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

Chapter 7 The First Soul Ring
In the afternoon, the teahouse was filled with the scent of sandalwood, and sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices onto the zither platform. Feng Yao, dressed in plain clothes, sat upright, her slender fingers gently plucking the strings of the "Fuxi" zither. The tune "High Mountains and Flowing Water" poured out like a clear spring, its sound sometimes resembling the gurgling of a mountain stream, sometimes like the depths of a deep pool, drawing the teagoers to hold their breath and concentration.

Just as the music reached its most exquisite melody, the teahouse's curtain was gently lifted. Yu Xiaogang, holding Tang San's hand, slowly walked in and sat down at a humble table in the corner of the lobby. He ordered a pot of tea, but his eyes remained fixed on Feng Yao, who played the zither.

Feng Yao had already noticed the master and apprentice out of the corner of his eye, but he paid no attention, completely absorbed in his own performance. The music echoed throughout the teahouse, and even Yu Xiaogang narrowed his eyes, tapping his fingers on the table to the rhythm.

"His zither skills are indeed extraordinary, but compared to other zither players, they are only more infectious. Could it be..." Yu Xiaogang looked around, observing the other guests, then frowned slightly, thinking to himself, "The people around him seemed to be extremely engrossed, but when Xiao San used his zither music to meditate this morning, there was no strong effect. Could it be a coincidence?"

When the song ended, the teahouse erupted in applause, and guests in the various private rooms offered tips one after another. Feng Yao also carried his "Fuxi" and went to the various private rooms to express his gratitude to his parents who provided him with food and clothing.

"Teacher, have you gained anything?" Tang San lowered his voice and asked Yu Xiaogang softly.

Yu Xiaogang sighed softly: "It's the same as what you said this morning. But his piano skills are superb, if he is deliberately hiding it, it would be difficult for others to see it."

"You say, could it be just a coincidence?" Tang San hesitated.

Yu Xiaogang looked deeply at Feng Yao, who was thanking his guest in the distance. "Perhaps. The state of deep meditation itself is the result of the interaction of many factors. Many spirit masters never experience it in their entire lives, and the triggering conditions vary from person to person. As for that child's piano skills, if he had embarked on the path of a support-type spirit master, even if he was only at the fourth level of the innate realm, his future achievements would not be small. What a pity."

"Teacher, is he really worthy of your attention?" Tang San asked with some surprise.

"Xiao San, you should know that generally speaking, meditation cannot be interfered with by external forces, especially for kids like you who have only been practicing for a short time. Once there is external interference, the soul master's concentration will weaken, which will lead to a decrease in the effect of meditation or even exit the meditation state. But his piano music has no negative effect on your meditation at all, and it can even improve your concentration to a certain extent. This is extremely rare. Meditation occupies most of the time in a soul master's life. If he is willing to become an auxiliary soul master, countless forces are willing to accept him, because the sound of the piano can not only affect one person." Yu Xiaogang couldn't help showing regret on his stiff face as he spoke.

Hearing this, Tang San couldn't help but show surprise on his face. At this moment, he seemed to have opened the door to a new world. He couldn't help but ask: "You want to train him into a spirit master who can assist in cultivation?"

Yu Xiaogang said slowly, noncommittal, "I believe he can at least help you indirectly. Unfortunately, he's not willing to become a support-type spirit master. Without the support of spirit skills, his ability will become less and less useful to high-level spirit masters."

Tang San listened to Yu Xiaogang's well-reasoned reasoning, his eyes filled with admiration. Then his gaze fell on Feng Yao in the distance, and he couldn't help but frown and said, "Teacher, I thought he was also a talented person, but I didn't expect him to be so short-sighted, only knowing how to make money and not listen to others. You don't have to humiliate yourself for me. Even without him, I will definitely become a powerful spirit master in the future."

Yu Xiaogang heard this, and a rare gentleness appeared on his stiff face. He stroked Tang San's head and said, "Well, I also believe that you can become a powerful spirit master."

"Teacher, let's go." Tang San chuckled.

Yu Xiaogang nodded, took out a few gold coins from the soul guide and placed them on the table, then slowly left with Tang San.

At this time, Feng Yao noticed the figures of the master and disciple walking away, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye it is already late autumn of the following year.

The faint morning light filtered through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows across the room. Feng Yao sat cross-legged on the bed, his slender fingers gently stroking the strings of the "Fuxi" qin. A year of diligent practice had finally allowed his soul power to break through to level ten. The autumn breeze swept across the windowsill, twirling a few golden ginkgo leaves, which shimmered warmly in the sunlight.

"Reaching level ten in just one year! It seems my cultivation method is indeed effective," Feng Yao muttered softly, his lips curled slightly. He clearly remembered that Ji Juechen's innate soul power was level three, and he only reached level ten at the age of eight. While his own innate soul power was one level higher, his cultivation efficiency was clearly superior.

