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

As Feng Yao's ship slowly approached the western coast of the continent, and the familiar outline of Han Hai City gradually became clear, the expressions of the people on the bow of the ship changed slightly.

On the towering city walls of Hanhai City, the flags of the former Tiandou Empire were nowhere to be seen. In their place were flags fluttering in the wind, embroidered with angel patterns and scepter emblems—the symbol of the Martial Soul Empire!

"That's... the flag of the Martial Soul Empire!" Ning Rongrong gasped, her beautiful eyes filled with shock. Although she had long anticipated the dramatic changes in the continent's situation, witnessing the flag change atop Han Hai City was still a powerful and vivid shock.

Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling exchanged a glance, their gazes turning to Feng Yao with complex emotions. Dugu Yan took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly with emotion: "Xiao Feng... she actually did it..."

Feng Yao met their gazes, a complex yet knowing smile appearing on his face. He nodded slightly: "Yes, she did it. But this is not her achievement alone, but the result of our collective efforts. Xue'er endured and lay low for nearly twenty years, and now she has finally seen the light of day. This 'achievement' belongs to each and every one of us."

The scene before him gave him a more direct understanding of the dramatic changes taking place on the continent. The expansion speed of the Martial Soul Empire far exceeded his expectations.

"Let's go, let's go into the city and see what's changed," Feng Yao said with a light laugh. Then, he led the three women and, following the flow of people, quietly entered Hanhai City.

The atmosphere in the city was noticeably different from usual. There were many more patrol teams of Soul Masters in the uniforms of the Spirit Empire, and the pedestrians' faces were less relaxed than before, showing more caution and repression. However, basic order was still maintained, and shops and restaurants remained open, as the Spirit Empire also needed stability to digest the newly occupied land.

Feng Yao chose a large restaurant located in a bustling area with high foot traffic, and sat down in a private room by the window on the second floor. This is often where news spreads the fastest.

After ordering the food and drinks, Feng Yao casually sipped his tea, but in reality, his powerful spiritual energy spread out like an invisible spider web, capturing the conversations in the lobby and various private rooms.

Amidst the clamor of discussion, fragmented pieces of information gradually came together:

"...Have you heard? Those cowards from the Haotian Sect are actually afraid of our empire after all. They've abandoned their sect and disappeared without a trace!"

"Hmph, they're lucky they know what's good for them! Otherwise, once His Majesty's army arrives, they'll be annihilated!"

"The fighting over there in the Star Luo Empire is truly brutal! That old guy Dai Tianfeng is really fighting desperately, but I heard the pressure on the front lines is immense; the Spirit Hall's Soul Master Legion is too powerful..."

"It's not just the Soul Master Legion! I have a cousin who works in logistics, and I heard... I heard that our empire has 'gods' helping us! We're invincible!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down! Is that something we should be discussing?"

"Where is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? Aren't they known as the number one support sect in the world? Why haven't they made a move?"

"Who knows? The sect is in complete seclusion, not a whisper of news. They've probably realized the situation..."

"Sigh, the world has really changed..."

Listening to these discussions, Feng Yao frowned slightly. Although the information was fragmented, it confirmed some of his suspicions:
As expected, the Haotian Sect chose to relocate, temporarily avoiding direct conflict.

The Star Luo Empire is struggling to hold on, the battle is fierce, and the Martial Soul Empire seems to be using forces beyond what is expected.

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School chose to remain dormant, which aligns with Ning Fengzhi's style and serves as clear bait.

Ordinary people and lower-level Soul Masters gradually accepted the rule of the Spirit Empire out of fear.

When pieced together, this information paints a picture of the current tense situation on the continent. The Martial Soul Empire is gaining momentum and possesses what appears to be a god-level power, while the resistance forces are scattered and at a disadvantage.

"Feng Yao, I want to go back to the sect to take a look..." Ning Rongrong lowered her voice, her tone revealing her concern and worry for the sect.

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao smiled calmly and reassured her, "Rongrong, there's no need to worry. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School has a deep foundation and is currently safe and sound. Uncle Ning's actions are actually a way of 'fishing' for us."

"Fishing?" Ye Lingling repeated softly from the side, looking puzzled.

“Not bad.” Feng Yao’s eyes flashed slightly, revealing a hint of understanding. “The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is now showing weakness to the enemy, putting on an act of being oppressed by the new dynasty and having no choice but to endure. This is exactly the tacit understanding that Sect Master Ning and His Holiness the Pope have already reached. This move is intended to observe the situation and see which forces will be unable to hold back and take the initiative to jump out and become the ‘fish’ that gets caught in the trap amidst the changing political landscape.”

