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

Chapter 15 The First Battle
In the afternoon, golden sunlight streamed down to the ground, casting dappled shadows across the smooth surface. Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling, one on each side, led Feng Yao across the central square, their shadows intertwined in the sunlight.

"Up ahead is the Tiandou Royal Academy's exclusive training ground," Dugu Yan said, pointing to a magnificent building in the distance. Ye Lingling quietly followed the two of them, her silver hair fluttering gently in the breeze.

What came into view was a training ground the size of a standard fighting arena. Various soul-guiding instruments were inlaid on the walls, a specially made elastic floor was laid in the center, and various training equipment was neatly arranged in the corners. Surprisingly, such comprehensive training facilities were currently occupied by only a handful of people.

"Such a good training ground, but it's so deserted." Feng Yao sighed softly, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the "Fuxi" in his arms.

Dugu Yan hummed softly, her emerald hair swaying slightly as she shook her head. "At this hour, those noble children are either listening to music at tea parties or enjoying the scenery in the gardens." She curled her lips. "For them, the training ground is just a place to cope with their lessons."

Ye Lingling suddenly added softly, "Except for our Royal Fighting Team." Her voice was as clear as a spring. "Teacher Qin requires us to train here every afternoon."

Dugu Yan nodded, turned around and smiled brightly at Feng Yao. "Since the three members of the Education Committee have assigned you to Teacher Qin's guidance, from today on, you are a member of our Royal Fighting Team." She winked slyly, "Be prepared. Teacher Qin's special training is no joke."

Feng Yao nodded gently, a gentle smile on his face. Sunlight streamed through the dome of the training ground, casting a faint golden halo on his handsome profile.

"They should be here soon." Ye Lingling's voice sounded like a clear spring, and her silver hair swayed gently in the breeze.

Soon, the training ground's gate opened. Yu Tianheng walked in first, followed by several unfamiliar faces. When he saw Feng Yao standing next to Dugu Yan, a hint of impatience flashed in his azure eyes, and his brows furrowed unconsciously.

"Hey, Yanzi, this is..." A young man with short blond hair stepped forward quickly. He was well-proportioned, with a pair of bright eyes that rolled around, and he exuded a cynical air.

The eyes of the Royal Fighting Team all fell on Feng Yao, or more precisely, on the ancient "Fuxi" zither in his arms. The dark patterns on the zither's body were faintly visible in the sunlight, exuding a mysterious aura.

Dugu Yan cleared her throat. "This is Feng Yao, the new team member. The three members of the Education Committee have specially assigned him to be coached by Teacher Qin." Her emerald hair swayed gently as she turned. "From now on, we'll all train together."

Feng Yao bowed gracefully, his moon-white sleeves fluttering in the wind: "Please give me your guidance." His voice was as clear as the sound of a piano, but it made Yu Tianheng frown even tighter.

"This funny guy is Yufeng," Dugu Yan pointed at the blond young man, then at a silent figure in the shadows. "The quiet one is Osro." She turned her gaze to the two burly young men standing nearby. "These two are the Shi brothers, Shi Mo and Shi Mo."

Everyone nodded in greeting. During this brief exchange of greetings, a dark figure appeared before them like a ghost.

"Good afternoon, everyone." The man in black stood with a smile, his tight-fitting clothes framing his lean figure. He looked to be in his early thirties, with ordinary features, simple black hair, and plain clothes. A deep glint shone in his bright black eyes.

A trace of reverence flashed in Dugu Yan's eyes. "Feng Yao, this is Teacher Qin Ming." Her voice unconsciously lowered a few notes. "He is currently the youngest Soul Emperor on the continent."

Feng Yao bowed solemnly, his fingertips casually brushing the strings of the zither: "Greetings, Teacher Qin."

Qin Ming stood with his hands behind his back, a faint smile on his lips, and stared at Feng Yao with a sharp gaze: "The teachers of the Education Committee have already given me a detailed introduction to your situation, Feng." His voice was steady and powerful, "The Royal Fighting Team welcomes you to join."

Feng Yao bowed slightly, his fingertips gently stroking the strings of the zither: "Teacher Qin, thank you for your praise. I am unworthy of it."

"Is this your martial spirit?" Qin Ming's gaze fell on the "Fuxi" guqin in Feng Yao's arms, a hint of inquiry flashing in his eyes. The ancient patterns on the guqin's body shone with a mysterious luster in the sunlight, clearly no ordinary artifact.

