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

Deep within the collapsed underground grotto of the Lost Canyon, Feng Yao spent two months in near-isolation from the world.

The process of absorbing those two soul bones was very easy, and Feng Yao didn't even feel a significant increase in his soul power. This was because he now possessed two soul cores, and he could feel that the energy his body could store far exceeded that of other titled Douluo. The benefits the soul bones brought him were more about the change in his life level.

The ultimate earth power and spatial stability contained in the Guixu Crystal Turtle's torso bones almost assimilated his body into a crystal mountain range; while the violent, tearing power within his right arm bones even made his control over playing the zither somewhat weaker during this period. Fortunately, Feng Yao's spiritual power and control were now much stronger than before, and he quickly adapted.

When the last trace of soul bone energy completely merged into his body, Feng Yao's aura underwent a dramatic change.

He stood there silently, seemingly one with the earth beneath his feet, unshakeable; the space around him even distorted slightly due to his uncontrolled soul power, exuding an elusive mystery; a casual movement of his right arm created ripples of power that sent shivers down one's spine, as if it could easily tear through the void. Although his soul power level remained stable at ninety-seven, his true combat strength could no longer be measured by simple levels.

It took him several more days to thoroughly familiarize himself with and solidify this surge of power, and to gain a preliminary understanding and mastery of the newly acquired strength.

On this day, Feng Yao finally opened his eyes, which had been closed for two months. The light in his eyes was restrained, and deep within them seemed to flow the earth's veins. Wherever he went, space seemed to vanish.

"Even a titled Douluo ten thousand years from now wouldn't be much different," Feng Yao sighed softly.

He stood up, glanced at the ruins that had completely changed him, and left without a second thought. With a swift movement, he seemed to merge into the surrounding space, silently leaving the underground cave and heading out of the Lost Canyon.

At this moment, the disorienting sandstorms of the Lost Canyon were no longer an obstacle for him. He could even faintly sense the information emanating from the earth's veins beneath his feet, allowing him to traverse it with ease.

Soon, his figure appeared at the entrance of the canyon. Looking back at the mysterious place still shrouded in mist, Feng Yao took a deep breath of the fresh air and gazed into the distance.

"There are still four months left, let's go back and take a look," Feng Yao said softly.

Feng Yao transformed into a streak of light, his speed far exceeding anything he had ever achieved. After fusing with his soul bone, his understanding of space deepened. When flying, he not only relied on his soul power but also subtly manipulated the airflow around him and spatial fluctuations, greatly reducing resistance and making his flight swift and silent.

In less than half a day, he arrived at Tingquan Village in the southwestern part of the Heaven Dou Empire, in the province of Fasno. This was the place where his "connection" with this world began, and where he also found old friends he cared about.

However, when he landed, the scene before him startled him slightly.

The quiet, simple village of my memory has vanished. In its place stands a small inland town that is beginning to take shape. It is surrounded by brand-new stone walls, with neat houses, wide streets, and a noticeably larger flow of people. You can even see the flags of many caravans and patrol teams in uniforms—their style vaguely reminiscent of the Heavenly Dou Empire.

Above the city gate are three powerful characters: Tingquan City.

“Tingquan City…” Feng Yao murmured, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes. It seemed that during his absence, the Heavenly Dou Empire had continued to increase its support for this place, just as Qian Renxue had secretly arranged.

With Qian Renxue's secret support, it's only natural that a small village could quickly develop into a new town.

He strolled into the city, where even greater changes had occurred, and few familiar traces remained. He did not linger.

Feng Yao didn't find many familiar faces in the city, so they must have either moved to a more comfortable new home or gone out.

After a moment's thought, he turned and flew towards Nottingham City. Nottingham City was even more prosperous than before. Feng Yao knew the way well and headed towards the elegant teahouse he remembered.

However, when he reached that familiar street, he stopped in his tracks.

The teahouse remained the same, its facade seemingly renovated, but the plaque hanging above read "Qingxin Teahouse," a name unfamiliar to most. The waiter at the door was also an unfamiliar face, greeting customers with a forced smile, his demeanor utterly ordinary.

Feng Yao frowned slightly, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. He stepped into the teahouse, casually ordered a pot of tea, and asked the new waiter as if by chance, "Young man, I remember this wasn't the same shop before? Was it run by a manager surnamed Ning?"

Upon hearing this, the waiter's face showed a hint of confusion, then he smiled and said, "Sir, you must be mistaken. Our owner's surname is not Ning. We've had this shop for about half a year now. It used to be a teahouse, but we don't know who the owner was."

Feng Yao's heart sank slightly. He put down the tea money, and in a flash, he disappeared from his seat. The waiter only saw a blur before his eyes, and the customer at the table was gone, leaving only a pot of untouched tea and a few gold soul coins. He was so frightened that he rubbed his eyes, thinking he had seen a ghost.

Feng Yao set his sights on the Spirit Hall branch in Notting City.

