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

Chapter 31 Appointed
The morning light is dim and the mist is thick.

Feng Yao slowly exhaled, and the blue soul energy lingering around him receded like a tide. He patted his robe, and "Fuxi" shone brightly in the morning light.

The moment he stepped out of the mimic training ground, a purple figure turned the corner. Dugu Yan leaned lazily against a carved stone pillar.

"Good morning, Sister Yan." Feng Yao raised the corners of his lips slightly.

"Good morning." Dugu Yan replied lazily, and continued, "Hurry up and pack up, we have to go to the Education Committee soon."

Feng Yao held "Fuxi" and asked with a puzzled look: "What happened?"

"Why are you pretending to be confused?" Dugu Yan squinted her purple eyes, a faint glint of poisonous green phosphorus flickering from her fingertips. "Such a big commotion yesterday—Shrek was expelled, Teacher Qin resigned, and Yu Tianheng dropped out." She suddenly lowered her voice. "Three members of the Education Committee submitted a petition impeaching Prince Xuexing overnight. Now, Emperor Xue Ye has transferred the jurisdiction of the academy to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Feng Yao stroked the strings thoughtfully: "What does this have to do with us?"

"Silly boy." Dugu Yan suddenly leaned in, her delicate fragrance brushing against his ear. "A new leader is about to take office, and the team needs to re-elect a captain. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is worried about not having the opportunity to cultivate confidants. I think this captain position belongs to you."

Feng Yao shook his head and laughed: "Sister Yan, you are joking. I am not interested in fighting for power and profit."

"But you defeated Yu Tianheng with the strength of three rings. Is there anyone else who can be the captain besides you?" Dugu Yan chuckled.

Feng Yao smiled helplessly upon hearing this, his slender fingers unconsciously plucking the strings: "Sister Yan, why do I feel like you're gloating?"

Dugu Yan narrowed her purple eyes slightly, her fingers playfully playing with a wisp of poison mist, and jokingly said, "What's wrong? Is being the captain appointed by the prince unfair to you?" She suddenly lowered her voice, "Or are you afraid of offending Grandpa?"

"This..." Feng Yao's fingertips trembled lightly at the strings of the zither. "Senior has done me a favor. Isn't this going against you?"

"Silly boy." Dugu Yan suddenly chuckled, the venom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake reflecting an eerie light in the sunlight. "Grandpa made an exception by taking action against those kids yesterday. In the future, Grandpa won't help him with such things." She paused meaningfully. "As long as you don't want to kill Xue Xing, you won't be opposing Grandpa."

Feng Yao nodded thoughtfully, his "Fuxi" glowing in the morning light. "I understand." He bowed slightly. "Then let me go change first, and then go to the Education Committee."

Dugu Yan watched him depart, her purple hair swaying gently in the morning breeze. In the distance, a skylark flew across the golden dome of the Education Commission, heading towards the rising sun.

After a quick wash and breakfast, Feng Yao headed to the Board of Education. The morning light filtered through the stained glass, casting a dazzling array of light and shadow on the gilded gate.

“Boom boom boom—”

Slender fingers tapped the door lightly, and Meng Shenji's gentle voice immediately came from inside: "Come in."

Pushing the door open, Feng Yao was slightly startled. He saw the Royal Fighting Team already lined up. Xue Qinghe sat at the head of the group, his moon-white robe accentuating his gentle demeanor. The three education committee members stood respectfully behind him, and Zhilin was winking at him.

"Your Highness, please forgive me." Feng Yao stepped forward quickly, and Fuxi drew an elegant arc in his arms. "I am late."

Xue Qinghe raised his hand with a smile and said warmly, "No problem. The team members have just explained that your training method is different and you spend more time in meditation. It seems that you made another breakthrough last night?"

Feng Yao calmly put his hand back into his sleeve: "Your Highness, please understand." He caught a glimpse of Dugu Yan winking at him cunningly.

Bai Baoshan stepped forward at the right time, with a smile on his round face: "Now that everyone is here, why not..."

Xue Qinghe suddenly stood up, the jade pendant on his waist making a crisp clinking sound. He walked over to Feng Yao and, in front of everyone's surprised gaze, personally helped Feng Yao up, who was still in a ceremonial position. "I summoned you all here today to discuss an important matter."

Xue Qinghe smiled gently and slowly swept his eyes over everyone present: "What happened yesterday was indeed my fault. I failed to notice the changes in time." His tone was sincere, as if he really felt sorry for what Prince Xuexing had done.

Feng Yao stood still with his eyes lowered, his mind as clear as a mirror—how could this "Crown Prince" not know of Shrek's arrival? But to Qian Renxue, Shrek's value was truly limited. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing were from Xingluo, and Ning Rongrong was the Young Master of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect; both were difficult to win over. As for Tang San and the others...
"Yu Xiaogang's conflict with the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Clan, and the friendship between Flanders and Liu Erlong."

