Reverend Insanity: The Gacha System

After two days of the Yanxio clan Massacre,There are a total of 6 clans surronding the Yanxio clan but the closest is Mengzhu Mountain.

Mengzhu Clan is situated on this mountain, making it the closest clan to the Yanxiao Clan. Due to their proximity, frequent conflicts arose between the two, with each clan constantly keeping the other in check. These skirmishes, however, were tempered by the rules of the righteous path, which forbade open combat without justification. As a result, the Mengzhu Clan was well aware of the chaos that had recently engulfed the Yanxiao Clan.

Despite its smaller size, the Mengzhu Clan had managed to resist the Yanxiao Clan's dominance, boasting two Rank 5 experts and five Rank 4 experts among its ranks. This balance of power had ensured their survival in a region fraught with tension.

Mengzhu Clan Head, Mengzhu Mo Shan

Mo Shan, a man of sixty years with Rank 5 cultivation, sat in his study. His weathered face bore the marks of age, and his long white beard flowed like a cascade of snow. He stroked it thoughtfully as he examined an information Gu in his hand. The Gu had been sent by his scouts who had been monitoring the Yanxiao Clan's activities. Its message carried news of the recent upheaval, and Mo Shan's eyes narrowed as he processed the implications.

"Mo San, take some people with you and go to the Yanxiao Clan. Loot everything before other forces arrive and attempt the same," Mo Shan commanded, his sharp gaze piercing through the dimly lit study as he turned toward the figure standing behind him.

Mo San was a fifty-year-old man with only faint traces of age on his face. His few wrinkles spoke of experience rather than frailty, and his short, white-streaked hair complemented the modest beard framing his angular jaw. His build was sturdy, his shoulders broad and his presence imposing. Despite his outward strength, Mo San remained a Rank 4 Peak Stage cultivator, falling just short of breaking into the Rank 5 realm.

"Yes, brother. I will go and loot everything and return," Mo San said, beating his chest with his right hand as a gesture of loyalty before turning to leave.

Just as he reached the door, Mo Shan's voice rang out, firm and commanding. "Mo San, if you successfully loot everything from the Yanxiao Clan, I will personally ensure your advancement to Rank 5 as a reward."

Mo San paused, his back straightening as the weight of the promise registered. He turned his head slightly, a determined glint in his eyes. "Thank you, brother. I promise I will return with everything the Yanxiao Clan has to offer." Without another word, he stepped out of the study, his footsteps resolute.

Once outside, Mo San wasted no time. He summoned twenty of his trusted men, their loyalty proven through years of service. Among them were ten Rank 3 Gu Masters, their strength formidable, and ten Rank 2 Peak Stage cultivators, who made up the backbone of his force. Standing before them, Mo San's voice boomed with authority.

"We move immediately to the Yanxiao Clan's territory. Keep your movements swift and your presence hidden. We'll travel through the forest to avoid leaving any trace."

The group nodded in unison, their expressions stern as they prepared for the task ahead. Mo San led them into the dense forest surrounding Mengzhu Mountain, the canopy above casting dappled shadows on their path. The sound of rustling leaves and the occasional snap of twigs underfoot were the only noises that accompanied their determined march.

As they were moving Mo San felt something, "Stop" as he said everybody around him stopped, Mo San looked towards a tree, on a branch of the tree there was a young man with a black hood covering his body, he was muttering something that is not audiable at all.

"Hello, Junior Brother. Do you know what happened there? I heard it was utter chaos," Mo San asked, his tone calm but probing.

"Yes... it was a genocide," the young man in the black hood replied, his voice trembling with fear. "An unknown person... I think it was a Rank 5 Gu Master. He wore a mask—menacing and intricate."

The young man's voice faltered as he described it. "The mask... it had a deep, golden base with sharp black accents running across its surface, resembling a feral beast. Its glowing red eyes seemed to pierce through the darkness, and crimson flames flickered faintly around its edges, adding an otherworldly aura. The twin horns that jutted upward gave it an even more fearsome appearance, as though it belonged to a creature of nightmares."

The memory seemed to overwhelm him. "That terrifying visage was enough to send shivers down anyone's spine. I was lucky enough to escape, but... but it was all for nothing. Everything's gone, my home, my people. What can I do now? I am just... just alone."

The young man's body shivered as he spoke, his voice cracking under the weight of despair.

Mo San turned his head and noticed a young woman standing a few paces behind him. She appeared to be around eighteen years old, with a determined yet cautious expression. She was a Rank 2 Initial Stage Gu Master, her posture straight as if awaiting instructions. Understanding the unspoken signal from her leader, she stepped forward and approached the boy with measured steps.

"Can you tell us more about what happened?" she asked gently, her tone probing yet kind. Despite her efforts, the young man's answers were fragmented and incoherent, his fear overshadowing any clarity.

Mo San, observing the exchange, let out a short sigh and intervened. "If he's too shaken to explain further, then ask him directly. Would he join our Mengzhu Clan as an external Gu Master?"

The woman hesitated for a moment, then nodded and turned back to the boy. "Our leader is offering you a chance," she said. "You can join our clan as an external Gu Master. It will give you protection and purpose. What do you say?"

"Can I really join your clan? But... I feel so unworthy. I couldn't even protect my friends and family. My... my dearest one is gone. I can't live without her. I'm going to die anyway, so just leave me alone," the young man stammered, his voice breaking with grief.

Mo San, observing the scene, felt irritation creep into his expression. Despite the boy's broken demeanor, his Rank 2 Peak Stage cultivation was a valuable asset. If nurtured properly, he could potentially ascend to Rank 3, bringing significant benefits to the clan.

Noticing her leader's growing impatience, the young woman stepped forward with a soft, almost tender smile. Her tone shifted, laced with a mix of sympathy and persuasion. "You don't have to feel this way. You can live with me. I live alone... ever since my boyfriend—because of me—he's gone. And you... you remind me so much of him. The same black eyes, the same black hair, even the same handsome face that made me fall for him. Please, come with me."

The young man's eyes widened, her words cutting through his despair. "Really? You mean that? Okay then... I'll come with you. I'll do anything to protect you."

The woman nodded encouragingly before adding, "Then can you show us the place where the treasures and spirit spring of your clan are?"

A shadow of suspicion crossed the young man's face, his expression hardening. "So... this was your plan all along. You just wanted to know about my clan's treasures. You can't fool me. Even if I die, I won't tell you anything."

Her expression softened, though her voice took on a firmer tone. "No, no, you misunderstand. This is necessary for the clan's survival. You know the dead can't come back to life, right? But their legacy can live on. Why not tell us? Contribute to us, and in return, we can build something better—together. With the reward, we can live happily."

The young man hesitated, his resolve wavering. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Okay... then I'll tell you."