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

Chapter 37 Ning Fengzhi

Without the blessing of immortal herbs, the Shrek team's current strength seemed rather ordinary. Although Tang San hadn't revealed the astonishing ten-thousand-year fourth spirit ring from the original novel, Feng Yao was still secretly surprised by the fact that he had already broken through to the Soul Sect level. Feng Yao had originally estimated that Yu Tianheng and Dai Mubai were the only two people in the entire Shrek team who had broken through to the Soul Sect level.

"It seems that the mimicry training ground of Lanba Academy is not bad." Feng Yao stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Yu Xiaogang is focusing all his short-term training on breaking through his soul power."

The match was almost one-sided. Even without exerting their full strength, Tang San and his team still easily defeated the Tiandou Royal Academy vice-team. This clean victory caused a commotion in the VIP seats. No one had expected this team in strange uniforms to be so powerful.

Feng Yao keenly noticed that the three members of the Education Committee, led by Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, were silently exchanging glances. The embarrassment of being publicly humiliated by Dugu Bo had finally found an outlet—and they naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to embarrass Prince Xuexing.

Emperor Xue Ye, seated in the main seat, frowned slightly, his gaze flickering between Prince Xue Xing and Xue Qinghe. The emperor knew full well that this was merely a political game between his two sons' factions. Ultimately, he merely gave Xue Xing a mild reprimand and brushed the matter off. But Feng Yao clearly saw the flicker of fatigue and helplessness across the emperor's face.

The first day of competition came to an end. Feng Yao was just planning to return to study the unique Tang Sect skills he had glimpsed today, when a slender figure blocked his path.

"Come with me, I'll take you to meet some people." Qian Renxue, with the face of Xue Qinghe, spoke in an unquestionable tone, and her every gesture showed the majesty of a superior.

Feng Yao sighed helplessly: "Is it Sect Master Ning?"

"More than that." Qian Renxue raised the corners of her lips slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. "The identity of your schoolmate is much more interesting than you think."

"Tang San?" Feng Yao raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Qian Renxue nodded slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes.

"Compared to him..." Feng Yao suddenly took a step closer and said with a low voice, "I am more curious about you, Your Highness..."

"You'll know later." Qian Renxue calmly changed the subject, turning around and walking towards the carriage with a flick of her sleeve. "Let's go."

The gilded carriage passed through the bustling streets and finally stopped in front of an antique teahouse.

The two entered the private room, where the aroma of tea lingered between the carved screens. Feng Yao and Qian Renxue sat quietly sipping their tea when they heard footsteps outside the corridor. They both rose to greet them. Ning Fengzhi and Tang San gracefully arrived behind a lightly raised beaded curtain.

Tang San's eyes flickered slightly when he saw Feng Yao, but he remained silent.

"Uncle Ning." Qian Renxue bowed respectfully to Ning Fengzhi, performing the etiquette expected of a disciple. Her moon-white robe fell as she moved, forming an elegant arc across the bluestone floor.

Ning Fengzhixu gave him a helping hand, a kind smile on his jade-like face: "Qinghe, I told you long ago that you don't have to be so polite."

"Etiquette cannot be abolished." Qian Renxue stood up straight, her eyes filled with sincere respect. "You are both an elder and a mentor. If my father knew that I was negligent, I am afraid I would be punished."

When turning her gaze towards Tang San, Qian Renxue's eyes showed a hint of inquiry: "This must be the young talent, Brother Tang San, that Uncle Ning often mentioned?"

"Your Highness, your Highness, is so kind." Tang San bowed with neither arrogance nor servility, but his eyes casually swept over Feng Yao. Seeing the captain of the Royal Fighting Team standing beside the Crown Prince, he already understood the relationship.

Ning Fengzhi flicked his sleeves and introduced the two: "Xiao San, this is the current Tiandou Crown Prince, His Highness Xue Qinghe."

"I've heard a lot about you." Tang San saluted again, his posture calm and measured, showing both respect and dignity.

Qian Renxue's eyes flashed with admiration. "No need to be so polite. If Brother Tang San doesn't mind, just call me Brother Xue." Turning to Ning Fengzhi, she said, "Uncle Ning, this is Feng Yao, the current captain of the Royal Fighting Team." A meaningful smile curved her lips. "Speaking of which, he has a deep connection with your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Feng Yao gracefully leaned forward, his right hand gently stroking his left chest as he gave Ning Fengzhi a standard soul master salute. His voice was clear and steady as he spoke, "When I was a student in Notting City, I earned a living playing the qin in Shopkeeper Ning's teahouse. Shopkeeper Ning appreciated my kindness and not only provided me with a place to stay but also wrote a personal letter of recommendation upon my graduation, helping me enter Yuexuan for further studies. Actually, classmate Tang and I are classmates."

