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

Seeing Dugu Bo's expression soften, Feng Yao and Qian Renxue breathed a sigh of relief, and their tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

Feng Yao smiled, the moonlight casting a soft silver glow on his gentle features. "It's still early; perhaps the three of you should rest and recuperate first." He stepped aside to make room, his sleeves fluttering in the night breeze. "The matter of vigilance can be left to Xue'er and me for now."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo nodded slightly, his gaunt figure slithering into the shadows of the pillars like a snake. He sat cross-legged, the emerald green poisonous mist flickering around him, clearly indicating that he had begun to circulate his soul power.

Upon hearing this, She Long and Ci Xue immediately bowed respectfully to Qian Renxue. Qian Renxue's golden eyes gleamed with determination as she softly said, "I entrust the heavy responsibility ahead to you two uncles."

"Young Master, you flatter me." The two replied in unison, their voices filled with unquestionable loyalty. Ci Xue pressed his broad, calloused hand to his chest and said in a deep voice, "Your subordinate will do his utmost." She Long glanced meaningfully at Feng Yao, a hint of approval flashing in his snake-like eyes.

Before the words were even finished, the two figures vanished into the moonlight like ghosts. Ci Xue transformed into a cloud of blood mist and merged into the shadows of the corridor pillars, while She Long slithered like a serpent beneath the eaves. Instantly, a net was cast around the entire palace, waiting for its prey to walk right into it.

Qian Renxue gazed in the direction where the two had disappeared, unconsciously gripping Feng Yao's sleeve tightly. Feng Yao patted her hand reassuringly, and the two stood silently before the palace gate, like two drawn swords, gleaming with a chilling light under the moonlight.

Qian Renxue tilted her head slightly, her golden hair falling over Feng Yao's shoulder, her voice as soft as a feather: "Little Feng, do you think we can really win?"

Feng Yao gazed at the swaying palace lanterns in the distance, his eyes gradually deepening: "It's hard to say. If the Haotian Sect truly intervenes, they certainly won't just send one elder."

The night wind suddenly picked up, swirling up fallen leaves. Various scenes from the original story flashed through Feng Yao's mind, and his brow furrowed involuntarily.

Feng Yao carefully calculated in his mind: The five elders of the Clear Sky Sect were all proficient in combined attack formations. Although it was unlikely they would all come out, if a major battle were to break out, they would at least send two elders together. His gaze darkened slightly as he continued his deductions: "Including Tang Xiao, the Clear Sky Sect has a total of six Title Douluos. As the sect leader, Tang Xiao, out of fear of the Spirit Hall's power, probably won't personally intervene. However, to be on the safe side, the most likely scenario is that he will send three elders."

A night breeze rustled his robes. This thought weighed heavily on his mind—the battle tonight, fought by three Haotian-level masters skilled in combined attacks, would likely be far more difficult than he had imagined. Feng Yao unconsciously glanced at Qian Renxue beside him; in the moonlight, her profile appeared exceptionally resolute and beautiful.

Feng Yao gazed at the palace walls under the moonlight, concealing his worries. He smiled and said gently to Qian Renxue, "We'll deal with whatever comes our way, and act according to the situation." His tone was as light as if he were discussing tomorrow's weather.

However, he knew perfectly well that if the Clear Sky Sect truly sent an elder skilled in combined attacks, even with the strength of ordinary Title Douluos like She Long, they would likely struggle against the power of the world's number one weapon spirit. Even in the original story, someone as strong as Tang San was only able to overcome the combined attack of the Clear Sky Sect's five elders after obtaining the Trident of the Sea God and becoming a Title Douluo.

A night breeze swept by, bringing a touch of coolness. Feng Yao secretly hoped that the Haotian Sect would underestimate their opponent and send fewer people, but reason told him that given the Haotian Sect's current situation, they shouldn't be so careless.

Qian Renxue gazed at Feng Yao's profile, which appeared exceptionally profound in the moonlight, and suddenly realized her own powerlessness. Even with the aid of a divine herb like the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, and with Feng Yao's daily encouragement to cultivate, she had only barely broken through to the Soul Douluo realm. The night breeze ruffled her dazzling golden hair, bringing a refreshing coolness.

