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

Feng Yao pressed his fingertips lightly, and the eerie 100,000-year-old soul ring shone brightly with a red light. It was not a violent surge of energy, but an extreme "stillness" that suddenly spread out from him.

In the realm of the Heavenly Sound of the Wind Element, this "stillness" becomes even more pronounced.

The surrounding space, filled with the sword intent of the Dust Heart and seemingly about to tear everything apart, suddenly became "viscous." Countless fragments of sword energy seemed to crash into an invisible and deep quagmire, their speed decreasing sharply and eventually stagnating in mid-air, making even the falling dust clearly visible.

It wasn't that time stopped, but rather that all the "sounds"—the sound of wind, the whistling of sword energy, the flow of soul power, and even the sound of heartbeats—were forcibly silenced and subsided under the influence of the domain.

True shock finally surfaced in Chen Xin's usually calm eyes. He felt that his invincible, all-severing sword intent had become sluggish and obscure, as if it had lost its medium of transmission. The flawless connection between him and the Seven Kill Sword also seemed to be veiled by a thin gauze.

In an instant, the area within a hundred meters radius of the wind element seemed to be stripped away from the rest of the world.

Within the domain—utter silence reigned. Not that sound was isolated, but rather that the concept of "sound" had been temporarily erased from the laws of this space. The wind was silent, the leaves fell silently, breathing was silent, and even the faint hum of flowing soul power had completely vanished.

"Quiet down and sink into the dream." Feng Yao spoke softly, "Eighth Soul Skill, Silence of Dreams."

A powerful wave originating from the depths of the soul enveloped all consciousness within the Heavenly Sound Domain. The chaotic thoughts were forcibly calmed down, and even the most basic thought processes became extremely sluggish, as if they were about to be eternally submerged in this boundless silence.

Within Feng Yao's domain, all sounds ceased. The ability bestowed by Xiao Wu's soul ring was to grant the other party a dream. In this domain, silence was the best nourishment for the dream. It was neither defense nor attack, but a forced bestowal of a state!

Noticing that the soul power fluctuations around Chen Xin were not increasing but were gradually weakening, Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong, who were not far away, changed their expressions at the same time.

"This... could it be an illusion?" Ning Fengzhi exclaimed in a low voice, unable to hide his astonishment.

Gu Rong's expression was extremely solemn as he slowly shook his head: "With the sword heart that the Dead Sword Man has honed his entire life, ordinary illusions cannot shake him in the slightest. This doesn't seem like an illusion... He seems more like... he has fallen into some kind of slumber. Such a domineering control skill; even the Dead Sword Man would be affected by it under the amplification of the domain."

All energy and intention that rely on fluctuations, oscillations, rhythms, and even spiritual transmission will be greatly suppressed and interfered with. Sword intent, in essence, is also a highly condensed spiritual intention and energy fluctuation, which is being severely countered by this domain and Feng Yao's eighth soul skill!

Chen Xin, who was directly affected, felt it most intensely. His incomparably sharp and all-severing sword intent melted away silently, like snow falling into a deep pool. It wasn't that it was shattered, but rather that it was assimilated and returned to stillness by this deeper and more fundamental "stillness"!
He felt his connection with the Seven Kill Sword becoming extremely difficult, his soul power flowing sluggishly, as if struggling within solidified amber. Even more terrifying, his sword heart and his will were involuntarily giving rise to a kind of inertia—a desire to relinquish everything and sleep eternally—in this boundless silence!
Feng Yao's face turned pale at a visible speed. For a level 96 Super Douluo, maintaining this absolute "silent dream" was extremely taxing on his soul power and mental strength. But his eyes remained sharp as ever. He knew that the opportunity was fleeting!
Feng Yao's fifth soul ring suddenly lit up, and he shouted, "Fifth Soul Skill, Return to Origin!"

A surge of powerful soul energy instantly filled his body, completely replenishing his previous depletion. In the blink of an eye, as Chen Xin's sword intent faltered and his old strength was exhausted while new strength had yet to emerge, Feng Yao's ten fingers, which had been pressing the strings of his zither, suddenly plucked forward, as if pulling the very strings of the laws governing the entire space!

"Eighth Soul Skill, Strings Resonate Through the Nine Heavens!"

If the Heavenly Sound Domain, previously constructed with "Dream Silence," was the ultimate "stillness," then the second soul skill that Xiao Wu bestowed upon him at this moment is the ultimate "movement"!
The absolute silence that had been forcibly restrained suddenly exploded at this moment, transforming into a terrifying wave that could destroy the world! This wave was silent, yet invincible. Wherever it passed, the stagnant fragments of sword energy melted away silently like snow under the scorching sun. Even the dust floating in the air was completely annihilated into nothingness, and it struck Chen Xin with unstoppable force!

