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

That night, the Ye residence was completely quiet.

Ye Lingling, who was cultivating, suddenly frowned slightly. Her soul power sensed that there was an unfamiliar presence in the mansion. As soon as she opened her eyes, she heard the hurried footsteps of a maid outside the door.

“Miss,” the maid’s voice came through the door, tinged with urgency, “Lady Yuehua is waiting in the guest room with a seriously injured person.”

Ye Lingling was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but quickly regained her composure. As a Nine-Heart Begonia Soul Master, seeking medical help late at night was already commonplace for her.

"Take good care of our distinguished guests; do not neglect them." Her voice was clear and gentle, as she lightly brushed a stray strand of hair from her temple. "I will be there shortly."

Based on Feng Yao's return a few days ago, she had a vague idea of ​​who the visitor was. The candlelight in the room dimly illuminated her thoughtful profile.

Thinking of this, Ye Lingling's gaze involuntarily turned to Xiao Wu, who had already woken up not far away. She saw the little white rabbit anxiously pacing around, its pink paws constantly scratching at the hem of her skirt, its ruby-like eyes filled with pleading and urgency.

Ye Lingling squatted down, the scent of the Nine-Heart Begonia flowing through her fingertips: "You sensed it too?" she asked softly, her fingertips gently stroking Xiao Wu's trembling ears.

The little rabbit suddenly stood on its front paws, its wet nose twitching, and its three-lobed mouth trembling rapidly. It looked as if it was about to rush out of the room at any moment.

"Don't worry, I'll take you there right away." Ye Lingling gently tapped Xiao Wu's nose with her fingertip, her voice soft yet solemn, "But Miss Xiao Wu, we need to agree on something first—"

She held the rabbit up to eye level: "You can only watch quietly from the side, and absolutely no movement or hints are allowed." A glint of light flashed in her eyes. "Otherwise... I can't guarantee I can cure him."

Xiao Wu's red eyes instantly welled up with tears, but her fluffy head nodded without hesitation. She even raised one of her two front paws, put them together, and shook them at Ye Lingling, as if making a solemn promise. Moonlight filtered through the window curtains, casting a soft, silvery glow on the scene.

Ye Lingling leaned down and whispered to Xiao Wu, "To avoid giving anything away, I won't hold you anymore." She lightly tapped the little rabbit's nose with her fingertip. "You have to pretend you 'accidentally' followed us."

Having said that, she gently pushed open the door, her white skirt swaying like water in the moonlight, and slowly walked towards the guest room. Xiao Wu immediately understood and hopped after her like a real pet rabbit, occasionally stopping to sniff the flowers and plants by the roadside, but always maintaining a just-right distance.

As they turned the corner of the corridor, the moonlight cast long shadows of the person and the rabbit. Xiao Wu's red eyes gleamed faintly in the darkness, and her three-lobed mouth trembled incessantly, yet she remembered not to make a sound.

Soon, the guest room porch came into view. The maid, who had been waiting, immediately curtsied upon seeing Ye Lingling: "Miss, Madam Yuehua and the others are inside."

Ye Lingling nodded slightly, her fingertips subtly tracing the nine-heart begonia pattern on her sleeve. Xiao Wu obediently squatted at her feet, only her constantly trembling long ears betraying her inner anxiety.

"Miss, why did this little one come along too?" The maid quickly bent down and picked up the little dumpling-like Xiao Wu, making a move to take her back to her room.

Ye Lingling waved her hand: "It's alright, let it come along." She asked casually, "How are the guest's injuries?"

The little girl in the maid's arms tensed instantly, her ruby-like eyes fixed on the maid, even her ears perked up. Moonlight shone through the gauze lanterns under the eaves, casting tiny specks of light into her rabbit-like eyes, like stars filled with trepidation.

"Judging from the situation, the injuries aren't too serious, but there's been excessive blood loss, and both her soul power and physical strength are severely depleted," the maid reported in a low voice. As Ye Lingling's personal maid who had been with her for many years, she had long since honed her skills in making preliminary diagnoses.

Ye Lingling nodded slightly and gently pushed open the door. Moonlight streamed in through the crack in the door, bathing the room in a silvery glow. Xiao Wu shifted restlessly in the maid's arms, her red eyes peering anxiously through the gap in the maid's arms, searching for that familiar figure.

The delicate fragrance of crabapple blossoms filled the room as Ye Lingling walked by.

When Xiao Wu caught sight of Tang San through the maid's arms, the rabbit froze instantly. The once spirited young man lay pale and lifeless on the bed, his brows furrowed with lingering pain. Her ruby-like eyes stared unblinkingly at him, her three-lobed lips trembling involuntarily.

At that moment, she suddenly understood the meaning of Qian Renxue's words—perhaps not seeing him was the best choice. At least she wouldn't see her beloved looking so haggard, and at least she could retain his most beautiful image in her memory.

