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

Morning light filtered through the window curtains, casting dappled shadows throughout the room. Feng Yao and Qian Renxue awoke from their meditation almost simultaneously, turning their heads in unison to look at the windowsill—the Blue Silver Emperor plant was stretching its leaves, its golden veins shimmering with a warm glow in the morning sun, as if enjoying the tranquil morning light.

"It seems it really likes the sunlight here," Qian Renxue said softly, her golden eyes reflecting the morning glow.

Feng Yao smiled and stood up, his fingertips lightly brushing against the leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor: "Let's go, we can grab some breakfast at Manager Ning's place."

"You make it sound so natural to freeload." Qian Renxue rolled her eyes at him, but still reached out to straighten his collar. In the morning light, her long eyelashes cast dappled shadows on her cheeks, but a smile she couldn't hide played on her lips.

The leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor suddenly moved without wind, their golden veins shimmering as if mocking some shameless fellow. Feng Yao smiled nonchalantly, "I call it careful calculation."

Having said that, she casually picked up the Blue Silver Emperor's jade basin as well. Qian Renxue shook her head and chuckled, the sunlight gilding her with a golden edge. She reached out and pushed open the door, the morning breeze carrying the unique atmosphere of Notting City rushing towards her.

The morning light spilled onto the stone-paved streets of Nottingham, gilding the pedestrians with a golden edge. Qian Renxue, arm in arm with Feng Yao, was drawn to the seven-stringed zithers displayed in the musical instrument shops on both sides of the street—the style of those zithers was exactly the same as Feng Yao's martial spirit "Fuxi".

"These zithers..." Qian Renxue's eyes widened slightly as she lightly tapped a shop window with her fingertip. "How come they're exactly the same as your martial soul?"

Feng Yao, holding the jade basin filled with Blue Silver Emperor pearls in one hand, smiled nostalgically upon hearing this. He didn't summon his martial spirit, but simply said softly, "Back in Manager Ning's teahouse, I earned quite a bit of money with my zither playing." A morning breeze ruffled a few strands of hair from his forehead. "Over time, the Fuxi style spread throughout Notting City."

At this point, a hint of pride flashed in his eyes, much like the young musician who had won thunderous applause in the teahouse years ago. Qian Renxue couldn't help but smile upon seeing this—in terms of musical skill, Feng Yao truly deserved the title of "unparalleled on the continent."

The two stopped in front of a quaint teahouse. The wind chimes on the eaves tinkled in the breeze.

Feng Yao turned to look at Qian Renxue beside him and whispered, "Wouldn't it be...?"

Qian Renxue gently touched her veil, a sly glint in her golden eyes: "My true form already possesses a status in the Heavenly Dou Realm." She twirled a strand of golden hair between her fingers. "If he asks, just say I was a maidservant bestowed upon you by the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao deliberately scrutinized her from head to toe with a burning gaze, then suddenly leaned close to her ear and said, "A maid like this," her warm breath brushing against her earlobe, "would probably make even Emperor Xue Ye's most favored concubine feel ashamed."

Beneath the veil, Qian Renxue's lips unconsciously curved upwards. She reached out and pinched Feng Yao's soft waist: "If you talk nonsense again, I'll make you sleep on the streets tonight." Though her tone was fierce, her eyes were filled with a gentle smile.

A delicate aroma of tea wafted from the teahouse, mingling with the fragrance of flowers carried on the morning breeze.

The sandalwood doors were gently pushed open, bringing with them a delicate aroma of tea. Feng Yao, carrying Qian Renxue, stepped into the teahouse. Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows behind them.

"Two distinguished guests." The maid at the door was about to bow when she looked up and her eyes widened suddenly. "Young Master Feng!" She almost dropped the tea tray in her hand, her voice full of surprise.

Feng Yao raised his hand in a gesture of greeting, a gentle smile playing on his lips: "No need to announce my arrival, just take me to see Uncle Ning."

"Yes!" The maidservant curtsied excitedly and led the two through the corridor. The tea drinkers along the way glanced at them and whispered about the identity of the couple.

Outside the room, the faint sound of chess pieces hitting the board could be heard. Just as the maid knocked, a slightly displeased voice called out from inside, "Come in."

But the moment the door opened, Manager Ning, who was sipping tea, suddenly relaxed. His celadon teacup hovered in mid-air, the tea sloshing slightly, reflecting his face filled with surprise and delight: "Xiao Feng?"

The sunlight shone brightly on Feng Yao's smiling face, and his gesture of greeting remained unchanged from when he was learning his craft: "Uncle Ning, how have you been?"

Manager Ning, his hands trembling slightly, braced himself against the edge of the table as he rose, uttering three "good"s in succession, his eyes brimming with smiles. When his gaze fell upon the blue silver grass with flowing golden patterns in Feng Yao's hand, he raised an eyebrow slightly, but wisely refrained from asking any further questions.

