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

Chapter 68 Night Banquet
After Emperor Xueye's impassioned congratulatory speech, the golden royal guard slowly parted. Twelve pure white Heavenly Dou steeds led a gilded chariot, on which a three-meter-high viewing platform was erected, with the flags of the Heavenly Dou Empire fluttering in the morning breeze around it.

"Qinghe, my beloved Feng, please come with me to the chariot." Xue Ye beckoned affectionately, and Feng Yao personally helped "Xue Qinghe" onto the chariot. At the same time, the captains of the various academies who were also invited to board the chariot—Feng Xiaotian of Shenfeng Academy, Huo Wu of Chihuo Academy, Shui Bing'er of Tianshui Academy, and others—all had undisguised excitement on their faces.

The chariot slowly started moving, with the Royal Knights leading the way, their silver armor gleaming like waves in the sunlight. On both sides of the road, the people of Tiandou City cheered, showering the chariot with flowers. Xue Ye stood in the center of the high platform, waving to his people from time to time; Qian Renxue maintained the humility befitting a crown prince, but inadvertently exchanged a knowing glance with Feng Yao.

"Long live the Heaven Dou Empire! Long live the Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"

A deafening roar of cheers swept through the entire street like a tidal wave. Crowds waved blue and silver flags, and children tiptoed, tossing flowers at the slowly advancing chariots. Feng Yao stood on the viewing platform, shoulder to shoulder with Huo Wu, Shui Bing'er, Feng Xiaotian, Ning Rongrong, and other elites from various academies, forming a magnificent and spirited scene behind Emperor Xue Ye and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.

Huo Wu, dressed in fiery red, exuded pride in her heroic eyes; Shui Bing'er maintained her elegant posture, her long, icy blue hair fluttering in the wind; Feng Xiaotian waved cheerfully to the crowd, eliciting screams; Ning Rongrong stood beside Feng Yao, glancing at him from time to time, seemingly still reminiscing about the events in Wuhun City.

As for Tang San's matter, Emperor Xue Ye tacitly chose to downplay it. Within the territory of the Heaven Dou Empire, the Spirit Hall's arrest warrant was merely a piece of paper. The royal family and the three upper sects were well aware that these forces were indispensable pawns on the chessboard of opposing the Spirit Hall. The enemy of my enemy is, of course, my ally.

As Feng Yao was pondering, he suddenly felt a familiar gaze upon him. Looking up, he saw Qian Renxue slightly tilting her head, her golden eyes gleaming gently in the sunlight. The moment their eyes met, Feng Yao winked playfully, a knowing smile curving his lips.

Qian Renxue suppressed a laugh and gracefully turned back. Maintaining the dignified bearing befitting a crown prince, she waved to the cheering crowd. Sunlight shone on his perfect profile, and his gentle smile revealed no flaw.

As the sun rose higher, golden sunlight bathed every corner of the Heavenly Dou Imperial City. The grand convoy finally stopped in front of the main gate of the palace, the gilded gates gleaming in the sunlight. To publicize this hard-won victory, Xue Ye had specially arranged for the convoy to circle the main streets of Heavenly Dou City, ensuring the good news spread throughout the capital.

Before the palace gates, the royal guard stood in perfect formation, their silver armor gleaming. Xue Ye, supported by attendants, slowly alighted from the carriage and turned to face the assembled academy elites: "You are all pillars of my Heavenly Dou Academy. Today, I have specially prepared this banquet in the Zichen Palace to celebrate your achievements."

The teams from each academy quickly assembled and lined up. Feng Yao stood at the very front of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy team, glancing out of the corner of his eye as Ning Rongrong was being whispered instructions to Ning Fengzhi; Huo Wu and Shui Bing'er stood side by side, the two proud daughters of heaven maintaining their elegant competitive posture; Ning Rongrong and the three members of Shrek Academy stood a little further away, their faces unable to hide their complex expressions.

As the master of ceremonies announced loudly, the crowd followed Xue Ye through the three palace gates. Feng Yao deliberately slowed his pace, maintaining a just-right distance from Qian Renxue.

"Captain Feng, please follow me." A court attendant respectfully led the way, interrupting Feng Yao's thoughts. He withdrew his gaze and followed the crowd into the magnificent Zi Chen Palace. The palace was already filled with delicacies, and the fine wine in the glass goblets reflected the pearls on the ceiling, gleaming with an alluring luster.

After Emperor Xueye's impassioned congratulatory speech, the most anticipated part—the awarding of titles and honors—finally arrived. The entire Zichen Palace fell silent instantly, all eyes focused on Feng Yao. This young Soul Master had not only led the Heaven Dou Royal Academy to victory but had also earned the honor of becoming an Honorary Elder of the Spirit Hall—the Heaven Dou Empire naturally couldn't afford to be outdone.

“My dear Feng.” Xueye’s voice echoed in the hall. “I will remember the glory you have won for the empire.” He raised his hand, and a servant immediately presented a gilded tray with the jade seal and ribbon symbolizing his title.

