At Ning Fengzhi's insistence, a private family dinner was held in the Sect's council hall. Only five people were in attendance: Ning Fengzhi himself, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, Ning Rongrong, and Chen Feng.
This alone was enough to show that Ning Fengzhi had already accepted Chen Feng as one of their own.
During the meal, Chen Feng once again shared his full plan with Ning Fengzhi and began asking questions about the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
"If the Clear Sky Hammer is considered the world's strongest Tool Spirit," Ning Fengzhi said, "then the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon is undoubtedly the strongest Beast Spirit."
He held the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan in high regard.
Bone Douluo chimed in as well:
"The current clan leader, Yu Yuanzhen, had a duel with me back when he first became a Titled Douluo. We ended in a draw. Later on, I heard he somehow acquired two soul bones. If we were to fight again, I'm afraid this old Bone Dragon of mine wouldn't be a match for that Tyrant Dragon anymore."
Chen Feng was stunned. Bone Douluo was famed for his defense and, alongside Sword Douluo, was one of the twin pillars of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Even he couldn't match Yu Yuanzhen?
Although the soul masters of five hundred years in the future were familiar with the historical existence of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan, after their annihilation, too few survivors remained to allow for a thorough modern study. Most of what was known was from fragmented historical records. So even someone like Chen Feng wasn't deeply familiar with them.
But for people like Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo—figures of true authority in the soul master world—to speak of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon clan in such terms… it was enough to show just how terrifyingly powerful this clan truly was.
"In this generation, the clan has two outstanding prodigies," Ning Fengzhi said. "Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianshen. The former is the core of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and the latter leads the Thunderclap Element Academy. Chen Feng, don't tell me you're planning to recruit them into your team?"
Chen Feng furrowed his brows slightly.
"That was indeed my intention, but… their backgrounds and support systems are too strong. I doubt they'd be willing to leave their academies to join me."
Ning Fengzhi nodded.
"You're right. While the three upper sects may seem united on the surface, beneath that facade is no shortage of rivalry. If word got out that our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was funding a team to poach from them, they'd say no."
For a moment, Chen Feng fell silent, unsure how to proceed. He was starting to feel how unfamiliar he still was with the world in this era.
Then Bone Douluo's hoarse voice broke in:
"Chen Feng, perhaps instead of chasing the top stars, you should start with those cast out or fallen from favor within the sects. The Blue Lightning clan's temper is famous—hotheaded and proud. They've had plenty of internal drama and disputes. Many have left the clan over the years. Take Yu Xiaogang, or Liu Erlong from Blue Tyrant Academy—they're both direct descendants who parted ways with the clan."
Chen Feng scratched his head.
"Aren't they a bit… too old for this tournament?"
Bone Douluo chuckled.
"Plenty of younger ones, too. I heard some gossip—last year, there was a kid named Yu Tianlong in the Blue Lightning clan. In the clan trials, he competed fiercely with Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianshen for the top spot, but was ultimately injured when the brothers ganged up on him. Something happened after that—apparently, he talked back to Yu Yuanzhen and was kicked out of the clan."
Sword Douluo tapped the table and added:
"I've heard about that, too. And I know more details than you. Yu Tianlong was seriously injured, so much so that even his Martial Soul's very foundation was affected. His soul power dropped sharply, and now he's stuck—he won't be able to improve again. So if you're thinking of recruiting him, it's probably a dead end."
The three elders exchanged looks, each sighing in frustration.
So much planning, and still no ideal teammate. How was Chen Feng supposed to form a proper team like this?
But surprisingly, Chen Feng wasn't discouraged at all. On the contrary, he looked as confident as ever.
So what if he's injured?
The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well held so many immortal herbs, several of which had miraculous healing properties. Some could heal old wounds, others could strengthen one's physique, or even cleanse the marrow. As long as he could reach that place, Chen Feng was confident he could find what he needed from memory.
After all, Tang San only became Sea God—and the Shrek Seven Devils rose to fame—because of those very herbs.
And if he was going to talk about the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, then naturally, he'd have to deal with Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo.
Chen Feng didn't know him personally, but Ning Fengzhi and the two Douluos did. Their ties to the imperial family were strong—maybe not intimate with Dugu Bo, but they'd likely be able to make a connection. If all Chen Feng wanted was access to the herb garden, it was a favor worth negotiating.
After all, Dugu Bo didn't even recognize the herbs' value. Rather than let Tang San pillage it for free, Chen Feng could make a fair trade, while also ensuring Tang San wouldn't grow stronger using it.
"Poison Douluo?"
Ning Fengzhi raised an eyebrow. "I know him, but we've never been close. Why are you looking for him?"
"He has a granddaughter—Dugu Yan," Chen Feng replied calmly. "I want to recruit her into my team."
Ning Fengzhi frowned.
"She's part of Heaven Dou Royal Academy, that might be hard."
Chen Feng smiled confidently.
"She's not a core member of their team. Besides, I have a way to boost her strength. As long as I can get in contact with Poison Douluo, I'm certain I can bring her over."
The moment he said that, all three elders immediately looked at him with curiosity.
"What's your method?" they asked.
Chen Feng responded,
"Secret!"
He grinned.
"Let me keep that to myself for now. Once it's done, I'll explain. Not just Dugu Yan—even Rongrong's strength, I have a way to improve it."
Sword Douluo smacked the back of his head lightly.
"You little brat, don't tell me you've been playing with some forbidden cultivation techniques? I'm warning you now—if Rongrong ends up hurt, Fengzhi's going to take your head off. Don't expect me to save you."
Chen Feng rolled his eyes.
"C'mon, Grandpa Jian—do I look like someone unreliable?"
Sword Douluo scratched his temple, smacking his lips thoughtfully.
"...Actually, no. You don't."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled.
"Alright, if you say you have a plan, we'll hold off on asking for now. But after everything's done, you better explain yourself."
"Uncle Ning, you can count on me!"
Chen Feng patted his chest with pride.
After a brief pause, Chen Feng added,
"Oh, right—Uncle Ning, there's one more thing I'd like to trouble you with."
"Speak."
"I need someone from the sect to forge a few custom containers—a few jade bottles, a few pure gold ones, and also a pair of silver tweezers."
Ning Fengzhi narrowed his eyes with curiosity.
"What are you scheming now?"
Chen Feng grinned:
"Collecting herbs."