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

Chapter 62 Going down the mountain
Ning Fengzhi stared at Feng Yao's figure, a deep thought flashing in his eyes. He unconsciously began to stroke the scepter in his hand.

Originally, he thought that Feng Yao, a person with great potential but no background, was not suitable for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, mainly because he feared that Feng Yao might usurp the position. However, the Spirit Hall's attitude towards the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School today made this sect leader feel an unprecedented sense of crisis.

“Uncle Jian and Uncle Gu are getting old, and Rongrong is only at the Soul Venerable realm now.” Ning Fengzhi’s gaze was deep as he pondered to himself, “Although Tang San is exceptionally talented, he is ultimately a disciple of the Clear Sky Sect and cannot prioritize the interests of my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.”

He looked towards Feng Yao, who was conversing with the Huang Dou group in the distance: "This Feng Yao is not only exceptionally talented, but more importantly, he is loyal and righteous. Today he was willing to give away his 50,000-year-old soul bone; what will he do in the future?"

Thinking of this, Ning Fengzhi's gaze involuntarily fell on Oscar, who was fawning over Ning Rongrong, and he sighed inwardly. Although a food-type soul master with innate full soul power certainly had a bright future, a support type was still a support type after all—how could it compare to someone as talented as Feng Yao, someone with twin martial souls like Tang San, or even the golden generation of geniuses from the Spirit Hall?
Oscar was handing Ning Rongrong a recovery sausage, his attentive manner causing Ning Fengzhi to frown slightly. Even if this child achieved great things in the future, in the face of true geniuses, he would ultimately be destined to be a support-type Soul Master.

“Perhaps…” Ning Fengzhi turned his gaze back to Feng Yao, “it’s time to consider something more suitable for Rongrong.” This thought had barely formed when he forcibly suppressed it. As a father, he ultimately couldn’t bear to interfere with his daughter’s romantic choices.

However, if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School and Tang San only maintain a superficial partnership, then a hundred years later, when the older generation of powerful figures such as Chen Xin and Gu Rong pass away one after another, the sect will probably only be able to rely on others and struggle to survive in the cracks between powerful figures.

Ning Fengzhi gazed at Feng Yao, who was talking to Dugu Yan in the distance, and then at Oscar surrounding his daughter, his worries deepening. Support-type Soul Masters were certainly important, but in this dog-eat-dog world, without the protection of top-tier combat power, even the wealthiest sect was nothing more than easy prey in the eyes of others.

"We must plan ahead," Ning Fengzhi said, gently stroking his scepter, a resolute glint in his eyes. Feng Yao's talent and demeanor displayed today had shown him another possibility—a possibility that would allow the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to truly stand tall.

"Sect Leader Ning, may I be fortunate enough to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School?" Oscar mustered his courage and stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly with nervousness.

Upon hearing this, Ning Rongrong's pretty face immediately flushed an unnatural red, and her fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of her clothes.

Ning Fengzhi snapped out of his reverie, a gentle smile on his face: "Of course you're welcome. Not just you, any of you can join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School." As he spoke, his gaze swept over Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ma Hongjun in turn.

Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged a glance and shook their heads in unison. Dai Mubai clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Thank you for your kind offer, Sect Leader Ning. Zhuqing and I have been away from home for many years; it's time for us to return to the Star Luo Empire."

Ning Fengzhi then turned his gaze to Ma Hongjun. The fat man scratched his head and chuckled, "I'll pass. Like my third brother, I can't stand being tied down. I finally graduated and I'm looking forward to traveling the continent to broaden my horizons. Maybe I'll even come back to Shrek Academy to help the teachers out."

Ning Fengzhi smiled gently and flicked his sleeve: "Since that's the case, I won't insist. The gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School are always open to you." He turned to Flander, cupped his hands, and said, "Dean Flander, we'll take our leave now. Rongrong and Oscar, come back to the sect with me."

Seeing this, Feng Yao said softly to the others from the Imperial Battle, "We should also return. After resting, we'll await His Highness the Crown Prince's message."

The members of Huang Dou nodded in agreement. Ning Fengzhi, who was not far away, heard this and a glint flashed in his eyes—Feng Yao had said he wanted to return to Tian Dou, so he clearly hadn't decided to join the Spirit Hall yet. This discovery reassured him somewhat; at least the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School still had a chance.

On the winding stone steps leading down the mountain, the two groups unexpectedly met. Upon seeing this, Feng Yao nodded slightly to Ning Fengzhi and Flander, saying, "Sect Leader Ning."

Ning Fengzhi nodded in return, his posture displaying just the right amount of respect—after all, the young man before him still held the title of Honorary Elder of the Spirit Hall.

