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

Chapter 84 Going Home
Morning light streamed through the silken curtains, bathing the bedchamber in a honey-amber hue. Feng Yao awoke precisely on time, driven by his biological clock, only to find his arm, already slightly numb, resting on Qian Renxue's neck. The girl's seaweed-like golden hair carpeted the embroidered pillow, a few strands playfully entwining his fingertips, swaying gently with his breath.

He gazed at her sleeping face so close to his—her brows, usually so tense, were now completely relaxed, the morning light gilding her eyelashes and casting butterfly-wing-like shadows on her porcelain-white cheeks. The rosy hue of his kisses from the previous night clung to her lips, fluttering slightly with her breath, like cherries waiting to be picked.

Feng Yao couldn't help but trace her features with his gaze, from her full forehead to her delicate chin. When his eyes fell on the faint red mark on her collarbone, his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily. The scene of their passionate encounter last night flashed through his mind: her long neck arched back, moonlight flowing like a silver river on her skin.
"Mmm," Qian Renxue suddenly whimpered like a kitten, unconsciously burying her face in the crook of his neck. Her warm breath sprayed on his Adam's apple, carrying a hint of alluring sweetness. Feng Yao tensed up, feeling her soft body pressed tightly against him.

He carefully brushed aside the stray hairs from her forehead, and saw those eyes, always filled with icy coldness, slowly open. Her newly awakened golden pupils were misty, reflecting two tiny images of him.

"Good morning," the nasal greeting slipped out unconsciously, but Qian Renxue suddenly froze. A blush instantly spread from the tips of her ears to her collarbone as she suddenly remembered that their hair was still tangled together.

Feng Yao chuckled lightly, deliberately brushing his fingertips against her flushed earlobe: "Who was it that hugged me and said 'Don't go' last night? Hmm?"

"That...that was sleep talking!" Qian Renxue clutched the quilt to cover herself, but half of her snow-white shoulder remained exposed. Suddenly noticing his dark gaze, she frantically tugged at the corner of the quilt, "Don't look!"

Feng Yao suddenly leaned forward, bracing himself above her. Strands of hair brushed against her cheek, causing her to tremble slightly. He deliberately lowered his voice, "The candlelight was too dim last night; I couldn't see the furnishings of Your Highness's bedchamber clearly." His fingertips traced her bitten, red lips. "Now, may I have a proper tour?"

Just as Qian Renxue was about to retort, the sound of a servant's footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall. Her pupils contracted sharply, and she instinctively pulled Feng Yao into the depths of the brocade quilt. The two noses touched, listening to each other's thunderous heartbeats in the darkness.

"Are you nervous?" Feng Yao asked in a breathy voice, taking the opportunity to lightly pinch her waist.

Qian Renxue glared at him, but held her breath when he suddenly leaned in. Feng Yao's lips stopped just inches from hers, their warm breaths mingling: "Last night you said... um!"

After a long while, Qian Renxue suddenly threw off the brocade quilt, the blush on her face still lingering. With a flick of her finger, the snow-white dress that had been lying on the ground flew into her hand as if it were alive, and she was dressed in a few twirls. Feng Yao looked at her tense profile and reached out to tuck a strand of golden hair behind her ear, but she grabbed his wrist.

"Don't say anything out of the ordinary later," she said in a low voice, a complex emotion flashing in her golden eyes. "Don't tell Uncle She or Uncle Ci."

Feng Yao chuckled, took her fingertips in his hand, and gently kissed his palm: "I understand, maintaining dignity, my prince."

A blush crept onto Qian Renxue's ears as she shook off his hand, turned, and pushed open the palace door. Feng Yao watched her departing figure, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. He slowly and methodically straightened his clothes, his slender fingers smoothing out every wrinkle.

When Feng Yao stepped into the study, a strong smell of herbs mixed with a hint of blood hit him. She Long leaned back in a rosewood chair, dark red seeping from the bandage wrapped around his left shoulder. The bleeding was even more severe; his right arm hung unnaturally, the skin covered with spiderweb-like black cracks—marks of the injuries inflicted by the Haotian Hammer.

"Young Master." The two men forced themselves to stand up and bow when they saw Qian Renxue enter. When their gaze swept over Feng Yao, who entered afterward, a hint of surprise flashed in their eyes, but they quickly regained their composure.

Qian Renxue gently raised her jade-like hand, gesturing for them to sit down. Her golden eyes held just the right amount of concern: "Xiao Feng informed me of the situation yesterday. How are your injuries, uncles?"

She Long and Ci Xue exchanged a glance, and finally She Long spoke slowly, a hint of shame appearing on his face: "It's just a minor injury. We tracked Tang Hao to a strange forest, intending to launch a surprise attack under the cover of night." His snake-like eyes narrowed slightly, as if he were seeing that eerie scene again, "Who knew that a highly powerful soul beast dwelled in that forest, and it turned out to have quite a connection with Tang Hao."

