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

Chapter 18 Jealousy
Nearing noon, Feng Yao finished training, changed into a brand new moon-white robe, and slowly walked to the banquet hall of Tiandou Imperial Academy. Sunlight streamed through the painted dome, illuminating the entire building with a golden splendor. The white marble pillars were intricately carved with spirit beast motifs, and the polished marble floor beneath his feet reflected the graceful figures of the waiters moving about.

"It's worthy of being the number one institution of higher learning in the empire," Feng Yao sighed inwardly. Perhaps only the Tiandou Royal Academy is qualified to equip such a luxurious banquet venue.

As he stopped to admire, a waiter in a dark-patterned brocade robe quietly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Dear guest, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been waiting for you. Please follow me."

The waiter led Feng Yao through a winding corridor. Portraits of outstanding scholars from past dynasties hung on the walls on both sides, but Feng Yao didn't recognize any of them. Finally, they stopped in front of a carved sandalwood door.

"Your Highness, Young Master Feng has arrived." The waiter reported softly.

"Come in." Xue Qinghe's voice, as gentle as jade, came from inside the door.

As the door slowly opened, a delicate fragrance of snow lotus filled the air. Feng Yao straightened his clothes and calmly entered the room. The furnishings were elegant, with exquisite tea sets placed on a square table. The window faced a plum forest, creating a tranquil and pleasant view.

Xue Qinghe sat at the head of the table, his moon-white brocade robe gleaming softly in the sunlight, his every gesture revealing the air of royalty. His slender fingers gently stroked the edge of the teacup, his gaze gently fixed on Feng Yao.

"Greetings to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Feng Yao saluted respectfully, his movements impeccable.

"Student Feng, there's no need to be so formal." Xue Qinghe raised his hand, the gold embroidery on his sleeves reflecting tiny glints of light. "Please take a seat."

After Feng Yao sat down, Xue Qinghe personally poured him a cup of tea and casually asked, "I wonder where Mr. Feng's teacher came from? His zither skills and control of his soul power don't seem to be self-taught. Mr. Feng's story actually makes me quite curious." He changed the subject, "But to have achieved such success in just a few years, he must be extremely talented."

Feng Yao took the teacup with both hands, feeling the warmth of the cup's walls with his fingertips. "Your Highness, I do not have a formal master." He took a sip of tea and continued, "After awakening my martial spirit at the age of six, I was fortunate to work in a teahouse in Notting City, where I was appreciated by the owner, Ning. Upon graduation, he gave me a letter of recommendation for Yuexuan, which led to my current success."

"So you're Madam Yuehua's most distinguished disciple." Xue Qinghe suddenly smiled. "No wonder you're so exceptional in both etiquette and music." He paused meaningfully. "Speaking of which, Feng has a long history with our master."

Feng Yao knew full well that from the moment he entered Tiandou Imperial Academy, all the information had likely been on the "Crown Prince's" desk. He calmly put down his teacup and said, "Your Highness, you are too kind. However, where does this connection come from? Please enlighten me."

Xue Qinghe played with the teacup in his hand. "The shopkeeper Ning who recommended you to study at Yuexuan must be a member of my master's family." He raised his eyes to Feng Yao, his gaze as warm as a spring breeze, yet filled with unmistakable probing. "The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has always had a discerning eye for talent."

The plum blossoms outside the window danced, casting dappled shadows on the ground between them. Feng Yao sensed the probing tone in the other person's words, and the corners of his mouth curled up just the right amount: "I see. No wonder Manager Ning has such a keen eye for music."

"How about I introduce you to my teacher if there's a chance?" Xue Qinghe tapped the teacup with his fingertips, his tone gentle but with a temptation that couldn't be ignored.

Feng Yao looked embarrassed, smiled bitterly and bowed: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness."

"Oh?" Xue Qinghe raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes, "You don't seem to want to see my master?"

Feng Yao sighed softly, his fingertips unconsciously brushing across his knees. "I'm ashamed to say this. Manager Ning has been incredibly kind to me, but..." He raised his eyes, a genuine sense of helplessness evident in them. "I'm naturally undisciplined and can't handle such a big responsibility. With a three-foot-long zither in hand, I'm already content. Compared to becoming a sect spirit master, I'd rather be an ordinary instructor at Tiandou Royal Academy or Yuexuan."

These words brought a subtle flash of joy to Xue Qinghe's eyes. He gracefully picked up the teacup, letting the mist of tea obscure the calculation in his eyes.

He was well aware of the current situation—the Imperial Fighting Team was nominally led by Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan. While the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan and the Empire were on good terms, Yu Tianheng was ultimately a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan, so it was obvious what he would choose between the Empire and the clan. As for Dugu Yan, behind her stood Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo with a close friendship with Prince Xuexing. That uncle was his staunchest opponent at court.

