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

On the top floor of Moon Pavilion, in a quiet corridor.

A maid in a light blue gauze dress walked lightly to the carved sandalwood door. With her slender fingers slightly curved, she knocked three times on the door. The sound of her knuckles touching the wood was crisp and melodious, like the soft chime of a jade chime.

"come in."

Tang Yuehua's voice came from inside the door, as clear as a spring, gentle and refined, carrying an innate nobility. A maid gently pushed open the door, and a wisp of calming incense fragrance immediately wafted out.

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled shadows throughout the room. Tang Yuehua sat gracefully before her dressing table, her jade comb gently combing her cascading black hair. In the bronze mirror, her elegant face seemed shrouded in a hazy glow.

The maidservant moved gracefully, clasped her hands in front of her abdomen, and gave Tang Yuehua a gentle bow: "Madam, His Highness Prince Xuexing, along with the Fourth Prince Xue Beng, are outside requesting an audience." Her voice was soft, yet it made the air in the room freeze.

Tang Yuehua paused slightly in her hand, holding the jade comb. In the bronze mirror, her delicate eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Although she had lived in seclusion in Yuexuan for many years, based on her understanding of the Tiandou nobility—the reputation of this uncle and nephew in noble circles was as repulsive as rotting flesh in the height of summer.

"Oh?" She put down the jade comb and lightly touched the dressing table with her fingertip. The smoke from the incense burner distorted slightly with her movement, making her gentle features appear and disappear.

"Snow Star. Avalanche," Tang Yuehua murmured to herself, her fingers lightly tapping the dressing table, producing a crisp sound. A bold guess suddenly surfaced in her mind, but she dismissed it immediately—given the usual behavior of this uncle and nephew, they shouldn't have such a scheme.

She looked up at the bronze mirror, inserted the last phoenix hairpin into her hair, and said in a voice as clear as a spring, "Treat our distinguished guests well and serve this year's new tea."

She rose, her jade-like hand lightly brushing the hem of her skirt, the sachet at her waist swaying slightly: "I'll be there shortly."

"Yes, Madam." The maid clasped her hands in front of her abdomen and bowed respectfully. She backed away slowly from the room, her embroidered shoes making no sound on the soft carpet.

As the door gently closed, Tang Yuehua ran her fingertips through her temples, confirming that every strand of hair was flawless. She took down the moon-white gauze shawl hanging on the screen, the sash at her waist making a melodious tinkling sound as she walked.

Walking through the velvet-carpeted corridor, Tang Yuehua paused briefly before the reception room door. She took a deep breath, the refreshing scent of calming incense clearing her mind. Gently pushing open the carved door, a polite smile graced her face: "I apologize for keeping Your Highnesses waiting."

Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting a soft halo around her. Inside the reception room, Prince Xuexing's teacup, which he had just set down, left a faint ring of water on the table.

Upon seeing Tang Yuehua enter the hall, Prince Xuexing immediately rose to greet her. A warm smile spread across his face, and his purple python robe rippled with an exaggerated bow: "It's been years since we last met; Lady Yuehua's beauty is even more captivating than before!"

A barely perceptible hint of coldness flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes, but it transformed into a gentle smile the moment she looked up. She gracefully curtsied, her moon-white skirt spreading like a lotus on the jade floor: "His Highness the Prince's presence greatly honors my humble abode."

Although she concealed it very well, she still keenly caught the fleeting fervor in Xue Xing's eyes. She straightened up without making a sound, lightly touching her temple with her fingertips, using this movement to create a slight distance between them.

Xue Xing seemed oblivious, maintaining her courteous demeanor: "Madam, you're too kind." Her voice unconsciously softened, and her gaze lingered for a moment on Tang Yuehua's delicate collarbone.

Tang Yuehua's gaze shifted slightly, sweeping lightly between the uncle and nephew. "I didn't know His Highness the Prince and the Fourth Prince had come." Her fingertips gently traced the rim of the teacup, her voice flowing like a clear spring. "What brings you here?"

