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

The Haotian Sect, a secluded place, had an atmosphere as heavy as iron.

Sect Master Tang Xiao sat in the main seat, below him were the sect's powerful elders and core disciples. They were urgently discussing the news that had just arrived, news that was enough to shake the entire continent—the Spirit Hall, no, now the Spirit Empire, had declared war on the Star Luo Empire!

"The Spirit Hall harbors wolfish ambitions, and now it has even torn off its disguise, establishing a nation and starting a war! Although the Star Luo Empire is strong, it cannot stand alone!" The Second Elder, with his white hair and beard, said in a deep voice, his brows furrowed.

"Although our Clear Sky Sect has lived in seclusion, the situation on the continent is a matter of life and death, and we absolutely cannot sit idly by!" said another solemn elder. "However, we cannot act rashly either. We must observe the attitude of the Heaven Dou Empire! If the Heaven Dou Empire can join forces with the Star Luo Empire to attack from both sides and jointly resist the Spirit Empire, then our Clear Sky Sect can step forward and raise its voice. Only then can we succeed!"

“That’s right. Xue Qinghe is no mediocre ruler. He should understand the principle of ‘if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.’ We should first contact Tiandou and discuss our plans together!” Most people preferred this relatively safe strategy, waiting for the Tiandou Empire’s response before deciding how Haotian Sect should intervene.

However, just as everyone was discussing and had not yet reached a consensus, the heavy doors of the council hall were suddenly kicked open! A figure staggered in, her breathing disordered, her magnificent palace attire covered in dust and stains, her hair disheveled, and her face as pale as paper. It was Tang Yuehua, who was stationed in Tiandou City and in charge of Yuexuan!
"Yuehua?!" Tang Xiao stood up abruptly, his eyes filled with shock and confusion. His younger sister had always been meticulous about her appearance and composed in all matters; when had she ever been so disheveled and panicked?

"Big brother! Elders!" Tang Yuehua didn't even have time to catch her breath, her voice filled with sobs and unprecedented fear, "It's over! Heavenly Dou... Heavenly Dou is finished!"

"What?!" Everyone in the room was shocked, and all eyes instantly focused on her.

Tang Yuehua, fighting off her dizziness, said urgently, "The Spirit Empire... they've been secretly plotting for a long time! A large number of experts, at least at the Soul Douluo level, and possibly even Title Douluo, have somehow managed to sneak into Heaven Dou City! This morning, Emperor Xue Qinghe... he... he's not Xue Qinghe at all! He led his entire court and openly announced his surrender to the Spirit Empire, acknowledging Bibi Dong as his superior! Most of the Imperial Guards have defected, and the resistance has been brutally suppressed!"

These words were like a cold bolt of lightning cleaving through the stagnant air in the hall, causing everyone to be deeply shaken.

Everyone was stunned and speechless by the news! The Heaven Dou Empire, one of the two great empires that had stood on the continent for many years, had changed hands in such a short time and in such a seemingly childish yet thunderous manner? Xue Qinghe was a member of the Spirit Hall?!
"How can this be?!"

"Where is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?!"

"Quickly! Sect Master! We must act immediately to aid Tian Dou and restore order!" After a brief silence, the hall erupted in chaos. Panic and anger mingled, and many people immediately demanded that Tang Xiao give the order to leave the mountain at once and salvage the situation in Tian Dou.

Once the entire territory of the Heaven Dou Empire is completely absorbed by the Spirit Empire, and the empire's borders become contiguous, the Spirit Empire will possess unshakeable strategic depth and resource base. At that time, the Clear Sky Sect, which still maintains its independence and has a long-standing grudge against the Spirit Hall, will no longer be a secluded sect detached from worldly affairs, but will become the most conspicuous thorn in the side of this new empire, an isolated and dangerous island in the heart of the Spirit Empire.

At that time, if the Spirit Empire wants to continue its expansion, it will absolutely not tolerate the existence of such a powerful and clearly hostile unstable element as the Clear Sky Sect in its rear. They will inevitably exert all their strength to remove this thorn in their side with overwhelming force! The Clear Sky Sect will face the full power of the Spirit Empire and Bibi Dong's determined purple eyes!

Thinking of the overwhelming army of Soul Masters, and the unfathomable top experts of the Spirit Hall... a suffocating sense of despair, like an icy tide, instantly overwhelmed the hearts of everyone present.

"It's too late...it's all too late..." Tang Yuehua shook her head in despair, tears finally streaming down her face. "Xue Qinghe...it's rumored he's been captured, his fate unknown. The entire Heaven Dou City is completely under the control of the Spirit Hall, an impenetrable wall!"

She raised her tear-filled eyes, looked at the indignant crowd, and revealed another piece of news that plunged everyone into an icy abyss: "Moreover... the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School... they haven't reacted at all! The sect is tightly shut, no disciples have gone out, and there's no sign of any organized resistance... they seem to have tacitly accepted all of this!"

