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

Before long, a familiar sound of footsteps came from outside the palace. Qian Renxue shed her disguise as "Xue Qinghe," wearing a long, flowing white dress that trailed on the ground, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall. She pushed open the carved palace door and saw Feng Yao leaning lazily on a soft couch, showing no surprise whatsoever.

“I knew you’d be waiting here.” A slight smile played on her lips as she casually tossed the jade pendant from her waist onto the table, making a crisp sound. Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on her exquisite face.

Feng Yao looked up and saw the lingering fatigue in her eyes from dealing with Ning Fengzhi. He couldn't help but pour her a cup of hot tea: "How did the talk with that old fox go?"

Qian Renxue took the teacup, her fingertips inadvertently brushing against his. Warm steam rose, blurring the fleeting sharpness in her eyes: "That old fox certainly won't be so obedient."

Looking at Qian Renxue's slightly tired expression, Feng Yao smiled knowingly: "It seems that old fox couldn't hold back after all?" He tapped the table lightly with his slender fingers, making a rhythmic sound.

She stretched out her graceful figure and naturally sat in Feng Yao's lap, her long golden hair cascading down like flowing water.

"Hmm." She leaned lazily against Feng Yao's shoulder, a strand of hair twirling between her fingers. "Ning Fengzhi invited me to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School tomorrow." She then gave a cold laugh. "He hopes the Heaven Dou Empire will secretly support Tang San, saying something about 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.'"

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao's eyes gleamed. He gently stroked Qian Renxue's long hair: "What a clever scheme! This old fox has certainly played his cards right—maintaining neutrality before His Holiness the Pope while extracting the hidden weapon blueprints from Tang San." He chuckled softly, his voice tinged with mockery, "On the surface, it certainly seems like a win-win-win situation for all three parties."

Qian Renxue nodded slightly, her gilded eyelashes casting dappled shadows in the candlelight. "He promised to learn Tang San's hidden weapons, and after mass production, prioritize equipping the Empire's elite." A cold smile played on her red lips. "To gain his trust, I naturally have to feign delight and agree."

Feng Yao's eyes flickered slightly: "Since Ning Fengzhi wants to act as the middleman, we might as well play along." His voice was deep and magnetic. "You can demand the complete blueprints and manufacturing process of the hidden weapons under the pretext of imperial military secrets, but you will absolutely not sell them to anyone."

Qian Renxue tilted her head slightly, her long, gilded hair cascading down her shoulders, shimmering beautifully in the candlelight. "But hidden weapons are a special type of weapon; only major powers like the Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School need to equip them in large quantities." She tapped her fingertip lightly on the table. "If we lose these two major buyers, no matter how exquisite Tang San's hidden weapons are, what's the point of him creating them? Would he really agree to such conditions?"

Feng Yao chuckled softly, reaching out to tuck her golden hair behind her ear. "He'll definitely agree." His fingertips brushed against her jade-like earlobe. "I can see the ambition in that kid's eyes—he wants more than just money. For a genius like him, achievement means far more than money."

"Without Your Highness's approval in Heaven Dou City, and without the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's connections," Feng Yao's voice grew colder, "no matter how good his hidden weapons are, they can't cause any trouble. Someone as intelligent as Tang Yuehua and Tang San wouldn't be unaware of this."

Qian Renxue's eyes flashed, and she suddenly smiled: "So he has no choice but to cooperate with us, even if..." She paused meaningfully, "...he has to pay the price of some core technologies."

"This way, the people inside the palace can also enjoy this unexpected joy." Feng Yao continued, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

Qian Renxue nodded slightly, her fingertips tracing the rim of her teacup, and continued, "However, to my surprise, Ning Fengzhi specifically instructed me to take you with me tomorrow."

Feng Yao paused slightly upon hearing this, then chuckled and shook his head: "This old fox, he's certainly playing his cards right." A playful glint flashed in his eyes. "He's using me as a target, isn't he?"

“A target?” Qian Renxue frowned slightly, her gilded eyelashes casting dappled shadows in the candlelight.

Feng Yao explained calmly, "Ning Fengzhi is using me to lower the price, which isn't a fair deal. Since he wants to use your power to support Tang San, he naturally needs someone suitable to suppress him." He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table. "What's even better is that this will allow Tang San to vent his resentment on us, while Ning Fengzhi will become the good guy mediating."

Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed, then she suddenly realized: "So that's how it is. He wants us to play the bad cop while he plays the good cop." She pursed her red lips and revealed a cold smile.

Feng Yao reached out and gently brushed away her furrowed brow, saying softly, "It's alright. Since he wants to put on this act, we'll play along." Moonlight streamed through the window, casting dappled shadows on his handsome profile. "After all... the ultimate winner will be us."