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Prince Xuexing did not answer immediately, but instead slowly shifted his gaze meaningfully to the avalanche beside him. This subtle movement caused Tang Yuehua to raise an eyebrow almost imperceptibly—it seemed that the protagonist of today's event was none other than the Fourth Prince, whose reputation was notoriously poor.

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting a soft glow on the jade pendant at Xue Beng's waist. Meeting Tang Yuehua's scrutinizing gaze, he suddenly revealed a composed smile, completely different from his usual frivolous demeanor.

Avalanche suddenly stood up, his face no longer displaying his usual frivolousness. He placed his right hand on his chest, his left hand behind his back, and bowed with perfect precision—the most standard aristocratic etiquette.

Tang Yuehua paused slightly in the teacup between her fingers.

The movement was too perfect, so perfect that it reminded her of the unruly boy from a few years ago when he was studying at Yuexuan, who couldn't even do the simplest curtsy properly. Back then, Xue Beng had been personally described by her as "unpromising" in his evaluation.

Sunlight streamed through Xue Beng's hair, and the jade pendants clashed together, producing a crisp sound. When he looked up, his eyes held an unfamiliar calmness.

“Lady Yuehua.” His voice was deep and restrained, completely different from the flamboyant playboy he remembered.

A flicker of surprise crossed Tang Yuehua's eyes, quickly replaced by a composed smile. But her knuckles tightened involuntarily—this avalanche was worlds apart from the boy who used to step on his own clothes even when bowing.

Xue Beng straightened up, his eyes blazing, and stared directly at Tang Yuehua: "Madam Yuehua, I wonder if the Haotian Sect has any plans to re-emerge in the world of Soul Masters?"

These words struck like a thunderclap in the elegant hall.

Tang Yuehua paused abruptly, a hint of undisguised shock flashing across her delicate face. She re-examined the transformed Fourth Prince before her and suddenly understood something.

"The Haotian Sect," she slowly set down her teacup, the porcelain and sandalwood striking each other with a crisp sound, "has been secluded for many years, long since withdrawn from worldly affairs." When she looked up, her eyes had regained their composure. "I'm afraid I will disappoint Your Highnesses."

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, casting dappled shadows on her lowered eyelashes, obscuring the fleeting sharpness in her eyes.

Upon hearing this, Xue Beng's expression remained calm and composed. He gently stroked his fingers, his voice low and resolute: "Lady Yuehua, although I was once your most unworthy disciple, I understand that the Haotian Sect and I are the same—"

He raised his eyes, a sharp glint in them: "They're all lying in wait, waiting for their chance."

Tang Yuehua gently stroked the teacup, releasing a delicate fragrance. She gazed at the transformed prince, her voice as cold as frost: "Your time may have come, Fourth Prince," she paused, "but that doesn't mean the time is ripe for the Haotian Sect as well."

Xue Beng waved his hand gently, his gilded sleeve tracing an elegant arc in the air: "Lady Yuehua misunderstands." A self-deprecating smile played on his lips. "Xue Beng knows his place; how dare he presume to persuade the Haotian Sect to intervene?"

He leaned forward: "All I ask for is some support."

Tang Yuehua's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, and the teacup in her hand unconsciously slowed its swaying rhythm. She stared at Xue Beng, as if trying to see through his calm eyes to his true intentions.

“Support?” she repeated softly, her voice like an ice bead falling on a jade plate, crisp yet carrying a hint of coldness.

Xue Beng placed his hands lightly on the table, the sandalwood striking the surface with a dull thud. "Indeed, it's support." His gaze was sharp, each word carrying weight. "Xue Qinghe relies solely on the power of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. If he could gain your assistance..."

He suddenly lowered his voice, but each word was firm and resolute: "When the Haotian Sect returns to the continent, the Tiandou Royal Family will repay them with all its might." His fingertip traced a line on the table. "At that time, both the Tang Sect and Yuexuan will receive the Empire's full support."

Tang Yuehua covered her lips with her teacup, a flicker of emotion crossing her eyes, but her expression remained calm: "Fourth Prince, you are mistaken. His Highness the Crown Prince is a steady and reliable person, and has already provided much support to the Tang Clan. Why should we..."