Feng Yao's fingertips gently stroked the strings of the zither, thinking to himself, "These complex relationships are destined to make Shrek a tasteless chicken rib."

There are actually not many people left who can be won over, and they are all still very young. It is actually not in Qian Renxue's interest to go against all the noble lords for this long-term investment with no visible returns. Therefore, it is a good choice to take advantage of the situation and trick Dugu Bo out of Xue Xing's hands.

Xue Qinghe's voice brought him back to his senses: "Education Committee members, do you have any recommendations for a suitable team leader?"

Feng Yao caught a glimpse of Dugu Yan's pensive expression. Compared to those young men with complicated backgrounds, a soul master like himself, with no foundation at all, might be more suited to the "Crown Prince's" liking. Furthermore, Dugu Bo was a soul master of immense strategic significance.

Feng Yao's lips curled up slightly. He could feel Xue Qinghe's probing gaze on him, the scrutiny and curiosity hidden in that gaze far more complex than the superficial gentleness.

Just as Feng Yao's thoughts drifted away, Meng Shenji's old yet steady voice rang out: "Your Highness, I recommend Mr. Sun Buyu to be the team leader."

Xue Qinghe glanced gently at the people in the Royal Fight: "What do you think?"

Everyone responded in unison: "We will follow the arrangements of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Education Commissioner." The voices echoed in the spacious office hall.

"Very good." Xue Qinghe nodded slightly, and the jade pendant on his waist swayed gently with his movements. "Then the position of team leader will be taken by Teacher Sun. As for the choice of captain..." He paused deliberately, his eyes wandering among the crowd.

Instantly, all the team members' eyes were focused on Feng Yao. The fact that a three-ringed spirit master had defeated a four-ringed Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex Spirit Master was still unbelievable. Anyone who hadn't witnessed it with their own eyes would have thought it was a fairy tale.

"It seems like everyone's support is right." Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with a hint of deep meaning, "Classmate Feng, what do you think?"

Feng Yao felt the burning gazes from all around him, and a hint of helplessness flashed deep in his eyes. He took a step forward and bowed gracefully: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, and all of my classmates. Feng Yao is willing to serve you wholeheartedly."

"Good!" Xue Qinghe clapped his hands and chuckled, the golden embroidery on his sleeves gleaming in the sunlight. "Then I look forward to Captain Feng leading the Royal Fighting Team to shine at the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Competition."

"I will definitely live up to your highness's expectations." Feng Yao bowed again, his gaze lowered to conceal the deep thought in his eyes. He knew that from this moment on, he had officially entered this game of power.

Xue Qinghe gently brushed his sleeves and stood up. The pearls on the jade belt shone with a warm luster in the morning light. "Today, I have a rare opportunity to leave the palace. I wonder if classmate Feng would like to accompany me to tour Tiandou City?" Feng Yao's eyes flickered slightly, and he subconsciously brushed the strings of the zither, causing Fuxi to emit a clear and melodious tremolo in his arms. "It is my honor to accompany Your Highness to relax." The corners of his lips curled up slightly. "It is a good opportunity to relax and relieve the fatigue of days of training. It is all thanks to Your Highness."

"Student Feng is truly extraordinary." A glint of admiration flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. "Not only has his spirit power improved rapidly, but he has also mastered Madam Yuehua's court etiquette so thoroughly."

"Your Highness, thank you for your kind words." Feng Yao bowed gracefully, the dark ice-blue pattern on his cuffs faintly visible.

At this time, Sun Buyu hurried over. Hearing that he was entrusted with an important task, he saluted repeatedly with excitement: "Thank you, Your Highness, the Crown Prince, for your cultivation! I will definitely do my best!"

After Sun Buyu led the Imperial Dou group to their departure, Feng Yao followed Xue Qinghe onto the gilded carriage. Four snow-white horses neighed with their heads held high, and the Tiandou imperial emblem carved on the shaft gleamed brightly in the sunlight.

As the curtains fell, Feng Yao keenly noticed the soundproof soul guide hidden in the carriage's interior. Xue Qinghe personally poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of him. Amidst the aroma of tea, those seemingly gentle eyes concealed an unfathomable undercurrent.

The carriage drove smoothly along the wide streets of Tiandou City. Xue Qinghe's slender fingers gently stroked the rim of the teacup and asked casually, "I heard that Feng and Senior Du Douluo are close friends?"

Feng Yao lightly plucked the strings with his fingertips, and a clear note came out: "Senior Dugu is kind to others and always gives guidance to his students." He raised his eyes to meet Xue Qinghe's inquiring gaze, and his amber eyes reflected the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds outside the window.

"Kind?" Xue Qinghe chuckled, his fingertips tracing the edge of the teacup. "It's rare to find someone who can make this Poison Douluo look at you differently, but even he wouldn't have thought that Feng only has the innate fourth level of soul power."

Feng Yao's heart was moved slightly, and the strings of the zither trembled unconsciously. He pretended to be terrified and said, "Your Highness, please forgive me."

