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

Chapter 55 Tactics
Inside the Shrek Academy waiting area, Tang San's expression was uncertain, his eyes flashing with intense purple light. His clenched fists turned white at the knuckles, his heart churning with complex emotions—shock at Feng Yao's effortless victory over Yan, and frustration that the opponent hadn't inflicted any real damage on Yan. This meant that even if they forfeited to avoid the battle, they would still ultimately face the Spirit Hall team at their peak, and their previous tactical arrangements had failed.

Yu Tianheng, standing to the side, also looked grim, with veins throbbing on his forehead. The scene of Yan, unconscious, being carried off the field reminded him of his own humiliating defeat at the hands of Feng Yao's bizarre sonic attack. The feeling of utter helplessness still stung him to this day.

“This move…” Yu Tianheng’s voice was hoarse, “is exactly the same as mine back then.”

Dai Mubai frowned upon hearing this: "Even you can't break through?"

Yu Tianheng nodded heavily, his eyes flashing with lightning: "The air resistance created by that sound wave is extremely strong, like being trapped in a swamp. Most terrifyingly, the sound wave and the air wave complement each other; the sound wave can block the flow of soul power within a soul master's body." He paused, "Even if he's a Soul King, if he doesn't break through immediately, while struggling in the air wave, he'll have all that soul power, but he won't be able to use it."

These words cast a shadow over the Shrek Academy members.

Tang San took a deep breath, his eyes growing increasingly purple. Even if the road ahead was fraught with peril, he was determined to claim that final championship glory.

"My father disregarded the sect's rules and bestowed the Nine Absolute Techniques of Haotian upon me," Tang San murmured to himself, the weathered face of Tang Hao appearing in his mind. "I must not let him down."

"A mistress?" Xiao Wu keenly noticed his change.

Tang San looked at him with unwavering eyes and said softly, "Don't worry, we will definitely win." These simple words contained an unyielding determination. Since Feng Yao had chosen to preserve the Spirit Hall's strength, he would prove the worth of the Clear Sky successor in the finals with absolute power.

After the Spirit Hall Academy team carried the unconscious Yan off the field, Hu Liena gracefully moved to the front of the Papacy and bowed elegantly. She knelt on one knee, head bowed, and whispered, "Your Holiness, the Spirit Hall Academy team requests to forfeit the remainder of the match."

Bibi Dong gazed at her most prized disciple, a rare hint of tenderness flickering in her stern eyes. She nodded slightly, tapping her scepter lightly on the ground: "Granted. I hereby declare the Heaven Dou Royal Advanced Soul Master Academy the victor in this morning's individual competition."

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao calmly bowed deeply towards the papal throne, saying, "Thank you, Your Holiness the Pope." His black hair fell down, concealing the faint smile at the corner of his mouth. This impeccable etiquette preserved the reputation of the Spirit Hall and secured the greatest advantage for the struggle against the heavens.

Bibi Dong gazed at Feng Yao, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes. She nodded slightly and said, "If I'm not mistaken, your spirit rings should all be spirit power amplification skills, which is why you haven't absorbed your fifth spirit ring yet."

Feng Yao, cradling "Fuxi," bowed respectfully: "Your Holiness the Pope possesses discerning eyes."

A rare look of approval appeared on Bibi Dong's face as she lightly tapped the ground with her scepter: "Your unique insights into martial spirits have opened up a completely new path for the development of musical instrument-type martial spirits, making an outstanding contribution to the world of soul masters." Her voice deepened, carrying an undeniable authority, "As the holy land of soul masters on the continent, the Spirit Hall should naturally show its appreciation. Therefore, we hereby bestow upon you the title of Honorary Elder of the Spirit Hall, granting you the privileges of an elder."

Bibi Dong's words caused an uproar. The weight of this reward was comparable to that of a duke bestowed by Emperor Xueye—although it was a nominal elder, given Feng Yao's talent, once he became a Title Douluo, it would only be a natural progression for him to become a powerful elder.

Feng Yao looked up at the high and mighty Pope, inwardly marveling at his mother-in-law's generosity, but on his face, he subtly revealed a hesitant expression. His slender fingers unconsciously caressed the strings of the Fuxi Qin, as if weighing the pros and cons.

"Boy, why don't you come forward and thank me?" Ghost Douluo's hoarse voice broke the silence, his deep eyes fixed on Feng Yao.

Feng Yao feigned hesitation: "Your Holiness, the competition is not yet over. It is truly undeserved for a junior to receive an award at this time."