Feng Yao nodded, and two bright yellow spirit rings slowly rose from beneath his feet, emitting a soft glow. His slender fingers gently plucked the strings, and a visible ripple of sound spread out from him, precisely avoiding everyone present and reverberating delicately off the walls surrounding the training ground.

"What exquisite control!" Qin Ming's eyes flashed, and he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. But then his expression straightened and his tone turned serious: "However..." He looked around at everyone, "Team training emphasizes teamwork and discipline. All members must strictly follow the unified training plan." His gaze fell back on Feng Yao, "Student Feng should understand this, right?"

Feng Yao met Qin Ming's gaze, his voice as clear as jade amid the lingering sound of the piano: "What Teacher Qin taught is..." But in those deep eyes, a thoughtful gleam flashed.

Feng Yao's fingertips gently stroked the strings of the zither. After a moment's silence, he raised his eyes and said, "Teacher Qin, my training method is a bit special. Can you allow me to arrange some personal training on my own?"

"No." Qin Ming shook his head firmly, his voice steady and powerful. "Mr. Feng, individualism will destroy team tacit understanding. The reason why the Royal Fighting Team is so strong is precisely because of our unity and cooperation."

The training ground fell silent for a moment. Yu Tianheng leaned against the wall, his arms folded across his chest. A faint sneer played at the corner of his mouth, and his azure eyes gleamed with the hope of watching a good show.

Feng Yao looked around at everyone and suddenly smiled, a smile as gentle as a spring breeze. "In that case, how about Teacher Qin make a bet with me?" His slender fingers gently plucked the strings of the zither, emitting a clear tremolo. "Let me choose anyone from the team to play against. If I am lucky enough to win, please allow me to arrange my own personal training. Of course—" He paused, his eyes sincere, "I will attend all team training on time."

"This..." Qin Ming's eyes lingered on Feng Yao's two bright yellow soul rings for a moment, and his brows furrowed slightly. "Mr. Feng, are you sure you want to do this?"

"Of course." Feng Yao nodded calmly, the "Fuxi" guqin in his arms emitting a warm luster in the sunlight.

Qin Ming's eyes flickered with interest; he was actually quite curious about the strength of this new team member. After a moment's hesitation, he raised his lips slightly, "Okay, aside from Lingling from the support department, you can choose your opponent."

Feng Yao's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, finally resting on the silent figure in the corner. "Then it's Mr. Oslo," he said with a faint smile, his voice as clear as a spring.

Oslo, always stern, frowned slightly upon hearing this. A flicker of displeasure flashed across his panther-like eyes—he felt as if he were being underestimated by this newcomer. "What? Choose Oslo?" Yu Feng couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes widening beneath his golden hair. Everyone on the Royal Fighting Team, save Dugu Yan, was surprised. After all, Oslo's Ghost Panther Spirit's short-range bursts made it difficult for even Captain Yu Tianheng to fully capture its presence. Even he could only defeat Oslo through his flight advantage.

Feng Yao walked slowly to the center of the venue and bowed gracefully to Osro: "Please teach me." His movements were as smooth as flowing water, with an indescribable calmness.

Seeing the other party's serious attitude, Oslo's frown relaxed slightly. He stepped forward slowly and said in a low voice, "I will show mercy." As he spoke, three spirit rings slowly rose under his feet.

"Thank you." Feng Yao raised the corners of his lips slightly, and the "Fuxi" guqin in his arms glowed with a warm luster in the sunlight.

Without further ado, the Royal Fighting Team tacitly retreated to the sidelines, leaving ample space for the two. Yu Tianheng stood in the front row, his arms folded, a scrutinizing glint in his eyes; Ye Lingling unconsciously clutched the corner of her shirt; Dugu Yan smiled, her emerald eyes filled with anticipation.

A cold glint flashed in Oslo's eyes, and his soul power surged. A pitch-black leopard silhouette emerged behind him. He said in a deep voice, "Oslo, Martial Soul: Ghost Leopard, Level 35 Agility Attack War Soul Master." The yellow, yellow, and purple light was particularly eye-catching in the training ground.

Feng Yao slowly stroked the zither case, his fingertips lingering on the ancient patterns, and said in a gentle voice: "Feng Yao, martial soul: Fuxi Qin, twenty-seventh-level great soul master."