Feng Yao's words were filled with genuine gratitude, yet his gaze remained neither humble nor overbearing. "Speaking of which," Feng Yao's lips curled slightly, "if it weren't for Manager Ning's support back then, I probably wouldn't have had the chance to see the world I have today."

Ning Fengzhi's eyes flashed with realization when he heard this. He said softly, "I see. I just remembered that my cousin mentioned in a letter that a young spirit master with extraordinary musical skills had emerged in Notting City. I never expected to see him here today."

"I will never forget the kindness of Manager Ning." Feng Yao bowed again.

At this moment, Qian Renxue interrupted and said, "It seems that today's meeting has unraveled a lot of fate." He gracefully picked up the teapot and poured tea for everyone.

Ning Fengzhi flicked his sleeves and said gently, "Everyone, please take a seat. The Biluochun tea in this teahouse is truly amazing. Xiaosan, you should try it too."

The four of them took their seats, host and guest. Qian Renxue picked up the celadon teapot and gracefully poured tea for everyone. The rich aroma of tea filled the room, complementing the quaint and elegant environment and bringing a sense of tranquility to the mind.

Tang San's gaze lingered briefly on Feng Yao, as if hesitant. Qian Renxue spoke at the right moment, "Xiao San, there's no need to be so reserved. Feng Yao is no stranger." She turned to Ning Fengzhi, a hint of amusement in her eyes, "Come to think of it, I stole a good talent from the teacher."

Ning Fengzhi shook his head and chuckled: "It doesn't matter, we are all serving the empire."

Tang San nodded, his voice slightly lowered: "Brother Xue, I heard that you know something about my father's retirement?"

Qian Renxue's expression grew serious. "According to the palace attendants, this matter is indeed related to the Spirit Hall." She noticed Tang San's body tensed up instantly and continued, "About fifteen years ago, the Spirit Hall went out in full force to search for a certain treasure, even alarming the then-Pope himself. And this item seems to be in your father's hands."

Tang San's knuckles were already white: "Then my mother..."

Qian Renxue sighed lightly, but a cold light flashed in the depths of her eyes: "It was not mentioned in the news. But not long after, the former Pope suddenly passed away, and your father also..." She stopped talking at that.

Ning Fengzhi added, "The key lies in that treasure and the truth. I'm afraid only the person involved knows." Silence fell in the private room. A cold glint flashed in Tang San's eyes, but he quickly calmed down. "Thank you, Brother Xue, for clearing up my doubts."

Qian Renxue said gently: "It's a piece of cake. I have sent people to investigate in detail, but it has been many years since then."

"It's already helped a lot." Tang San picked up the teacup, the hot steam blurred his deep eyes.

Qian Renxue's lips curled slightly, her voice as gentle as jade flowing through the fragrance of tea: "Brother Tang, you are too kind. It's just a small favor."

During the conversation, Feng Yao keenly noticed that Ning Fengzhi never mentioned his recruitment; this unusual silence only made it more meaningful. After three rounds of tea, when Tang San stood up to take his leave, Qian Renxue suddenly pulled something out of her sleeve.

"Brother Tang, wait a minute." She twirled her fingertips, and a gilded medallion gleamed in the morning light. The medallion was of simple, ancient design, its front engraved with the character "天" (sky) surrounded by dragons, a faint whiff of spiritual power coursing through it. "I give this to you, my dear brother. If you need me in the future, you can bring this medallion to the palace to find me."

Tang San's eyes narrowed slightly, his fingertips tapping lightly on the moonlit night of the Twenty-Four Bridges, revealing a hint of hesitation. Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, "This is Qinghe's private seal, just a token of trust."

The gold medal felt heavy in his hand, and he calmly placed it in his soul guide, bowed, and said goodbye. The three of them personally saw him off until the blue-clad figure disappeared at the end of the long street.

Looking at Tang San's receding figure, Qian Renxue's eyes flashed with admiration: "Teacher, you have a keen eye. This boy is indeed not a teenager. He is thoughtful and thoughtful, and his demeanor is calm and steady. He is worthy of being a member of the Haotian bloodline."

Ning Fengzhi stroked the teacup gently, shook his head and smiled, "His excellence has nothing to do with the sect, it's all due to himself. In his hands, the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul is comparable to top-level Martial Souls. This talent..." He had a far-sighted vision, "If he can resolve the backlash of his twin Martial Souls, his achievements will surely surpass his father's."

Qian Renxue nodded thoughtfully: "I will intensify my investigation into what happened back then. As for Tang San..." She tapped the table with her fingertips, "It's too early to make friends with him now."

"Qinghe." Ning Fengzhi suddenly said seriously, "If you want his sincere help, remember—" He paused for a moment, and each word was weighted: "Don't attract him with power, only with sincerity."