"Feng Yao is hereby granted the title of Guest Minister of the Heavenly Dou Empire, enjoying the privileges of a Duke."

There was an uproar in the main hall.

All the guests involuntarily widened their eyes, exchanging shocked glances. Soul Masters who could receive such an honor were extremely rare—the last one to enjoy such treatment was none other than the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo, renowned throughout the world for his poison.

Feng Yao remained calm and composed as he slowly rose to his feet under the watchful eyes of the crowd. He placed his right hand on his chest, knelt on one knee, and performed a standard Soul Master salute. The radiant light from the gilded palace ceiling shone upon him, making his white robes shine exceptionally brightly.

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

His voice, neither humble nor arrogant, echoed perfectly in the hall. As he rose, Feng Yao keenly noticed the glint in Ning Fengzhi's eyes and the seemingly pleased yet profound gaze of Emperor Xue Ye. Even Dugu Bo, standing in the corner, put down his wine jug, a hint of amusement flashing in his emerald eyes.

Sitting in the VIP section, Ning Fengzhi's eyes flickered, and the scepter in his hand unconsciously twirled slowly. He glanced thoughtfully at "Xue Qinghe" standing beside Xue Ye, and sighed inwardly: Even the Empire has begun to value Feng Yao's potential so much, choosing to show goodwill instead of recruiting him.

"That old poisoner Dugu Bo is quite shrewd," Gu Rong said telepathically to Chen Xin beside him as he raised his cup.

Chen Xin nodded slightly: "The Empire has already treated that child as an equal." He glanced in Dugu Bo's direction, which was of course also because of Dugu Bo's presence.

Everyone in the hall knew perfectly well that the smooth passage of this extraordinary honor must have been the result of secret collusion with Dugu Bo. Given the relationship between Qian Renxue and Prince Xuexing, if Dugu Bo hadn't intervened, Xuexing would have certainly objected on the spot. But at this moment, the prince, who was always fond of finding fault, simply drank his wine in silence, not uttering a single word about the honor.

The moment Feng Yao received the jade seal, he glanced around the room. He saw a hint of elder's satisfaction in Dugu Bo's eyes; although Prince Xue Xing's expression was not good, he did not object. Dugu Bo had made it very clear that it was better to acquiesce to everything than to antagonize Feng Yao over empty reputations. Opposing it would not cause Feng Yao any loss, but it would make Feng Yao more supportive of the Crown Prince.

This seemingly simple ceremony of bestowing honors was actually a tacit understanding between the various factions. Feng Yao's lips curled slightly—since everyone was giving him so much face, he naturally had to "repay" this generous gift in return.

As soon as Emperor Xueye finished speaking, his attendant immediately presented him with a gilded map of the city's defenses. He then lightly pointed to the central area of ​​Tiandou City, marking out a vast residence in a bustling area adjacent to the imperial city.

"This villa is hereby bestowed upon Minister Feng." Xue Ye's voice carried an undeniable authority. "Situated in a strategic location within the capital, with convenient access, it is perfectly befitting my status as a guest minister of Tian Dou."

A murmur of astonishment rippled through the hall. The mansion's prestigious location spoke volumes about its symbolic significance. Attendants immediately presented the land deed and keys, handing them to Feng Yao in full view of everyone.

After all the awards had been distributed to all the academies, the master of ceremonies announced loudly, "The celebration banquet officially begins!"

At this announcement, music immediately filled the hall. Dancers in light gauze dresses fluttered in like butterflies, while servants carried delicacies and fine wines among the guests. The pearls on the gilded candlesticks illuminated the entire hall as if it were daytime, and the fine wines in the glass goblets shimmered with an amber luster.

Feng Yao sat upright in the guest elder's reserved seat, toying with the newly acquired jade seal in his hand. He could feel the various gazes cast from all directions—some envious, but most inquisitive. When he looked up, he met Qian Renxue's gesture of raising her cup in the distance. The two drank across the distance, everything understood without words.

After several rounds of drinks, the banquet was in full swing. Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling sat at a side table, their jade-like fingers lightly twirling the rim of their glass cups, their gazes unconsciously drifting towards Feng Yao on the other side of the dance floor. At this moment, in the center of the hall, noblemen were dancing gracefully to melodious music, their gorgeous robes fluttering, yet they did not arouse the two women's interest in the slightest.

“Lingling, look at him.” Dugu Yan took a sip of fruit wine, a hint of sadness flashing in her purple eyes.

Ye Lingling followed her gaze and saw Feng Yao look up as if he had sensed something. The moment their eyes met, Feng Yao suddenly stood up, strode to the seat of the Crown Prince "Xue Qinghe," and respectfully began to speak with him.

"That coward," Dugu Yan snorted, her purple eyes full of reproach. She looked at Feng Yao standing beside the Crown Prince, using conversation as an excuse to avoid their gaze, and couldn't help but pout her red lips.

Ye Lingling unconsciously traced the rim of her cup with her fingertips, watching Feng Yao and the Crown Prince chatting amiably, and murmured, "He certainly knows how to find a scapegoat."

