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

Chapter 38 Fusion
Qian Renxue stared at Feng Yao with eyes as deep as a still pool, and after a long while slowly said, "You just need to focus on yourself; you don't need to worry about anything else."

The hidden concern in those seemingly distant words warmed Feng Yao's heart. A slight smile played on his lips: "See you tonight at the simulated training ground. I hope Your Highness's cultivation..." He deliberately drew out his words, "...will not be surpassed by me."

"Hmph! What a joke."

Qian Renxue's eyes narrowed, and she let out a cold snort, revealing the arrogance befitting the young master of the Spirit Hall.

Feng Yao rose with a smile, the "Fuxi" in his arms gleaming warmly in the sunlight: "It's still early, I have other matters to attend to, I'll head back to the academy first."

As Feng Yao's figure disappeared at the end of the long street, Qian Renxue lightly tapped the window frame with her fingertips. Two youthful and beautiful figures involuntarily appeared in her mind: "Let's go see what he's doing back at the academy."

A faint reply came from the shadows: "It's Young Master." The Serpent Spear Douluo's figure flashed out like a ghost, muttering to himself, "What other tricks can this kid pull besides playing with that broken zither?"

Feng Yao slowly stepped into the training ground of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Morning light filtered through the leaves of the sycamore trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. In the center of the field, the members of the Royal Fighting Team were focused on their training, their soul skills flashing intermittently. He did not disturb them, but quietly went to a secluded corner and sat cross-legged.

With "Fuxi" held horizontally on his knees, Feng Yao closed his eyes and concentrated, the scenes from today's competition replaying clearly in his mind. Tang San's fluid movements, every move and stance embodying the essence of the Tang Clan's ultimate techniques—

"The internal energy circulation of the Mysterious Heaven Skill; the footwork variations of the Ghostly Shadow Steps; the power application techniques of the Mysterious Jade Hand; the telekinetic manipulation of the Crane Controlling Dragon; the mental application of the Purple Extreme Demon Eye." He smiled slightly, "Aside from the Hundred Solutions to Hidden Weapons, I've seen all the Tang Clan's ultimate techniques today."

Unconsciously, his fingertips lightly stroked the strings, and Feng Yao suddenly had a thought. Playing the zither and using hidden weapons seem unrelated, but in fact, they lead to the same goal—both require exceptional hearing, precise technique, and perfect control over force.

He circulated his soul power, and his hands gradually gleamed with a white jade-like luster. When the fingers empowered by the Xuan Yu Hand plucked the strings, the sound produced was even clearer and brighter than usual.

"If we knew this move when we were in school, would our hands still have calluses?" Feng Yao shook his head and chuckled, then his eyes narrowed.

With a slight flick of his wrist, his five fingers brushed across the strings just an inch above them. The melody of "Fuxi" began to play on its own, the sound waves rippling through the air in visible waves.

"Controlling the crane and capturing the dragon. Brilliant!" Feng Yao's eyes gleamed. "It can play music without touching the strings. In actual combat, the opponent will have no way to judge his attack based on his movements." He seemed to already see the bewildered look on his opponent's face when facing the invisible sound blade.

As for the enhancement of mental power by the Purple Demon Eye, it was something he longed for—one day, he would definitely integrate his mental power into the music, achieving the effect of Mu En ruling the world. And the Ghost Shadow Steps footwork perfectly made up for his weakness in close combat.

In the shadows, the Serpent Spear Douluo, concealed among the trees, murmured with admiration, "Not bad, this kid can actually make something out of a broken zither."

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the training ground in gold. As Feng Yao continued to practice with focused concentration, the members of the Royal Fighting Team finished their day's training and gathered around him.

"Captain Feng, how was today's intelligence gathering?" Dugu Yan asked with a smile in her purple eyes, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.

Feng Yao finished his attack, stood up, and dusted off his sleeves: "Besides the established powerhouses of Tian Dou and the traditional Five Elements Academy, we need to be especially careful with the Shrek Academy team this year."

"Them?" Dugu Yan scoffed dismissively. "They're nothing but our defeated foe."

“That being said, I did see Yu Tianheng in their group.” Feng Yao’s words instantly silenced the scene.

Dugu Yan's fingertips unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes, then she raised her head and said, "So what? We will show no mercy on the field!"

“That’s right!” Yu Feng immediately echoed, and everyone else nodded in agreement.

Feng Yao glanced at his teammates, his expression grave: "The key point isn't just Yu Tianheng. I learned from His Highness the Crown Prince about Tang San's true identity."

In an instant, everyone's eyes were focused on him.

"Could it be Tang?" Dugu Yan's pupils contracted slightly, as if she had thought of something.

“That’s right, and he also has twin martial souls.” Feng Yao’s words made the contempt on Dugu Yan’s face disappear.