"If I say you are worthy, then you are worthy." Bibi Dong lightly tapped her scepter, and an invisible pressure instantly enveloped the entire arena. She slightly raised her eyes, and the aura of a Super Douluo made everyone present hold their breath. At this moment, the Pope's majesty was fully revealed, and no one dared to utter a single word.

Seeing this, Feng Yao "reluctantly" bowed and said, "Thank you for your grace, Your Holiness the Pope." His lowered eyelids concealed the glint in his eyes.

In the VIP section, Ning Fengzhi's expression was solemn, and he unconsciously stroked the scepter in his hand. Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged a meaningful glance—the Spirit Hall's move was clearly intended to firmly bind this genius to their chariot.

"That concludes the morning session." Bibi Dong's cool voice echoed across the square. She rose gracefully, her golden papal robes shimmering with a sacred light in the sunlight.

As the Pope made his gesture, everyone in the audience stood at attention. Ning Fengzhi and the two Title Douluos in the VIP seats rose simultaneously, and the Temple Knights straightened their backs in unison, their armor clanging crisply; even the participating students in the arena stood ramrod straight involuntarily.

Bibi Dong surveyed the entire hall, the jewels on her scepter reflecting a captivating light. She nodded slightly, then turned and left, surrounded by cardinals, her long robes leaving a dazzling golden trail on the white marble floor.

The tense atmosphere only eased slightly after the Pope's figure completely disappeared through the temple gates. But the invisible pressure still seemed to linger in everyone's hearts.

When Feng Yao returned to the waiting area of ​​the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, Dugu Bo stroked his beard and said mockingly, "Well, lad, you're already on equal footing with me?"

Feng Yao feigned surprise: "You're also an honorary elder of the Spirit Hall?"

"Bah!" Dugu Bo spat disdainfully. "This empty title is just to fool you kids. With my status as a Title Douluo, if I really joined the Spirit Hall, I would at least be a powerful elder." A hint of arrogance flashed in his eyes. "Back then, the Spirit Hall even came up with a title for me, something like 'Azure Scale Douluo,' utterly vulgar! The title I chose myself, 'Poison,' isn't it a thousand times better than theirs?"

Feng Yao immediately understood and gave a thumbs-up, flattering, "When it comes to domineering presence, it has to be you, sir."

Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes with a smug look, then his expression turned serious: "Boy, you should understand the weight of this honorary elder, shouldn't you?"

Feng Yao toyed with the strings of his zither, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Naturally. The Spirit Hall is announcing to the world—this boy is now in our trap." A slight smile played on his lips. "It's just empty fame, a mutually beneficial arrangement. Besides, I have no choice but to comply."

Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "It's good that you understand." He lowered his voice, his tone unusually serious: "Once we return, all the various factions will definitely try to win you over. My suggestion is—"

"If you don't have the ability to back down at any time, don't easily choose sides." Poison Douluo narrowed his eyes, revealing a meaningful smile: "Either learn from me and become a 'poisonous creature' that strikes fear into the hearts of all, or be like you now, putting on that harmless smile for everyone. In my opinion, you can succeed on either path." Feng Yao chuckled upon hearing this, his fingertips lightly caressing the strings of his zither: "Senior's guidance is correct. However..." A sly glint flashed in his eyes, "I think perhaps it would be more interesting to combine these two paths?"

Dugu Bo was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, patting Feng Yao on the shoulder and saying, "Good lad! You're even more wicked than I am!" His laughter contained both praise and a touch of the wisdom of someone who had been through it all.

Before he finished speaking, Dugu Bo's figure had already vanished from the spot. Almost simultaneously, the members of the Royal Fighting Team swarmed around him.

"Oh, our honorary elder of the Spirit Hall is back?" Yu Feng teased, winking and making an exaggerated bowing gesture.

Feng Yao shook his head helplessly, casually plucked a string on his zither, and a sound wave struck Yu Feng precisely on the forehead: "Stop talking nonsense."

"Ouch!" Yu Feng cried out, clutching his forehead. "Elder, spare my life!"

Dugu Yan smiled, her purple eyes twining with a strand of purple hair between her fingers: "Looks like some people are itching for a beating. Want me to loosen your muscles a bit?"

Yu Feng immediately shrank behind Oslo, waving his hands repeatedly, "No, no, no, I was wrong, okay?!"

The Shi brothers smiled憨厚ly, while Ye Lingling stood quietly to the side, her eyes filled with worry.

Feng Yao glanced around at everyone, then cleared his throat with feigned seriousness: "Since you know my identity..." He couldn't help but burst out laughing halfway through his sentence. For a moment, the waiting area was filled with a joyful atmosphere, as if everyone had returned to the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.

