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

Seeing the confusion on everyone's faces, Feng Yao chuckled and said, "These are just some of my daydreams about a higher realm of music; perhaps they don't even exist." He waved his hand casually, his expression carrying a touch of artist's nonchalance.

Those present then showed expressions of sudden realization. They all understood—an outstanding performer always has an extraordinary pursuit and imagination of artistic境界 (jingjie, a concept encompassing artistic realm, state of mind, and level of achievement).

Tang San's tense nerves finally relaxed slightly. Although Feng Yao's classification of musical realms did bear some resemblance to the records in Taoist classics, a closer examination revealed fundamental differences. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and silently comforted himself, "It's probably just a coincidence."

Ning Fengzhi elegantly raised his jade chopsticks, his gentle voice breaking the brief silence: "Please enjoy your meal, everyone. It would be a shame if the food got cold." The seven-jeweled glass patterns on his purple robe shimmered with a luxurious glow in the candlelight.

Feng Yao calmly picked up his chopsticks and savored the exquisite dishes in front of him. Although each dish was delicious and visually appealing, it did not impress him. After all, the food standards of the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy were extremely high, and most of the rare medicinal herbs that Dugu Bo cultivated at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well were purchased by the royal family at high prices for use in dietary conditioning.

Tang San's chopsticks paused slightly in mid-air. As a master of poisons, he keenly sensed that these seemingly ordinary dishes actually incorporated dozens of precious medicinal herbs. With each bite, he could feel his body being gently nourished.

"Snow ginseng, lingzhi, dragon blood vine." He silently counted the medicinal herbs he tasted, his knuckles turning slightly white as he gripped the chopsticks. "Is this the foundation of the three upper sects?"

Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting dappled patterns of light on his lowered eyelashes. At that moment, he realized with unprecedented clarity that relying solely on hidden weapon skills was far from sufficient to rebuild the Tang Clan. The accumulated knowledge and experience of the sect over centuries was the true foundation for their existence.

As the last cup of tea was finished, the subtly charged luncheon finally came to a close. The sun was already setting in the west, casting long shadows through the colorful stained-glass windows into the hall.

Ning Fengzhi gracefully set down his teacup: "It is truly an honor to gather with you all today." His gaze swept gently over everyone, lingering a moment longer on Tang San.

Feng Yao calmly rose, his fingertips subtly brushing away the remaining tea stains on the table. Tang San was the last to stand up, his eyes, beneath his black hair, still held a lingering sense of contemplation.

The maids silently began clearing away the tableware, the glassware clinking together with a crisp sound. Tang Yuehua's eyes reflected the various expressions on everyone's faces. This banquet, seemingly a scene of merriment for both host and guests, was in reality a departure where everyone left with unspoken thoughts.

Ning Fengzhi personally escorted everyone to the mountain gate of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. The afternoon sun shone on the white marble archway, making the five gilded characters "Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School" shine brightly.

He fluttered his purple robes and looked at Tang San with gentle eyes: "Little San, Lady Yuehua, I hope you two will carefully consider the matters discussed today. If you have made a decision, you may go directly to the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace to find Qinghe."

A complex look flashed in Tang San's eyes as he bowed respectfully, saying, "This junior understands, Sect Leader Ning."

A glint flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes, but she simply nodded slightly and said nothing more.

Qian Renxue—still resembling Xue Qinghe at this moment—said gently, "Then I will await good news in the East Palace, my little mistress."

"Yes, Your Highness." Tang San bowed again, his tone no longer as intimate as before, and he deliberately omitted the title "Brother Xue".

Qian Renxue was not offended, but simply nodded gracefully. The sunlight cast a long shadow of hers, which intersected with Tang San's figure in front of the mountain gate.

"Farewell, Sect Leader Ning, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Tang Yuehua bowed gracefully, her violet skirt unfurling like flower petals.

Tang San also bowed and said, "Farewell."

A mountain breeze swept by, carrying a fallen leaf that swirled among the crowd. Ning Rongrong stood beside her father, watching Tang San's departing figure with a hesitant expression, the hem of her light green skirt swaying gently in the wind.

Watching Tang Yuehua and Tang San's carriage disappear into the distance, Ning Fengzhi and Qian Renxue exchanged a knowing smile, their eyes reflecting a tacit understanding. They had already discerned the inner struggle and compromise in Tang San from the subtle changes in his expression.

"Teacher, now that this matter is settled, this disciple should take her leave." Qian Renxue resumed Xue Qinghe's gentle and refined demeanor, cupping her hands in greeting to Ning Fengzhi. Sunlight streamed across her jade crown, revealing a hint of the majesty of a crown prince.

Ning Fengzhi gently stroked the scepter in his hand and nodded with a smile: "This time, we owe a great deal to Qinghe's mediation."

“Teacher, you flatter me.” Qian Renxue’s eyes flashed with a glint of light. “With Tang San’s hidden weapon blueprints, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School disciples and the elite of the Heavenly Dou Sect will undoubtedly reach new heights in combat strength.”

