Brother! I heard you came to visit me—it's been a year! I've missed you like crazy!
The brawny man laughed heartily as he threw his arms around Yang Dianfeng, giving him a friendly slap on the back that sent a resonant thud echoing through the room. Yang Dianfeng winced and gasped.
Standing at 1.85 meters and already well-built due to his use of the Breaking Soul Spear, Yang Dianfeng was by no means small. But next to this massive man, he looked like a child being picked up by an adult—his feet didn't even touch the floor.
"Damn it, man! Are you trying to kill me with that hug? Let go!" Yang Dianfeng half-laughed, half-complained.
Chen Feng and Yu Tianlong were both taken aback. What was this guy's soul power? Yang Dianfeng was already at level 42, and yet even his physique couldn't withstand this man's casual strength. Just how terrifyingly strong was he?
For a moment, Chen Feng even wondered if they'd walked into the Strength Clan by mistake rather than the Defending Clan.
Yang Dianfeng quickly regained his composure.
"Brother Niu Zhen, I didn't come just to catch up. There's serious business to discuss. Come, let me introduce you."
He pulled the big man toward the others.
"This is Chen Feng, heir to the Seven Kill Sword. And this is Yu Tianlong, once a prodigy of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
"Chen Feng, Tianlong—this is Niu Zhen, a level 37 pure defense-type Battle Soul Master."
"Nice to meet you." Niu Zhen's voice was deep and powerful, like rolling thunder, as he extended a hand in greeting.
Despite his polite demeanor, there was no trace of flattery toward the two guests from top-tier sects. Niu Zhen was a straightforward and honest man, one who didn't fawn over prestige.
The group exchanged handshakes, formally becoming acquainted.
Soon after, Niu Zhen led them to the Defending Clan's reception hall.
As they sat down, Yang Dianfeng sipped the tea and looked around, sighing.
"You defending Clan folks are doing well for yourselves—this place is spacious, and you've got all the proper facilities. Not like my house, where I still have to share a room with my brother."
Niu Zhen laughed heartily.
"Haha, all these buildings were renovated later. If you need, I can bring some men over to help the Breaking Clan build a new compound—for free."
"You said it! I'll be waiting."
"No problem!"
After the banter, Niu Zhen grew serious.
"So, brother, tell me—what exactly brings you here?"
Though he directed his question to Yang Dianfeng, his eyes frequently flicked toward Chen Feng and Yu Tianlong. He knew these two high-born guests weren't here without purpose—and that whatever business Yang Dianfeng had must involve them.
"Well, it's like this…" Yang Dianfeng began to explain about the upcoming All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament.
"Seriously? You want me as a teammate?" Niu Zhen's face lit up with joy. But then he hesitated, frowning.
"But… I'm just a pure defense-type soul master. I'm not great at combat. Plus… my grandfather's never supported the idea. Honestly, I've never even attended a soul master academy."
Yang Dianfeng shook his head.
"What does that matter? I never went to an academy either. As long as we meet the qualifications to enter, that's enough. When it comes to combat, you can just do what you do best—protect the support-type soul masters. That alone would be a huge help."
As he spoke, he turned to Chen Feng as if seeking his opinion.
Chen Feng thought for a moment. Given the current team composition, it was clear that what they needed most was a defense or control-type soul master. They already had enough offense—Seven Kill Sword, Breaking Soul Spear, and Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon—their team didn't lack firepower. What they lacked was reliable protection for their supporters.
So, Chen Feng nodded.
Seeing the confirmation, Yang Dianfeng exhaled in relief and looked confidently toward Niu Zhen, awaiting his answer.
Niu Zhen hesitated.
"Honestly, I'd love to join you guys. The problem is… my grandfather. He's always wanted me to take over the Defending Clan someday. You know what he's like—stubborn as an ox. I can never convince him."
Yang Dianfeng immediately jumped to his feet.
"Then let's go talk to him! I'll help convince him myself!"
But before they could leave, a deep, commanding voice called from the doorway:
"No need. I heard we had distinguished guests, so I decided to come personally."
As the voice faded, a broad-shouldered, towering man stepped into the reception hall—it was Niu Gao, patriarch of the Defending Clan.
There was no denying the resemblance between him and Niu Zhen. They shared at least sixty percent of their features—thick chests, massive frames, and commanding presence.
That said, Niu Zhen was slightly larger, possibly due to Niu Gao's advancing age.
Niu Gao didn't seem angry at all. On the contrary, he strolled in with a cheerful smile.
"Dianfeng, welcome to Grandpa Niu's house. These two young men must have come with you?"
Chen Feng and Yu Tianlong stood up at once, offering a respectful bow.
Showing respect to elders was the bare minimum of courtesy, no matter one's background.
"Chen Feng, of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
"Yu Tianlong."
Yu Tianlong didn't mention his connection to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Niu Gao chuckled and nodded repeatedly, gesturing for them to sit. He even poured the tea himself.
Then Yang Dianfeng stepped forward.
"Grandpa Niu, let Niu Zhen join us in the All-Continent Elite Soul Master Tournament. Do you agree?"
The four single-attribute clans were quite familiar with one another. There was no need for elaborate diplomacy—directness was their way.
Niu Gao replied just as directly.
"Dianfeng, silly child. It's not that I don't want him to go—it's that the situation won't allow it."
"Ever since the Clear Sky Sect went into seclusion, the four affiliated clans have all been targeted by the Spirit Hall. We've suffered heavy losses. And now, they're hosting this so-called tournament? We're already doing our best to stay out of sight. Why would we go stick our necks out again?"
"The Spirit Hall's power far exceeds that of any other sect. Even the once-great Clear Sky Sect had to retreat in the face of pressure. We're just a small clan—how could we afford to offend the Hall of the Holy Spirit or risk angering the Pope?"
Yang Dianfeng frowned.
"Then by that logic, are you saying the four affiliated clans should live the rest of their lives in cowardice?"
Niu Gao nodded.
"That's right. Maybe you youngsters are hot-blooded and fearless, but I'm the head of a clan. I have to think about the lives of hundreds of people who depend on me."
Yang Dianfeng had no rebuttal. Whenever "the clan's survival" got brought up, what more could a junior say?
But just then, a laugh echoed through the room.
"Heh heh… Hahaha… Ridiculous!"
"Hm?" Everyone turned.
They saw Chen Feng slowly rise to his feet, voice his.