#116 - Chapter 116 Getting Started

A round cauldron was placed in the very center of the martial arts stage.

Below the stage were the disciples who had completed their training and were preparing to enter the sect.

Seeing the curiosity of the disciples below, Cheng Feng naturally prepared to have Sun Gui and Zhou Hai set an example.

"According to the entry standards, Sun Gui and Zhou Hai will also enter the Human Gate with everyone. I hope that everyone will work hard for themselves in the future. Sun Gui, you go first!" Cheng Feng said calmly.

Hearing that he was the first, Sun Gui's eyes showed some surprise, and he didn't hesitate much.

He cupped his fist and stepped forward: "Thank you, Sect Leader."

Zhou Hai's eyes revealed a hint of envy. Sometimes the order is very important!

During the ceremony, Cheng Feng returned to the high platform and sat upright, while Wang Hu introduced the steps and supervised from the side.

The many disciples below the stage stared intently at Sun Gui, watching him unhesitatingly grab the wine jar placed beside him and take a large gulp of strong liquor.

Immediately afterward, he quickly rolled up his sleeves, revealing the firm inner side of his forearm, and fearlessly pressed it tightly against the large 'Zhou' character made of hot iron.

In an instant, the branding iron emitted a scorching and intense heat, and upon contact with Sun Gui's skin, puffs of white smoke immediately rose. In the blink of an eye, the inner side of his arm was burned bloody and mangled, and a strong smell of burning permeated the air.

Sun Gui clenched his teeth, enduring the intense pain, cold sweat dripping down his forehead, but his eyes were exceptionally firm. He knew he couldn't back down; all the disciples he lived with day and night were watching. Wouldn't crying out now make him lose face for nothing?

Finally, when Wang Hu shouted, "That's enough!", Sun Gui breathed a sigh of relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and then silently retreated to the side. At this moment, the flesh brand on his arm was complete, but a strange sense of belonging to the Hong Sect welled up in his heart.

He knew that from this moment on, he had truly become a member of the Hong Sect, and those disciples below the stage would also become the backbone and hope of the Hong Sect's future.

At this moment, Sun Gui finally realized how profound the wisdom and strategy hidden within those seemingly insignificant superficial actions that Cheng Feng had taken.

He began to understand that Cheng Feng had been silently cultivating, investing, and firmly implementing his beliefs over the past four months.

From the initial communal living and eating, the imparting of cultivation techniques, to the daily necessary snake soup nourishment, and then to the little things in daily life, Cheng Feng meticulously designed every step, gradually guiding everyone towards the final goal. And the flesh branding and entry ceremony on the last day became a crucial part of the entire plan, preventing anyone from feeling resistant to it.

Think about it, didn't everyone feel the beauty of life in the previous four months? Didn't they want to continue living like this?

If they refused the branding at this time, it would be tantamount to going against Cheng Feng's huge initial investment, and even standing against the many disciples who had already identified with the Hong Sect. Even if the objector was killed on the spot, I'm afraid most disciples would not have much sympathy.

On the contrary, they would shout that this person was a heartless ingrate, and that the Hong Sect did not need such a person.

Sun Gui looked around, and that taciturn man, Baibai, was standing at the door. This position was very special!

Sun Gui broke out in a cold sweat, startled by the thoughts in his heart.

Hopefully not, maybe he was just overthinking it.

Looking at Cheng Feng sitting in the Sect Leader's seat on the high platform, that young face might hide a ruthless heart.

Cheng Feng wouldn't care so much. After eating his food and taking his things, of course, they would have to listen to him.

If you don't listen, why should you eat, drink, and take things for free?

Trying to freeload on Cheng Feng? How could that be possible?

Cheng Feng had already decided that anyone who dared to cause trouble would be prepared to be the chicken killed to warn the monkeys.

An organization that relies purely on force is not what Cheng Feng wants.

But if you want to take advantage by relying on force, then let's see who's force is stronger.

Over the past two years, Cheng Feng has gradually adapted to the rules here in Da Zhou.

The law of the jungle, survival of the fittest.

The weak are exploited by the strong.

The former Cheng Feng was like this, having to pay an extra stall fee to the gang even when selling fish.

He was suddenly caught up in a shocking event without even seeing Nie Yuan.

If he hadn't been getting stronger, he would have died in some corner long ago.

Now, Cheng Feng also wants to weigh his own worth.

Seeing Sun Gui calmly branding himself, Zhou Hai also did not hesitate, raising the wine cup and drinking it all in one gulp, and then resolutely reaching out his hand towards the scorching brand. Instantly, a wave of heat struck, and he felt as if his palm was being burned by a raging fire, the pain unbearable.

However, he gritted his teeth, enduring without uttering a groan. After all, Sun Gui had already set an example, and if he cried out at this time, wouldn't it seem too cowardly, damaging his own reputation?

At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on them. Zhou Hai secretly told himself that he must persevere. He clenched his fists tightly, using all his strength to resist the excruciating pain.

Finally, the branding was complete. Zhou Hai looked down and saw a clearly visible pattern left on his arm. Although the pain remained, a strange sense of pride welled up in his heart.

And all of this was thanks to the meticulous design of Cheng Feng and the craftsman who created it. The round cauldron character they jointly created was extremely symmetrical on both sides, with the 'human' character embedded in the round ring, which was then interconnected with the surrounding round rings, resembling both a painting and a character. The effect of the branding was flawless, beautiful and generous, while also revealing a hint of mystery.

Next, according to the rankings of the martial arts competition, the disciples came forward one after another to accept the branding ceremony. Everyone had a firm expression and did not flinch. They knew that this was not only a physical test, but also a tempering of their inner will.

After all the disciples had completed the branding ceremony, Wang Hu stood in the center of the training ground, solemnly announcing the Hong Sect's rules to everyone.

"Today, our Hong Sect welcomes new disciples and new hope. However, within our family, there are some rules that must be followed." Wang Hu's voice was deep and powerful, each word seeming to carry immense weight.

"First, you must not betray the Hong Sect. The Hong Sect is our home, our common belief. Once betrayed, death." Wang Hu's gaze swept over everyone present, his tone filled with determination.

"Second, you must not kill each other. We are brothers and sisters, companions as close as family. In the face of difficulties, we should unite and face them together. Any form of infighting and fratricide is a desecration of the Hong Sect's spirit. Violators, death." As Wang Hu's voice fell, a chorus of agreement rang out from the audience.

"Third, you must not bully the weak. We also came from the bottom, and we have always had requirements for character and spirit. If anyone is found bullying the weak and tarnishing the Hong Sect's reputation, they will be executed immediately."

"Fourth, ..."

Wang Hu's voice echoed, while Cheng Feng looked at the scene before him.

Remarking on everything he had done.

It hasn't been long, but he already has such a foundation.

The future blueprint will be realized step by step.