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

After Feng Yao led the two away from the imperial city, he put aside all trivial matters and focused on accompanying Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling on their adventure in Tian Dou.

The afternoon sun was shining brightly as the three strolled into South Street, the most bustling street in Tiandou City. Steaming food stalls lined the street, their shouts, laughter, and the sizzling of fried snacks creating a vibrant atmosphere. The rich aroma of food wafted through the humid air, tempting everyone's appetite.

"Xiao Feng, I want to eat that!" Dugu Yan's eyes lit up as she pointed to a sugar painting stall surrounded by many people not far away and tugged at Feng Yao's sleeve.

With a gentle twist of his wrist, the master craftsman caused the golden, translucent syrup to flow into graceful phoenixes and leaping dragons, glistening in the sunlight.

Feng Yao smiled and bought three candies, handing one Phoenix candy to Dugu Yan and one to Ye Lingling, while taking a Fish candy for himself. Dugu Yan eagerly bit off a piece of the wing, her eyes narrowing in satisfaction, the candy making a crisp sound between her lips and teeth. Ye Lingling, on the other hand, took a small sip, a faint smile spreading across her cool and aloof expression.

Passing through the bustling market, they strolled into a quiet teahouse by the river. The private rooms on the second floor faced the Milky Way, which flowed through the city, its waters shimmering as painted boats drifted by leisurely.

Feng Yao ordered a pot of fresh tea and several delicate tea snacks. Dugu Yan leaned against the window, pointing to the newly blooming magnolias in the basket of the flower girl downstairs, insisting that Feng Yao buy a bunch. Feng Yao went downstairs and bought them, then placed the fragrant white magnolias in Ye Lingling's hair, tilting her head and smiling, "Lingling looks best with flowers!" Ye Lingling's ears turned slightly red, but she didn't take them off, only lowering her head to sip her tea, a soft curve appearing on her lips.

After a short rest, the three of them strolled into a market full of unusual items.

Dugu Yan was filled with curiosity about anything shiny and novel. She lingered at a stall filled with all sorts of glittering seashells, picking up a shimmering one and examining it closely. However, seemingly thinking about her upcoming destination, she didn't buy it. Seeing this, Feng Yao quietly bought it and handed it to her as she turned away. Dugu Yan was initially taken aback, then happily accepted it, admiring it dearly. Ye Lingling, on the other hand, lingered for a long time at a quiet stall specializing in ancient books and medicinal herbs, carefully selecting several dried herbs that even Feng Yao couldn't name, and carefully putting them away.

As the sun began to set, they whiled away their remaining time by the lake outside Tiandou City.

The setting sun bathed the lake in a warm gold, and the willows swayed gently. They rented a small boat, and Feng Yao, rowing slowly towards the center of the lake. Dugu Yan took off her shoes and socks, dipping her fair feet into the cool water, gently swaying them and shattering the rosy light. Ye Lingling sat quietly at the bow, watching the birds fly home in formation, the evening breeze ruffling the hair at her temples and the small magnolia blossom.

Feng Yao summoned Fu Xi to play a lighthearted tune. Dugu Yan gently paddled, and Ye Lingling listened quietly. The sounds of the zither, the water, and the wind intertwined softly, and time seemed to slow down and stretch out at this moment, temporarily isolating the weariness of the past few days and the dangers of the future, leaving only the warm sunset before their eyes and the most important person beside them.

As dusk settled, the city lights began to twinkle, and a cool breeze rippled across the lake, the three finally returned home, thoroughly satisfied. On their way back, Dugu Yan linked arms with Ye Lingling, still clutching the seashell in her other hand, chattering excitedly about the day's events. Ye Lingling, though still not very talkative, had a relaxed expression, radiating a rare ease.

Feng Yao looked at them, a sense of peace filling his heart. It was the ordinary warmth of everyday life and the smiles worth protecting that gave meaning to all his efforts and adventures.