Although the Spirit Hall has begun to reduce its number of spirit masters, its basic organizational structure remains intact, especially within the Heaven Dou Empire. Many branch halls have transformed their functions, becoming official or semi-official venues for handling spirit master affairs, registering information, and even issuing missions. Its intelligence network still exists. This is the best place to gather information.

Feng Yao concealed most of his aura, precisely maintaining his soul power fluctuations at the Soul Saint level, and strolled into the Soul Hall of Notting City. The hall was much quieter than before; the usual hustle and bustle had been replaced by a sense of administrative silence, but the magnificent structure of the building remained, silently exuding a trace of its former majesty.

Without much beating around the bush, he directly revealed the token representing his status as an honorary elder of the Spirit Hall. The middle-aged deacon, whose expression had been calm, changed drastically the moment his eyes fell on the token. He hurriedly stood up and almost instinctively tried to summon everyone from the branch hall to come and greet him.

“There’s no need to make a fuss,” Feng Yao raised his hand to stop them, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable air, “I’m just here to ask for some information, just tell me what you know.”

The middle-aged deacon immediately bowed, his attitude extremely respectful: "Yes, sir. Please ask, and I will answer to the best of my knowledge."

"Has anything major happened on the mainland recently?" Feng Yao asked casually, his gaze falling on the steward.

Upon hearing this, the steward's expression immediately became tense. He cautiously looked around, lowered his voice, and tentatively inquired, "Sir... are you here to investigate Tang San?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao's pupils contracted slightly, almost imperceptibly: "You also know Tang San?" He hadn't expected the other party to mention this name directly.

"Your Excellency is wise. It is no secret that the demon Tang San once studied at our Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy." The middle-aged deacon hurriedly explained, "Since that incident, more than one group of people from various forces have come to Notting City to inquire about his past."

Feng Yao caught the title in his words and frowned slightly: "Demon? You called him a demon?"

A deep fear flashed across the deacon's face, and he lowered his voice even further: "My lord, you...you don't know? The Tang Clan was completely wiped out overnight! Not a single one was spared!"

Feng Yao timely revealed a look of shock: "The Tang Clan was destroyed? Who did this? How could they be so arrogant!"

"It's Tang San!" The steward seemed to need immense courage to utter the name, swallowing hard. "According to the most reliable sources, he personally carried out the attack! His ruthlessness is unprecedented! Moreover, I heard... I heard that before this, the Tang Clan forces, under his leadership, had attacked the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's forces outside, and the two sides have a deep-seated grudge."

Feng Yao was even more surprised and asked, "Tang San? Why would he do this? Isn't the Tang Clan the foundation he founded?" The steward's face showed a complex expression of awe and fear, and he shook his head repeatedly: "The reason... even the big shots who came to investigate couldn't figure it out completely, so I dare not speculate. I only know that no one dares to discuss this matter easily now."

His words were filled with a deep fear of that absolutely destructive power.

Feng Yao remained silent for a moment, having received sufficient confirmation, and then asked no further questions. He nodded slightly, thanked the honest steward, and turned to leave the oppressive atmosphere of the Spirit Hall.

Standing on the bustling streets of Nottingham, the sun was shining brightly, yet it seemed to carry a hint of chill.

Tang San's massacre of the Tang Clan was so cruel and inhumane that it far exceeded Feng Yao's initial expectations.

"Looks like it's not Shura after all... a strange god of death..."

As more and more fragments of information are pieced together, they gradually form a clear and unsettling narrative.

Feng Yao's eyes flickered, and he understood everything.

If the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and the Spirit Hall wanted to maintain the stability of the Heaven Dou Sect, they would have to restrict the development of the Tang Sect. At that time, Tang San had already fallen into the demonic path, so everything that followed would have been possible.

Manager Ning, as a direct member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, was undoubtedly shrewd and calculating. He must have secretly transferred and protected important members of the sect, especially those direct descendants who were outside and easily targeted, before the turmoil even began. The transfer of this teahouse was merely an insignificant end to that great upheaval.

"The Haotian Sect must be getting anxious. They've produced such a talent and haven't found him yet. There's only one possibility..." Feng Yao muttered to himself, his voice calm but carrying a chilling undertone.

This "Tang Clan disciple" seems to have become more obsessive and extreme under the influence of the divine assessment.

He looked up, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of buildings, looking towards the distant sky, in the direction of the killing city.

After leaving Notting City, Feng Yao didn't head directly to the City of Slaughter. Instead, he turned and sped towards Heavenly Dou City. Now that he knew about the upheavals on the continent, there were some things he needed to confirm personally, and some people he needed to meet.

He was incredibly fast, and his control over space after fusing with the soul bone allowed him to fly almost like a distorted beam of light, making it impossible for ordinary soul masters to track his trajectory.

Within days, the familiar Sunset Forest, shrouded in a faint, phosphorescent mist, came into view. Feng Yao headed straight for the direction of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Eye.

The poison array at the valley entrance was long gone, but the area was now covered with Blue Silver Grass. The space around him rippled slightly, and he could clearly feel the joy of the Blue Silver Grass around him.

