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

Feng Yao, carrying Xiao Wu in his arms, strolled slowly through the bustling streets of Tian Dou City. Morning light spilled onto the cobblestone streets, and wisps of smoke rose from the breakfast stalls along the way, adding a touch of lively charm to the awakening city.

Xiao Wu nestled quietly in his arms, her red eyes warily scanning their surroundings. After passing through several quiet alleys, an elegant mansion came into view. The two characters "Ye Mansion" on the vermilion gate gleamed in the morning sun.

Feng Yao paused at the door, his fingertips lightly brushing against Xiao Wu's ear: "We've arrived."

Feng Yao raised his hand and lightly knocked on the door knocker; the crisp sound was particularly clear on the morning street. The vermilion gate opened quickly, and the servant immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing the visitor: "Your Excellency, Marquis!" He stepped aside to make way for him.

Although Feng Yao did not hold an official position in the Heaven Dou Empire and usually appeared as an instructor at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, he had been granted the title of Marquis by imperial decree after the Soul Master Competition. Although he had no real power, this title not only represented the royal family's high regard for him but also their recognition of his strength.

Feng Yao nodded slightly, carrying Xiao Wu as he stepped over the threshold. A maidservant bowed respectfully: "My lord, the young lady is in the backyard."

Feng Yao walked slowly, his every gesture exuding aristocratic grace. He navigated the winding corridors with practiced ease, his robes fluttering with a relaxed composure. The servants he encountered along the way stopped to bow, to which Feng Yao responded with gentle smiles.

Xiao Wu twitched her ears restlessly in his arms, her ruby-like eyes curiously surveying the magnificent mansion.

Deep in the courtyard, several crabapple trees are in full bloom, their pink and white petals falling in the wind and carpeting the ground with a soft floral carpet.

Feng Yao walked slowly along the cobblestone path and soon spotted the familiar figure in the flowerbed in the backyard. Ye Lingling was bending over to tend to a rare flower, her snow-white skirt stained with a little dirt, but it did not diminish her cool and elegant temperament in the slightest.

As if by telepathy, before Feng Yao could even approach, Ye Lingling suddenly straightened up and turned to look at him. The morning light cast a soft glow on her delicate profile, and her clear eyes rippled slightly the moment she saw Feng Yao.

"Xiao Feng." Ye Lingling's usually cool and aloof face instantly lit up with joy, and she quickened her pace unconsciously as she walked towards Feng Yao. Her white skirt fluttered among the flowers and grass, like a white butterfly taking flight.

As she approached, her gaze was immediately drawn to the little rabbit in Feng Yao's arms. Ye Lingling's eyes widened slightly, her slender fingers instinctively covering her slightly parted lips. With just one glance, the surrounding maids understood and bowed and withdrew, leaving only the three of them in the garden in the blink of an eye.

Xiao Wu shifted restlessly in Feng Yao's arms, her ruby-like eyes warily fixed on Ye Lingling. A begonia petal drifted down onto her snow-white fur, making her rabbit eyes appear even more blood-red. Ye Lingling glanced thoughtfully at Xiao Wu, then looked up at Feng Yao, her eyes questioning.

"Xiao Feng, this can't be..." Ye Lingling's voice was as soft as a breeze rustling willow catkins, her fingertips unconsciously tightening the silk handkerchief in her hand.

Feng Yao's lips curved slightly as he gently stroked Xiao Wu's snow-white fur. "Yes, just as you thought." His voice was gentle yet firm. "But now, she's just an ordinary Soft-Boned Rabbit."

Upon hearing this, Ye Lingling's eyes, as clear as autumn water, trembled slightly. She recalled Feng Yao's instructions before his departure, and then carefully examined the snow-white rabbit—those ruby-like eyes did indeed bear a striking resemblance to the girl in her memory.

Xiao Wu seemed to sense her gaze, her ears perked up alertly, but she gradually relaxed under Feng Yao's gentle caress.

Xiao Wu's red eyes stared unblinkingly at Ye Lingling, her three-lobed nose twitching slightly, as if she were carefully discerning the girl's aura.

Seeing this, Ye Lingling smiled and gently brushed the stray hairs from her temples with her slender hand: "It seems... you want to entrust her to me?" Her voice was like a clear spring hitting a stone, with a hint of knowing amusement.

Feng Yao couldn't help but nod, "We can't let Yan Yan take care of her; it's a miracle she wasn't poisoned. I trust you the most."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu's ruby-like eyes widened instantly, and her ears perked up warily, clearly feeling uneasy about Feng Yao's assessment.

Ye Lingling covered her mouth and chuckled softly, gently taking the little rabbit from Feng Yao's arms: "Little Wu, I'm afraid you'll have to suffer from now on." The scent of the Nine-Heart Begonia lingered on her fingertips as she gently combed Little Wu's fur.

