Reverend Half Insanity (Beta version)

He recalled his own past life, how he had been ensnared by the illusion that his wife and son were his entire world. How foolish I was, he thought bitterly. "Now, looking at Fang Yuan, I see the same weakness in him. If he weren't so blinded by his love for this simple-minded girl, he could have lived a far more comfortable life. He might even have been recognized as a genius by now. But instead, he's forged his own chains."

A dark satisfaction coiled within him as he imagined Fang Yuan's inevitable despair. "I can't wait to see his face when he discovers he has only low talent for cultivation. He'll feel even more despair than I did in my past life—because he's brought it upon himself. He he he. I'll make sure you suffer even more than I did, Fang Yuan. It's good that you've become so naive, so blinded by your love for this empty-headed fool. It makes you so easy to manipulate. Don't worry, I'll use both of you to the fullest and wring out every last drop of your worth."

Lost in his venomous thoughts, Fang Zheng began to laugh, a low, sinister chuckle escaping his lips. The sound was sharp and out of place, slicing through the air like a blade, drawing the attention of both Fang Yuan and Gu Xianer.

Hearing the laughter, Fang Yuan glanced back at Fang Zheng, his brow furrowing slightly. "Hey, Fang Zheng," he said, his tone calm but firm, "keep it down. We're in front of the clan pavilion, and the elders are watching. I know you're excited, but try to control yourself."

Fang Zheng snapped out of his dark reverie, his laughter cutting off abruptly. He quickly schooled his expression into one of seriousness, though a faint glint of amusement still lingered in his eyes. "Ah, you're right," he said smoothly, his voice composed. "I got carried away. My apologies."

Fang Yuan nodded, accepting the response, though a faint unease prickled at the edges of his mind. He turned his attention back to Gu Xianer, who was now peering at Fang Zheng with a curious tilt of her head.

"Fang Zheng, why were you laughing like that?" she asked innocently, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Fang Zheng smiled at her, though the warmth didn't reach his eyes. "Oh, it's nothing, Xianer," he said, his tone light but laced with an undercurrent of something darker. "Just thinking about how… the day ahead is going to be very interesting and satisfying." His gaze lingered on her for a moment, sharp and calculating, as if he were already envisioning the role she would play in his plans.

Gu Xianer beamed, completely oblivious to the malice lurking beneath his surface. "It is exciting! I can't wait!" she said, her enthusiasm undimmed. She swung their joined hands again, her joy infectious, though it only seemed to deepen the shadow in Fang Zheng's expression.

Fang Yuan watched the exchange, his protective instincts flaring. He tightened his grip on Gu Xianer's hand, a silent vow to shield her from whatever storms lay ahead. There was something about Fang Zheng's demeanor—the way his smile didn't quite reach his eyes, the way his words seemed to carry a double meaning—that set Fang Yuan on edge. He couldn't shake the feeling that Fang Zheng was hiding something, something dangerous.

The clan pavilion rises at the heart of the village, its towering structure a proud symbol of the clan's legacy and power. Over a hundred 15-year-old youths gather, their nervous energy buzzing in the air like a swarm of restless bees. Whispers ripple through the crowd, soft and hurried, mingling with the rustle of leaves in the wind. The tension is thick, almost tangible, as the youths shift uneasily, their eyes darting around.

An elder steps forward, his presence commanding immediate silence. His voice slices through the murmurs like a sharp blade, cold and unyielding.

"Today is the awakening ceremony," he announces, his tone heavy with gravity. "This is the turning point of your lives. I won't waste words. Follow me, and do not make a sound. The clan leader and all the elders are present. Disrespect will not be tolerated."

Without waiting for a response, he turns sharply and leads the group into the pavilion. But instead of climbing the grand staircase, he guides them through the entrance hall and down a narrow stone staircase. The air grows cooler, damper, with each step. The faint sound of flowing water grows louder, echoing softly in the dim light. Finally, they emerge into an underground cave.

The sight steals their breath. A serene river winds through the cave, its surface dotted with flowers of every color imaginable. The walls and floor glitter with colorful stones, their surfaces catching the light and casting a kaleidoscope of reflections on the water. It's as if they've stepped into a hidden world, untouched by time, alive with magic.

The youths can't contain their awe. Whispers of amazement ripple through the group, their voices echoing softly in the cavern. The elder spins around, his voice sharp and cutting. "Silence!"

The group falls quiet, but their wide eyes and exchanged glances betray their excitement. Gu Xianer, however, is utterly captivated. Her eyes dart from the shimmering stones to the dancing reflections on the water, her heart racing with wonder. Then she sees it—the fish, their silvery bodies darting among the flowers, as if performing a delicate dance.

"Brother, look!" she bursts out, her voice ringing clear and bright in the stillness. "The fish—they're dancing with the flowers! It's so beautiful!"

Fang Yuan, who had been equally mesmerized, snaps to attention. In one swift motion, he clamps a hand over her mouth, his eyes wide with alarm. The cave falls deathly silent. Every head turns toward them, including the piercing gazes of the clan elders. Their expressions are cold, their disapproval palpable, as if Gu Xianer has committed an unforgivable sin.

Gu Xianer's joy evaporates in an instant. Her face pales, and she shrinks back, her small frame trembling under the weight of their stares. Fang Yuan steps forward, bowing deeply, his voice steady but urgent. "Forgive her," he says, his tone firm yet respectful. "It won't happen again."

The elders exchange glances, their faces unreadable, before turning away. The tension in the air eases slightly, but Gu Xianer remains frozen, her hands clutching Fang Yuan's sleeve like a lifeline. He gently pries her fingers loose and intertwines them with his own, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay," he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. "I'm here."

Gu Xianer nods, her grip tightening as if she fears he might vanish. She leans into him, her head resting lightly against his arm, her trembling slowly subsiding. Fang Yuan glances down at her, his gaze firm yet tender. He doesn't need to speak; his eyes say it all. "Don't be afraid. Your brother is here for you."