As dusk deepened, Feng Yao accompanied Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling back to the tranquil Ye residence. The lamps in the courtyard were just beginning to illuminate the scene, their soft light casting long, slender shadows.

Ye Lingling stopped and turned to Feng Yao, her voice soft yet clear: "Little Feng, it's time to go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. We shouldn't delay any longer in discussing the Sea God Island matter with Sect Master Ning."

Feng Yao smiled slightly upon hearing this, nodded, reached out and gently pulled Ye Lingling into his arms, whispering in her ear, "Okay, I understand."

As dawn broke, Feng Yao set off alone on his journey to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. The shimmering light of the glazed tiles danced between the halls and pavilions. Built against the mountainside, the school's vermilion towers and emerald pavilions were nestled among ancient pines and morning mist, their eaves and brackets gleaming softly in the rising sun, creating a scene of ethereal beauty.

As he stepped onto the winding white stone steps, ancient pine trees stood tall and strong on both sides. Disciples of the sect were already waiting quietly. Upon seeing him arrive, they all bowed respectfully and led him inside.

Inside the main hall, Ning Fengzhi was already seated in the main seat, his white robes accentuating his gentle and refined demeanor, like a jade mountain about to topple. Ning Rongrong stood quietly to his side, her clear eyes curiously fixed on Feng Yao. Gu Rong and Chen Xin stood on either side, one with arms crossed and silent, his aura as solid as a mountain; the other, though his eyes were closed in concentration, exuded a chilling aura, as if he had already anticipated Feng Yao's visit today.

Feng Yao stepped forward calmly to pay his respects, and Ning Fengzhi smiled and raised his hand to help him up, saying gently, "Little Feng, there's no need for such formalities. Speaking of which, I must thank you for the immortal plant you gave Rongrong."

Feng Yao smiled slightly and replied, "Since I have made a promise to you, I will naturally treat you with sincerity."

As soon as he finished speaking, a blush crept onto Ning Rongrong's cheeks, and she glanced at him discreetly.

Ning Fengzhi nodded with great satisfaction upon hearing this, then looked at Ning Rongrong beside him and said softly, "Rongrong, Xiaofeng is here as a guest, why don't you show him around the sect?"

Ning Rongrong was about to agree when Feng Yao stepped forward and said subconsciously, "Uncle Ning Zong, I have come here to ask for your opinion on something."

"Oh?" Ning Fengzhi was slightly surprised. Ning Rongrong, who was standing to the side, stared blankly at him, a strange pang of sadness rising in her heart.

"Is he... so unwilling to be alone with me?" She bit her lip secretly, a hint of sadness flashing in her eyes.

Ning Rongrong's subtle emotional changes did not escape the notice of the powerful figures present. Gu Rong and Chen Xin's gazes suddenly sharpened, landing on Feng Yao as if they were physical objects; even Ning Fengzhi's still smiling eyes showed a hint of caution.

Seeing this, Feng Yao quickly explained, "Uncle Ning, seniors, I would like to invite Rongrong to go out and train with me."

Upon hearing this, Ning Fengzhi paused for a moment, seemingly surprised by Feng Yao's decision, but his expression softened. Ning Rongrong gave a soft hum and turned her face away, her ears burning slightly.

“Xiao Feng, with your current strength…” Ning Fengzhi asked with a hint of doubt. In his eyes, Feng Yao was already a top figure among the younger generation, lacking only the experience and maturity of time.

Feng Yao then recounted his experiences in the palace the previous day.

The word "god" struck them like a thunderclap. A sharp glint flashed in the eyes of all three—this was a word that had only existed in legends.

Feng Yao then raised his hand, and a deep blue triangle appeared in his palm, its sea-colored halo spreading out and instantly enveloping the entire hall.

Ning Fengzhi was finally moved. He had seen this Vast Ocean Universe Cover before in royal ceremonies, and it was said that no one could control it... He never imagined that this thing was related to "gods".

He pondered for a moment, then raised his head and smiled, saying decisively, "Alright, I agree to this. It's Rongrong's good fortune to be able to travel with you. I feel very reassured with you by her side."

