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

Chapter 67 Return
A few days later, Dugu Bo and Feng Yao returned to the Tian Dou Empire's caravan, travel-worn and exhausted. As the sun set, the caravan set up camp on a plain, with wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys.

Dugu Bo stroked his beard, squinting as he gazed in the direction of the Crown Prince's carriage, a strange expression on his face. "That kid," he muttered under his breath, "ignoring my beloved granddaughter, not even glancing at that girl from the Ye family, instead going to find Xue Qinghe first."

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. A hint of suspicion flashed in his emerald eyes: "Could it be that he has some kind of unusual fetish?"

Just then, a silvery laugh rang out from afar. Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were walking side by side.

"Grandpa!" Dugu Yan waved cheerfully, but after seeing Dugu Bo's strange expression, she tilted her head in confusion. "What's wrong? You look so strange."

Dugu Bo quickly coughed twice and put his hands behind his back: "It's nothing, I was just thinking about the peculiar hobbies of some young people."

Dugu Bo shook his head, banishing those thoughts from his mind. He stood with his hands behind his back, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Never mind." He sighed softly. Although he was quite fond of Feng Yao, matters of the heart cannot be forced. Given Feng Yao's current achievements and potential, forcing a match would only make things awkward for both parties if he had no interest in it.

Dugu Bo's gaze unconsciously drifted to Dugu Yan, who was chatting and laughing with Ye Lingling. His granddaughter's bright smile warmed his heart, and he then stroked his chin with a sense of relief.

"That's fine too," he murmured to himself. "At least after I'm gone, with this kid looking after her, Yan Yan won't be bullied."

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on his aged face, gilding the wrinkles left by the years with a warm gold.

Inside the Crown Prince's luxurious carriage, Feng Yao leaned back on the soft brocade cushions. A faint scent of ambergris filled the air, and gilded lamps cast a warm glow, illuminating the space like a small haven.

Qian Renxue revealed her true form at this moment—personally pouring him a cup of tea. Amidst the fragrant steam, Qian Renxue's golden eyes narrowed slightly, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of the teacup, and she said in a cool tone, "It seems you've had quite a haul this time." Her tone carried a distinct hint of sourness.

Feng Yao was taken aback at first, then chuckled, "Xue'er, I'm just going to hunt for a spirit ring."

"Then why do you have to find Dugu Bo?" Qian Renxue's ears turned red. "Can't Uncle She and Uncle Ci take you?" As she spoke, her voice grew softer and softer, her fingers gripping the hem of her clothes tightly, and even her breathing became cautious.

Feng Yao's heart softened, and a gentle light appeared in his eyes. He gently moved closer, and as she slightly flinched, he firmly grasped her small hand that tried to pull away: "Isn't it because you're afraid of delaying your plans?" His fingertips lightly traced circles in her palm, his voice so soft it could melt water, "It's naturally more convenient for Senior Dugu to be in the open. Both seniors need to protect you at all times, so they shouldn't be distracted."

"Hmph," Qian Renxue turned her face away, but let him intertwine their fingers. The setting sun shone through the gap in the carriage curtain, illuminating the undisguised smile on her lips. Feng Yao felt the warmth from her palms and watched her feigned anger while unable to hide her joy, feeling even more satisfied than if he had obtained a 100,000-year soul ring.

Feng Yao gazed at Qian Renxue's profile, which was feigning stubbornness, and felt a surge of pity in his heart. He knew better than anyone that this noble and aloof young master of the Spirit Hall was actually a girl as innocent as a blank sheet of paper when it came to matters of the heart.

Over twenty years of undercover work had made her accustomed to living behind a mask. Xue Qinghe's gentle and refined demeanor, and the young master's dignified and aloof presence, were all carefully woven disguises. Only when facing him would those layers of defense occasionally fall away, revealing the coquettishness and trepidation that a girl of her age should possess.

Feng Yao gently stroked the back of her hand with his thumb, feeling the slight tremor. He knew that every time she took the initiative to approach him, it required immense courage from her. Just like now, she was clearly happy inside, but she was pretending to be angry, simply to confirm her importance in Feng Yao's heart.

"Xue'er," he called softly, placing her hand against his heart, "from now on, you'll come with me to hunt for spirit rings, okay?"

Qian Renxue stiffened, a flicker of panic crossing her golden eyes before they softened into shimmering tears. She bit her lower lip, then finally nodded gently, her expression like that of a child tasting honey for the first time, both joyful and apprehensive.

A sly glint flashed in Feng Yao's eyes as he deliberately dragged out his words: "This is just from hunting for spirit rings with Senior Dugu. Once we return to Heaven Dou City, you'll be by my side every day, attending all sorts of banquets..." He paused deliberately, "...those noble ladies will probably..."