"Who dares to trespass into my herb garden?!" A hoarse and wary voice rang out, accompanied by an aura of pressure at the level of a Title Douluo. The next moment, Dugu Bo, dressed in a dark green robe, appeared at the entrance of the valley, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. When he recognized the newcomer as Feng Yao, the wariness in his eyes turned to surprise, and he immediately withdrew his aura.

Dugu Bo's sharp gaze fell on Feng Yao. He was slightly taken aback at first, then his expression turned to surprise and uncertainty: "It's you, kid?" He looked Feng Yao up and down carefully, his brows furrowing more and more. "Where's Yan Yan? Why didn't she come back with you?"

Seeing Feng Yao speechless for a moment, Dugu Bo's expression of surprise and doubt froze instantly, his dry lips trembled involuntarily, and a rare look of panic and indignation appeared in his usually sinister eyes.

Upon seeing this, Feng Yao immediately realized that he had misunderstood, and quickly explained in one breath, "Senior, don't worry, Yan Yan is fine! She is still undergoing the divine test on Seagod Island, and everything is going smoothly. I came back alone to handle some matters and specifically came to let you know that I am safe and sound."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's tense body suddenly relaxed, and he let out a long sigh of relief. He glared at Feng Yao with annoyance: "You brat, are you trying to scare me to death? You came back alone and you were so hesitant. I thought Yan Yan..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the lingering fear in his eyes was clearly visible.

Feng Yao smiled and said, "It's my fault, I didn't know how to start. Actually, this matter has nothing to do with you, I mainly came to put your mind at ease."

"You mean the incident in Tiandou City a few months ago?" Dugu Bo looked at Feng Yao knowingly.

Feng Yao nodded in surprise: "You've heard about it too?"

"Hmph!" Dugu Bo sneered upon hearing this, his tone laced with sarcasm. "With such a commotion, it's hard not to know. The Clear Sky Sect has made a name for itself this time, having cultivated such a figure among its disciples. Now the entire Soul Master world is condemning them. If it weren't for their deep foundation, the sect would probably have been turned upside down long ago. However..." He waved his hand, appearing indifferent, "These disturbances are none of my concern, and I'm too lazy to bother with them."

Feng Yao smiled slightly and cupped his hands, saying, "It's good that you understand. In that case, I won't bother you any longer. Yan Yan is doing well, so you don't need to worry. I still need to rush to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School..."

"Wait!" Dugu Bo hurriedly called out to him, his face filled with urgency. "Don't rush off. Tell me carefully, how is Yanyan doing on Seagod Island? Is the assessment dangerous? Can she handle it?"

"Don't worry," Feng Yao said gently but firmly. "Miss Dugu Yan is undergoing trials on Seagod Island. Although the process is arduous, it is progressing smoothly and her life is not in danger. Her strength has improved rapidly and is no longer what it used to be. You should be proud of her."

Hearing that his granddaughter was not only safe and sound but had also made great progress, the last trace of tension on Dugu Bo's face disappeared, replaced by undisguised relief and pride. He stroked his long beard and nodded repeatedly, his eyes shining with satisfaction: "Good, good... It's good that she's safe, and it's even better if she's successful. Seagod Island is indeed a place of immense opportunity."

Dugu Bo snapped out of his daze, his sharp gaze fixed on Feng Yao, as if trying to see right through him. He slowly paced half a step around Feng Yao, his gray eyebrows furrowed tightly, muttering to himself, "Something's not right... Kid, something's definitely not right!"

He abruptly stopped, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, as if he had discovered something unbelievable. His tone was filled with utter astonishment and doubt: "Strange! I... I can't sense the depth of your soul power at all? Your aura is completely integrated, as if it has merged with the surrounding world, as obscure as an abyss!"

Suddenly, a startling thought flashed through his mind, causing Dugu Bo's pupils to shrink abruptly. He jerked his head up, his voice rising several decibels, filled with unbelievable excitement: "Wait! You kid... you wouldn't have... broken through?!"

Facing his intense gaze, Feng Yao simply smiled calmly, his humility carrying a hint of nonchalance: "Your insight is truly remarkable. It was indeed fortunate that I made a breakthrough in my previous training, and thanks to you, I was granted the title."

"hiss--!"

Despite the initial suspicions, hearing the confirmation with his own ears still caused Dugu Bo to gasp in shock, his face filled with utter astonishment. He looked Feng Yao up and down as if recognizing a priceless treasure, as if seeing him for the first time.

It took him a long time to recover from his shock. He shook his head and clicked his tongue, his tone full of emotion and a sigh of "witnessing history": "Incredible... truly incredible! Back then, Tang Hao, the brilliant and talented Tang Hao of the Haotian Sect, was only in his forties when he achieved his title. And yet, the Haotian Sect has already boasted that this was an unprecedented feat, which has shaken the continent for decades."

He looked at Feng Yao with a complicated expression, his tone becoming increasingly astonished: "But you, kid... how old are you? If this gets out, the entire Soul Master world will be shaken! The Clear Sky Sect's pride and arrogance are simply a joke in front of you!"

...(End of chapter)