As the first ray of sunlight broke across the horizon, Chen Feng opened his eyes, and two beams of blue light, each a foot long, shot out from them before slowly retracting.
Every day before dawn, Chen Feng would begin his physical training. This was his external cultivation, focusing on the body's resilience and endurance.
After returning to his quarters, he would continue with nine soul power cycles, completing an internal cultivation routine to enhance his spiritual power.
Together, this was his method of body cultivation.
This spiritual training technique was something Chen Feng had come across in his previous life by pure chance. After killing a 50,000-year-old soul beast, he had obtained its skull, which granted him the Eye of Sword Dao—a skill that allowed him to see through all things and even fire spiritual attacks in the form of sword-light beams.
Although he no longer had that soul bone in this life, he had preserved the training method.
Spiritual power was crucial for power-type soul masters. Only by maintaining focused intent—free from distractions or interference from other spiritual energies—could one fully unleash the might of the sword path.
As the sun slowly rose above the horizon, Chen Feng finished his cultivation, signaling the start of a new day.
"Chen Feng, Rongrong's back. Want to come see her with us?"
Sword Douluo's voice rang out from the courtyard.
Chen Feng responded quickly,
"Sword Grandpa, I think Rongrong brought back some potent hidden weapons this time. She's probably going to arm the core disciples of the sect. I'd rather not add to the crowd."
According to the timeline, Ning Rongrong should've returned with samples of Tang San's hidden weapons, aiming to mass-produce them for the sect's disciples. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda was peerless in support, but its lack of direct combat strength was glaring, and these weapons would compensate for that.
"Alright, we'll head over then."
Sword Douluo didn't press the matter and left with Bone Douluo.
After they were gone, Chen Feng began evaluating his recent gains.
After absorbing the soul ring of the Swordfang Lightning Leopard, his soul power had surged. The high quality of the 3,500-year-old ring propelled him far beyond the average Soul Elder level—he had risen to Level 35 right after becoming a Soul Elder.
Moreover, absorbing the external soul bone—Eight Spider Lances—had given him an additional boost. Combined with several days of cultivation and the pressure from sparring with Sword Douluo, his soul power now sat at Level 36!
Even Chen Feng himself was stunned by the speed of his advancement. It was terrifying.
Twelve years old, and already Level 36. Not even in his previous life had he progressed this quickly.
That was the benefit of absorbing high-year soul rings. If he hadn't cleared the first test from the God of Shura, even with his boldness, he would never have dared absorb a 3,500-year ring at this stage.
"It's time to set out and start recruiting for the tournament."
Chen Feng muttered softly.
He feared that if he waited any longer, the more promising soul master teams would have already formed, and it would be hard to poach talent once their synergy was set.
Like the Shrek Seven Devils.
Following his routine, Chen Feng soaked in a herbal medicinal bath. The unique ingredients helped soothe muscle fatigue and replenish stamina.
After bathing, he changed into clean clothes, ate a hearty breakfast, and then leisurely made his way to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's council hall.
By now, Ning Rongrong had probably finished testing Tang San's hidden weapons—perfect timing.
As he strolled through the sect grounds like a nobleman on a morning walk, no one dared to stop him. As a titular elder, even the previous head of the Ning family branch, had now surpassed him in status.
Before long, Chen Feng arrived at the council hall.
Inside were Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Ning Rongrong.
"Chen Feng, you're here? Come, take a seat!"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up when he saw him. As the leader of the sect, he held Chen Feng in high regard, personally standing up to welcome him.
Ning Rongrong's eyes flickered with surprise. She knew Chen Feng was talented, but her father's reaction seemed… too respectful?
In the entire sect, aside from Sword and Bone Douluo, no one else could make her father stand up in greeting.
Even across the entire Heaven Dou Empire, the only one worthy of that was probably Emperor Xue Ye.
Ning Fengzhi chuckled and explained:
"Rongrong, while you've known Chen Feng longer than I have, I might know him better. Did you know? A few days ago, Chen Feng sparred with your Sword Grandpa, and your grandpa lost."
"What?!"
Ning Rongrong's exclamation filled the room.
She certainly knew Chen Feng was strong, but… even Sword Douluo lost to him?
She turned to Sword Douluo, seeking confirmation.
Sword Douluo merely smiled as he leaned back in his chair, showing no sign of denial. On the contrary, he looked quite pleased—after all, this was his grandson!
Bone Douluo, meanwhile, looked slightly sour and jealous.
Chen Feng offered a modest smile.
"It wasn't much. Sword Grandpa held back and didn't use soul power. I was using mine at full strength."
Ning Fengzhi patted his shoulder.
"No need for false modesty. We all know the circumstances. Even without using soul power, Sword Uncle's martial soul is enhanced by nine soul rings. His soul techniques aren't ordinary. A win is still a win—and I believe Sword Uncle is quite happy to see his grandson surpass him."
"Fengzhi is right."
Sword Douluo nodded in agreement.
Ning Fengzhi turned to Chen Feng and asked:
Rongrong is returning to Shrek Academy soon. Do you have any plans? You're about the same age—why not enroll in a soul master academy too? If not Shrek, I could arrange for you to attend Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. I know many teachers there."
Ning Rongrong nodded sweetly.
"Dad knows a lot of people. He could connect you with a great instructor who'd give you special training."
But Chen Feng shook his head.
"No need, but thank you both. Uncle Ning, I've already mastered the necessary theories. Joining a soul master academy would just waste time."
"What I want now… is to form a high-freedom soul master team—and win the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament!"
"Oh?"
Everyone present suddenly became more attentive.
This tournament, hosted by the Spirit Hall, was the grandest event in the entire soul master world. Every soul master academy—from local grassroots schools to the Heaven Dou and Star Luo royal academies—would be training and forming teams in preparation.
Due to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect being an auxiliary-type sect, they typically didn't form a team of their own. Their disciples would join other teams instead.
But Chen Feng's proposal immediately caught Ning Fengzhi's attention.
Note from the author:
This is a Douluo Dalu 1 (original) fanfic. Please don't project ideas from parts 2, 3, or 4 onto this story!