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, as the most influential Soul Master sect within the Heaven Dou Empire, speaks volumes about their silence! They are either being controlled or suppressed, or... they have already chosen to submit or compromise!

This news is even more despairing than the fall of Heaven Dou. It means that the Spirit Empire's control over Heaven Dou is far more thorough and terrifying than it appears on the surface! Even the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has chosen to lie low. If the Clear Sky School were to rashly act now, it would likely face a meticulously laid trap that would devour everything, and... a hopeless situation of isolation and helplessness!

The hall fell silent instantly, save for Tang Yuehua's suppressed sobs and the heavy breathing of the others. Any remaining glimmer of hope and courage to fight back were shattered by the series of devastating news. A chilling coldness shot from the soles of everyone's feet to the top of their heads.

The sky over the continent darkened faster and more rapidly than they had imagined. The Haotian Sect, once the number one sect on the continent, now stood at a crossroads of fate, facing an unprecedentedly difficult choice.

He abruptly stood up, his decisiveness and authority as sect leader evident in his voice, which was deep and resolute, echoing throughout the council hall: "Time waits for no one! Issue my sect leader's decree—"

Tang Xiao's words were like a thunderclap, waking up those who still held onto a sliver of hope. The harsh reality had already unfolded, leaving no room for hesitation.

All the elders and disciples straightened up instantly, their eyes fixed on him.

"First, immediately activate the sect's highest emergency plan: abandon the sect and relocate everyone!"

Upon hearing this, although everyone showed regret and reluctance, no one objected. The sect was rebuilt brick by brick by every disciple, but the sect's heritage and bloodline were even more important.

"Second, break up into smaller groups! All sect disciples, including those from the outer sect, will depart in small teams, led by elders and core disciples, in batches and along different routes, in secret!"

Tang Xiao's gaze swept over every elder and core disciple present, his eyes sharp. "Remember, this is not a rout, it's a strategic retreat! Concealing our whereabouts is the top priority. Avoid conflict with any force unless absolutely necessary! Our goal is—"

He raised his hand, pointed southwest, and said decisively, "The Star Luo Empire!"

"Currently, only the Star Luo Empire still possesses the strength to contend with the Spirit Empire. We must contact the Star Luo royal family as soon as possible, seek their protection, and jointly devise a plan to resist the enemy! This is our Clear Sky Sect's only chance of survival, and the continent's last hope against the Spirit Empire's tyranny!" "Third, destroy all supplies that cannot be taken away; we must not leave anything of value for the Spirit Hall!"

"Gentlemen!" Tang Xiao's voice suddenly rose, carrying a resolute determination, "The glory of the Haotian Sect lies not in defending a single mountain, but in passing on the torch, in an unyielding spirit! Today's retreat is for tomorrow's advancement! Let's move!"

"Follow the master's order!"

The crowd responded in unison, their voices filled with both sorrow and determination. In an instant, the entire Haotian Sect, this massive machine, began to operate efficiently. There was no more hesitation, no more pointless arguments; only swift and tacit execution of orders.

Figures darted out of the council hall like ghosts, heading towards every corner of the sect. Some packed their belongings, others destroyed documents and supplies... everything proceeded in a tense but orderly manner.

Soon after, figures, like streams flowing into rivers, quietly dispersed into the vast mountains and forests, heading towards the Star Luo Empire, silently beginning this great migration that concerned the survival of their sects.

The once bustling Haotian Sect quickly became empty and silent, leaving only some buildings that could not be taken away, and the flickering flames that were being quietly ignited, which would completely burn the place down.

Tang Xiao stood before the mountain gate, taking one last look at this land that held countless glories and memories of the Haotian Sect. A deep sorrow flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by an even more resolute light. He turned, his figure disappearing into the night, following the flame of the sect, heading towards the unknown and perilous future.

Inside the Papal Palace of the Martial Soul Empire, the atmosphere was solemn and majestic.

Bibi Dong sat high on the throne, a symbol of supreme power. Her purple-gold imperial robes accentuated her regal bearing, yet also exuded a chilling aura. Below her, a cardinal in charge of intelligence bowed and reported, his voice tinged with barely perceptible unease:

"Your Majesty, according to the latest intelligence, the Haotian Sect... is completely deserted. It is likely that the entire sect has evacuated and their whereabouts are currently unknown. Their sect has been burned down and nothing of value has been left behind."

Upon hearing the news, the several high-ranking officials of the empire standing in the hall were all taken aback, their faces showing astonishment. The Haotian Sect, once the leader of the three upper sects, with a profound foundation, would so decisively abandon a sect that had been rebuilt for many years?