Xiao Wu suddenly turned her head, her ruby-like eyes staring straight at Feng Yao, her ears perked up alertly, as if waiting for an explanation.

Feng Yao smiled knowingly and explained gently, "You'll be very safe with Lingling. More importantly," he paused deliberately, "Lingling has a close relationship with Tang Yuehua of Yuexuan. With her, you'll have many opportunities to see Tang San."

These words seemed to have a magical power, and Xiao Wu instantly quieted down. Her previously bristly fur became soft and docile, and even her ears drooped obediently. She nestled obediently in Ye Lingling's arms, looking just like a truly docile house rabbit.

Seeing this, Feng Yao turned to Ye Lingling and said softly, "If you have the chance to see Tang San, take her with you." His voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable seriousness.

Ye Lingling nodded in understanding, her fingertips gently stroking Xiao Wu's ear.

"Xiao Feng, what if Tang San...?" Ye Lingling hesitated, her fingertips unconsciously stroking Xiao Wu's downy fur.

Feng Yao smiled confidently, "Don't worry, that's precisely why I asked you to take care of her." He looked gently at the little white rabbit in Ye Lingling's arms, "Given your relationship with Tang San, he won't suspect anything. Besides..."

He paused, gazing towards the direction of Yuexuan in the distance: "There are quite a few nobles in Tiandou City who raise rabbits. However..." His tone suddenly turned serious, "...we should still try to avoid letting her have direct contact with Tang San."

Xiao Wu's ears suddenly perked up, and she glared at Feng Yao with her red eyes, but Ye Lingling gently pressed her head down. The fragrance of the Nine-Heart Begonia circulated, gradually calming the restless little rabbit.

Feng Yao's gaze fell on Xiao Wu in Ye Lingling's arms, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable seriousness: "These words are also for you, Xiao Wu." He gently tapped the rabbit's nose with his slender fingers, "Although I am willing to fulfill your wishes within reasonable limits, but..."

He paused, his tone slightly somber: "If you intend to use this to do something outrageous..." He turned his gaze to Ye Lingling, "Although Lingling is a support-type Soul Master, crushing a little rabbit with less than ten years of cultivation would be a piece of cake for her."

Xiao Wu's red eyes stared silently at Feng Yao, her three-lobed lips trembling slightly. After a moment, she suddenly turned her head away, turning her rabbit face to the other side, her ears twitching unnaturally. It was unclear whether she had agreed or not.

Before Ye Lingling could speak, Feng Yao spoke first: "Sister Xiaowu, since you've chosen to be a pet, you should have some awareness of what a pet should do." He raised an eyebrow at the little rabbit that had turned its face away, "Are you sure you want to refuse to communicate like this?"

As he spoke, he turned to Ye Lingling, his tone light and cheerful: "Lingling, why don't we have someone buy a male rabbit?" Before he finished speaking, Xiao Wu, who was in Ye Lingling's arms, suddenly twitched and darted into Feng Yao's arms like lightning. Its snow-white paws anxiously tugged at his clothes, its red eyes widened, its three-lobed mouth trembled incessantly, and its hind legs kicked wildly in his arms, just like a little girl whose tail had been stepped on.

Ye Lingling, standing to the side, slightly raised the corners of her lips, a faint smile appearing on her usually aloof face, before calmly calling out, "Someone come here!"

Before the words were even finished, Xiao Wu was instantly launched from Feng Yao's arms, but at the moment of leaping, she was imprisoned in mid-air by an invisible soul force field. Her snow-white hind legs kicked in vain, but she could not escape Feng Yao's control.

Hearing the sound, the maid came to the garden entrance and bowed respectfully: "What are your orders, Miss?"

Ye Lingling gracefully flicked her sleeve: "Go and fetch some fresh pastries." Her gaze swept over the little rabbit, which was frozen in mid-air and thrashing about anxiously, and a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.

Xiao Wu's red eyes widened even more, her three-lobed mouth trembling with anger, yet she could only struggle futilely under Feng Yao's soul power. Sunlight filtered through the shadows of the trees, making this amusing scene exceptionally vivid.

Suddenly, Feng Yao scooped Xiao Wu back into his arms from mid-air. Her ruby-like rabbit eyes instantly became watery and clear enough to reflect a person's image. The little rabbit's resentful gaze swept back and forth between Ye Lingling and Feng Yao, her three-lobed mouth trembling incessantly, as if accusing these two "colluding villains."

Seeing this, Feng Yao couldn't help but chuckle. His slender fingers gently pinched the back of Xiao Wu's neck, lifting her to eye level. Sunlight filtered through the trees, dancing on his smiling face. "Sister Xiao Wu," he deliberately drawled, "I still prefer your rebellious look from earlier."

Xiao Wu kicked her hind legs in anger, her snow-white fur standing on end, but she couldn't move because she was being held by the scruff of her neck. Ye Lingling covered her mouth and chuckled softly from the side.

