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

Chapter 61 After the War
Crimson lines, like living creatures, coursed across the massive Clear Sky Hammer. Tang Hao's 100,000-year-old soul ring suddenly blazed with crimson light, completely staining the originally black hammer blood-red. The dazzling red light seemed to devour the entire world, even eclipsing the sunlight at that moment.

"The Papal Palace, what a magnificent Papal Palace! Hahahahahaha..."

Tang Hao laughed loudly, his laughter filled with boundless hatred and arrogance, shaking the entire Spirit City. Before everyone's horrified eyes, the muscles in his right arm bulged, veins popping, and the blood-red giant hammer slowly rose with his movement—

"boom!"

The mere opening strike sent terrifying shockwaves ripping up stone slabs within a radius of hundreds of meters. Wherever the giant hammer passed, space shattered, revealing dark, gaping cracks in the void. The power of this single blow was enough to level the entire Papal Palace!
Not only Tang San, but even Feng Yao looked up at the massive, blood-red hammer that blotted out the sky in mid-air. The hammer's surface resembled a falling blood-red meteorite, slowly pressing down with earth-shattering force, completely blocking out the sunlight.

"Is this the true form of a Martial Soul?"

Feng Yao's pupils contracted slightly, a storm raging in his heart. His fingertips unconsciously caressed the strings of his zither, a burning glint in his eyes. Tang Hao's hammer strike not only demonstrated absolute power but also exemplified his understanding of weapon spirits—the limits and vastness of existence. Tang Hao's attack range essentially encompassed the entire Papal Palace.

Although both wield the Haotian Hammer, Tang Xiao and Tang Hao exhibit completely different understandings of its spirit. Tang Xiao's hammer technique is based on the exquisite Haotian Nine Absolutes, with each move flowing smoothly like clouds and water, fully demonstrating the ever-changing nature of the Haotian Hammer, and emphasizing the subtle variations of the moves and tactical application.

At this moment, Tang Hao was pushing the domineering power of "overpowering all techniques" to its extreme. The blood-red giant hammer had no fancy skills, only the purest crushing power—shattering the void with absolute force and suppressing all things with the most direct might.

Feng Yao stared at the crimson giant hammer in the sky and suddenly realized: skill and power. These two completely different paths ultimately point to the highest realm of weapon spirit.

The blood-red giant hammer, stretching a hundred meters across the sky, crashed down, not to smash the three titled Douluo who were right next to it, but to head straight for the majestic Papal Palace behind them with overwhelming force!
"boom--"

Even before the giant hammer arrived, the terrifying air pressure had already violently distorted the space surrounding the entire Papal Palace. All Soul Masters below the Soul Saint level instantly felt as if they were trapped in quagmire, unable to even move a finger. The ground cracked inch by inch, and the angel statue standing in front of the palace shattered under the immense pressure.

"Tang Hao, how dare you!"

Bibi Dong roared, her beautiful eyes flashing with terrifying killing intent. She, along with Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo, soared into the sky simultaneously, their seven spirit rings radiating blinding light behind them. At the same time, four figures flashed out from the Papal Palace like lightning—seven Title Douluos had joined forces to meet the blood-red giant hammer at the same moment!
"boom--!!!"

Amidst the deafening roar, Soul Masters below level 70 instantly lost consciousness, collapsing en masse like wheat being harvested. The entire Spirit City trembled violently, as if the end of the world had arrived. The intense shockwave shattered all the windows of buildings within a kilometer radius.

Seven figures plummeted from mid-air like meteorites, and the colossal hammer that reached the heavens vanished with them. Tang Hao spat out a mouthful of blood, yet continued to laugh wildly: "Bibi Dong, just you wait. The Spirit Hall owes me a debt I will collect one day. That day is not far off!"

Before he finished speaking, Tang Hao's figure had already transformed into a streak of light. By the time everyone came to their senses, the unconscious Tang San and Xiao Wu had vanished without a trace. His deep voice echoed for a long time above Wuhun City: "Master, Flander, you have taught my son for many years. I owe you a debt of gratitude that cannot be expressed in words."

Tang Hao's deep voice, like rolling thunder, gradually dissipated in the sky, its echo reverberating throughout the entire Wuhun City.

Only the Royal Fighting Team, heavily protected by the Dugu Bobi Phosphorous Serpent King, remained unharmed. Yu Feng stared dumbfounded at the ravaged plaza in front of the Papal Palace, unconsciously swallowing hard.
"Good heavens. Is this even human?"

Feng Yao gently stroked the strings of his zither, a faint smile playing on his lips. "To be able to escape unscathed from the siege of seven Title Douluos," he said, gazing intently in the direction Tang Hao had departed, "after all... that was once the youngest Title Douluo."

Dugu Bo stood with his hands behind his back, gazing intently at the devastated battlefield. He slowly said, "You're right, kid. The Clear Sky Hammer is known as the number one weapon spirit in the world. Tang Hao's path of cultivation is somewhat similar to yours. He crushes all techniques with absolute power. But your techniques don't seem to be bad either."