Xue Qinghe thought to himself, "If I could recruit someone as gifted as Feng Yao, someone without a sect background, I could not only counterbalance Yu Tianheng's influence within the team, but I might even be able to win over Dugu Bo through him. After all, according to intelligence, Dugu Bo's grandparents were quite fond of this young zither player."

"Everyone has their own aspirations, and I naturally respect Feng's choice." Xue Qinghe put down the teacup, his voice as gentle as jade. "However, with your talent, it would be a pity if you could only be a teacher."

Feng Yao was about to respond when Xue Qinghe elegantly raised his hand and interrupted him with a smile, "Let's talk about this another day. Today, let's try the imperial cooking skills that I brought from the palace."

As soon as he finished speaking, the carved wooden door of the wing room was gently pushed open. A team of waiters dressed in plain palace attire filed in, holding gilded food trays in their hands. In an instant, the entire table was covered with exquisite palace dishes:

The crystal clear shrimp dumplings shimmered with an alluring luster on the jade plate;

The golden and crispy roasted pigeon is placed in a gilded cup, and the aroma is fragrant;

The emerald green soup is served in a white jade bowl, like a pool of spring water.

The leading waiter bowed respectfully and said, "Your Highness, the dishes are ready as you ordered."

Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, picked up the ivory chopsticks and gestured, "Student Feng, please."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness." Feng Yao saluted with chopsticks.

During the meal, the two of them elegantly enjoyed the exquisite imperial cuisine. Xue Qinghe occasionally substituted tea for wine, discussing elegant matters of music with Feng Yao. Feng Yao responded appropriately, neither rude nor flattering. The curls of smoke from the gilded incense burner added a touch of otherworldly charm to the luncheon.

After the last dessert was removed, Feng Yao stood up and said politely, "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. However, I have team training this afternoon, so I won't bother you any further."

Xue Qinghe sat upright in the main seat, with just the right smile on his lips: "Student Feng is studying diligently, which is very comforting to me." After saying that, he glanced at the waiter beside him.

The waiter understood and bowed to lead the way: "Mr. Feng, please follow me."

After the door gently closed, Xue Qinghe picked up the teacup, his gaze still fixed on the direction Feng Yao had left. The sunlight from the window gilded his profile, but it couldn't reach his deep eyes.

"Innate soul power level four, and reached level twenty-seven at the age of twelve." He murmured to himself, his fingertips slowly stroking the rim of the cup. "What's even more rare is this composure, which remains unmoved by praise or criticism."

The tea reflected the slightly raised corners of his lips. The eyes of this seemingly gentle and graceful Crown Prince were now gleaming with the admiration of discovering a rough gem, the excitement of a chess player at a brilliant move.

"A man of natural talent, a modest gentleman." Xue Qinghe drank the tea in his cup in one gulp. "Interesting."

In the afternoon, sunlight streamed down the training ground, casting a crisscross pattern of light and dark. As Feng Yao, cradling Fuxi, slowly entered, he discovered the Royal Fighting Team already engaged in group training. "Xiaofeng!" Dugu Yan was the first to notice him, immediately interrupting her coordinated practice with Yu Tianheng. Her emerald-like hair traced a graceful arc through the air. She hurried over, her eyes brimming with undisguised concern. "What does His Royal Highness want from you? Did he cause you any trouble?"

Before Feng Yao could reply, a sharp blue flash of lightning suddenly exploded not far away. Yu Tianheng approached with a cold expression, his Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex spirit still not fully retracted, and tiny arcs of electricity still lingered around him.

"Yan Zi, you left the team without permission during training. Is this the example your vice-captain sets?" His voice was colder than usual, but his eyes were fixed on Feng Yao.

Dugu Yan frowned unhappily: "Tian Heng, I just..."

"Are you just concerned about the new team member?" Yu Tianheng interrupted her, a sarcastic smile on his face. "That's right. After all, he's the 'young talent' hand-picked by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

The atmosphere in the training ground froze instantly. The Shimo brothers looked at each other in bewilderment. Yufeng shrank his neck exaggeratedly. Even the usually silent Oslo cast a surprised look.

Feng Yao calmly stroked the strings of the zither, smiling and saying slowly, "Captain Yu is right. I interrupted everyone's training." He turned to Dugu Yan and said gently but refusing to refuse, "Sister Yan, let's finish the training first. We can talk after the training is over."

Dugu Yan opened her mouth to say something, but was defeated by Feng Yao's calm gaze. She glared at Yu Tianheng fiercely, and as she turned to return to the team, her emerald hair swung out in a sharp arc.

Yu Tianheng snorted coldly, and arcs of electricity crackled around him. When he turned around, Feng Yao keenly noticed that the descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex had his fists clenched tightly, his knuckles turning a bluish-white color.

"Interesting, it turns out that they both have significant character flaws." Feng Yao stroked the zither case thoughtfully.

It seems that Qian Renxue's coming here to win him over was not without reason. As the captain of the imperial battle, he did not take the prince seriously. The only reason he did not get rid of him was because there was no better alternative.

