Chapter 6

The over three hundred people, when pointed at, glared at, and shouted at by Zhou Tantou, immediately shrank their necks, lowered their heads, and dared not meet Zhou Tantou's gaze.

"Without the courage to face the test, what use are you?" Zhou Tantou's eyes widened as he roared again, and the heads of the over three hundred people lowered even more.

"Ten days ago, I told you that everything depends on your own efforts and struggles. But now, what do we have?

"I will tell you again, if you want to achieve anything, you must rely on your own efforts and struggles. You missed this opportunity, and it's your own fault. There will be no second chance.

"Starting now, the test will begin immediately. Those who perform well will be greatly rewarded."

After saying this angrily, Zhou Tantou turned and walked to the back of the stone platform. Someone immediately brought a chair, and Zhou Tantou sat down, waiting for the people to come up to the stone platform for the test.

Soon, several tables and chairs were moved onto the stone platform. A few members of the Sun Moon Cult sat down with pens and paper, looking at the over two hundred people who had raised their hands, waiting for the first person to come up.

Below the stone platform, the over three hundred people who had not raised their hands still hung their heads in disappointment. They knew they had lost an opportunity and were deeply regretful.

At the same time, many people felt jealous of Dongfang Sheng and the others. Zhou Tantou's words deeply resonated with them: everything depends on your own efforts and struggles to become strong, to have enough to eat, and to live a good life.

The over two hundred people who had raised their hands were all excited, feeling fortunate about their choice and deeply remembering Zhou Tantou's words.

Next time, they must not miss any opportunity and must fight to seize it.

After a few seconds, seeing that Zhou Tantou and the others on the stone platform were ready, the over two hundred people who had raised their hands looked at each other, wanting to be the first to go up but also feeling afraid. They were afraid of the many eyes watching them, afraid of Zhou Tantou's angry face, and more afraid of performing poorly.

Zhou Tantou and the others remained silent, just watching quietly.

Dongfang Sheng looked at the crowd, his heart calm. To him, this test was just a process. He didn't care about others' performances because he was confident no one would do better than him.

Seeing no one go up first, Dongfang Sheng took a calm step and walked toward the stone platform.

"Brother!" Seeing Dongfang Sheng walk toward the stone platform, Dongfang Bai murmured softly, her face filled with pride and admiration.

Dongfang Sheng heard Dongfang Bai's voice, but he didn't stop. He continued walking toward the stone platform.

Originally, Dongfang Sheng and his sister were standing in the middle of the crowd. As Dongfang Sheng moved, the crowd instinctively made way for him.

When Dongfang Sheng stepped out of the crowd, everyone's attention was drawn to him. This was the first time Dongfang Sheng appeared solemnly before everyone, and it was the first time everyone got to know him.

Envy, jealousy, approval, and other emotions were all directed at Dongfang Sheng. He seemed completely unaware, his face calm as he continued to walk steadily toward the stone platform.

Zhou Tantou and the others on the stone platform couldn't help but praise him inwardly. What a steady young man, to be the first to stand up and face the test under so many eyes. This was no easy feat.

Especially after Zhou Tantou's outburst, in such a tense atmosphere, to remain so calm and step forward was truly remarkable. As long as his talent was good, his future achievements would certainly be great.

Dongfang Sheng stepped onto the stone platform, walking to stand opposite Zhou Tantou.

Zhou Tantou carefully examined Dongfang Sheng. Upon closer inspection, Zhou Tantou was surprised again. From a distance, he hadn't noticed, but now he saw that this young man's physical condition was much better than the others, and far better than when he first arrived, malnourished.

This young man must have practiced the Sun Moon Fist very well. Quickly composing himself, Zhou Tantou asked in a deep voice, "Name?"

"Dongfang Sheng," Dongfang Sheng replied calmly.

The Sun Moon Cult members with pens and paper immediately checked and wrote down Dongfang Sheng's records, preparing to record his test results.

"Good, let's begin!" Zhou Tantou nodded and said steadily.

"Yes," Dongfang Sheng replied with a light bow, and everyone's attention was focused, eager to see what this calm and confident person could do.

Dongfang Sheng calmly and seriously performed the starting posture of the Sun Moon Fist. As soon as he did, Zhou Tantou and the Sun Moon Cult members with pens and paper focused their eyes, leaning forward to watch Dongfang Sheng intently.

With their keen eyes and mastery of the Sun Moon Fist, they could see the faint aura that appeared around Dongfang Sheng as he performed the starting posture.

This couldn't help but shock them. To have this aura, one must have practiced the Sun Moon Fist to a near-advanced level. And now, in just ten days, without even being taught the breathing techniques, and with insufficient nutrition, how could Dongfang Sheng have reached this level?