"You dare!"

Qian Renxue instantly bristled, her cheeks turning bright red. Her golden eyes widened, making her look like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She subconsciously imagined Feng Yao surrounded by beautiful women, and she became so angry that she could hardly breathe.

"If I find out you're behaving like those spoiled brats..." Her gaze unconsciously drifted downwards, landing on a certain dangerous spot. "Hmph."

Feng Yao suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, and his legs involuntarily pressed together. He was joking; Qian Renxue was now a high-level Soul Saint. Dealing with him, a Soul King, was a piece of cake.
"I was wrong!" He immediately raised his hands in surrender, but couldn't hide his smile. "With a beauty like Xue'er by my side, how could I possibly have eyes for anyone else?"

Qian Renxue's expression softened slightly, but she still turned her face away haughtily. However, the slight upturn of her lips and the way she quietly squeezed his hand back betrayed her true feelings.

Feng Yao awkwardly touched the tip of his nose, his smile gradually fading: "However, there's something I need to tell you beforehand."

"Hmm?" Qian Renxue keenly sensed the change in atmosphere, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. "What's so serious?"

“His Holiness the Pope said,” Feng Yao carefully chose his words, “that you intend to use your status as Crown Prince to bring the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School under your control?”

Qian Renxue softly hummed in agreement, then suddenly relaxed all her strength and rested her head on his shoulder. This intimate gesture softened Feng Yao's heart, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

“That old fox Ning Fengzhi…” Her voice was muffled, tinged with weariness, “He addressed me as his disciple on the surface, but in reality, he was always on guard and didn’t offer me much support. If it weren’t for that, given Xue Ye’s current physical condition, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School’s influence in the Heavenly Dou Sect, he should have…”

"As a sect leader, his primary concern is the sect's interests. The later you ascend to the throne, the more benefits he can gain from you. He wants to use the pretext of supporting the crown prince to secure more benefits for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect." Feng Yao continued, his fingertips unconsciously twirling her golden hair. "Those two incompetent fools, Xue Xing and Xue Beng, are merely bargaining chips he uses to balance you out."

Qian Renxue suddenly sat up straight, her beautiful eyes wide open: "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Feng Yao smiled helplessly, cupping her face in his hands: "What I mean is, to deal with that old fox Ning Fengzhi, we'll inevitably have to feign compliance with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's little princess," he deliberately drawled, "I'm just afraid that a certain young master might..."

Upon hearing this, Qian Renxue immediately straightened up, a sharp glint flashing in her golden eyes: "I disagree!" She placed her hands on Feng Yao's chest, unable to hide her flushed cheeks. Feng Yao chuckled softly, his warm breath brushing against her ear: "What are you thinking? I have no intention of offering myself." His voice carried a hint of mockery, "I haven't even married our Xue'er yet, how dare I act recklessly?"

"So how do you plan to persuade Ning Fengzhi?" Qian Renxue bit her lower lip, her fingertips unconsciously tightening around Feng Yao's collar. "That old fox won't act until he sees the rabbit."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Feng Yao's eyes as he gently grasped her restless hand: "Man proposes, God disposes. Since he can use the throne to keep you hanging on," he deliberately paused, "why don't we give him a taste of his own medicine?"

Seeing Qian Renxue's puzzled expression, Feng Yao continued, "I've observed Shrek Academy; Ning Rongrong is clearly deeply in love with that food-type Soul Master." A sly smile played on his lips. "Do you think this little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School will obediently listen to her father and marry me?"

Qian Renxue paused, then suddenly understood. Her beautiful eyes flickered, the anger from before gradually transforming into thoughtfulness: "You mean..."

“Exactly.” Feng Yao gently pinched the tip of her nose. “We just need to give Ning Fengzhi a ‘possibility,’ just like he gave you one.”

Qian Renxue's golden eyes suddenly lit up. Years of experience in political maneuvering while infiltrating the Heavenly Dou Empire allowed her to instantly grasp Feng Yao's deeper meaning. Her fingertips lightly tapped the armrest of her chair, her thoughts racing like lightning:
"Ning Fengzhi cares most about two things—the inheritance of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and the sect's status in Heaven Dou and even the continent." Her voice gradually became steady and powerful, revealing the sharp edge of the young master of the Spirit Hall beneath Xue Qinghe's disguise. "We can approach this from multiple angles. If we let him see Oscar's weaknesses, even Tang San, the Clear Sky Sect, and you..."

Feng Yao gazed at her radiant appearance with a smile, and couldn't resist placing a kiss on her brow: "As expected of our young master, you understand so quickly."