After saying that, Ning Fengzhi glanced at Feng Yao inconspicuously.

Qian Renxue and Ning Fengzhi stared at each other for a long time, and finally nodded solemnly: "Student, I appreciate your instruction." She turned her head to look out the window. The sunlight cast a golden edge on her profile, but it could not shine into her bottomless eyes.

Feng Yao stood quietly aside, taking in all the conversation. He stroked the strings of the "Fuxi" zither in his arms, a hint of mockery flashed in the depths of his eyes, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
Not long after, Ning Fengzhi's carriage slowly drove away, and the sound of the wheels rolling over the bluestone road gradually faded away.

"What do you feel?" Qian Renxue stood by the window, the sunlight shining through the carved window lattice casting mottled light and shadows on her face.

Feng Yao gently stroked the strings of the zither, letting out a barely audible sigh. "In the eyes of this Ning Zongzhu, I'm probably just an opportunist clinging to the powerful." He raised the corners of his lips slightly. "This way, it saves a lot of trouble."

Qian Renxue tapped the window frame with her fingertips, making a crisp sound: "There are many factions in the sect. As a direct disciple, you can be sent to a small border town like Notting City to run a teahouse. What is the situation of Manager Ning in the sect?" She stopped talking meaningfully.

Feng Yao's gaze was far-reaching, as if he could see through time and see the eyes that admired him amidst the fragrance of tea. He had clearly understood back then that Manager Ning's care was purely out of appreciation for a zither player, rather than the usual profit investment of a sect.

"It's fate." His fingertips slid across the guitar, his voice so soft it seemed like he was talking to himself. "It has nothing to do with one's position."

Feng Yao's gaze fell on the shadow of the carriage receding outside the window, his fingertips tapping lightly on the zither. "In the eyes of this Sect Master Ning, I'm not suitable for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect." A faint smile played at the corner of his mouth. "What he needs is someone like Gu Rong and Chen Xin to help his daughter hold on to the position of Sect Master, or someone like Tang San—"

"A supporter with a strong background who won't threaten the position of the sect leader." Qian Renxue took over the conversation, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "It can not only consolidate the sect alliance, but also won't shake the foundation of the sect."

Feng Yao lowered his eyes: "As for Oscar," he sighed in his heart, "he is just a backup option when the sect declines."

Qian Renxue nodded in satisfaction. "It seems you're fully aware of everything." Her eyes swept meaningfully across Feng Yao's profile. "This level of clarity is rare."

Feng Yao's fingers hovered over the strings of the zither. He looked out the window.

"Although the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda is the world's number one auxiliary martial spirit, it ultimately..." He lightly stroked the zither's body with his fingertips, letting out a barely audible sigh, "it needs to cling to the branches of the powerful to bloom. This is the shackles that auxiliary spirit masters find difficult to escape."

The reflection in the teacup swayed gently with the water's ripples, revealing Feng Yao's penetrating gaze. "Without the protection of top-tier spirit masters, even the most glorious sect is like a castle in the air." He turned to look at Qian Renxue, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Sect Master Ning is well aware of this."

Qian Renxue paused slightly with the teacup in her hand, the porcelain cup colliding with the tray and making a crisp sound. Her eyes flickered, and she gazed at Feng Yao with a half-smile. "Speaking of which, you seem unsurprised by Tang San's background. I'm curious how you can see so clearly."

Feng Yao's fingertips gently stroked the strings of the zither, emitting a clear overtone. "Master Yu Xiaogang is a direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus Rex family, so his vision is naturally very high." He raised his eyes to meet Qian Renxue's gaze, and said calmly, "How could a disciple who would give him all his knowledge be an ordinary soul master?"

"That makes sense." Qian Renxue tapped the tabletop with her fingertips, her gilded armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight. "With the pride of the Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus lineage, it's true that we won't easily associate with ordinary people."

She suddenly leaned forward, the faint scent of ambergris lingering from her sleeves. "However," she said in a low voice, "knowing too much isn't always a good thing."

Feng Yao gently set down the teacup in his hand, the porcelain making a crisp sound as it touched the sandalwood tabletop. He raised his eyes and looked directly at Qian Renxue, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Your Highness has a profound plan and good intentions. However, allow me to say something presumptuous."

Qian Renxue raised her eyebrows slightly, waiting for his next words.

Feng Yao's voice suddenly became incredibly clear. "In this world where soul masters reign supreme, any schemes and calculations are as thin as thin ice in the face of absolute power." His slender fingers traced an arc in the air. "The boundaries of the empire will ultimately be measured by the level of soul power."

The sunlight streamed into the tea room, casting a shadow on Feng Yao's sharply defined profile. These words were like an unsheathed sword, carrying a warning edge.

(End of this chapter)