Dugu Bo turned to look at Yu Feng, a hint of amusement flashing in his snake-like eyes: "Just like when he fought Shrek Academy, brute force overwhelms all techniques. Tang Hao's hammer strike is so powerful that even Title Douluos have to avoid its edge."

“More importantly,” Dugu Bo pointed to the ruined Papal Palace, “Tang Hao’s attack forces the enemy to defend. For the Spirit Hall, the destruction of the Papal Palace is far more serious than letting a few people escape. It’s not that they can’t withstand this blow, but that they must withstand it while preserving the Papal Palace.”

Upon hearing Dugu Bo's explanation, the members of Huang Dou all looked enlightened.

Dugu Bo sneered, "Furthermore, do you really think those two old geezers from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School won't make a move? If Tang Hao is really captured by the Spirit Hall, ha... if the seven Title Douluos really let loose, not only this Papal Palace, but the entire Papal Mountain will be razed to the ground!"

"Even so, it's already terrifying enough. How could an ordinary Title Douluo possibly..." Yu Feng had only spoken halfway when he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

Dugu Bo's sinister gaze locked onto him like a venomous snake, his emerald green pupils narrowing slightly: "You little brat, are you questioning my strength?"

Yu Feng immediately fell silent, waving his hands hastily: "No, no, no, senior, of course you are different!" He looked at Feng Yao for help, only to find that the other party was playing with the strings of the zither with a half-smile, showing no intention of helping at all.

Dugu Yan rolled her eyes at Yu Feng, annoyed. "Serves you right for being so talkative." Her purple eyes turned to the still-smoking Papal Palace in the distance, and she said softly, "However... to force seven Title Douluos from the Spirit Hall to attack simultaneously, that's indeed impressive."

Dugu Bo snorted coldly, but a trace of solemnity flashed in his eyes. As someone who had been through it all, he knew better than anyone what the strength Tang Hao had displayed today meant.

When Bibi Dong landed gracefully, an unnatural flush rose to her face. She took several deep breaths, suppressing her surging blood and qi, and the blush gradually faded. Behind her, besides the two Douluo, Chrysanthemum and Ghost, there were four more elderly men dressed in scarlet robes.

Although the seven of them worked together to protect the Papal Palace, they only managed to inflict minor injuries on Tang Hao. This result enraged all the Spirit Hall experts present.

"Your Holiness the Pope." The crowd looked at Bibi Dong indignantly.

“No need to pursue.” Bibi Dong’s voice was unusually weary. For many years, she had cultivated day and night, finally joining the ranks of Title Douluo, and her imagined rival had always been Tang Hao. But in today’s battle, with the same spirit ring configuration, the ultimate potential of the weapon spirit and the profound foundation of the Clear Sky Sect still made her feel an insurmountable gap.

Tang Hao is still Tang Hao, Haotian Douluo, what a fine Haotian Douluo.

"Your Majesty! Tang Hao's arrogance concerns the reputation of the Spirit Hall!" Ghostly couldn't help but speak up. "Shut up!" Bibi Dong's eyes were bloodshot as she slammed her scepter heavily on the ground. "Do you think Tang Hao is so easy to deal with? If he could be taken down so easily, why would he be alive today?!" She suppressed her anger, her voice icy. "Now... is not the time."

Yue Guan's slender eyes swept over the crowd, and he asked softly, "Your Majesty, what should be done with these people?"

The Golden Iron Triangle remained standing, supported by their Martial Soul Fusion Skill, but the other Shrek Academy students were all unconscious. Seeing this, Dugu Bo, watching from afar, visibly relaxed his tense expression.

Bibi Dong's gaze swept over Feng Yao, finally settling on the disheveled Shrek Academy members. She said calmly, "This matter has nothing to do with them. Treat them with courtesy. Once they have rested, they may leave Spirit City on their own."

"Yes, sir." The ghost bowed and accepted the order, its black robes fluttering even without wind.

The four mysterious red-robed elders remained silent, following Bibi Dong like shadows. They turned with the Pope and slowly walked towards the dilapidated papal palace. Their figures cast long shadows in the setting sun, exuding an indescribable air of menace.

Dugu Bo watched the Pope's departing figure, a thoughtful glint in his snake-like eyes. Today's turmoil seemed to have subsided, but he knew that the feud between the Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect had likely only just begun.
"Hehe, kid, we're all getting ahead today thanks to you, the 'Honorary Elder of the Spirit Hall'." Dugu Bo chuckled sarcastically, twirling his beard with his withered fingers, his eyes gleaming with mockery.

Feng Yao shook his head helplessly: "Senior is joking. His Holiness the Pope is merely..."

“But I’m afraid they’ll push your precious one to their side.” Dugu Bo interrupted him, his snake eyes flashing with a sharp light.