Ci Xue picked up the conversation, his voice hoarse: "Only when we threatened to wipe out the forest did those rampaging Blue Silver Grasses stop attacking." He stroked the wound on his right arm, "But Tang Hao had already seized the opportunity to unleash his Martial Soul True Body, and at the last moment..." His Adam's apple bobbed as he said this, "...he somehow shattered his sixth spirit ring."

"Shatter the soul ring?" Qian Renxue's fingertips trembled, and the teacup made a crisp clinking sound on the table.

She Long knelt on one knee: "This subordinate is incompetent and failed to confirm Tang Hao's fate."

Feng Yao lowered his eyes to hide the glint in them, thinking to himself: The power of the exploding ring is extraordinary; even if Tang Hao doesn't die, he will surely become a cripple.

Qian Renxue took a deep breath, her clenched fist slowly relaxing inside her sleeve: "My two uncles went there to hunt for spirit rings; Tang Hao's incident was purely accidental." She rose and walked to the window, the sunlight gilding her with a golden edge. "If he is fortunate enough to survive..." A cold glint flashed in her golden eyes, "I will personally finish him off and avenge my two uncles."

The two felt a great weight lifted from their shoulders and a warmth spreading through them. Just as they were about to take their leave, Feng Yao suddenly spoke up: "Senior, do you still remember the location of that forest?"

She Long took out a leather map from his soul tool and pointed to an area marked with cinnabar: "The Blue Silver Grass here is unusually lush. I suspect..." He gave Feng Yao a meaningful look, "Tang Hao came here specifically for a reason."

As Feng Yao took the map, his fingertips gently traced the marked areas. Qian Renxue noticed his action, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.

Feng Yao stared intently at the location marked with cinnabar on the map, a profound glint in his eyes. He thought to himself: Tang Hao is probably on his last legs, and Tang San's bloodline awakening has been interrupted. Under She Long's pursuit, they have no chance of returning to the waterfall where they cultivated. This is the best opportunity to seize that wild soul bone.

As the saying goes, "If you don't seize what Heaven offers, you'll suffer the consequences." He gently stroked his chin, his expression calm as still water. Having chosen to stand with the Spirit Hall, he should make the most of their advantages.

“If there’s nothing else, we’ll take our leave.” She Long’s hoarse voice interrupted his thoughts.

Qian Renxue nodded slightly: "Thank you both for your hard work, uncles."

After the two left, only the two of them remained in the study. As Qian Renxue turned around, sunlight streamed through the window and danced on her long, golden hair: "Xiao Feng, what are you thinking about so intently?"

Feng Yao put away the map, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "I was just wondering what Tang Hao and his son's purpose was in coming here."

Qian Renxue snorted coldly, her fingertips tapping crisply on the table: "Whatever their intentions, that forest will be guarded day and night from today onwards."

"Hmm," Feng Yao suddenly leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "But Xue'er, are you free now?"

Warm breath brushed against her ear, and Qian Renxue's fair cheeks flushed instantly. She took a hasty half-step back: "W-What do you want to do?"

Seeing her embarrassed and annoyed expression, Feng Yao's smile deepened. He deliberately dragged out his words, "I'll take you to Nottingham City; maybe there will be an unexpected surprise."

"Notting City?" Qian Renxue's voice suddenly rose, then she realized her lapse in composure, a blush spreading from her cheeks to her neck. That place she had secretly investigated countless times, that small town that held all of Feng Yao's past.
Seeing that she was getting the wrong idea again, Feng Yao didn't expose her, but instead gave an exaggerated knightly salute in a teasing manner: "My lord, are you perhaps afraid to go?" "Who, who's afraid!" Qian Renxue grabbed the light gauze shawl from the table, her golden eyes flashing with stubborn light, "Let's go now!"

As the sun sets and twilight descends, the sky gradually darkens.

After finishing her official duties, Qian Renxue changed into an elegant moon-white dress. Her golden hair was loosely tied up with a silver hairpin, making her look less sharp and more like a young lady from an ordinary noble family than the young master of the Spirit Hall. She stood on the official road outside Tiandou City, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains, a rare hint of anticipation appearing between her brows.

Feng Yao led a magnificent, pure white horse slowly towards them, its mane gleaming like silver satin in the setting sun. Seeing Qian Renxue gazing into the distance, lost in thought, he smiled slightly, a hint of mockery in his voice: "What's wrong, my Your Highness? Are you nervous?"

"Who...who's nervous?" Qian Renxue suddenly snapped back to reality, a hint of panic flashing in her golden eyes, before she forced herself to remain calm and glared at him. "I just never imagined," her voice trailing off, "that one day I'd be walking alongside you like this."

