Reborn Ouyang Ke: From The Condor Heroes to the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 20: Nine Yang Healing Techniques, Nine Yin Martial Arts!

Ouyang Ke lightly tapped his crutches under his armpits, and he floated down onto the bed.

He sat cross-legged, placed his hands on Guo Jing's back, closed his eyes slightly, and slowly circulated the Nine Yang Divine Skill within his body.

A stream of warm and mellow true energy, like a warm spring current, slowly flowed along Guo Jing's meridians.

Guo Jing's previously weak breathing gradually stabilized. A faint trace of color returned to his deathly pale face. His previously slumped body straightened slightly involuntarily.

Huang Rong stood guard beside him, her eyes fixed on Ouyang Ke's every move. She had been filled with a thousand precautions and ten thousand suspicions, but seeing Guo Jing's breathing improve, her vigilance unconsciously lessened.

She quietly observed Ouyang Ke before her, only to find him sitting upright, focused, with an unprecedented air of composure and solemnity between his brows.

The face was still the same face, but the eyes and the demeanor were completely different from the Ouyang Ke she used to despise.

A strange thought suddenly occurred to her: Could this person have really changed?

The firebird perched on Ouyang Ke's shoulder, initially tilting its head to watch the excitement, but soon grew bored.

It made a "coo" sound, flapped its wings and took flight. It circled twice in the secret chamber, and seeing that no one paid attention to it, it simply flew out through the cave entrance.

Before long, a few clear bird calls came from outside the cave, gradually fading into the distance, clearly indicating that they had run far away.

Huang Rong caught a glimpse of the firebird out of the corner of her eye. The bird was entirely crimson and streaked across the dim light, appearing quite mystical.

As it flew by, a faint, exotic fragrance wafted over, refreshing and delightful.

She was curious and would have definitely chased after him to examine him properly on any other day, but Guo Jing was still seriously injured and she had no time for that.

He glanced at it only once before looking away and continuing to watch Ouyang Ke's every move.

At this moment, Ouyang Ke's brows furrowed slightly.

Guo Jing's injuries were more serious than he had anticipated.

The knife wound to his chest nearly pierced his heart meridian; anyone else would have been dead long ago. Guo Jing was able to hold on until today entirely because of his solid foundation and Huang Rong's constant protection with the Nine Yin Manual for healing. Although the external injury was severe, given time, with the profound power of the Nine Yin Manual, it should heal in a maximum of seven days.

But the truly fatal blow was the palm strike to the ribs.

The Iron Palm Clan's kung fu truly lived up to its reputation.

That palm strike was vicious and penetrated straight into his internal organs. If Guo Jing had been in good health, with his cultivation level, he would have been injured but not fatally wounded by the blow.

However, he had already suffered a severe injury, damaging his heart meridian. Then, while he was still weak, he endured this blow. With the two injuries combined, even if Huang Rong did her best, she could only barely keep him alive.

If I hadn't arrived in time, Guo Jing would probably have lost his life here.

Ouyang Ke sighed inwardly, and the Nine Yang True Qi within his dantian surged out like a tide, continuously flowing into Guo Jing's body.

As his true energy circulated, Guo Jing's originally weak breathing gradually stabilized, and the color in his pale face deepened, making his breathing even clearly audible.

Seeing this, Huang Rong finally felt a little relieved. She couldn't help but glance at Ouyang Ke a few more times, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside her.

A few months ago on Peach Blossom Island, this villain was beaten to a pulp by Brother Jing and left in a sorry state.

At that time, in her eyes, Ouyang Ke was nothing more than a spoiled brat who acted arrogantly and domineeringly because of his uncle's reputation. Although his martial arts skills were superior to hers, he was not worthy of respect.

But now...

Despite having both legs broken, his martial arts skills improved by leaps and bounds, and his internal energy seemed to surpass even that of his brother Jing. What exactly did he experience in these short few months?

Huang Rong was completely baffled, but she didn't have time to think about it further. She simply stood quietly by her side, her gaze shifting back and forth between Guo Jing and Ouyang Ke, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

……

About half an hour later, footsteps were heard outside the cave.

Han Xiaoying's voice came from the cave entrance: "Miss Huang, Young Master Ouyang, Brother Ke and the others have arrived."

Huang Rong responded, and Han Xiaoying led Ke Zhen'e and the others into the secret room.

Han Baoju, being the most impatient of them all, immediately lowered his voice and asked as soon as he stepped into the secret room, "Seventh Sister, how is Jing'er?"

Han Xiaoying pointed to the bed and whispered, "Third Brother, keep your voice down. Young Master Ouyang is healing Jing'er."

Han Baoju immediately fell silent and moved closer to take a closer look. He saw Guo Jing sitting cross-legged, his complexion much better than before, and his breathing steady and strong, clearly indicating that he was recovering. A great weight was lifted from his heart, and he took a few steps back, remaining silent.

