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

After completing the second test, Feng Yao did not immediately devote himself to the next stage of cultivation. Instead, he left the Angry Wave Realm and strolled to the edge of the circular sea.

Qian Renxue stood in mid-air, her golden eyes sharply scanning the sea, occasionally offering pointers.

Beneath the surface, several enormous white shadows darted about like lightning, constantly clashing with Dugu Yan as she attempted to cross the ring-shaped sea. Ning Rongrong's Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda shimmered with light, limiting Dugu Yan's movement in the water as she was unable to use the Azure Phosphorous Serpent Venom. Ye Lingling's Nine Heart Begonia was always ready to heal and dispel. Under the tutelage of Qian Renxue, their "off-field coach," the three women's teamwork became increasingly seamless, but breaking through the Demon Soul Great White Shark's blockade remained a difficult task.

Qian Renxue noticed Feng Yao's arrival and glanced at him absentmindedly. She was about to say something when she suddenly sensed a profound yet peaceful and all-encompassing aura emanating from Feng Yao, completely different from yesterday! Her golden eyes flashed with disbelief: "You passed the test... again?!" Her voice was filled with rare astonishment. How long had it been? The "Heart of the Vast Ocean" test sounded incredibly difficult; how could he have completed it so quickly?
Feng Yao smiled slightly, nodded, and said nothing more, turning his gaze back to the three women who were fighting hard in the sea.

Qian Renxue suppressed her shock, gave Feng Yao a deep look, buried her surprise in her heart for the time being, and continued to focus on giving instructions.

As dusk fell, the horizon was bathed in a magnificent orange-red hue. Exhausted, the three women finally finished another day's attempt and returned to shore. Upon seeing each other, the group once again exchanged exclamations of amazement and congratulations regarding Feng Yao's early passing of the test.

Just as everyone was preparing to return to the courtyard in Seahorse City, a red figure silently appeared in the afterglow of the setting sun, blocking their path. It was Poseidon.

Her gaze swept calmly over the crowd, finally settling on Feng Yao. Her tone was as indifferent as ever, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "Feng Yao, you may stay here for now. The rest of you should go back first."

Ning Rongrong, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling were all taken aback, sensing the subtle atmosphere. They obediently bowed and left first. Qian Renxue glanced at Feng Yao with a questioning look in her eyes. Feng Yao nodded slightly to her, indicating that it was alright, and then she turned around and followed the three women.

When only Feng Yao and Poseidon remained on the shore, the only sound was the crashing of the waves.

Poseidon didn't look at Feng Yao, but instead gazed at the setting sun about to sink into the sea. Her exquisite profile seemed to be gilded in the sunset, yet it exuded an indescribable loneliness.

Feng Yao looked at Poseidon with some confusion and tentatively asked, "I wonder what brings you here, senior..."

She was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, her voice so soft it seemed to be carried away by the sea breeze: "You passed the test much faster than I expected. Your talent and strength have made me... see the end of my life."

Feng Yao felt a sudden chill run down his spine.

Poseidon continued, her tone tinged with complex emotion: "The Nine Trials of the Sea God, once begun, cannot be stopped. According to the rules, I should have been your guardian in the subsequent trials and... one of the final tests. But now, I have no confidence that I can keep you out of the Sea God's Temple when that day comes."

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao instantly recalled the scene from the original story where Poseidon harbored murderous intent towards Tang San, and he immediately understood. His muscles subconsciously tensed slightly, and his aura became condensed—with his current strength, if this level 99 peak Douluo and the Grand Elder of Seagod Island truly intended to kill him, he would have no chance of survival.

Poseidon seemed to see through his momentary wariness, her gaze remaining calm and unwavering as she said indifferently, "There's no need to be nervous. I will neither, nor can, lay a hand on you. You are the successor personally chosen by the Sea God, and my duty is to guide you through the trials, not to hinder you."

Her voice, though soft, carried an absolute rationality stemming from divine decree and duty, instantly dispelling the invisible tension in the air.

Her deep, ocean-like eyes looked directly at Feng Yao, and there was a rare, almost pleading look in them: "Feng Yao, before the upcoming assessment, I have a request to make in a private capacity."

"Please give your instructions." Feng Yao said solemnly.

Poseidon took a deep breath, as if making a decision: "I hope that when you return to the mainland in the next six months, you can use all the power at your disposal, especially... the power of the Spirit Hall, to find someone for me."

A trace of longing and worry, spanning countless years, flickered in her eyes: "His name was Tang Chen, the previous sect leader of the Haotian Sect, and also... an old friend of mine. He has been missing for far too long..."

Feng Yao looked at Poseidon, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes, and cautiously said, "This junior understands your request, senior, but... there is one thing that puzzles me. With your abilities, why didn't you personally go to find Senior Tang Chen?"