"Would you be willing to travel with us, young friend Feng?" Ning Fengzhi invited in a gentle voice, placing Feng Yao on an almost equal footing in his tone.

Feng Yao's lips curled slightly: "Sect Leader Ning, you're too kind. Since we're both from the Heavenly Dou faction, we should naturally return together." He paused, his smile deepening, "You can just call me Xiao Feng."

Dugu Bo narrowed his snake-like eyes, sizing up Ning Fengzhi and Feng Yao, and sneered inwardly, "Old fox."

Ning Rongrong blinked curiously, her gaze shifting between her father and Feng Yao.

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.” Ning Fengzhi’s smile was warm, but his gaze was meaningful. “Little Feng, aren’t you worried about attracting criticism by traveling with us?”

Feng Yao smiled calmly, responding with effortless grace: "Since His Holiness the Pope has already stated that today's events have nothing to do with us, what impact could they possibly have?"

Ning Fengzhi nodded with a smile: "Indeed." He then changed the subject, asking casually, "What are your thoughts on today's events, Xiao Feng?"

Upon hearing this, the Shrek Academy members all paused, the air seeming to freeze instantly. Feng Yao, however, remained composed, a faint smile playing on his lips: "Everything is perfectly reasonable, nothing is wrong."

Ning Rongrong finally couldn't help but speak up: "It's clearly the Spirit Hall that's being unreasonable and domineering! Even if Xiao Wu really is a 100,000-year-old spirit beast, what does it have to do with them?" Her pink cheeks puffed out slightly.

The Shrek Academy members nodded in agreement, with Dai Mubai letting out a heavy snort. Feng Yao, however, suddenly chuckled.

"What are you laughing at!" Ning Rongrong glared angrily at Feng Yao.

Feng Yao gently stroked the strings of his zither, and began to tell a story: "Miss Ning, let me tell you a tale. Once upon a time, a man discovered a precious jade mine, but was awestruck by the naturally formed wonders within. To protect this beauty, he never mined it, and never even told anyone that it was a precious jade mine."

"Later, another person also discovered this place, and they also realized the immense value of the mineral deposits, but they believed it should be mined immediately. Tell me, who was right and who was wrong?"

Ning Rongrong was momentarily speechless, but Zhu Zhuqing interjected coldly, "Xiao Wu is our companion; how can she be compared to an inanimate object?"

“Miss Zhuqing is absolutely right,” Feng Yao’s smile deepened. “However, the story has a sequel—when later discoverers wanted to develop the mine, the first discoverer said, ‘I’ve lived here for many years and have long since grown attached to this place.’ Tell me, who is really acting so arrogantly?”

Oscar couldn't help but retort, "Even so, there should be a first-come, first-served principle!"

"You all possess spirit rings, so you must understand the rules to follow when two teams hunt the same target. If this world truly operates on a first-come, first-served basis," Feng Yao said with a meaningful smile, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "then how could the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School be the wealthiest entity in Heaven Dou? In terms of historical origins, the two great empires are far more ancient than any other sect."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over them, instantly sobering the Shrek Academy members. Oscar couldn't help but touch his nose; he knew perfectly well how he had obtained his third spirit ring.

Feng Yao continued, "Many things in this world are inherently unreasonable. When the Spirit Hall wants to take action, does it ever need a reason? Just like when Spirit Masters hunt Spirit Beasts, do they ever ask if the beasts are willing?"

These words silenced everyone. Ning Rongrong opened her mouth as if to refute, but couldn't say anything.

Dugu Bo's sudden words broke the silence: "Heh, although I've always looked down on the Spirit Hall's ways," a hint of sarcasm flashed in his snake-like eyes, "in this matter, what's the difference between that kid Tang Hao and someone who occupies a toilet without using it? Just because his son likes this toilet, does that mean everyone else should die of constipation?"

Dugu Bo stroked his chin with his withered fingers: "If that little girl hadn't used some special means to cover it up, I would have made my move back at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy. You wouldn't be here discussing this."

These words were like a resounding slap in the face, causing the Shrek Academy members' expressions to change drastically. Ning Rongrong's face turned red with anger, but she was stopped by a single look from Ning Fengzhi.

Although Dugu Bo's words were crude and harsh, they revealed a cruel truth.

He looked at Ning Fengzhi mockingly: "Didn't your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School ever consider it? That girl's teleportation and invincible golden body are life-saving techniques for you weak support characters."

Ning Fengzhi remained silent, but a barely perceptible glint of heat flashed in his eyes. Indeed, Xiao Wu's soul skills were practically perfect for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, not to mention the potential martial soul evolution opportunity that a 100,000-year soul ring and soul bone might bring.
"I will never absorb Xiao Wu's soul ring and soul bone!" Ning Rongrong shouted excitedly, her face flushed red.

