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

Inside the Papal Palace of the Martial Soul Empire.

A purple-gold divine light flowed within the hall, illuminating Bibi Dong's icy face. Her slender fingers traced across the military sand table, gently tapping several areas that had been stained with the Star Luo Empire's insignia. Each tap sent shivers down the spines of the cardinals standing in attendance.

"The Prince of War?" A mocking smile played on her lips. "Just a greenhorn, yet I have to personally intervene. What... what are you all good for?"

A chilling, oppressive aura spread out as if it were a tangible force, and the cardinals all knelt on the ground, their robes soaked with cold sweat. Not one of them dared to raise his head and look directly at the figure on the throne.

After a long silence, a chilling killing intent flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes: "Dai Mubai..."

She slowly rose, a deep, dark light swirling in her purple eyes. An enemy with god-like potential, if allowed to rally the people and turn the tide of battle, would become the greatest stumbling block to the empire's unification cause.

What alarmed her even more was the unusual nature of Dai Mubai's rise to power.

She admitted that Dai Mubai's talent was indeed outstanding—but that was all. In terms of pure aptitude, there were countless young geniuses in the Spirit Hall who were comparable to him. Why did the gods' favor fall specifically on this Star Luo prince?
This is far more than just a matter of talent. The selection of successors by the gods has always been mysterious and unpredictable, but the timing and target of the God of War's descent this time have a deliberate feel to them.

"Pass down the order," her voice carrying an undeniable authority, "Within three months, I demand a full-scale advance on the Star Luo front. As for that 'War God Prince'..."

The candlelight inside the hall flickered on its own without any wind, casting flickering shadows in her eyes.

Meanwhile, under the healing power of the Asura God, Tang San's severe injuries healed at an astonishing rate. However, he did not immediately continue the cruel divine trial, but instead fell into deep thought.

He stroked the wound on his chest, which had just healed but still ached faintly. Feng Yao's relentless pursuit, like a leech, had left a deep shadow in his heart. He knew very well that even if he immediately began the next divine trial, that terrifying man would still find him across vast distances using some means he couldn't comprehend, and drive him into a corner once more. He had to find a place where he could completely escape, or at least greatly limit Feng Yao's ability to pursue him.

His spiritual power quietly spread, capturing the chaotic flow of information around him. Soon, the raging war on the border between the Star Luo Empire and the Martial Soul Empire caught his attention. In particular, the news of "War God Prince" Dai Mubai's outstanding performance on the battlefield stirred something within him.

A bold plan instantly took shape in his mind.

"Battlefield...that's it, battlefield!" A cold and cunning glint flashed in Tang San's eyes. "Two armies facing each other, a million troops gathered, their auras mixed, the killing intent soaring to the sky—it's the perfect cover! More importantly, it's the main force camp of the Spirit Empire!"

The more he thought about it, the more feasible the plan seemed. As long as he hid within the Spirit Empire's army, blending in with tens of thousands of Soul Masters and soldiers, and using the army's own aura and formations to conceal himself, Feng Yao's uncanny tracking methods would be greatly reduced in effectiveness. Even if Feng Yao did find him, amidst tens of thousands of Soul Masters and soldiers, would he dare to act recklessly and provoke an attack from the entire Spirit Empire's army? Unless he wanted to make an enemy of the entire empire!
"Feng Yao... no matter how strong you are, you're still just a mortal. I want to see if you dare to defy the world!" Tang San's lips curled into a cold smile. "Besides, Mu Bai is over there... perhaps we can still have a chance to join forces with him... and inflict a heavy blow on the Spirit Empire!"

With this in mind, Tang San no longer hesitated. A barely perceptible crimson light enveloped Tang San, silently tearing through space and heading towards the front lines where the Star Luo Empire and the Spirit Empire were at war. This time, Tang San deliberately threw himself into the more chaotic, yet perhaps safer, vortex of war. He wanted to buy himself precious time to complete the Divine Trial amidst the iron wall of a million-strong army.

In the God Realm, when the Asura God sensed Tang San's thought, his scarlet eyes narrowed slightly.

This choice was indeed ingenious—using the aura of a million-strong army to conceal himself, turning the entire Martial Soul Empire into a protective talisman. However, this inheritor clearly overlooked a crucial point: the battlefield was a melting pot of the resentment of countless dying souls, the evil thoughts bred from slaughter, and the negative energy intertwined with national and personal hatred. This filthy energy was nothing short of deadly poison for the Asura God Trial, which required maintaining a judgmental mindset and mastering the pure rules of slaughter. It could easily trigger inner demons, distort divinity, and ultimately lead to the failure of the God Trial.

Not to mention, this action essentially uses innocent soldiers as human shields, which violates the principles of justice and fairness.

But when he looked at the core of the laws governing the divine realm and felt the increasingly dazzling light emanating from the positions of angels and rakshasa gods, his obsession with maintaining "balance" ultimately overcame his concerns.