The cool morning air had long since dissipated, and the blazing sun shone directly on the square in front of the Papal Palace, baking the ground until it was slightly hot. Although it wasn't yet the height of summer, the afternoon temperature already felt somewhat oppressive.

In the center of the plaza, the seven members of the Spirit Hall Academy team stood like javelins, with the three members of the Golden Generation at the forefront. Xie Yue's moon blade gleamed coldly in the sunlight. Opposite them, the Shrek Seven Devils were equally ready, Tang San's eyes swirling with purple light, and Dai Mubai's White Tiger Martial Soul flickering in and out of sight.

The two teams faced off across the square, their invisible auras clashing. The blazing sunlight seemed frozen by the heavy atmosphere, even the air itself felt thick and viscous. The teachers and students from various colleges watching unconsciously held their breath, awaiting the start of this fierce battle.

In the VIP section, Bibi Dong sat beneath a canopy, the jewels on her scepter reflecting a rainbow of light. Her indifferent gaze swept across the arena, and her red lips parted slightly: "The match continues." These simple four words were like the fuse that lit a powder keg, instantly igniting the atmosphere throughout the entire venue.

At Bibi Dong's signal, the cardinal referee flashed forward, leaping onto the center of the arena like a red lightning bolt. His wide, scarlet robes fluttered in the wind, and his powerful soul energy carried his voice throughout the arena:
"The semi-finals of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament are now beginning!"

With this announcement, the cardinal instantly retreated to the edge of the arena. Almost simultaneously, the spirit rings around the seven members of the Spirit Hall team suddenly lit up.

On the Shrek Academy team's side, Tang San's Purple Demon Eye shone brightly, and he swung his Clear Sky Hammer with the force of wind and thunder, as roars of tigers and cries of dragons echoed behind Yu Tianheng and Dai Mubai. At the same time, Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda emitted a dazzling seven-colored light, ready to unleash its power.

“The combined legacy of the three upper sects, plus the Netherworld White Tiger…” Bibi Dong sat on the papal throne, her fingertips lightly tracing the gems on her scepter, a cold glint in her eyes as she thought to herself, “They all want to rebel.”

She narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at Tang San's powerful Clear Sky Hammer and Ning Rongrong's dazzling Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda. The gathering of these top-tier martial souls was no accident.

Feng Yao's gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, scrutinizing the Shrek Academy team's unusual formation. His slender fingers unconsciously tapped the strings of his zither, his mind racing: "A seven-person soul power fusion technique? Knowing this move is useless against me, they're using it against the Spirit Hall?"

Although Feng Yao has developed many uses for his zither music, his greatest strength lies in interruption and interference. For Shrek Academy to attempt the seven-in-one fusion technique, which requires precise coordination, in front of him is simply a pipe dream—the continuous sound waves from the Fuxi Zither alone are enough to shatter any attempt at soul power resonance.

Tianshui College is the best example.

The Spirit Hall Academy also noticed the anomaly. Hu Liena's fox tail swayed uneasily as she whispered to Xie Yue, "Are they... trying to use a dense formation to hold off the demons?"

Xie Yue frowned, twirling his moon blade in his hand: "Something's not right. This formation is too deliberate."

Yan scratched his fiery red hair in frustration: "Whatever tricks they try, we'll just run them over!"

The three members of the Golden Generation exchanged glances, all seeing the same doubt in each other's eyes. Shrek's unusual tactical arrangement must have a hidden calculation behind it.

"Nana, be ready to merge at any time." Xie Yue whispered, exchanging a knowing glance with his sister.

Hu Liena nodded slightly, her fox tail swaying gently as she echoed her brother's movements. The three members of the Golden Generation instantly launched a triangular attack, with Xie Yue and Hu Liena advancing in the center, while Yan flanked from the flanks, his blazing flames leaving long trails of fire behind him.

However, the battle situation suddenly changed. Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai intertwined their figures and instantly merged into a giant Netherworld White Tiger, roaring as it charged towards the seven members of the Spirit Hall. This sudden counterattack caused an uproar throughout the arena.

"boom--"

Yan's body surged with intense flames, hurtling towards Yu Tianheng like a fiery meteor. The scorching heat distorted the air itself, and his combined fusion technique left a deep impression.

Feng Yao's pupils contracted slightly, and his fingers tightened suddenly on the strings: "It's not a seven-in-one soul power fusion technique after all." His gaze was sharp as he quickly analyzed Shrek Academy's unusual tactics.

(End of this chapter)