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

In the depths of the Tang Clan in Tian Dou City, in a secret room filled with a heavy, bloody stench.

Tang San slowly opened his eyes. The terrifying blood-red and madness in them had gradually faded, replaced by an icy depth and a sense of control. The tangible killing intent that swirled around him, like a docile beast, slowly receded into his body, no longer running rampant. He had successfully passed the first test of Hypnos's divine trial—the initial control of killing intent.

Just then, hurried and heavy footsteps sounded outside the secret chamber. Titan, the patriarch of the Power Clan, stood respectfully outside the door, his face filled with resentment and anxiety.

"Sect Master!" Titan's voice came through the stone door, "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Heaven Dou Royal Family... have just officially sent word that they have cut off all funding and resource supplies on the grounds that 'the Tang Sect has returned to normal and can be self-sufficient'!"

Inside the secret chamber, Tang San's eyes suddenly turned cold, and his murderous aura nearly spiraled out of control again. He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his surging killing intent, and said in a voice as cold as ice: "I understand."

He was no longer the naive young man he once was, and instantly understood the implications. After his "disappearance" and display of uncontrollable bloodlust, these two major powers chose to use this to test his attitude, or perhaps even to sever ties.

“There are no eternal friends, only eternal interests…” Tang San chuckled coldly and stood up. “It seems it’s time to personally pay a visit to our ‘old friend’ Sect Leader Ning.”

Several days later, in the council hall of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

Ning Fengzhi looked at Tang San, whose temperament had changed drastically and who exuded a faint but icy aura. Alarm bells rang in his heart, but his face remained as gentle and refined as ever.

"Nephew Tang San, it's been a long time. It seems you've gained a lot from your training." Ning Fengzhi smiled and gestured for Tang San to sit down, his tone as gentle as ever.

Tang San cut to the chase, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable air: "Sect Leader Ning, let's not beat around the bush. The Spirit Hall is ambitious, and the situation on the continent is extremely precarious. The Tang Sect is willing to contribute to the fight against the Spirit Hall, but we need the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's continued support."

He looked sharply at Ning Fengzhi: "Only through the joint efforts of all parties can there be a glimmer of hope."

Ning Fengzhi's face showed just the right amount of solemnity and agreement, unconcerned by Tang San's unquestionable tone: "Nephew is absolutely right. The Spirit Hall is indeed a major threat. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, the Tang Sect, and the Clear Sky School should be of one mind and support each other. The previous interruption of funding was a short-sighted act by some elders in the sect, and I apologize for that. I will do my best to mediate and restore the support as soon as possible."

His words were impeccable, full of sincerity and responsibility, and even carried a hint of dissatisfaction with the elders.

Tang San looked at Ning Fengzhi, whose eyes, etched with the marks of countless battles, seemed to see right through people, yet he couldn't discern a single flaw in Ning Fengzhi's expression. He slowly nodded: "With Sect Leader Ning's words, Tang San is relieved. I hope Sect Leader Ning will expedite the process."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Tang San rose to take his leave. He needed to return to the Tang Clan as soon as possible to stabilize the situation and prepare for his next plan.

After seeing Tang San off, Ning Fengzhi's gentle smile vanished instantly, replaced by a stern and solemn expression.

"Feng Zhi, this kid is too arrogant!" Gu Rong and Chen Xin's figures emerged from the void.

Ning Fengzhi's eyes narrowed slightly, and a cold smile curved his lips: "Uncle Gu, if you want to destroy someone, you must first make them go mad."

Chen Xin added in a deep voice, "Feng Zhi, we still need to pay close attention. This boy... has already advanced to the title of Douluo."

Ning Fengzhi turned to Chen Xin and asked, "Uncle Jian, what do you think of his current strength?"

Dust Eye shook his head slightly, his tone grave: "It's hard to estimate. But I can sense the killing intent emanating from him—extremely pure, almost primordial."

Both Gu Rong and Ning Fengzhi looked puzzled.

Chen Xin continued to explain, "I once heard my ancestors mention that some things, once they become extremely pure, are not auspicious omens."

“For example…killing intent?” Gu Rong pondered.

“Exactly.” Chen Xin nodded. “Killing intent is the condensation of a Soul Master’s will and actions. But pure killing intent means—not knowing why to kill, yet killing anything. This is even more terrifying than ‘all those who are not of my kind can be killed.’”

Gu Rong frowned: "You mean... he's become completely estranged from his family?"

Chen Xin nodded solemnly: "You could say that. The killing intent emanating from him tells me that, if necessary, his blade... could even be swung at the Haotian Sect."

