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Tang Yuehua's gaze flitted between the two young men.
She knew better than anyone that while Tang San was exceptionally talented in all aspects, he could never match Feng Xiao in musical accomplishment.
Rather than letting him be overshadowed in the grand finale, it was better to let him make an impression first.
This arrangement not only saved Tang San's face but also made the entire performance's Layering more distinct.
Sitting in the VIP section, "Xue Qinghe" appeared to be intently enjoying the performance on stage.
However, when Feng Xiao's gaze swept over, the Crown Prince of Heaven Dou, gave Feng Xiao a look.
The light swirling in his golden pupils was completely different from the usually gentle and elegant image of the Crown Prince; only Feng Xiao could understand the hidden intimacy within it.
"Xue Qinghe" immediately reverted to his refined and jade-like Crown Prince demeanor, with only a fleeting smile at the corner of his lips betraying Qian Renxue's true feelings at that moment.
Then, the emcee announced loudly, "Next, please welcome our special guest—the honorary mentor of Moon Pavilion, Mentor Feng Xiao, to bring us tonight's finale performance!"
The hall lights gradually dimmed, with only a beam of silver light illuminating the central piano stand.
Feng Xiao slowly ascended the stage, dressed in white like snow, completely different from Tang San's cold demeanor earlier; his temperament was as gentle as jade, yet carried a profound composure.
His fingertips lightly touched the strings, and the moment the first note sounded, the entire Moon Pavilion seemed to be transported into a vast galaxy.
The piano music was ethereal and distant, sometimes like a gentle breeze, sometimes like the flow of stars, every note precisely striking the heartstrings of the audience.
Even more shocking was that as the music progressed, an invisible wave spread throughout the hall, and a faint golden halo gradually appeared around Feng Xiao, as if resonating with heaven and earth.
The crowd below unconsciously held their breath, even Tang San's pupils contracted slightly—he had never seen such a performance.
The moment a strange fluctuation appeared around Feng Xiao, Sword Douluo Chen Xin's half-closed eyes suddenly opened, and a sharp sword intent, as if substantial, surged within his gaze.
He slowly uttered two words as heavy as a thousand catties: "Domain."
Ning Fengzhi, upon hearing this, abruptly paused the scepter he was playing with.
For the first time, an unconcealable shock appeared on his gentle, jade-like face, and his gaze burned as he looked towards Feng Xiao on the stage.
Those eyes, always calm and composed, now shimmered with an almost fervent light—as the helmsman of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, he knew better than anyone what it meant for a genius to awaken a Domain at the Spirit Saint stage.
Tang Yuehua's pupils constricted slightly.
Tang San, beside her, tensed up, his expression instantly becoming unusually solemn.
The air in the entire banquet hall seemed to freeze at this moment, only Feng Xiao's piano music continued to flow smoothly, seemingly oblivious to the sudden change in atmosphere below the stage.
As the piano music flowed, Tang San's thoughts suddenly drifted.
His fingertips seemed to be plucking not strings, but the exquisitely intricate mechanical parts deep within his memory.
The bloody mist of Slaughter City quietly receded at this moment, and what appeared before his eyes was the familiar workshop of the Tang Sect in his previous life—sunlight streamed through the window lattices, casting mottled light and shadow on the bluestone floor, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of sandalwood and metal.
His fingers unconsciously increased their pressure, and the piano music suddenly changed.
In a trance, Tang San seemed to return to that afternoon of focused forging, watching the Buddha's Fury Tang Lotus he had personally designed bloom with a perfect arc in his palm.
That was the purest joy in his life—no hatred, no schemes, only the most genuine love for mechanisms.
Tang Yuehua's fingertips trembled slightly.
In a trance, she seemed to see the training ground behind the Clear Sky Sect many years ago—sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves of ancient locust trees, casting scattered light spots on the ground.
A young Tang Hao was swinging the Clear Sky Hammer, the wind from the hammer stirring up fallen petals; Tang Xiao stood by, smilingly giving pointers, his brow filled with the unique gentleness of an elder brother; and she herself sat on a stone stool, a newly strung harp resting on her lap.