Even the top geniuses in the martial world couldn't do this! Zhou Tantou and the others looked at him with surprise and doubt, their minds racing with speculation.

Although Dongfang Sheng noticed Zhou Tantou and the others' expressions, he didn't pay attention. In fact, he had anticipated this.

"Whoosh." Dongfang Sheng threw a punch, and a faint but real wind followed. Zhou Tantou and the others' faces changed again. This, this...

Dongfang Sheng continued to perform the Sun Moon Fist, each punch and movement accompanied by a small wind, looking quite impressive.

Below the stone platform, the crowd didn't know what was special about Dongfang Sheng's fist, but they felt that his speed was very fast. Most people could barely perform the Sun Moon Fist from start to finish, and their movements were slow and clumsy, deforming if they tried to speed up.

But Dongfang Sheng's speed made them feel as if they were watching their instructor. Watching Dongfang Sheng, everyone below the stone platform felt a sense of fear and respect.

After about ten minutes, Dongfang Sheng, breathing slightly faster, stopped, having completed all eighty-one movements of the Sun Moon Fist.

He stood quietly in front of Zhou Tantou, looking at him calmly.

Zhou Tantou's eyes were fixed on Dongfang Sheng, his mind in turmoil. This Dongfang Sheng had actually practiced the Sun Moon Fist to a near-advanced level. What kind of talent did he have?

What Zhou Tantou didn't know was that this was actually Dongfang Sheng deliberately holding back. Yes, Dongfang Sheng was holding back, showing only a near-advanced level when he had already reached the advanced level.

This was part of Dongfang Sheng's plan. Although he didn't fear standing out and always liked to do things to the best of his ability, in his current situation, where his life was in others' hands, he wouldn't reveal all his cards and talents.

Moreover, the knowledge he had gained in recent days made him realize that reaching the advanced level of the Sun Moon Fist in such a short time was truly extraordinary, so he had to hold back.

First, he was afraid that some members of the Sun Moon Cult might be jealous of his talent and try to harm him. Although they wouldn't act openly, they would certainly act in secret. Before he had the strength to protect himself, it was best not to confront them.

Second, showing a near-advanced level of talent was the best scenario. Although this talent was still terrifying, it might not be unique in this world of hidden dragons and tigers.

The upper echelons of the Sun Moon Cult, especially the leader, would be wary of such talent but wouldn't take him too seriously. It would also attract their attention, giving him more resources for cultivation.

Dongfang Sheng was not at all doubtful that his performance would attract the attention of the Sun Moon Cult's leadership. Although Zhou Tantou was in charge of this training base, it was impossible that no one else was watching.

Moreover, Zhou Tantou himself might be someone else's spy, most likely the leader's. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been sent to train Dongfang Sheng and the others.

A sect's most important assets are its top experts and talented successors. The over five hundred people, including Dongfang Sheng, were of utmost importance to the Sun Moon Cult, far beyond the authority of a single leader.

In less than a day, Dongfang Sheng's performance would surely spread throughout the upper echelons of the Sun Moon Cult. Whether for the future of the Sun Moon Cult or for other reasons, Dongfang Sheng would certainly receive attention.

This was Dongfang Sheng's greater plan. Although he knew it was dangerous and a single misstep could cost him his life, to gain more cultivation resources and become stronger faster, he had to do this. Moreover, the proud Dongfang Sheng didn't doubt his ability to succeed.

So, under the complex gazes of Zhou Tantou and the other Sun Moon Cult members, Dongfang Sheng remained calm, both in appearance and in heart. He believed he would be fine.

Zhou Tantou remained silent, quickly thinking. Dongfang Sheng's guess was correct; he was indeed a confidant of the current leader of the Sun Moon Cult. He was well aware of the various dark aspects of the Sun Moon Cult and was a participant in them.

Having good talent is good, but having too much talent is not good in a cult.

As for someone with talent as extraordinary as Dongfang Sheng, Zhou Tantou was at a loss. He didn't know what the leader and the upper echelons would decide—whether to destroy him or keep him.

However, he knew this was no longer his decision. Even if he wanted to hide it, he couldn't. Not only were there spies in the shadows, but the people around him had their own superiors. He had to report to the leader as soon as possible.

Thinking of this, Zhou Tantou's thoughts changed. If the leader decided to cultivate this Dongfang Sheng, thinking of the power of the top geniuses in the world, Zhou Tantou shuddered. It would be a real shame!

If Dongfang Sheng survived, he would likely become someone he would have to rely on in the future.

Regardless, before the leader gave an order, he must befriend him.