The brilliance of the giant sword formed from Chen Xin began to dim at a visible speed! He sensed a true threat of annihilation!
In Chen Xin's usually calm and unwavering eyes, an unprecedented light of shock finally erupted! He had spent his entire life pursuing the ultimate swordsmanship, displaying his sharpness and cutting through everything, yet he had never encountered such a strange and powerful force—it did not contend with you, but rather made you lose the will and ability to contend!

"Om-!"

A sword cry, seemingly emanating from the depths of the soul, forcefully shattered the silence within! Above Chen Xin's head, the Seven Kill Sword Martial Soul True Form erupted with a deafening roar, its dazzling sword light burning wildly, attempting to tear apart this solidified domain of stillness with its ultimate power and sword intent!

The domain trembled violently, as if a calm ice surface had been struck by a tremendous force, causing countless cracks to appear! Feng Yao's face instantly turned ashen, his body swayed slightly, and the backlash was beyond imagination!
"Seven Kills! Breaking Illusion! Sword Dao of Dust and Heart!"

Sword Douluo let out an unprecedentedly solemn roar, and the deep black of his ninth spirit ring suddenly lit up for the first time! An unparalleled sword intent that cut through illusion, ascertained reality, and protected one's true self erupted, finally stabilizing the fading sword light and beginning to violently impact the boundary of Feng Yao's domain!

"Click..."

A crisp sound, like shattering glass, echoed through the soul. The domain finally could not withstand the full force of Sword Douluo's ninth soul skill and shattered completely.

"Pfft—!" Feng Yao spat out a mouthful of blood, his martial spirit disappeared, he knelt on one knee, his soul power and mental power completely exhausted, and even raising his head was difficult.

The massive Martial Soul True Form finally moved. With the swing of its giant sword, huge "Kill" characters formed from extreme killing intent appeared in the air, like tangible death marks, fiercely meeting Feng Yao's world-destroying shockwave!
The invisible wave of destruction gradually weakened under the continuous onslaught of the powerful "kill" characters, eventually receding like the tide and dissipating into boundless silence.

On the other side, the sword light receded, and Chen Xin revealed himself. Several strange holes appeared on his robes, as if erased by an invisible force. His face was pale, and his breathing was slightly rapid. His gaze towards Feng Yao was filled with disbelief, shock, and complexity.

The whole place was dead silent.

After a long silence, Chen Xin slowly sheathed his sword. His voice was slightly hoarse and unusually solemn: "What a perfect balance of stillness and movement, truly worthy of a 100,000-year soul ring." He took a deep breath, "You are qualified to go anywhere. I... am very relieved that Rongrong will go with you."

Gu Rong opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. However, the look in his eyes as he looked at Feng Yao completely changed. If it were him, he probably wouldn't be able to break through the domineering control of Feng Yao's eighth soul skill.

Ning Fengzhi let out a long sigh of relief, a relieved and relaxed smile appearing on his face.

Ning Rongrong covered her mouth, looking at the boy who had collapsed from exhaustion after trying to take her away. Her eyes were filled with tears, and the bitterness in her heart had been replaced by a surge of emotion and pride.

He didn't know how much time had passed. Feng Yao slowly opened his eyes. What came into view was not the mess after a fierce battle, but the top of a gauze curtain embroidered with delicate cloud patterns. A faint, elegant, and pleasant fragrance lingered around his nose. He turned his head slightly and saw Ning Rongrong sitting on an embroidered stool by the bed, her hands supporting her chin, staring at him intently. Her glassy eyes were filled with worry and lingering fear.

"You're awake?" Seeing him open his eyes, Ning Rongrong immediately leaned forward, her voice filled with obvious joy and relief. "How are you feeling? Is anything bothering you? Grandpa Jian, he..."

"I'm fine." Feng Yao propped himself up on his arms and sat up. Although his soul power was slightly weak, it wasn't a major problem; he was just mentally exhausted. He looked around. The room was decorated warmly and elegantly, and a pot of graceful orchids sat on the table by the window, clearly indicating that this was not a guest room. "Where is this?"

Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed slightly as she whispered, "It's...it's my room. You fainted just now, and Dad and Grandpa Bone left...Grandpa Sword said he seems to have touched a bottleneck in his breakthrough, so I...I'll let you rest here for now."

Feng Yao was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Thank you." He hadn't expected to wake up in the boudoir of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's little princess.

"No need to thank me..." Ning Rongrong lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers, then raised her head again, trying to appear relaxed, "Now that you're alright, it's not good for you to just lie around all the time. Our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's city is quite lively, shall I... shall I take you for a stroll? Consider it a way of thanking you for the immortal items you gave me."

Before Feng Yao could answer, she got up and walked towards the door as if it were a natural step, but her slightly reddened ears betrayed her true feelings.

