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

Chapter 35 Competition
The night was as dark as ink, a bright moon hanging in the sky. Feng Yao finished a day of training and, as usual, walked under the starlight to the simulated training grounds of Tiandou Royal Academy. When he pushed open the door to the familiar training room, he saw a familiar figure already seated inside—Qian Renxue, dressed in a pristine white robe, shimmering in the moonlight, like a jade sculpture.

Feng Yao's pupils shrank slightly, and he calmly closed the door. "Your Highness is so busy, if you stay at the academy for a long time, I'm afraid..." Before he could finish his words, Qian Renxue interrupted calmly, "Don't worry." With that, she closed her eyes, a faint golden aura surrounding her.

Looking at the figure who had already entered into meditation, Feng Yao shook his head and smiled bitterly. However, since Qian Renxue had come, it was also a good thing for him. Then Feng Yao also entered the state of cultivation.

Days passed, and since Feng Yao was kicked off the carriage that day, Qian Renxue came every day, but she was always silent. This ambiguous attitude made Feng Yao's heart ring with alarm bells - since he was already tied to the Spirit Hall, if he could not repair his relationship with Qian Renxue,
The following evening, Feng Yao took out the Xiantian Bagua plate and traced his fingertips over the hexagrams. "Wood generates fire; look for the intersection of Li and Zhen," he muttered to himself. Finally, he found a special training room in the northeast corner of the academy. The terrain was unique, with towering ancient trees outside the window, yet the interior, thanks to the materials used, exuded a scorching, sunny aura. It was the perfect place for the two of them to cultivate together.

Soon, Feng Yao gently knocked on the familiar door of the training room and saw Qian Renxue already sitting inside. Moonlight filtered through the window lattice, casting a silver glow on her cold figure.

Seeing Feng Yao come in, Qian Renxue didn't even raise her eyelids. Just as she was about to activate her soul power, she heard the young man's gentle voice: "Your Highness, I have found a place in the simulated training ground that is more suitable for training. May I ask you to come and take a look?"

Qian Renxue then raised her eyes, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Oh? Classmate Feng actually has such a skill?" She tapped the table with her fingertips. "I remember someone once said that they were most accustomed to this training room."

Feng Yao's ears felt slightly hot, and he coughed lightly. "That was a different time. At that time, I didn't know Your Highness's identity." He met Qian Renxue's scrutinizing gaze and said frankly, "Interactions between people are a process of mutual understanding."

Qian Renxue stood up with a flick of her sleeves, a faint fragrance wafting from her clothes: "Lead the way." These two short words made Feng Yao secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

The newly found training room was hidden deep in the corridor. As soon as the door opened, a warm breeze greeted them. Feng Yao led Qian Renxue to the center of the room and pointed to the floor paved with special materials. "This is the most suitable place for your training, Your Highness." He then sat cross-legged three steps away, forming a perfect yin-yang balance with Qian Renxue.

Moonlight flowed quietly through the training room like water. Qian Renxue seemed in a good mood today, a faint smile playing on her lips. "The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition is approaching, and I heard that the Spirit Hall Academy will have three Soul Kings in command this year." He tapped his knees lightly. "Royal Fighting Team, do you have a chance of winning?"

Feng Yao sat cross-legged in the Zhen position. He raised his eyes upon hearing this: "Before the finals, all members of the team should be able to advance to Soul Sect." He paused, a hint of fighting spirit flashing in his eyes. "As for the outcome, we will know after the battle."

Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed slightly, and the figure that made her feel like a lump in her throat flashed through her mind: "What if I want you to win at all costs?" Although her voice was soft, it was filled with unquestionable determination.

"Then I will do my best." Feng Yao responded with a calm expression.

Qian Renxue suddenly leaned forward, a faint shadow cast across her warm face. "You don't want to ask why?"

Feng Yao met her gaze with a gentle smile, "Everyone has secrets. When Your Highness is willing to tell me, or as you promised on that day, when the time comes, I will know. Some things are not good if they are forced."

Qian Renxue naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Feng Yao's words. The corners of her lips curled up slightly, and she snorted softly before closing her eyes. A faint golden aura emanated from him, flowing like a veil in the moonlight.

Feng Yao smiled knowingly upon seeing this, and also immersed himself in cultivation.

As her soul power circulated, Qian Renxue keenly sensed something unusual—its efficiency had greatly increased. The soul power within her body unexpectedly flowed more smoothly than before, as if every ray of energy in the universe was more easily absorbed into her body. She was secretly shocked. "To accommodate all soul masters, the mimic training grounds have always been constructed with a blend of precious materials of various attributes. Even a Titled Douluo would find it difficult to find a perfectly suitable place to practice in this chaotic energy field."

She quietly opened her eyes and looked at the calm face of the young man opposite her, her doubts growing even stronger: "What on earth is he doing?"