Feng Yao's smile deepened, but he deliberately didn't reveal it. Qian Renxue looked at the magnificent white horse before her and suddenly realized something was wrong: "Wait... why are we riding horses?"

“Oh, this?” Feng Yao suddenly leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear. “Of course, I want to spend a few more days on the road with my Xue’er.” His fingers gently traced a strand of her golden hair. “And…”

He suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist and, amidst Qian Renxue's soft gasp, lifted her onto the horse's back. He then nimbly mounted the horse himself, encircling her entirely in his embrace.

Feng Yao's hands were warm and strong. She subconsciously held onto his shoulders, the faint scent of pine lingering around her nose, and her heart inexplicably quickened.

"This way I can still hold my prince." His voice held a triumphant pleasure. "Isn't that wonderful?"

Qian Renxue's ears instantly turned bright red, and she lightly patted Feng Yao's chest: "You only know how to use your energy on things like this!"

Feng Yao chuckled as he took the blow, but his arms tightened around her. "You're wrong." He suddenly lowered his voice, his lips almost touching her burning earlobe. "My thoughts are far more complex than Your Highness imagines."

"Hold on tight." Feng Yao chuckled softly and spurred his horse forward.

The horse neighed and galloped away into the twilight. Qian Renxue's long hair flew in the wind, and golden strands occasionally brushed against Feng Yao's cheek, causing a slight tickle. She wanted to distance herself, but the horse's swaying forced her to clutch his clothes tightly, her whole body almost pressed against him.

"You did this on purpose?" she whispered through gritted teeth.

Feng Yao smiled slightly: "Of course."

Qian Renxue gave a feigned indifference with a soft hum, but secretly curled the corners of her lips into a smile where no one could see. The night breeze brushed her cheeks, but it couldn't dispel the unfamiliar warmth in her heart. Feng Yao's chest was pressed tightly against hers, and she could clearly feel the rise and fall of each breath. Even the occasional unintentional touch of his fingertips when adjusting the reins felt like it was burning hot.

"Hold on tight." His whisper in her ear sent a shiver down her spine, and her arms instinctively wrapped around his waist. This feeling of being cherished was so new—as the young master of the Spirit Hall, she was used to being revered, but had never experienced such blatant favoritism. Even in the most ordinary journey, he would find ways to make her feel his affection.

Nottingham City was still a long way off, yet Qian Renxue suddenly found herself anticipating the surprises hidden in this ordinary little town. Perhaps it was because there was a Feng Yao from her youth that she had never met there, or perhaps it was simply because this was the first distant place they were traveling to together.

The clatter of hooves seemed to strike her heart. She quietly tightened her embrace, sinking deeper into that warm embrace.

Ten days later.

A cool night breeze rustled the trees lining the official road. Feng Yao suddenly slowed his pace and whispered, "Xue'er, look over there."

Qian Renxue followed his gaze and saw the outline of a small town faintly visible among the distant mountains, with lights twinkling like scattered stars.

“Nottingham.” Feng Yao’s voice carried a hint of nostalgia. “It’s been almost five years since I’ve been back.”

As Qian Renxue gazed at the ordinary little town, a strange emotion welled up within her. She had read countless times about this town in intelligence reports, but now, standing here in person, everything seemed different.

"What do you want me to see when you bring me here?" she asked softly.

Feng Yao didn't answer immediately, but gently squeezed her hand: "You'll know after dawn."

As night deepened, the two figures gradually blended into the outline of Nottingham.

The next day, before the morning mist had completely dissipated, Feng Yao led his horse onto a side road. He did not rush to find the waterfall near Shenghun Village, but instead took Qian Renxue back to Tingquan Village.

On the dew-dampened country lane, the outline of a village gradually came into view. Amidst the rising smoke from the chimneys, Feng Yao's steps suddenly became lighter, and even her back view exuded a relaxation she had never seen before.

“Tingquan Village.” As he turned around, the rising sun brushed just past his eyebrows.

Qian Renxue gazed at the scattered thatched cottages before her, the smoke from their chimneys weaving a soft veil in the morning light. Her fingertips brushed against the fence covered in morning glories, her voice unconsciously softening: "Is this your village?"

Feng Yao's gaze slowly swept over the village's everyday life—the wooden bucket swaying as the woman drew water from the well, the dust kicked up as children chased each other in the distance. He nodded gently, the morning light casting dappled golden shadows on his eyelashes: "However," the smile on his lips was incredibly gentle, "it's theirs now."

A willow catkin drifted down in the wind and landed right on his shoulder. Qian Renxue was about to reach out and brush it away when he suddenly grabbed her wrist.

His eyes, backlit, turned a transparent amber, clearly reflecting her slightly dazed face: "Xue'er." His calloused thumb traced her wrist pulse. "Now, you are my only refuge."

(End of this chapter)