Chapter 46 I've Lost
There was another Reverend Insanity fanfic which came out a couple days ago. There are only a couple chapters, but I think that the premise is quite interesting. I hope that you can give it a read.
Reverend Sanity by Inkyug
Additionally, because I think I am approaching the end of the "first arc" of this fanfic, I felt the need to thank everyone for reading this far and to answer possible questions if anyone has any. I will not give out spoilers regarding future events or interactions in the comments, but other than that it should be fine.
Lastly, before one reads this chapter, I would ask what would you do if you possessed the comprehensions and the cultivation of a Venerable? Would you act in accordance to your own whims and desires, or transform the World into a better place? There is no right or wrong answer, but I find that it is an interesting question to ask.
Thank you all again.
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With just those two words, Tai Yang charged at Xuanyuan. Flames licking the hem of his clothing, the Peak Rank 2 Gu Master sprinted towards Xuanyuan, primeval essence ticking away with every passing second.
Xuanyuan summoned his Shadow Stinger Gu, pulling his mortal sword, and his waterskin from out of his Shadow Pocket Gu. Tai Yang could clearly see both objects in his hands, but focused his attention primarily on the shifting shadow beneath Xuanyuan's feet.
Tai Yang didn't even so much as hesitate as he activated his Fireball Gu, launching a flurry of fist sized fireballs towards Xuanyuan. The presence of fireballs almost made Tai Yang look like a magician or wizard, something that Xuanyuan had seen in his previous life, but didn't think much of the similarities as darted to the side, sending a single dense shadow blade towards Tai Yang.
Tai Yang noticed the shadow blade cutting through the air and narrowed his brows before using his Burning Lantern Gu. So long as he only used it for a moment, his primeval essence expenditure would be minimal and allow him to last longer during the fight.
The image of a burning lantern floated around Tai Yang's body, instantly placing itself between Tai Yang's chest and the shadow blade. The light of the burning lantern flickered somewhat, enduring the impact of Xuanyuan's shadow blades.
The burning lantern hovered in the air in front of Tai Yang for a few seconds, before being dispersed, instantly vanishing under his command.
More fireballs were launched in Xuanyuan's direction, and the Shadow Path Gu Master swiftly evaded them, relying on the increase to his perception given to him by his Vital Gu. The fireballs had a blast radius of roughly a square foot, and Xuanyuan's legs moved in erratic patterns, mimicking the movements of the shadows around him.
The size of the battlefield was no longer limited to just a single platform. Earth Path Gu Masters had transformed the Strength Soul Hall back into its original form, an enormous arena where only Xuanyuan and Tai Yang battled it out against each other.
Xuanyuan was at a disadvantage in terms of direct offensive power. This was a difference in the nature of the Shadow Path, and the essence of the Fire Path. However, his Master level attainment elevated the use of his Shadow Path Gu to an exquisite level. Like a master dancer, or a master swordsman, Xuanyuan knew best how to use the Shadow Path Gu familiar to him.
His vision no longer blurred as he switched between his own eyes, and the vision granted to him by the Nine Eyes Shadow Gu. The switch was flawless, and allowed him to perceive the arcs the fireballs travelled through from a third person perspective.
Xuanyuan just retreated backwards, watching as Tai Yang slowly closed the distance between them. He was still running towards Xuanyuan, but knew that his accuracy decreased immensely in a full blown sprint. Eventually, the young man gave up on his ranged attacks and kicked off the ground, pushing himself closer and closer towards Xuanyuan.
The angry young man eventually got within twenty feet of Xuanyuan, causing him to smile before charging straight towards Xuanyuan. His gaze lingered on his Shadow, but instantly activated his Burning Lantern Gu, not noticing the smile on Xuanyuan's face.
As Tai Yang got within ten feet of Xuanyuan, the latter threw the waterskin in his hands towards Tai Yang, inadvertently activating the automatic response of his Burning Lantern Gu.
Tai Yang forcing himself to not scoff, but not before noticing the faint scent of liquor in the air.
His eyes widened, and he unconsciously reached for his Flame Cloak Gu, using his Rank 2 Fire Qi Gu to enhance it as much as he possibly could.
The flames retracted, coiling around Tai Yang, as the sound of his waterskin exploding echoed throughout the arena.