Feng Yao raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile flashing in his eyes. He leaned close to Qian Renxue's ear, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe: "Xue'er, shall we skip cultivation tonight?"

Qian Renxue's golden eyes lit up instantly, and a charmingly willful smile curved her lips. She grabbed Feng Yao's collar, pulling him closer: "Of course you have to make it up to me." Her red lips almost touched his chin. "You had dinner with those two beauties tonight, didn't you?"

Feng Yao chuckled softly and casually put his arm around her slender waist: "Then what kind of compensation does my Crown Prince want?" He subtly pressed his fingertips on a sensitive spot on her waist.

Qian Renxue gave a soft hum, her long, flowing golden hair cascading down like a waterfall, shimmering brilliantly in the candlelight. Her fingertips slowly moved up Feng Yao's chest, finally stopping at his lips: "Tonight..." Her voice trailed off, turning into a lingering kiss.

Outside the palace, a bright moon quietly disappeared into the clouds, as if ashamed to witness this enchanting scene.

The next morning, the morning mist had not yet dissipated.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, Feng Yao and Qian Renxue boarded the gilded carriage bound for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. Four snow-white steeds moved in unison, their wheels making a crisp sound as they rolled over the smooth stone slabs of Tian Dou City.

As the carriage drove out of the city gate, the scenery along the way gradually changed from bustling to serene. About half an hour later, a dazzling light suddenly appeared among the distant mountains—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's sect buildings shone brightly in the morning sun.

“This is…” Feng Yao lifted the carriage curtain and was slightly taken aback.

In the distance, on the mountainside, seven glazed pagodas stood, their surfaces shimmering with iridescent light in the morning glow. The white jade steps leading to the main hall meandered like a dragon, flanked by exquisitely carved stone statues of spirit beasts. The entire sect, nestled against the mountain and beside the water, was second only in scale and ingenious layout to the nearby Heavenly Dou Imperial City.

Qian Renxue chuckled upon seeing this: "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is incredibly wealthy, and this sect has been expanded over three generations." She lightly tapped the window with her fingertip.

Feng Yao gazed intently at the approaching sect, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Qian Renxue leaned against the soft brocade cushions, watching with great interest the rare look of curiosity on Feng Yao's face. Seeing him constantly peering out through the carved carriage window, she couldn't help but smile: "What's wrong?"

Feng Yao withdrew his gaze, turned to her, and smiled broadly: "Although it's so close to Tian Dou City, this is my first time visiting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School." He lightly tapped the window frame with his fingertips, gazing at the glazed palaces gleaming in the sunlight in the distance, "Indeed, it lives up to its reputation; such opulent grandeur..."

Before the words were finished, the carriage crossed a crystal bridge spanning a mountain stream. Sunlight streamed through the bridge, refracting into a rainbow of colors inside the carriage, enveloping the two in a dreamlike world of light and shadow. Qian Renxue's golden eyelashes trembled slightly in the iridescent light as she teased, "Isn't it breathtaking?"

Feng Yao chuckled, simply reaching out to catch a ray of iridescent light projected onto her golden hair. The light swirled in his palm: "I think Ning Fengzhi should really thank me. Such beautiful glass, it would be such a pity if it were broken."

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue couldn't help but smile and nod.

The carriage slowly ascended the winding mountain road and soon arrived at the magnificent gate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. The white marble archway gleamed warmly in the sunlight, and the five gilded characters "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School" on it shone brightly.

Looking out the car window, Feng Yao saw Ning Rongrong, dressed in a light green gauze dress, standing gracefully on the glazed steps at the mountain gate. A morning breeze blew, ruffling the stray hairs at her temples, making her small face appear even more delicate and charming.

Inside the carriage, Qian Renxue was enveloped in a soft golden light. When the light faded, she had returned to Xue Qinghe's gentle and refined appearance. She—or rather, "he"—straightened her clothes and gave Feng Yao a knowing look: "Let's go, don't keep our Rongrong waiting."

Feng Yao smiled and nodded knowingly, then raised his hand to lift the carriage curtain for Xue Qinghe. Sunlight poured in, enveloping the two in a golden halo. Upon seeing this, Ning Rongrong lifted her skirt and quickly stepped forward, the glass steps making a crisp sound under her feet.

"Brother Qinghe~" Ning Rongrong called sweetly, her light green skirt swaying slightly with her light steps. When her gaze turned to Feng Yao, her lips unconsciously pouted: "Why did you come along too?"

Feng Yao's lips curled slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes: "Miss Rongrong, what you say is true. I came here specifically to help." He deliberately emphasized the word "help."

Ning Rongrong gave a soft snort, her glass hair ornament swaying gently as she tilted her head, clearly dissatisfied with the answer. But she quickly smiled again and affectionately took Xue Qinghe's arm: "Brother Qinghe, Father has been waiting in the council hall for a long time, let's go quickly."