“Perhaps…” she parted her red lips slightly, her voice barely audible, “I’ve been too obsessive these past years, and I’ve become lax in my cultivation.” Her fingertips unconsciously caressed the jade pendant at her waist. For the first time, Qian Renxue realized so clearly that if Feng Yao hadn’t appeared in time, her cultivation level would probably be even lower.

The distant hooting of an owl made her realize that if tonight's plan failed, it might not be all bad for her. However—a golden glint flashed in Qian Renxue's eyes—if she wanted to admit defeat, the other party would have to demonstrate sufficient strength. At the very least, she needed to witness firsthand what true, absolute power, capable of shattering any scheme, truly was.

Feng Yao raised his hand, his slender fingertips gently running through Qian Renxue's flowing golden hair. His voice was soft yet firm: "Don't think too much. No matter the outcome," he looked into her bright golden eyes, "I will be by your side."

Qian Renxue tilted her head back, the moonlight casting a silvery glow on her exquisite face. She gazed into Feng Yao's resolute eyes, the hesitation in her gaze gradually settling into a determined light. Her red lips parted slightly, uttering only one word: "Mm."

But within that simple word lay boundless trust. A night breeze swept by, and the hems of their robes intertwined, casting a silhouette of them leaning against each other on the palace wall.

Feng Yao gazed in the direction of the imperial bedchamber and asked softly, "How is that person doing now?"

A complex emotion flickered in Qian Renxue's golden eyes as she whispered, "I'm afraid she won't make it through tonight." Her fingertips unconsciously traced the patterns on her sleeve. "If it weren't for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's interference, I wouldn't have had to resort to this tactic. The old emperor has been hesitant due to Ning Fengzhi's reaction, which is why this matter has dragged on until today."

The night breeze ruffled her long hair, obscuring half her face. In the moonlight, her voice carried a hint of sarcasm: "He's quite clever; he knows that without the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, his throne is not secure."

Qian Renxue understood perfectly well that she had plenty of ways to make Xueye disappear silently within this deep palace. Over the years, hadn't all those troublesome princes died one "accident" after another? But the death of an emperor was ultimately different from the ordinary.

"The passing of a monarch must be in accordance with the laws of nature and human ethics." Qian Renxue gazed towards the palace, her golden eyes flashing with complex light. "What I want is a Tiandou Empire that belongs entirely to me." The night breeze rustled through her magnificent robes, carrying with it a subtle fragrance.

Feng Yao nodded slightly, his gaze profound: "From an emperor's perspective, his concerns are indeed valid." He lightly tapped the jade pendant at his waist. "Without the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, no monarch can secure their position. This is why, even if we withdraw from Tian Dou, our control over it won't diminish significantly."

If a monarch were to suddenly die, a shrewd and calculating man like Ning Fengzhi would surely be able to trace the clues and uncover the truth. But the deaths of the eldest and third princes were perfectly normal in his eyes—the struggle for the crown prince position was always like this.

Qian Renxue and Feng Yao stood side by side under the moonlight, pouring out their plans and concerns over the years. The night breeze gently caressed her golden hair, and at that moment, she suddenly felt that no matter what imperial ambitions or power struggles, nothing was more precious than the person beside her.

The water clock on the palace wall ticked away, but she wished time could stand still for a little longer. Feng Yao's gentle voice rang in her ears, just like every difficult moment over the years, giving her the strength to keep going.

As night deepened, Feng Yao and Qian Renxue, like two innocent children, sat casually on the jade steps in front of the palace. Moonlight fell on their shoulders, adding a rare tranquility to the somber night.

Suddenly, Feng Yao's ears twitched, and his expression sharpened abruptly: "Just as I expected." He lowered his voice, "Three people have arrived."

"Three?!" Qian Renxue's pupils contracted sharply, her long golden hair moving without wind. This number far exceeded her expectations, and her slender fingers unconsciously clenched the hem of her dress. In the distance, the shadows of the trees swayed, as if each shadow concealed a deadly intent.

Feng Yao gently pressed her trembling hand, his gaze fixed intently on the area beyond the palace walls. A faint fluctuation of soul power wafted on the night breeze, and three powerful auras surged towards the palace like a tidal wave. The worst had finally arrived.

