-The Original Story of Reverend Insanity / Daoist Gu Master
Reverend Insanity follows Fang Yuan, a reincarnated man in the Gu World who lived for five hundred years as a demonic cultivator of the Blood Path.
Originally born in the Gu Yue Clan, a low-level clan from the Southern Border, Fang Yuan only possessed C-grade aptitude. Because of this, he was ostracized by his own clan and betrayed by relatives, including his brother and uncles.
After centuries of suffering and conflict, he became cruel, pragmatic, and completely indifferent to morality. His one true goal became:
Eternal life.
The original story begins when Fang Yuan is cornered by righteous-path Gu Masters, including his own brother. They all desire the Gu he created:
The Spring Autumn Cicada.
A Time Path Gu capable of reversing time.
As a final resort, Fang Yuan activates the Gu and returns to the past, restarting his life.
-Gu
In the universe of Reverend Insanity, the power system revolves around Gu.
Gu are described as the "spirits of heaven and earth," mysterious creatures used by Gu Masters.
Gu exist from Rank 1 to Rank 9.
Rank 1–5 → Mortal Gu Rank 6–9 → Immortal Gu
Likewise:
Rank 1–5 cultivators → Mortal Gu Masters Rank 6–9 cultivators → Gu Immortals
Each Gu possesses unique abilities and rules.
Some control fire.
Others manipulate poison, metal, water, souls, dreams, or even abstract concepts.
1 — Gu Master Ranks
Gu Masters are divided into ranks from 1 to 9.
These levels are separated into two major categories:
Mortal Gu Masters Gu Immortals Mortal Gu Masters (Ranks 1–5)
Mortal cultivation involves:
nurturing the aperture strengthening primordial essence advancing through realms breaking internal limits
The ease of this process depends mainly on the cultivator's aptitude.
-Rank 1 — Beginner
Limited primordial essence capacity.
-Rank 2 — Improvement
A more stable aperture and increased essence.
-Rank 3 — Specialist
Capable of leading small groups and using more complex Gu.
-Rank 4 — Veteran
Experienced cultivators with access to advanced techniques.
-Rank 5 — Mortal Peak
Leaders of clans, sects, and influential regional powers.
Each mortal rank is divided into four stages:
Initial Middle Upper Peak Gu Immortals (Ranks 6–9) Rank 6
The transition from mortal to immortal.
The cultivator forms an immortal aperture and begins using immortal essence.
-Rank 7
Experts capable of influencing entire regions.
-Rank 8
Monstrous existences standing near the peak of the world.
-Rank 9 — Venerables
Legendary beings capable of defying fate and altering the laws of the world.
-1.2 — Aptitude
Aptitude determines:
primordial essence capacity cultivation speed refinement efficiency how long Gu can be used Aptitude Classifications Extreme Physiques (100%)
Exceptionally rare existences tied to the Ten Extreme Physiques.
Grade A (80–99%)
Exceptional talent.
Extremely fast cultivation and enormous potential.
Grade B (60–79%)
Good aptitude.
Common among talented clan members.
Grade C (40–59%)
Average aptitude.
Enough to reach moderate cultivation levels.
Grade D (20–39%)
Low aptitude.
Cultivation becomes extremely difficult.
-1.3 — Attainment
Besides cultivation rank, Gu Masters also possess attainment levels in specific paths.
These levels represent how deeply they understand a certain path.
Examples include:
Strength Path Wisdom Path Blood Path Transformation Path Attainment Levels Ordinary
Basic knowledge.
Quasi-Master
The beginning of deeper understanding.
Master
Able to use techniques with great efficiency.
The cultivator begins developing "instinct" toward the path.
Quasi-Grandmaster
Transition into advanced mastery.
Grandmaster
Equivalent to the attainments of a Rank 7 Gu Immortal.
Allows partial imitation of other paths.
Usually requires hundreds of years.
Quasi-Great Grandmaster
An extremely rare intermediate stage.
Great Grandmaster
Equivalent to Rank 8 Gu Immortal attainments.
The cultivator can naturally utilize dao marks from the environment.
Usually requires thousands of years.
Quasi-Supreme Grandmaster
The final step before the absolute peak.
Supreme Grandmaster
The highest possible level.
Capable of transcending existing knowledge and creating unprecedented innovations.
A Rank 9 Venerable with Supreme Grandmaster attainment can freely manipulate the natural dao marks of heaven and earth related to their path.
This level depends almost entirely on talent.
Without sufficient talent, even ten thousand years would not be enough.
2 — Cultivation Paths
In the Gu World, paths represent cultivation specializations.
Each path is a different interpretation of the Dao.
--What Is a Path?
A legitimate path must possess:
a unique identity practical applications complete methods offensive and defensive techniques consistent internal logic Examples of Paths:
Strength Path
Focused on physical enhancement and overwhelming attacks.
Transformation Path
Allows alteration of one's body or transformation into other forms.
Wisdom Path
Strategy, deduction, manipulation, and calculations.
Blood Path
Uses blood for offensive techniques and control.
Sword Path
Specialized in sword techniques, sword qi and cutting attacks.
Dream Path
Manipulation of dreams, It has the characteristic of being able to easily increase the level of Attainment in various paths, allows entry into the dream realm and collection of materials. It is said that this path has great potential, but its best intended user is like the Megume of Jujutsu, a potential man, or in this case, a potential woman.
-Importance of Paths Specialization
Allows cultivators to dominate specific fields.
Technique Creation
Advanced cultivators create unique "killer moves."
Path Combination
Some Gu Masters combine multiple paths to create unpredictable fighting styles.
-3 The Gu World
The Gu World is divided into five great regions.
Each region is separated by enormous natural barriers called:
[Regional Walls.]
Crossing these walls is extremely difficult for ordinary Gu Masters.
[Southern Border]
A mountainous and forested region.
warm and humid climate countless rivers clan-based society dominance of Earth and Poison Paths
[Western Desert]
An arid desert region.
Known for:
scarcity of resources
strong commercial development dependence on caravans
enormous oasis settlements
This is where the fanfic initially takes place.
[NorthernPlains]
Open lands with extremely chaotic weather.
nomadic tribes giant
beasts warrior culture lower social status for women
[Eastern Sea]
A region formed by islands and oceans.
maritime sects heavy use of water-related Gu strong naval trade
[Central Continent]
The political and economic center of the Gu World.
It possesses:
the highest concentration of primordial essence
advanced development the most powerful sects the legendary Heavenly Court