As his practice deepened, this unsolved question eventually turned into a wisp of smoke and dissipated in the increasingly intense fluctuations of soul power.

As the morning light faded, Feng Yao slowly awoke from his meditation. When he opened his eyes, his breath caught in his throat. The image before him was no longer Xue Qinghe's jade-like mask, but Qian Renxue's true face. Although this wasn't Feng Yao's first time seeing it, he was still struck by its beauty.

The morning light filtered through the window lattice, gilding her long, golden hair with a dazzling halo. The girl's delicate profile, caught in the interplay of light and shadow, was as flawless as a goddess sculpture. Her long eyelashes cast a light shadow on her cheek, trembling gently with her breathing. Feng Yao unconsciously held his breath, afraid to disturb this painting in the morning light.

"What are you looking at?" Qian Renxue's cold voice suddenly sounded, like an icy spring hitting jade, and it was particularly clear in the quiet training room.

They both froze in surprise. Qian Renxue seemed to sense something, and a brilliant golden light suddenly erupted from her body. When the light faded, the gentle, jade-like "Xue Qinghe" was sitting upright as before.

Feng Yao subconsciously touched the tip of his nose, a fleeting sense of disappointment flashing across his eyes. That stunningly beautiful face he had only just glimpsed was already lingering in his mind, making him inexplicably look forward to tomorrow's morning light.

"nothing."

Qian Renxue caught a glimpse of his concealing gesture, and the corners of her lips unconsciously curled up slightly. Just as Feng Yao was about to say something, she saw her eyes gradually become dangerous - a cold light flashed in her golden eyes, like a sharp blade ready to strike.

Feng Yao felt a chill down his spine and immediately stood up and bowed: "I still need to practice, so I'll take my leave first." Before he finished speaking, he had already retreated to the door.

It was not until the hurried figure disappeared at the end of the corridor that the cold light in Qian Renxue's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a faint smile.

Feng Yao, who escaped from the training ground, breathed a sigh of relief and muttered softly, "It's just a few more glances." The morning breeze blew by, but it couldn't blow away the strange throbbing in his heart.

When Feng Yao entered the training grounds as usual, he immediately noticed something unusual—the Royal Fighting Team, who usually had already begun their morning exercises, were now standing in neat rows. Upon seeing him arrive, everyone's eyes turned to him.

"What is this?" Feng Yao looked around at everyone in confusion.

Sun Buyu smiled and stepped forward. "We are currently discussing the selection of candidates for an important task, and it seems everyone agrees that you are the best person for it."

"Mission?" Feng Yao raised his eyebrows and looked at his instructor.

Dugu Yan approached with graceful steps, a cunning glint in her purple eyes. "The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition is approaching. Although we have the privilege of being admitted to the finals, Teacher Sun believes that..." She paused deliberately, "we need someone to gather intelligence on potential opponents. After much consideration, I think this important task is most suitable for you."

"That's right!" Yu Feng came over with a wink, "Who made you our captain and the core of the control system? Besides..." He glanced meaningfully at the record of Feng Yao never participating in team training. Feng Yao smiled knowingly: "In that case, I will take this task. You concentrate on training and strive to be in front of His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince..."

"The opening ceremony of the competition will be in five days." Sun Buyu patted his shoulder, "You can move freely then."

Yu Feng suddenly lowered his voice: "Remember to introduce me to a few more beautiful female souls when the time comes." Before he finished speaking, he shrank his neck awkwardly under Dugu Yan's dangerous gaze.

Feng Yao couldn't help but chuckle at Yu Feng's frustrated expression. He straightened his clothes and said seriously, "If that's the case, I'll go practice first."

Watching Feng Yao leave, Yu Feng stroked his chin thoughtfully: "Seeing that Xiao Feng agreed so readily, do you think the captain would take this opportunity to go on a date?"

Oslo looked at Yufeng with disdain and said nothing.

"Ride the wind!" Dugu Yan's soul power instantly burst out, "I will personally accompany you in today's combat training!"

Yufeng's wails suddenly rang out on the training ground, and at this moment Feng Yao had already walked to the place where he used to play the piano and started his daily training.

Five days later, the capital of the Tiandou Empire welcomed a highly anticipated event: the opening ceremony of the Tiandou Division of the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Competition. The ancient city seemed to erupt in excitement overnight, as everyone from the royal family to the common people focused their attention on this pinnacle event of the spirit master world.

Even before the first rays of morning sun pierced the clouds, a sea of ​​people filled the Tiandou Grand Soul Fighting Arena. This massive venue, a month-long renovation, seamlessly integrated previously scattered fighting venues, creating a grand arena capable of accommodating 80,000 spectators. The meticulously designed VIP area on the north side shone brightly in the morning light, awaiting the arrival of members of the royal family and distinguished guests.