Feng Yao nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. Qian Renxue's golden eyes blazed with a resolute flame: "Even if defeat is inevitable today, I will fight with all my might!"

A fighting spirit curved Feng Yao's lips. Indeed, being cowardly before the battle was never his style. How could one know the outcome without actually fighting? To admit defeat and retreat outright was even less in line with his principles.

Qian Renxue said no more, and a dazzling golden light suddenly erupted from her forehead. Her head soul bone skill activated, and within the brilliant light, her figure gradually transformed. Her long golden hair turned snow-white, and her exquisite face reverted to that of the gentle and refined Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. When the light faded, standing beside Feng Yao was the wise and virtuous crown prince praised by everyone in the Heavenly Dou Empire. Only deep within her eyes remained a hint of golden sharpness belonging to Qian Renxue.

Before long, a night wind suddenly rose, and three figures carrying avalanches landed like ghosts in front of the hall. Under the moonlight, the robes of the three elders of the Haotian Sect fluttered, their eyes filled with disdain and contempt as they looked at Feng Yao.

Xue Qinghe—now disguised as Qian Renxue—stepped forward slowly, his gentle voice carrying a chilling undertone: "Fourth brother, you've brought three experts to break into Father's palace in the dead of night—" His gaze pierced the disheveled Xue Beng like a sword, "Could you be plotting something treasonous?"

He was thrown to the ground by the avalanche and staggered to his feet.

Xue Beng's eyes flickered, and he forced himself to straighten his back, his voice trembling slightly: "Xue Qinghe! You...you think I don't know what's wrong with Father's illness?" He pointed towards the palace, his tone fierce but his voice weak. "Tonight, three elders from the Haotian Sect are here to uphold justice. I only need to take Father to Senior Dugu for treatment!"

He grew increasingly agitated, his voice suddenly rising: "If you have even a shred of filial piety, get out of the way immediately! Otherwise..."

Xue Qinghe stood with his hands behind his back, his face calm as still water in the moonlight: "Fourth brother, you are mistaken." He slowly stepped forward, each step causing Xue Beng to unconsciously retreat. "Father is seriously ill, and the imperial physicians are taking care of him. Your trespassing into the Forbidden City with outsiders in the dead of night is the real disrespect."

As soon as Xue Beng finished speaking, the Seventh Elder of the Haotian Sect strode forward, while the Fifth and Sixth Elders stood motionless in place to hold them back. The Seventh Elder glanced disdainfully at Feng Yao and sneered, "Boy, your talent is not bad, but unfortunately... a mere Soul Douluo dares to be so presumptuous here?"

Feng Yao calmly cradled the Fuxi Qin, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Since senior looks down on my cultivation level," he lightly stroked the strings, producing a clear, resonant tremolo, "would you dare to have a one-on-one duel with me? It would be a pleasure for me to experience the Haotian Sect's ultimate techniques."

A night breeze swept by, lifting his plain white robes: "If I lose, I will naturally retreat. But if I win..." Before he finished speaking, a shimmering light of soul power flowed across the Fuxi Qin, appearing exceptionally cool and serene under the moonlight.

A fighting spirit ignited in the Seventh Elder's eyes. He was by nature straightforward and was about to accept the challenge. Unexpectedly, the Fifth Elder suddenly stepped forward, his withered hand pressing on his shoulder: "Seventh Elder, don't be frivolous!" His voice, though soft, carried an undeniable authority. "This matter concerns the sect's grand plan; how can you act recklessly?"

Feng Yao and Qian Renxue exchanged a subtle glance, a hint of regret flashing in their eyes. If they could have crippled one of the opponent's Title Douluos first, their chances of winning this battle would have increased by three points. Unfortunately, the Fifth Elder was too cautious and hadn't fallen into their trap.

The night wind swirled up fallen leaves, and although the Seventh Elder was furious, he could only retreat dejectedly. The Fifth Elder's cloudy old eyes swept over the two of them, and he sneered, "Little brats, save your breath for such a crude attempt at provocation."

"Elders, let's not waste any more words with them!" Xue Beng cried anxiously, his eyes filled with unease. "Father is in his palace; if we delay any longer, things might get complicated!"

