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

As the sun set, two figures moved silently through the palace corridors. Dugu Bo, clad in a dark green robe, his withered fingers clasped behind his back, glanced sideways at Feng Yao beside him: "Hmph, I didn't even give that old codger Xue Xing any face." His voice was hoarse, like a viper's hiss. "Today I'm accompanying you into the palace; you'd better remember this—"

He suddenly stopped, his snake-like eyes gleaming eerily in the setting sun: "From now on, I'll be relying on you, these old bones of mine." With that, he flicked his sleeve.

Feng Yao chuckled upon hearing this, the setting sun casting a warm golden glow on his handsome profile: "What are you saying? You're Yan Yan's grandfather, how could I dare to neglect you?"

Dugu Bo snorted softly, his withered fingers stroking his beard: "Don't give me that." He narrowed his snake-like eyes, "I've always felt that all these years, you haven't really cared about my Yanyan."

“Don’t rush,” Feng Yao suddenly interrupted, winking mysteriously, “you’ll understand in a moment.”

"Oh?" Dugu Bo suddenly stopped, his snake-like eyes narrowing sharply in the twilight. He stared at Feng Yao's smiling face, a hint of inquiry flashing in his snake-like eyes.

Dugu Bo knew perfectly well that if Feng Yao didn't genuinely care for Yan Yan and that girl from the Ye family, why would he have moved the Blue Silver Clan to his herb garden? He even found a way to compensate for their martial soul deficiencies. Over the years, he had imagined countless reasons, but he never expected that the truth would be hidden deep within the palace.

As dusk deepened, Feng Yao led Dugu Bo through the palace corridors. Upon seeing Feng Yao, the guards on either side lowered their heads and retreated. The old venomous creature narrowed his snake-like eyes, noticing that skilled members of the Spirit Hall lurked in the shadows of every palace gate; the entire imperial city was already woven into a tight net.

"You still have a conscience, buddy," Dugu Bo suddenly lowered his voice, his withered, claw-like fingers slightly clenching, "not wanting to drag my granddaughter into this..."

Feng Yao smiled but did not answer. The glazed tiles of the East Palace were already glowing with a blood-red luster in the twilight. The copper bells on the eaves were stirred by the evening breeze, making a clear and melodious sound, as if knocking on some long-sealed secret.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the carved window lattice, casting dappled golden light into the study of the East Palace. Just as Feng Yao and Dugu Bo stepped across the threshold, they saw Qian Renxue remove her disguise, her long golden hair cascading down like a waterfall, shimmering with a sacred radiance in the twilight.

Dugu Bo's pupils suddenly contracted, and his withered fingers unconsciously clenched. Although the woman before him only possessed Soul Douluo-level soul power, the intense heat emanating from her caused his Azure Phosphorous Serpent Emperor Martial Soul to stir restlessly within him, even giving him a sense of danger.

“Senior, there’s no need to be nervous.” Feng Yao stepped forward at the opportune moment, subtly separating the two from each other. Qian Renxue’s lips curled slightly, her fingertips twirling a strand of golden hair, her every gesture exuding an innate air of nobility. The last rays of the setting sun swept across her exquisite face outside the window, making her heterochromatic eyes shine like jewels.

Dugu Bo frowned, his suspicious gaze shifting back and forth between Feng Yao and Qian Renxue. Qian Renxue gracefully curtsied, her long golden hair flowing like water from her shoulders: "I am deeply grateful to Senior Dugu for coming to my aid despite past grievances."

"You're Xue Qinghe?" Dugu Bo's hoarse voice was filled with disbelief, his withered fingers unconsciously rubbing his waist. He turned to look at Feng Yao, only to see the young man smiling and nodding almost imperceptibly.

Dugu Bo suddenly let out a cold snort, his gaunt face appearing particularly gloomy in the twilight. He flicked his sleeve: "I was just praising you for having a conscience!" His voice was hoarse, like a viper's hiss. "I knew you weren't that concerned about Yanyan and the Ye family girl."

The old man whirled around, his dark green robe billowing like waves in the setting sun: "So you've climbed the social ladder by associating with the Spirit Hall!" His venomous, vertical pupils stared intently at Feng Yao. "What do you take my Yan Yan for?"

Having said that, Dugu Bo lifted his foot to step out of the palace. The temperature inside the palace plummeted. Crows startled outside the window let out piercing cries, adding a touch of grimness to the standoff.

Feng Yao quickly stepped forward, smiling obsequiously as he took Dugu Bo's arm: "Please calm down, I had no choice back then," his tone unusually earnest.

Dugu Bo snorted and turned his face away from the two of them. His wrinkled face was full of "I won't listen" but he remained rooted to the spot.