Feng Yao smiled, got out of bed as instructed, and followed her out of the room filled with girlish charm.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed Qibao City in a warm golden glow. Unlike the solemn grandeur of the Heaven Dou Imperial City, Qibao City was more refined and bustling. Shops lined both sides of the street, selling mostly items related to Soul Masters, exquisite handicrafts, and various snacks. Many of the passersby wore Qibao Glazed Tile School attire, and their demeanor was mostly peaceful, exuding an atmosphere of abundance and tranquility.

Ning Rongrong seemed to relax completely, regaining her lively nature, and introduced everything to Feng Yao as if it were a treasure trove of knowledge.

"Look, look! That shop's glass lamps are the most beautiful. When the sunlight shines on them, they refract seven different kinds of light!"

"Try this! It's a special sugar-coated crystal cake from Qibao City. It's sweet but not cloying, and it's delicious!"

"And over there, there's a market for cultivation items that the sect's disciples often visit. Sometimes you can find quite a few good things there."

She would sometimes pull up Feng Yao's sleeve and weave through the crowd, sometimes point to something and excitedly introduce it, her face beaming with a pure and happy smile, as if the earth-shattering competition had never happened. The setting sun bathed her fair profile in warm colors, her eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes shone like stars.

Feng Yao followed beside her, listening to her clear voice and looking at the city that had become vibrant because of her. The tension in his heart caused by the battle gradually eased with this warmth. He responded occasionally, but most of the time he simply smiled at her, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

The two walked and stopped along the way until dusk deepened and the city lights came on, making Qibao City even more dreamlike and enchanting.

"How about it? Isn't our Qibao City great?" Ning Rongrong turned around with her hands behind her back, looking at Feng Yao with a charming smile, her eyes filled with a hint of pride and anticipation.

“Yes,” Feng Yao looked at her and nodded sincerely, “It’s beautiful, and also…warm.”

Just like you. He didn't say it aloud, but Ning Rongrong seemed to understand something from his eyes. Her cheeks flushed again, and she looked away in a fluster, her heart beating faster.

The gentle night and the dim lights gradually lengthened the two figures walking side by side, blending them into the warm night scene of Qibao City.

The following morning, in the soft light of dawn, Feng Yao and Ning Rongrong bid farewell to Ning Fengzhi and the two Title Douluos. Although Ning Fengzhi was reluctant to part, his eyes were filled with trust and expectation; Gu Rong grumbled a few words of advice, "Take good care of Rongrong"; Chen Xin simply nodded slightly, everything understood without a word.

Spatial fluctuations surged once more. Gu Rong waved her hand, opening a passage. Feng Yao led Ning Rongrong in and stepped inside. The next moment, they were back outside the Ye Mansion in Tian Dou City.

Upon entering the Ye family courtyard, Dugu Yan was idly teasing a small, green-scaled snake, while Ye Lingling sat quietly to the side, holding Xiao Wu and flipping through a pharmacopoeia. Just as joy appeared in their eyes upon seeing Feng Yao return, they spotted Ning Rongrong following behind him, curiously observing their surroundings.

Ning Rongrong changed into casual clothes today. The light pink dress made her look even more charming and lively, but her overall demeanor and the noble air she exuded still revealed her extraordinary background.

"Xiao Feng, you're back! This is..." Dugu Yan stood up first, her teasing gaze sweeping over Ning Rongrong. Ye Lingling also closed her book, looking over quietly, a hint of a smile in her cool eyes.

Feng Yao smiled slightly, stepped aside to let Ning Rongrong stand in front of him, and introduced her: "Yanyan, Lingling, this is an old acquaintance, no need for introductions, right?"

"Greetings, elder sisters." Ning Rongrong stepped forward gracefully, a smile on her face that was just right, neither arrogant nor lacking in dignity.

Dugu Yan blinked, and a bright smile immediately bloomed on her face: "Long time no see, Rongrong." She was straightforward and immediately stepped forward to take Ning Rongrong's arm, appearing very affectionate.

Ye Lingling stepped forward slowly, nodded slightly, and said in a clear yet gentle voice, "Hello, Rongrong." Her words were concise yet sincere.

Ning Rongrong was initially worried that the women around Feng Yao would be difficult to get along with, but seeing Dugu Yan's enthusiasm and Ye Lingling's quiet yet friendly demeanor, her slight nervousness vanished instantly.

Feng Yao looked at the three girls who were quickly becoming familiar with each other, and a smile appeared in his eyes. Dugu Yan had already begun to enthusiastically tell Ning Rongrong where to have fun and where to eat in Tiandou City, while Ye Lingling occasionally added a word or two from the side. Ning Rongrong listened with her eyes shining and nodded from time to time.

Sunlight streamed into the courtyard, casting soft shadows on the girls' figures. Feng Yao knew that on his journey to Seagod Island, he had gained another companion he could completely trust. The way they quickly bonded undoubtedly added warmth and reassurance to their upcoming journey. (End of Chapter)