"So be it," the oracle murmured within the crimson temple. "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures; this is also a test for him."

He did not stop Tang San, which was both a tacit approval of his plan and a subtle protective force to purify the resentment on the battlefield. The Asura God closed his eyes, allowing the inheritor to throw himself into the furnace of blood and fire.

Following the increasingly clear guidance of the Rakshasa Gem, Feng Yao tracked the enemy all the way and finally arrived at the vast border where the Star Luo Empire and the Martial Soul Empire were at war. When he sensed the soaring murderous aura ahead and the familiar, concealed fluctuation of Asura divine power mixed in with the million-strong army, his brows immediately furrowed.

"He actually hid here... He's certainly made a good plan." Feng Yao instantly understood Tang San's intention. He wanted to use the armies of the two warring countries, especially the Spirit Empire's military camp, as cover, and use this incredibly complex environment and massive army to hinder his tracking and actions. Even if he found him, Tang San wouldn't dare to make a move.

He hovered in the clouds, concealing all his aura, calmly surveying the battlefield below. The Star Luo Empire's army, led by the "old acquaintance" Dai Mubai, was riding high on morale. The core Star Luo Royal Knights, in particular, bolstered by Dai Mubai's battle-ready domain, surged like a golden torrent, repeatedly crashing through the Spirit Empire's defenses. Although the Spirit Empire's army was elite, it seemed unable to withstand the onslaught of Dai Mubai, this newly chosen god, and their lines were constantly retreating, suffering considerable casualties.

Feng Yao's eyes flickered slightly. If he were to directly storm into the Spirit Empire's military camp to find Tang San, he would not only alert the enemy but also potentially cause unpredictable chaos, and might even be mistaken for an enemy by the Spirit Empire's army. However, if he allowed Dai Mubai to continue his assault, the Spirit Empire's defenses would collapse, and the battlefield situation would spiral out of control.

"It seems I need to help them stabilize their situation first." Feng Yao made a decision. His target was always Tang San, but maintaining a relatively stable environment conducive to his search was equally important.

With a thought, the Primordial Eight Trigrams Plate silently appeared in his palm. He did not choose an aggressive trigram, but instead activated the Kun and Xun trigrams!

The Kun trigram represents the earth, symbolizing weight and the ability to bear all things.
The Xun trigram represents wind, which penetrates everywhere!
In an instant, the terrain of the battlefield below underwent a subtle change. The ground beneath the feet of the Spirit Empire's army became slightly tilted and more solid, and a strong wind propelled them, subtly enhancing their impact and speed; while the charging knights of the Star Luo Empire felt as if they were sinking into an invisible quagmire, the wind blowing in their faces carrying a sticky force that greatly slowed their charge and disrupted their charging formation.

At the same time, the spiritual power of the wind element, mixed with the water element of the Kan trigram, brought a cool sensation, like a gentle spring breeze and rain, to the hearts of the soldiers of the Martial Soul Empire. This dispelled the panic and fatigue they had felt due to the prolonged and unfavorable battle, making their will stronger and their command smoother.

This sudden change in the power of heaven and earth instantly reversed the momentum on the battlefield!

The once unstoppable Star Luo Royal Knights' charge was thwarted, their speed greatly reduced. Meanwhile, the Martial Soul Empire's army felt the pressure ease and seized the opportunity. Under the command of their generals, they quickly stabilized their formation and organized an effective counterattack. They actually withstood the fierce attack led by Dai Mubai and even began to gradually recover lost territory! On the other side of the battlefield, Dai Mubai suddenly felt an invisible force interfering with his War God Domain, hindering his army's offensive. He looked around in surprise and doubt, but could not find any trace of the spellcaster. He could only attribute it to the strange changes in the battlefield environment.

After the war, before the smoke had completely cleared, in front of the central army camp of the Martial Soul Empire.

As the generals of the Martial Soul Empire were feeling both surprised and relieved by the strange yet timely "divine intervention," a figure strode out of the camp. It was none other than Hu Liena, the Holy Maiden of the Martial Soul Empire and the personal disciple of Pope Bibi Dong.

Under the surprised and puzzled gazes of the crowd, she walked straight to Feng Yao, who was still floating in mid-air with his clothes fluttering. Her expression was complicated but clearly respectful. She solemnly performed a high-level salute from the Spirit Hall for Feng Yao.

“Elder Feng Yao,” Hu Liena said clearly, “thank you for your help in stabilizing the battle.”

Upon hearing this, the surrounding generals and soul masters of the Spirit Empire were immediately in an uproar! So the mysterious force that had just turned the tide of the battle was actually the work of this seemingly young "elder"? Moreover, Her Highness the Holy Maiden was so respectful to him? Just who exactly is this elder?

