Reverend Insanity: The Gacha System

Li Tian, seated calmly in a sturdy wooden chair within the brightly lit chamber, observed the room as the elder for the examination entered. The elder had a commanding presence, his long white beard flowing down to his chest, contrasting with his deep brown complexion. His eyes, sharp and piercing, scanned the candidates as he adjusted the hem of his plain but elegant white robe embroidered with silver patterns symbolizing wisdom and authority. His hair, though white, was neatly combed back, revealing a face marked with the weight of years yet unyielding in its sternness.

The elder's voice echoed with authority as he addressed the gathered cultivators. "There are two tests for all of you wishing to join this sect. The first requirement is aptitude—you must possess either an A-grade or B-grade talent. The second requirement is cultivation—you must be at Rank 2. Since you are outsiders, we expect you to have more practical experience than the disciples raised within the sect. These are the rules. Those who fail to meet them, leave now. Do not waste my time."

A tense silence followed his words, the air heavy with unspoken pressure as several among the crowd exchanged nervous glances. Some shuffled uncomfortably, already recognizing their lack of qualifications, while others stood firm, their expressions determined.

The elder continued after a brief pause, his gaze sharpening further. "For those who remain, you will be tested in two stages. The first will assess your talent and cultivation level directly through a verification Gu. The second will be a practical combat examination where you must prove your skill against a designated opponent. Only those who excel in both will be granted entry into our sect."

One by one, the candidates were evaluated by the elders using the verification Gu. Each person's talent and cultivation level was revealed, some meeting the standards, while others were dismissed quietly. When it was finally Li Tian's turn, the atmosphere shifted.

As the elder placed the verification Gu in his hand, a radiant golden light surged forth, illuminating the chamber with brilliance far surpassing the previous tests. The results displayed clearly—Rank 4 Peak Stage Gu Master.

A wave of astonishment rippled through the elders. Their expressions softened, their once stern gazes now replaced with courteous smiles and measured nods of respect. His cultivation was not only the highest among the examinees but also surpassed even some of the sect's inner elders. His presence exuded a quiet dominance, a subtle yet undeniable pressure pressing onto those present.

Escorted to a private chamber, Li Tian was introduced to several inner elders, all of whom were also Rank 4 Gu Masters. They greeted him with polite smiles, though beneath the surface, he could sense the layers of complex emotions—respect tinged with jealousy. His profound cultivation rank, nearing the critical threshold of Rank 5, clearly unsettled them.

Li Tian exchanged formal pleasantries, his voice calm yet authoritative. Despite their measured words, he could feel the tension, a quiet unease stemming from their awareness that he had surpassed them in both power and presence. Yet none dared question him directly, their respectful gestures veiling their discomfort.

Then he was taken to the Sect Leader of the Immortal Crane Sect, Han Xuren, for the final test, which involved demonstrating his ability to enslave beasts, a core focus of the sect. However, before the test commenced, Sect Leader, Han requested a private meeting with Li Tian to clarify his intentions for joining the sect.

Seated in a grand hall adorned with intricate carvings of cranes soaring across jade panels, Elder Han's piercing gaze met Li Tian's. His voice was calm but probing. "You possess exceptional cultivation for your age, and your aptitude far exceeds most applicants. Why do you seek entry into the Immortal Crane Sect?"

Li Tian, still maintaining his disguised identity, bowed respectfully, his voice measured. "I seek profound knowledge of the Enslavement Path, as I believe it complements my existing strengths. Mastering control over beasts is essential for my cultivation goals and personal growth. I desire to learn under the finest traditions this sect upholds."

Elder Han nodded slowly but pressed further. "Our sect values loyalty above all else. Should we allow you to enter, can you swear that your allegiance will lie with the Immortal Crane Sect and that you will not misuse the knowledge for selfish gain?"

Li Tian's expression remained calm, though inwardly he calculated his words carefully. "I understand the weight of such knowledge. I vow to honor the teachings and uphold the values of the Immortal Crane Sect with sincerity and dedication."

Li Tian stepped forward, his gaze steady as he prepared to demonstrate his mastery. Reaching into his aperture, he retrieved an Enslavement Gu, a delicate, pale blue Gu worm shaped like a coiled serpent with tiny blue markings along its segmented body.

Channeling his primeval essence, the Gu worm glowed faintly as he activated it. With a graceful flick of his wrist, he threw the Enslavement Gu toward the Iron Beak Crane. The Gu dissolved into a faint stream of light that coiled around the crane's body like a phantom chain. The Rank 4 beast screeched, its metallic feathers vibrating with resistance as it instinctively fought against the influence.

Without hesitation, Li Tian closed his eyes and extended his soul. A shimmering projection of his soul form emerged, visible only to those attuned to Soul Path techniques. His soul force surged, pressing against the Iron Beak Crane's consciousness with overwhelming pressure. The beast thrashed wildly, wings clanging against the cage as sparks danced across the formation lines beneath it.

Li Tian's voice was calm yet commanding, echoing with the resonance of his soul force. "Submit."

The crane's struggle weakened. Bit by bit, its mental defenses crumbled, the ethereal chains of the Enslavement Gu tightening as his will dominated the creature completely. The beast lowered its head in submission, its wings folding neatly against its sides.

Li Tian retracted his soul projection, the bond between master and beast now fully established. He turned back toward Han Xuren, expression unshaken, waiting for the next command.