Those clear laughter seemed to still echo in her ears, carrying the carefree nature unique to youth.
"Madam Yuehua?" the maid's soft call pulled her back to reality.
Tang Yuehua then realized that her eyes were slightly moist at some point.
She quickly hid her lapse, covering it with a smile.
When the last note's lingering sound faded, the entire hall fell into a brief silence, followed by an overwhelming applause.
Feng Xiao elegantly rose and bowed to everyone, "Thank you all."
Tang Yuehua gracefully lifted her skirt and slowly walked onto the central stage.
Her violet dress shimmered with a soft glow under the lights, like a rising bright moon.
When she stood still, the entire hall immediately quieted down.
"Thank you all for gracing us with your presence, to witness the growth of another batch of Moon Pavilion students."
Her voice flowed like a clear spring, her gaze gently sweeping over every guest below the stage.
It paused imperceptibly when it passed over Tang San, then she continued as if nothing had happened: "Tonight the moonlight is beautiful, Moon Pavilion has prepared some light wine and small dishes, and I hope everyone enjoys themselves."
She raised her hand as a signal, and the waiters who had been waiting on both sides immediately pulled open the carved doors on either side of the hall.
Behind the doors, on long dining tables covered with silver tablecloths, crystal ware glittered under the candlelight.
As Tang Yuehua turned, the crescent-shaped jade hairpin in her hair drew a soft arc of light, just like the perfectly appropriate smile on her lips at this moment—maintaining the Moon Pavilion Master's composure while not losing the sincerity of a host.
Feng Xiao slowly returned to his seat, gracefully sitting beside Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan.
He used the act of pouring wine for the two women to subtly cast an apologetic glance towards Qian Renxue's direction.
His fingertip lightly tapped the handle of the wine pot, implying a hint of comfort.
Qian Renxue—still in Xue Qinghe's guise—sat in the main guest seat.
Seeing Feng Xiao's gaze, the corner of her lips curved slightly upward, and she nodded imperceptibly.
A hint of understanding flashed in her disguised black eyes, then she reverted to the refined and jade-like demeanor befitting the Crown Prince.
This brief exchange of glances was perfectly hidden amidst the clinking of glasses and chatter of the banquet.
Feng Xiao subtly scanned the entire hall.
As he expected, there was not a single Spirit Hall person in the entire banquet hall—it seemed Tang Yuehua clearly had other intentions this time.
Suddenly, Feng Xiao noticed a meaningful gaze.
Looking up, he saw Ning Fengzhi smiling at him from not far away, the glazed cup in his hand reflecting colorful light under the lamps.
The moment their eyes met, the School Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School curved his lips and nodded gently at him.
"Heh, old fox," Feng Xiao chuckled inwardly, but showed no expression on his face.
Before he could respond, Ning Fengzhi had already walked over with Ning Rongrong and Qian Renxue, with Sword Douluo Chen Xin following him like a shadow.
Ning Rongrong looked at the two beautiful women beside Feng Xiao and couldn't help but let out a soft snort, while Chen Xin's gaze remained vigilantly on Feng Xiao; Feng Xiao's piano skills just now had left a deep impression on him.
Feng Xiao bowed slightly, performing a standard noble's present: "School Master Ning, how have you been, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
His voice was as gentle as jade, and his every movement exuded elegance.
A hint of appreciation flashed in Ning Fengzhi's eyes, and the glazed cup in his hand gently swayed: "Rongrong often says that Little Feng has changed quite a bit in the past two years, and seeing you today, you are indeed even better than before."
He looked at his daughter beside him with affectionate eyes, "This girl's progress in Heart Separation Control owes much to Little Feng's guidance."
Ning Rongrong said nothing, but her gaze kept shifting between Ye Lingling and Dugu Yan.
Qian Renxue, on the other hand, looked at Feng Xiao playfully, and her eyes constantly observed this scene filled with a hint of tension.