Ning Fengzhi's expression grew increasingly grave. To kill anything meant having no bottom line, regardless of good or evil, kinship or estrangement. At this moment, Tang San was like a seed of slaughter ready to erupt at any moment.

“The inheritance of the gods…” Ning Fengzhi sighed softly. This indifferent attitude towards all living beings and his focus on power were in line with his certain imagination of “gods”—humans are nothing but ants before gods.

He then looked at Gu Rong and said resolutely, "Uncle Gu, starting today, recall all direct disciples who are outside the sect, and begin secretly transferring the direct disciples within the sect to the protection of the Spirit Hall."

Gu Rong's pupils contracted, and he said urgently, "Feng Zhi, isn't it too early?"

Ning Fengzhi countered, "With your power, if you were to attack the disciples of a sect... how many could you kill?"

Gu Rong was speechless.

Ning Fengzhi's voice was soft, but every word was as firm as iron: "The destruction that Tang San can cause will far exceed our imagination. From today onwards, the sect will expand its recruitment of disciples on a large scale. We must ensure that for every one who leaves, we replace him. Everything must be done in secrecy."

Chen Xin also solemnly echoed, "Feng Zhi is absolutely right. Old bones, although Tang San has just entered the Title Douluo realm, he can still suppress that pure killing intent. But given time, his strength will hardly be able to keep up with the rampant growth of his killing intent—an overly pure heart of slaughter will eventually lead to his own destruction."

Upon hearing this, Gu Rong finally suppressed his last hesitation and said solemnly, "I'll take care of it right away."

Before he finished speaking, his figure had already disappeared into the void.

Ning Fengzhi stood alone, gazing at the horizon, and couldn't help but sigh softly, "I wonder how Rongrong and that child are doing now."

As Chen Xin and Gu Rong left, Ning Fengzhi stood alone in his study for a moment. The twilight outside the window gradually deepened, reflecting the flickering light in his eyes. Tang San's sudden return, the pure and chilling aura of killing intent emanating from him, and his strength that had already advanced to the Title Douluo level, cast a heavy shadow over his heart like a thick haze.

He gently tapped a silver bell beside his desk with a peculiar rhythm.

Before the clear ringing of the bell had completely faded, a blurry figure emerged from the shadows and silently knelt on one knee in the center of the study. The newcomer was shrouded in a dark cloak, his aura extremely restrained. He was none other than the messenger specially prepared by the Spirit Hall for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—responsible for transmitting the most confidential information.

Ning Fengzhi walked to the desk, spread out a specially made sheet of paper as thin as a cicada's wing, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote with flowing strokes.

"Your Holiness the Pope: "Tang San has quietly returned to Heaven Dou City, and his strength has broken through to the Title Douluo realm. However, his temperament has changed drastically, and his killing intent is pure and fierce, almost inhuman. He may have completely surrendered to the unknown evil god, and the level of danger is far greater than previously assessed."

"This person just came to visit, intending to unite with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and openly oppose the Spirit Hall. Our sect has already been playing along to appease him for the time being, but this boy is cunning and I'm afraid it will be difficult to deceive him for long."

"Their ambitions are not small. We hope Your Holiness will be vigilant and make a decision as soon as possible. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is willing to follow Your Holiness's instructions and secretly cooperate with all actions."

"Furthermore, to guard against unforeseen circumstances, I have begun secretly relocating the direct bloodline within the sect, and I earnestly request the Papal Palace to provide assistance and protection. Ning Fengzhi, respectfully yours."

After writing, he took out special sealing wax, carefully sealed the letter, and branded the unique mark of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and a tiny symbol representing the highest level of urgency onto the wax seal.

He handed the sealed letter to the messenger, his voice low and serious: "Set off immediately and personally deliver this letter to the Papal Palace in Wuhun City. Make sure it is delivered to His Holiness the Pope or his trusted confidants, Ghost and Chrysanthemum Douluo. Spare no effort along the way to ensure its absolute success."

"Yes, sir." The figure accepted the letter with both hands, his voice hoarse yet completely calm. He carefully hid the letter close to his body, bowed again, and then his figure flickered and disappeared into the shadows, as if he had never been there at all.

He looked out the window again; night had fallen, with only a few stars twinkling.

He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out at the deep night sky, and murmured to himself, "A storm... is coming."

Several days later, the weary messenger, relying on his superb skills in concealment and stealth, evaded all the visible and hidden sentries and finally arrived at the magnificent and imposing Papal Palace in Wuhun City.

After identifying himself and presenting the token bearing the highest emergency mark of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he was led directly into the depths of the Papal Palace by two black-clad deacons with chilling auras. Finally, in a dimly lit side hall, he met Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan and Ghost Douluo Gui Mei, who were already waiting there.