The force wasn't huge, but the caught alight less than a foot away from Tai Yang. The young man was forced to cover his face, lest it was showered in a wave of flaming liquor.
He almost didn't notice the flicker of a shadow pass by his vision, only seeing his Burning Lantern Gu, intercept a flurry of shadow blades. Xuanyuan had closed the distance, grimacing as his all of his dense shadow blades were blocked, raising his mortal sword and Shadow Stinger Gu, poised and ready to strike.
Tai Yang's eyes widened, and he unconsciously pushed his hands forward, igniting the air in front of him with his Flash Burn Gu. A ten foot cone in front of Tai Yang instantly set alight, and the screams of fellow disciples echoed throughout the arena.
Elder Luo unconsciously stood up, as did Elder Hu and Elder Kong.
But the Sect Leader just smiled, seeing what happened next.
Tai Yang's eyes widened as a half burned figure jumped through the flames. Any traces of hair on his head, or skin on his face gone, burned away by the power of his Flash Burn Gu. The burning man, with a sword in his hand and scorpion tail on his back pierced forward with both, cutting a clear path towards Tai Yang's chest.
The Burning Lantern Gu activating and blocking the large scorpion tail from piercing Tai Yang's chest, but couldn't simultaneously block the sword from piercing his left lung.
Xuanyuan knocked back Tai Yang, running him all the way through with his blade, the hilt buried within his chest and the tip of his sword buried an inch or two into the dirt behind him. The Fire Path Gu Master instantly felt a wave of blood rise up through his throat the distinct taste of blood filling his mouth.
A sharp, yet familiar pain filled Tai Yang's mind.
He had been cut with a sword many times, courtesy of his sister and father. Yet, never once had they driven a sword through his chest, to the point where he was lodged in place, unable to muster the strength to stand.
Xuanyuan on the other hand, only managed to cover his eyelids as Flash Burn Gu directly hit him in the head and upper body. He had used his arms to block his face as much as he could, but still felt tears form in the corners of his eyes as several layers of skin were evaporated in an instant.
He just stared at Tai Yang, his face maniacal from the pain and lack of any blinking.
"Your sister told me that with the sword in her hand, she would cut through any obstacle! Show me the same resolve Tai Yang!".
Xuanyuan screamed, his voice deep, channeling pain and rage into his words. Most of the arena had gone silent, watching as this young man, skin bubbling and hair seared away, glanced at all of them, his black eyes reflecting their own visages.
Tai Yang attempted to grip the hilt of Xuanyuan's sword but froze, seeing Xuanyuan place his hands on his own.
"Answer me! There is no sword in my hand! There is no spear in my hand! My hands have been empty from the very beginning! All I have, and all I have ever owned, is the will in mind, and the perseverance in my heart!".
The term "perseverance" tugged at the emotions of some of the older Gu Masters in the crowd, some stuck at Rank 2, or even Rank 3, yet still tried to better themselves, even as they watched their friends cultivation increase.
Most of the arena was empty when Xuanyuan fought Tai Yin, but know, thousands of disciples lined the stands, silently watching Xuanyuan scream at Tai Yang.
Tai Yang coughed up a mouthful of blood, causing the referees to step in, but were unable to move due to some strange, foreign pressure.
Immortal Song in the audience just flicked her hand slightly, activating a Rank 5 Gu. Other than Immortal Di and Immortal Chu sitting beside her, no-one else in the audience noticed her actions. The Light Path Gu Immortal sent her compatriot a subtle glance, but didn't make much of it, realizing it was just a Rank 5 healing type Gu.
Immortal Chu just remained unmoving, watching Xuanyuan unblinking.
Tai Yang gritted his teeth, stained with his own blood.
"You're crazy... why do you care so much about what I think, when you've done nothing but belittle me, my sister, even my own father... Nothing you've done makes any sense you freak!".
Xuanyuan just grinned raising his hands above his head, as if trying to reach for something. Despite the pain, despite itchiness, despite the unbearable soreness coming from every corner of his body, he still smiled, grinning at Tai Yang.
"Of course I care about what you think Tai Yang! I care about what everyone here thinks!".
Xuanyuan's eyes roamed all over the audience, some shirking back under his gaze, some outright avoiding them, while others, the ones he considered friends, met them head on, taking it his inhumane visage.