He paused, his tone filled with approval of Ning Fengzhi's strategy: "If we can eliminate some potential threats through this, that would be best. Even if no one takes the bait this time, when the war between the Empire and Star Luo reaches a critical juncture, you will surely see the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School clearly standing on the side of the Empire on the battlefield. Uncle Ning's foresight never fails."

Hearing Feng Yao's analysis, Ning Rongrong finally felt a huge weight lifted from her heart and let out a long sigh of relief. She couldn't help but recall when they participated in the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School still harbored a glimmer of hope that the "Three Upper Sects were of one mind," and even stepped in to protect Tang San. Who could have predicted that the boy of yesteryear would transform into what he is today? Life is unpredictable, and it's truly lamentable.

Feng Yao took in the expressions of the three women, smiled gently, and said in a relaxed tone, "Alright, stop looking so serious. When I returned to the mainland alone last time, I visited Sect Master Ning and Senior Dugu. They are both well, and the sect is safe and sound. This time, I will safely take you home first, so that Uncle Ning and Senior Dugu can see with their own eyes how amazing their precious daughter and granddaughter have made on Seagod Island."

Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan both revealed a mixture of anticipation and nervous excitement at returning home. However, Ye Lingling lowered her eyes slightly, a trace of undisguised disappointment flashing across her gaze—she had been alone since childhood, and the vast Ye Manor had been inhabited by only her since she awakened her martial spirit.

Feng Yao keenly sensed her emotions and naturally reached out to gently grasp her slightly cool fingertips. Ye Lingling was slightly taken aback, then looked up to meet Feng Yao's smiling eyes, which he even playfully winked at. Immediately afterward, a gentle mental transmission quietly resounded in her mind, conveying her exclusive arrangements. Ye Lingling's pretty face flushed crimson, the blush spreading to her ears. A hint of panic flashed in her beautiful eyes, followed by an indescribable shyness and a hidden anticipation. Subconsciously, she gently squeezed Feng Yao's hand back, then quickly lowered her head, unable to look at them any longer.

Feng Yao did not rush on his journey. Instead, he led the three women along the way like ordinary travelers, seemingly sightseeing, but actually taking the opportunity to carefully observe this land that had changed hands.

Along the way, he saw that most towns and villages had returned to basic order, and the ruling machinery of the Spirit Empire was gradually replacing the old Heaven Dou system. He also learned from various sources that in order to more effectively appease the vast territory and people's hearts of the former Heaven Dou Empire, the Spirit Empire implemented a dual-capital system: Spirit City was designated as the Spirit Capital, symbolizing the Spirit Hall's inheritance and the empire's military foundation; at the same time, Heaven Dou City was retained as the Heaven Dou Capital to show appeasement towards the former Heaven Dou people and traditional forces.

This dual-capital structure is far more than a simple preservation of titles. Strategically, Spirit City, located deep in the heart of the continent, serves as the war engine and command center for the Star Luo Empire's campaigns, facilitating resource mobilization and offensive operations. Meanwhile, Heaven Dou City, situated in the heart of the former Heaven Dou territory, plays a crucial role in stabilizing the rear and consolidating the spoils of victory, providing strategic depth and a buffer for the front lines. This arrangement avoids the risks of the ruling center being too far forward and also mitigates, to some extent, the resistance from the former Heaven Dou region.

Along the way, the empire's rule appeared to be stable on the surface, but Feng Yao keenly sensed that undercurrents still lurked beneath this calm. The disillusionment of the old nobility, the wait-and-see attitude of the common people, and the potential sporadic resistance in remote areas all indicated that the Martial Soul Empire's rule was far from secure.

This seemingly leisurely return journey gave Feng Yao a more direct and profound understanding of the current state and strategies of the Martial Soul Empire. The empire's territory was unprecedentedly vast, but how to truly integrate it into a unified whole tested the wisdom and patience of Bibi Dong and her newly established empire. All of this would become an important reference for his next move.

A few days later, in front of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's mountain gate.

"Halt!" The disciples guarding the mountain gate were clearly on high alert and immediately shouted to stop them. But when they saw the familiar figure among the newcomers and the aura of the unparalleled Nine Treasures Glazed Pagoda, they were stunned.

"Young...Young Miss? The Young Miss is back!"

"Quickly! Inform the sect leader and Elder Sword Douluo!"

The news spread like wildfire through the sect's depths. In a short while, several powerful auras rushed in from within the sect, led by Sect Master Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin!
"Rongrong!" Ning Fengzhi, seeing his daughter unharmed and with an unfathomable aura, could not hide his excitement and quickly stepped forward. Although Sword Douluo Chen Xin was taciturn, his sharp eyes were filled with relief and concern. His gaze carefully swept over Ning Rongrong, confirming that she was unharmed.

"Dad! Grandpa Jian!" Ning Rongrong's eyes reddened, and she rushed over like a fledgling returning to its nest, throwing herself into her father's arms. After years of separation and the perilous trials on Seagod Island, she was overwhelmed with emotion at returning to her family.