However, Bibi Dong, sitting on the throne, showed no surprise or anger on her beautiful face. Instead, the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, forming a cold and sarcastic arc.

"Heh..." A contemptuous sneer echoed in the hall, filled with endless mockery. "Tang Xiao... isn't too stupid. He knows that it's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot; the only option is to avoid his sharp edge."

Her slender fingers tapped lightly on the armrest of the throne, her tone languid yet carrying an all-knowing indifference: "Just an empty mountain, what good things could it possibly have? Destroyed, so be it. Like a stray dog, living in constant fear, where can it possibly escape to? Xingluo?"

She slightly raised her eyes, a cold glint flashing in her purple eyes, but it wasn't directed at the already escaped Haotian Sect; instead, she looked towards a wider territory.

"Enough. The current Clear Sky Sect is nothing more than a minor ailment, insignificant." Bibi Dong's voice regained its imperial calm and decisiveness. "Our newly established Spirit Empire's primary task is to thoroughly digest and integrate the vast territory, population, and resources of the Heaven Dou Empire! We must truly imprint this land with the Spirit Empire's mark!"

Her gaze swept over the assembled officials, carrying an undeniable air of authority: "Issue the order: the Empire's current focus is entirely on consolidating its rule within the Heavenly Dou territory. Suppress the remaining resistance forces, appease the people, take control of all levels of government, and integrate the military and Soul Master forces! As for those stray dogs of the Clear Sky Sect..."

She paused, her tone casual yet carrying a chilling killing intent: "Let them prolong their lives for a few more days. Once the empire's foundation is solid, and its troops are well-trained and well-supplied, no matter where they hide, I will personally uproot this last thorn in the side of the continent!"

"Yes! Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers responded in unison, their hearts filled with awe. They understood that this Empress's vision had long surpassed that of the mere Clear Sky Sect; she was focused on the entire continent's格局 (geju, a concept encompassing overall structure, overall situation, and overall strategy). The temporary leniency was a prelude to a more thorough destruction in the future. The chariot of the Spirit Empire was steadily crushing the old world's order according to her will, and assimilating the Heavenly Dou was the most crucial first step in this journey. Compared to pursuing a group of fugitives living in constant fear, consolidating her base was clearly more important. Bibi Dong's calmness and strategic vision filled everyone present with even greater awe.

As the heavy palace doors slowly closed, shutting out the last minister, only Bibi Dong remained in the vast palace. The coldness, authority, and strategic acumen she had displayed before her ministers receded like the tide, and a complex, indescribable emotion quietly surfaced deep within her purple eyes.

The fact that the Heaven Dou Empire was incorporated into its territory so smoothly and almost without bloodshed is largely due to the crucial role played by Qian Renxue, the key figure who infiltrated the Heaven Dou court for nearly twenty years and ultimately secured the throne.

The name flickered through her mind, bringing a subtle, almost imperceptible, tremor. As the trials of the Rakshasa God deepened, she could indeed feel the Rakshasa's malevolent intent, which had been trying to distort her mind and amplify her darker side, gradually being suppressed and purified by stronger divine power and her own increasingly resolute will. Many past events, obscured by hatred, began to reveal clearer outlines.

And it was precisely because of this that some of the emotions that had been deliberately frozen seemed to be loosening. She remembered the timid look in Qian Renxue's eyes when she was a child, and the stubbornness and pride that she had when she inherited the Angel God's test, which was exactly the same as her own... That child, who had her blood flowing in her veins, carried her most unbearable past and her deepest resentment.

With such outstanding achievements and blood ties... Logically, perhaps she should offer some... recognition? Or even... warmth?
But the thought was immediately suppressed by a deeper, almost instinctive resistance. More than twenty years of estrangement, indifference, and even exploitation had already created a bottomless chasm between mother and daughter. She was used to looking down on everyone as an empress, used to measuring everything with interests and power, but she simply didn't know how to face the daughter she owed so much as a mother.

Should she take the initiative to make amends? She couldn't bring herself to do it, and she didn't know where to begin. Should she remain indifferent? That didn't seem to be her final wish either.

An unprecedented sense of powerlessness, mixed with a faint trace of guilt that even she herself was unwilling to admit, quietly spread. In the end, all these chaotic and complex emotions turned into a barely audible sigh, dissipating into the empty and cold depths of the palace.

In that sigh lay the loneliness of an emperor, and perhaps also a trace of Bibi Dong's own unspoken bewilderment. She could easily decide the fate of the empire, could orchestrate the continent's格局 (geju, a concept encompassing overall situation, overall structure, and overall dynamics), yet she struggled to move forward before her own blood relatives. The evil intentions of Rakshasa might be fading, but the iceberg standing between her and Qian Renxue could not be easily melted by divine power. She had chosen this lonely path of conquest, seemingly destined to bear this insurmountable debt of familial affection. (End of Chapter)