Tickets for the opening ceremony had already sold out a month earlier. Even so, at the first light of dawn, countless enthusiastic spectators had already gathered outside the venue. They weren't there to grab a seat—each ticket had a unique number—but to catch a glimpse of the participating soul masters.

The youthful girls, clutching bouquets of flowers, stood out from the crowd. The young spirit masters chosen to represent the Advanced Spirit Master Academy were among the most gifted of the best. These talented young men, no older than twenty-five, naturally became the dream matches of the young women. Even the nobles in the VIP area were already waiting outside, unwilling to miss any opportunity to recruit talent.

Feng Yao straightened his collar and slowly followed the crowd toward the entrance. His eyes scanned the crowd sharply, and he suddenly stopped in front of a VIP passage. There, Xue Qinghe was chatting with several members of the royal family with an elegant smile.

"It's really lively," Feng Yao muttered to himself, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the "Fuxi" in his arms. He had chosen a corner seat in the VIP section where he could see the whole audience clearly but would not be noticed.

With a resounding blast of trumpets, the opening ceremony officially began. The Royal Knights' honor guard marched in meticulous steps, their silver armor gleaming in the sunlight. Following suit, the participating academy teams entered the arena one after another, and the audience erupted in cheers.

Feng Yao's gaze shifted from Xue Qinghe to meet Tang San's, who was at the front of the Shrek Academy team entering the arena. At that moment, a sharp light flashed in both of their eyes.

Tang San's Purple Demonic Pupil glowed with a light purple halo, and his gaze, like a sharp arrow, pierced through the crowd and pointed directly at Feng Yao. Feng Yao didn't dodge or evade, a faint smile curling the corners of his lips as he nodded slightly in Tang San's direction, his demeanor revealing a calm and unhurried demeanor.

"Xiao San, what are you looking at?" Xiao Wu followed Tang San's gaze, a hint of doubt flashing in her ruby-like eyes.

At the same time, Yu Tianheng, who was entering the Shrek team, suddenly paused. He turned sharply to look at the VIP seats, and his gaze collided with Feng Yao's mid-air, as if invisible soul forces were fiercely clashing.

Emotions surged in the eyes of the young master of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family—the teammate who had once fought side by side now appeared in this state. Feng Yao gracefully raised the gilded teacup, the amber tea in the cup gleaming in the sunlight. He saluted Yu Tianheng from a distance, his eyes filled with intriguing meaning.

"Tianheng?" Dai Mubai keenly sensed something was amiss. Following Yu Tianheng's gaze, he spotted Feng Yao's silhouette as he sipped his fragrant tea. The young man, dressed in a moon-white robe, stood out amid the clamor of the venue.

Yu Tianheng withdrew his gaze, his knuckles unconsciously tightening. "That's all right." He took a deep breath, his voice low and firm. "Right now, the important thing is to focus on the game."

The Shrek Academy team stood out in the crowd.

Oscar lowered his head, using his body to shield Ning Rongrong from view as much as possible. Not just him, but the entire Shrek team, save for a few dazzling girls, was eager to bury their faces in their chests. Their "unique" school uniforms were attracting the entire audience's attention.

This battle suit, meticulously designed by Dean Flanders, was a peculiar shade of yellow and green—"fresh shit green," Dai Mubai described it as. A Shrek logo, emerald green, took up almost the entire front. The most striking feature was the bright red text on the back: "Wanting Title Sponsors!" Below that, a smaller line read: "For advertising cooperation, please contact Shrek Academy Dean Flanders."

The Shrek Seven Devils had protested collectively for this "battle suit," but were succumbed to Flender's coercion. The final compromise was that one-third of the advertising revenue would go to the team members. Considering the academy's financial constraints, Tang San and the others had no choice but to accept the agreement.

"Look, who's that student? Did he just crawl out of a cesspool?"

“Hahaha, the green monsters on their chests are hilarious!”

"They're even advertising? Are they here to compete or perform?"

Amidst the laughter, Tang San was the first to pull out the mask he had worn during the Soul Fighting Tournament. The Shrek Seven Devils followed suit, leaving the newly joined Tailong and his four companions to cover their faces with their hands, wishing they could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Flanders, walking in front, held his head high, his chest puffed out, as if to say, "I don't know these people behind me." Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong also quickened their pace in tacit agreement, the inconspicuous little badge on their lapels gleaming subtly in the sunlight.

"Is this what the master meant by psychological training?" Ma Hongjun said with a sad face, "It's clearly training my thick skin!"

Tang San looked at the crowded venue and for the first time in his life he experienced what it meant to have no desire to live - at this moment he would rather face a Soul King team than be an "exhibit" here.

Looking at the Shrek crowd, Feng Yao smiled and said, "The show is about to begin."

(End of this chapter)