Ning Fengzhi gently patted his daughter's back, saying repeatedly, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!" He looked up at Feng Yao, who was standing to the side with a smile, his eyes filled with sincere gratitude. "Young friend Feng Yao, I can't thank you enough! Rongrong's safe return and her progress are all thanks to your care."

Feng Yao returned the greeting with a cupped hand and said humbly, "Uncle Ning, you flatter me. Rongrong has exceptional talent, but her own hard work is the key. I have only done my best."

Chen Xin nodded slightly to Feng Yao, everything was understood without words.

Everyone returned to the solemn council hall and took their seats. Ning Fengzhi inquired carefully about Ning Rongrong's experiences on Seagod Island. When he heard the details of the trials, such as the Tide Body Refinement and the Challenge of the Ring Sea, he was deeply moved. When he learned that Ning Rongrong had finally completed all the trials, greatly improved her soul power, and even received the reward of increasing the age of all her soul rings, he was overjoyed.

"Good! Good! The future of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is promising!" Ning Fengzhi clapped his hands and laughed, then looked at Feng Yao, his expression turning solemn. "Young friend Feng Yao, you must have witnessed the dramatic changes on the continent on your way back."

Feng Yao nodded and briefly recounted what he had seen along the way and the news he had heard in Hanhai City, mentioning the relocation of Haotian Sect and the bitter battle fought by Xingluo Empire.

Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, "The Clear Sky Sect's decision to temporarily avoid confrontation is a wise move. They have contacted me privately several times, but I feel it's far from the right time." He then changed the subject, a shrewd glint in his eyes, "However, it will be no easy task for the Martial Soul Empire to completely assimilate the Heavenly Battle. Dragging things out now will not only make the Clear Sky Sect trust us more, but also buy the empire more time to digest the situation."

Feng Yao smiled upon hearing this and said, "Sect Master Ning is truly insightful and far-sighted. I admire you. Now that Rongrong has been safely returned, I will not linger any longer. I still need to go to Sunset Forest with Yan Yan."

Ning Fengzhi smiled slightly, understanding that Feng Yao couldn't show favoritism, and nodded. Although Ning Rongrong was reluctant to part, she understood that Feng Yao had important matters to attend to, and obediently said goodbye to him.

As Feng Yao left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he sensed that this seemingly peaceful sect was actually like a fully drawn bow, ready to face any future storms. Ning Fengzhi, the wise sect leader, had clearly already laid out his plans, waiting only for the right moment. Feng Yao felt completely at ease sending Ning Rongrong back here.

Next, Feng Yao escorted Dugu Yan to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well in Sunset Forest. Seeing his granddaughter return safely and with a significant leap in strength, Poison Douluo Dugu Bo was so moved he almost burst into tears. He held Dugu Yan's hand, looking her up and down, showering her with concern. Feng Yao told Dugu Bo about Dugu Yan's outstanding performance on Seagod Island, which made the proud Title Douluo beam with joy, repeatedly thanking Feng Yao. At Dugu Bo's insistence, Feng Yao stayed at the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well for a day, exchanging some observations and cultivation insights from the continent, before setting off again.

Finally, Feng Yao brought Ye Lingling to Tian Dou City.

Although the name of Heaven Dou City remains unchanged—perhaps a deliberate preservation by the Spirit Empire to appease the people and ensure a smooth transition—the atmosphere within the city is drastically different from what it once was. The imperial flag has been replaced by the emblem of the Spirit Empire, the patrolling soldiers are now the Spirit Hall's Soul Masters, and the pedestrians on the streets hurry about their business. The former prosperity and tranquility have been replaced by a sense of oppression and caution. The shift in power has left a clear mark on every corner of this ancient capital.

Fortunately, when Feng Yao and Ye Lingling returned to the Ye residence, they found it still as tranquil as ever. The mansion was well-maintained and spotless, as if the owners had only been away for a short time. The servants were overjoyed to see Ye Lingling return and greeted her respectfully.

The only noticeable change is that "Xiao Wu," who was adopted by Ye Lingling, has grown quite a bit in size and has a shinier coat thanks to the careful feeding of the maids. At this moment, she is curled up in a corner of the yard, happily munching on a carrot, seemingly oblivious to everything around her, still looking completely unaware.

Seeing her home safe and sound, Ye Lingling finally felt a huge weight lifted from her shoulders, a relieved smile spreading across her face as she returned to familiar surroundings. Feng Yao looked at her, chuckled, and said softly, "Lingling, we're not on Seagod Island anymore, and Yan Yan and Rong Rong aren't here either. We..."

Ye Lingling blushed and glared at Feng Yao without saying a word.

...(End of chapter)