Feng Xiao was about to reply when he suddenly sensed another aura approaching.
Turning his head, he saw Tang Yuehua approaching gracefully with Tang San.
Her violet skirt swayed gently with her steps, and a proper smile hung on her face: "School Master Ning and Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince's presence truly brings glory to Moon Pavilion."
Tang San stood beside Tang Yuehua, his gaze shifting back and forth between Feng Xiao and Ning Fengzhi.
Feng Xiao keenly noticed that when Tang San saw Chen Xin, his fingertips trembled imperceptibly.
Ning Fengzhi's gentle gaze lingered on Tang San for a moment, a hint of insight flashing in his eyes.
With his discerning eye and knowledge as the School Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, how could he not see Tang Yin's true identity?
Who else could be such a young man so intimately accompanied by Tang Yuehua, if not Tang San?
"Little San, how have you been?" Ning Fengzhi smiled, his voice gentle yet certain, the glazed cup in his hand reflecting Tang San's slightly stiff figure.
"Dad, you said he's Big Brother San?" Ning Rongrong's eyes widened, her pink lips slightly parted, as she incredulously scrutinized the young man with a completely different demeanor.
Qian Renxue also feigned surprise and said, "You are Tang San."
Seeing this, Tang San knew that further concealment was futile, so he could only shake his head and smile helplessly: "As expected, I couldn't hide it from Uncle Ning, long time no see, Rongrong, Big Brother Xue."
In just an instant, Tang San revealed the familiar yet more mature face.
However, at this moment, his gaze unconsciously drifted towards the calm-faced Feng Xiao beside him, as if observing his reaction.
Tang San's gaze narrowed slightly, observing Feng Xiao's calm expression: "It seems Brother Feng already knew my identity, yet shows no surprise at all."
Feng Xiao's fingertips lightly stroked the rim of the teacup, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips: "I can discern the fluctuations of piano music, and naturally, I can also discern your habits."
He elegantly took a sip of clear tea, "This familiar feeling seems to take me back to Nuoding City back then."
Tang San's pupils suddenly constricted upon hearing this, secretly alarmed.
Tang Yuehua stepped forward at the opportune moment, her violet sleeves shimmering with a soft glow under the candlelight: "Distinguished guests, please take your seats first."
She gracefully raised her hand as a signal, "With fine wine and delicious food before us, why not sit down and talk slowly?"
Ning Fengzhi nodded understandingly and was the first to sit down with Ning Rongrong.
Chen Xin gave Tang San a meaningful glance and stood behind Ning Fengzhi.
Feng Xiao ignored the gazes of those at the table, focusing only on attending to the two beautiful women beside him.
His slender fingers picked up the jade chopsticks, carefully avoiding spicy dishes when serving Ye Lingling, and adding a spoonful of her favorite emerald shrimp to Dugu Yan's plate.
His movements were fluid, neither overly intimate yet conveying an indescribable thoughtfulness.
"I can do it myself..." Ye Lingling's ear tips were slightly red, and she whispered.
She could clearly feel Ning Rongrong's gaze from across the table, as well as Tang San's thoughtful scrutiny.
Dugu Yan, on the other hand, accepted it calmly, but the tightness of her dress still made her feel a little uncomfortable.
Ning Rongrong rested her chin on her hands, her eyes constantly darting between the three of them.
Tang San thoughtfully caressed his wine glass, his gaze lingering on Feng Xiao's fingers as he served the two women—those hands seemed casual, but every movement was terrifyingly precise.
Ning Fengzhi elegantly raised his glazed cup, with an appreciative look in his eyes: "Little Feng, after two years, your piano skills have improved significantly.
Your performance today has given me new insights into music-type Spirits."
Feng Xiao humbly shook his head, his fingertips gently caressing the rim of his cup: "School Master Ning overpraises me; it's merely practice makes perfect."
He turned his gaze to the silent Chen Xin beside him, his tone sincere: "In terms of skill and accomplishment, how dare my humble abilities be displayed before Senior Sword Douluo?"