Poseidon's eyes flickered slightly, as if a thousand waves were hidden beneath the deep sea, ultimately fading into a very soft sigh. Her voice remained calm, yet carried an unshakable solemnity: "As the High Priestess of Seagod Island, I must remain steadfast in this duty for the rest of my life. It is my duty, and I cannot abandon it."

Feng Yao met Poseidon's gaze, which held endless years and a hint of pleading, and nodded solemnly: "I will remember your request, senior. After returning to the mainland, I will do my best to find Senior Tang Chen's whereabouts. I will return to Poseidon Island to give you news within six months before the test."

Poseidon gave him a deep look, said nothing more, and her figure slowly blended into the twilight and disappeared.

When Feng Yao returned to the courtyard in Haima City, the women were resting in the hall. When they saw him return, all their eyes turned to him, with questions in their eyes.

Feng Yao did not hide anything and frankly told Poseidon about his private request.

"Looking for Tang Chen, the former sect leader of the Haotian Sect?" Qian Renxue asked in surprise. "Hasn't he been missing for many years? Grandpa tried to find him back then but to no avail. Senior Poseidon is actually asking for your help in this matter..."

Dugu Yan frowned and said, "This doesn't sound very reliable. Even the Haotian Sect itself can't find this person, so how are we supposed to find them? Besides, Sister Xue'er's grandfather also searched for them but couldn't find them. What use would it be for you to go back?"

Ye Lingling nodded slightly, indicating that this matter was extremely difficult.

Feng Yao's gaze swept over everyone, and he smiled slightly before finally landing on Qian Renxue: "I naturally understand that this matter is extremely difficult, but since I have agreed, I must do my best. I have been away for a year and a half and I also want to go back to the mainland to take a look."

He paused, then continued, "Therefore, I intend to set off immediately and return to the mainland first. Xue'er," he looked at Qian Renxue, "you need to come back with me."

Qian Renxue was not surprised by this. A sharp glint flashed in her golden eyes. She did not refuse and nodded, saying, "I understand."

Witnessing Feng Yao's rapid improvement in strength during the divine test, Qian Renxue realized that if she continued to stay here, she would not only be unable to help him, but might even become a hindrance to him.

Moreover, from Poseidon's meaningful request, she had vaguely sensed that the success or failure of this matter might directly affect Feng Yao's crucial subsequent test.

At this moment, she herself also had a question deep in her heart that she had to ask her grandfather, Qian Daoliu, in person. "There's no time to lose, we'll set off tomorrow," Feng Yao decided. "Rongrong, Yanyan, and Lingling, the three of you will stay on Seagod Island to continue your trials. This place is relatively safe and will be beneficial for your cultivation breakthroughs. We will return as soon as we finish dealing with matters on the mainland."

Although Ning Rongrong was somewhat reluctant, she knew the importance of the matter and nodded, saying, "Xiao Feng, Sister Xue'er, don't worry, we will take good care of ourselves and work hard to cultivate."

Dugu Yan patted her chest: "Don't worry, with Lingling and me here, no one will dare to bully Rongrong! Just come back soon!"

Ye Lingling also said softly, "Be careful."

The next morning, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

Feng Yao and Qian Renxue arrived at the agreed-upon shore on time. A strangely shaped ship, made entirely of some kind of dark blue metal, was already quietly moored in the shallow water. To their slight surprise, the ship had no sails or traditional oars.

Just as they were beginning to have doubts, the seawater on the side of the boat suddenly surged!
The next second, several massive, sleek great white sharks burst from the water, their dorsal fins slicing through the surface like blades. Even more astonishingly, these powerful sea spirit beasts all wore special metal collars around their necks, shimmering with runes of the same color, with long chains extending out and eventually connecting to the bow of the azure ship.

They did not show any pain or irritability from being enslaved; instead, like well-trained warhorses, they floated quietly in the sea, awaiting commands.

A Sea Soul Master waiting by the ship stepped forward respectfully and bowed, saying, "Distinguished guests, the High Priest has instructed that these companions will pull you back to the mainland at a speed far exceeding that of ordinary sailboats."

Feng Yao and Qian Renxue exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.

Without another word, the two leaped onto the ship. With a peculiar whistle from the Sea Soul Master, the several Demon Soul Great White Sharks simultaneously exerted their power, and the ship, like an arrow released from a bow, silently tore through the sea and sped towards the mainland, leaving only a rapidly dissipating white trail behind it.

Pulled by several demonic great white sharks, the azure ship moved like lightning, cutting through the waves at a speed far exceeding that of any mortal vessel. In just a few days, the outlines of the winding coastline and bustling docks in the distance became clearly visible.

