Douluo: When the piano sounds, the hidden weapon returns to the factory

"Tang Yin?" Qian Renxue raised an eyebrow, gave Xue Ke a meaningful look, and then smiled gently: "Brother will definitely go see him."

Xueke immediately smiled broadly, lifted her skirt and twirled around on the spot: "Then Brother Qinghe can't go back on his word!" Sunlight filtered through her flowing hair, casting dancing shadows on the ground.

Qian Renxue affectionately ruffled her hair: "Don't worry, when has your brother ever lied to you?"

"Great! I'm going to tell Mother the good news!" Xue Ke ran towards the palace gate like a cheerful little bird. Just before reaching the door, she suddenly turned back and gave Feng Yao a perfect curtsy. Feng Yao nodded slightly, watching her joyful figure disappear at the end of the corridor.

Watching Xue Ke's cheerful departing figure, the two shook their heads and chuckled in unison. Once that beautiful figure had completely disappeared at the end of the corridor, Qian Renxue was enveloped in golden light, instantly regaining her original stunning beauty.

"This Tang Yin..." Qian Renxue's golden eyes narrowed slightly, "is not simple."

Feng Yao took a sip of tea, a faint smile playing on his lips. "In Tang Yuehua's Moon Pavilion, the Tang family members who can't openly return to the Haotian Sect..." He dipped his fingertip in tea and lightly drew a hammer shape on the table. "Who else could it be?"

"Tang San?" Qian Renxue's pupils contracted slightly, then she nodded thoughtfully.

Feng Yao gently stroked the teacup in his hand, then set it down, the porcelain clinking against the wooden table. "Although I don't know how he changed his appearance, it's definitely only him."

Qian Renxue nodded slightly: "Tang Hao disappeared for two years after his death." Her gaze drifted to the window, as if she could see a figure through the palace walls. "His appearance at this time is quite intriguing."

Feng Yao's fingertips lightly traced the rim of the teacup, a profound glint in his eyes: "Tang Hao's soul bones are now entirely his, and coupled with the talent of twin martial souls, he should have some confidence now."

Qian Renxue nodded slightly upon hearing this, her golden hair shimmering in the sunlight. She looked at Feng Yao with interest: "Speaking of your second martial soul, when do you plan to start attaching soul rings?"

Feng Yao's lips curled into a meaningful smile as he gazed at the deepening twilight outside the window: "Once you've settled your affairs in Tiandou City, that will be the most opportune time for our journey."

Over the past two years, Feng Yao's soul power growth may have seemed slow, but in reality, he deliberately slowed down his cultivation pace. On Dugu Bo's advice, he devoted most of his time to solidifying his foundation, repeatedly refining every bit of his soul power, and perfecting his zither skills. Even so, his cultivation level steadily increased, rising three levels in two years, and he is now a level seventy-four Soul Saint.

Such a cultivation speed would be astonishing even for an ordinary Soul Master. It should be noted that most Soul Saints cultivate diligently for years, often struggling to even break through to the next level. But Feng Yao's breakthrough was as natural as flowing water—his Soul Power accumulated to perfection, and the bottleneck loosened on its own, as if it were all the work of Heaven itself.

Qian Renxue's lips curled slightly, a mischievous glint in her eyes: "Leave? Are you really willing to give up your two little girlfriends?"

In the past two years, Feng Yao's gentle and subtle approach has melted away the barriers in Qian Renxue's heart. Although she still occasionally teases her, she no longer feels jealous and has accepted their existence. Sometimes, when they happen to meet, she even hides to observe them secretly. When Feng Yao is with the two of them, she will also tease them secretly through telepathy.

Feng Yao chuckled softly upon hearing this, a laugh like a sweet, intoxicating mellow wine. He moved slightly, his robes fluttering as he pressed himself close to Qian Renxue's side, his long arms encircling her slender waist like a dragon. His fingertips lightly traced the gilded patterns on the belt around her waist, a restrained intimacy in his gesture.

"Xue'er," he whispered in her ear, his warm breath reddening her alabaster earlobe, "At that time, why not let Lingling and Yanyan meet their future..." He paused deliberately, his thin lips almost touching her earlobe, "...Sister?"

Qian Renxue felt the warmth from his waist, her golden eyelashes trembled slightly, and her slender hand pretended to slap away his unruly claws: "A very affectionate older sister suddenly appears, and you're so sure they'll accept me? If things go wrong, I won't take responsibility." Her red lips pursed slightly, and the deliberately drawn-out tone hid a hint of danger, while her phoenix eyes gleamed with cunning as she glanced sideways.