A moment later, a maid brought over several plates of exquisite pastries. Ye Lingling gently took Xiaowu from Feng Yao's arms, picked up a delicate pastry, and held it to her lips. Xiaowu immediately grabbed the pastry and began to wolf it down, her eagerness making Ye Lingling unable to suppress a smile.

"You didn't really raise Xiao Wu as a pet, did you?" Ye Lingling looked up at Feng Yao reproachfully. "What have you been feeding her these past few days?"

Feng Yao touched his nose, slightly embarrassed: "These past few days I've been traveling so fast I've only been eating dry rations myself, so naturally she has too."

Before she could finish speaking, Ye Lingling rolled her eyes elegantly. Her slender fingers gently combed through Xiao Wu's messy downy fur.

While munching on pastries, Xiao Wu secretly glanced at Feng Yao with her red eyes, her gaze seeming to say, "Look how others treat me."

Feng Yao smiled and leaned closer: "It's just that I'm not as thoughtful and considerate as Sister Lingling~" He suddenly leaned down and gently kissed Ye Lingling's fair cheek.

“Crack—”

Xiao Wu, who was chewing on a pastry, suddenly froze, and the carrot cake fell out of her three-lobed mouth. Her ruby-like rabbit eyes widened, filled with disbelief and contempt, as if she were looking at some indecent scene.

Ye Lingling's ear tips instantly flushed crimson, but she merely pursed her lips without flinching. Her slender fingers unconsciously tugged at Xiao Wu's downy hair, causing Xiao Wu to twist its body in displeasure.

“Alright, Lingling.” Feng Yao stood up, the wrinkles in his robes smoothing out naturally with his movement. “I still have to go see Yan Yan. Take good care of her, and remember to add plenty of carrots to the pastries.” He paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “If you’re taking her to see Tang San, remember to call me along.”

Ye Lingling nodded gently, her fingertips softly stroking Xiao Wu's fur. Seeing this, Feng Yao looked down at the little rabbit, who was engrossed in eating, and said, "Sister Xiao Wu, just stay here and relax."

Xiao Wu ignored him, her three-lobed lips rapidly chewing on the pastry, not even bothering to glance at him. Feng Yao and Ye Lingling exchanged a smile, shaking their heads helplessly. Sunlight filtered through the flower trellis, casting dappled shadows on his departing figure. Only after the footsteps had completely faded did Xiao Wu quietly prick up her ears, her red eyes gazing thoughtfully in the direction Feng Yao had gone.

A few days later, when Tang San dragged his heavy steps into the gates of Heaven Dou City, dusk had already enveloped the entire city. He was dressed in rags, his eyes were bloodshot, and he wandered the streets like a walking corpse. Passersby gave him a wide berth, not only because of the terrifying killing intent emanating from him, but also because of his empty, chilling eyes.

"My esteemed Soul Master." A little flower girl timidly offered him a white chrysanthemum, but upon seeing his face, she was so frightened that she fell to the ground.

Tang San was completely unaware, mechanically walking forward. He clutched a blood-stained piece of wood tightly in his arms—the last remnant of Xiao Wu's wooden house. His fingertips were already pierced by splinters, bloody and mangled, yet he seemed oblivious to the pain.

As I turned the corner, the lights of Yuexuan suddenly came into view.

"Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu," his hoarse voice faded into the night wind. A tear of blood slid down his haggard face, splashing onto the bluestone slab like a poignant flower.

Just as Tang San knelt on the cold bluestone slab, an urgent voice rang out in front of him. Tang San stiffly turned his head and saw Tang Yuehua standing on the steps in a plain white dress, the moonlight casting a soft silver glow on her.

"The other woman!"

Tang Yuehua's gentle voice carried an unusual urgency. She quickly descended the steps of Yuexuan, her plain skirt swaying like ripples in the night breeze.

"Auntie." Tang San's voice was hoarse, as if it had been sanded. His once clear eyes were now bloodshot and terrifyingly empty.

As Tang Yuehua bent down to examine the wound, her embroidered shoes clicked silently on the bluestone slabs. When she saw the blood-stained wooden shard clutched tightly in Tang San's arms, a flicker of pain crossed her gentle brows. Without asking any questions, she simply took out a handkerchief embroidered with silver threads and gently wrapped it around Tang San's mangled fingers.

"Come back with me first." Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable firmness, just as it had when she taught him court etiquette.

A night breeze rustled Tang Yuehua's elegant skirt, carrying a faint scent of sandalwood. Tang San wanted to refuse, but found that the days of toil and despair had exhausted his last bit of strength.

"Someone!" Tang Yuehua suddenly raised her voice, a rare display of urgency on her face. "Prepare the carriage! We're going to the Ye residence immediately!" Her slender fingers gripped Tang San's swaying body tightly, her gaze fixed on the brightly lit Ye residence in the distance, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. (End of Chapter)