Although Ke Zhen'e was blind, he could sense the change in atmosphere from the breathing of the crowd. He asked in a deep voice, "Seventh Sister, did Jing'er say who injured you?"

Han Xiaoying remained silent for a moment, then took out a dagger from her bosom and handed it to everyone.

The dagger with its ebony hilt had an ancient and simple design, and everyone recognized it at first glance.

He immediately remembered that Jing'er also had an identical one, which was a gift from Qiu Chuji years ago.

Zhu Cong took the dagger, examined it for a moment, and saw the character "Kang" engraved on the hilt. His expression changed slightly, he sighed, and whispered, "As expected, my fourth brother's words came true."

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

Back at Guiyun Manor, Guo Jing and Yang Kang became sworn brothers, agreeing to travel to Dadu together to assassinate Wanyan Honglie. Before their departure, the usually taciturn Nan Xiren suddenly spoke up, saying, "Your sworn brother comes from a wealthy family; you'd better be careful."

Han Xiaoying and the others had tried to persuade Guo Jing, but Guo Jing was a kind-hearted boy; once he recognized someone as a brother, he gave them his whole heart. Who would have thought…

Han Baoju clenched his fists and cursed in a low voice, "What a heartless bastard! If I had known this would happen, I shouldn't have been soft-hearted and let him go back to Guiyun Manor!"

Ke Zhen'e remained surprisingly calm. He slammed his iron staff down and said in a deep voice, "Further words are useless. Once Jing'er recovers, we'll go up Zhongnan Mountain and tell Master Qiu about this matter. Let him deal with the matter himself."

When everyone heard the words, they all nodded.

……

Two days later, Guo Jing's complexion became rosier, and he had already regained consciousness.

Huang Rong stood guard beside him. When she saw him open his eyes, her own eyes reddened, and she almost burst into tears. Guo Jing took her hand and whispered, "Rong'er, I'm sorry to have worried you."

Huang Rong turned her face away, not wanting him to see the tears in her eyes, but she said reproachfully, "Who was worried about you?"

Guo Jing smiled sheepishly and didn't refute.

Ouyang Ke finished his practice and slowly exhaled a breath of stale air. After two days without sleep or rest, even with his profound internal strength, he couldn't help but look somewhat tired.

"Young Master Guo's injuries have stabilized." He looked at Guo Jing. "He just needs to continue to recuperate carefully, and he will be fully recovered in half a month at most."

Upon hearing this, Guo Jing struggled to sit up and solemnly bowed to Ouyang Ke, saying, "Thank you so much, Brother Ouyang, for saving my life!"

His bow was performed with utmost sincerity.

As early as Mingxia Island, he had already changed his opinion of Ouyang Ke.

Now, having been saved, he is even more grateful.

Ouyang Ke waved his hand, his expression indifferent: "No need to thank me. I saved you because I need something from you."

Guo Jing was taken aback, then said, "Brother Ouyang, please feel free to ask for anything! As long as it's within my power, I will not refuse!"

Ouyang Ke glanced at him and slowly said, "Brother Guo, if you really want to thank me, please teach me some martial arts techniques from the Nine Yin Manual."

"Alright!" Guo Jing agreed without hesitation.

He had already decided in his heart that Ouyang Ke was a trustworthy person, so naturally he wouldn't hold back. Besides, the debt of saving his life was heavier than Mount Tai; what was a mere martial arts manual compared to that?

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong frowned slightly.

It wasn't that she wanted to go back on her word, but Jing-gege was too straightforward; once he decided on someone, he would give them his whole heart.

The Nine Yin Manual is a treasure of martial arts, and if it were to be passed on in its entirety, what if Ouyang Ke harbored evil intentions in the future...?

She had intended to speak a few words to Guo Jing privately, but with Ouyang Ke right in front of her, how could she bring it up?

Guo Jing, however, had already begun reciting it to himself.

He memorized it diligently, word by word, without holding back.

From the "Nine Yin White Bone Claw" to the "Heart-Shattering Palm," from the "Soul Transfer Technique" to the "Healing Chapter," from internal energy cultivation methods to external martial arts moves, he truly taught them everything he knew.

An hour later, Ouyang Ke had memorized the entire scripture.

He was deeply moved; Guo Jing was truly a kind and benevolent man with the heart of a child.

If it were anyone else, even if they were to teach martial arts, they would inevitably hold back. But Guo Jing is different; once he considers you a friend, he will share everything without reservation.

Such sincerity is rare in this world.

After reciting the last section, Guo Jing earnestly reminded him, "Brother Ouyang, the Nine Yin Manual is profound and all-encompassing. But its essence lies in the internal energy cultivation method of the first volume. Do not be greedy for more and faster results, lest you repeat the mistakes of the Black Wind Duo."

He worried that Ouyang Ke, in his eagerness for quick success, would practice all the martial arts techniques in the scriptures and thus go astray.

Ouyang Ke smiled slightly, cupped his hands, and said, "Thank you for reminding me, Brother Guo. I understand."