Upon hearing this, Dugu Yan covered her mouth and chuckled, "Grandpa, you're making it sound like we got a huge bargain."

“Yanyan, you know what,” Dugu Bo explained patiently, “if this kid didn’t have the Spirit Hall’s name on him, that woman wouldn’t be easy to deal with.”

Feng Yao smiled without saying a word. He knew that although Dugu Bo's words were harsh, they revealed the truth—if he had no connection with Qian Renxue today, and hadn't accepted the title of honorary elder, Dugu Bo would probably have had to go up and fight him too.

Thinking of this, Feng Yao took out the skull of wisdom condensed from the soul guide device and gently handed it to Dugu Yan.

“Sister Yan,” his voice was gentle and sincere, “over the years, my seniors have bestowed upon me countless treasures, but this skull is of limited use to me. I might as well give it to you; it's a small token of my appreciation.”

Feng Yao had already made his calculations. The value of a 100,000-year soul ring to him far outweighed that of this soul bone. Moreover, soul rings and soul bones could only exert their maximum effect if they originated from the same source. He still had a second martial soul that had not yet been fitted with a soul ring, and there would be many more opportunities to acquire soul bones in the future, so there was no need to rush.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Royal Battle were shocked. Even the well-informed Dugu Bo could not hide his surprise, and a complex emotion flashed in his snake eyes.

Dugu Yan's delicate body trembled slightly, and she quickly waved her hand, "Xiao Feng, this...this is too precious, I can't accept it."

Feng Yao insisted on pushing the soul bone forward, saying gently, "The rare and precious materials you gave me, senior, are in no way inferior to this. Besides, my abilities are mostly self-created, not dependent on soul bone skills." He looked sincerely at Dugu Yan, "This soul bone can help you precisely control the Azure Phosphorous Serpent venom, it couldn't be more suitable."

Dugu Yan stared blankly at the shimmering skull before her, a flicker of emotion crossing her purple eyes. She instinctively looked at her grandfather, only to see Dugu Bo's serpentine eyes narrowed, a rare look of relief on his face.

"You brat," Dugu Bo muttered under his breath, but couldn't hide the admiration in his voice, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. He unusually set aside his usual tone, gently patting his granddaughter's shoulder: "Yanyan, accept it. It's his kind gesture."

Dugu Yan's purple eyes welled up with tears as she carefully accepted the soul bone. The moment her fingertips touched the soul bone, she sensed the intense spiritual fluctuations contained within it.

At this moment, Yu Xiaogang, Ning Fengzhi, and the others stared at Feng Yao in shock, their eyes filled with disbelief. They knew that this was a top-grade skull soul bone over 50,000 years old, its rarity second only to the legendary 100,000-year soul bone and external soul bones!
Ning Fengzhi unconsciously stopped moving the scepter in his hand. Even this sect leader of the three upper sects, who was used to seeing treasures, couldn't help but be moved - even with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's strong foundation, a soul bone of this quality was enough to be passed down as a treasure to protect the sect from generation to generation.

"Just like that, you gave it away?" Yu Xiaogang's hoarse voice was filled with undisguised shock. As a master of theory, he knew the value of this soul bone better than anyone else.

Chen Xin and Gu Rong exchanged a glance, both seeing the same surprise in each other's eyes. This young man's demeanor was truly admirable.

Feng Yao simply smiled calmly, as if he had given away nothing more than an ordinary gift. This nonchalant attitude only served to highlight his magnanimity.

"Old Poisoner, you've really struck gold." Yue Guan couldn't help but exclaim, his tone filled with undisguised envy. His slender eyes were fixed on Feng Yao, his gaze gleaming with undisguised admiration.

It's worth noting that even the core disciples nurtured by the three upper sects were all defeated by Feng Yao today. The talent and demeanor displayed by this young man even impressed Yue Guan, a titled Douluo—as long as he doesn't die prematurely, his future achievements are probably beyond even his estimation.

"This kid," Yue Guan sighed inwardly, "given time, he'll probably even surpass us old folks."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo stroked his beard smugly, his snake-like eyes brimming with pride. To receive such praise from his mortal enemy was more gratifying than any soul bone could offer.

Feng Yao's generous act was like a gentle breeze, even diluting some of the murderous aura emanating from Tang Hao's rampage at the Spirit Hall. After today's battle, no one present—whether a Soul Saint or a Soul Douluo—dared to underestimate this black-haired youth carrying the guqin.

He stood silently amidst the ruins, his black hair and white robe fluttering in the wind, his composed demeanor a striking contrast to the overwhelming power he had displayed earlier. Even under the scrutinizing gazes of numerous powerful figures, Feng Yao remained unperturbed.

At this moment, everyone realized that from this day forward, this young man's name would shake the entire Soul Master world. It wasn't because he had defeated anyone, but because his transcendent demeanor and unfathomable potential inspired awe in all the powerful figures present.

(End of this chapter)