Feng Yao handed the jade basin to Qian Renxue, cupped his hands, and said, "This junior was passing through Notting City and came to pay a visit. I apologize for the intrusion, Uncle Ning."

"There's no need for formalities between us." Manager Ning waved his hand, signaling the maid to prepare tea, his gaze lingering on Qian Renxue for a moment. Although the young woman was dressed as a maid, her overall demeanor shone like a bright pearl.

"I'm here to help His Highness the Crown Prince with some matters. This is His Highness's personal maid," Feng Yao introduced softly.

Manager Ning understood and was not surprised. He solemnly bowed to Qian Renxue. The way the girl returned the bow, the fluttering of her sleeves, had the charm of court etiquette.

"How has Madam Yuehua been lately?" Manager Ning suddenly asked, his hand, which had been caressing the teacup, abruptly stopping.

A playful glint flashed in Feng Yao's eyes: "Madam is well." He suddenly leaned forward, "Uncle Ning, back then...?"

"Hahaha!" Manager Ning laughed heartily, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes, and said with great nonchalance, "When I was young, there wasn't a single young man in the entire Tiandou who didn't admire Lady Yuehua."

"Do you still want to go back to Tiandou?" Feng Yao asked softly upon seeing this.

Outside the window, bamboo shadows swayed gently, and amidst the fragrant aroma of tea, Manager Ning stroked the rim of his cup. "Tian Dou... we won't be going back." He gazed at the green bamboo he had planted himself in the courtyard. "It's peaceful here."

Just as Feng Yao was about to speak, Manager Ning changed the subject: "As for you, in just a few years, your cultivation level is almost surpassing mine."

"It's all thanks to Uncle Ning's high regard back then." Feng Yao bowed, but Manager Ning held his arm.

“How could a pearl be covered in dust?” Manager Ning’s eyes shone brightly. “I only hope that if you gain power, you will not forget to look after the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.” Seeing Feng Yao’s stunned expression, he smiled and took out the jade pendant from his waist—the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda pattern on it shone brightly.

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao was slightly taken aback and hesitated for a moment before nodding in surprise.

"My defeat to Ning Fengzhi was due to my inferior skill," Manager Ning said, the water jet tracing an elegant arc as he poured tea. "But the sect will always be my home, you should have realized that long ago, shouldn't you?"

As the tea steam rose, a nostalgic glint flashed in Manager Ning's eyes. Feng Yao lightly tapped the teacup with his knuckles, the porcelain resonating with a clear, melodious sound. "The Ning family is a direct descendant of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. To have you come to this remote border town..." He looked up at the towering, illusory glazed pagoda outside the window, "Besides that Sect Master Ning, who else could possess such authority?"

The tea rippled in the cup, reflecting Manager Ning's wry smile: "With Elder Jian and Elder Gu standing there like two towering mountains..." He stroked the jade pendant at his waist, "even the most dazzling genius cannot withstand the pressure of a Title Douluo."

The bamboo shadows outside the window suddenly swayed violently, as if echoing these words. Manager Ning dipped his finger in tea and drew a seven-tiered pagoda on the table: "The destiny of a support Soul Master. What does personal talent matter?" The tea stains evaporated quickly in the sunlight. "Ultimately, it depends on how many chips you hold, and how many powerful Soul Masters support you."

Feng Yao stared at the disappearing water stains, when suddenly he saw a drop of tea fall onto the top of the tower—caused by Manager Ning's unconsciously trembling wrist.

"When the Sword and Bone Twin Douluos were alive, the sect was at its zenith." Manager Ning's voice suddenly became ethereal, "But what if one day..." His voice was faint, his eyes filled with endless感慨 (gǎnkǎi, deep emotion), "this Glazed Pagoda...it's afraid it will collapse."

The tea room suddenly fell silent, with only the rustling of the Blue Silver Emperor tea leaves in the jade basin.

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao's gaze unconsciously shifted to Qian Renxue beside him. In the instant their eyes met, they both saw the same shock in each other's eyes—this direct disciple who had lived in seclusion in the border town had such profound insight.

Amidst the fragrant tea, Manager Ning gently stroked the rim of his cup with his fingers. "Forget it," he said, "these are no longer my concerns." He looked up at Feng Yao, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes, which were filled with deep emotion. "Little Feng," he said, "if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School suffers misfortune one day..."

"Don't worry, Uncle Ning." Feng Yao nodded solemnly.

After three rounds of tea, the sun was high in the sky. When Feng Yao rose to take his leave, Manager Ning insisted on seeing him to the door. In the sunlight, Manager Ning watched their departing figures and suddenly called out loudly, "Remember to come back for tea often!"

Before long, the carriage slowly made its way along the cobblestone streets of Nottingham. Sunlight filtered through the gauze curtains, casting dappled shadows inside. Qian Renxue gently stroked the leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor teapot, thoughtfully remarking, "This Manager Ning is quite a rare and insightful person."