Xue Qinghe smiled meaningfully and said softly, "What crime have you committed? Don't be nervous. Mr. Feng is an outstanding musician. I wonder where he learned this from?"

"It's just a simple trick passed down from my family," Feng Yao said modestly. At the same time, he tapped the zither lightly with his fingertips, and a wisp of icy blue soul power quietly seeped into the strings. "Rather than that, I want to know why Your Highness is so concerned about me?"

Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with surprise when he heard this, but then turned into admiration. "Classmate Feng is indeed a quick-witted person." He picked up his teacup and took a sip. "I have always loved talented people, especially those who are as hidden as Feng."

The carriage was passing through Tiandou City's bustling bazaar, and the noisy sounds of people could be heard through the windows. The hawkers' shouts and children's laughter intertwined, making the silence inside the carriage even more obvious.

Feng Yao suddenly said, "I have come this far and now understand how to judge the situation. If Your Highness needs a suitable 'qin', I happen to be good at playing music. But if Your Highness wants a 'knife'..."

Xue Qinghe thought thoughtfully, "What's the difference?"

"The zither is 'loved' by the nobles, but the 'knife' will eventually break." Feng Yao said slowly, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

Xue Qinghe's pupils shrank slightly, then he smiled. "What a good judge of the situation." He put down his teacup, and the jade bottom of the cup touched the sandalwood coffee table, making a crisp sound. "Then, classmate Feng, would you be willing to play a song for me?"

Feng Yao understood, his fingertips moving across the strings: "I am very happy to do so. However..." He raised his eyes and looked directly at Xue Qinghe, "I am more looking forward to playing a duet with Your Highness."

"Ensemble? Why?" Xue Qinghe asked in confusion.

"I need to help His Highness resolve his doubts." Feng Yao said softly.

Hearing this, Xue Qinghe's eyes flashed with anticipation. Feng Yao placed the "Fuxi" horizontally and plucked the strings lightly with his fingertips. "Om—" A low sound echoed in the carriage.

For a moment, Xue Qinghe's face was filled with horror. The deep bass still resonated strangely in his chest, as if his internal organs were vibrating slightly with the sound waves. As Feng Yao's slender fingers continued to move across the strings, a strange warmth began to flow through his meridians.

"What a wonderful piano sound! It can resonate with my internal organs and temper my body with the piano sound. What a genius idea! Is this how he practices?" Xue Qinghe felt it carefully and said secretly in his heart.

As Feng Yao's fingertips' speed changed, he could feel the warm current actually moving his soul power. Soon, he was surprised to find that his soul power had changed.

"This is meditation? No. No."

As the music of the piano was about to stop, Xue Qinghe suddenly felt a sense of inner lightness and looked at Feng Yao with great satisfaction. He was very clear about Feng Yao's action and intention. This was not only Feng Yao's token of allegiance, but also Feng Yao showing his own value.

Feng Yao felt a little numb at this moment. Although he knew that Xue Qinghe in front of him was a girl, she was still a man on the surface. Being looked at by a man with such a fiery gaze
"Your Highness has some minor problems with his lungs. You must know that 'joy hurts the heart', 'anger hurts the liver', 'thinking hurts the spleen', 'sadness hurts the lungs', and 'fear hurts the kidneys'. Your Highness thinks and feels a lot, so you need to pay attention. I have already taken care of it for you." Feng Yao said with a smile.

Xue Qinghe's face flickered with discomfort upon hearing this, but he immediately changed the subject, saying, "This is the first time I've felt the wonders of zither music. I never thought it could even aid healing."

Seeing Xue Qinghe change the subject, Feng Yao understood and smiled, "The method commonly used by soul masters to induce vomiting and detoxify is to use soul power to vibrate the internal organs. The essence of piano sound is also the power of vibration. The two have similar effects."

Gradually, Xue Qinghe's expression became serious. Although the soul bone in his body concealed his problem very well, Feng Yao was able to use the sound of the piano to regulate these minor problems in his body, which meant that
Xue Qinghe looked at Feng Yao, trying to see something on his face, but there didn't seem to be any surprise on Feng Yao's face.

"Could it be that his piano music has not been detected?" Xue Qinghe thought to himself.

"Your Highness, are you feeling unwell somewhere else?" Feng Yao met Xue Qinghe's gaze without dodging at all.

Xue Qinghe shook his head slightly, his eyes still secretly observing Feng Yao, trying to find some flaws. "I just feel a lot lighter inside. If it weren't for Xiaofeng, I wouldn't have known that I had these problems."

"I'm glad that Your Highness is okay." Feng Yao said with a concerned smile.

Seeing the genuine concern in Feng Yao's eyes, Xue Qinghe couldn't help but feel warm in his heart.

"What do you mean by ensemble just now?" Xue Qinghe asked in confusion.

"Didn't Your Highness feel the flow of the soul power in your body just now?" Feng Yao asked in surprise.

"I did feel some changes in my soul power, but how does it relate to the route it runs?" Xue Qinghe asked doubtfully.

(End of this chapter)