Chen Xin, who had been resting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them upon hearing this, a sharp sword intent flashing in his gaze.
He put down his wine glass, his voice low yet extremely penetrating: "Whether it's music or swordsmanship, it all depends on a Spirit Master's understanding of their Spirit.
To cultivate this type of Spirit to this level—" He paused, rarely showing a hint of appreciation, "You are the first."
This evaluation made everyone present look sideways.
One must know that young people who could receive such an evaluation from Sword Douluo Chen Xin were few and far between in the entire Spirit Master's world.
Tang Yuehua's gaze shifted slightly, giving Tang San a meaningful look.
Tang San understood, his slender fingers picking up the glazed cup in front of him, the amber liquid in the cup shimmering under the lights.
"Uncle Ning," Tang San rose, his posture respectful yet dignified, "I toast you.
I have always remembered the care I received at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School back then."
His gesture of raising the cup was elegant and proper, but Feng Xiao keenly noticed that his grip on the cup still carried the restraint unique to a Hidden Weapons master—his thumb and forefinger precisely clasped at specific points on the rim, as if he could turn the wine glass into a deadly weapon at any moment.
Ning Fengzhi gladly raised his cup in response, and the glazed cup and Tang San's wine glass gently clinked in the air, producing a crisp sound.
Ning Fengzhi elegantly raised his cup in return, the glazed cup reflecting colorful light under the candlelight.
His gentle voice carried the unique kindness of an elder: "Little San, there's no need to be so polite."
After taking a small sip of wine, he continued: "The three upper sects are connected by the same Spirit, and helping each other is our duty."
His fingertips lightly stroked the rim of the cup, his gaze shifting between Tang San and Tang Yuehua: "Moreover, what happened back then was just a small effort."
Qian Renxue sat beside Ning Fengzhi, her white jade wine cup reflecting her thoughtful expression.
She used the act of raising her cup to subtly observe this "convenient master."
Under the candlelight, Ning Fengzhi's gentle profile appeared particularly profound, his slender fingers gently tapping the tabletop, as if contemplating something.
"I wonder what choice this old fox will make," Qian Renxue mused inwardly, a hint of anticipation flashing in her disguised black eyes.
Tang Yuehua's long eyelashes drooped slightly, concealing a fleeting hint of disappointment in her eyes.
She noticed that Ning Fengzhi's attitude towards Tang San was quite ordinary, even somewhat distant, and his discerning eyes did not show the eagerness that should be directed towards a twin spirits genius.
She subtly shifted her gaze to "Xue Qinghe" sitting at the head of the table.
The Crown Prince, played by Qian Renxue, was elegantly sipping clear tea, every gesture exuding imperial dignity.
Tang Yuehua gazed at that gentle, jade-like face, complex ripples appearing in her beautiful eyes.
Her slender fingertips unconsciously caressed—this should have been Tang San's stage to shine, but it was overshadowed by Feng Xiao's presence.
"After all, it was a miscalculation," she sighed inwardly, a bitter smile gracing her lips.
Moon Pavilion had been established in Heaven Dou City for many years, relying precisely on its intricate connections with the imperial family and nobility.
How could an occasion graced by the Crown Prince's presence be without the highly esteemed Feng Xiao?
Even with her careful arrangements, Tang San was still affected by Feng Xiao.
Tang Yuehua's gaze subtly swept among the guests.
She keenly noticed that Ning Fengzhi's gentle gaze seemed to be pondering something, but it always leaned slightly towards Feng Xiao, his eyes shimmering with the familiar eagerness she only saw for peerless geniuses; even Ning Rongrong, that little girl, would always secretly glance in Feng Xiao's direction when others weren't paying attention.
As the Moon Pavilion Master, she was all too familiar with such scenes where everyone's attention was focused—only this time, the one at the center of the spotlight was not Tang San, whom she had carefully nurtured, but that mysterious young man whose every gesture exuded enigma.
Her many years of experience in judging people told her that in this invisible competition, Tang San had already fallen behind.