In Reverend Insanity/ Daoist Gu Master, which this fanfic is based on, the power system revolves around Gu — the essence of Heaven and Earth — used by so-called Gu Masters.
1 - Ranks of Gu Masters
Gu Masters are divided into ranks, from 1 to 9, grouped into two broad categories: mortal Gu Masters and Gu Immortals.
Mortal Gu Masters (Ranks 1 to 5)
To advance, a Gu Master must nurture, break, and reconstruct their aperture. The ease of this process depends on the degree of aperture opening.
Rank 1: Beginner. Limited primordial essence capacity.
Rank 2: Enhanced aperture and increased essence capacity.
Rank 3: Can lead small groups and perform more complex refinements.
Rank 4: Experienced cultivator, has access to stronger Gu.
Rank 5: Peak of mortal cultivation. Sect leaders and influential figures.
Each mortal rank is subdivided into four stages: Initial, Intermediate, Advanced, and Peak.
Gu Immortals (Ranks 6 to 9)
Rank 6: Transition from mortal to immortal, forming an immortal aperture and refining immortal essence.
Rank 7
Rank 8
Rank 9: Venerables. Legendary beings who reshape the laws of the world and challenge Fate itself.
1.2 - Cultivation Aptitude
Aptitude determines how much primordial essence a cultivator's aperture can hold, which influences their cultivation speed, how many Gu they can use, and for how long.
Aptitude grades include:
Physical Extreme (100%): An extremely rare exception where one possesses one of the ten physical extremes.
Grade A (80–99%): Exceptional aptitude, allowing fast cultivation and high potential.
Grade B (60–79%): Good aptitude, common among talented clan members.
Grade C (40–59%): Average aptitude, sufficient to reach moderate cultivation levels.
Grade D (20–39%): Low aptitude, cultivation progress is difficult.
1.3 - Realm of Attainment
In addition to cultivation levels (ranks), cultivators are evaluated based on their realm of attainment in specific paths, such as Strength Path, Transformation Path, Wisdom Path, and so on. These realms indicate how deeply a cultivator understands and masters a particular path.
Realms of Attainment:
Ordinary: Basic knowledge of the path, no significant insights.
Quasi-Master
Master: Solid understanding, able to use the path's techniques effectively. Begins to show instinct for their path.
Quasi Grandmaster
Grandmaster: Equivalent to a Rank 7 Gu Immortal in path attainment. Usually takes centuries to achieve. Can imitate other paths.
Quasi Great Grandmaster
Great Grandmaster: Deep understanding of almost every nuance and application of the path. Equivalent to a Rank 8 Gu Immortal in path attainment. Usually takes thousands of years. A Great Grandmaster can naturally use Dao Marks from the environment.
Quasi Supreme Grandmaster
Supreme Grandmaster: The highest level of attainment, capable of transcending existing knowledge and introducing entirely new innovations in the path. A Supreme Grandmaster in their main path who reaches cultivation level 9 (Venerable) can sense all natural Dao Marks of that path and refine them at will. Equivalent to a Rank 9 Gu Immortal in path attainment. This level depends purely on talent — without it, even after ten thousand years, one cannot reach it.
2 - Cultivation Paths
In the world of Reverend Insanity, paths represent distinct specializations that Gu Masters and Gu Immortals follow to develop their abilities and techniques. Each path is a unique approach to cultivation, focusing on specific aspects of reality or abstract concepts.
Definition of a Path:
A path is a clear direction in cultivation that includes elements like offense, defense, healing, movement, storage, and investigation. To be considered a legitimate path, it must possess a distinct identity and practical applications in combat and other areas.
Examples of Paths:
Strength Path: Focuses on physical enhancement and powerful attacks.
Transformation Path: Allows the cultivator to change their form or that of others.
Wisdom Path: Involves mind, will, emotions, knowledge and manipulation.
Blood Path: Uses blood as a medium for attacks and special techniques.
Sword Path: Specializes in sword techniques and cutting attacks.
Importance of Paths:
Specialization: Following a path allows cultivators to specialize in certain techniques and abilities, improving their effectiveness.
Creation of Killer Moves: Deep understanding of a path enables the creation of unique and powerful techniques known as Killer Moves.
Combinations: Some cultivators choose to combine complementary paths to create versatile and unpredictable combat styles.
3 - The Gu World
The Gu World is divided into five major regions, separated by natural barriers called Regional Walls. Passing through these requires Sublime Gu Masters. Each region has its own geographical and cultural traits:
Southern Border: Mountainous and forested region with a hot, humid climate. Crossed by many rivers. Uses a clan system and is dominated by Earth and Poison paths.
Western Desert: Arid and desertic, known for resource scarcity but high commercial development. Extremely reliant on caravans and oases.
Northern Plains: Vast plains with chaotic weather that can change within seconds. Inhabited by nomadic tribes and giant beasts. Women have much lower social status.
Eastern Sea: Composed of islands and seas, with a strong presence of maritime sects and water-related Gu.
Central Continent: The political and economic center of the Gu World. Has the highest amount of primordial essence in the world, aiding the development of new Gu Masters. Home to the most powerful sects, including the strongest of all, the Heavenly Court.