Feng Yao subtly gave Qian Renxue a wink. Qian Renxue understood, and once again bowed respectfully, her long golden hair cascading down like a waterfall: "This matter is indeed my fault. Xiao Feng has wronged Yan Yan all these years to keep my secret." She raised her golden eyes, her voice sincere and gentle, "If Senior insists on leaving, Xue'er will have no complaints."

The afterglow of the setting sun gilded the three of them, and a brief silence fell over the hall.

Dugu Bo's cloudy snake-like eyes narrowed slightly as he secretly calculated in his mind. How could he be a fool to have survived years of pursuit by the Spirit Hall?
Seeing this, Feng Yao leaned closer and whispered, "Senior, it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester." His voice carried a seductive rhythm. "If you help me today, I guarantee that Chrysanthemum Douluo will treat you with utmost respect in the future."

"Hiss—" Dugu Bo gasped, his withered fingers clenching tightly as he imagined the scene Feng Yao had described. For the detestable Ju Hua Guan to bow his head, this girl's identity was probably far more noble than he had guessed!

"You brat!" He feigned anger as he shook off Feng Yao's hand, but a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes. "Don't try to fool me with those words!" Though his words were harsh, his feet had already unconsciously taken half a step into the hall. The setting sun cast a long shadow of his, which fell right at Qian Renxue's feet, as if in a silent compromise.

Dugu Bo weighed the options in his heart. His only concern now was to ensure that his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, could live a peaceful and comfortable life. However, if he could use this opportunity to resolve the old grudges with the Spirit Hall and secure a better future for Yan Yan, it would not be a bad thing.

Seeing that Dugu Bo's expression softened, Feng Yao quickly took the old man's arm and led him to the carved rosewood chair. "Senior, please rest for a while." He then turned and fetched a jade teacup from the table, offering it with both hands. "This is a new tea that Xue'er specially prepared; it's most soothing to the mind."

Dugu Bo snorted and reluctantly took the teacup, taking two small sips. Amidst the fragrant steam, he glanced at Feng Yao's ingratiating smile and Qian Renxue's expectant eyes, before finally placing the teacup heavily on the table—a gesture that was already a tacit approval.

A hint of joy flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes, and she solemnly bowed to Dugu Bo, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior."

Dugu Bo's withered fingers traced the rim of his teacup, his expression grave. "Don't be too happy yet." He glanced at the two men, his snake-like eyes flashing with a sharp light. "The people from the Haotian Sect are not to be trifled with."

Feng Yao smiled slightly and calmly straightened his sleeves: "Don't worry, we were prepared." He turned and exchanged a knowing glance with Qian Renxue. "The worst outcome is simply withdrawing from Tian Dou." Dusk deepened outside the window, the last rays of the setting sun gilding the three of them. Dugu Bo gazed at the tea leaves floating in his cup, suddenly realizing that this game of chess was far more complex than he had imagined.

Upon hearing this, a hint of resentment flickered across Qian Renxue's exquisite face. Dugu Bo took in her expression, his withered fingertips lightly tapping the teacup as he said with amusement, "Girl, you've followed Ning Fengzhi for so many years. Isn't his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda hailed as the number one support martial soul in the world? Why doesn't the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect come to your aid? Why are they now seeking help from a lone wolf like me?"

Feng Yao chimed in at the opportune moment, his smile carrying a hint of ingratiation: "You jest. How could Ning Fengzhi be as reliable as you?"

"Alright, alright!" Dugu Bo waved his hand to interrupt, but the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up slightly. He glared at Feng Yao, feigning annoyance: "Stop trying to sweet-talk me! I just don't want to see you die here, or Yan Yan will throw a tantrum!"

Despite saying that, the smug look in the old man's eyes betrayed his true feelings. Seeing this, Qian Renxue poured him another cup of fragrant tea, and in the rising steam, the atmosphere between the three of them eased considerably.

Feng Yao noticed the unease in Qian Renxue's brows, gently patted her shoulder, and said softly, "Xue'er, with Senior Dugu in charge, plus Elders Poison Pufferfish and Serpent Spear, that makes three Title Douluos." He brushed his fingertips through her falling golden hair. "If this still doesn't work, then it's fate."

Dugu Bo stroked his beard, his venomous vertical pupils narrowing slightly: "This kid makes sense. If three Title Douluos still can't control the situation..." He paused meaningfully, "Your Spirit Hall really should re-evaluate the Clear Sky Sect. Their support for Xue Beng must have ulterior motives."

A cold glint flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes, and her jade fingers tightened unconsciously: "One day, I will personally crush them." Her words were interrupted by Feng Yao's gentle touch.

"Now, let's think about how to get through this hurdle first." Feng Yao's voice was soft, but it eased the tense atmosphere in the hall.

Qian Renxue's gaze sharpened, her golden hair gleaming resolutely in the twilight: "There's no time to lose. Let's head to Xueye Palace now." She flicked her sleeve, a delicate fragrance wafting from her as she turned. "If they truly intend to attack, tonight is their only chance."