Feng Yao leaned against the window, his fingertips teasing the leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor: "Those involved are often blinded. Ning Fengzhi understands this too, doesn't he? It's just human desire." He suddenly released his grip, "Like this boulder rolling down the mountain, how can it stop until it plunges into the abyss?"

Qian Renxue sneered, a cold glint flashing in her golden eyes: "It seems it's time for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School to..."

“These trivial matters…” Feng Yao suddenly grasped her hand, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, “Let His Holiness the Pope worry about them.”

The carriage traveled smoothly along the official road. Qian Renxue lightly stroked the leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor teapot with her fingertips, then looked up and asked, "Shall we go to that forest now?"

Before the words were finished, the leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor in the jade pot suddenly tightened, the golden veins flashed rapidly, and the tiny roots uneasily wrapped around the edge of the pot.

Seeing this, Feng Yao chuckled and tapped the most tense leaf with his fingertip: "Of course I'll go." A sly glint flashed in his eyes. "This tenant should also pay his rent."

The Blue Silver Emperor's leaves suddenly stood up in unison, with golden veins flowing wildly, resembling a pitiful tenant being chased for rent, cursing the unscrupulous landlord.

"I found the soul bone through my own abilities," Feng Yao said slowly, counting on his fingers. "Now I'll take you to a cultivation paradise." He suddenly lowered his voice, like a merchant negotiating a price, "Your growth rate will increase tenfold or more. You've made a killing on this deal. It's a win-win situation; your people only need to contribute a tiny bit of their strength."

A leaf suddenly smacked his finger with a soft "smack," almost like a tickle. The golden markings on the Blue Silver Emperor flickered, as if to say, "You unscrupulous merchant!"

Qian Renxue couldn't help but chuckle. In the sunlight, her smiling eyes added a touch of warmth to the bargaining.

A few days later, as the morning light pierced through the thin mist in the forest, the two were already standing at the edge of the Blue Silver Forest. Suddenly, the jade basin in Feng Yao's hand burst forth with a dazzling blue-gold light, and the leaves of the Blue Silver Emperor unfurled, the golden veins flowing as if alive.

Feng Yao closed his eyes, feeling the resonance of the soul bones within his body, and a warm life force surged from the soles of his feet throughout his entire being. To his surprise, he discovered that the entire forest of blue silver grass was conveying a joyful emotion to him—like a wanderer who had been separated for many years finally returning home.

“This is…” He slowly crouched down, his fingertips lightly touching the ground. In an instant, tens of thousands of Blue Silver Grasses swayed simultaneously, their blades rubbing together to create a rustling sound like ocean waves. The emotions of each blade were clearly discernible: some gazed curiously, some greeted him warmly, and some rejoiced at the return of the Blue Silver Emperor.

Qian Renxue's golden eyes widened slightly as she watched the scene unfold before her. Feng Yao's spiritual power spread like ripples on water, causing the Blue Silver Grass to bow down in respect, forming a magnificent wave in the forest.

What is most surprising is that the fallen blades of grass were not forced, but rather moved with a kind of piety, as if they were worshipping their king.

Feng Yao's pupils suddenly contracted, and a strange tremor ran through his soul bone. Those pale golden specks rising from the Blue Silver Grass were clearly—"the power of faith?!"

A storm raged within him, his fingers clenching involuntarily. Before him, a vast sea of ​​starlight, each speckle of faith contained the purest life force. These were precious powers meant to forge gods, yet in the original story, Tang San used the Blue Silver Emperor for bondage art?
Feng Yao's lips twitched, barely suppressing the urge to facepalm. The Blue Silver Emperor, a top-tier martial soul capable of gathering the faith of its people, was being used by Tang San like a divine weapon being used as a fire poker. Feeling the resonance between his soul bone and the thousands of Blue Silver Grasses within him, he suddenly realized—this was clearly a broad road directly to godhood!

Feng Yao secretly calculated that with a powerful martial soul like the Blue Silver Emperor, even if he couldn't achieve godhood in the end, the ability to resonate with the Blue Silver Grass alone would be enough to make him invincible wherever the forest reached, just like Tang Chen, at least making him the invincible one in the forest.

Qian Renxue keenly noticed his unusual behavior, a hint of doubt flashing in her golden eyes: "What's wrong? Did you discover something?"

"These Blue Silver Grasses," Feng Yao's voice was filled with barely concealed awe, "are transmitting pure faith power to it."

A gentle breeze stirred, and the surrounding blue silver grass swayed in unison, as if confirming his words. Tiny specks of light rose from between the blades of grass, shimmering with a sacred radiance in the sunlight.

An eerie silence suddenly fell over the forest; even the wind stopped blowing.

A deep, trembling spiritual energy pierced through their defenses: "My king, my noble king," the voice whispered like a thousand leaves rustling in unison, "is it truly you who has returned?"

"Heaven has eyes. Little Blue knew it. How could someone like you fall so easily?"

(End of this chapter)