He felt an even greater respect for Guo Jing. Not only was Guo Jing kind-hearted, but his genuine concern for others was also truly commendable. The Seven Freaks of Jiangnan were truly remarkable for raising such a disciple.

As for Huang Rong...

Ouyang Ke's gaze swept over the pretty figure not far away, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

The girl was pouting, looking unhappy. Her mind raced; she didn't want to break her promise, but she was also worried that Guo Jing was too honest. However, she couldn't say anything in front of Ouyang Ke, so she could only sulk.

Ouyang Ke didn't reveal anything, but got up with his cane and gracefully left the secret room.

……

Only Guo Jing and Huang Rong remained in the secret room.

Seeing Ouyang Ke walk away, Huang Rong finally couldn't help but speak, her tone tinged with reproach: "Brother Jing, you're too honest! The Nine Yin Manual is a top-tier martial art in the world, how could you tell him everything?"

Guo Jing smiled kindly, took her hand, and said gently, "Rong'er, didn't we already promise Brother Ouyang?"

Huang Rong shook her head, her delicate brows furrowing slightly: "But he is, after all, that old poisoner's nephew, how can we not take precautions? What if..."

Guo Jing interrupted her before she could finish, his tone still calm and firm: "Rong'er, I believe Brother Ouyang has changed."

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong couldn't help but retort playfully, "So, do you believe him, or do you not believe me?"

Guo Jing quickly grasped her hand and said urgently, "Of course I believe Rong'er! It's just... I feel that Brother Ouyang has really changed and is very different from before."

Look at his every move these past few days; wasn't it all done with his sincere intention to save us? If he were still the same person he used to be, why would he have gone through all this trouble?

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong was speechless for a moment.

She recalled Ouyang Ke's focused expression as he healed his wounds over the past two days, the calm and indifferent look in his eyes when he looked at her, and the composed and unhurried manner with which he left. That person was indeed completely different from before.

But she still had doubts and whispered, "He has changed, but I hope he's not just pretending."

Guo Jing shook his head, his tone becoming increasingly firm: "No, it won't happen."

He looked down at Huang Rong; her pretty face was slightly tired from days of hard work, but her eyes were still bright as stars, gazing at him with a mixture of reproach and worry. A surge of tenderness welled up in his heart, and he whispered, "Rong'er, shall we make a bet?"

Huang Rong was taken aback: "What are we betting on?"

Guo Jing said, "I bet Brother Ouyang won't betray me. If I win..."

He paused, then suddenly grinned sheepishly and scratched his head: "If I win, you'll stay with me for the rest of your life."

Upon hearing this, Huang Rong's pretty face flushed red. She lowered her head and remained silent for a long time, feeling her cheeks burning and her heart pounding.

After a long while, she finally raised her head, her eyes filled with tenderness, but she deliberately kept a straight face and said, "What if I win?"

Guo Jing scratched his head, thought seriously for a moment, and was about to speak.

Huang Rong chuckled, and before he could finish speaking, she gently tapped his forehead with her finger, playfully saying, "If I win, Brother Jing, you must stay with me for the rest of your life and never leave my side!"

Upon hearing this, Guo Jing was taken aback at first, then grinned.

Their eyes met, and they both saw their own reflections in each other's eyes.

It's unclear who moved first, but the two figures gradually drew closer and finally nestled together.

Guo Jing gently put his arm around Huang Rong's shoulder, and Huang Rong leaned against his chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, feeling an unprecedented sense of peace in her heart.

The two sat there quietly, neither of them speaking.

They seemed reluctant to break this rare tranquility, wishing that time could stand still for a little longer.

……

Meanwhile, Ouyang Ke found a secluded room in the neighboring courtyard and began to study the Nine Yin Manual he had just acquired.

Although he had mastered the third volume of the Nine Yang Divine Skill and possessed immense internal energy, his legs were crippled, making it difficult for him to use many of his family's martial arts techniques. The Nine Yang Divine Skill excelled in internal energy cultivation, but lacked offensive combat methods. Now that he had obtained the Nine Yin Manual, it could make up for this deficiency.

He didn't try to learn too much; he first carefully studied practical methods such as healing, acupressure, and releasing acupoints.

In terms of movement techniques, he learned "Snake-like Leap" and "Horizontal Shift." These two techniques are agile and unpredictable, perfectly suited to his current condition of having difficulty walking. Although they cannot restore his former agility, they can give him a better chance of survival in critical moments.

In terms of martial arts, he should first learn the "Heart-Shattering Palm" and the "Nine Yin White Bone Claw". These two killing techniques are fierce and ruthless, which can make up for the lack of his current offensive methods.

For several days, he stayed indoors, meditating day and night.

The firebird was quite carefree, flying out to play during the day and returning in the evening to perch on his shoulder, tilting its head to watch him practice. Occasionally, when it saw him strike out with a palm, the wind from the blow fierce, it would coo twice, whether in cheers or to urge him to play with it, it was hard to tell.