Feng Yao glanced at Hu Liena bowing to him and nodded slightly. He understood that this was both a gesture of gratitude and a way for Bibi Dong to show him goodwill and confirm his identity and status in front of the imperial high command, thus facilitating his subsequent actions.

“No need for formalities, Your Highness.” Feng Yao spoke calmly, her voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone’s ears. “I have other important business to attend to. I just happened to be here and offered my assistance.”

Feng Yao's gaze swept across the massive Martial Soul Empire military camp below once more, his eyes deep and unfathomable. Tang San, are you hiding among this million-strong army? Did you think I wouldn't be able to find you? Little do you know, your self-serving actions have only trapped you in a giant cage.

The hunt is about to begin again on this battlefield forged of iron and blood. Only this time, the hunting grounds are larger, the prey more cunning, and the hunters have more "helpers."

Just as Feng Yao was preparing to return to Wuhun City and invite Bibi Dong to come in person, a vast, cold, yet supremely majestic divine pressure descended from the sky without warning, enveloping the entire Wuhun Empire camp!

The sky seemed to dim for a moment as a streak of purple-gold light tore through the clouds, falling like a meteor and hovering precisely above the central army camp. As the light dissipated, it revealed a peerless figure clad in a purple-gold imperial robe—the Empress of the Martial Soul Empire, the Rakshasa Goddess—Bibi Dong!

Her arrival caused an instant uproar in the entire military camp. All the soldiers and soul masters, including Hu Liena, knelt on the ground with immense excitement and awe, shouting, "Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The roar was deafening, filled with fervor and faith.

Bibi Dong hovered in the air, her purple eyes sweeping indifferently over the kneeling subjects below, who were like a surging tide. She slightly raised her hand, signaling everyone to rise. Her gaze then fell on Feng Yao, who was not kneeling but merely bowing slightly.

"Feng Yao, it seems I have arrived at the perfect time." Bibi Dong's ethereal yet majestic voice rang out. She glanced at the battlefield traces below, which had not yet been completely cleared. "Was that power of heaven and earth that turned the tide of battle just now your doing?"

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Feng Yao straightened up and nodded. "It was just a chance encounter, and I offered a small helping hand."

Bibi Dong nodded slightly, acknowledging the favor. Her gaze swept towards the distant Star Luo Empire, and her tone turned cold: "The Star Luo Empire... it seems that having the inheritance of a god has made them somewhat arrogant."

Taking this opportunity, Feng Yao said, "It's kind of me that Aunt Dong is here in person, saving me the trouble of making another trip. I have something to report to Aunt Dong and discuss with His Majesty."

"Oh? What matter requires you to be so serious?" Bibi Dong turned her gaze to Feng Yao, with a hint of inquiry.

Feng Yao didn't try to hide it from the many generals below, but his voice only rang out in a small circle around Bibi Dong and himself to ensure that the content wouldn't be leaked: "First, it concerns Dai Mubai's ascension to godhood. I can confirm it. Dai Mubai and the Star Luo Empire have become pawns in the God Realm's interference in the Human Realm."

Upon hearing this, Bibi Dong's purple eyes flashed with a cold light, and she snorted coldly: "Just as I thought. My Martial Soul Empire is full of talented people, yet the inheritance of the gods has fallen into the hands of our opponent!"

Feng Yao continued, "Secondly, there is the reason why I am so determined to hunt down Tang San. Besides past grudges, the more important reason is that Tang San is probably also a sharp blade chosen by the gods to eliminate 'variables' and maintain 'balance'. As for me, Aunt Dong, and even Xue'er, in the eyes of the gods, we are probably all 'variables' that need to be 'balanced' out."

"Therefore, I must nip him in the bud before he fully matures and takes complete control of the divine position! This is not only for personal grudges, but also to break the Asura God's plan and win a chance for all of us!"

Feng Yao clearly explained the cause and effect, as well as the divine power struggle involved, to Bibi Dong.

Bibi Dong listened quietly, her beautiful face expressionless, but a cold storm raged deep within her purple eyes. After she achieved the Rakshasa Godhood, the so-called Rakshasa divine will vanished without a trace. At this moment, she began to suspect that the Rakshasa God no longer existed, leaving only the inheritance of divine will. Feng Yao's words confirmed many of her guesses.

“I see…” Bibi Dong spoke slowly, her voice carrying a hint of chilling killing intent, “What a perfect balance…”

She looked at Feng Yao, her eyes now showing a hint of approval and determination: "Your actions were correct. Tang San must die. The gods' scheme must be broken!"

Her gaze swept across the million-strong army camp below, and her powerful Rakshasa divine sense spread out like mercury, beginning to carefully perceive every inch of land and every corner.

"Since he is hiding among my army, then I will personally drag him out!" Bibi Dong's voice carried the majesty of a god and an unquestionable authority. "Xiao Feng, let us join forces and, right here among this million-strong army, utterly destroy this so-called 'Chosen One'!"

...(End of chapter)