To avoid disturbing the ordinary Soul Masters and civilians on the dock, Feng Yao and Qian Renxue exchanged a glance and simultaneously rose slowly into the air from the deck. Their figures were graceful, as if freed from the burdens of the mortal world, as they quietly ascended into the air. They then transformed into two streaks of light, almost imperceptible to the naked eye, and silently sped towards the coast of the continent, leaving the Demon Soul Great White Sharks behind.

His feet touched solid ground again, and the hustle and bustle of the dock, the whistles of cargo ships, and the salty, fishy smell of goods filled the air. Looking at the bustling scene of cars and people, Feng Yao couldn't help but sigh softly, "It's been a long time since I've seen such a lively crowd."

Feng Yao understood immediately—Tang Chen was already trapped in the City of Slaughter, his mind and body corrupted by the Crimson Nine-Headed Bat King, and he had lost all his sanity.

Since there was still plenty of time, he wasn't in a hurry. Feng Yao turned his head to look at Qian Renxue beside him, a playful smile flashing in his eyes, and deliberately winked: "Let's go, let's go home first."

Qian Renxue's ears turned slightly red, and she gave him a reproachful glance, but didn't argue. She simply took his arm silently. The two of them leaned against each other and walked together toward the Spirit Hall.

The two walked slowly, pausing occasionally. Although life on Poseidon Island was peaceful and unique, it could never compare to the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of the mainland.

As they passed a branch hall of the Martial Soul Sect, Feng Yao keenly sensed that the aura of the Soul Masters stationed there was different from before, and couldn't help but sigh softly:
"It seems His Holiness the Pope is already preparing for a great war... The Soul Master forces in various regions are clearly being consolidated and concentrated."

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue nodded slightly. A memory flashed through her mind of the past between the Sea God and the Angel God. She glanced at Feng Yao, her voice soft yet tinged with a hint of confusion:
"Xiao Feng, do you think... we're doing the right thing?"

Feng Yao's gaze swept over the distant outline of the Spirit Hall, his voice calm yet penetrating: "The general trend of the world is never simply right or wrong. What is united will eventually divide, and what is divided will eventually unite... This is the natural order of things. Even if your ancestor, the Angel God, were to come, he could not reverse this overwhelming law."

Qian Renxue remained silent for a moment, the hesitation in her eyes gradually fading, replaced by a resolute determination. She raised her head, her tone resolute: "Since war is inevitable—then we must win decisively and swiftly!"

As Feng Yao and Qian Renxue traveled to the foot of Wuhun City, a solemn and heavy atmosphere enveloped them even before they got close.

At this moment, Wuhun City resembled a slumbering war beast. The number of patrolling Soul Masters on the city walls had increased dramatically, all exuding a calm aura and equipped with superior gear. Checks at the towering city gates were extremely rigorous, with long queues forming as the guards stood ready to enter. Their eyes were sharp as eagles, scrutinizing every suspicious detail. An invisible tension permeated the air, even the Soul Masters' conversations were hushed.

Even Feng Yao, upon entering the city, proactively presented his honorary elder token, representing his extremely high status, which allowed him to bypass the tedious questioning and smoothly enter the city with Qian Renxue.

Passing through the oppressive atmosphere of the main street, the two arrived directly at the foot of Papal Mountain. Gazing up at the winding white jade steps and the majestic, solemn Papal Palace at its end, shimmering with a chilling light in the sunlight, Qian Renxue paused slightly, a complex expression appearing on her exquisite face. That place not only represented the supreme power of the Spirit Hall, but also bore witness to countless cold, estranged, and even painful memories between her and her mother, Bibi Dong.

A warm hand gently grasped her slightly cool one. Feng Yao didn't say much, only giving her a firm yet reassuring look. Qian Renxue felt the warmth from his palm, took a deep breath, and the complex emotions in her eyes gradually settled, transforming into a calm stillness. She gripped Feng Yao's hand tightly in return and nodded.

Without further hesitation, the two climbed the steps, passed the palace that symbolized the highest power core of the Spirit Hall, and headed towards another path.

Inside the magnificent hall, Qian Daoliu stood quietly beneath the enormous angel statue, bathed in soft, pure golden light. Sensing the presence of the two, he slowly turned around. His golden eyes, which held the weight of countless ages, first fell upon Qian Renxue, flashing a barely perceptible gentleness, before turning to Feng Yao, his gaze filled with scrutiny and a hint of understanding.

"Grandpa." Qian Renxue stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"Great Master." Feng Yao also bowed slightly.

Qian Daoliu's gaze swept between the two, sensing the changes in their auras. In particular, the increasingly profound soul power fluctuations emanating from Feng Yao, which even carried a hint of the vastness of the ocean, were very close to the Poseidon he remembered. He slowly said, "Not bad, it seems you have gained a lot from this trip."

His voice, calm yet imposing, echoed in the empty hall, awaiting their reply. The sudden return of Feng Yao and Qian Renxue, and the unspoken understanding between them, had already given the High Priestess some clues.

...(End of chapter)