Moonlight filtered through the window screen, casting dappled shadows on Tang San's pale face. Xiao Wu gripped the maid's sleeve tightly, careful not to make a sound. Only her gradually moistening red eyes betrayed her heart-wrenching pain.

As soon as Tang Yuehua saw Ye Lingling enter, she quickly stepped forward to greet her: "Lingling, quickly help me check on the mistress." Her usually elegant and composed voice carried a rare hint of urgency.

Ye Lingling nodded slightly, her gaze falling on Tang San, who lay unconscious on the bed due to excessive blood loss. She gently raised her hand, and the Nine-Heart Begonia bloomed in her palm, its pale pink petals fluttering down as her soul power flowed.

A strange scene unfolded—under the shower of flowers, the wounds of varying depths healed at a visible speed. Scabs fell off abrasions, revealing new skin; deeper wounds stopped bleeding and gradually closed.

Xiao Wu held her breath in the maid's arms, her red eyes fixed on everything. When she saw Tang San's tightly furrowed brows relax slightly, her tense body relaxed a little, though her claws still unconsciously gripped the maid's clothes tightly.

Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting a soft, silvery glow over the healing scene. Tang Yuehua's tense expression finally eased, and she cast a grateful glance at Ye Lingling.

Seeing that Tang San's injuries had stabilized, Tang Yuehua's tense shoulders finally relaxed a little. But she still asked with concern, "Lingling, how is Xiao San now?"

Xiao Wu, nestled in the maid's arms, immediately perked up her ears, her ruby-like eyes fixed intently on Ye Lingling.

Ye Lingling withdrew the Nine Heart Begonia and said softly, "His life is not in danger, but..." She paused, her fingertips gently brushing across Tang San's pale forehead.

"But what?" Tang Yuehua's voice suddenly rose, causing Xiao Wu's body to tremble violently.

Moonlight filtered through the window screen, casting dappled shadows on Tang San's face. Ye Lingling's gaze swept over the nervous little white rabbit in the corner, carefully choosing her words: "There's a peculiar energy flowing within him, extremely powerful, yet it resists deeper treatment, like... or some kind of obsession forming a barrier." As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Wu's red eyes instantly welled up with tears, and her three-lobed lips trembled involuntarily. Tang Yuehua, meanwhile, looked thoughtfully at Tang San's clenched fist—where he still held a bloodstained piece of wood, which no one could pry open no matter how hard they tried.

Tang Yuehua pressed anxiously, "Then what should we do?"

Ye Lingling lightly touched Tang San's wrist with her fingertips, the glow of the Nine-Heart Begonia flowing through his veins: "He has six soul bones protecting him, and that constantly circulating power, so theoretically he shouldn't be in any serious trouble." She gently lifted Tang San's right hand, which was covered in cracks, "These are injuries caused by overuse of the Clear Sky Hammer, coupled with neglecting his injuries, which led to blood loss and unconsciousness."

Under the moonlight, Tang San's palms were covered with fine bloodstains, his knuckles tinged with an unnatural bluish-purple. Ye Lingling's voice was as soft as a sigh: "The real injury isn't on the body." She pointed to her chest, "It's here. Madam Yuehua needs to comfort him. He must avoid using his hands recently; rest and take a blood-tonifying medicine."

Xiao Wu, nestled in the maid's arms, suddenly trembled violently, her red eyes fixed on Tang San's battered hands. A blood-stained splinter peeked out from between his fingers, gleaming eerily in the moonlight.

Upon hearing this, a complex emotion appeared on Tang Yuehua's gentle face. She naturally understood why her nephew had become like this—the girl named Xiaowu had ultimately taken root in his heart.

"Thank you so much, Lingling," Tang Yuehua said softly, her gilded hairpin swaying slightly in the candlelight. "I'm disturbing your cultivation so late."

Ye Lingling smiled and shook her head: "Madam Yuehua, you're too kind." She lightly tapped her fingertip, and the illusory image of the Nine-Heart Begonia swirled in the room. "It's late; why don't you make do in the guest room? I'll instruct the servants to prepare a blood-nourishing medicinal meal."

As she spoke, her gaze inadvertently swept over Xiao Wu in the maid's arms. The little white rabbit was staring intently at Tang San's clenched fist, its red eyes filled with unspeakable sorrow.

"I'll trouble you to take care of her personally." Ye Lingling withdrew her gaze, her white skirt drawing an elegant arc as she turned.

Tang Yuehua nodded slightly, the worry in her eyes easing somewhat: "That's good then."

Her gaze inadvertently swept over the maid beside her, lingering briefly when she caught sight of the little white rabbit in the maid's arms, but she didn't pay it any mind—it wasn't uncommon for nobles of the Heavenly Dou Clan to keep soul beasts as pets, just like Dugu Yan kept several snakes.