Neither of the referees had called the match, so all just watched the spectacle unfold in front of them, seeing Xuanyuan grin as he tried to embrace the open air above him.
"The Ancient Soul Sect has given me friends... knowledge... memories... experience... even a place to belong. Every single person in the Ancient Soul Sect is my brother and sister, and despite the difference in age, I can see the World clearly".
"I am different. I am strange. I am a freak whose comprehension is so different it is almost inhuman. But if that is what the Ancient Soul Sect needs me to be, then I will carry them towards the sea of stars".
Xuanyuan let out a shallow breath, looking down towards Tai Yang. The young man seemed confused, fearful, angry and curious all at the same time.
Everyone in the audience seemed to mimic these expressions.
"I said that I would become Venerable! That I would reach the zenith of cultivation and understand Truth about Gu! About myself! About the entire World! If I could become a Venerable, I would transform the World, ridding ourselves of our vices, of our deficiencies, of our envy and jealousy! I desire to create something that would transcend the differences between innate talent, giving birth to my own Extreme Physique!".
"That is my dream! That is my desire! Everyone here is a Gu Master earnestly walking their Path Tai Yang, do you not have a dream of your own? One that welcomes you every time you close your eyes? If you had the ability to make that dream a reality, would you do it?"
"Would any of you?".
Xuanyuan looked towards the audience, seeing the vast majority glance at each other, whispering and muttering. Most of the disciples present were between one to five years older than Xuanyuan, and had experienced more than a few years in the Ancient Soul Sect.
They had built friendships, gone through hardships, potentially even lost friends or loved ones. Xuanyuan wanted to pull at their heartstrings, evoking powerful memories of reminiscence and self interest.
Provoking individual desire was important. Most people, even the average Righteous Path Gu Master was still somewhat self-interested. But evoking the same desire in everyone was key, as no matter who they were or what origins they came from, all of them should be able to relate to Xuanyuan's words.
He didn't give them a chance to gather their thoughts before shouting even louder.
"If all of you... if any of you one day became an Immortal Venerable, what would you do? Travel the Five Regions? Research Immortal Gu? Enjoy mortal pleasures, indulging in vices and excess like any other regular Gu Master? Or would you transform the World, bending the limits of Heaven and Earth, founding, or revolutionizing a Path like Primordial Qi or Star Constellation!?"
"Every Venerable has left behind a legacy for those fated to find it. Even those Demonic Venerables who drowned entire Continents in seas of blood! Would you squander your knowledge, hoarding it like a mortal peasant trying to protect his coins, or would you transform the World, birthing Gu and beasts and all sorts of miraculous existences?".
"Tell me!", Xuanyuan bellowed, earning a few flinches from younger Gu Masters in the audience.
There was a silence which filled the Strength Soul Hall. A few of the more knowledgeable and capable Gu Masters glanced towards the Elders box, just just watched as the Sect Leader smiled, his gaze firmly locked on Xuanyuan.
Most just glanced at each other, nudging some of their friends forward, but eventually, a single young woman raised her hand.
Her appearance attracted the attention of almost every male disciple in the room, while every other disciple seemed interested in someone that would actually respond to Xuanyuan's words.
Her long black hair carried white, almost snow-like highlights through them, making her appearance somewhat exotic even amongst Gu Masters. Her facial features were symmetrical, unblemished by freckle or scars, skin almost like tofu it was so pale and soft.
Yu Zhong Er stood up, eyes focused on Xuanyuan.
"I cannot speak for others, but if I became a Venerable of the Light Path, I would want to try and bring back those different coloured lights from the Immemorial Era. There are so many Light Path Gu which have been lost because of it... I would want to try and bring them back".
A number of Gu Masters in the crowd nodded at Yu Zhong Er's words.
While most were unfamiliar with the Light Path, they did know that with the destruction of more than half of the Immemorial Nine Heavens, countless Gu, Secluded Domains Of Heaven and Earth, beasts, and even rare and valuable Gu materials had been lost or destroyed.
Yu Zhong Er... wanted to revive the Light Path. An honorable and righteous goal.
A black haired girl beside her, with features and a beauty equal to that of Yu Zhong Er stood up, smiling as she looked at Xuanyuan.
