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

Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi tapped his scepter lightly and said gently, "Rongrong, why don't you take Xiao San for a stroll around the sect? The Glazed Flower Garden on the back mountain is in full bloom; it's worth a visit."

“Okay, Dad!” Ning Rongrong answered crisply, her light green skirt swirling like butterfly wings. She quickly came to Tang San’s side and subtly tugged at his sleeve with her slender fingers.

"Third Brother," she lowered her voice, her bright eyes gesturing towards the outside of the hall, "I'll show you around the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."

Tang San, interrupted, gradually calmed his previously agitated emotions. Realizing his earlier lapse in composure, he nodded readily, "Then I'll trouble Rongrong."

The two walked out of the main hall one after the other. Ning Rongrong deliberately slowed her pace and walked side by side with Tang San.

Seeing Tang San's figure disappear outside the hall, Tang Yuehua's tense shoulders finally relaxed slightly. She smiled apologetically at Ning Fengzhi and Qian Renxue, "Sect Leader Ning, Your Highness the Crown Prince, please allow Yuehua to apologize on behalf of Tang San." A hint of heartache flashed in her violet eyes, "This child has just returned from his training in the City of Slaughter, and has lived alone with his father since childhood. He is finding it difficult to adapt to these social interactions. I hope you two will understand."

"The City of Slaughter?" Ning Fengzhi paused slightly in his teacup, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. He quickly regained his composure, the glass pendant at his waist swaying gently. "No wonder this child possesses such a sharp aura. Lady Yuehua should be pleased; the Haotian Sect has a worthy successor." His gentle gaze swept across the hall. "Today, I, Ning, am merely fulfilling my duty as host. It's perfectly normal for young people to have a temper."

The gilded tassels of the jade pendant at Qian Renxue's waist shimmered in the sunlight: "With a wise teacher like Lady Yuehua guiding me, I believe Xiao San will soon understand the implications." She glanced meaningfully at Feng Yao, "After all, some opportunities are fleeting."

Tang Yuehua nodded slightly, unconsciously gazing out of the hall. Sunlight streamed through the iridescent glass, casting dappled shadows on her exquisite profile. A bitter smile touched her lips as she sighed silently in her heart, "Little San, your aunt knows you're struggling, but for the future of the Haotian Sect, for your father, your aunt has no other choice."

A knowing glint flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes. She certainly understood Ning Fengzhi's deeper meaning in letting Tang San play within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—when those coveted resources were displayed in the most direct way, anyone would be tempted.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has always been renowned for its wealth. Just by looking at the glazed tile buildings in the school, one can understand the financial strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the skilled craftsmen who have passed down their skills for generations. Aren't these the very foundation that the Tang Sect urgently needs to establish itself?

Those exquisite blueprints for concealed weapons are certainly valuable, but without sufficient resources, they are ultimately just empty talk.

"This Sect Master Ning truly understands people's hearts," Tang Yuehua sighed inwardly. She glanced subtly outside the hall; sunlight refracted into a rainbow of colors on the glazed corridor, just like this meticulously designed temptation—beautiful yet deadly.

On the other side, Tang San followed Ning Rongrong in a daze, his steps unsteady like a walking corpse. His gaze was unfocused, as if he was still immersed in the intense inner struggle he had just experienced, and he was completely unaware that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciples passing by were bowing to them.

Ning Rongrong pursed her lips, her light green skirt swaying gently with her steps. She occasionally glanced back at Tang San's dejected appearance, but remained silent. Her usually bright eyes now showed a look of guilt—she knew better than anyone that in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, even her two titled Douluo grandfathers could not change her father's decisions.

Her slender fingers gripped her sleeve tightly, her knuckles turning white. She couldn't even decide her own marriage; what could she possibly fight for for this classmate?

Tang San felt as if his heart was being pierced by a thousand silver needles. He gripped the Twenty-Four Bridges Under the Moon at his waist so tightly that his knuckles turned blue from the force. Reason told him that if he wanted to gain a foothold in Heaven Dou City, handing over some of the hidden weapon blueprints in exchange for protection might be the only option—neither Heaven Dou nor Star Luo would allow an outsider to monopolize the lucrative pie of hidden weapons.

But whenever he thought about handing over the Tang Clan's secret techniques, his heart felt like it was being gripped tightly by an invisible hand. The kind face of the Tang Clan's patriarch from his previous life flashed before his eyes, and his earnest teachings still echoed in his ears: "Hidden weapons are the foundation of the Tang Clan; they must never be passed on to outsiders."

Looking at the scene around him, Tang San felt even worse. The wealth and prosperity of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was like a dull knife, slowly cutting at his pride.

Tang San took a deep breath, his gaze gradually hardening. Looking at the magnificent golden palaces of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he silently vowed in his heart: "One day, the Tang Sect will surely grow to this scale."