Feng Yao slowly walked to the edge of the training ground and sat cross-legged in a familiar spot, smiling briefly without giving it much thought. The sound of the zither gradually rose, blending into the rhythm of the training ground like flowing water, yet no one noticed the sharp edge hidden in the notes.

The blazing afternoon sun streamed down onto the training ground, illuminating the entire area with exceptional brightness. Qin Ming stood at the sidelines, his arms folded, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Royal Fighting Team members in training. Soon, his brow furrowed slightly—something was clearly not right with the training atmosphere today.

Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus spirit roamed wildly throughout his body, each strike more fiercely than usual, but lacking the usual precise control. A bolt of lightning even deviated from its intended trajectory, nearly striking the observing Yu Feng.

"Hey! Captain, please watch out!" Yufeng jumped away exaggeratedly, his golden hair slightly standing up due to the lightning.

On the other side, Dugu Yan, while still moving smoothly, showed obvious resistance when coordinating with Yu Tianheng. The connection between her skills was a little slow, resulting in a clear flaw in her offensive.

A flicker of understanding flashed across Qin Ming's eyes. As someone who had experienced this, he knew all too well what this delicate atmosphere signified. His gaze unconsciously shifted to Feng Yao, who was playing the qin on the sidelines. The young man remained calm and composed, his qin playing as usual, as if completely unaffected by the tense atmosphere.

"These kids..." Qin Ming shook his head secretly. As a teacher, he should have stepped in to mediate, but facing Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan, who had deep backgrounds, he, the nominal instructor, did not have much say. Moreover, such matters involving personal feelings
Qin Ming sighed, so he decided to change his approach: "Everyone gather!"

When the team members gathered together, Qin Ming said with a stern face, "Today's team training was a complete mess! Since you can't concentrate, let's switch to individual training and continue with the usual plan."

This arrangement cleverly separated the two. Yu Tianheng opened his mouth as if to say something, but under Qin Ming's unusually stern gaze, he turned and walked towards his usual training area. Dugu Yan pouted, tossed her emerald hair, and walked away to the other side.

Feng Yao's piano music never stopped. At this time, Qin Ming looked at Feng Yao and understood something. Why Feng Yao could achieve such achievements and even explore the uses of various martial spirits? The reason can be summed up in two words: focus. He understood that the so-called teamwork is only temporary, and friends are sometimes just passers-by on the road of life.

Although order had been restored in the training ground, everyone could feel that some subtle changes had quietly taken place in the team.

The evening glow gilded the training ground. Feng Yao sat cross-legged in a corner, his fingertips tracing the strings of the "Fuxi" qin, creating a melodious melody. The sound, like the gurgling of water, blended with the warm glow of the setting sun, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Suddenly, a shrill voice broke the silence.

“Wind Yao!”

The music suddenly stopped. Feng Yao frowned and slowly opened his eyes, only to see Dugu Yan clutching Yu Tianheng's arm. Her emerald hair was slightly disheveled from the intense movement, and her emerald eyes were filled with anger.

"What are you doing? Are you crazy? Disturbing others' practice is a big taboo for soul masters!" Dugu Yan lowered her voice and scolded, but the strength in her hands did not decrease at all.

Yu Tianheng's body was still swirling with arcs of blue electricity, his handsome face slightly distorted by anger. He shook off Dugu Yan's hand and said in a cold, hard voice, "Don't worry about it. I have something to ask him."

Feng Yao calmly placed the "Fuxi" into its zither case. As he stood up, his moon-white robe swayed gently in the evening breeze. "Captain Yu, what advice do you have?"

The other players in the training ground stopped moving. Yufeng covered his mouth exaggeratedly. The Shimo and Shimo brothers looked at each other in confusion. Even the usually aloof Osro cast a concerned look.

Dugu Yan stood between the two of them, her long emerald hair moving without wind: "Tian Heng, you..."

"Yanzi, this is between him and me." Yu Tianheng interrupted her, a glint in his eyes. "Feng Yao, do you dare to fight me? A pure soul master duel."

The afterglow of the setting sun stretched the three people's shadows, weaving them into a complex pattern on the training ground. Feng Yao's gaze shifted from the enraged Dugu Yan to the battle-filled Yu Tianheng, and finally to the zither case in his arms.

“Why not?”

Feng Yao responded softly, a faint smile on his lips, and his fingertips tapped lightly on the zither case, producing a crisp sound. This calm response stirred an invisible ripple in the training ground.

Dugu Yan turned her head sharply, her emerald hair drawing a sharp arc in the air. Her emerald eyes widened in disbelief, "Xiaofeng, you..."

Yu Tianheng sneered, and suddenly a dazzling blue electric light burst out from his body. The crackling arcs of electricity made his handsome face flicker. He was about to speak when suddenly -

"Snapped!"

(End of this chapter)