Ning Fengzhi gazed into the distance, his eyes distant and profound: "Yes." His purple robes fluttered lightly in the evening breeze as he thought to himself, "In this way, when facing the behemoth that is the Spirit Hall, we will have even more leverage."

Feng Yao stood quietly to one side, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at his waist, his eyes thoughtful.

Qian Renxue's gaze shifted slightly, a meaningful look flashing in her eyes. She turned gracefully and softly called to Feng Yao, "Little Feng, it's time to set off."

Feng Yao understood and bowed slightly to Ning Fengzhi: "Farewell, Sect Leader Ning." His gaze then shifted to Ning Rongrong beside him, a faint smile playing on his lips: "And Miss Rongrong."

Ning Rongrong pursed her lips upon hearing this, her glass hair ornament swaying gently as she turned her head, but she ultimately said nothing. Ning Fengzhi nodded with a smile: "Goodbye."

Qian Renxue boarded the gilded carriage first, followed closely by Feng Yao. The moment the curtain fell, both of them simultaneously suppressed their smiles. The carriage slowly started moving, rolling over the mountain road bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, gradually disappearing at the end of the winding mountain road of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

Ning Fengzhi stood with his hands behind his back, his purple robe fluttering lightly in the evening breeze. Only after the carriage had completely disappeared from sight did he sigh softly, turn around, and head deeper into the sect. Ning Rongrong trotted to keep up with her father's pace, her light green skirt fluttering behind her like butterfly wings.

Inside Yuexuan's carriage, Tang Yuehua sat leaning against the window. Her brows were furrowed, and her eyes gazed at the scenery rushing past outside, revealing a hint of worry that she could not hide.

"Aunt, is something wrong?" Tang San keenly noticed her unusual behavior and asked softly.

Tang Yuehua seemed to awaken from her reverie, slowly withdrawing her gaze. She sighed softly, "Little San, you saw it today too." Her voice carried a hint of weariness, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has always maintained a distant, almost detached, distance from us."

Tang San looked surprised upon hearing this, his brows furrowing slightly: "Aunt, why do you say that? Sect Leader Ning's terms are extremely generous."

A hint of helplessness flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes: "Third Sister, have you ever considered why Ning Fengzhi specifically arranged for Crown Prince Xue Qinghe to be present?"

“This…” Tang San pondered for a moment, “isn’t it just to use the power of the nobility to put pressure on us?” Tang Yuehua nodded slightly, her gilded hairpin swaying gently with her movement: “That’s right, but that’s only one layer of the purpose.” A sharp glint flashed in her eyes, “Do you remember the truth about your father’s death two years ago?”

Tang San's pupils suddenly contracted, his knuckles clenched until they turned white, and his voice was as cold as ice: "Of course I remember, Aunt. I will never forget the blood feud of that day."

"That's the crux of the problem." Tang Yuehua lightly tapped her palm. "The Spirit Hall dared to ambush you and your father outside Heaven Dou City, leading to your father's death. This has already forged an irreconcilable blood feud between the Clear Sky Sect and the Spirit Hall." Her gaze was piercing. "And today, regarding the demand for the hidden weapon blueprints, Ning Fengzhi could have negotiated with us alone. Why did he insist on dragging the Heaven Dou royal family into it?"

A glint flashed in Tang San's eyes, and he suddenly realized, "Auntie, are you saying that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is deliberately distancing itself from us, using this as a way to curry favor with the Spirit Hall?"

The carriage fell silent, save for the sound of wheels rolling over pebbles. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the gauze curtains, casting dappled shadows on Tang San's somber face. He then realized that this seemingly ordinary negotiation concealed a deep political calculation.

A complex emotion flickered in Tang Yuehua's eyes: "I can't be entirely certain of Ning Fengzhi's intentions either. After all, these hidden weapons will ultimately be equipped by the disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Heaven Dou Army." She tapped her fingertips lightly on the window frame. "Perhaps he's preparing for a future defense against the Spirit Hall. But one thing I'm certain of—"

She suddenly turned and looked directly at Tang San, her gilded hairpin gleaming coldly in the setting sun: "If we had to choose between us and the royal family, Ning Fengzhi would definitely bet on the royal family. That young man named Feng Yao is simply too dazzling."

Tang San remained silent for a long time, the confusion in his eyes gradually turning into determination. He straightened his back, his voice steady and powerful: "Aunt, I will continue to improve myself and will never let you down."

Tang Yuehua's expression softened as she gently stroked Tang San's black hair. Her fingertips paused on his hair, just as Tang Hao had done to her years ago: "It's good that you think this way." A glimmer of relief appeared in her violet eyes. "With twin martial souls, your future achievements will surely surpass that child's. Auntie believes in you."

Tang San nodded solemnly and said in a deep voice, "Aunt, since you also cannot ascertain Ning Fengzhi's true intentions, then what about this hidden weapon blueprint?"