"If I became a Venerable in the Shadow Path, I would want to figure out a way to create Rank 9 Shadow Gu! In the Legends Of Ren Zu, Shadow Gu could do more than just devour shadows in order to grow stronger! It was the essence of reflection in all living beings! If I could figure out a way to gather that essence, then perhaps it would be possible to revive living creatures using their Shadows!".
More than a few mouths dropped in the audience.
This beautiful girl wanted to bring once dead creatures back to life? Not like zombies, but actual true resurrection!?
Immortal Song glanced at Long Xi for a moment, her gaze lingering on her for a few moments before moving back towards Xuanyuan.
There was a slight silence in the arena, before a young man standing on the opposite side of the Strength Soul Hall stood up, shouting as loud as he could.
A name and a face flickered through Xuanyuan's mind. The young man that had injured him during his practice many months ago, the one that he had "forgiven", uncaring of his immature attempts to get back at him for being Elder Luo's disciple.
'Xu Chen...'.
The young man, short, yet broad shouldered and right now, extremely red in the face stood up his eyes closed pretending not to feel the gazes of countless others on him right now.
"I desire the title of Venerable! The Strength Path has long since been forgotten, dying without the guidance of powerful Gu Immortals of the Righteous Path! Reckless Savage Demonic Venerable may have founded the Strength Path, but I want to transform it back into something that the Ancient Soul Sect, that Righteous Path can be proud of!".
Xuanyuan blinked seeing Xu Chen quickly sit back down his eyes still closed extremely embarrassed. Of out everyone, he didn't think that he would be the one to say something.
It didn't take long for another person to stand up.
This time, and older Gu Master, somewhat rugged, but smiling as he matched Xuanyuan's gaze.
"Paradise Earth was an Immortal Venerable of peace and prosperity. He spread the Righteous Path all over the Five Regions, treating all living beings as equal under the eyes of Heaven. There has been too much bloodshed in the World. If I was to become a Venerable of the Earth Path, perhaps I could expand the Reincarnation Battlefield, preventing death from coming too early to mortals and Gu Masters alike".
Tang San smiled at Xuanyuan, giving him a small nod. Another person stood up in the crowd, standing tall and firm, lightning flashing behind her gaze.
"The Lightning Path pierces through Lies and arrives at the Truth! If I were to become a Venerable of the Lightning Path, Lies and Demons would have no place in my World! The echoes of thunder would drown out lies, and the flash of my spear will be seen all over the Five Regions! The Righteous Path will flourish, and I will bring an new age of justice to the World!".
Lu Rong proclaimed throughout the Strength Soul Hall. Lu Guo's older sister was a fanatical member of the Righteous Path and someone who considered herself to be Xuanyuan's friend. Some of the other members of the Burning Soul Hall nodded, before someone that Xuanyuan didn't know shouted towards the rest of the crowd.
"The Wood Path births and nurtures all life, as was said by Genesis Lotus Immortal Venerable! I will heal the Heavens and the Earth of all wounds, correcting the wrongdoings of the misguided few! Righteousness shall rule over the hearts of men. Righteousness shall rule over the hearts of all Gu Masters!".
Most of the Burning Soul Hall members started to join in, each telling their dream of becoming a Venerable.
"The Fire Path...".
"The Water Path...".
"The Sword Path...".
"The Cloud Path...".
"The Emotion Path...".
Everyone... regardless of their age, path, gender background, origins, history, personal experience, or even bloodline, desired at least once in their life to become a Venerable. They fell asleep one night, and dreamt of ruling over the Five Regions, their name and achievements etched in history, unable to be forgotten.
Immortalized throughout time.
Dozens of Gu Masters all stood up, each shouting their dream. Gu Masters of all Paths and dreams stood up, some red-faced, others serious and firm in announcing their desires.
Everyone wanted the same thing, so why would they feel embarrassed for just telling each other?
Xuanyuan just smiled, ignoring them for a moment and turning towards Tai Yang. The young man just looked at Xuanyuan wide eyed, understanding some of the meanings behind his words now.
"... Everyone just wants the same thing Tai Yang. I am no different. And even if I am just a freak who takes interests in those around me, I'll still take all of you with me".
Elder Tai arrived beside Tai Yang, staring at Xuanyuan with a strange expression on his face. Xuanyuan could only hear a couple words, before Elder Luo appeared beside him, his vision slowly turning black under the influence of his Master's Gu.
"... I've... lost".