Taking the opportunity, Feng Yao rested his chin on her shoulder, his high, straight nose brushing lightly against her neck. Turning his head, he gave her a fleeting kiss on the cheek, his warm breath mingling with the stray hairs around her ear: "That depends on...whether my Xue'er is willing to treat them..." His arms suddenly tightened, pulling her closer, "...just as gently as she treats me." His deep voice was full of doting affection, yet concealed an undeniable possessiveness.

Qian Renxue's lips curled up slightly, her eyes sparkling with a hint of reproach: "What, in your heart am I so cold and unapproachable?" She lightly touched Feng Yao's forehead with her slender finger, a faint golden halo flowing from her fingertip.

Feng Yao chuckled softly, his warm hand covering the finger she had placed on his forehead: "If Xue'er were truly unreasonable, I'm afraid I would have been sliced ​​in two by Xue'er's holy sword by now." He deliberately made a gesture of being split open, but his eyes were filled with tenderness.

Qian Renxue gave a soft hum, her golden hair swaying gently as she tilted her head. Her gaze deepened, and her voice unconsciously lowered: "Seriously... what do you think Tang San is planning to do by showing up at this critical juncture?" Her fingertips unconsciously traced a line in Feng Yao's palm, revealing a hint of seriousness.

Feng Yao gently rubbed his fingertips together, his tone carrying a deeper meaning: "Tang Yuehua deliberately arranged for Tang San to perform at Yuexuan's graduation ceremony; the purpose is obvious." A playful smile curved his lips. "It both allows that kid to become familiar to the upper-class aristocratic circles of Tiandou and showcases the level of the new generation of Haotian Sect to various forces. Although Tang Yuehua didn't say it explicitly, the surname Tang speaks volumes."

Qian Renxue's eyes flickered slightly, her gilded eyelashes casting a shadow in the candlelight: "You mean the Haotian Sect wants to reappear in the Soul Master world?" Her slender fingers unconsciously rubbed together.

Feng Yao gently shook his head, then suddenly leaned close to Qian Renxue's ear: "Xue'er, why don't you think about it from a different perspective?" His warm breath brushed against her earlobe. "If you were the sect leader of the Haotian Sect, and your sect possessed a peerless genius with twin martial souls, when would you choose to unleash your power?"

Qian Renxue's pupils suddenly contracted: "Wait until Tang San achieves his title, then now..."

"This is the perfect time to build momentum," Feng Yao continued. "Use this opportunity to let His Holiness the Pope remove this thorn in his side, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan." His voice grew colder. "Once Blue Lightning is destroyed, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will face a choice of sides. By then, no amount of money will be of any use."

Qian Renxue gently turned around, pressing her delicate profile against Feng Yao's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. Her voice was as soft as a feather's touch: "Little Feng, since meeting you, all the problems that once troubled me have become simple. You're making me increasingly dependent on you." Feng Yao gently stroked her smooth golden hair, his fingertips twirling a few strands: "I promised I would always be by your side." His voice was deep and firm, "Making your life easy and happy is what I should do. Actually, I hope you can spend less time on these power struggles and schemes."

Feng Yao gently lifted Qian Renxue's delicate chin with his slender fingers, his gaze fixed intently on her eyes, which shone like stars: "My Xue'er, you should be like a true angel," he lowered his voice, with a touch of piety, "...saving us lost mortals, warming the world with your radiance."

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue's fair cheeks flushed red, and she glared at him, both embarrassed and annoyed: "Smooth talker." She raised her small fist and lightly punched Feng Yao's chest, "If the ancestors knew you were distorting her sacred mission like this, hmph."

Feng Yao blinked innocently, but a mischievous smile played on his lips: "I was being perfectly serious." He suddenly leaned close to Qian Renxue's ear and whispered, "So, what strange things have you been thinking about, little angel?" As he spoke, his warm breath deliberately brushed against her sensitive earlobe.

Qian Renxue's cheeks flushed crimson. She hastily broke free from Feng Yao's embrace, her slender hands pressed against his chest. "I won't fool around with you anymore." As she turned, her golden hair drew a graceful arc in the air. "I'll go and instruct Uncle She to send a copy of your books back to the palace."

Feng Yao watched her hastily departing figure, his eyes filled with a smile, and suddenly raised his voice, saying, "Remember to give my regards to His Holiness the Pope."

Qian Renxue's steps faltered noticeably, her slender figure stiffening slightly in the sunlight. She remained silent for a moment, ultimately offering no rebuttal, only a soft "hmm" before quickening her pace and departing.

Feng Yao watched her receding figure, his eyes filled with growing satisfaction. A gentle breeze blew, ruffling the stray hairs on his forehead and carrying away the meaningful smile from his lips.

It was noon when Feng Yao returned to the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy. As soon as he stepped into the academy's dining hall, a delicate fragrance wafted towards him. He looked up and saw Ye Lingling, dressed in a simple white dress, sitting quietly in their usual spot, her food untouched, as if she had been waiting for a long time.