Although he had to cede two major clients, the Empire and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he quickly devised a new way out—the vast number of low-level Soul Masters also had a considerable demand for exquisite hidden weapons. Although the profit per transaction in this market was not high, its sheer size was enough to support the sect's early development.

“However…” A glint of light flashed in Tang San’s eyes as he decided to keep the other party in suspense for now. He knew that the longer he delayed, the more favorable the terms he could negotiate. This was not only about practical benefits, but also about the future reputation and status of the Tang Clan. Thinking of this, his tense face relaxed slightly.

As the sun dipped low in the west, the midday sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting dappled patterns of light into the banquet hall. Ning Fengzhi, dressed in a purple robe, sat regally in the main seat, a Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda pendant gleaming warmly on his chest. He gracefully raised his hand in greeting, "Please take your seats, everyone, and savor the culinary skills of my Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Sect."

The gilded table was already laden with delicacies, and the amber-colored wine in the crystal goblets exuded a rich aroma. Qian Renxue and Feng Yao took their seats one after the other, and the maids, like butterflies flitting among flowers, served various exquisite dishes.

At this moment, Ning Rongrong led Tang San gracefully in. The girl's pink skirt bloomed like flower petals, while Tang San behind her had regained his usual composure. He stepped forward and bowed deeply towards the head of the table: "Uncle Ning, Brother Xue, I was rude just now." His voice was soft but each word was clear. "The art of hidden weapons is my life's work; I acted hastily, please forgive me."

Sunlight danced between his downcast brows, illuminating the sincere apology on his young face. Feng Yao, meanwhile, toyed with the jade chopsticks in his hand, observing with great interest every subtle change in Tang San's expression.

Seeing this, Ning Fengzhi laughed heartily, the seven-jeweled glass patterns on his purple robe shimmering in the sunlight: "I understand, I understand, please take a seat. Today we will only discuss romance, nothing else." He elegantly raised his crystal glass, the nectar within refracting a seven-colored light.

Qian Renxue smiled and agreed, "Exactly. Xiao Feng, you young people should exchange ideas and learn from each other more." She glanced meaningfully at Feng Yao.

Upon hearing this, Tang San's gaze unconsciously fell upon Feng Yao. Suddenly, the captivating zither music from the Soul Master Competition seemed to echo in his ears again—the image of Feng Yao single-handedly dominating the entire arena that day was vivid in his mind. What concerned him even more were the marks on Feng Yao that didn't belong to this world. He slowly sat down and carefully chose his words: "This junior has been studying music with my aunt at Yuexuan. I have some questions; may I ask Brother Feng for guidance?"

Feng Yao raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before he smiled broadly: "It would be my honor."

Seeing this scene before her, Tang Yuehua's tense nerves finally relaxed slightly. A glimmer of relief appeared in her eyes. The stagnant atmosphere at the banquet gradually melted away like spring ice. The maids served freshly cooked delicacies, their rich aroma filling the hall.

Tang San's gaze was fixed on Feng Yao like a hawk's, his voice low and slow: "Brother Feng's sonic combat skills at the Soul Master Competition are still fresh in my memory." He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, the rhythm like an interrogation, "I wonder if Brother Feng has any special criteria for classifying the levels of his musical mastery?"

Feng Yao felt the gaze that seemed to pierce his soul, and he immediately understood—this Tang Sect disciple from another world had probably already sensed something. He elegantly picked up his teacup, using the rising steam to conceal the strange look in his eyes.

All eyes turned to him. Ning Fengzhi stroked the scepter in his hand, his eyes gleaming with inquiry; Qian Renxue's eyes, framed by her golden eyelashes, were full of interest; even Tang Yuehua's eyes flashed with curiosity.

Feng Yao lightly stroked the rim of the cup with his fingertips, his voice flowing like a clear spring: "Music is essentially an orderly combination of different sounds. Those regular sounds that are arranged and deliberately played by humans, I call 'human music.'" His gaze was distant, as if he were reminiscing about something.

"Then what was the 'Earthly Melody' you used in the Soul Master Competition?" Tang San realized his rudeness as soon as he spoke, but he was very concerned about the traces on Feng Yao that did not belong to this world.

"Mistress!" Tang Yuehua's hand suddenly stopped, a warning glint in her purple eyes. In the world of Soul Masters, rashly probing into the secrets of another's Soul Skills is a major taboo.

Feng Yao smiled and waved his hand, "Madam Yuehua, there's no need for such formality. It's just an academic exchange among Soul Masters." He turned his gaze to Tang San, with a hint of admiration, "I think Tang San's hidden weapon technique is exquisite. To achieve such control, the qualities of his hands, eyes, ears, and feet must far surpass those of ordinary Soul Masters."

