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

Chapter 59 Exposed
Even though Gu Rong intervened in time, the terrifying shockwave still sent the Shrek Seven Devils flying several meters away. The seven of them crashed to the ground like kites with broken strings, tumbling several times before finally coming to a stop. The intense shockwave and persistent dizziness and tinnitus prevented them from even getting up, leaving them curled up in pain on the ground.

"Cough cough." Gu Rong removed the chilling white bones surrounding his body, a rare look of solemnity appearing on his face. He was secretly alarmed—that seemingly ordinary sonic attack had actually concealed a profound mystery. In the instant of blocking, he clearly felt every bone resonating with a peculiar frequency, as if the entire world was amplifying the power of that attack.

"This kid," Gu Rong dusted off his sleeves, a hint of lingering fear flashing in his eyes, "could actually briefly fuse his attack with the space around him, making its penetrating power extremely strong with the amplification of that space."

The entire arena fell silent, everyone stunned by this attack that defied all comprehension. Feng Yao slowly put away his zither, his black hair swaying gently in the aftershocks, his face still bearing that enigmatic smile.

Feng Yao looked at the slightly disheveled Gu Rong, bowed gracefully, his black hair falling gently with the movement: "For the honor of the royal family, this junior had no choice but to use this move. This junior almost caused a great disaster, thank you for your timely intervention, senior." His voice was gentle and refined, and his eyes were filled with sincere apology.

Gu Rong's profound gaze lingered on Feng Yao for a moment, then he nodded knowingly. This experienced Title Douluo already understood—Feng Yao probably couldn't have completely controlled that earth-shattering attack just now.

These words caused a stir among the crowd. Bibi Dong, holding her scepter, looked at Feng Yao in the arena, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes. She thought to herself, "Feng Yao is clever."

Feng Yao's measured and measured behavior earned him nods of approval from all the powerful figures present.

As the Shrek Seven Devils crashed to the ground, Xiao Wu struggled to sit up, enduring the intense dizziness. Just as she reached out to find Tang San, a warm, stinging sensation suddenly shot through her palm.

Xiao Wu snapped back to reality and realized that her palms had been extensively scraped by the rough ground when she fell. Bright red blood meandered along the lines of her palms, starkly contrasting against her fair skin.

In an instant, the gazes of all the Title Douluos on the high platform shot towards him like sharp arrows. Gu Rong, who was about to leave, suddenly stopped, his body under the black robe visibly stiffening.

Xiao Wu shuddered, Tang Hao's warning echoing in her mind. She lowered her head, her black hair falling to obscure her pale face, yet she could clearly feel the scrutiny and suspicion in those gazes. Cold sweat trickled down her forehead, splashing almost imperceptibly on the ground.

"Third Brother," she called silently in her heart, her fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes. Exposed to the senses of numerous Title Douluos, Xiao Wu forced herself to remain calm, pretending to nonchalantly wipe the blood from her palm. But when she looked up and met Tang San's worried eyes, she couldn't help but tremble slightly.

In the VIP section, Bibi Dong lightly tapped the ground with her scepter, slowly rising to her feet. Her magnificent papal robes shimmered with a majestic golden light in the sunlight: "Sect Leader Ning, what is the meaning of this unauthorized interference with the competition?"

Ning Fengzhi rose calmly, holding his scepter. "Your Holiness, please forgive me. I was so concerned for my daughter that I lost my composure for a moment. However, the outcome is already decided, and I'm sure it won't affect the result of the match." His gentle voice carried just the right amount of apology.

A cold glint flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes. As her gaze swept over the disheveled Shrek Academy members, a hint of regret flickered deep within her beautiful eyes. She had genuinely considered that if Feng Yao had truly wiped out these geniuses, it would not only have eliminated a potential threat to the Spirit Hall but also completely cut off Feng Yao's other options.
"In your opinion, Sect Master Ning, which side should be declared the winner of this competition?" Bibi Dong's red lips parted slightly, her voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable authority.

Chen Xin frowned slightly, about to step forward, but was stopped by Ning Fengzhi who calmly raised his hand. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School Master wore a warm smile, his voice clearly carrying throughout the hall: "Naturally, the Heaven Dou Royal Academy is superior."

Bibi Dong's lips curled into a meaningful, cold smile. How could she not hear the evasiveness in Ning Fengzhi's words? But the undeniable facts were right before her eyes, and words could not erase them. Although the Spirit Hall lost the match, it gained an even more important victory.

Just then, Chen Xin's lips moved slightly, and a whispered message entered Ning Fengzhi's ears. Ning Fengzhi's pupils suddenly contracted, and his gaze shot towards Xiao Wu in the arena like lightning.