She pulled Qian Renxue forward, but couldn't help glancing back at Feng Yao. Sunlight filtered through the mountain mist, casting dappled shadows in his bright eyes, revealing a hint of undisguised curiosity and inquiry.

The three walked through the dazzling, glazed corridor and arrived at the core of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—the council hall. Inside, the dome hung high, and the seven-colored glazed tiles refracted the sunlight into a dreamlike halo, which fell on the gem-inlaid floor.

"Dad, Brother Qinghe has arrived." Ning Rongrong's cheerful voice echoed in the hall. She skipped and hopped to Ning Fengzhi's side, her pink skirt blooming like flower petals.

Ning Fengzhi slowly raised his head from before the gilded table, a perfectly measured smile appearing on his gentle, jade-like face. With a slight twitch of his fingers, the maids standing on either side immediately understood, quietly placing the prepared fragrant tea and delicate refreshments on the table. As Ning Fengzhi gently raised his hand, the maids curtsied in unison and silently withdrew from the hall like flowing water.

After the palace doors closed softly, Ning Fengzhi rose to greet him. The seven-treasure glazed patterns on his purple robe shimmered in the light, and every step he took carried the dignified air of the leader of the three upper sects: "Qinghe, Xiaofeng, you've arrived." When his gaze swept over Feng Yao, a meaningful look flashed in his eyes.

Ning Fengzhi wore a gentle smile, his gaze subtly shifting between Qian Renxue and Feng Yao. His fingers, hidden within the sleeve of his purple robe, lightly traced the patterns on the scepter as he pondered silently.

He had expected that someone as intelligent as Feng Yao would avoid this turbulent meeting. But the way the two stood side by side and the tacit understanding between them suggested that their relationship was much closer than it appeared.

“It seems my apprentice,” Ning Fengzhi picked up his teacup, using the rising steam to conceal the deep thought in his eyes, “has a deeper friendship with Xiao Feng than I imagined.”

After a polite exchange of pleasantries, the hall was filled with the aroma of tea. Just as Ning Fengzhi was about to get to the point, a series of rhythmic footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.

"Sect Master, Lady Yuehua has arrived." A respectful voice from a servant sounded outside the door.

Tang Yuehua entered gracefully in a moon-white long dress, her gilded hairpin swaying gently with her steps. Behind her, Tang San revealed his true form today, but his demeanor was completely different from that at yesterday's banquet—he now possessed a more restrained sharpness.

"Sect Leader Ning, I apologize for disturbing you." Tang Yuehua bowed gracefully, her purple eyes narrowing almost imperceptibly when she caught sight of Feng Yao.

Tang San followed closely behind, his gaze pausing slightly as he swept over Feng Yao and Xue Qinghe. His clasped-fist salute was clean and crisp, yet carried the restraint characteristic of a master of hidden weapons: "Uncle Ning."

Ning Fengzhi rose to greet them: "Madam Yuehua, Third Sister, please take a seat."

Feng Yao watched with interest as Tang San deliberately avoided his gaze, his fingertips lightly tapping the rim of his teacup, producing a crisp sound. Qian Renxue maintained the gentle smile befitting a crown prince, but a faint golden glint flickered in her eyes.

The hall fell silent for a moment, with only the wisps of smoke rising from the gilded incense burner slowly swirling among the crowd. Ning Fengzhi calmly rose, his seven-jeweled glazed robes shimmering with a luxurious aura as he moved.

"Lady Yuehua, I have pondered this for a long time, and there are some matters that I should discuss with Qinghe. I hope you will not take offense." His gentle voice broke the silence, and he slowly raised his hand to invite Tang Yuehua to sit down. The exquisitely carved seven-treasure patterns on the back of the rosewood chair reflected a dazzling brilliance in the sunlight.

Tang Yuehua gracefully took her seat, her skirt spreading out like flower petals. "It's alright, Sect Master Ning is very thoughtful." A faint, elegant fragrance wafted from her. "The grandeur of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School always leaves one in awe."

At this moment, Tang San's gaze swept over Feng Yao, who was sitting upright, and their eyes met briefly in the air. Feng Yao's lips curled up slightly, and he raised his cup in acknowledgment; Tang San's expression remained unchanged, but the knuckles of his fingers holding the teacup turned slightly white.

The waiters quietly served the exquisite tea and snacks and then slowly withdrew.

Qian Renxue took in everything, subtly concealing the smile on her lips: "Lady Yuehua, I have come uninvited; please forgive me."

Tang Yuehua's purple eyes flickered slightly, a bad premonition rising in her heart. She shook her head slightly: "It's alright. Today, Yuehua only needs Sect Leader Ning's help. If Your Highness can help in any way, I hope Your Highness will lend a hand."

Qian Renxue nodded and smiled, "Of course."

(End of this chapter)