Reverend Insanitys Biography of Qitiab

The scorching sun hung high in the sky, and not a single cloud was in sight.

In recent days, war had spread across the Northern Plains.

The Ma Clan had been marching eastward, fighting battle after battle, relentlessly crushing the stubborn local forces. With their successive victories, fear spread among the various factions like wildfire.

The Wei Clan had once been a major tribe in the Northern Plains. However, their strength had been severely weakened in past tribal wars, nearly reducing them to a mid-sized clan. They had no ambition to contest for the royal court's throne and instead focused on defending their stronghold.

Their base was built atop an open-pit iron mine, which had been under their control for years.

Over time, the Wei Clan not only mined iron ore for trade with other tribes but also invested heavily in their Metal Path Gu Masters to fortify the mining hill into a near-impenetrable steel fortress.

Yet now, with the Ma Clan's army bearing down on them, the Wei Clan had no choice but to be on high alert.

Inside the study, Wei Bi, the clan leader, set down the document in his hands with a weary sigh.

Though only fifty years old, he was already a peak Rank Four Gu Master. However, years of managing clan affairs had taken their toll—his hair had turned white, and deep wrinkles lined his face.

Over a decade ago, after the previous clan leader succumbed to hidden injuries, Wei Bi had taken over. He was a conservative leader, lacking boldness, and he actively suppressed the radical factions within his clan.

But now, with the Ma Clan's army approaching, the radicals had gained momentum again, splitting the clan into two opposing factions.

One faction insisted on holding their ground, arguing that the fortress had been cultivated for years and was nearly impregnable.

The other faction was eager to surrender, believing they should align with the Ma Clan, join the struggle for the royal court, and become a vassal of the rising power.

At present, the radicals favoring surrender held the advantage, while Wei Bi himself leaned toward defending the fortress.

The Ma Clan had already formed alliances with other regional powerhouses. If the Wei Clan were to surrender now, they would likely be treated as mere pawns, bullied by the more established factions, and receive little real benefit.

And could the Ma Clan truly seize the throne of the royal court?

In the Northern Plains, only supreme clans—those whose ancestors had produced Gu Immortals and possessed blessed lands—could establish an unshakable foundation.

Even if a supreme clan lost, they could retreat into their blessed lands and survive.

But for major clans like the Wei Clan, defeat meant total annihilation—with no protection for themselves or their vassals. The risks were simply too high!

However, the radicals argued that the Ma Clan had momentum on their side, a strong military, and a united front. They even had the support of the renowned Ma Zun, making their claim to the throne highly plausible. Furthermore, the Ma Clan's leader had a reputation for kindness, making them a worthy ally.

Thus, Wei Bi was trapped in a state of internal conflict and hesitation.

"Ahh…"

He let out a deep sigh, leaned back in his chair, and stared blankly at the dust swirling in the lamplight.

In the bright glow, every tiny speck of dust was visible.

Wei Bi felt as if he were just one of those floating specks—adrift and uncertain. He was suspended in midair for now, but at any moment, a gust of wind might come and scatter him to the ground, forgotten.

And that oncoming gale of destruction was none other than the Ma Clan's advancing army.

Faced with such a force, what path should he take?

What would become of his clan, his people, and his legacy?

The Wei Clan had worked tirelessly to become a major tribe, and after the former leader's death, their strength had declined significantly. Wei Bi had spent his years cautiously maintaining what little they had left.

Of course, he wanted the Wei Clan to flourish again—but was he capable enough to lead them to greatness?

As he was still lost in thought, his contemplation was abruptly interrupted.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

"The Ma Clan is attacking!"

The alarms blared. Outside, people and horses were in chaos, and shouts rang through the air.

"Good! Very good!" Wei Bi's anger turned into laughter. "They dare attack my fortress? I'll show them why the Wei Clan is known as the 'Iron Wall'!"

"Report!"

A Gu Master burst through the door, panic-stricken.

"Calm yourself! Speak clearly."

Wei Bi remained composed, his displeasure evident at the soldier's lack of discipline.

"A large force of mounted Gu Masters has appeared outside the walls! They've already begun their assault!"

Wei Bi's eyes sharpened. "Move! To the walls!"

---

Outside the Wei Clan Fortress

The thunderous roar of hooves filled the air.

The Ma Clan's cavalry, mounted on powerful warhorses, gazed at the towering steel walls ahead.

In their midst, two figures stood at the center, surrounded like stars orbiting a moon.

The younger Gu Master clasped his fists toward the middle-aged Gu Master beside him and spoke with respect.

"Uncle, the Wei Clan is renowned for its defenses. They excel in fortifying strongholds, and this so-called 'Iron Wall' is legendary—it can withstand any attack below Rank Five.

Though the Wei Clan is not even a top-tier major clan, storming their fortress will be extremely difficult. Our best approach is to—"

"Spare me the lecture," the older Gu Master, Qi Tian, scoffed.

"This is nothing but scrap metal. Tonight, it will fall."

Although his words were dismissive, his gaze held deep consideration.

The fortress was constructed from massive iron stones, carefully reinforced by Metal Path Gu Masters.

The walls were covered in vicious, spiked barbs, and dozens of Wei Clan Gu Masters stood atop them, ready for battle.

Qi Tian waved his hand. "I'll send the warhorses to break through. You just need to keep the defenders occupied."

His calm, confident tone sent a shiver through the surrounding warriors.

Before anyone could respond, Qi Tian raised his hand—three enormous 'Ten Thousand Horse Kings' surged forward, leading the cavalry charge!

---

A deafening battle cry erupted.

"Hold the line! Don't let them through!"

The Wei Clan's Gu Masters poured their true essence into their Rank Five Iron Wall Gu, reinforcing the walls.

However, Qi Tian's Three Horse Kings were unstoppable.

Each massive warhorse smashed into the walls, leaving gaping craters.

And then—the real attack began.

Lightning, ghostly flames, fire arrows, and ice spikes rained down.

The Wei Clan was strong—but how long could they last?

The once-impenetrable Iron Wall… now stood on the brink of collapse.