With a flick of his sleeve, Ning Fengzhi conjured a crystal-clear Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda, which slowly rotated above his palm. With a soft shout of "Go!", the pagoda burst forth with dazzling light and spun rapidly into the air.

The pagoda grew taller with the wind, transforming in an instant into a towering ten-zhang-high structure, hovering in mid-air and enveloping the entire Papal Palace square in a seven-colored halo. A shimmering light emanated from Ning Fengzhi's brow, reflecting off the pagoda and bathing him in its magnificent radiance.

Chen Xin took a step forward without making a sound. Although the Seven Kill Sword was not drawn, its sharp sword intent had already formed an invisible barrier around Ning Fengzhi. His tall figure was like a drawn sword, quietly guarding Ning Fengzhi's side.

Suddenly, the sixth floor of the pagoda shone brightly, and a seven-colored beam of light, over ten feet in diameter, poured down, completely enveloping the Shrek Seven Devils. The healing power contained within that light instantly enveloped them.

Xiao Wu's delicate body trembled slightly as she clearly felt the powerful pressure emanating from the VIP seats. She lowered her head, her long black hair concealing her pale face, her pearly teeth biting her lower lip tightly as she suppressed the resentment that threatened to burst forth from her eyes.

Under the amplification of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, the Shrek Seven Devils gradually recovered from the dizziness of the sonic shock. Tang San's gaze swept over his companions, a complex emotion flashing in his Purple Demon Eyes, but he ultimately remained silent.

The referee, Cardinal, looked troubled on the sidelines, his gaze hesitantly drifting towards Bibi Dong on the high platform. This unexpected duel was no longer something he could decide.

The papal scepter tapped lightly, the crisp sound instantly silencing the entire hall. Bibi Dong's red lips parted slightly, "I hereby announce the champion of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament—Heaven Dou Royal Advanced Soul Master Academy!" Her deep gaze fell on Feng Yao, a slight smile playing on her lips, "Congratulations, young genius."

The members of the Royal Fighting Team seemed to snap out of their daze, and gathered around Feng Yao with incredulous expressions. Dugu Yan's purple eyes gleamed with admiration, Oslo's eyes were full of respect, and even the usually talkative Yu Feng was speechless.

"Please have the representative from the Heaven Dou Royal Advanced Soul Master Academy come forward to receive the award," the cardinal's deep voice rang out.

Feng Yao straightened his robes, his black hair fluttering in the wind. He strode forward calmly, each step seeming to resonate with everyone's hearts. At this moment, all eyes were focused on this young man who had created a miracle.

At this moment, Bibi Dong displayed the composure befitting a pope. She gracefully accepted the brocade tray containing the soul bones from the attendant's hands, her gaze sweeping over the three soul bones as if they were merely ordinary objects.

Everyone in the Imperial Battle turned to look at Feng Yao. Holding "Fuxi" in his arms, his black hair flowing freely, Feng Yao walked calmly towards Bibi Dong. Only when he truly stood before Bibi Dong did they truly feel the Pope's astonishing charm—noble as a celestial maiden, elegant as a secluded orchid in a valley, serene as an autumn lake. Time had not left any trace on her; instead, it had added a mature charm that young women lacked. Her deep eyes seemed to contain the stars and the sea, compelling one to submit unconsciously.

"Congratulations." Bibi Dong parted her red lips slightly, and the gesture of handing over the brocade tray was as elegant as bestowing a divine grace. At this moment, she was both a majestic pope and a kind elder, so perfect that she was breathtaking.

Bibi Dong gazed at Feng Yao before her, a strange light shimmering in her beautiful eyes: "A very powerful self-created soul skill. Your performance is even more outstanding than I imagined." Her voice was as melodious as a clear spring. "May you continue to break through on the path of a soul master, pointing the way for those who follow, and achieving an even more glorious future."

Feng Yao met Bibi Dong's gaze calmly. In those deep eyes, he saw not probing and scheming, but sincere expectations.

“Your kindness to me,” Feng Yao bowed slightly in a noble gesture, his black hair cascading over his shoulders, “is as warm as an angel in a dream. Thank you for your blessings, Your Holiness the Pope.”

Bibi Dong's lips curved into a knowing smile; she naturally understood the deeper meaning in Feng Yao's words. That smile was like a gentle spring breeze, and a hint of tenderness unconsciously shone in her eyes: "Step forward and claim your glory; it is what you deserve."

As she spoke, she presented the brocade tray with both hands, the three soul bones shimmering with a captivating glow in the sunlight. At that moment, the air in front of the Papal Palace seemed to freeze, and everyone held their breath as they watched this historic scene.

Bibi Dong presented the brocade tray to Feng Yao with both hands. The energy fluctuations emanating from the three soul bones caused the surrounding air to distort slightly. Feng Yao respectfully accepted the tray, and when his fingertips touched the skull of wisdom condensed from spirit, his heart still trembled violently for a moment.