Tang San frowned slightly: "What does this have to do with music?"

“The connection is vast.” Feng Yao lightly tapped the crystal glass with his fingertip, producing a crisp ringing sound. “Playing requires hands and eyes, discerning sounds requires ears. And the so-called ‘earthly sounds’—he suddenly stood up, his robes fluttering without wind—are the resonance of all sounds in space. Some sounds cannot be detected by ears alone.”

Before the words were even finished, an invisible wave rippled outwards from Feng Yao. In an instant, the banquet hall was filled with the sounds of howling wind, babbling brook, and rustling leaves—a wondrous rhythm woven together by various natural sounds. Even more astonishingly, within this mystical melody, everyone suddenly felt as insignificant as ants, the once magnificent banquet hall seemingly transformed into a speck of dust in the vast universe.

Ning Fengzhi's eyes were filled with shock; Qian Renxue's lips curled slightly; Tang Yuehua's purple eyes reflected Feng Yao's godlike yet demonic figure. Tang San, however, stared intently at Feng Yao, his expression shifting constantly—this was clearly... constructing a domain using music!
Feng Yao's voice flowed like a clear spring, yet contained a chilling spiritual power: "The interweaving of sounds is essentially the resonance of energies. When you can perceive the pulse of every sound in space," he twirled his fingertips, creating a wondrous ripple of sound waves, "you can guide them to resonate harmoniously. The perfect fusion of human sounds and the sounds of heaven and earth is the true essence of earthly sounds."

Standing behind Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong and Chen Xin exchanged a shocked glance. Space slightly distorted, and Gu Rong's voice transmission rang in Chen Xin's ear: "Good lad! At such a young age, you've already grasped the mysteries of the resonance between your martial spirit and heaven and earth. No wonder you dare to speak so frankly. Looking across the entire continent, you're probably the only one who can achieve this."

Chen Xin's white hair moved without wind. He gazed at the sonic ripples flowing around Feng Yao and silently replied, "Now that he has awakened his domain, under the cover of his sonic range, even the sound of wind and rain can become deadly weapons."

Inside the banquet hall, the shimmering light reflected from the multicolored glass swirled around Feng Yao, making him appear like a deity who controlled the laws of music. Feng Yao surveyed the crowd, slowly withdrawing his soul power. The mysterious sounds of heaven and earth receded like a tide, and the banquet hall returned to its original size. But in everyone's heart, the soul-stirring rhythm still echoed.

The profound realm of Feng Yao's martial soul resonating with heaven and earth was something even peak experts like Chen Xin and Gu Rong only gradually comprehended after breaking through to the Title Douluo level. The two elders exchanged a glance, both seeing deep shock in each other's eyes.

They understood better than anyone else that the most fundamental condition for reaching this level was possessing a vast and boundless spiritual power. Only with powerful spiritual perception could one detect the most subtle energy fluctuations in the world.

Chen Xin's white hair moved without wind, and his voice carried a hint of emotion: "The stronger one's spiritual power, the more thorough one's perception of the world. This kid actually..."

Gu Rong nodded slightly, and subtle ripples spread through the space around him: "Domain power is the ultimate manifestation of a Soul Master's understanding of the essence of their own Martial Soul. To reach this level at the Soul Saint stage..."

Ning Fengzhi gently put down his teacup and clapped his hands sincerely. The cuffs of his purple robe shimmered with a luxurious light as he moved: "I never expected that young Feng's understanding of music has reached such a level. He is truly a promising young man." His gaze lingered on Feng Yao's young face, his tone filled with undisguised admiration.

Tang San remained fixed on Feng Yao, his gaze intensifying with curiosity as he failed to obtain the answer he sought. His long, slender fingers unconsciously traced the rim of his cup as he slowly spoke, "Brother Feng's musical talent is truly admirable. But I wonder..." He paused slightly, his Blue Silver Grass martial spirit flickering around him, "...above this 'Earthly Music,' is there an even higher realm?"

The banquet hall suddenly fell silent; even the softest sound of a waiter pouring wine could be clearly heard. All eyes were fixed on Feng Yao, awaiting his answer. Both Super Douluo, Chen Xin and Gu Rong, looked at Feng Yao with anticipation. Sunlight streamed through the multicolored glass windows, casting shifting shadows on Feng Yao's handsome profile, adding to his air of mystery.

Feng Yao's lips curled slightly, his fingertip lightly tracing the rim of the cup, releasing a peculiar fluctuation of soul power: "Heavenly Music." His voice was soft, yet it resonated in everyone's hearts like thunder. "That is the realm of resonating with one's own heart. A voice that gains the approval of others is Heavenly Music."

"Inner thoughts?" Everyone looked at Feng Yao with confusion, only Qian Renxue understood what Feng Yao meant by "inner thoughts." (End of Chapter)