Upon hearing this, the Fifth Elder's cloudy eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light: "Youngsters, since you are so stubborn—" He slowly raised his withered arm, "then don't blame me for bullying the weak!"

Before the words were even finished, three deafening roars resounded simultaneously. The Fifth Elder, Sixth Elder, and Seventh Elder's soul power surged, and nine dazzling soul rings flashed one after another—yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black! Three ancient-looking Clear Sky Hammers burst forth, gleaming with a cold metallic luster under the moonlight.

A powerful pressure of soul force instantly enveloped the entire area, even causing the air to freeze. Feng Yao and Qian Renxue simultaneously took a half step back, their faces showing solemnity.

At this critical moment, three powerful auras suddenly erupted from the shadows. She Long, Ci Xue, and Dugu Bo appeared like ghosts, landing steadily in front of Feng Yao and Qian Renxue. Their nine soul rings bloomed simultaneously, standing shoulder to shoulder with the pressure from the three elders of the Haotian Sect.

The three elders of the Clear Sky Sect's expressions changed drastically, and they unconsciously tightened their grip on the Clear Sky Hammer. They never expected that their opponents also harbored three Title Douluo-level powerhouses!
The moment Xue Beng saw Dugu Bo, his pupils contracted sharply, and his face turned deathly pale. He finally understood—why this arrogant Poison Douluo had refused his uncle's invitation. It turned out… he had already sided with Xue Qinghe!

The night wind suddenly stopped, and the soul power of the six titled Douluo clashed fiercely in the void, causing the surrounding palace walls to shed dust.

Dugu Bo's sinister voice echoed in the night, a shimmering green poisonous mist swirling around him: "Boy, I advise you to give up on that idea as soon as possible." His withered fingers lightly rubbed the soul-guiding device at his waist. "Otherwise, I can't guarantee you'll leave here alive."

Upon hearing this, Xue Beng trembled and hurriedly hid behind the three elders, his face ashen. The three Haotian Sect elders immediately frowned and exchanged glances—their primary objective for this trip was to support Xue Beng's ascension to the throne. If they were to lose this fourth prince here, all their plans would be in vain.

The Fifth Elder snorted coldly, slamming his Haotian Hammer heavily on the ground: "Dugu Bo, do you truly intend to be an enemy of my Haotian Sect?" His voice carried a threat, but his grip on the hammer tightened unconsciously. The Sixth and Seventh Elders moved in perfect unison, shielding Xue Beng in the center. The night wind whipped up fallen leaves, and the atmosphere in the arena reached a fever pitch.

"Fifth Brother, Sixth Brother! It seems we have to get serious today!" The Seventh Elder's eyes were bloodshot, and lightning crackled on his Clear Sky Hammer. "Let's start with these few Spirit Hall scum!"

The ability to mobilize three Title Douluos at once was something only the Clear Sky Sect and the Spirit Hall possessed across the entire continent. This realization fueled the Seventh Elder's rage, causing the soul power fluctuations on his hammer to become even more violent.

The Fifth and Sixth Elders nodded solemnly. Their figures moved like lightning, instantly shifting positions to form a triangular formation. Their Clear Sky Hammers resonated with each other, tracing mysterious trajectories in the air, firmly protecting the avalanche at its center. A blue barrier of soul power flowed between them, forming an impenetrable protective barrier.

“Get started!”

With a roar, She Long exchanged a glance with Ci Xue, and the two of them sprang into action like lightning. Dugu Bo chuckled sinisterly, and the Azure Phosphorous Serpent King's poisonous mist instantly spread out. The three Title Douluos simultaneously revealed their spirit rings, their dazzling yellow, purple, and black lights illuminating the night sky.

"Well done!"

The Fifth Elder's eyes widened in fury, and the three of them simultaneously raised their Haotian Hammers high: "Haotian Formation!"

"Eighth Soul Skill: Time Freeze!"

"Fifth Soul Skill - Thunderous Explosion Shattering Strike!"

"Sixth Soul Skill: Thorn Bone Spikes!"

The three Title Douluos simultaneously unleashed their soul skills at the Clear Sky Formation, only to be deflected the moment they touched the blue light barrier. The Seventh Elder laughed maniacally, "You mere trash, dare to challenge the Clear Sky Sect's ultimate technique?!"

(End of this chapter)