Tang Yuehua sighed softly, "Xiao San, no matter what Ning Fengzhi's plans are, you must hand over these hidden weapon blueprints." A hint of helplessness flashed in her violet eyes. "In Tian Dou City, there are only two ways to gain a foothold—either cooperate with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School or bow down to the noble forces."

The sunlight streaming through the window cast a soft yet resolute glow on her profile: "Even I, your aunt, must treat the royal family with the utmost courtesy within Tiandou City." She paused abruptly, "Do you really think that in such a vast city as Tiandou, there aren't a few teachers skilled in etiquette and music?"

Upon hearing this, Tang San's eyes flashed with a mixture of realization and bitterness. He slowly lowered his head, his voice low but firm: "Yes, Aunt. Little San understands."

A hint of pity flickered in Tang Yuehua's eyes: "Little San, the path your aunt can pave for you ends here." Her voice was gentle yet tinged with heaviness. "If we want the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to truly stand on our side against the Spirit Hall, we need a reason that will force them to intervene."

Tang San nodded solemnly. He understood perfectly well that even though the Tang Sect was nominally independent from the Clear Sky Sect, its stance against the Spirit Hall would never change. If Ning Fengzhi continued to waver, the generous terms he had agreed to today could easily become worthless.

Thinking of the worst-case scenario—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School suddenly turning against them, cutting off material supplies and artisan support, instantly severing the Tang Clan's economic lifeline—this terrifying thought sent a chill down Tang San's spine. He hurriedly asked, "Auntie, do you have a good plan?"

Tang Yuehua was silent for a moment, then lightly tapped her fingertips on the window frame. "Yes." She looked directly into Tang San's eyes. "Go and pursue Ning Rongrong."

Tang San's expression changed drastically, and the image of that pink-clad beauty instantly flashed into his mind. He shook his head violently, his voice filled with unprecedented resolve: "Auntie, I'm sorry... I can't do this."

His clenched fist trembled slightly, his nails digging deep into his palm. The girl who had smiled gently at him at Notting College had long since taken root in his heart. Even in the face of his aunt's disappointed gaze, he could not go against his own heart.

Tang Yuehua sighed deeply, "This is the only way right now." Her violet eyes appeared exceptionally deep in the sunlight. "You must understand, in this Heavenly Dou City, only Ning Rongrong—is the reason Ning Fengzhi has to go all out."

Her voice was soft, yet every word struck Tang San's heart like a hammer blow: "If the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School becomes your concubine, Ning Fengzhi will have no way out."

Tang San clenched his fists even tighter, his knuckles cracking slightly. That unforgettable pink figure became clearer and clearer in his mind.

“Auntie,” his voice was hoarse and unlike his own, “I’m willing to try anything except this.”

Tang Yuehua gazed at her nephew's pained expression, her gilded hairpin swaying slightly in the silence. Finally, she sighed softly, "So be it. We'll find another way."

Tang Yuehua looked at Tang San's relieved expression, a complex worry appearing on her delicate face, her violet eyes swirling with thoughts.

Aside from marriage, she really couldn't think of any other way to completely bind the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Haotian School together.

A barely audible sigh faded into the sound of wheels rolling over stone slabs. Tang Yuehua gazed at her nephew's resolute profile, ultimately unable to bear pressuring him any further. She reached out to straighten Tang San's wind-blown collar, her fingertips feeling a slight tremor emanating from the young soul master's tense shoulders.

On the other side, inside the gilded carriage.

Qian Renxue had shed her disguise, revealing her original stunning beauty. She leaned languidly against Feng Yao's chest, her long golden hair cascading down like a waterfall, shimmering with a magnificent luster under the soft lights of the carriage.

“Xiao Feng.” She tilted her head slightly, her golden eyelashes trembling. “Tang San’s attitude towards you today was quite strange, as if he was deliberately testing something,” she said, drawing circles on Feng Yao’s chest with her fingertips.

Feng Yao's lips curled slightly, his fingertips gently twirling Qian Renxue's golden hair: "Perhaps. But...His Holiness the Pope should be almost ready by now?"

Upon hearing this address, Qian Renxue's delicate face instantly turned icy cold. She pursed her red lips and forced a nod, saying, "The Soul Master Legion is already secretly assembling; news should arrive in a few days."

Seeing this, Feng Yao suddenly leaned down and lightly pecked her tense, pretty face: "Don't be so serious." His warm breath brushed against her ear, "Come on, give your husband a smile?"

Qian Renxue gave a soft snort, her gilded eyelashes trembling slightly. Although her expression remained displeased, her tightly pressed lips had unconsciously softened. She raised her hand as if to hit him, but in the end only gently pinched Feng Yao's cheek: "Never serious."

In the distance, the spire of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School gradually disappeared into the twilight, while the outline of Heavenly Dou City was already faintly visible.

(End of this chapter)