Qian Renxue's ears turned slightly red, but she was already immersed in analyzing the situation: "Make Ning Fengzhi realize that no one else can be relied on, and then use Xue Qinghe's identity to give him a political promise he can't refuse."

Her speech quickened, and her fingers gestured unconsciously. Feng Yao watched her radiant appearance with doting eyes, suddenly feeling that Qian Renxue was more dazzling than ever before.

Qian Renxue tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation: "Are you really confident?"

Feng Yao's lips curled slightly, and he deliberately gestured a small distance between his thumb and forefinger: "About... just this tiny bit of certainty?" Seeing that Qian Renxue was about to glare at him again, he quickly added, "Isn't this just to reassure our young master?"

“But…” Qian Renxue bit her lower lip, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, “What if that girl Ning Rongrong really…”

“Then I will never yield!” Feng Yao immediately straightened his back, putting on a righteous and awe-inspiring appearance, which made Qian Renxue chuckle.

"Idiot." She gave him a playful glare. "What can a support-type Soul Master do to you? I'm worried about the Sword and Bone Douluos."

Feng Yao's expression turned serious, and he said softly, "Two Super Douluos above level 95 are indeed troublesome, but that's precisely why they're worth winning over."

Qian Renxue nodded thoughtfully, a sharp glint in her eyes: "If they don't know what's good for them..." She didn't finish her sentence, but the implication was clear.

"Yes, my young master." Feng Yao replied with a smile, then suddenly changed the subject: "Is my Xue'er still jealous?"

The two exchanged a smile, and the setting sun, filtering through the gaps in the carriage curtain, cast a warm, golden glow over the small strategic meeting. Qian Renxue suddenly realized that having someone to strategize alongside her was far more reassuring than planning alone.

Startled, Feng Yao gently pulled her into his embrace. Qian Renxue struggled symbolically for a moment, but ultimately leaned against his chest obediently. The strong heartbeat of Feng Yao beside her made her unconsciously smile.

Qian Renxue's cheeks flushed slightly, and she gently poked his heart with her fingertip: "You always choose times like this." Her voice trailed off, tinged with embarrassment and annoyance, "And now you're getting more and more demanding."

Feng Yao chuckled softly, his warm breath brushing against her ear: "Of course, you have to choose the right moment." He deliberately lowered his voice, "I don't want to be like before, getting kicked away by someone at the drop of a hat."

Before she could finish speaking, Qian Renxue suddenly looked up, her golden eyes narrowing dangerously: "Say that again?"

Feng Yao immediately raised his hands in surrender, but couldn't hide the smile in his eyes, "Our young master is the most gentle and considerate, how could he..."

"Hmph!" Qian Renxue snorted softly, but leaned back into his arms. The setting sun shone through the gap in the carriage curtain, illuminating the sweet smile that she couldn't hide on her lips.

The next morning, outside Tiandou City.

The golden morning sun shone on the majestic city walls as Qian Renxue led the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy's convoy to a slow stop. Feng Yao alighted with her and stood respectfully behind the Crown Prince. Looking up, they saw Emperor Xue Ye, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, personally standing at the city gate to welcome them, surrounded by three Soul Douluo-level instructors and a group of noble ministers.

Banners fluttered before the city gates, and music resounded. News of Feng Yao's victory had already spread throughout the continent. The Heavenly Dou Royal Academy had regained its crown after many years, and such joyous news made even the increasingly haggard emperor beam with delight, breaking with tradition to come out of the city to welcome them.

"Hahaha, the heroes of Tiandou have returned in triumph!"

Hearty laughter echoed through the snowy night, resounding inside and outside the city gates. Everyone present wore a joyful expression, even the Shrek Academy students who had accompanied them couldn't hide their excitement. Although they hadn't won the championship, under the name of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, they had still achieved the glorious result of second place.

Ning Fengzhi stood beside Xue Ye, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda gleaming in the morning light. His meaningful gaze lingered on Feng Yao for a moment, then swept over Ning Rongrong standing beside him. Sword Douluo Chen Xin and Bone Douluo Gu Rong stood guard at his side like shadows, the presence of these two Super Douluos adding a touch of solemnity to the atmosphere.

Feng Yao keenly noticed a fleeting, almost imperceptible, complexity in Xue Ye's eyes when she looked at Xue Qinghe. Qian Renxue, on the other hand, perfectly maintained the prince's gentle and refined demeanor, each gesture of her bow perfectly executed.

Amidst the laughter and chatter, Feng Yao and Qian Renxue's eyes met unexpectedly. They exchanged a knowing nod.

(End of this chapter)