Sects (宗门 zōngmén) are the grand bastions of cultivation, hidden among the towering mountains or within dense forests, each built upon veins of rich spiritual energy that pulse beneath the earth like the lifeblood of a living being. These spiritual veins (灵脉 língmài) are the very foundation of a sect's strength; the more powerful the vein, the denser and more potent the spiritual energy (灵气 língqì) that permeates every inch of the sect grounds, nurturing its disciples and propelling them further along their cultivation journeys.
Sects are not just places; they are entire worlds with their own rules, hierarchies, and histories, often older than the cities they oversee. High in the most spiritually abundant places reside the sect's reclusive ancestors (太上 tàishàng)—cultivators of immense power who have reached the pinnacle of cultivation, often at the Mahayana stage. They are the true pillars of the sect, powerful enough to turn the tide of any conflict but content to stay hidden unless the sect faces annihilation or requires their guidance in times of grave crisis. To disturb an ancestor is to invite disaster unless the need is dire.
Below them, running the day-to-day affairs, is the Sect Master (宗主 zōngzhǔ), the face of the sect in the outside world. They are often chosen for their unmatched strength, genius-level talent, or extraordinary skills in leadership and negotiation. Assisting the Sect Master are the Elders (长老 zhǎnglǎo), each a master of their own domain, managing the sect's inner workings, teaching disciples, and ensuring the laws of the sect are upheld.
Recruitment and Testing
Once every few years, the gates of the sect swing open, and the call for new disciples echoes through the land. Young hopefuls flock to the testing sites in the cities under the sect's influence, eager for a chance to join these prestigious organizations. Here, spiritual roots (灵根 línggēn) are the first to be measured, using a special device called the Spirit Measurement Roots (测灵根 cè línggēn). The hopefuls place their palms upon the device, and it reveals the nature of their spiritual roots through emitted light—the brighter the glow, the purer the roots. Only those with exceptional spiritual roots are allowed into the sect.
Mortal realms often see the most applicants, though spiritual roots are rare in these qi-starved lands. A team of sect members, usually led by a Golden Core (金丹 jīndān) cultivator, journeys to these remote areas to scout potential talent. The vast majority of mortal applicants fail; their spiritual roots are often thin or mixed, slowing their cultivation. But occasionally, a rare gem appears—a prodigy with pure roots or even a unique constitution (体质 tǐzhì). It is for these hidden talents that the sects cast such a wide net, unwilling to miss a single chance at discovering the next great cultivator.
Disciples and the Hierarchy Within
The sect itself is a complex hierarchy, with disciples ranked according to their talent, contributions, and the favor of their elders. At the lowest tier are the Miscellaneous or Handyman Disciples (杂役弟子 záyì dìzǐ), often burdened with menial tasks. They are those with poor spiritual roots who struggle to cultivate and serve the sect in exchange for a chance—however slim—to advance. Among them, ranks still exist, with some elevated to servants (仆 pú) or stewards (管事 guǎnshì), assisting higher-ranked disciples or elders.
Outer Disciples (外门弟子 wàimén dìzǐ) live on the outskirts of the sect where qi is thin but still a far cry from what they knew in the outside world. Their days are a constant struggle, competing with each other in fierce competitions (比试 bǐshì) to earn more resources, hoping to catch the eye of an elder or earn a place among the Inner Disciples (内门弟子 nèimén dìzǐ). These Inner Disciples reside within the heart of the sect, where qi flows freely, and resources are abundant. They are closer to the sect's true power and have opportunities to become Core Disciples (核心弟子 héxīn dìzǐ)—the cream of the crop, personally groomed for greatness.
Among all disciples, the most highly regarded are the True Lineage Disciples (真传弟子 zhēnchuán dìzǐ). These cultivators trace their teachings directly back to the sect's founders or practice unique and powerful cultivation techniques. They carry the core legacy of the sect, their every action watched closely as they embody the sect's future.
The Path of Trials
Passing the initial tests doesn't immediately grant one a place in the sect. Newly recruited disciples face a series of grueling trials, testing not just their talent but also their determination, courage, and adherence to the sect's values. This stage is called the Prohibition Period (禁制期 jìnzhìqī), where they are still considered Prohibition Disciples (禁制弟子 jìnzhì dìzǐ). If they fail to reach the first stage of Qi Refining (炼气 liànqì) within a set time, they face a harsh choice: leave the sect or join the ranks of the Miscellaneous Disciples.
For the most talented, this path can be bypassed altogether. Elders with a keen eye often pluck prodigies from the masses, offering them the chance to become Personal Disciples (亲传弟子 qīnchuán dìzǐ). These chosen few receive direct guidance from their masters, often living in the elder's personal peak (山峰 shānfēng) within the sect. Each peak has its own unique atmosphere, reflecting the teachings and temperament of the master who resides there.
Life in the Sect
Living within the sect is a life of constant cultivation, study, and competition. Disciples earn resources by completing missions, crafting talismans (符箓 fúlù), refining pills (炼丹 liàndān), or forging weapons. They gain sect points (宗门积分 zōngmén jīfēn), the currency of the sect, used to exchange for valuable resources, advanced techniques, or access to secret areas filled with denser qi. Disciples are encouraged to excel, as those who rise quickly can earn not just resources but also the respect of their peers and superiors.
To maintain their edge, the sect holds frequent competitions—small (小比 xiǎobǐ) and large (大比 dàbǐ)—where disciples pit their skills against one another. Victories bring rewards, prestige, and sometimes even the attention of an elder, which can change the course of a disciple's life in an instant.
Sect life is not without its darker sides. Discipline is strict, and failure to adhere to the sect's rules can lead to severe punishments, from point deductions to demotion or expulsion. Even those who serve the sect loyally are always aware of the unspoken truth: only the strong survive, and only the strongest thrive.
Thus, a sect is more than a simple school; it is a crucible where cultivators are forged, tested, and refined. Every disciple, from the lowliest Handyman to the exalted True Lineage, is a part of this grand, grinding wheel of ambition, all striving for the same elusive goal: to ascend to the highest peaks of cultivation and carve their name into the annals of history.