Feng Yao nodded knowingly and carefully helped Dugu Bo up: "Senior, please."
The moment the three stepped out of the palace gates, the last rays of the setting sun sank beneath the palace walls. Dugu Bo's dark green robe swept across the stone steps, his hoarse voice exceptionally clear in the twilight: "The formidable Battle Soul Hammer, the majestic Haotian Sect—this old man also wants to see if the Haotian Sect is still as it once was."

As night deepened, the lanterns lining the palace path swayed gently in the breeze. Suddenly, Dugu Bo transmitted his voice telepathically, his hoarse voice ringing in Feng Yao's ear: "Boy, just who is this girl?" His venomous, vertical pupils narrowed slightly. "Someone who can make that old bastard from Chrysanthemum Pass bow his head, would she be involved in this kind of clandestine scheme?"

Feng Yao's lips curled slightly, and he responded telepathically, "Please forgive me, the reasons are inconvenient to explain in detail." He glanced at Qian Renxue's flowing golden hair in front of him, and his voice became more solemn, "However... Xue'er is indeed the apple of the former Pope's eye."

Dugu Bo's steps faltered almost imperceptibly, his withered fingers clenched tightly, and his heart trembled violently. This answer was clearly beyond his expectations. He gave Feng Yao a deep look, his voice carrying an unprecedented gravity: "Good lad, you're quite fortunate."

Feng Yao's words were indeed flawless. He knew better than anyone that Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo were the right-hand men cultivated by the former Pope. If he helped Qian Renxue today, it would be tantamount to giving the former Pope's lineage a helping hand in their time of need—even if Yue Guan's cultivation was high, he would still have to treat him with utmost respect.

Thinking of this, a smug look appeared on the old man's wrinkled face. He glanced sideways at Feng Yao, thinking to himself that this young man had paved a good path for his granddaughter. The night breeze rustled the hem of his dark green robe, making his steps lighter.

Before long, the three arrived outside Emperor Xueye's palace. Upon seeing Qian Renxue, the royal guards immediately knelt in unison to pay their respects. Just then, two powerful auras suddenly descended, and the two titled Douluo, She Long and Ci Xue, appeared, bowing respectfully to Qian Renxue: "Young Master."

Dugu Bo took in the entire scene, and the last trace of doubt in his heart vanished. He clicked his tongue in amazement: for two Title Douluos to treat a junior with the cultivation of a Soul Douluo with such respect, this girl's identity was already obvious. Looking across the entire continent, apart from the legitimate daughter of the deceased Pope of the Spirit Hall, who else could possess such power and prestige?

A night breeze swept across the palace walls, bringing a touch of coolness. Dugu Bo unconsciously straightened his hunched back, suddenly realizing that tonight's game might be more valuable than he had imagined.

Qian Renxue nodded slightly in acknowledgment, and She Long and Ci Xue's sharp gazes immediately locked onto Dugu Bo. Seeing this, Feng Yao quickly stepped forward, smiling as he introduced them: "This is Senior She Long, whose martial soul is the Serpent Spear; this is Senior Ci Xue, whose martial soul is the Porcupine."

"Serpent Spear. Porcupinefish," Dugu Bo narrowed his serpentine eyes, poisonous mist flickering around him. "Heh, you've really prepared a grand gift for this old man." He swept his gaze menacingly over the two men. "If I accept Xue Xing's invitation today, I'm afraid I'll have to experience your formidable skills firsthand?"

Golden snake-scale shimmered at She Long's fingertips, while Ci Xue silently stepped in front of Qian Renxue. Seeing this, Feng Yao quickly smoothed things over, saying, "Senior is joking. We're all in the same boat now."

Moonlight streamed through the pillars, casting several tense shadows on the ground. Qian Renxue coughed lightly at the opportune moment, and the three Title Douluos then concealed their auras. The air in front of the palace seemed to freeze, even the chirping of insects vanished without a trace.

A wry, awkward smile appeared on Feng Yao's face. He knew perfectly well that with Dugu Bo's shrewdness, he would see through these arrangements sooner or later. But rather than discovering them at the brink of death, it was better to bring them up now.

Qian Renxue's golden eyes flashed slightly as she gave She Long and the other a warning look. With a formidable enemy at hand, internal strife would only give the Haotian Sect an opportunity to exploit the situation.

She Long understood, clasped his hands in a respectful salute, and said with a hint of reverence, "Your Azure Phosphorous Serpent King Poison is unparalleled in the world; even Elder Ju is wary of it. The palace specifically dispatched the two of us to assist you to ensure the young master's safety."

These words were perfectly worded, both elevating Dugu Bo's status and explaining his previous guardedness. Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's gloomy expression softened somewhat, and he gave a cold snort before ceasing his pursuit. A night breeze swept by, dispelling the tense atmosphere that had just been building.

(End of this chapter)