In a dilapidated building in the east.
A hundred cultivators wielding weapons had gathered there. A middle-aged cultivator holding a Red Axe stood on high, speaking passionately like a professor delivering a lecture.
The cultivators below looked up at him, their eyes filled with reverence and hope.
The cultivator holding the Red Axe was named He Sheng. He was the first among them to pick up a weapon and fight back against the Strange Spirits.
He was also the first to discover the Strange Spirit Orbs and gain Talent Awakening by Devouring them.
After the Blood Moon appeared and red rain fell, the Strange Spirits underwent a transformation. Cultivators who had not activated their talents could no longer fight the evolved Strange Spirits.
Therefore, He Sheng decided to reveal to everyone the secret that Devouring Strange Spirit Orbs could increase one's strength and awaken talents.
Of course, he could not reveal it outright. He came up with a plan to form a true inner-circle team, one that would obey him absolutely, and let its members Devour the orbs first to gain talents.
"Those interested in joining the Brave Team, come register with me!"
"Before that, I must make one thing clear: the Brave Team demands absolute courage..."
As soon as he finished speaking, the cultivators below began whispering among themselves, and the place grew noisy.
He Sheng stepped down from the platform and walked to the window, looking into the distance as he waited for the cultivators to make their decision.
Before long, a burly cultivator was the first to step forward, firmly declaring his intention to join the Brave Team.
Then came a second, then a third. In the end, eleven cultivators wished to join the Brave Team.
He Sheng turned around, swept his gaze over them, and nodded.