His self-introduction was a bit brief, as his abilities and the "Fuxi" sword he wielded defied conventional spirit master categorization. The sound of the qin could transform into a fierce attack, erect an invisible barrier, erase pain, and bolster morale—a trinity of attack, defense, and support—the very essence of his martial spirit. Whether it was attack, defense, control, or support, he possessed a unique skill set.

“The competition begins!”

Following Qin Ming's command, Oslo instantly completed his spirit possession. Three spirit rings shone brightly around him—the yellow, purple, and yellow spirit rings displayed his strength as a key member of the Royal Fighting Team.

"Whoosh——"

Only a shadow remained in the air as Oslo's true form vanished like a ghost. The terrifying speed granted to him by the Ghost Panther Spirit made it so that everyone present could only catch a vague trace of his trajectory.

"This guy is serious right from the start." Yu Feng couldn't help but click his tongue, his eyes widening under his short golden hair.

In a flash, Oslo was in front of Feng Yao. His sharp claws gleamed coldly, inches from Feng Yao's throat. The strong wind lifted Feng Yao's hair from his forehead, revealing his calm eyes.

At this critical moment——

“Zheng!!!”

A piercing melody suddenly erupted. Feng Yao's first spirit ring blared brightly. His slender fingers slashed across the strings, sending visible golden sound waves spreading like ripples. Wherever the sound waves passed, the air distorted.

"Plop!"

Oslo's charging figure suddenly froze. The determined smile on his face hadn't faded, but his eyes had rolled back. Under everyone's astonishment, this agile attacking Soul Master, renowned for his speed, collapsed to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.

You can hear a pin drop in the training ground.

Yu Tianheng's azure pupils contracted violently. He subconsciously took a half step forward, but he couldn't figure out what had just happened. As the heir to the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex spirit, he had completely failed to grasp the trajectory of Feng Yao's attack.

There was a smug light flashing in Dugu Yan's emerald eyes, while Ye Lingling lightly covered her red lips, her lavender eyes full of disbelief.

At this moment, all the members of the Royal Fighting Team realized that this seemingly gentle and refined musician was probably much more powerful than they had imagined.

Qin Ming flashed and instantly appeared beside the unconscious Oslo. He reached out and placed his hand on the side of Oslo's neck. After confirming his condition with the flow of soul power, the shock in his eyes intensified. "Is this... a mental shock? No." He suddenly raised his head, staring at Feng Yao with a sharp gaze. "How can you control sound waves to such a delicate degree?"

Feng Yao's slender fingers gently stroked the strings, leaving behind a faint lingering sound. He said softly, "It's just some inferior technique. Please excuse me, Teacher Qin." He looked at Oslo with an apologetic look. "Please rest assured, Oslo will wake up within a quarter of an hour and will not suffer any sequelae."

Qin Ming shook his head and smiled bitterly, his eyes filled with both wonder and helplessness. "Alright, from now on, you will arrange your own personal training. However..." His expression became serious, and he added solemnly, "We will have at least three team training sessions per week. This is the bottom line, and it's also an opportunity for you to get to know each other."

"Thank you, Teacher Qin, for your help." Feng Yao saluted gracefully, his moon-white sleeves swaying gently with his movements. Raising his head, his gaze inadvertently met Yu Tianheng's. The disdain in the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex's eyes had vanished, replaced by an unprecedented solemnity and scrutiny. Feng Yao understood; this battle had established him in the Royal Fighting Team.

"Well done!" Dugu Yan had unknowingly moved closer to him, her warm breath brushing against his ear. Her emerald eyes gleamed with a cunning glint. "But..." she lowered her voice, "will this trick work on Tian Heng, too?"

Feng Yao raised the corners of his lips slightly, and lightly plucked the strings with his fingertips, emitting a meaningful tremolo: "Well," he deliberately dragged out the tone, a hint of mystery flashing in his eyes, "it's a secret."

Qin Ming put his hands behind his back and looked at Feng Yao gently. "Alright, after Oslo wakes up, you two can start your daily training together." He paused, his tone filled with anticipation. "As for Feng, I wonder if you would mind if I could observe your training methods? Perhaps I could give you some advice."

Feng Yao heard this and a humble smile played on his lips. He gracefully stroked the qin, his fingertips creating a clear, trembling sound on the strings. "Of course, it's my honor." Sunlight streamed through the dome, casting a faint golden glow on his handsome face. "To receive Teacher Qin's guidance is exactly what I, a junior, have been longing for."

(End of this chapter)