"What kind of riddle are you two playing?" Yu Feng couldn't help but interject.

"Tang San comes from the Haotian Sect." Feng Yao's words were like a thunderclap.

Upon hearing this, the members of Huang Dou were shocked and gasped. They understood why Feng Yao had paid attention to Shrek Academy. Yu Tianheng, Tang San, Ning Rongrong, and the Star Luo Empire's team had actually gathered the direct descendants of the three upper sects and the core members of the Star Luo royal family!
"Good heavens," Yu Feng exclaimed, "Not only are the three upper sects all here, but there's also the Netherworld White Tiger from Xingluo. A food-type creature with innate full soul power is indeed not to be underestimated."

Feng Yao's lips curled slightly: "However, there's no need to worry too much. They're not without weaknesses. Their fatal weakness is—they're too young."

Yu Feng rolled his eyes: "What kind of weakness is that?"

"The more powerful a martial soul is, the harder it is to control," Feng Yao patiently explained. "How much power can the Clear Sky Hammer unleash without soul rings? Ning Rongrong's chances of breaking through to level 40 before the competition are extremely slim. As for the Netherworld White Tiger..." A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, "I won't give them the chance to fuse with it. During this time, you only need to focus on cultivation. The real formidable enemies are still those three Soul Kings from the Spirit Hall Academy."

The group exchanged glances and nodded solemnly.

The night was as dark as ink, and the bright moonlight filtered through the window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the simulated training ground. Feng Yao effortlessly pushed open the heavy wooden door, and sure enough, the familiar figure was already waiting. Qian Renxue, dressed in a snow-white robe, looked like an immortal in the moonlight. Seeing Feng Yao arrive, a barely perceptible smile flashed in her eyes, and her lips parted slightly: "From now on, I will come here to cultivate every day." She paused, "Want to surpass me? Perhaps only in your next life."

Feng Yao's lips curled up slightly. He could clearly sense that Qian Renxue was different today—her slightly raised tone and light, quick words revealed her rare good mood.

The two sat facing each other, and soon the training ground fell into silence. Only the two even breathing sounds rose and fell, weaving a silent rhythm in the moonlight. Each breath of Feng Yao caused the strings of the "Fuxi" zither to vibrate slightly, while a faint golden halo flowed around Qian Renxue, like a golden lotus blooming under the moon.
Feng Yao slowly closed his eyes, his spiritual power flowing out like a gentle stream, carefully sensing the flow of soul power within Qian Renxue's body. As his cultivation technique progressed smoothly, his consciousness gradually sank into a profound state.

Unbeknownst to anyone, a pure yet intense aura of light quietly enveloped the training ground. Like the rising sun, it was warm but not scorching, causing the life-giving energy within Feng Yao's body to resonate with it involuntarily. These two distinct yet wondrously complementary energies gradually intertwined in this small space, forming an unprecedented harmonious rhythm.

Qian Renxue's long eyelashes trembled slightly as she clearly felt a vibrant energy gently enveloping her. It felt like a ray of warm sunshine suddenly shining in the dead of winter, softening the originally sharp power of light within her.

As if by unspoken understanding, the two maintained this wondrous tacit agreement. Their auras intertwined and merged in the void, their soul power resonating as they flowed. In a daze, Feng Yao felt as if his consciousness had merged into Qian Renxue's world of light, while Qian Renxue seemed to be in a vibrant bamboo forest.

Both were immersed in this mysterious and wondrous realm, neither willing to be the first to break this rare tacit understanding. Their spiritual power was like two intertwined streams, dancing together in the void; their soul power was like two wisps of merging mist, flowing and resonating between their meridians.

Feng Yao could clearly sense the pulsation of every ray of light within Qian Renxue's body, as if he were witnessing the dawn piercing through the clouds; while Qian Renxue seemed to be in a vibrant bamboo forest, the trembling of every bamboo leaf synchronized with her breath.

This spiritual resonance, transcending the physical body, immersed both of them in an unprecedented sense of comfort. In this tacit understanding that transcended words, the concept of time seemed to blur. The moonlight shifted subtly, the stars gradually moved, but the two in the training ground maintained their perfect cultivation rhythm, allowing their souls to continuously sublimate in this rare resonance.

As dawn broke, Feng Yao slowly awoke from her meditation. The first rays of sunlight pierced through the window, falling precisely on Qian Renxue's delicate profile, gilding her with a soft golden edge. Her long eyelashes cast dappled shadows in the morning light, her lips slightly pursed, her usual sharpness gone; at this moment, she was as pure as the first snow.

Feng Yao unconsciously held his breath, a trace of regret welling up in his heart—if only this continent had cameras, he would definitely cherish this rare sight forever.

“She was beautiful when she was cultivating,” Feng Yao thought to himself. “She had no fierce aura, no arrogant expression, and none of those scheming and plotting.” He just watched her quietly.