Feng Yao's gaze fell on "Fuxi" and his eyes became hot. After a year, he was finally going to have his first soul ring.

Thinking of this, Feng Yao couldn't wait to take back his Fuxi and slowly left his dormitory.

The teahouse was still shrouded in mist in the early morning, and there were few customers. The maid saw Feng Yao and bowed in surprise, saying, "Master Feng, you've come really early today."

"I want to discuss something with Manager Ning." Feng Yao said with a gentle smile.

The maid understood and respectfully led him to the room of Manager Ning. Manager Ning was sipping tea when he saw Feng Yao come in. He smiled and asked, "Xiao Feng, why are you here to see me so early? Is there something important?"

Feng Yao nodded solemnly: "Thank you for taking care of me for a year, boss. Today I want to ask for your help."

"Oh?" Shopkeeper Ning put down his teacup, a look of surprise on his face. Over the past year, he'd known Feng Yao for his independent nature and for never asking for help easily.

"It's really rare to ask me for help." Manager Ning joked, but a hint of deep thought flashed in his eyes.

Feng Yao explained with a wry smile: "I have reached level ten and want to find a suitable spirit ring. No matter how good your piano skills are, this spirit ring thing..."

"Level 10?" Shopkeeper Ning sat up abruptly, the teacup making a crisp sound on the table. Reaching level 10 in a single year meant Feng Yao's innate soul power was at least level 5 or 6. For a support-type soul master, this talent was considered above average.

"I didn't expect Xiaofeng to be such a genius." Shopkeeper Ning's eyes gleamed, and then he changed the subject, "However, for matters like obtaining spirit rings, shouldn't you ask the teachers at Notting College for help? Why are you looking for me?"

"I don't want an ordinary ten-year spirit ring." Feng Yao shook his head slightly, his eyes flashing with determination, "but a suitable four-hundred-year spirit ring. I'm afraid that such a spirit beast is beyond the ability of the teachers in the academy to deal with."

Shopkeeper Ning's fingertips caressed the celadon teacup, his face reflecting deep thought. "Then why does Xiaofeng think I can do it?"

Feng Yao's eyes were clear as he slowly analyzed, "Your teahouse is located in the most prosperous area of ​​Notting City, and most of the guests are dignitaries in the city. Moreover," he paused, "when those nobles saw you, their attitude was extremely respectful. I believe that a four-hundred-year-old soul beast is not difficult for you to deal with."

"Heh." Shopkeeper Ning raised his lips slightly, and a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes amidst the aroma of tea. "But why should I help you with this?"

"Intuition." Feng Yao suddenly smiled, a smile so pure it didn't seem like someone calculating. "Ever since you took me in to play in the teahouse, I felt you would help me."

"Hahaha!" Shopkeeper Ning suddenly burst into laughter, the teacup trembling slightly on the table. "Xiaofeng, sometimes I really wonder what kind of soul you have hidden under this skin."

"So you agree?" Feng Yao's eyes lit up, like a child who got candy.

Shopkeeper Ning stood up, the dark patterns on his robes flowing in the morning light. "Wait here for a moment. I'll go arrange for the staff. You can choose any soul beast in the Soul Hunting Forest until you are satisfied."

"Thank you for your trouble." Feng Yao bowed respectfully, a hint of triumph playing on his lips. Seeing Manager Ning disappear through the door, Feng Yao's fingers tapped the tabletop, their rhythm increasing. He stood up and paced back and forth in the room, occasionally glancing out the window, as if that would make time pass faster.

"A four-hundred-year spirit ring," he murmured, his fingertips unconsciously stroking Fuxi. Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows on his face, but it couldn't hide the excitement dancing in his eyes. He already had a clear goal in mind.

“Ready?”

Shopkeeper Ning's voice came from behind him, and Feng Yao immediately put away his Fuxi and stood up. Behind Shopkeeper Ning stood two middle-aged men with powerful auras: one carried a black iron longbow, a quiver gleaming coldly at his waist; the other wore fine steel gloves, his temples bulging high, clearly both powerful spirit masters.

"This is Zhao Han, the outer sect deacon of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, a Level 38 Agility Attack Soul Master." Shopkeeper Ning pointed at the man with the bow and introduced him, then turned to another person, "This is Li Tie, a Level 35 Power Attack Soul Master."

Feng Yao bowed solemnly and said, "Thank you for your help, seniors."

Zhao Han smiled brightly and patted the quiver on his waist: "As a distinguished guest of Manager Ning, we will do our best to serve you."

The three of them rode in a specially made carriage towards the Soul Hunting Forest. Inside the carriage, Li Tie looked at the guqin on Feng Yao's lap with interest: "Little brother, your martial spirit is quite rare. What soul beast do you want to hunt?"