"Have you been waiting long?" Feng Yao smiled and naturally sat down opposite her. Sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting dappled light on her silver hair.

Ye Lingling slowly raised her eyelids, her icy blue eyes rippling like a deep pool. Her slender fingers lightly brushed against her cuff, taking out a gold-embossed invitation. Her fingertips paused slightly on the gilded patterns. "This was entrusted to me by Madam Yuehua," she said, her voice clear and cold, yet tinged with hesitation. "She specifically requested that you attend Yuexuan's graduation ceremony."

As Feng Yao accepted the invitation, his fingertips inadvertently brushed against her slightly cool knuckles. "What a coincidence," he said, "I just returned from the Eastern Palace, and His Highness the Crown Prince mentioned this as well." A faint smile played on his lips as his fingertips traced the intricate cloud patterns on the invitation.

A faint scent of sandalwood wafted from the paper, mingling with Ye Lingling's unique cool fragrance in the sunlight. She gazed at Feng Yao's fingers as he fiddled with the invitation, a hint of worry flashing across her brow. She was on good terms with Tang Yuehua, and she knew better than anyone the true identity of "Tang Yin," and understood the deeper meaning hidden behind this gold-embossed invitation.

“Xiao Feng.” She hesitated, her icy blue eyes reflecting his nonchalant profile. Sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting dappled shadows on the table between them, mirroring the subtle atmosphere of the moment.

Ye Lingling's slender fingers unconsciously tightened around her sleeves, her icy blue eyes filled with worry: "Xiao Feng," her voice as soft as falling snowflakes, "perhaps... we should politely decline Madam Yuehua's invitation."

She raised her eyes, her gaze flowing like water over Feng Yao's face: "Although I don't know the truth about Tang Hao's death, Lady Yuehua is certain it was the Spirit Hall's doing." She bit her lower lip, her voice becoming even softer, "I don't want you to get involved in their feud. If the Spirit Hall really decides to take action, they won't give you a chance to explain."

A warm feeling welled up in Feng Yao's heart, and he gently placed his hand on her slightly cool back: "Sister Lingling." The warmth from his fingertips made Ye Lingling tremble slightly. "Do you remember the promise I made to you and Sister Yan? When the time is right, everything will become clear." His gaze was gentle yet firm. "For now... please allow me to keep it a secret for now."

Ye Lingling's eyes flickered slightly as she gazed at Feng Yao's smiling face, and suddenly she seemed to understand something. Her lips unconsciously curved upwards: "It's good that you know your limits." Her tone carried a hint of reproach, yet couldn't hide her trust.

Only then did she belatedly realize that Feng Yao was still holding her hand, and the scorching heat seemed to burn all the way to her cheeks. In the instant she hurriedly pulled her hand away, the tips of her ears turned crimson.

"The vegetables are getting cold," she whispered, lowering her head to hide her flushed face. Her long eyelashes cast dappled shadows in the sunlight, mirroring her slightly flustered state of mind.

Feng Yao stared at Ye Lingling's pink ear tips, a sly glint in his eyes. Instead of letting go, he intensified his efforts, slowly weaving his long fingers between hers. The moment their fingers intertwined, he could clearly feel the slight tremor in her fingertips.

"Let go!" Ye Lingling frantically tried to pull her hand back, but Feng Yao deliberately tightened his grip. She looked up in embarrassment and annoyance, but when she met his mischievous, smiling eyes, her anger instantly subsided, and even her voice softened: "Stop it, stop it, Xiao Feng."

Feng Yao blinked innocently, but his thumb twirled suggestively in her soft palm: "I'm just trying to warm Lingling's hands, aren't I?" His tone was so sincere that it seemed he was doing something very important.

"You!" Ye Lingling's eyes reddened with anger at his twisted words, her icy blue eyes shimmering with tears. "If you keep this up, I'll tell Yanyan—" She bit her lower lip, her voice trailing off—"tell her you...bullied me."

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao leaned even closer, suddenly reaching out to gently pinch her burning earlobe, his fingertips lingering intimately on the soft tip. "If Sister Yan knew," he lowered his voice, a hint of seduction in his tone, "she might blame me for not inviting her along?"

"Xiao Feng!" Ye Lingling exclaimed, her whole body turning as red as a boiled shrimp. She looked around frantically, afraid that passing students would see this embarrassing scene.

Seeing that he had the upper hand, Feng Yao finally released his grip. Ye Lingling, now free, immediately blushed and glared at him. Her shy yet angry expression, far from being intimidating, made her appear exceptionally charming and adorable. She angrily straightened her disheveled sleeves, unaware that this only made him want to tease her more.

(End of this chapter)