Reverend Half Insanity (Beta version)

In Fang Zheng's room, the morning light streams through the window, casting a warm glow over the space. Fang Zheng stands by the window, dressed and ready for the awakening ceremony. His expression is one of quiet satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he watches people pass by on the road below. A faint smile plays on his lips as he thinks to himself, "I've already made my plans for the future. I know exactly how I'll become a venerable quickly and which path I'll take to get there. Tonight, I'll finalize everything once I see the results of the awakening ceremony. There's always a chance things might change, but I don't want to overthink it. After confirming Fang Yuan's current situation, I feel even more excited about my future. I double-checked him this morning, and everything seems normal. That means I can use him exactly as I want. Ha ha ha."

His thoughts drift to the previous night, and his smile widens. "Last night with Shen Cui was... enjoyable. Refreshing, even. I can't blame her for her personality—after all, I'm the one who shaped her into who she is. Ha ha ha." The memory brings a sense of pride, and he chuckles softly to himself, his confidence radiating as he waits for Fang Yuan and Gu Xianer.

Meanwhile, in Fang Yuan's room, the atmosphere is calm and warm. Fang Yuan has just finished breakfast with Gu Xianer, though in reality, he's only taken three bites at most. Gu Xianer, completely absorbed in the story Fang Yuan was telling her, hasn't noticed. Her eyes sparkle with excitement as she hangs on his every word, her imagination running wild with the adventures he weaves.

As Fang Yuan sets down his chopsticks, he watches her for a moment, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "I used to regret being a scholar in my previous life," he thinks, his mind drifting back. "The main reason was money—it was always a struggle. But now, I'm so grateful for it. Being a scholar allows me to tell her endless stories. When I run out of stories, I just create new ones. She loves them, especially the ones about brothers and sisters going on adventures, saving each other, or helping one another grow. When I tell her about little sisters helping their brothers or big sisters raising their younger siblings, she becomes so attentive. She even tries to apply those lessons in real life. Through these stories, I also teach her many things."

His heart swells with affection as he looks at her. "I'm truly lucky to have a sister like her. I don't even know what my purpose for becoming strong would be if I didn't have Gu Xianer. She's my reason to keep going." But then, a flicker of worry crosses his mind. "She hasn't matured as much as others her age. It's possible she might have low talent for cultivation. I hope, at the very least, she has a B-grade talent. As for myself, I'm expecting high talent, but... I'm still a bit nervous. No matter what, though, I need to be strong. For her. If they mock or criticize me, I can handle it. I've dealt with it before. But she's just a child. It would be so hard for her if they target her too."

The thought tightens his chest, but he quickly pushes it aside. He can't afford to dwell on the negative. Instead, he focuses on the present, on the sister sitting across from him, her face lit up with joy. "Whatever happens today," he resolves, "I'll protect her. No matter what."

The two siblings sit in comfortable silence for a moment, the bond between them unspoken but palpable. Fang Yuan's mind is already racing ahead, planning for the challenges to come, while Gu Xianer remains blissfully unaware, her thoughts still caught up in the world of his stories. For now, in this quiet moment, they are together, and that is enough.

After some time, Fang Yuan and Gu Xianer prepared themselves and joined Fang Zheng, setting off toward the clan pavilion. Gu Xianer, her usual bubbly self, clung tightly to Fang Yuan's hand, her small fingers intertwined with his. She swung their joined hands back and forth as they walked, her light steps brimming with an almost infectious energy. Her joy was palpable, radiating like sunlight breaking through a cloudy sky.

"Brother, you'll see! We'll all awaken high talent and become powerful immortals! And then we'll feast on all the legendary dishes!" Gu Xianer exclaimed, her voice ringing with unshakable hope and boundless enthusiasm. She gazed up at Fang Yuan, her eyes sparkling with innocence and absolute trust, as if the world itself could crumble and she would still believe in him.

Fang Yuan looked down at her, his smile warm and tender, a quiet strength in his gaze. "Don't worry," he said softly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Once I become a Gu Master, I'll bring you all the delicacies you've ever dreamed of. But for now, listen carefully. You must stay silent during the awakening ceremony. It's crucial, okay?"

Gu Xianer nodded vigorously, her cheerful spirit undimmed. "Okay, brother! I'll be as quiet as a little mouse!" she promised, though her eyes still danced with unrestrained excitement, betraying her eagerness.

As they walked, Fang Zheng trailed slightly behind them, his expression calm but his mind a whirlwind of dark thoughts. He observed the interaction between Fang Yuan and Gu Xianer, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "This girl is nothing but a dim-witted glutton," he thought, his mind dripping with contempt. "She doesn't even grasp the gravity of the situation. All she cares about is stuffing her face. How utterly pathetic."

His thoughts drifted to a saying he had once heard:

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Love is the mind's cruelest trap—where reason is shattered, wisdom dissolved, and suffering becomes the eternal price we pay for a radiant lie we refuse to relinquish.