"This fluctuation..." Feng Yao was secretly shocked. The spiritual fluctuation contained in this skull was just as the ghost had said, second only to the 100,000-year-old soul bone.

It's important to understand that spirit-type soul beasts are already rare on the Douluo Continent, let alone those that have grown to the 100,000-year level. Those that can grow to the 100,000-year level are extremely rare. In Feng Yao's memory, the only 100,000-year spirit-type soul beasts are the Evil Eye Tyrant on the Sun Moon Continent and the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm on Huo Gua ten thousand years later. For Feng Yao to obtain the soul bones of these two would be almost as difficult as becoming a god.

The difficulty of absorbing this skull or leaving room to find other 100,000-year-old soul beasts is obvious.

Feng Yao's gaze lingered on the skull radiating a pale blue aura. Although it was slightly younger, in terms of its amplification effect on spiritual power alone, this soul bone was absolutely no less than a hundred-thousand-year soul bone of other attributes. He was caught in a fierce internal struggle:

"Mental strength determines the upper limit of a Soul Master's control. Strong mental strength allows me to develop more exquisite self-created Soul Skills. Alternatively, I can postpone choosing a 100,000-year Soul Bone of another attribute, which would not only grant me more abundant Soul Power but also multiply the power of my Soul Skills, but it would take time..."

This decision concerns the future path of development, and Feng Yao's fingertips unconsciously traced the edge of the brocade plate. Sunlight streamed into the papal palace, casting a hazy glow on the skull.

Just as Feng Yao was deep in thought, Bibi Dong's clear, cold voice suddenly resounded throughout the entire venue:
"Now that the rewards have been distributed, this competition has come to a successful conclusion." Bibi Dong's tone abruptly changed, her scepter pointing directly at Xiao Wu in the Shrek Academy camp. "Ghostly Beauty, Moon Guardian, capture that girl."

In an instant, the entire audience erupted in uproar!

Tang San, almost without hesitation, flashed forward, standing like an iron tower in front of Xiao Wu. The Shrek Seven Devils reacted quickly as well, Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and others rushing forward to shield Xiao Wu. Yu Xiaogang, his face ashen, angrily demanded, "Your Holiness, what is the meaning of this?!"

Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo paid no heed to the Grandmaster's questioning and were about to attack when Ning Fengzhi suddenly appeared and stopped them. "Your Holiness," Ning Fengzhi said, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda in his hand gleaming, "shouldn't we first get to the bottom of this matter?"

Bibi Dong's icy gaze pierced Ning Fengzhi like a blade. Even facing the leaders of the three upper sects, the Pope stood firm: "Sect Leader Ning, please have some self-respect. If you continue to obstruct us, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will become an enemy of the Spirit Hall!"

Ning Fengzhi's expression changed drastically; this was a blatant threat. He raised his hand to stop Chen Xin from stepping forward, sighed, and reluctantly stepped back.

"Wait!" Yu Xiaogang shouted sharply, striding to the front of the group, his elder's token gleaming in the sunlight. "As an elder of the Spirit Hall, I have the right to know the reason! If His Majesty the Pope wishes to arrest someone, please state the reason!"

Bibi Dong frowned slightly. Facing Yu Xiaogang's angry gaze, she softened her tone: "You want to know? Why not ask your good disciple? If she's just an ordinary student, why would I go to such lengths? But if she's a transformed soul beast," Bibi Dong's voice suddenly turned cold, "I have every reason to take her down!"

"What?!" Yu Xiaogang was struck dumb, turning around abruptly to look at Xiao Wu. Everyone from Shrek Academy, except for Tang San, wore expressions of disbelief and shock. Xiao Wu's face was deathly pale, and her delicate body trembled uncontrollably.

Xiao Wu's expression suddenly became unusually calm. Facing the sharp gazes converging from all directions, the panic on her delicate face vanished completely, replaced only by a chilling coldness. She stared coldly at Pope Bibi Dong, her eyes as icy as ice.

Bibi Dong's sharp gaze pierced Xiao Wu like a blade: "If I'm not mistaken, you are that Soft-Boned Rabbit who managed to escape back then."

“That’s right.” A deep-seated hatred suddenly flashed in Xiao Wu’s cold eyes. “I am the one who escaped from your net back then.”

Bibi Dong's lips curled into a cruel sneer: "I never expected you'd walk right into my trap."

Their gazes clashed in the air, as if invisible sparks were flying. The chill emanating from Xiao Wu seemed to cause the surrounding temperature to plummet, while Bibi Dong's superior posture made the confrontation even more oppressive.

(End of this chapter)