shift slightly, Guo Jing followed his gaze and looked toward the courtyard gate.

A figure in bright red, panting, rushed to the courtyard gate and saw Guo Jing sitting upright in the hall.

His face immediately showed panic and anxiety, and he shouted urgently:

"Father! Something terrible has happened! There's been an accident in the front yard... something's happened in the front yard!"