Feng Yao was somewhat embarrassed by what he was being said and was about to decline modestly when Gu Rong stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Feng Zhi, Seagod Island is not a place to be trifled with! Forty years ago, the Spirit Hall sent out its elite forces, and none of them returned. Why should we feel at ease letting this kid take Rongrong there?"

Chen Xin opened his eyes at this moment. He did not speak, but his chilling sword intent filled the hall, and the air seemed to freeze suddenly. His gaze fell on Feng Yao like a cold star, and his voice was like ice striking jade steps: "If you want to take her away, you must first let me see if you have the qualifications."

Ning Fengzhi did not stop her. Rongrong was not only his daughter, but also the future of the sect. If Fengyao could not prove his abilities, he would never believe in unfounded rumors and put his daughter in danger.

Feng Yao understood immediately and readily replied, "Since you are considering this matter, I will gladly oblige."

Seeing his straightforwardness, a hint of admiration flashed in the eyes of both Gu Rong and Chen Xin.

With a wave of his hand, Gu Rong caused a crack to appear in the void. "If you want to fight, go outside. Don't destroy the sect's main hall." He stepped in first, followed by Ning Fengzhi. Ning Rongrong hesitated, glancing at Feng Yao before finally bowing her head and entering. Chen Xin and Feng Yao exchanged a glance for a moment before simultaneously stepping into the void gate.

Upon first stepping into the alternate space created by the ancient banyan tree, Feng Yao felt enveloped by a strange spatial fluctuation, as if he had stepped into a realm beyond the laws of nature, which filled him with a sense of wonder.

Before they could explore further, the group stepped out of the void and landed in a quiet clearing in the forest.

Chen Xin slowly walked to stand opposite Feng Yao. At this moment, he was completely different from the calm old man in the hall earlier—he was like a peerless and ferocious sword slowly being drawn from its sheath, the air around him was slightly distorted by the sharp sword intent, and even the light that approached him seemed to be silently cut apart.

Feng Yao's expression was solemn as his fingertips lightly traced the strings of the Fuxi Qin. In an instant, extraordinary soul rings appeared one by one beneath his feet:

Yellow, yellow, purple, black, black, black, black, red.

The eight rings lit up one after another, especially the last eerie crimson, which made the air in the forest seem to freeze.

A sharp, sword-like glint flashed in Chen Xin's eyes. The air in front of him trembled slightly, and a long sword quietly appeared.

The sword is four feet three inches long and about three inches wide, with a hilt one foot two inches long. Its entire body is carved like a clear blue crystal, its brilliance contained within. Most strikingly, nine stars are inlaid on the blade, each shimmering with a soul ring of yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—these are no longer mere surface halos, but are completely fused into the sword's body, born of the same origin as the sword.

"The soul ring has completely merged into the sword... truly divine skill." Feng Yao sighed inwardly.

If the soul rings of ordinary soul masters are merely borrowed external forces, then the "Seven Kills" sword in Chen Xin's hand represents the highest realm of man and sword becoming one, and soul power merging together.

Chen Xin stood holding his sword, his voice like the clang of a sword, and said in a clear and cold voice: "This sword is called: Seven Kills."

The moment Chen Xin finished speaking, he did not move, but a condensed sword intent, as solid as a physical object, pierced through the air and arrived directly at Feng Yao—faster than a soul skill, almost as fast as a thought, with killing intent arriving first.

Feng Yao's pupils suddenly contracted, but instead of retreating, he took half a step forward. He did not pluck the strings of the Fuxi Qin, but his aura suddenly changed.

The eerie crimson light of the eighth ring flickered slightly. Feng Yao raised his hands, his fingers not strumming strings, yet an invisible melody resonated within them. The space before him distorted slightly, conjuring dozens of transparent barriers made of pure sound waves!

"Heavenly Sound Domain..."