She paused deliberately, then lightly tapped her teacup on the table: "To abandon a pearl for a worthless rock?"

Xue Beng suddenly chuckled softly, his fingertips lightly tracing the rim of the teacup, creating a delicate ripple. "Does Lady Yuehua truly believe..." He raised his eyes, a sharp glint in them, "that Xue Qinghe's ascension to the throne will be a blessing or a curse for the Haotian Sect?" He slowly rose, casting a shadow in the sunlight. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has cultivated its influence in Tiandou for decades, its roots deeply entrenched." He lightly tapped the table with his fingers. "Do you think Ning Fengzhi would be happy to see..."

His voice suddenly turned cold: "Is the Haotian Sect coming out of seclusion to take a share?"

Tang Yuehua's hand paused slightly, and the smoke from the incense burner distorted for a moment before her eyes.

Avalanche suddenly bent down and placed the untouched teacup on the table: "Sometimes," the tabletop and the bottom of the cup clinked together, "there is nothing."

He straightened up, his silhouette sharply defined against the backlight: "On the contrary, it's the most powerful bargaining chip."

Tang Yuehua gazed at her reflection in the tea, her thoughts swirling.

Indeed, if Xue Qinghe inherits the throne, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's power in Tiandou will surely grow like wildfire. Although the Haotian School is strong, as long as it remains on this land, it will never escape the invisible net woven by Ning Fengzhi.

Leaving the mountain? Easier said than done.

Not only does it require favorable timing and location, but it also demands years of covert planning. And how could the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School sit idly by and watch the once number one sect in the world regain its glory? Even without armed conflict, the undercurrents within Heaven Dou City are enough to keep one busy and exhausted.

But what if it supports an avalanche?
A glint of shrewdness flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes. Her delicate hand unconsciously tapped lightly on the table—even if Ning Fengzhi was extremely unwilling, he would have no choice but to share half of the cake. The art of emperorship lies in checks and balances. An emperor who was supported by the Haotian Sect to ascend the throne would naturally…
This plan is undoubtedly a perfect opportunity for the Haotian Sect, with no disadvantages whatsoever.

Prince Xuexing keenly noticed the glint in Tang Yuehua's eyes, and his fingers, hidden in his sleeve, unconsciously tightened. For the first time in many years, he saw a glimmer of hope in this nephew—Xue Beng's words had truly moved the master of Yuexuan.

Xuexing and Xuebeng exchanged a subtle glance, both uncle and nephew seeing suppressed joy in each other's eyes.

Prince Xuexing leisurely picked up his teacup, his fingertips tracing the gilded patterns on the rim. "Lady Yuehua, this is an opportunity not to be missed." He took a sip of fragrant tea. "If Xue Qinghe gains power, we, uncle and nephew, will at most be idle princes."

The teacup clattered as it hit the table. "But for the Clear Sky Sect," he drawled meaningfully, "unless the Spirit Hall's army presses in, Ning Fengzhi will never stand idly by and watch you regain your former glory."

"Today he can support the Tang Clan," Xue Xing tapped the table lightly with her fingertip, "tomorrow he can make it impossible for the Tang Clan to move an inch."

Tang Yuehua remained silent for a long time. Suddenly, she looked up and stared directly at Xue Beng: "What kind of support do you need?"

Xue Beng's lips curled into a slight smile, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light: "Naturally, it's the power of a high-level Soul Master. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's ability to maintain its position as the number one support sect in the world is precisely due to those two peerless Douluo, isn't it?"

Tang Yuehua nodded slightly: "This matter is not something I can decide alone." She looked out the window, "But I will relay your intentions back to the sect exactly as they were."

"If the sect leader agrees," Tang Yuehua paused slightly, "Yuehua will naturally comply."

Upon hearing this, Avalanche immediately gave a proper bow: "Thank you for your kindness, Madam." As he straightened up, a determined glint flashed in his eyes. "Then Avalanche will await good news."

Seeing this, Xue Xing put on her signature smooth smile, her purple python robe rippling with an exaggerated bow: "Then we won't bother you any longer."