Feng Yao gently stroked the body of the zither, a gleam of light in his eyes: "Junior wants to find a four-hundred-year-old soul bamboo."

"Soul Bamboo?" Zhao Han raised his eyebrows, obviously not expecting such a common request. But after seeing Feng Yao's "Fuxi", he thought again: "Is this appropriate?"

"Don't worry, senior. I have my own considerations." Feng Yao said with a confident smile.

Zhao Han nodded. "Since you have a clear goal, it will be much easier. Plant-based soul beasts like Soul Bamboo often grow in groups. We only need to inquire around the small towns outside the Soul Hunting Forest and we'll find them quickly."

At sunset, the three of them arrived at a small town outside the Soul Hunting Forest. After settling in, Zhao Han immediately went out to gather information.

The next morning, the group ventured deep into the Soul Hunting Forest. Towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, and the air was filled with the fragrance of vegetation. Following the information they had gathered, they soon arrived at a dense bamboo forest.

"Be careful!" Zhao Han suddenly shouted and instantly put an arrow on the string.

Suddenly, the entire bamboo forest shook violently, and countless bamboo leaves shot towards the three people like sharp arrows.

"Old Zhao! Protect him!" Li Tie shouted, his fists gleaming with metallic luster. His third soul ring suddenly lit up: "Third soul skill, Explosive Fist!"

The red fist wind roared out, scattering all the bamboo leaves in the sky.

Feng Yao felt his head spin. Zhao Han had already secured him behind him. "Hold on tight, kid!" As he spoke, several arrows of light shot through the air, accurately severing several of the thickest Soul Bamboos in half. A faint, yellowish glow of soul energy could be seen flowing through the broken bamboo joints.

Under Zhao Han's precise archery, several of the thickest Soul Bamboos snapped. One Soul Bamboo, with pale golden veins throughout, caught Feng Yao's attention—it was the 400-year-old Soul Bamboo he had been searching for.

The weak point of the plant soul beast is its roots. Even if Zhao Han shoots it in half, he will only cut off its means of attack.

"That's it!" Feng Yao stepped forward quickly, took out the prepared hatchet, and stabbed it hard at the root. He saw a light yellow soul ring slowly condensing at the broken part of the soul bamboo, shining with a warm luster in the sunlight.

Li Tie looked around cautiously: "Little brother, hurry up, we will protect you."

Feng Yao sat cross-legged without saying much. At this time, "Fuxi" was also on Feng Yao's thigh. Under the traction of Feng Yao's light blue soul power, the hundred-year soul bamboo soul ring slowly flew towards Feng Yao.

At this moment, as the Hundred-Year Soul Bamboo Soul Ring approached, he felt an unprecedentedly strong pressure, and even the bones in his body made slight sounds under this pressure.

Soon, the yellow halo came above Feng Yao's head. Without giving him any chance to react, the yellow halo suddenly shrank, and the extremely solid golden ring fell directly on Feng Yao's body.

A powerful wave of soul power suddenly burst out, and a scorching energy rushed into Feng Yao's body. In an instant, Feng Yao's internal organs felt like they were burning. His body could not help but tremble violently.

"It's begun." Zhao Han whispered, standing on the left and right with Li Tie, scanning the surrounding dense forest with sharp eyes.

The moment the soul power entered the body, Feng Yao's martial soul "Fuxi"'s strings moved automatically without wind, emitting a clear sound.

"This kid..." Li Tie looked at Feng Yao in surprise, "He can make such a big noise just by absorbing the spirit ring."

Three hours later, Feng Yao suddenly opened his eyes. A pale yellow spirit ring rose from beneath his feet, slowly pulsing. His fingertips lightly plucked the strings of his zither, and a deep sound echoed. Bamboo dozens of steps away instantly exploded.

"Not bad. Even without releasing my first soul skill, it has such power." Feng Yao said happily in his heart.

Zhao Han put away his longbow and nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, invisible attack, this soul skill is also a top choice in the offensive system."

Obviously, Zhao Han regarded the bass played by Feng Yao with his soul power as Feng Yao's first soul skill.

On the way back, Feng Yao's increased soul power made him constantly try out various syllables. He found that as his soul power grew stronger, his control over various sounds decreased.

"It seems that every time a soul ring is absorbed, proficiency must be continuously improved. Although soul skills are more convenient and do not require practice, they will cause soul masters to slack off to a certain extent."

"Thank you both for your help." Feng Yao bowed solemnly, "I will always remember this kindness."

By the time he returned to Notting City, dusk had already fallen. Feng Yao bid farewell to the two Soul Lords and walked alone along the familiar streets. The lights in the city gradually lit up, stretching his shadow outward.

(End of this chapter)