The sword energy slashed into the sonic barrier, but instead of making a deafening noise, it seemed to sink into a quagmire, its speed decreasing sharply. It then disintegrated layer by layer in the high-frequency vibrations, finally dissipating completely three feet away from Feng Yao's brow, leaving only a series of tiny spatial ripples.

Chen Xin let out a soft "Eh," his surprise deepening. He clearly sensed that his opponent wasn't using soul power to directly confront him, but rather using the sound of the zither to create a vibration in the space, cleverly dissipating his sword intent.

"Using music to manipulate the power of heaven and earth, transforming the intangible into the tangible? Not bad." Chen Xin finally became truly interested. "Then let's give this a try."

He flicked his wrist, and the sixth black soul star on the Seven Kill Sword lit up.

Instead of dozens of sword energies, hundreds or even thousands of fine, yet incredibly sharp sword threads appeared out of thin air, shooting towards Feng Yao like a storm, covering every inch of space, making it almost impossible to avoid.

"The sixth soul skill, Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect!"

Feng Yao remained expressionless, his ten fingers dancing rapidly in front of him like butterflies flitting among flowers, outlining mysterious trajectories.

The nature of the sonic field emanating from his body suddenly changed; it was no longer a solid barrier, but transformed into countless rapidly spinning, invisible vortexes. Every sword energy that pierced into the vortex was deflected, shattered, and ultimately annihilated by the chaotic yet powerful sonic force.

Chen Xin's gaze narrowed slightly, and he stopped probing. He took a step forward and thrust the Seven Kill Sword in his hand in a simple and direct motion.

At the tip of the sword, space seemed to be pierced by an extremely sharp force. A crystal-clear blue sword aura, condensed to its extreme, detached from the sword. Its speed was not fast, but it carried an aura of "certain hit" and "certain break," slowly pressing down on Feng Yao. Wherever the sword aura passed, a bottomless crack silently appeared in the ground.

Feng Yao felt the surrounding space locked by this sword intent, with no way to avoid it. He took a deep breath, and his seventh soul ring suddenly lit up—a deep black light shone brightly.

"Seventh Soul Skill: Martial Soul True Body!"

Feng Yao himself seemed to transform into the most primordial sound in the universe. Under the enormous light and shadow behind him, he became somewhat illusory, creating a wondrous resonance with all kinds of sounds in the world—the sound of the wind, the sound of falling leaves, and even the sound of a heartbeat.

Faced with the slow but unstoppable sword energy pressing down, he slowly clasped his hands together, and his first four soul rings lit up at the same time, then suddenly pulled apart to the sides!

A transparent sonic blade, visible to the naked eye and vibrating violently, took shape between his palms, emitting a high-frequency buzzing sound that made even the soul tremble.

"Heavenly Sound Slash!"

The sonic blade was released from the hand, not to collide head-on with the sword energy, but to suddenly deflect at the last moment before contact, striking the side of the sword energy at an incredible angle with high-frequency vibration!
"Buzz—Click!"

A piercing scraping and cracking sound rang out! The indestructible sword energy was actually deflected and shattered from the side by this precise and violent sound wave, and finally exploded with a bang, turning into sharp soul power scattered all over the sky!
Feng Yao swayed, his face turning slightly pale. Forcibly shaking off Sword Douluo's soul skill had put a tremendous strain on him.

Chen Xin stood with his sword, not immediately giving chase, his eyes filled with growing admiration. "Attack weak points with high-frequency vibrations, use skill to overcome force, use sound to overcome sharpness... Excellent!"

As he finished speaking, his aura surged once more. On the Seven Kill Sword, the deep black light of the seventh soul ring slowly shone, and a terrifying sword intent that could annihilate all things and sever everything spread out, completely locking onto Feng Yao.

Feng Yao felt as if the air around him had transformed into countless tiny sword energies, cutting into his skin and senses. He knew that the next strike would be earth-shattering.

He took a deep breath, and his fingertips finally touched the non-existent strings. Behind him, the blood-red, ten-thousand-year-old soul ring truly shone with an eerie light for the first time.

...(End of chapter)