Ye Lingling turned aside at the opportune moment and whispered to the maid, "Leave her to me. You go and prepare some blood-nourishing medicinal food for Lady Yuehua."

"Yes, Miss." The maid replied respectfully, carefully handing Xiao Wu to Ye Lingling.

Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, illuminating Xiao Wu's reddened eyes in the brief moment they met. Tang Yuehua inadvertently met that gaze, her heart skipping a beat. Before she could get a closer look, Ye Lingling had already cleverly tucked the little rabbit into her arms.

Holding Xiao Wu in her arms, Ye Lingling gracefully bowed to Tang Yuehua: "Madam Yuehua, Lingling will take her leave now." Her white skirt rippled like water with her movements.

Tang Yuehua nodded slightly, watching her leave with tender eyes. Then she turned to Tang San, who was sleeping soundly on the bed, sighed softly, and tucked the blanket around him.

In Ye Lingling's arms, Xiao Wu peeked out, her ruby-like eyes fixed on the receding bed. Only after turning the corner of the corridor and completely disappearing from sight did she slowly retreat back into Ye Lingling's embrace.

Ye Lingling carried Xiao Wu as they walked slowly along the moonlit corridor. Looking down at the unusually quiet little rabbit in her arms, she couldn't help but sigh softly, "I don't know if this kind of meeting is an act of kindness towards you, or another kind of torment."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu silently raised her pinkish-white paw and stubbornly pointed towards the direction of Tang San's room. Moonlight shone in her ruby-like eyes, reflecting an unwavering light.

"Do you still want to see him again?" Ye Lingling stopped and asked with a complicated expression.

Xiao Wu nodded without hesitation, nuzzling her fluffy head against Ye Lingling's arm as if making a silent plea. The night breeze rustled the crabapple blossoms in the courtyard, and amidst the falling petals, the delicate fragrance of the crabapple quietly permeated the air.

Ye Lingling's steps suddenly stopped under the dappled moonlight of the corridor. A night breeze swept by, lifting the strands of hair at her temples and bringing a touch of coolness.

She gazed down at the quiet Xiao Wu in her arms, a complex mix of emotions welling up within her. Feng Yao's trip to the Star Dou Great Forest had already made her and Dugu Yan see his true stance. In this turbulent situation, if Tang San insisted on being an enemy of the Spirit Hall...
"So be it." Ye Lingling sighed softly in her heart, her fingertips unconsciously stroking Xiao Wu's soft fur. "Even if you could stay together, how could you possibly have a good ending given your positions?"

Moonlight streamed through the eaves, casting a long shadow of her. The little rabbit in her arms seemed to sense something, its red eyes gazing towards the distant guest rooms, filled with a stubborn light. Ye Lingling shook her head, ultimately not uttering those words aloud, and simply continued walking forward, carrying Xiao Wu.

Ye Lingling walked slowly down the moonlit corridor, her thoughts racing. With Tang San's current strength, it was impossible for him to protect Xiao Wu—even if they were to be together, the final outcome might be far more tragic than it was now.

Thinking of this, she suddenly understood Feng Yao's attitude towards Xiao Wu. In Feng Yao's eyes, Tang San was probably already considered a dying man. And what did it matter to let Xiao Wu, who was practically dead, take a few last looks at her beloved in the face of a dying man?

Ye Lingling gently stroked Xiao Wu's downy fur with her fingertips and sighed silently. The night breeze swirled the crabapple petals in the courtyard, making them dance around her white skirt. She glanced one last time in the direction of the guest room, then turned and walked towards her boudoir with Xiao Wu in her arms. The moonlight gilded the two figures, one large and one small, and the delicate fragrance of the nine-heart crabapple blossoms drifted away into the night.

The next morning, the morning light was just beginning to rise.

As soon as Ye Lingling finished her cultivation and opened her eyes, she saw Xiao Wu already squatting by her pillow, her ruby-like eyes staring straight at her. Those rabbit eyes were bloodshot, and the downy fur was slightly messy, clearly indicating that she hadn't slept all night and was just waiting for dawn.

"You..." Ye Lingling shook her head helplessly, her fingertips gently brushing against Xiao Wu's tired eyes with her soft soul power. "If you want to see him more often, you'd better take care of yourself first."

Soon, she instructed a maid to bring pastries, and she placed the little rabbit on a prepared plate. "Eat well, and sleep soundly. After breakfast, I'll take you to see him."

Morning light streamed through the gauze window, gilding Xiao Wu's snow-white fur. Hearing the promise, the little rabbit lowered its head to nibble on its pastries, though its ears still twitched occasionally, constantly watching for any movement outside. Watching this scene, Ye Lingling couldn't help but recall Feng Yao's parting words and sighed softly.

(End of this chapter)