The two women exchanged a glance, both seeing the same disappointment in each other's eyes. The music in the hall remained melodious, and the dance was still graceful, but it no longer aroused their interest. Dugu Yan angrily downed her cup of wine in one gulp, while Ye Lingling lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes casting a shadow on her face.

In the distance, Feng Yao was talking to Xue Qinghe, but he took in the two women's reactions out of the corner of his eye.

Qian Renxue sat upright in the gilded chair, her fingertips lightly tracing the rim of her wine glass, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. As she raised her glass, she lowered her voice and said, "Why don't you go dance with those two beauties? This Crown Prince is very magnanimous." Her gilded eyes gleamed mischievously in the candlelight, her tone clearly teasing.

Feng Yao maintained a respectful expression on his face, but secretly rolled his eyes. "Keep pretending," he thought to himself. "If I really go, I'm afraid some jealous person will throw a tantrum again."

"Your Highness is too kind." Feng Yao bowed slightly, his voice just loud enough for the nearby servants to hear, but his hand, concealed by his sleeve, lightly traced Qian Renxue's thigh with his fingertips.

Qian Renxue coughed as if she had been electrocuted, squinting her eyes. Even Xue Qinghe's disguise couldn't hide the shyness in her eyes.

Feng Yao smiled. This young master, who appears noble and aloof in front of outsiders, is becoming more and more childlike in private.

Oscar's eyes lit up as he watched the crowd dancing gracefully on the dance floor. He mustered his courage and reached out to Ning Rongrong: "Rongrong, may I have this dance with you?" He had a shy smile on his face and his eyes were full of anticipation.

Ning Rongrong hesitated for a moment before placing her hand on it. However, as soon as the music started, Oscar immediately realized he had made a mistake—as a food-type Soul Master, he lacked physical exercise, let alone the coordination required for learning aristocratic dances. While someone like Tang San, proficient in Tang Sect movement techniques, might be able to learn it on the spot, it was far too difficult for him.

"Ah, sorry!" Oscar tripped over Ning Rongrong's skirt again, frantically trying to steady her, but accidentally touched her hair ornament. A few soft laughs from the noble ladies around them made his ears turn red.

Ning Rongrong maintained a polite smile, but a hint of embarrassment flickered in her eyes. As the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, although her dancing skills weren't exceptional, she had still learned basic etiquette and dance. Being led astray by Oscar at this moment was truly embarrassing.

As the last note faded, Ning Rongrong practically fled back to her seat. She straightened her wrinkled skirt, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“Rongrong.” Oscar caught up, his voice full of guilt. He scratched his head, unsure how to make amends.

Ning Rongrong took a deep breath, suppressing her displeasure: "It's okay, Oscar." She forced a smile.

This scene was clearly witnessed by Qian Renxue and Feng Yao. Feng Yao subtly touched Qian Renxue's arm with his elbow, and the moment their eyes met, Qian Renxue understood immediately.

A slight smile played on her lips, a glint of cunning flashing in her golden eyes. Using the gesture of raising her glass, she subtly communicated with her person.

Soon, the suppressed giggles in the room became blatant, and the whispers among the nobles grew louder and louder.

"It seems the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School's little princess hasn't chosen a very suitable dance partner for today."

"The young lady of the prestigious Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is actually with a commoner Soul Master."

"That kid doesn't even know the basic dance steps; he's making a fool of himself."

"Sect Leader Ning has completely lost face."

These harsh words reached Ning Rongrong and Oscar's ears without missing a single one. Ning Rongrong's knuckles turned white as she gripped her skirt, and her eyes reddened slightly. Oscar stood to the side, helplessly watching everything unfold, his face filled with regret.

Feng Yao and Qian Renxue exchanged a knowing glance, both seeing the satisfaction of their plan succeeding in each other's eyes. This seemingly accidental little episode was the first step in their carefully planned scheme.

Ning Fengzhi remained seated, gently rubbing the scepter in his hand. His deep gaze silently observed his daughter's embarrassing moment, his face revealing neither joy nor anger. As the head of a sect, he knew all too well the rules of the aristocratic circle—if Oscar were truly to become Rongrong's partner, this embarrassment was only the beginning. This was both a trial and a test.

The snickers and whispers in the room grew increasingly grating, and Oscar's face gradually paled. He clenched his fists repeatedly, finally letting out a slow, heavy breath. Turning away, he forced a smile at Ning Rongrong, his voice barely audible: "Rongrong, I'd better head back to the academy."

That smile concealed too many complex emotions—resentment, inferiority, and deep self-blame. Before Ning Rongrong could respond, Oscar had already turned and left, his figure appearing particularly thin against the backdrop of the gilded hall. He deliberately avoided the crowd, but his steps quickened, as if he wanted to escape this suffocating place.

Ning Fengzhi watched Oscar's departing figure, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes. Meanwhile, Feng Yao and Qian Renxue in the distance exchanged a knowing glance—the first step of the plan had already succeeded.

(End of this chapter)