Tang Yuehua gracefully raised her hand, her moon-white wide sleeves sliding down like water to reveal a section of her fair and jade-like wrist: "Rong Yuehua will see the two princes off." A perfectly timed smile played on her lips as she gestured for them to proceed.

The three walked through a velvet-carpeted corridor to the main entrance of the Moon Pavilion. In the morning light, the aristocratic-patterned gate shimmered with a soft glow.

"Madam, please wait." Prince Xuexing turned around in front of the carriage, his purple python robe swaying gently in the breeze.

Tang Yuehua nodded slightly, standing on the stone steps in front of the Moon Pavilion. The sunlight gilded her delicate features, and the embroidery on her skirt swayed gently in the wind.

The carriage drove further and further away, eventually disappearing around the street corner. Tang Yuehua remained standing there, the faint smile in her eyes gradually turning into deep thought. Her slender fingertips unconsciously caressed the jade pendant at her waist—every word of this intelligence message to be sent back to the sect needed to be carefully considered.

On the other side, at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, by the Azure Lake.

Feng Yao, dressed in a plain white robe, sat upright on a blue stone. His slender fingers gently plucked the strings of the Fuxi Qin, and the melodious music rippled across the lake. A gentle breeze stirred, lifting a few strands of his unbound black hair, which shimmered faintly in the sunlight.

Several waterfowl swam not far away, occasionally letting out clear calls that harmonized with the music. The weeping willows on the bank gently brushed the water's surface, shattering the reflections of clouds in the pond.

Such peaceful moments were precisely what Feng Yao cherished most. He closed his eyes and played the zither, a faint smile playing on his lips, as if he had merged with the tranquility of the world.

There was no unusual activity from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, clearly indicating that Ning Fengzhi hadn't given up hope. Intelligent people always share an unspoken understanding; though far apart, the two seemed to be engaged in a silent dialogue. They were both waiting, waiting for the opportune moment that would satisfy both. Like the delicate balance between hunter and prey, whoever lost their composure first would reveal their weakness.

At noon, the cafeteria of Tiandou Royal Academy was bustling with activity.

Feng Yao and Ye Lingling sat in their usual spot by the window. Sunlight streamed through the glass windows, casting dappled shadows on the plates in front of them. Ye Lingling was carefully serving Feng Yao, her delicate hands moving gracefully with her chopsticks.

"Huh?" Feng Yao suddenly raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on Xiao Wu not far away. Feng Yao couldn't help but chuckle, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table: "Why does our Xiao Wu look like a wilted eggplant today?" His voice carried a hint of teasing.

Upon hearing this, Ye Lingling's fair cheeks flushed slightly. She nervously twisted the napkin in her hands, her voice barely audible: "That day... I was just mentioning it casually, saying that raising a rabbit might alleviate my longing."

She glanced at Xiao Wu not far away, then continued awkwardly, "Who knew Tang San would really..."

"Pfft—" Feng Yao suddenly burst out laughing, almost dropping his chopsticks. He scooped Xiao Wu up from the nearby table, held her up to his face, and waved her around: "Our Xiao Wu sister..." His eyes were full of mischief, "Has she fallen out of favor?"

Xiao Wu's ruby-like eyes widened, and her three-lobed mouth moved rapidly, making soft "cooing" sounds, as if she were cursing Feng Yao in the manner of a rabbit.

Feng Yao, instead of being angry, chuckled and gently tapped her furry forehead with his fingertip: "Falling in love with a human, huh?" His voice suddenly softened, "was it all a beautiful mistake?" He gazed out the window, his eyes distant, "Actually, keeping those two forest kings company isn't so bad, is it?"

Xiao Wu's ears suddenly drooped, and the anger in her red eyes gradually turned into a touch of sadness.

Feng Yao gently placed her in the center of the dining table and pushed over a plate of freshly served osmanthus cake. "Now," he flicked Xiao Wu's nose with his finger, "take care of yourself first. Don't wait until your third brother is still fine before you're gone."

Xiao Wu sniffed, picked up a pastry bigger than her face with her front paws, and started crunching away. The crumbs stuck to her whiskers, jiggling with each chew, making Ye Lingling chuckle.

(End of this chapter)