In truth, Qian Renxue had already woken up and was feigning sleep, waiting for Feng Yao to leave on his own. Sensing that he showed no intention of leaving, she finally couldn't hold back any longer and abruptly opened her eyes. Her star-like eyes glared at Feng Yao with feigned sharpness: "Have you seen enough?"

Feng Yao touched the tip of his nose somewhat sheepishly, reluctantly shifting his gaze, and said softly, "Did you notice that strange feeling you had while cultivating last night?"

Upon hearing Feng Yao's slightly ambiguous words, Qian Renxue's earlobes, beneath her long, gilded hair, instantly flushed crimson. She turned her face away, her voice tense and unnatural: "What nonsense! I don't know anything!"

Feng Yao looked at her in surprise, just in time to catch a fleeting look of embarrassment on her face. That face, which was usually so dignified and aloof, now showed a rare hint of shyness. This discovery stunned Feng Yao for a moment, his gaze involuntarily fixed on her reddened ears.

Feng Yao's pupils contracted slightly, as if he had discovered some incredible treasure, staring at Qian Renxue in disbelief. At this moment, he seemed to see the early spring when the ice and snow melted, and he seemed to glimpse the moment when the scorching sun withdrew its sharp edge.

Before he could think it through, a burst of golden light suddenly shone in the cultivation room! A powerful force of light swept in like a tidal wave, and Feng Yao felt his body lighten, and he was sent flying backward like a kite with a broken string.

"boom!"

With a muffled thud, Feng Yao stumbled and fell awkwardly down the corridor. He rubbed his aching back with a wry smile, only to find the door to the cultivation room firmly sealed by a golden light barrier. He could faintly hear Qian Renxue's angry and embarrassed voice coming from inside: "Look again and I'll gouge your eyes out!"

Feng Yao leaned against the wall and slowly stood up. He patted the dust off his robes, but couldn't help but smile. Then he slowly left the simulated training ground.

Inside the cultivation room, Qian Renxue listened to the fading footsteps as the light around her gradually subsided. She raised her hand to lightly touch her still burning cheeks, her lips unconsciously curving into a subtle smile.

Feng Yao walked slowly through the misty academy path, his mind still replaying the mysterious resonance of the previous night. That strange feeling of soul merging was something he had never experienced before.

"This feeling..." He subconsciously stroked the "Fuxi" in his arms; the strings seemed to still retain the energy fluctuations of last night. "Could it be a Martial Soul Fusion Technique?"

But then he thought again and realized something was wrong. As far as he knew, a spirit fusion skill required the active cooperation of both spirit masters to execute, while the state he experienced last night seemed more like a natural attraction between spirits.

Feng Yao stopped and looked at the rising sun on the horizon. The golden sunlight unconsciously reminded him of Qian Renxue's pure and blazing aura of light. Two completely different yet inexplicably compatible forces had reached a perfect balance last night.

Feng Yao shook his head, temporarily setting aside his chaotic thoughts. "Never mind, there's plenty of time, I'll figure it out eventually," he muttered to himself. After a quick wash and breakfast, he strolled towards Tian Dou City.

The Heavenly Battle Arena, bathed in the morning light, remained magnificent and bustling with people. As soon as Feng Yao arrived at the entrance, he saw Xue Qinghe, dressed in a snow-white robe, being surrounded by a crowd as he prepared to enter.

He raised the corners of his lips slightly, casting a meaningful smile in Qian Renxue's direction, even deliberately winking. Qian Renxue calmly looked away, seemingly oblivious to his presence. Only her slender hands, hidden within her wide sleeves, unconsciously clenched, her nails almost digging into her palms.

"This guy," she thought to herself, suddenly realizing she hadn't gone easy on him with that kick this morning. Feng Yao's ambiguous smile clearly gave off a hint of wanting to be taught a lesson.

Feng Yao gazed at Qian Renxue's feignedly aloof back, a smile rippling across his eyes. He gently stroked the strings of the "Fuxi" zither in his arms and strolled up the steps to the VIP seating area.

In the VIP section, the gilded decorations gleamed in the morning light. Feng Yao chose a seat that offered a panoramic view of the entire venue and allowed him to keep a close eye on Qian Renxue's every move. He leisurely took his seat, his slender fingers tapping lightly on the armrest, his gaze seemingly following the snow-white figure almost imperceptibly.

The waiter respectfully served tea, and as the aroma filled the air, he noticed that Qian Renxue's posture was more upright than usual, as if she were unusually tense. This discovery deepened the smile in his eyes.

As the bugle sounded, the competition was about to begin. Feng Yao elegantly picked up her teacup, her gaze shifting between the arena and Qian Renxue, as if admiring two different landscapes.
(End of this chapter)