Dugu Bo scoffed disdainfully, "Little girl, don't be so sure of yourself." His snake-like eyes flashed with a cold, worldly-wise light. "In this world, there are many things we can't control. What if a 100,000-year soul ring and soul bone could eliminate the flaws of your Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?"

Ning Rongrong wanted to argue, but Ning Fengzhi gently pressed her shoulder down. The sect leader looked into the distance with a complicated expression—he knew better than anyone what what Dugu Bo said meant to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.

"Alright, you old poisoner." Chen Xin slowly opened his eyes, his calm voice carrying a hint of warning. He didn't want his little granddaughter to come into contact with these things too early.

"Alright, it's more practical for me to save these valuable life experiences to teach my own granddaughter." Dugu Bo pursed his lips and finally stopped talking.

The Shrek Academy members exchanged glances, their faces displaying complex and unreadable expressions. Dai Mubai slowly relaxed his clenched fist, the complexity in Zhu Zhuqing's eyes gradually faded, and Ning Rongrong bit her lip, hesitant to speak. In the end, everyone simply sighed deeply and tacitly chose silence.

"What are Xiao Feng's plans for the future?" Ning Fengzhi suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

Feng Yao gently stroked the strings of his zither, smiling calmly: "Doing things as you please is good. Being as carefree as Senior Dugu is not bad at all."

“That is,” Dugu Bo said with a hint of pride.

A hint of regret flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes—with Dugu Bo, a titled Douluo, backing him up, and with the status of an honorary elder of the Spirit Hall, no force could force Feng Yao to make any choice.

It seemed that everything that needed to be said had been said, and the group descended the mountain in silence. A mountain breeze swept by, stirring up a few fallen leaves. The two groups continued their journey in an eerie silence, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing softly on the stone steps.

As Feng Yao stepped into the hotel arranged by the Spirit Hall, the gilded lamps cast a warm glow, illuminating the lobby in a magnificent manner. He had just passed through the doors when he heard a burst of crisp applause.

Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe, walked towards them clapping her hands rhythmically. Her golden eyes, hidden beneath the disguise, held a smile.

Qian Renxue gracefully performed a standard disciple's salute to Ning Fengzhi, while Xue Qinghe's gentle voice carried just the right amount of concern: "Teacher, I heard there was some mishap at the competition. Are you alright?"

Ning Fengzhi gently stroked the scepter in his hand and smiled calmly: "It's nothing, just a minor incident. The Spirit Hall didn't gain any advantage; in fact, they lost more than they gained." He turned his gaze to Feng Yao, his eyes flashing with admiration, "Little Feng's performance today truly brought honor to the Empire."

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue turned around and gazed at Feng Yao. Beneath Xue Qinghe's gentle face, a hint of tenderness that only Feng Yao could perceive flashed: "Congratulations, Xiao Feng." Her deliberately lowered voice concealed an intimacy that only they understood.

Qian Renxue's lips curled slightly, her every move exuding the dignified air of the Crown Prince of Tiandou: "I've heard about what happened in the competition just now. Your performance in this Soul Master Competition was truly amazing." Her jade-white fingers lightly tapped the jade pendant at her waist.

Feng Yao clasped his hands in a respectful bow, his sleeves fluttering and creating a gentle breeze: "Your Highness flatters me; it was merely a stroke of luck."

Qian Renxue waved her hand slightly, and the servants in the hall immediately understood and began preparing a banquet. A golden glint flashed in her eyes, but her voice remained as gentle as Xue Qinghe's: "If such a result is still considered lucky, then wouldn't the other contestants be ashamed? I have ordered a banquet to be prepared as a celebration for your victory."

Ning Fengzhi smiled knowingly and said at the right moment, "You young people should get together more often. Today, Xiao Feng is the main character, so you young people should chat more. I won't interfere." After saying that, he patted Qian Renxue on the shoulder and turned to leave with Ning Rongrong and the others.

"Yes, teacher." Qian Renxue bowed and, after Ning Fengzhi had walked away, smiled at Feng Yao and said, "Let's go."

Soon, the two entered a private room in the hotel lobby, where an exquisite banquet had already been prepared. Crystal glasses were filled with amber-colored fine wine, and the delicacies exuded an enticing aroma. Qian Renxue personally poured a glass for Feng Yao, her tone gentle yet meaningful: "It's a pity, your opponent in the finals isn't the Spirit Hall team. It seems the people she trained aren't very good."

Feng Yao smiled slightly and said, "Indeed, we underestimated our opponent and were careless."

Qian Renxue looked at Feng Yao with slight hesitation and asked, "I heard that you sent out a soul bone?"

(End of this chapter)