The messenger knelt on one knee, respectfully presenting the secret letter that had been escorted with his life along the way, and said in a hoarse voice: "By order of Sect Master Ning, I present this secret letter to His Holiness the Pope or the two elders."

Yue Guan's slender fingers picked up the letter, his gaze sweeping over the unique markings and emergency symbols on the sealing wax. A hint of surprise flashed in his eerie eyes. He didn't open it immediately, but instead looked at the ghost.

The ghostly figure seemed shrouded in a thin mist, its voice ethereal and icy: "What has happened to Ning Fengzhi that he would resort to such means?"

The messenger bowed his head: "I am only responsible for delivering the message; I have no right to know its contents."

Yue Guan and Gui Mei exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes. Yue Guan released a little soul power from his fingertips, carefully breaking the sealing wax and unfolding the letter.

As Yue Guan read, his usually playful expression gradually turned serious, even showing a hint of disbelief. He handed the letter to Gui Mei, whose blurry figure seemed to tremble slightly.

A brief silence fell over the side hall.

"Tang San... Title Douluo... Evil God Power... It's pretty much the same as the information we received earlier." Yue Guan murmured to himself, each word seemingly carrying immense weight. "He actually obtained such a bizarre opportunity... No wonder that old fox Ning Fengzhi couldn't sit still and even started transferring the direct bloodline of his sect."

The eerie voice, like a chilling wind blowing through the bones, said: "This child has become a great threat. The extent of his threat is likely far beyond what was anticipated."

"We must report this to His Holiness the Pope immediately!" Yue Guan stood up abruptly, his tone urgent. "Ning Fengzhi's letter is both a warning and a pledge of allegiance. His Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School wants to completely tie itself to our cause and seek our protection."

"Hmm." The ghostly figure swayed slightly. "The backup he requested must be arranged immediately. Furthermore, regarding Tang San... Your Majesty will surely make a decision."

Without further delay, the two disappeared into the side hall and headed straight for the core area of ​​the Papal Palace.

A moment later, the heavy doors of the main hall of the Papal Palace slowly opened and closed.

Bibi Dong, seated high on her throne, held a secret letter from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in her hand. The fleeting interest that had crossed her bewitching purple eyes had long been replaced by icy killing intent and absolute majesty.

The letter was crushed into dust by an invisible force at her fingertips.

"Tang San..." She parted her red lips slightly, her voice echoing coldly in the empty hall, "I really underestimated this fish that slipped through the net."

She slightly raised her chin, looking at Yue Guan and Gui Mei who stood respectfully below.

"Ghost, Yueguan."

"My subordinate is here!"

"Pass down the order: First, immediately dispatch a team of absolutely loyal elite Soul Saints or above, led by an elder, to secretly go to the designated location of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to pick up their direct disciples who are being transferred, and ensure that they arrive safely in the area controlled by Martial Soul City."

Second, tell the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to maintain the stability of the Heavenly Dou Battle as much as possible, and if there is an opportunity, test Tang San's true strength and weaknesses.

Third... release information about that Soft-Boned Rabbit...

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Ghost and Ghost Douluo responded in unison, their figures quickly disappearing into the shadows to carry out the orders that were enough to stir up the winds and clouds over the continent.

In the empty hall, only Bibi Dong remained. She slowly stood up, walked to the huge window, and looked down at the entire Spirit City.

"The power of the evil god... pure killing intent... Tang San, I wonder if you can still remain pure after hearing those rumors... Why not turn it into nourishment for my ascension to godhood..." she muttered to herself, a cold and dangerous smile curving her lips.

At this moment, a clear and chilling image appeared in Bibi Dong's mind—Tang San's killing intent was out of control, turning into a tangible blood storm. He swung his huge Clear Sky Hammer wildly, and wherever it passed, whether friend or foe, sect disciples or innocent soul masters, they were all turned to dust under his pure and crazy killing will, staining the earth with blood.

If it really comes to that... Not only will the Clear Sky Sect be unable to use this opportunity to re-emerge in the Soul Master world, but it will also become the public enemy of the entire Soul Master world because it has given birth to such a ruthless and bloodthirsty "demon," suffering condemnation from thousands and contempt from all sects! And the Spirit Hall will once again become the savior of the continent!
"Tang San, no matter what power you obtain, this continent can only have one ruler."

"Your return has only made this game a little more interesting."

"And the end of the game was already predetermined."

Her eyes gleamed with absolute confidence and a chilling light, as if she were in complete control. The Spirit Hall, this massive war machine, began to operate at an even faster and more precise pace because of Ning Fengzhi's letter, its target directly aimed at—Tang San. (End of Chapter)